Located on the Arabian desert on the South East Coast of the Persian Gulf- Dubai is the largest city and capital of the United Arab Emirates. This glamorous, modern metropolis also happens to be one of the top luxury travel destinations in the world.
Enriched with Arabian culture and architecture, a dash of desert adventures, with lots of fine-dining and shopping- there is so much more to Dubai than what meets the eye.
Without a doubt, this city is a dream for those with true wanderlust. There are so many historical and cultural elements one can explore in Dubai. Plus its’ grand attractions make it a place that everyone must visit once in their lifetime.
If you’re looking for a travel destination for your next vacation, get your tickets ready, bring out your sunglasses and let the luxurious Dubai welcome you. You don’t have to wonder what to do in Dubai, because we’ve got you covered.
Dubai Attractions
Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
Who wouldn’t want to see the tallest building in the world? Your trip to Dubai simply cannot be complete without visiting the famous Burj Khalifa.
This tallest free-standing structure in the world is over 828 meters i.e. 2,716.5 feet! And this stunning skyscraper has a total of 160 stories. You can go all the way up to the top levels in only 35 seconds, through the world’s fastest elevator.
At this thrilling height, the sights are simply breathtaking. A birds-eye view of the entire city, skyline, ocean, and desert will surely mesmerize anyone.
Plus, there are open-air terraces, telescopes, and fancy restaurants to complete your trip to the iconic Burj Khalifa. We recommend this as one of the best things to do in Dubai that you won’t ever forget.
Dubai Marina & Luxury Yacht Tour
Dubai Marina is one of the loveliest and finest residential areas in Dubai. Many people choose to stay in this posh area with its’ upscale hotels, dining, and shopping. It is also a great place to visit as there are many activities for tourists who want a modern and relaxing feel of the city.
The luxury yacht tour is a must-try when you’re in Dubai Marina. You may opt for the morning or afternoon cruise and enjoy a few hours in the sparkling water with the dazzling views of the marina.
You get a complete luxury experience with a red carpet welcome, a tour guide, air-conditioned decks, and a live BBQ.
Dubai Marina Walk is also one of the main highlights in this district. This beachfront walkway is lined with over 69 restaurants and 305 outlets. You can easily spend your entire day in this clean and beautiful area. Main attractions include the Jumeirah Beach, Cobblestone Boulevard, and the Convent Garden Market.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and Penguin Encounter at Dubai Mall
If you love animals, especially aquatic creatures, Dubai has a host of fun activities to fill up your day. This city has one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. If you have kids, this is one place you must take them to.
The best part is that it’s situated in the Dubai Mall- the largest mall in the world; another captivating attraction.
You can take a look at the most stunning variety of sea animals on the sweeping ocean floors. Visitors can opt between two experiences: Researcher or Explorer. With the Researcher Experience, you will pass through the magnificent Aquarium Tunnel and then the Underwater Zoo and Observatory.
If you want an even more fascinating experience, the Explorer option takes you to the Submersive Simulator- an exciting up-close and personal way to see sharks, dugongs, and other sea-life. You can even ride in the Aquarium Glass Bottom Boat, sail along the water surface, and watch the sea-creatures swimming right below.
The Underwater Zoo is located right above the Aquarium. Here, you can meet penguins, crabs, piranhas, jellyfish, seahorses, and much more. King Croc is another interesting addition here, which is one of the rarest and largest reptiles in the world.
Dubai Desert Safari with Camel Ride, Sandboarding, and BBQ
When in Dubai, you can’t miss the chance to get in touch with your wild and adventurous side. The desert safari is an experience of a lifetime, sure to give you an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
You will be driving and dune-bashing across the Red Arabian Desert in a cool four-wheel vehicle. For those with a flair for extreme sports, surfing the dunes will be even more thrilling. Camel riding is also a perfect addition to this adventure.
End the day with a tasty barbeque on the beach, watch the exquisite belly dances, as well as the fascinating fire show. You will also enjoy the traditional Tanoura show on this trip. This is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Dubai.
Check Out The Desert Safari in Dubai Red Dunes by 4×4
Dubai Garden Glow
Looking for some of the best things to do in Dubai? Take a trip to Dubai Garden Glow with friends and family for a magical experience.
The Glow Park features a huge artificial garden that literally glows with colorful, vibrant lights. This glow-in-the-dark garden is executed using millions of bulbs (energy-saving ones) and recycled fabrics. You will witness the finest works of art illuminated in color. Every year showcases a new theme in the glow park and introduces all-new sights.
Next comes The Dinosaur Park that will surely take you back to the nostalgic Jurassic Park days. Watch over 120 animatronic dinosaurs that look super realistic, and head to the Dinosaur Lab to check out the museums’ skeleton collection. This park offers a perfect combination of education and entertainment.
Finally, the Magic Park is also super fun and imaginative place filled with optical illusions and interesting artistry- perfect for taking the most creative photos.
Atlantis Aquaventure & Lost Chambers
The Atlantis The Palm Resort is home to one of the craziest and most enjoyable waterparks- the Atlantis Aquaventure. All you need to do is grab an entrance-only ticket that is valid all day long. You will find thrilling water rides and more attractions for all age groups.
What makes this one of the Top Things To Do in Dubai(1) or Fun Things To Do in Dubai? Well, the Aquaventure was awarded the title of ‘Best Waterpark in the Middle East 2015’ title by TripAdvisor. It is truly a must-visit for all the fun it offers.
Some of the best activities in Aquaventure include the shark tunnel ride, water slides, dolphin bay, diving, and more. For thrill-seekers, the Poseidon’s Revenge features a slick trapdoor that opens right under your feet and sends you whizzing down a height of 75 feet (22.8 meters) and then into a double loop.
The Tower of Neptune Tunnels sends you down from a whopping 90 feet and then into the Shark Lagoon. Plus, Splashers Island has lots of water slides for more aquatic adventures.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Still, wondering what to do in Dubai? Your options are endless. One place we recommend for a truly beautiful time is the Miracle Garden. This is the biggest flower garden in the city and it’s a wonderland you will fall in love with.
Flower-lovers, you will be in awe of the variety of flowers and the colorful, blooming sculptures here. In fact, there are 45 million flowers in this scenic garden, spread over a whopping 72000 sqm.
This is a garden built with utmost love, sheer brilliance, spectacular designs, and is extremely well-maintained. Looking for an Instagrammable spot in Dubai? Head to the Dubai Miracle Garden and be amazed. Just make sure to check the months and times when the garden is operational.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Dubai is one action-packed city with an array of interesting activities for visitors. The hot air balloon ride is another breathtaking experience. You will glide through the Dubai sky and explore the city’s enchanting golden hues at sunrise.
The panoramic views of the sand dunes and the Arabian desert and the city skyline are totally worth it. Plus, the ride is approximately 40 to 70 minutes long so you can bask in the sun, snap photos, and truly immerse yourself in the experience. The Hot Air Balloon ride is an adventure on its’ own.
Dubai: High Tea in the Sky
Imagine being suspended 50 meters above the ground, and enjoying an exquisite high-tea in the air. This fabulous experience is entirely possible when you’re in Dubai!
This dining concept is not just unique but its’ utterly fascinating too. A crane lifts the travelers up above, while they watch the chef prepare their food. Once you reach the top, you enjoy the beautiful views while being served a fantastic feast.
Dubai has a variety of fun and relaxing activities to offer. You can always explore this rich, blissful city on your own and discover all of its’ true potentials. These are some of our most recommended, best things to do in Dubai for visitors. We hope you enjoy your stay in the Pearl of Gulf aka the city of gold.
