Dubai is one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in the world. As the city reopens this week to welcome tourists, now is the perfect time to learn about the top 16 things to do in Dubai.
Dubai is one of six emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The city is most famous for its high-end and luxurious lifestyle. As well as its unique experiences and attractions.
Dubai is filled with stunning mosques, incredible architecture, and world-renowned pieces of art. Start preparing for your trip by planning all the things you want to do in Dubai and the popular places you want to visit.
Quick Jumplinks
- Things To Know Before Traveling To Dubai
- How Many Days Should You Spend in Dubai?
- What Is The Best Time For Visiting Dubai?
- Why Travel To Dubai?
- What Are The Best Areas To Stay in Dubai?
- Dubai Do’s and Dont’s
- The Top 16 Things To Do In Dubai
- Jumeirah Mosque
- Burj Al Arab
- Dubai Frame
- Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical District
- Dubai Aquaventure Waterpark
Things To Know Before Traveling To Dubai
How Many Days Should You Spend in Dubai?
You may wonder, “With so many things to see and do in Dubai, how long should I stay in the city?” Well, Dubai is one of the many places where, no matter how long you intend to visit, you’ll always have something unique to see and do.
To get a taste of the city, and explore the main attractions, the recommended amount of time is 3 to 4 days.
What Is The Best Time For Visiting Dubai?
November to April is a prime time to visit Dubai. Temperatures are more comfortable compared to the summer’s extreme heat, making it the perfect time for outdoor sightseeing and exploring.
Why Travel To Dubai?
Dubai is known worldwide as a first-rate destination thanks to its glorious variety of attractions. Luxury sets the city’s atmosphere, and travelers are rewarded with an array of indulgent experiences.
In one minute, you can be shopping in tantalizing places like the Mall of the Emirates, having a glass of bubbly in a plush rooftop bar, taking scenic boat cruises at sunset, relaxing on the Jumeirah beach hotel, or going on a camel ride on the desert dunes.
But Dubai is much more than a city built on indulgence, and there are fabulous cultural options too! Must-adds to any culture-vulture bucket lists include watching a concert in the Dubai Opera, visiting the Sharjah Art Foundation, exploring the Al Fahidi Historical District, and getting a taste of the Middle Eastern culture in the Hatta Heritage Village.
What Are The Best Areas To Stay in Dubai?
Finding the perfect accommodation is a great way to start planning your trip to Dubay. Fortunately, the city has a stellar collection of upscale hotels and resorts with all the high-class amenities travelers need for a memorable vacation.
When looking for the best places To Stay in Dubai, focus on centrally located areas such as Downtown Dubai, which is close to many of the city’s top attractions. Other great neighborhoods for travelers in the city are Dubai Creek, The Marina & Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and Burj Dubai.
Dubai Do’s and Dont’s
- Don’t take a picture of locals without asking for permission;
- Do dress accordingly;
- Don’t indulge in public displays of affection;
- Don’t drink in public;
- Do plan your trip at least 3 months in advance;
- Do use Dubai’s excellent public transportation system;
- Do not use your left hand to greet anyone;
- Do go on a day trip to Abu Dhabi
The Top 16 Things To Do In Dubai
Dubai offers a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors of all interests. Here’s a comprehensive list of things to do Dubai:
Jumeirah Mosque
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Line 104 bus to Jumeirah Mosque or take a taxi. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | The mosque has no entrance fee; The guided tour costs AED 25 per person. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 1 hour |
Worshipers and travelers come from far and wide to visit the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai. The mosque has been open since 1979 and is definitely one of the most visited and beloved landmarks in the city.
Although the mosque is temporarily closed, it can fit up to 1,500 worshipers and curious visitors a day. Tours of Jumeirah occur daily. They include stories about the history, religion, and culture of the Emiratis. Be sure to check the official website for daily updates on the mosque’s awaited re-opening.
Jumeirah Mosque – All You Need To Know
Burj Al Arab
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the buses 8, 81, and 88 to pass by the Burj Al Arab. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | From AED 103.01 with a private guide. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 1,5 hour |
One of the most notable attractions in Dubai is the luxurious five-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab. The hotel itself is located on an artificial island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. It stands over 1,050 feet high (321 meters) and has 202 rooms. The most expensive suite in the hotel can cost up to $130,000 for a one-night stay.
