Dubai - March
 

Headed to Dubai for 3 days in March.. Planning on one day trip so really 2 days in the city..

1. Does doing a hop-hop off bus make sense? We did it in other places when we travelled and it was convenient.

2. Couple of threads suggesting visiting the creek area. Is there staying there ok for a family? We won't be walking a whole lot.

1. It's fine but it's not cheap. I think of it as the lazy person's option. It is significantly cheaper to do some research, plan an itinerary and use taxis and the metro. $60 per person per day buys a lot of taxi time.

There are options for a 48hr ticket, or a combination ticket with Abu Dhabi. http://eng.bigbustours.com/dubai/home.html

2. It depends on your tastes. Are you attracted to 'new' Dubai with glitz, glam, malls and towers, or something a little more historic and 'authentic' ? Do one each day and decide for yourself.

Whether you find it too hot for walking depends very much on where you're coming from. March will be high 20s - 30 C. But with taxis so numerous and cheap, no one walks far here.

The UAE is perfectly safe for everyone at any time of the day or night.

Dubai - March
 

Thanks. Is the 'Creek' area the more authentic side?

The city developed and expanded from the creek area towards the south-west over time. Even so, the only buildings older than 40-50 years are in the 'historical' area near the museum (Bastakiya, Al Fahidi). Nat Geo has some walking routes around the creek you can google for.

Dubai Marina is perfectly 'authentic' if you are a young white westerner who enjoys alcohol, fast food chain restaurants and night clubs ... ;)

Half-way between is Downtown, with the Dubai Mall (aquarium, fountains, waterfall) and Burj Khalifa. A little further is Mall of the Emirates with indoor snow skiing.