Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. This dynamic and diverse city has something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie, Dubai will sweep you off your feet with some of the most unique and exciting activities in the world.
With new attractions popping up every day, Dubai is quickly becoming the top holiday location for people across the world.
Planning to visit Dubai or re-explore the city? Here’s your one-stop guide for all the best things to do in Dubai.
Top Things To Do In Dubai: Best Places to Visit and Must-See Attractions
Burj Khalifa
If there is one thing you cannot miss out on while visiting Dubai, it’s the world-famous Burj Khalifa. The tallest building in the world at 828 meters high, Burj Khalifa is a spectacle to behold from both outside and inside and is one of the best things to do in Dubai.
The Burj Khalifa can be experienced in all its glory from various viewpoints, including Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, and Burj Park. You can also dine at one of the many restaurants with a Burj Khalifa view to take in the tower’s beauty.
If you are interested in viewing the city from sky-high, head up to Burj Khalifa’s observation deck, At The Top, located at level 124 of the tower. You can also enjoy luxury dining with a spectacular view at Atmosphere, a fine-dining restaurant located at level 122 of Burj Khalifa.
Dubai Mall Dancing Fountain
One of the first and largest choreographed fountain displays in the world; the Dubai Mall Fountains are one of the best things to see in Dubai. The fountains dance to classic and trending tunes and attract thousands of visitors daily.
The fountains take place every 30 minutes starting from 6 p.m. and can be viewed from the outdoor bridge at Dubai Mall or any fountain-view restaurants in Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar.
As the viewpoints can get crowded, we recommend coming at least 20 minutes before the show begins so that you can find a spot with the best view.
Timings:
- Daily Evening Shows 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM every 30 minutes.
- Seasonally, lunchtime performances may be added at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM (1:30 PM & 2:00 PM weekends).
Ticket Price: Free
Dubai Frame
Since its opening in 2018, the Dubai Frame has become a cultural landmark. This 150-meter-tall structure perfectly frames the Dubai skyline and old Dubai and creates an alluring spectacle for the eye.
However, The Dubai Frame isn’t just beautiful to experience from the outside. The inside, too, creates a unique journey that helps you discover and experience the transition between old and new Dubai while learning about the history of the city.
When walking on the Sky Deck of the frame, you can see the view of old Dubai on one side, and the modern cityscape on the other. It’s a truly exciting experience and one that should not be missed.
Timings: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ticket Price:
Kite Beach
One of the best beaches in Dubai, Kite Beach is a must-visit destination for every tourist. This beautiful coast stretches 14 km and is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day while experiencing Dubai’s gorgeous sunsets.
If you are a fan of watersports, Kite Beach is one the main destinations in Dubai for exciting watersports, including Parasailing, Kitesurfing, Kayaking, Jet Ski Rental, and many more.
Kite Beach is also home to many famous restaurants if you wanna grab a quick bite, and it also has one of the best views of Burj Al Arab. It’s one of those places where you can spend your entire day without ever getting bored, which also has something for everyone.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Ticket Price: Free
Miracle Garden
The largest natural flower garden in the world, Miracle Garden is one of the most unique and spectacular places to visit in Dubai.
This 72,000 sq. meters park houses hundreds of structures made entirely of fresh flowers, including the famous Emirates A380 plane that is decorated entirely with flowers. It’s also home to some of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city.
As the temperatures get high during the summer in Dubai, Miracle Garden is only open between October to April. We highly recommend planning your trip when Miracle Garden is open to experience this unique destination during your visit.
Timings:
- Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sat-Sun, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Ticket Price:
- AED 75 per person
- AED 60 per child (below 12 years)
- Free for children under 3
Global Village
Travel across the world with Dubai’s famous Global Village. At Global Village, you can experience the world with 30+ clusters dedicated to various countries, including India, Pakistan, Africa, Saudi Arabia, and many more.
Global Village is home to some of the best food stalls in the city, along with shops where you can buy unique local artifacts from around the world.
The large playground with various thrilling rides, arcade games, and other exciting activities like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum make Global Village one of the best family things to do in Dubai.
Timings: 4 p.m. to midnight
Ticket Price:
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is one of the most distinctive man-made islands in the world. Shaped like a palm tree, this engineering spectacle is one of Dubai’s crowning glory.
While the palm shape of the Island can only be viewed from a plane or while sky diving, Palm Jumeirah is one of the most fun and popular places in Dubai, there are many things to do on the island – you can stroll through and dine at The Pointe, a newly-opened destination with various restaurants and activities and a free light and fountain show, or experience the view from high above from The View at The Pointe.
Surely, a visit to Palm Jumeirah has to be on your list when you come to Dubai.
