Dubai is one of those cities that sounds almost too over-the-top to be real… until you visit. Skyscrapers taller than clouds, deserts that feel like another planet, malls that double as entertainment complexes, and food from every corner of the world. Dubai truly has something for everyone. That’s why in this article, we’re breaking down 25 of the best things to do in Dubai!
Now, we spent 10 fabulous days in Dubai and were surprised by how glamorous the city was. Dubai really lives up to the hype, and we hope these tips help you see the best of Dubai, and leave the rest behind!
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The Best Way to Book Your Activities in Dubai
One way we saved money on activities in Dubai was by getting a Klook Dubai Pass. With this pass, you can get discounted rates on several of the activities listed below. We also loved how convenient it was—rather than visiting multiple websites to make reservations, we booked everything in one place through Klook. All of our activity tickets were stored right in the Klook app, which made planning and scheduling super easy. And if you want to save $5 on your Klook Pass, you can sign up here!
The 25 Best Things to Do in Dubai
1. Go on a Desert Safari
A desert safari is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Dubai! Imagine an exhilarating ride through the desert dunes, sandboarding with incredible views of the sunset, and a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars with lovely dance shows to entertain you. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and culture. This was the activity that really made us feel like we were in the Emirates, and it’s an absolute must when you are in Dubai.
2. Visit “At the Top” Burj Khalifa
One of the most popular viewpoints in Dubai is At the Top Burj Khalifa. Standing on the observation deck of the world’s tallest building never gets old. The views from At the Top are absolutely breathtaking, and this was by far our favorite viewpoint in Dubai.
Just know that At the Top Burj Khalifa is quite popular, and the line to the top can be 1-2 hours sometimes. So, remember to allow plenty of time when you visit the Burj Khalifa. Fortunately, it is worth the wait!
3. Explore Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is more than shopping, it’s an experience. With over 1,200 stores, restaurants, a stunning aquarium, and entertainment options, you could easily spend an entire day here and still not see it all!
4. Walk Through Dubai Aquarium
Inside Dubai Mall, you’ll find the massive Dubai Aquarium, and even the free viewing area of this aquarium is impressive. You definitely don’t want to miss the free aquarium view. And if you want to see even more, you can pay to walk through the tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays, which takes the experience to the next level.
5. Watch the Dubai Fountain
Right outside Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain comes to life with a stunning water, music, and light show. Best of all, the show is completely free and absolutely magical.
There is usually one daytime show around 1 p.m., and in the evening, the fountain performs every 30 minutes. Watching the fountains dance against the beautifully lit Dubai skyline at night is especially impressive, making this an absolute must-see when you’re in Dubai.
6. Explore Souk Al Bahar & Time Out Market
Souk Al Bahar combines traditional architecture with charming shops selling souvenirs and local items, making it a great place to explore and browse. It’s also home to Time Out Market, which brings together some of Dubai’s best restaurants under one roof. With dozens of food stalls to choose from, it’s easy for everyone in your group to find something they’ll love—making this spot perfect for both shopping and dining in one stop.
7. Visit the Museum of the Future
This iconic building isn’t just stunning on the outside—the exhibits inside explore innovation, technology, and what the future could look like, making it one of Dubai’s most unique attractions.
Because of its popularity, tickets sell out quickly. We tried to book tickets just two weeks in advance and couldn’t find any availability, which is why we recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks ahead if the Museum of the Future is on your bucket list.
Even if you can’t snag tickets, it’s still worth visiting. The exterior alone is incredible for photos, and you can check out some of the futuristic robots in the lobby, which gives you a small taste of the museum experience without even going inside.
8. Have Drinks at Treehouse
For nightlife, I can highly recommend the Treehouse inside the Taj Hotel. Treehouse is a stylish rooftop bar with great vibes and Burj Khalifa views. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening drink after a long day of sightseeing.
9. Take an Xclusive Yacht Cruise
Seeing Dubai from the water is a must! A yacht cruise lets you sail past landmarks like the Dubai Marina, Atlantis, and Burj Al Arab while enjoying a luxurious, laid-back experience.
We took a breakfast cruise with Xclusive Yachts and it was a real highlight of our trip. Prices are affordable as well starting at just $24 USD per person. Check out the link on the left for all of the details!
10. Relax at JBR Beach
JBR Beach is lively, fun, and perfect for a beach day. Swim, relax, or grab a meal at one of the many restaurants lining the promenade. There’s also an inflatable water park in the sea here, bringing fun to both kids and adults who are still young at heart.
11. Visit The View at the Palm
This observation deck offers stunning views of the Palm Jumeirah from above. However, what we liked most about this experience was learning about how this man-made island was made. It was a miracle of engineering and was so inspiring to learn about.
12. Eat at Madfoon Story Restaurant
For authentic Emirati flavors and a true local restaurant try Madfoon Story Restaurant. Their traditional dishes are flavorful, filling, and give you a taste of local cuisine beyond the usual tourist spots. We can highly recommend trying their signature Madfoon, which is slow-cooked meat seasoned with a variety of exotic spices. It really is an explosion of flavor!
