Dubai is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world and popular with international visitors seeking a sunny break.
There are lots of amazing places to visit in Dubai, for all types of travellers. Whether you have a short stop off, want a short trip to discover the highlights or are planning a longer relaxing luxury break, Dubai will not disappoint. Some tourist attractions and things to do are also very cheap or completely free!
Dubai Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
• Get reliable travel insurance through World Nomads.
• Book sightseeing tours & attraction tickets on GetYourGuide or Viator.
If it is going to be your first time visiting Dubai, these are the top tourist attractions and places to add to your itinerary.
1. Go Up the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is officially the tallest building in the world at 828 metres tall and it dominates the Dubai skyline for miles around. You can take the elevator to the observation deck 160 floors up for incredible views for miles around. You can’t visit Dubai and not go up the Bus Khalifa!
2. Explore The Palm Islands
If you have ever seen photos on Dubai you will have probably seen the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Islands. The Palm Islands are a palm tree-shaped island which look spectacular. This is a great destination to visit during the day and night and it is free to enter. There are shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, a waterpark and the huge impressive luxury Atlantis Resort.
3. Ride the World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel
Opened in 2021 and located on Bluewaters Island, the Ain Big Wheel offers amazing views of the Dubai skyline. It is around 820 feet tall!
4. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Aquaventure Waterpark is located in The Palm Islands and is a great place to visit for families with children. There are so many rides, and a huge pool which is a great way to refresh when the weather is hot.
5. Walk Around The Dubai Marina
The marina area of Dubai is a popular tourist destination to walk the boardwalk and grab some photos of luxury boats, the ocean and the huge looming skyscrapers. Be sure to seek out Pier 7, which has numerous restaurants and bars over the water.
6. Wander Through Old Dubai
If you want to experience what Dubai was like before it became transferred into the super modern skyscraper metropolis it is today, visit Old Dubai. This is the real local way to see Dubai, far away from the huge skyscrapers and lavish shopping centres.
Old Dubai is bustling with activity from the markets and local shops which you can navigate through a maze of alleyways. You can get some really tasty and cheap food here, both Arabic and also from all over the world like Indian and Chinese. Whilst here you could also explore the art district or visit the Dubai Museum.
7. Get Historic at the Dubai Museum
Located in Old Dubai, The Dubai Museum, is worth visiting if you are interested in history. This museum was opened way back in 1971 and it isn’t the largest or most impressive museum you are likely to ever visit but you can see artefacts from the history of Dubai, learn about the culture and how the area changed after oil was discovered in the 1960s. There is a small fee of $1 to enter the museum which is well worth it, this is one of the cheapest things to do in Dubai.
8. Relax at the Beach
Dubai has lots of artificial beaches and what better way to a relaxing holiday than laying under a sun lounger on the tranquil ocean. There are lots of different beaches.
9. Enjoy Watersports
Dubai is located on the ocean and if you are a thrill seeker there are lots of water based activities which can be booked. From jet boating, waterskiing, flyboarding and scuba diving. All can be booked locally. For water sports we recommend heading to Kite Beach which has so many activities you can either watch or take part including volleyball, kite-surfing or taking a run around the soft running track.
10. Go on a Desert Adventure
No trip to visiting the Middle East would be complete without going to see the desert. Lots of local travel operators offer trips, some last a few hours whilst others allow you to stay overnight in stunning outdoor campsites. The scale of the Dubai desert is mind blowing and there are several options from a guided jeep tour along the dunes to going off the beaten track on a quad bike. This is really fun thing to do in Dubai and you really can’t visit the Middle East without seeing the desert in person.
11. Learn About Islam at the Jumeirah Mosque
If you have an interest in the local culture and religion you could take a trip to see the Jumeirah Mosque which is open for tourists to visit. It isn’t huge, but is decorated beautifully and everyday there is usually a guided tour where you can learn more about Islam.
12. Enjoy Shops & Entertainment at the Dubai Mall
Dubai is a top rated shopping destinations with shops from lots of well known international brands. The Dubai Mall is one of the best places to go, you can easily spend a day here due to the amount of shops, cinema, ice skating rink and cafes. It’s also a great place to escape the heat.
