Dubai is a city of firsts and surprises: enormity in its skyscrapers, luxury resorts, and a plethora of souks all nestled within a desert oasis. A few of the most enjoyable things to do in Dubai are world-class shopping, exhilarating desert excursions, and cultural adventures. This guide features the best things to do in Dubai, from breathtaking views from the Burj Khalifa (the highest tower in the world) to wild safari rides in the dunes.
Table of contents
- Dubai Attractions Top
- Skyline Views from Burj Khalifa
- Dancing Waters at Dubai Fountain
- Thrilling Dubai Desert Safari
- Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis Resort
- Explore Old Dubai
- Beach Day at Jumeirah Beach
- Stroll Dubai Marina
- Museum of the Future
- Shop & Play at Dubai Mall
- Skydive Over Palm Jumeirah
- Travel Around the World with Us!
- Dubai Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers!
- Explore the Best of Dubai Airhub eSIM
- Now You Know What to Do in Dubai!
- FAQs
Dubai Attractions Top
If you’re a fan of futuristic architecture or historical tours, you’ll find plenty of Dubai tourist places. The Dubai Mall is also one of the world’s biggest malls for entertainment (see Shopping, dining, and entertainment at Dubai Mall below). Other top destinations in Dubai to visit are sky-high buildings, sandy beaches, and interactive museums. Keep reading for details on each can’t-miss experience.
Skyline Views from Burj Khalifa
It is always one of the fun things to do in Dubai to be in this building. The iconic Burj Khalifa dominates Dubai’s skyline. At 828 meters, it’s the tallest building on Earth. Visiting the observation deck (e.g., the “At The Top” lounge) is a must-do for stunning 360° views of the city, desert, and ocean. Day or night, you can see the entire cityscape stretching below. Because tickets sell out fast, consider booking in advance. Watching the sunset from above is a must-do thing in Dubai for first-timers.
Dancing Waters at Dubai Fountain
Just outside Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain stages nightly water-and-light performances, which is one of the Dubai tourist attractions. This stunning show is one of the world’s largest choreographed fountain systems, with jets shooting up to 150 meters in sync with music. Crowds gather around Burj Lake to watch the fountains dance under colored lights. It’s a free spectacle and one of the best things to do in Dubai after dark. Be sure to catch at least one show (every 30 minutes in the evenings).
Thrilling Dubai Desert Safari
For an adrenaline-packed adventure, book a desert safari tour. These trips typically include high-speed dune bashing in a 4×4, and you can often add sandboarding or ATV riding. And for a more relaxed tempo, ride a camel at sunset over the yellow sand. Most safaris culminate at a desert camp with a BBQ meal, henna painting, and traditional performance arts. A desert safari really combines excitement and culture; therefore, it is one of the most fun activities in Dubai that you should not miss. It’s often listed among the must-do things in Dubai for adventure seekers.
Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis Resort
Palm Jumeirah is a famous palm-tree-shaped artificial island built on Dubai’s coast. You can even spot its fronds from space! At the tip of the Palm sits the Atlantis The Palm resort, famous for its Aquaventure waterpark and Lost Chambers Aquarium. Spend the day riding the slides at the park or viewing sharks and rays in the aquarium. Exploring Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis is one of the top places to visit in Dubai for luxury and leisure (don’t miss taking photos of the Palm-shaped skyline from above).
Explore Old Dubai
Step back in time in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Al Bastakiya). This restored quarter showcases traditional wind-tower houses and narrow alleys from the 1800s. Wander its streets, and you will come across tiny galleries, cafes, and the light and dialogue-friendly Sheik Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding. The quiet, labyrinthine lanes are a tranquil foil to the Dubai of today. Visiting Al Fahidi and nearby Dubai Creek is one of the most culturally rich Dubai attractions, giving a glimpse of the city’s heritage and old way of life.
Beach Day at Jumeirah Beach
The long stretch of white sand at Jumeirah Beach is a classic outdoor activity in Dubai. Relax on the sand or take a dip in the warm Arabian Gulf. From the beach, you get a great view of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel on its private island, which stands about 280 meters offshore. Walking or jogging along the beachfront promenade is popular, and there are plenty of cafes nearby. Watching the sunset behind the Burj Al Arab from Jumeirah Beach is a relaxing activity to do in Dubai that many visitors enjoy.
Stroll Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina (sometimes called Marsa Dubai) is an artificial canal district built along a three-kilometer waterfront. Towering skyscrapers and the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) line the water. The pedestrian Marina Walk has outdoor restaurants, shops, and boat tours. It’s especially nice in the evening: enjoy dining at an alfresco cafe or a yacht cruise as the skyline lights up. An easy walk along the marina is one of the pleasant Dubai activities after a day of sightseeing.
Museum of the Future
A visit to Dubai isn’t complete without seeing this futuristic museum. Opened in 2022, the Museum of the Future is a 7-floor science and technology exhibition space. The building is itself a marvel, and inside you’ll find immersive exhibits on AI, robotics, and sustainable innovation. Each floor takes you deeper into scenarios of the year 2071. For tech enthusiasts, it’s one of the most unique Dubai attractions, a peek at possible futures and Dubai’s own vision of tomorrow.
