Dubai is one of the top tourist destinations in the world lately and for valid reasons. From its lavish lifestyle to the world’s tallest buildings and iconic desert safaris, Dubai has so much to offer to a diverse range of visitors. Although Dubai has emerged as the luxury capital, the variety of activities, magnificent cultural and historical landmarks, authentic shops, vibrant city life, and delicious middle eastern cuisine make this city a must-visit destination for all.
Dubai promises thrilling adventures, delicious food, and a mix of every exciting experience you could imagine. Whether you are looking for things to do for couples, fun activities for families with kids, or solo adventure, check out Dubai’s endless opportunities. If you plan to visit this alluring city, here is the list of things you must try while visiting Dubai, and things you should not miss out on. Do not wait too long and prepare yourself to embark on an awe-inspiring journey.
You cannot imagine a list without Burj Khalifa, as this iconic skyscraper is the world’s tallest building standing at 828 meters with 163 floors that have been divided into offices, suites, house units, hotels, and more. Burj Khalifa is open from 08.00 to 18.00 every day, and the observation deck operates from 5.30 until midnight. Once in Dubai, you should experience the view of ‘’At the Top’’ which is the name of the observation deck of Burj Khalifa. The best time to visit is surely during sunset but note that is the time when the observation deck would be the most crowded. Besides being mesmerized by the view, you can stroll at Burj Park, pamper yourself at Armani Hotel Spa, and enjoy the delicacies of Dubai at The Lounge, which holds Guinness World Record for being the highest lounge in the world.
If you want to chill by the crystal-clear waters and pristine stretch of sand, look no further than Jumeirah Beach, as it is the best destination for relaxation in Dubai. As a public beach, Jumeirah is great for everyone, whether you want to spend time as a family with your kids or socialize with your friends. Located within walking distance of the luxurious Burj Al Arab, it is free for all visitors who want to escape the city's hustle. Besides a lazy day at the beach, you can try various water activities, such as parasailing, jet skiing, and more. If you want to indulge in something to eat or drink, you can also find numerous cafes and restaurants within easy walking distance. You can enjoy the refreshing water of Jumeirah Beach from 7.00 to 22.00 or 23.00 and do not forget to bring your sunscreen with you.
Prepare to be amazed by the world’s largest flower garden; Miracle Garden, located in the heart of Dubai is an awe-inspiring garden that spreads over a whopping 72,000 square meters and boasts over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants. It is not just a massive garden, but a unique experience itself, as with many attractions, fun activities, and dining options, this place guarantees fun and excitement for all. Miracle Garden operates from 09.00 to 21.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 22.00 on weekends, and if you want to get the best photos and avoid crowds, it is advised to visit early in the morning or closer to closing time. Besides popular attractions like heart-shaped pathway and Emirates A380 airplane, try to explore less popular areas, to get the best photographs!
Dubai is known for being a shopper’s paradise, where you can find almost anything you want. Some of the world’s largest malls are located in Dubai and these malls do not just present the most luxurious brands, but the abundance of shopping, dining, and entertainment options make Dubai malls a must-visit place for all. The Dubai Mall, City Walk, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Dubai Marina Mall are some of the most famous malls, not only in Dubai but generally worldwide. For more information on Dubai malls and where to head, you can check out the Top 10 Malls in Dubai.
If you seek a unique experience where you explore the authenticity of Dubai and search for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, you must head to the desert. There are numerous options to explore, from desert safaris to luxury camps with music, dance, and local food. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is ideal for having such an adventure. Besides being one of the largest areas declared a protected natural reserve, spreading over 220 square kilometers, you can also explore luxury camping options where enjoy a luxurious evening with gourmet meals, belly and Tanura dancing, fire show performances, and numerous activities. Dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding are among the most popular activities for adventurers.
You cannot expect to visit Dubai without stopping by the most famous and authentic market in Dubai, the Gold Souk. This worldly-renowned traditional market is known for its abundance of gold, diamonds, pearls, platinum, and silver. Located on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, Gold Souk is easily accessible and nearby popular destinations like Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the Textile Souk, Bur Dubai Grand Mosque, and Al Shindagha historic district. This market is regulated by the Dubai government to guarantee the authenticity of the merchandise, but for the pricing, do not forget to bargain with retailers. Whether you want to do window shopping or purchase exquisite jewelry, Gold Souk is a must-see place that you can visit every day from 9.30 to 21.30, except Fridays which operates between 16.00 to 21.30. Also, the parking lot of Gold Souk is open 24 hours a day.
Deep Dive Dubai is a unique experience, it is the Guinness World record holder as the world's deepest swimming pool for diving with depths of up to 60 meters. This complex gained its reputation with 14 million liters of water, making the pool equivalent to six Olympic-size pools. Deep Dive is not just a diving pool, with several underwater attractions, a sunken city theme, more than 50 cameras, diving experts, and scuba diving courses, it guarantees a great memory and the best photographs to its visitors. If you do not wish to dive or bring someone who does not, there is the alternative of ‘dry land’ where visitors watch others as they dive, a gift shop, a dive shop, and a restaurant on site. Deep Dive Dubai operates daily from 09.00 to 18.00 and tickets cost around AED 1500 or USD 400.
Perhaps Palm Jumeirah is the most famous aspect of Dubai, both for being a man-made island and for the abundance of luxurious activities for its visitors. This artificial archipelago does not fail to impress with its palm-tree-like shape from the aerial viewpoint. Some of the most opulent luxurious resorts like Atlantis, The Palm, Jumeirah Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, and more, are located on this island where visitors can enjoy plenty of options for fine dining, bars, local and international restaurants, and entertainment. You can head to The Pointe to watch Dubai Fountain, spend hours in Aquaventure Water Park, do underwater yoga at Lost Chambers Aquarium, enjoy the 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah from The View at The Palm, sail around the archipelago with a yacht, or indulge in various restaurants like En Fuego, Nobu by the Beach, or Ling Ling Dubai, Palm Jumeirah offers endless activities for all!
Dubai Marina is one of the most famous places in Dubai and it deserves its reputation. This stunning place offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian Gulf and numerous activities for its visitors of all ages. You can take a luxurious cruise to get the best of the Marina and visit Jumeirah Island, you can try the world’s longest urban zipline over the Marina, and enjoy some of the best options for fine dining, including authentic cuisine and exquisite examples of international cuisine. If you are fond of water sports and looking for adrenaline-fueled excitement, you can always try jet skiing or parasailing. Regarding entertainment, Dubai Marina is great as it has the best food to satisfy your tastebuds, numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, all lined with stunning waterfront views.
Dubai has so much to offer, including cultural tourism and you can explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of Dubai via museums. From ancient artifacts to modern art, Dubai museums present a long timeline to its visitors. Although the abundance of museums presents unique experiences to each visitor, once in Dubai you should visit at least some of the notables like the Dubai Museum, and the Etihad Museum. Dubai Museum is located in the Al Fahidi Fort, as a part of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, which is a well-preserved 19th-century neighborhood, along the Dubai Creek. On the other hand, Etihad Museum is ideal to discover the contemporary history of the United Arab Emirates through its development years between 1968-1974.