Hey there! So, you’re thinking about visiting Dubai? You’re in for a treat. Dubai is a place where futuristic skyscrapers meet ancient traditions, where luxury shopping is just the beginning, and where you can spend your day in the desert and end it watching a fountain dance to music. Sounds amazing, right?
In this blog, you will know the must-do things in Dubai, and trust me, you’re going to want to take notes. We’ll cover everything from sky-high views at the Burj Khalifa to tranquil boat rides down the creek, and everything in between. So, grab your sunglasses, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s get started on this guide to the best spots in Dubai.
Big Places to See in Dubai
The city is known for its structures and grand scale. These places are where you get a true sense of Dubai’s spirit.
Go to the Top of the Burj Khalifa
A trip to Dubai is not complete without seeing the world’s tallest building. The Burj Khalifa is a sight to see from the ground. Going up to the top offers a new feeling. It is a good idea to book tickets in advance to be sure you can go when you want. You can go to the “At the Top” observation deck on levels 124 and 125. The views from here are wide. You can see the city, the desert, and the sea all at once. For an even higher look, you can visit “At the Top SKY” on level 148.
See the Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain is right at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. It is the world’s largest show of its kind. In the evenings, the fountains come to life every 30 minutes. They move to music from around the world. The show is a mix of light and water. It is a free show you can watch from the walkway. For a better view, you can take a small boat ride on the lake.
A Safari in the Dubai Desert
A trip to Dubai is not complete without going on a desert safari. We promise this will be one of the most memorable days of your trip. The journey often starts in the afternoon. You will be driven into the dunes for a sand dune experience. Then, you can try sandboarding. It feels like surfing on sand.
From there, you will be taken to a traditional Bedouin-style camp. You can enjoy a special dinner and traditional music. You can also get a henna painting on your hands. We know from looking at data from tourism reports that desert safaris are one of the most booked tours in the city, with a starting price around 60 AED for a basic trip.
Historical Places and Modern Wonders
Dubai has a history that goes back many years. It is also a city that is always building something new. You will love seeing both sides of its identity.
Walk Through Old Dubai
If you walk away from the tall buildings, you can see the city’s heart. Old Dubai, especially the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, will show you what the city was like before it became a big city. You can walk through narrow streets. The buildings here have wind towers that were used to keep homes cool.
You will find small museums about coffee, coins, and the city’s past. You can also go to the Textile Souk to find fabrics. You can also go to the famous Gold Souk and Spice Souk. To get from one side of the creek to the other, you can ride a small wooden boat called an Abra. It costs less than a dollar.
Experience the Museum of the Future
There’s this building that looks like a perfect circle. It has a beautiful shape and special writing on the outside from a poem by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This place is not a museum with old things. It’s a museum for what’s next. It shows what life and technology could be like in the year 2071. It’s a busy place, so it’s a good idea to get your tickets online. A general ticket costs about 149 AED.
See the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame tells the story of the city in a neat way. It’s a huge building that looks just like a giant picture frame. From the glass walkway at the top, you can see both sides of the city. On one side, you can see the older part of the city. On the other side, you get to see the new city with all its tall buildings. It’s a great way to see how the city has changed.
Relax at Jumeirah Public Beach
After a day of walking, we think you’ll want to spend some time on a beach. Jumeirah Beach is a perfect spot to go. It has soft, white sand and clear water. You can see the Burj Al Arab from here. It’s a public beach, so you can go for free. The views from the sand are pretty nice. You can also find food stands and places to get drinks right by the water.
More Things to See and Do in Dubai
The city offers so much more. These next places are also a great way to experience something special.
Global Village
Global Village is a big outdoor park. It brings together countries from all over the world in one place. Each country has a pavilion. You can walk from one pavilion to the next and see goods from different cultures. You can try food, watch a show, or listen to music from many parts of the world. It is open in the cooler months, from October to April. It’s a great place for families.
Dubai Mall
This is not just a place to shop. It has many attractions inside. We want you to see the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. It has thousands of sea animals. You can also go ice skating, or see a movie. There is also a place for children to play and learn. It is a great place to spend a hot afternoon. We saw a traveler post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the aquarium is so large you can see it from outside the mall without a ticket.
Dubai Marina Walk
This is a beautiful area by the water. You can take a boat ride, or you can just walk along the path. The buildings that stand here are some of the most impressive in the city. You can find places to eat or just sit and watch the people go by. It’s a nice change of pace. We think you will like the quiet mood here in the evening.
Practical Advice for Your Trip
To get the most out of your time here, we offer some friendly advice to make your visit simple and easy.
- Best Time to Visit: The period from November to March is perfect for being outside. Daytime temperatures stay comfortable. This is when you can walk around and enjoy the city’s outdoor places without the extreme heat. The summer months, from June to August, are very hot. This is a time for indoor places, like malls and museums.
- Getting Around: The city has many ways to move around. The Dubai Metro is very clean and fast. It connects many of the main areas you will want to see. You can also get a taxi easily. Or, you can use a ride-sharing app like Careem or Uber. These are good options for longer distances or when you are not close to a Metro station.
- What to Wear: Dubai welcomes people from all over the world. However, it is a good idea to dress in a respectful way. We suggest you wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, especially in public. At the beach or hotel pool, your swimwear is just fine. Inside the malls and attractions, the air conditioning can be strong. It’s a good idea to bring a light jacket.
Conclusion
From its long-standing past to its forward-thinking future, Dubai is a city that has everything you could want. We are sure that by using our guide to the top must-do things in Dubai, your time here will be full of discovery and good moments. Start making your plans today.
What are the top attractions in Dubai?
Top attractions include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, desert safari, Old Dubai, Museum of the Future, and Jumeirah Beach.
How do I visit the Burj Khalifa?
Visit the “At the Top” observation deck on levels 124 and 125, or the “At the Top SKY” on level 148. Book tickets in advance.
What is the Dubai Fountain show?
A free, nightly light and water show set to music, located at the Burj Khalifa.
How much is a desert safari?
A basic desert safari starts at 60 AED, including a dune ride, sandboarding, dinner, and entertainment.
What is the Museum of the Future?
A futuristic museum showcasing technology and concepts for the year 2071. Tickets are 149 AED.