Shop & Play at Dubai Mall
Next to the Burj Khalifa stands Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers on the planet. With over 1,200 shops and 150+ restaurants, it’s a shopper’s paradise. But the mall has much more than retail, for example, the Dubai Mall Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (inside the mall) showcases over 300 marine species, including sharks and rays. There’s also an Olympic-sized ice rink and a huge indoor theme park. You could easily spend an entire day here. Shopping, dining, and checking out all the attractions inside Dubai Mall are a classic set of activities to do in Dubai for families and friends.
Skydive Over Palm Jumeirah
For a true adrenaline rush, consider skydiving in Dubai. Tandem jumps from about 13,000 feet launch you above the Palm Jumeirah island (pictured). The freefall provides a bird’s-eye view of the city’s coastline and desert below. While not for the faint-hearted, it’s an unforgettable activity to do in Dubai for thrill-seekers. (Skydive Dubai is a well-known provider for these jumps.) Floating under the parachute back to earth with the iconic Palm and city skyline below is definitely one of the most extreme and fun things Dubai offers.
Travel Around the World with Us!
If you are also planning to travel to New Zealand, we have another guide for you. checkout our things to do in New Zealand posts to explore what else you can experience after coming from Dubai. Also, get special tips on how to make your trip one of the best experiences.
Dubai Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers!
- Plan transportation: Dubai has a modern Metro and trams connecting major spots, plus taxis (or rideshares like Uber/Careem). Traffic can be heavy, so give yourself extra travel time. Consider buying a Nol card for public transit.
- Money and costs: The currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards are accepted by most places, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for markets or if you want to tip. There are ATMs in shopping malls and hotels. A tip of ~10% is standard in dining establishments.
- Connectivity: Buy a local SIM or eSIM UAE for data. For instance, Airhub provides eSIM plans for more than 190 countries, and you can activate your phone data right after you land. This eliminates exorbitant roaming charges and allows you to stay online for navigation and to share photos.
Explore the Best of Dubai Airhub eSIM
To buy an eSIM online, consider Airhub’s eSIM service. Airhub offers data coverage in 190+ countries, and millions of travelers use it to stay online. You can purchase and install an eSIM plan before you leave, then just switch it on when you arrive in Dubai. This way, you avoid swapping physical SIM cards or paying roaming fees. With Airhub, you’ll have reliable mobile internet throughout your trip, useful for maps, translation, and sharing your adventures on the go.
Now You Know What to Do in Dubai!
Dubai offers an incredible mix of experiences, so your personal list of things to do in Dubai might vary depending on your interests. For many visitors, the best things to do in Dubai include iconic highlights like the Burj Khalifa, the fountain show, a desert safari, and the ancient Al Fahidi quarter. Others may focus on beachfront relaxation or shopping marathons. In any case, there’s no shortage of adventures, from adrenaline Dubai activities to cultural encounters, ensuring a memorable trip. Now that you know the top attractions and tips, you’re all set to enjoy the wonders of Dubai. Have fun and stay curious!
FAQs
1. What are the best things to do in Dubai?
Iconic experiences include visiting the Burj Khalifa observation deck for city views, watching the Dubai Fountain light show, and exploring the vast Dubai Mall. Adventure seekers love desert safaris (dune bashing, camel rides) and skydiving, while culture buffs enjoy the Al Fahidi neighborhood, the Dubai Museum, or the new Museum of the Future.
2. What are some fun activities in Dubai for travelers?
Fun activities range from shopping and dining at world-class malls to theme parks and sports. For example, families enjoy the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark or skiing indoors at Ski Dubai. Outdoor fun includes water sports on Jumeirah Beach, exploring the Global Village (seasonal fair), or taking a dhow cruise on Dubai Creek.
3. Is Dubai good for adventure tourism?
Yes. Dubai offers many high-adrenaline adventures. You can go dune bashing in the desert, paraglide or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah, try indoor skydiving (iFly), or zip-line across Dubai Marina. There are also desert quad bike tours, scuba diving in the Arabian Gulf, and even bungee jumping for the most daring.
4. What are the best outdoor activities in Dubai?
Top outdoor pursuits include a desert safari with 4×4 rides and camel trekking, relaxing or jet-skiing at Jumeirah Beach, and strolling or boating in Dubai Marina. You can also hike the Hatta mountains (outside the city), cycle on Jumeirah Corniche, or visit Dubai’s parks like Al Mamzar Beach Park and Al Qudra Lakes.
5. Which places should tourists visit in Dubai?
Tourists often visit the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall (Downtown Dubai), the Palm Jumeirah (and Atlantis resort), and Dubai Marina/JBR. For cultural heritage, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and Dubai Museum are popular. Others include the Mall of the Emirates (with Ski Dubai), Global Village (seasonal), and new landmarks like the Museum of the Future or Ain Dubai (giant Ferris wheel).
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