Timings: Open 24h
Ticket Price: Free to visit
Ski Dubai
Ever experienced snow in the midst of the desert? Ski Dubai is a 22,500 sq. meter indoor ski resort located inside the Mall of The Emirates that brings a snowy delight to the desert.
At Ski Dubai, you can go skiing on snowy slopes, ride the cable car, and even meet the resident penguins, making you forget that you’re in sunny Dubai and not Switzerland.
There is also a local café that serves delicious hot chocolate with a view of the snow park, along with a snow cinema where you can enjoy your favorite movies in Atlantic temperatures. It’s most definitely one of the places worth visiting in Dubai.
Timings:
- Mon-Thu, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight
- Sat-Sun, 9 a.m. to midnight
Ticket Price:
Desert Safari
Experience the desert in all its glory with Desert Safari, one of the top things to do in Dubai. Discover the thrill of the desert and experience the old traditions and culture of the Arabs with this unique experience in Dubai.
A classic Desert Safari package includes dune bashing by a professional driver in a 4×4 SUV across the desert. You are then taken to a traditional Bedouin camp to enjoy the authentic culture of Dubai with activities like camel riding, henna tattoos, traditional dance shows, falcon photography, and much more.
The day ends with a dinner buffet featuring authentic Arabic food, including kebabs, hummus, and rice. If you want to experience the desert in its true form, Desert Safari is the best way to do so.
Skydive Dubai
Experience Dubai from 13,000ft above the ground with Skydive Dubai, one of the most popular Dubai spots to visit. One of the most thrilling experiences in the city, Skydive Dubai, gives you an unforgettable moment that you will remember for a lifetime.
People from across the world come to Dubai to experience this unique Skydiving experience with amazing views of the spectacular Palm Jumeirah. You can also Skydive in the midst of the desert, where you can sail over expansive and mesmerizing sandy dunes.
Both experienced skydivers and first-timers are welcome at Skydive Dubai, with tandem instructor jumps available for people who don’t have the experience to do it alone.
Skydive Dubai ensures that you remember this amazing experience forever by providing high-quality images and videos of your experience.
Timings: As per the booking
Ticket Price:
Deep Dive Dubai
Deep Dive Dubai is the world’s deepest pool at a whooping depth of 60 meters and is also mentioned in the Guinness Book Of World Records, making it one of the best things to see and do in Dubai.
This spectacular underwater attraction is built to resemble an abandoned sunken city and is full of adventure and wonder. The area is the size of multiple Olympic pools, uses 14 million liters of water, and requires several dives to be able to explore it fully.
Deep Dive Dubai welcomes both beginner and professional divers. It provides a high level of safety and support to its visitors with a state-of-the-art water purification system and 56 underwater cameras.
Timing: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost:
Aquaventure Water Park
Located in the famous Atlantis The Palm hotel, Aquaventure is the world’s largest waterpark park spanning 42 acres with a 1km long private beach.
Aquaventure provides the perfect family day out and has something for everyone – from pulse racing, record-breaking slides, and attractions for the adrenaline junkie like The Odyssey, Shockwave, and the world-famous Leap of Faith, to a relaxing 1km long lazy river for the laid-back people.
It also houses kids-friendly spaces that allow young children to enjoy while the older kids hit the more thrilling rides and many restaurants for when you want to grab a quick bite during the day.
The View at The Palm
Reach new heights at The View at The Palm, an iconic observation deck offering unparalleled vistas of Palm Jumeirah Island and the azure expanse of the Arabian Gulf Coast. Standing tall at 240 meters, this architectural marvel provides a sweeping 360-degree panorama of Dubai’s landmarks, from the towering skyscrapers to the pristine coastline.
Step into the exclusive “Next Level” area for an intimate viewing experience, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer uninterrupted views of the cityscape below, creating an unforgettable moment in the sky.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Dive into an immersive aquatic adventure at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, home to over 100 species of marine life from around the world.
Traverse the mesmerizing underwater tunnel, where majestic Tiger Sharks and graceful Stingrays glide overhead, offering a glimpse into the captivating world beneath the waves.
Explore the diverse ecosystems of the Rainforest, Rock Pool Coastline, and UAE Night Creatures zones, each teeming with unique flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. Engage in interactive sessions with knowledgeable guides to learn about marine conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans for future generations.
Don’t miss the chance to encounter the legendary King Croc and other extraordinary creatures that call this underwater sanctuary home.
Inside Burj Al Arab Tour
Go on a journey of luxury and opulence with a guided tour of the iconic Burj Al Arab, one of the top things to see in Dubai. Explore the lavish interiors of this legendary 7-star hotel, from the ornate Royal Suites adorned with gold leaf accents to the breathtaking atrium soaring to dizzying heights.
