What are the best things to do in Dubai?

Dubai is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world, and planning a visit there can be a little overwhelming, especially with the number of destinations there are to check. If you are planning a visit to this city and are looking for the best things to do in Dubai, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the best things that you should most definitely do while in Dubai, all the while providing some insider tips on how you can make your visit even more enjoyable and, thereby, memorable.

Top Things To See and Do In Dubai

From soaring skyscrapers to luxury shopping and desert adventures, Dubai offers a plethora of adventures for every kind of traveller. Whether you are running solo, with your partner, or, perhaps even with your entire family, the city beautifully blends its modern attractions with rich heritage. To ensure that you are able to make the most out of your visit, we have shared the best things to do in Dubai.

1. Visit Burj Khalifa Viewing Platform

No list of top things to see and do in Dubai can ever be completed without the inclusion of Burj Khalifa. After all, how often do you get to take a lookout from a viewing platform from the highest building in the world? Providing a complete 360° view of the city from a height that is both exciting and thrilling at the same time makes it one of the best places to visit in Dubai.

However, do note that the Burj Khalifa viewing platform is the most popular tourist spot in the entire city. Therefore, it is best to book your tickets in advance, as it is close to impossible to get a ticket on the same day or even a week prior, as a matter of fact.

makes it one of the best places to visit in Dubai.

2. Desert Safari

Similar to the Burj Khalifa viewing platform, a desert safari in Dubai is also a one-of-a-kind experience. However, the only difference is that you are not standing on glass some 450+ meters above the ground; you are cruising through the desert. A desert safari in Dubai is quite literally a sand dune trip.

Even after the sun has set, the adventure does not simply end there. You can try dune boarding or even ride a camel. After that comes the dinner in a Bedouin-style camp, accompanied by a complete show of belly dancing. Eating luscious food under the light of the moon and stars with a cool breeze blowing over the desert makes it one of the most fun things to do in Dubai.

3. The Dubai Ain

In the Arabic language, Ain means eye, and the Dubai Ain literally translates to the Dubai Eye. The size of the Ain far exceeds what you might imagine from seeing one of its pictures. Standing on the JRB beach in Marina and sitting perched out on Blue Waters like a beacon, this giant wheel just simply cannot be missed.

The Dubai Ain takes about 40 minutes to do a complete 360° rotation, which you can enjoy from a shared air-conditioned dome. While the views from the Dubai Ain are worth any time of the day, the beauty of the city truly shines at sunset. Therefore, we recommend the same time to withhold the beauty of Dubai from the Dubai Ain.

4. Museum of the Future

Opened in 2022, the Museum of the Future is one of the newest buildings in Dubai. Despite it being a new entry in the vibrant place of Dubai, it has quickly become a massive attraction. Moreover, as the name suggests, the museum exhibits technology development and innovation, especially in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics. In addition to this, the entire building is also highly renowned for its groundbreaking, torus-shaped architecture. If these points sound interesting to you, then be sure to include the Museum of the Future in your list of fun things to do in Dubai.

5. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Dubai has no shortage of answers to questions like “what fun things to do in Dubai?” The Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the most renowned places for family visits. In addition to being a waterpark, it is also home to the Lost Chambers aquarium and some incredible restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, you can find some of the most renowned names, like Nobu, Seafire, Steakhouse, Wavehouse, and, a global favourite, Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen.

6. Dubai Beaches

The beaches in Dubai are in a class of their own, and, aside from Burj Khalifa, are one of the main reasons why the city is so much cherished by tourists. With the clearest electric blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the beaches of Dubai contrast with creamy white sand that completely absorbs the hectic pace of daily life and makes it a place of comfort and calm. So, whether you are planning a date by the shore or just to swim in some of the clearest waters in the world, these beaches should most definitely be on your list for the best things to do in Dubai.

7. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

If you are looking for a Dubai travel guide for first time visitors, then there is no better option than the hop-on, hop-off bus tour. This bus tour connects you with all the major attractions in the city. In addition to this, you also get the freedom to choose between the Red Route, which connects to the Souks and the Old Town of Dubai, and the Blue Route for a more modern view of the city.

8. Hunt Street Arts

Dubai has a high reputation for being an artistic city, quite literally. If you are a fan of street art and are looking for things to do for free in Dubai, then you most definitely will enjoy the street art the city has to offer. We recommend going for a stroll in Al Serkal Avenue, Karama, Dubai Design District, Jumeirah Beach Road, and Kite Beach.

9. The Dubai Fountain Show

If this is your first time in Dubai, then watching the fountain should be a must on your list. The fountain show is crowned as the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. The show runs from Saturday to Thursday from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, and from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Friday. As for evenings, the show takes place every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM from Monday to Friday. Although the Dubai Fountain Show attracts mobs of people, seeing it is, nonetheless, completely worth it and makes it one of the best things to do in Dubai.

10. Take a Stroll In Al Seef and Al Fahaid

While the city of Dubai is highly reputed for its modern malls and architecture, if you want to know about its history and heritage, then no place can describe it better than Al Seef and Al Fahaid. Take your time to explore the area and get a glimpse of the Dubai of old. In addition to the magic that runs throughout Al Seef and Al Fahaid, visiting there is completely free of cost, all the while satiating your yearning for the city’s cultural and historical side.

To Conclude

Dubai has an unmatched blend of luxury, adventure, culture, and entertainment. This makes it a truly iconic city for travellers of every interest. Whether you want a view of the city from the world’s tallest skyscraper or to venture into the deserts, the city offers a plethora of options. However, the sheer number of places to visit can also be a little overwhelming. Therefore, plan in advance for the best things to do in Dubai and enjoy your visit to the fullest.

Read More: Easy Ways & Tips to Get Cheapest Airfare

Frequently Asked Questions

What touristy things are there to do in Dubai?

Visiting Burj Khalifa, watching the Dubai fountain show, and exploring the Museum of the Future are among the best activities to do for tourists in Dubai.

What does 3 fingers in Dubai mean?

In Dubai, the three-finger hand gesture (thumb, index, and middle finger) means win, victory, and love. This gesture is a symbol of work ethics, success, and love for the nation. You can see this gesture in multiple public arts and sculptures.

Do I need travel assistance to visit Dubai?

If you want a completely hassle-free travel, then professional travel assistance can prove to be highly valuable to you. Partnering with One Travel Point for your Dubai visit will allow you to effortlessly handle any and all travel queries, like baggage issues, flight status, budget tips, destination information, and more.

Which is the best mall to go to in Dubai?

The Mall of Dubai and the Mall of Emirates are renowned as the best malls in Dubai, as they offer a luxurious experience. Both of these malls are perfect if you want quality over quantity.

Can I enter Burj Khalifa for free?

No, you cannot enter Burj Khalifa for free; you will need to buy a ticket to visit the observation deck.