13 Best Things To Do in Dubai
Looking for the best things to do in Dubai? You’re at the right place.
Dubai is a city of wonders. It is full of futuristic architecture, tall and swanky skyscrapers, and luxury shopping malls. Yet, Dubai also has a beautiful blend of ancient architecture, rich traditions, and exotic local culture.
Whether you’re looking to visit the tallest building in the world, shop at one of the largest malls in the Middle East, go dune bashing in the Arabian Desert, or dig into delicious local food in the historic quarter, Dubai offers you an exhaustive list of attractions.
The Middle East has been home to me for several years. Even though I live in Riyadh now, I often visit Dubai on weekends and for extended stays.
So, here’s my guide to the 13 Best Things to Do in Dubai.
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Top Things to Do in Dubai
Burj Khalifa
No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. It is over 2700 feet (830 m) tall and is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks of Dubai.
Ride the elevator to the Burj Khalifa observation deck on the 124th or 125th floor and admire breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline and beyond.
For an unforgettable experience, visit during sunset to see the city transition from day to night. I have visited Burj Khalifa several times at different times of the day, and the evening transition hour is the best time to make this trip.
You may want to stay back and see how the Dubai Fountains look from above. But honestly, it is not worth it. You can see the fountains from the top of Burj Khalifa, but you can’t hear the music, which greatly adds to the experience.
★ Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance for the “At the Top” experience to avoid missing out on the chance to climb to the top of this attraction.
Dubai Mall
One of the best places to visit in Dubai, the Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping destination; it’s an entertainment haven. There’s so much to do at Dubai Mall that you can easily spend a day here.
Shop at luxury boutiques, explore over 30,000 aquatic animals at the Dubai Aquarium, ice skate at the Dubai Ice Rink, go-kart at Ekart Zabeel, or visit KidZania with your little ones.
There are hundreds of restaurants at the Dubai Mall for you to choose where to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And do not miss visiting Souk al Bahar for an authentic Middle Eastern market experience in Dubai.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Although Dubai Aquarium is really part of Dubai Mall, I cannot help adding it as a different Dubai attraction. This amazing aquarium is massive and filled with so many exotic aquatic animals that you can easily spend half a day here.
Located within the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo houses thousands of marine creatures, from tiger sharks to stingrays. They also have a King Croc weighing over 1650 lbs (750 kg).
It is one of the largest aquariums in the world and features a 10 million-liter tank.
Walk through the impressive underwater tunnel for an up-close view of some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. You can also participate in penguin, otter, and King Croc encounters, snorkel in a cage, and dive with sharks.
★ Pro Tip: Get ready for a fantastic day at the Dubai Aquarium. Book your aquarium tickets here.
Dubai Fountains
If you visit Dubai, you must see the Dubai Fountains show. It is one of the most famous fountain shows in the world.
A captivating water, light, and sound show that performs daily, the Dubai Fountains
The best views of the fountains are from the bridge near the Souk Al Bahar or one of the restaurants with a fountain view.
Even better, book this guided boat ride that allows you to see the fountains from an abra boat on the Burj Lake. The experience is mesmerizing.
Dubai Frame
Have you heard of the Dubai Frame? It is the largest frame ever built in human history.
A futuristic architectural project in Dubai, the Frame is designed according to the Golden Ratio, which was also used in the ancient Giza Pyramids in Egypt.
The Frame perfectly blends science, modernity, and breathtaking architecture. It also offers incredible views of both Old and New Dubai.
Walk on the glass walkway and get some great shots of the Frame from the nearby Zabeel Park. You can also learn about Dubai’s incredible transformation at the museum located inside. Get your Dubai Frame tickets here.
★ Read Next: All details in my Ultimate Dubai Frame Visitor’s Guide.
Palm Jumeirah
The famous Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island shaped like a palm tree. Built from reclaimed land, the Palm is among the UAE’s most incredible modern engineering marvels.
Visit Atlantis at The Palm for world-class dining and entertainment, or unwind on its pristine beaches. If you’re looking forward to splurging on the Dubai trip, plan to stay at the Atlantis, one of the most luxurious hotels in the region.