Learn about the meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled service that has made the Burj Al Arab a symbol of luxury around the world. With a private guide and butler at your side, indulge in the ultimate VIP experience as you uncover the secrets of this architectural masterpiece.
Timings: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ticket Price:
Visit Dubai Gold Souk
Head over to the ultra-famous Dubai Gold Souk, one of the most exciting places to visit in Dubai, where you can get lost labyrinth of narrow alleyways lined with gleaming storefronts, each offering an exquisite collection of jewelry and precious metals crafted to perfection.
Whether you’re seeking the perfect engagement ring or a unique souvenir to commemorate your visit, the Gold Souk has something for every taste and budget and is one of the best things to do in Dubai at night.
Haggle with friendly merchants and uncover hidden gems amidst one of Dubai’s best sightseeing places, where every piece tells a story of Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy as the City of Gold.
Timings: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Motiongate Dubai
One of the many adventure theme parks in Dubai, Motiongate Dubai is the Middle East’s largest Hollywood-inspired theme park. At Motiongate Dubai, you can discover the magic of Hollywood with four exciting and world-famous motion picture studios, including Smurfs Village and Lionsgate.
The indoor theme park is home to 40 world-class attractions and rides, including the world’s biggest spinning roller coaster. The attractions feature some of the most popular animations, including Madagascar, Hotel Transylvania, Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek and are sure to put a smile on the faces of every kid and adult.
With thrilling rides suitable for adults as well as child-friendly rides, Motiongate Dubai is the perfect destination for a fun family day out in Dubai.
Timing:
- Sun-Thurs, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Fri-Sat, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ticket Price:
La Perle by Dragone
La Perle by Dragone is the region’s first permanent show that features unique and mind-blowing performances by world-class performers, making it one of the top things to visit in Dubai. This award-winning show is influenced by Dubai’s vibrant culture and is brought to life by extraordinary stunts and special effects that will leave viewers speechless.
The show is staged in a magnificent 270-degree auditorium where the audience can witness the aqua and aerial spectacles of the act. This unique, Cirque du Soleil-isque show is one of the only performances of its kind in the region.
Safe to say that La Perle has to be on every entertainment and art lover’s Dubai bucket list.
Madame Tussauds Dubai
The world-famous, award-winning wax museum Madame Tussauds is one of the best places to see in Dubai.
Located on Bluewaters Island, the Madame Tussauds museum houses wax figurines of various famous people, including Justin Bieber, Lewis Hamilton, Dubai’s resident entrepreneur Huda Kattan, Vin Diesel, Queen Elizabeth II, and Nancy Ajram.
Visitors can also enjoy one of the many experiences in the museum, like Tea with Queen Elizabeth II, Interactive Catwalk, and the Exclusive Fame Experience.
Dubai Opera
If you’re a theatre fan, the Dubai Opera is one of the best Dubai sites to visit. The only place in the city dedicated to theatre and performing arts, Dubai Opera has hosted some of the world’s best shows, including The Phantom Of The Opera.
The Opera is also home to one of the best multi-form theatres in the city, which can be toured if you are not so interested in the shows. It also houses some of the best restaurants in Dubai, including Belcanto and Armani/Hashi.
New performances are always taking place at The Opera, check out what’s playing during your visit here.
Get Your Tickets To Dubai Opera On Platinumlist Now
Museum Of The Future
The Museum Of The Future, one of the most exciting addition to the city’s skyline, is one of the most spectacular sites to see in Dubai. This unique building is not only an architectural and engineering marvel but is also a representation of Dubai’s growth in advanced technology.
The building’s façade is covered in Arabic calligraphy of poetry by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is an absolute marvel to witness. The museum comes to life at night when the lights shine bright and bring an unmissable glow to the streets of Dubai, and creates probably the most Instagram-worthy shot in the country.
The Museum of The Future, unlike ordinary museums that house ancient relics, is a gateway and celebration of the future. Visitors can experience the interactive space that includes content crafted by a team of the world’s leading product, media, exhibition, and experience designers.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library has recently launched as the largest cultural center in MENA. This unique building that is shaped like a bookholder is a seven-story structure that houses millions of books from around the world, along with other activities and centers that inspire creativity and culture.
The library comprises 10 collections, ranging from children’s books to informational and educational books, along with a special collections library, and is the perfect place to feel inspired.
Expo City
Missed the greatest show of all time, the Expo 2020, when it was live? We have good news!
The expo site is now open again with some of the most popular pavilions and features of the expo show.
Currently, the Alif (Mobility) Pavilion, Al Wasl Plaza, The Surreal Fountain, The Vision Pavilion, The Women’s Pavilion, and The Terra (Sustainability) Pavilion are open to the public, and new features are opening every day.
