13 Best Things to Do in Dubai

There are a lot of things to do in Dubai… In fact, so many that we asked a local guide, Neha Singh, for their advice about the 13 best things to do in this incredible city.

Dubai, the city of may records never ceases to entertain tourists and locals alike. Every time you visit Dubai, you will find that there some attractions or certain things that will experience for the first time.

Some may pass through on a long layover, with airlines like Emirates offering easy packages to stop in Dubai. Others might have set their sights on Dubai for a long holiday and are wondering how best to enjoy a Dubai vacation.

However long you’re in town, remember that Dubai is a huge city and planning your visit is always a good idea. So, without further ado, what are the 13 best things to do in Dubai?

1. Watch the Burj Khalifa

Being in Dubai how can you miss visiting this majestic man-made wonder. This beautiful architecture is the world’s tallest building and has been shown in some big Hollywood ventures such as Mission Impossible. With the world’s tallest observatory, you can click some amazing pictures of Dubai. The panoramic view from the observatory makes for a perfect insta pic. If you go to the observatory before sunrise, you can have a view of Dubai both before and after sunrise. Visiting Burj Khalifa is without doubt one of the best things to do in Dubai.

2. Shop till you drop in Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall by David Mark from Pixabay 

Dubai Mall is one of the world’s biggest mall with more than 1200 retail shops that sell everything from pin to plane. Shopping here can be fun as you have all the brands here from Chanel to Prada to SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker. Don’t worry if you have hunger pangs while you are shopping here, the umpteen restaurants and cafes lined up will allow you to satiate your hunger. The 200+ restaurants that specializes in different international cuisines will spoil you for choices as to where to eat. No wonder people from the entire world come to Dubai for shopping.

3. Scuba Diving in Dubai Aquarium

Dubai Aquarium is the world’s biggest acrylic aquarium that holds 10 million liters of water. It is home to over 140 species of different aquatic animals. With over 30,000 sea creatures, this aquarium is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Dubai.

You are also allowed to scuba dive under expert guidance. Coming face-to-face with the largest collection of sand sharks is an out-of-the-world experience.

Whether you are a certified diver or not, come face to face with these amazing sea creatures at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

4. Dine aboard a Dhow at Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina by Moustafa Elsamadouni from Pixabay 

Dubai creek offers breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline while you experience exquisite dining. Glide along Dubai creek in traditional dhows and enjoy the amazing views of glittering Dubai skyline. Enjoy the welcome drink and sit and relax while you take a 2 hour tours of Dubai from the creek.

Enjoy a luxurious spread of international cuisine in the dhows while you listen to some light music and soak in the beautiful scenery.

5. Go behind the wheel in Ferrari World

Though not exactly in Dubai, not far from Dubai in Abu Dhabi you can visit Ferrari World and your visit will be worth it. This fast and furious amusement park in Abu Dhabi is the first Ferrari themed park and has a record for the biggest space frame structure ever built.

With attractions such as The Ferrari Store, Karting Academy, The Mamma Rosella , The Turbo Track, The Flying Aces, The Junior Grand Prix, The Formula Rossa and much more you will find time to be short to enjoy everything.

Be it the highest roller coaster or the highest loop in the world, you will find it in Ferrari World. You will feel adrenaline pumping through your veins while riding these amazing rides. The La Pizza show will make you smile as the artists perform some amazing stunts and rule the stage.

6. Splash & Cool off in Wild Wadi Water Park

Featuring in The Amazing Race 5 and in The Amazing Race Asia 1, the Wild Wadi waterpark is one of the best recognized waterparks in West Asia. It also is famous for having the largest water slide outside north America. With over 17 water slides and 3 swimming pools, this waterpark will cool you off as you splash your way to fun.

7. Enjoy Desert Safari

Dubai Desert Safari by E. Dichtl from Pixabay 

Your Dubai holidays are incomplete without going for a desert safari. Climb aboard a 4X4 and go dune bashing. It is an amazing experience while you go up and down the dunes. There are many activities that you can enjoy in a desert safari. Ride the majestic camels or go sand boarding. You can also go quad biking on sand which is an adrenaline filled experience. That’s not all, enjoy a lavish dinner spread under the night sky with twinkling stars while enjoying some dance and music.

This experience of desert safari will be the one you will cherish forever.

8. Go Hot Air Ballooning

Fly over the vast desert away from the glamor and glitz in Dubai in a hot air balloon. Just relax and soak in the beauty of the landscape and marvel at the various attractions in desert. Enjoy an hour in the air gliding and gaze in awe at the spectacular desert. Each basket can hold up to 24 people and you can comfortably see as you soar up and away.

9. Go sky diving in Palm Jumeirah

Skydiving Dubai by jpmn00 from Pixabay 

When it is fun, it is Dubai. And what best way to have fun than taking a leap through the sky and free falling down before you open up your chute and do soft landing. Sky diving at the Palm Jumeirah is fun as you can see the Jumeirah island from the top that looks mesmerizing. If you are not a sky diving fan, you can just relax and sip a cup of coffee while you watch people sky diving from the Skydive café in Dubai.

10. Enjoy Bollywood Land (or LEGO Land)

The all singing and all dancing razzmatazz of Bollywood comes to Dubai! Yes, Dubai hosts the world’s first ever Bollywood themed theme park and if you’ve ever watched one of these extravaganzas, you’ll know what to expect. Music, dancing, amazing food and the chance to star in your own Bollywood epic… Unmissable!

If Bollywood isn’t your thing, the LEGOLand complex is suitable for kids, both big and small.

11. Visit the Biggest themed mall in the world- Ibn Battuta

Created with the inspiration from the legendary Persian traveler Ibn Battuta and all the places he went to, the mall is divided in to various sections and each section is designed as per the country he has visited. It is amazing architecture throughout. It has 70 shops, 50 restaurants, a 21-screen cinema and over 4,500 parking spaces spread on a total of 521,000 m²

12. Do Flyboarding in style

Flyboarding is one of the most loved sports of Dubai. Mostly offered as a 30-minute ride, with Burj Khalifa as a backdrop this may well be an experience of a lifetime for you. The safety measures adopted are one of the best in the world and therefore, anyone can undertake this adventure. You don’t need to be a trained swimmer to do it. But it is a sure thing to do when in Dubai

13. Enjoy in Aquaventure Waterpark

One of the world’s best themed waterpark, Aquaventure is on the must try list of everyone. Situated inside the grand Atlantis hotel, the entry is free for you if you’re staying inside the hotel as a guest, otherwise, you will have to pay an entry free to get in. It is spread across a gigantic water space of 141 acres and is a non-stop aquatic thrill ride that is sure to take you in its stride.

Conclusion

This list of 13 best things to do in Dubai is just the tip of the iceberg (or sanddune maybe) with so much to do in the city. If you’ve never been, prepare for an incredible experience, no matter how long you’re visiting Dubai…

You can also read some of our other handy articles and guides about Dubai below.


48 Hours in Dubai

Avoid Trouble in Dubai

How to enjoy a layover

Book your flights to Dubai and the rest of the world on our handy widget below…

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