The Traveling Taylors

A Mall So Big, Even the Locals Get Lost

We’ve been to malls on every continent—but Dubai Mall is truly a beast of its own. With over 1,200 stores, a giant aquarium, an ice rink, and more food than a small country, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed (or just flat-out exhausted).

If it’s your first time, here are the biggest Dubai Mall mistakes tourists make—and what to do instead for a smoother, smarter visit.

1. ❌ Underestimating How Big It Really Is

The Mistake:
Assuming you’ll just “pop in” for a bit. Spoiler: it’s the size of 200 football fields.

Do This Instead:
Use the Dubai Mall app for live maps. Plan your route by wing (Fashion Avenue, Grand Atrium, etc.) before you go.

2. ❌ Wearing the Wrong Shoes

The Mistake:
Thinking a pair of cute sandals will get you through.

Do This Instead:
Wear supportive walking shoes. We easily hit 10,000 steps just browsing.

3. ❌ Arriving Without a Plan

The Mistake:
Wandering in without knowing where anything is.

Do This Instead:
Pick 2–3 goals: Shopping? Aquarium? Dining with a fountain view? Then build your day around those to avoid aimless walking and decision fatigue.

4. ❌ Shopping at the First Store You See

The Mistake:
Buying something at the first boutique—only to find it cheaper two floors later.

Do This Instead:
Scope prices, especially for perfumes, electronics, and luxury goods. Fashion Avenue vs. general retail can mean a big markup.

5. ❌ Skipping the Food Court for Lack of Time

The Mistake:
Thinking mall food = fast food only.

Do This Instead:
The Dubai Mall food court has Al Baik, Shake Shack, Indian street food, and gourmet options. Or head to Souk Al Bahar nearby for a sit-down meal with a Burj view.

6. ❌ Forgetting About the Dubai Fountain

The Mistake:
Leaving the mall before 6 PM and missing the fountain shows.

Do This Instead:
Stick around and catch the show every 30 minutes in the evening. Best spots: Apple Store terrace or Social House patio.

7. ❌ Not Booking Aquarium or VR Tickets in Advance

The Mistake:
Thinking you can just walk up—then waiting in a long line.

Do This Instead:
Book Dubai Aquarium, VR Park, or Burj Khalifa tickets online in advance—many include skip-the-line perks.

8. ❌ Relying on the Mall’s Free Wi-Fi

The Mistake:
Assuming Wi-Fi will be smooth and strong all day.

Do This Instead:
Use a local SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi for better connectivity—especially for navigating and messaging meetups inside the mall.

9. ❌ Parking in the Wrong Zone

The Mistake:
Driving in and parking in the wrong wing—and then walking 30+ minutes to your destination.

Do This Instead:
Use Zabeel parking or Cinema Parking if you’re visiting newer or upper-level sections. Snap a pic of your parking level before heading in.

10. ❌ Not Leaving Time for the Hidden Gems

The Mistake:
Skipping quirky, photo-worthy spots in your rush.

Do This Instead:
Take 10 minutes to see:

• Dubai Dino (155-million-year-old skeleton)
• Human Waterfall Sculpture
• VR Park or Ice Rink, even just to watch

Master the Mall, Max Out the Fun

Dubai Mall is more than a shopping center—it’s a full-day experience. Skip the rookie mistakes, go in with a plan (and the right shoes!), and you’ll walk away with more than just bags—you’ll have memories.