Dubai is an extraordinary destination to visit - a city where the history and futuristic vision blend beautifully together. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned traveller, there is never a shortage of Dubai activities and places to visit. On every visit, you can easily fill up your itinerary with the best things to do in Dubai. Choose from record-breaking skyscrapers to exploring the wilderness of desert dunes. The guide here covers a detailed list of the best things to do in Dubai, helping you explore the city like a local, not as a tourist.

Why Dubai should be on your Travel Bucket list?

Over the years, Dubai has undergone a significant transformation, from a modest fishing village to a global metropolis. At every corner of the city, there is a story waiting for you to discover it. Emirates blends the luxury shopping, cutting-edge architecture, Emirati culture and the enthralling outdoor adventures. All these things make it easy for travellers to consider why this place is on the bucket list of every traveller. Stay tuned to find out more about the best places to visit in Dubai if you are up for this trip.

Top 10 best things to do in Dubai

Burj Khalifa Visit - Tallest building in the world

Honestly, a visit to Dubai is never complete without ascending the iconic Burj Khalifa. At a height of 828 meters, the place offers breathtaking panoramic city views, the Arabian Gulf, and the desert. Head straight towards the Top observation deck of the 124th floor or get the premium access tickets of the 148th floor. Sunset views from the Burj Khalifa deck are truly unbeatable. This extraordinary experience makes it one of the most undisputed spots in the list of top activities in Dubai.

Tip: Always book the tickets to the observation deck in advance to skip the queue and get heavy discounts on the booking.

Explore the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain

Located right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping centres globally. Not just a form of retail therapy, it also houses an indoor ice rink, a massive aquarium, and a dinosaur skeleton. And after exploring the Dubai Mall, head straight outside for the Dubai Fountain view and show. It is the world’s largest choreographed fountain show for free, every evening. Thoroughly exploring both these spots will take away half of your day.

Hop on for an exciting Desert Safari

Moving further on, the next best things to do in Dubai is the desert safari ride. Dubai Safari – a typical tourist activity of this emirate – is a journey into the vast expanses of the Arabian Desert with its magnificent red sand dunes. A standard package usually includes such things as 4x4 rides through the dunes, camel riding, sandboarding, and an authentic Bedouin campfire dinner with musical performance. This is the experience that will remind you of the history of this city.

Visit the Dubai Creek and the Historical Area of Al Fahidi

To explore Dubai as it used to be, you need to visit the historical neighbourhood of Al Fahidi and the Dubai Creek. The narrow alleys of Al Fahidi showcase the architectural features like wind towers, while the Dubai Museum is also located here. Take an abra (wooden boat) across the creek to the famous Gold Souk and Spice Souk – a far cry from modern skyscrapers. This place definitely tops the list of the most interesting things to see in Dubai.

Visit Palm Jumeirah and the Atlantis

Palm Jumeirah is a unique artificial island visible even from space. Enjoy walks around Palm Jumeirah, ride the Palm Monorail or go sightseeing at the luxury hotel Atlantis, The Palm. The Aquaventure Water Park of the Atlantis is one of the must-visit attractions of Dubai, especially for those who have kids.

Dubai Frame

Although the Dubai Frame is quite a new attraction to add to Dubai’s landscape, it is now ranked among the best places to visit in Dubai. The 150-meter picture frame is located between the historical Dubai and the new city. The unique design of the picture frame includes two towers with glass floor walkways, giving views of the historic areas on one side and skyscrapers on the other. It perfectly captures the essence of the whole city.

Ski Dubai – Yes, You Read That Right!

Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates is home to skiing and snowboarding facilities, including snow, an artificial ski slope covering 400 meters, a chairlift and penguins! Skiing in a desert may sound weird; well, it will be fun and memorable to experience as one of the best things to do in Dubai.

Walk through the Miracle Garden and the Butterfly Garden

Dubai’s Miracle Garden is the world’s biggest natural flower garden, filled with more than 150 million flowers creating beautiful sculptures, such as a full-sized Emirates A380 aeroplane. Open from October to May only, it is definitely a treat for all photographers. Nearby, there is also the Dubai Butterfly Garden, where thousands of living butterflies inhabit a tropical dome.

Dine and Enjoy Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a bustling waterfront neighbourhood with many restaurants, cafes, and shops. Enjoy the sunset dinner boat tour along Dubai Marina while gazing at the bright skyline of the city from the deck. A pleasant walk along Marina Walk will make your evening even more memorable, and you can enjoy delicious food at some of the best restaurants in Dubai.

Jumeirah Mosque and Blue Souk Area Tour

Dubai’s most magnificent mosque, the Jumeirah Mosque, is also one of the very few in the UAE that non-Muslims can visit. The tours will give you an authentic look at Islam, its culture, architecture, and life in Dubai. The Jumeirah coastal area and the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, which is a replica of the old marketplace, complete the tour of this must-visit location.

Best Time for Dubai Activities

For outdoor Dubai activities, the best period would be between November and April, when temperatures are moderate (20-30° C). The months from June to September are unbearably hot; however, indoor activities such as skiing in Ski Dubai or visiting various museums are possible throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best things that one can experience in Dubai on his/her first trip there?

The best things to see when visiting Dubai are Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Desert Safari Tour, and a dhow cruise through Dubai Marina.

What are the top 10 attractions to see when you visit Dubai?

The top 10 attractions to visit when travelling to Dubai are: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Frame, Ski Dubai, Miracle Garden, and Gold & Spice Souk next to Dubai Creek.

Are the activities in Dubai suitable for families?

Yes, Dubai is an excellent destination for a family vacation. The best things to see and experience with your kids are Aquaventure Waterpark, Ski Dubai, Dubai Aquarium, Miracle Garden, KidZania, and Legoland Dubai.

How long should you stay in order to see the top tourist attractions in Dubai?

One should spend a minimum of 4–5 days here. A one-week visit or even a longer stay will allow you to move around leisurely and visit the sights, such as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, on day trips.

Is Dubai touristic destinations expensive for tourists?

It depends on what tourists prefer, as there are lots of cheap options. For example, Dubai offers free activities like the Dubai fountain show, going to the beach, and touring around Al Fahidi.

What tourist sites are better to visit in the evening?

Dubai is amazing, especially when visited in the evenings. Dubai Fountain show, dhow cruise, light show in Burj Khalifa, dinners at rooftops in DIFC, and Souk Madinat Jumeirah are the top ones.

Final Thoughts!

If you are searching for luxury, adventure, culture, and food experiences, Dubai is just the right place for all this. The top 10 places to visit in Dubai mentioned below are just a tip of the iceberg of the amazing experiences that can be had in this exceptional city. No matter whether you choose to walk around the Burj Khalifa, relax in the deserts at nighttime, everything about Dubai feels like a movie.