Exploring Dubai’s World-class Shopping

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. It’s home to one of the largest malls in the world, has multiple shopping complexes and even has its own dedicated shopping festival. With all of these options, it can be hard to know where to even start if you’re looking to do some retail therapy. Download the Dubai Shopping Travel Guide and Offline Map to help you on your shopping sprees.

1. Dubai Mall

This is the big one – in fact, it’s one of the biggest in the world, and definitely one of the most famous. Beyond the luxury brands and fast fashion, you’ll also find a dinosaur skeleton, a massive aquarium and a beautiful fountain with an evening light show. If you’re visiting for the first time and looking to explore, we recommended a self guided tour so you can really take in the attractions of the mall.

2. Mall of the Emirates

This is another of Dubai’s most popular malls. It has plenty of excellent stores, but it is perhaps most famous for its indoor ski park, which allows shoppers to take a break by taking to the slopes. Even if you don’t know how to ski, you can still partake in the experience and simply enjoying the indoor snow. Other attractions at this mall include a bowling alley and an arcade.

3. Dragon Mart

Dragon Mart is massive. While it lacks the multiple floors of many other malls, it makes up for it thanks to its high square meter area. This mall in particular is focused on goods brought in from China and other parts of Asia. There are great deals to be had there on everything from clothes to furniture to electronics, all for comparatively lower prices.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Adventures in Sintra, Portugal's Most Exotic City

Sintra is a city to behold with its outstanding mountains, lush forests, exotic gardens, and glittering palaces. It's no surprise why it's become so popular among tourists--it's literally a fairy tale dream come true. The World Heritage Site, Sintra-Vila, is among its most notable attractions. Download the Sintra Travel Guide and Offline Map, but make sure to plan your travels early in the day or midweek to avoid the crowds.

1.     Palácio Nacional de Sintra

The palace's most iconic twin conical chimneys and the lavish interior is just part of Sintra-Vila's appeal. Its interior is a mix of Moorish and Manueline styles, with arabesque courtyards, barley-twist columns and 15th- and 16th-century geometric azulejos that figure among Portugal’s oldest. Highlights include the octagonal Swan Room, adorned with frescoes of 27 gold-collared swans; and the Magpie Room.

2.      Convento dos Capuchos

The hobbit-hole-like convent that was originally built in 1560 is hidden in the woods, which makes it even more appealing for adventurers. The convent was a house for Friars. Its cramped condition and tiny cells lined with cork having low narrow doors have gained it its nickname, the Cork Convent. Visting here will make you feel like you've been transported into Alice in Wonderland as you squeeze through the narrow cells, chapels, kitchen, and cavern.

3.     Parque da Pena

The romantic garden that is the Parque de Pena is filled with tropical plants, huge redwoods and fern trees, rhododendrons, and lakes that are lined with castle-shaped duck house. The gardens are filled with hidden gems and as crowds litter the palace, you might want to escape into the Chalet da Condessa d'Edla. It is an Alpine-inspired summer getaway cottage commissioned by King Ferdinand II and his future second wife, Elise Hensler.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.