13. Get Lost in Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah looks like something out of the film Aladdin, and it is a great place to buy goods and souvenirs. There are lots of top rated local restaurants here, and also bars.
14. Party the Night Away
Alcohol is legal in Dubai, although it isn’t available everywhere and can be quite expensive. Dubai has lots of cafes, restaurants and nightclubs where you party the night away. There are lots of rooftop bars in Dubai where you can wine and dine with incredible views.
15. Skydive
Are you looking for the adventure of your life? Ever thought about going skydiving, or already been before and loved it? You can book skydives in Dubai and see the incredible skyline and scenery from above.
16. Ski
Dubai is home to many extravagant attractions but did you know you can also go skiing here? Located in the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is a huge indoor ski resort covering 22,500 square meters. There are lessons available if you are totally new to skiing, and for children there are lots of fun activities. This is one of the most unusual things to do in Dubai, especially as you are literally visiting the desert and one of the hottest places on earth!
17. See the Largest Picture Frame in the World
Dubai Frame is a link between old and new Dubai. It is slightly bizarre to see in real life, it is a huge gold frame standing nearly 500 feet tall. Tourists can buy tickets to ride the glass lifts to the top and then see pararamic views from the top. There is a clear 313-foot glass walkway.
18. Water Cruise or Speed Boat Ride
Seeing Dubai from the water is a must do activity, especially if you are keen to grab amazing photos of the skyline. There are lots of different options from riding an abra, a traditional wooden boat, to booking a speed boat tour, or reserving a dinner cruise which is one of the most romantic things to do in Dubai.
19. Dubai Global Village
The Dubai Global Village is one of the world’s largest tourism, leisure, shopping and entertainment attractions. If you are travelling with your family we highly recommended spending a day at the Dubai Global Village as there are so many things to do here for both adults and children. Tickets are affordable and there are so many activities from shows, rides, a funfair, street food, restaurants and fireworks on the weekend.
20. Dinner in the Sky
Are you looking for somewhere totally unique and spetcuklr to eat unlike your average restaurant? Book a space on Dinner in the Sky Dubai, which takes place around 165 feet in the air!
This isn’t something to do if you have a fear of heights, but if you can can stomach it, this is something really special. This is the ideal activity for a romantic date with a difference, or for a birthday or celebration.
21. Dubai Opera House
Dubai has a modern opera house with an impressive design and entertainment throughout the year including classical opera concerts, musicals, ballet, concerts, comedy and more. The Dubai Opera House is located right in front of the Burj Khalifa.
22. The Dubai Fountain
If you have ever been to Las Vegas and seen the fountain show there, be prepared to be awed because in Dubai it is even bigger and more impressive. There are various different fountain shows on daily and all are completely free.
23. Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden will appeal to anyone with an interest in plants or nature. Dubai has so many diverse attractions appealing to everyone and this is totally different to anywhere in Dubai. You really won’t think you are in the desert!
24. XLine Dubai Marina
Dubai really is one of the best adventure destinations in the world and if you are up for another thrill check out XLine Dubai. This is the world’s longest, fastest and steepest urban ziplines located in the Dubai Marina.
Be prepare to travel from 560 metres at a speed of up to 50 miles per hour past skyscrapers. The views are stunning. You can ride solo or tandem with a partner or friends.
25. Stay Somewhere Incredible
Dubai has accommodation for all budgets, from basic affordable hotel rooms to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world which are located here. If you have the funds, we recommend splashing out and treating yourself to stay somewhere special. There are lots of amazing luxury hotels in Dubai with fantastic modern facilities if you have the budget.
More Activities
We really could have done a top 50 things to do in Dubai, these are some other top rated places to check out if you have time:
• Etihad museum
• Flying with dalcons
• Hot air balloon ride
• Legoland
Dubai is one of the best places to see in the Middle East and hopefully our recommendations will help you to enjoy the most enjoyable time possible. There are lots more things you can do in Dubai if you have a longer schedule, you are best seeking more places out locally on arrival but the places we listed above are the main highlights not to miss. If it is going to be your first time in the city, view our important things to know before visiting Dubai.