★ Pro Tip: Don’t miss The View Observation Deck at The Palm for incredible views of Palm Jumeirah. This view is definitely one of the best I have had in Dubai. Book your tickets for the Palm View here.
Old Town of Dubai
Are you a history buff and looking to do something cultural in Dubai? Let me tell you, there’s plenty to do from a cultural perspective.
The best place to start is Old Dubai, which includes 3 sections: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Al Shindagha Neighborhood, and Deira.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is the best place to start your tour of Old Dubai. This area is filled with old coral stone houses, wind towers that once kept homes cool, and charming boutique stores.
Al Shindagha area has numerous museums, while Deira is where you will find the old marketplaces or souks of Dubai.
★ Read Next: Best Things to Do in Dubai’s Old Town
Museums of Dubai
Culture vultures will love visiting the museums of Dubai. And Dubai has so many of them.
From the usual history museums to the more unusual museums dedicated to perfumes, coins, poetry, and coffee, Dubai has an umpteen number of museums waiting to be discovered.
The Al Shindagha Neighborhood in Old Dubai is a museum hotspot, but several others, like the Museum of the Future, are spread across the city. My Dubai Museum Guide has all the details.
★ Read Next: 9 Unmissable Museums of Dubai
Souks of Dubai
Take an abra ride on Dubai Creek, cross over to the Deira area from Al Fahidi, and stroll through Dubai’s old souks, where you can shop for gold, spices, perfumes, and textiles. These souks are the best places to buy the most perfect Dubai gifts for friends and family back home.
The Gold Souk is a dazzling experience, with rows of gold shops stacked with incredible designs and humongous pieces. Although I am not a jewelry fan, I went here just for the experience.
The Spice Souk overwhelms your senses with exotic aromas. From the more common turmeric to the very exotic saffron, you’ll find all kinds of spices in the Spice Bazaar.
I recommend visiting the souks with a knowledgeable local to gain insider insights into how these markets have been running for hundreds of years.
Desert Safari
Escape Dubai’s glitz and glam and head into the vast Arabian desert for a thrilling desert safari.
The best way to experience a desert safari is to join a reliable tour group like this one. These tours usually include sandboarding, camel and ATV rides, sunset barbecues, belly dancing, and Tanoura dance shows.
The most common desert safaris are half-day tours from Dubai. But you can extend them to overnight stays at 5-star camps and more. Check out the best Dubai desert safaris here.
Dubai Miracle Garden
If you’re visiting in winter or spring, one of the best things to do in Dubai is to visit the Miracle Garden.
The magical world at the Dubai Miracle Garden has over 150 million flowers arranged in stunning designs.
Roam through the Miracle Garden’s unending flower fields, click pictures of floral archways, see the lifesize Emirates A380 adorned with fresh flowers, enjoy your time at the Smurfs Village, and check out many interesting floral sculptures and installations.
The best part about Dubai’s Miracle Garden is that the theme and designs change every year, giving it a fresh new look every season.
You can easily club a visit to the Miracle Garden with the Dubai Butterfly Garden (home to 15,000 butterflies) located right next door. Book your Miracle Garden tickets here.
★ Read Next: Ultimate Visitor Guide for Dubai Miracle Garden
Global Village
Visit Dubai’s Global Village, located near the Miracle Garden, and explore the sights and cuisines of over 90 countries in one place.
From music performances to authentic dishes, arts, and crafts, the Global Village is a celebration of the world’s cultures that you won’t want to miss. Book your Global Village tickets here.
★ Pro Tip: Do not miss the easy-to-miss Egyptian Museum inside the Egypt pavilion for a unique insight into the country’s history and culture.
Dubai Beaches
The best thing about Dubai is that its beaches are perfect for relaxation or adventure. Whether you want to lounge in the sun or try some adventurous aquatic sports, Dubai is the ideal place to be.
Some of Dubai’s best beaches include the Kite Beach, the Beach at JBR, the Sunset Beach, and the Dubai Islands Beach.
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