If you wish to explore the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel for the day, visitors can dine in one of the nine restaurants on-site. Including the Al Mahara Restaurant, which is actually located underwater. Dining with a view of the underwater aquarium is definitely on the list of top things to see and do in Dubai. When visiting this Middle Eastern city, stop by the popular Burj Khalifa skyscraper, which is the Burj Khalifa claims the Guinness World Record for the world’s tallest building.
Dubai Frame
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Burjuman station. From there, transfer to the Green Line. Dubai Frame is a ten-minute walk away. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | From AED 49 per person. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 45 min – 1 hour |
This picture frame is worth a thousand words. This is structure is located in Zabeel Park. While the Dubai Frame is one of the most incredible structures in the UAE, it is also one of the most controversial. The frame’s design was created during the ThyssenKrupp Elevator International Award competition. The winning designer never actually received official credit or compensation. It was built to be the face of the “new Dubai” and it’s much more than the tallest building in the city. In fact, it holds the record for being the largest frame on the planet. If you’re looking for a picture-perfect moment, visit the frame in downtown Dubai.
Guide To The Iconic Dubai Frame
Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical District
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Al Fahidi – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the buses near Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood: 15, 21, 29, 8, C1, C18, or take a metro M2. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | AED 3 for adults and AED 1 for kids (under 6) |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 1,5 hour |
For cultural and historical things to see in Dubai, visit the Al Fahidi Historical District. Located in Old Dubai site is open all day long, but be sure to check the official website for museum hours. Take advantage of learning about Dubai’s early life and culture. The district hosts many different exhibits, presentations, and heritage events. If you want to learn a cultural thing or two during your getaway, then this will be the perfect place to start.
Dubai Aquaventure Waterpark
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Rd – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Line 106 bus to Dubai Aquaventure Waterpark. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | From AED 318.83 per person. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 3-4 hours |
A visit to the Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the best things to see and do in Dubai with kids. While the park is part of the Atlantis Hotel, you do not need to be a guest to visit for the day. This water park is also one of many in the whole city. There are over 30 attractions to visit in the park. You and your little ones can spend the full day there. It is one of the best Dubai parks for the ultimate family fun!
Skydive Dubai
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Al Seyahi St – Dubai Marina – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the bus from Jumeirah, Royal Meridian 1, which is only a 5-minute walk from the center, or take the ferry from Marina Terrace Station, which is just a 5-minute walk from the skydiving center. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | From AED 2,199 to AED2,599 per person. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | The whole process might take around 3 hours. |
Looking to cross off a bucket list item while in Dubai? Skydiving above Palm Jumeirah Island is by far one of the most epic things to do in Dubai. Skydive Dubai has broken several world records.
This extreme sport has been a tradition in Dubai for over ten years, with hundreds of monthly jumps. Everyone must experience it once in their lifetime, especially in Dubai. Check out the official website to book your unforgettable excursion in the air.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Downtown Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Dubai Metro to the Red Line’s Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall station. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | Adults & Children 2 years and above AED 199 each. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 45 min – 1 hour |
The Dubai Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums and animal sanctuaries. People can see the underwater creatures in their habitat, as well as interact with them. Several encounters and tours include cage diving, shark feeding, snorkeling.
The aquarium and zoo are located in downtown Dubai in the famous Dubai Mall, an attraction of its own. If you have ever dreamt of getting up close and personal with ocean and sea creatures, this is your chance. Witness one of the largest creatures in the world, the whale shark, swim just a few feet away from you. This experience will surely take your breath away.
Dubai Miracle Garden
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Street 3 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Dubai Metro and stop at the MOE (Mall of the Emirates metro station) – Red line or take the RTA Bus route 105 from MOE to Dubai Miracle Garden. |
| 🕗 Opening Hours | From 9 AM to 9 PM (Monday to Friday) and from 9 AM to 10 PM on weekends. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | Adult/Seniors AED 95 (Over 12 years old), Child AED 80 (Age 3 to 12 years) and Child Below 3 is Free. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 3 – 4 hours |
Dubai’s colorful Miracle Garden is one of the city’s many treasures. This garden is not just any plant home. In fact, it is the world’s largest natural garden, with over 150 million flowers. The regular season for the garden is mid-November until mid-May when the flowers are in full bloom. Witness hundreds and thousands of flowers illuminate the garden in a matter of days.