13. Take a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is just a short hour drive away from Dubai and is absolutely worth visiting! We took a tour which picked us up from our hotel and showed us all the highlights including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Emirates Heritage Village, the Emirates Palace, and Ferrari World. This tour was such a convenient way to see Abu Dhabi and even offers hotel pick-up. Check out this tour for yourself below!
14. Visit Arabian Tea House
Step back in time at Arabian Tea House, a charming café known for traditional teas, Emirati dishes, and peaceful courtyard seating. Here, we tried some local Emirati dishes and the flavors were unique and delicious.
15. Wander Through Miracle Garden
Miracle Garden is like a colorful dream filled with millions of flowers arranged in creative designs. We were blown away by how ornate the flower displays were. It was not like anything we’ve ever experienced before. This place is perfect for families, but as a travel couple, we still enjoyed it immensely.
16. Shop at Mall of the Emirates
If you have time for another mega-mall, then check out Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates. This mall is the home to Ski Dubai, which allows you the unique experience of being able to sky in the desert. So if you are into shopping or want some indoor winter fun, the Mall of the Emirates has you covered.
17. Visit the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame offers panoramic views of both old and new Dubai, symbolizing how far the city has come in such a short time.
Look to the left and you will see old Dubai with souks and low-rise building. Look to the left and you will see the tall skyscrapers of new Dubai. It’s an interesting concept and is worth seeing. However, if you are short on time or money, it is okay to skip.
18. Experience AYA
AYA is an immersive, futuristic art experience filled with lights, sound, and interactive rooms. It’s visually stunning, loads of fun, and perfect for photos.
It reminded us a lot of the Team Labs exhibit in Japan, but Aya has different rooms and experiences. We especially liked the room filled with balls. It made us feel like kids again.
Although we loved this exhibit, if you are short on time or money, this is another one that is okay to skip.
19. Go on a Dhow Night Cruise Dinner
Take a dinner cruise on a traditional wooden sailboat called a dhow. This cruise is a relaxing way to enjoy the city at night, with illuminated skyscrapers, delicious food, and live entertainment. It’s another wow moment in Dubai! We absolutely loved this cruise and think it’s a must when you come to Dubai.
20. Shop at the Gold Souk
The Gold Souk is dazzling (literally). Even if you’re not buying, it’s fascinating to walk through and see the incredible displays of gold jewelry. Some of the necklaces are so elaborate that they seem to be made for royalty, not for the common man.
21. Explore the Spice Souk
Nearby the gold souk is the Spice Souk is full of colorful spices, delicious teas, and lovely aromas. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and to restock your spice cabinet at home. Just be ready to negotiate for a better price because haggling is a part of the culture in Dubai.
22. Take an Abra Boat Ride
For just a few dirhams, you can cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat. It’s one of the cheapest—and most authentic—things to do in Dubai. Plus, across the water from the Gold and Spice Souk is a great historical neighborhood called Al Fahidi and the Grand Souk.
23. Visit the Grand Souk
The Grand Souk – Bur Dubai blends traditional market vibes with modern comfort, making it a pleasant place to wander, shop, and soak up local culture. Here, you can shop for textiles, clothing, purses, snacks, and more.
I actually preferred the Grand Souk to the Spice Souk because the vendors were more relaxed and it was easier to get a good price.
24. Learn More About the Culture
If you want to take a deep dive into Emirati culture, then visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Here, you can book a Heritage Tour that will take you through the historical neighborhood of Al Fahidi. Alternatively, you could book a cultural meal where you can try local cuisine in an interactive and informative way. Their activities are a great way to learn more about local traditions and daily life.
25. Visit an Exotic Cars Showroom
Dubai loves luxury, and the Exotic Cars showroom proves it! Even if you’re not buying a Lamborghini or Ferrari, it’s fun to see these dream cars up close. So, stop into a showroom or two to see all the luxurious cars available in Dubai.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is truly a city of glitz and glam, and you just have to see it to believe it. However, if you prefer a traditional and cultural experience, Dubai offers that as well. There’s really something for everyone if you know where to look, and I hope this guide helped you find exactly what you are looking for in Dubai.
Now that you know what to do in Dubai, check out these other helpful Dubai travel guides!
- The Best Areas to Stay in Dubai
- 20 Things to Know Before You Go to Dubai
- How We Got 10 Free Nights in Dubai (and you can too!)
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Great list! This is such a helpful roundup of must-see spots in Dubai. Definitely saving this for my future trip!
I’ve been reading a lot about Dubai lately. It’s a place I’ve never thought of visiting, but the more I read the more intrigued I am. I’d love to do a desert safai. It’s always been on my bucket list.
Thank you for a great list of things to do in Dubai! I especially loved how you highlighted the combination of visiting the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall area and then contrasting that with time spent at Dubai Marina and JBR. That gives a really well-rounded sense of both the iconic city highlights and the more relaxed waterfront experiences. Your guide makes it clear that Dubai isn’t just about tall buildings, but also about atmosphere and variety, and it’s inspired me to start planning my own itinerary!
Such a great list! Dubai really does feel unreal until you experience it. Visiting Burj Khalifa and watching the Dubai Fountain in the evening were both unforgettable for us, and they truly live up to the hype. This guide does a great job balancing iconic sights with culture and food—perfect for first-time visitors planning their days.