What’s extra special about this garden? Each year the site introduces a new theme and adapts its arrangements into large structures and designs. On average, over 1.5 million people visit the Miracle Garden every year, making it one of the most popular attractions not just in Dubai but in the entire country.
Dubai Desert Safari
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Dubai Desert Safari. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the bus Line 102 to Desert Safari. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 6 hours |
If you are going to Dubai, you can’t miss out on a safari excursion and camel riding on the city’s rolling sand dunes. This is definitely one of the best ways to experience Dubai’s desert. If you know where to look, you may even stumble upon some of the UAE’s hidden gems.
The Dubai Fountain
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Downtown Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Dubai Metro M1 or Buses 27, 28, 29, 81 and F13. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, from AED 20 per person. Dubai Fountain Lake Ride, from AED 68.25 per person. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | Around 30 minutes. |
The Dubai Mall Fountain is one of the city’s most mesmerizing attractions. The funds shoot 22,000 gallons of water up to 460 feet (140 meters) high. The Dubai Fountain show occurs every day for 30 minutes at 6 PM. It includes music by Andrea Bocelli, Michael Jackson, Sarah Brightman, and more talented artists. Listening to music with a view of the water dancing in the sky is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Plan at least one of your evenings around the show to admire the work of art that is this performance.
Dubai Mall
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Downtown Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Dubai Metro M1 or Buses 27, 28, 29, 81 and F13. |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, from AED 20 per person. Dubai Fountain Lake Ride, from AED 68.25 per person. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 4-6 hours |
Are you in need of some retail therapy? A visit to the Dubai Mall might be the perfect bet. Regarded as the largest mall in the world, the shopping complex is home to more than 1,200 tempting boutiques, including high-end shops of brands like Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Louboutin.
The Ultimate Guide To Dubai Mall
Ski Dubai
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Dubai Metro M1 or Buses 81, 84, 93 and J01. |
| 🕗 Opening Hours | From 09:00 AM to 01:00 AM |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | From AED 249.76 per person. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 3-4 hours |
Ready to hit the slopes at any time of the year? Then visit Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort with a 22,500-square-meter ski area and even a habitat for snow penguins!
Dubai Museum
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Al Fahidi Fort – Al Fahidi – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Line 104 bus to Dubai Museum. |
| 🕗 Opening Hours | From 10 AM to 9.30 PM |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | For adults, AED 149 is free, and it is free for children under 4. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | 2-3 hours |
This stunning construction is a must-see for history aficionados. The Dubai Museum houses mosques, souks, and galleries filled with local antiques and artifacts dating back to 3000 BC!
Bur Dubai
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Bur Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Dubai Metro M2 or Buses 15, 21, 61, 91, C1 and C18. |
| ⏰ Suggested Stay | 2-3 days |
Located on the western side of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai is a historic district home to big-name attractions like the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the Old Souk, the Global Village, and the magical Dubai Garden Glow.
Legoland Dubai
KEY INFO
| 📍 Address | Parks & Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Abu Dhabi. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take buses F11, 21, 27, 98E, and 29 to Legoland Dubai |
| 🕗 Opening Hours | From 10 AM to 7.00 PM |
| 🤑 Ticket Price | A full-day access ticket to Legoland Dubai costs AED 295 per person if bought online or AED 330 per person at the gate. Kids under three can enter for free. |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration | Full day |
Looking for the perfect place to take the little ones? Then head over to Legoland Dubai. The park houses a mini Lego city with 15,000 miniature models of different landmarks and structures worldwide, aside from a Lego Master Builder Academy and a fun-filled waterpark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some famous tourist attractions in Dubai?
Some famous tourist attractions in Dubai include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, and the Dubai Museum.
What adventurous activities can you do in Dubai?
Experience dune bashing and desert safaris, skydiving over Palm Jumeirah, try indoor skiing at Ski Dubai, or go hot air ballooning for a unique city aerial view.
What are some free or budget-friendly activities in Dubai?
Visit public beaches like JBR Beach or Kite Beach, explore the Dubai Marina Walk, watch the Dubai Fountain show, visit the Jumeirah Mosque, or explore the Dubai Water Canal.
