If someone ever said to me that Dubai is boring, I think I’d just stare in disbelief, completely lost for words.
Seriously, it’s Dubai! Where else in the world can you find a city packed with so many incredible things to see, do, taste, explore, and shop for all in one place?
Absolutely nowhere!
The truth is, the few days I spent in this dazzling city flew by so fast, and I still didn’t manage to tick everything off my list.
And I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same way. Dubai is overflowing with experiences—you could live there for years and still stumble across something new and exciting every single day.
But don’t worry, if it’s your first trip and you don’t have much time, I’ve got you covered. I’ve put together this guide highlighting the absolute best things to do in Dubai, all based on my own adventures in the city.
Trust me—you’re going to have the most unforgettable time!
Tip: Do you want to enjoy your visit more? Hop on a Dubai City Tour—it’s a fantastic way to see all the major attractions in one go, just like a local would.
Things to do in Dubai for a Memorable Experience
1) Burj Khalifa
Standing at an amazing 828 meters high, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and is a must-visit attraction in Dubai.
This architectural wonder stands proudly in the heart of the city and buzzes with life both day and night.
Simply gazing up at its towering presence is a breathtaking experience, but stepping inside takes it to a whole new level. Go to the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors for amazing views of Dubai, or have some snacks and drinks at the nice At The Top Sky Lounge.
If you’re celebrating something special, make it unforgettable with a sunset at The Lounge in Burj Khalifa, the highest lounge in the world, which is 585 meters high.
Visiting hours – At The Top: Daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight
2) The Dubai Fountain
Right at the foot of the iconic Burj Khalifa, you’ll find the spectacular Dubai Fountain, one of the largest choreographed fountain shows on the planet. Watch in amazement as water shoots up to 140 meters high, dancing beautifully to a variety of music.
The best time to visit is in the evening when the shows start at sunset and run every 30 minutes, with the grand finale wrapping up at 11 PM. For an even more memorable experience, grab a table at one of the nearby restaurants in Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar, both offering unbeatable views of the dazzling display.
Opening hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily
Price: Free
3) Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is world-renowned and stands as an incredible feat of design and engineering. Both visitors and residents are drawn to its impressive collection of luxury hotels – from Waldorf Astoria and Fairmont to One&Only, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, and of course, the iconic Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. Reaching the island is easy, with the monorail running along the trunk and linking directly to the city’s tram network.
4) Dubai Creek
Dubai is home to a vibrant heritage worth discovering. A great example of old-meets-new is Dubai Creek, the saltwater inlet where the Bani Yas tribe first settled. While here, don’t miss a ride on a traditional abra boat – at just AED1, it’s easily the best-value attraction in the city. Afterward, wander through the winding lanes of the gold, spice, and textile souks to soak up the local atmosphere.
5) Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai is among the city’s oldest areas. Best explored on foot, it captures the charm of the past with traditional windtowers and narrow alleyways along the historic Dubai Creek.
Stop by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) to engage in Arabic classes, heritage tours, and mosque visits. Once done, enjoy a scenic abra ride across the creek to the bustling souks.
6) The Dubai desert
Just a short drive of under 20 minutes from Downtown Dubai, the Arabian Desert has lots of fun things to do. Embark on a desert safari filled with exciting activities like quad biking and sandboarding. For a more upscale experience, book a safari with top operators such as Platinum Heritage or Arabian Adventures.
From the thrilling off-road ride to cultural highlights like henna painting and camel rides, plus a traditional feast beneath the stars, it’s an experience unique to Dubai. For an extended stay, indulge in a night among the dunes at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.
7) Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is the world’s largest hub for shopping, leisure, and entertainment, set right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa. With more than 1,200 retail outlets, two department stores, and hundreds of dining options, it spans over 1 million sqm – the size of 200 football fields. Even a full day isn’t enough to experience everything it offers.
Beyond its massive selection of shops and eateries, the mall also houses plenty of exciting attractions.
Opening hours: 10am to 11pm (Monday to Thursday), 10am to 12am (Friday to Sunday)
8) Skydive Dubai
For thrill-seekers, skydiving is an absolute must-try. At Skydive Dubai, you can go for a tandem jump with expert instructors guiding you. Spaces get taken fast, so it’s important to book ahead. From 13,000 feet in the air, you’ll jump and fall freely while enjoying amazing views of Palm Jumeirah or the wide desert sand.
Best of all, the Skydive Dubai team records the whole experience on video, so you can watch and enjoy the amazing moment anytime you want.
9) Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah, which means ‘City of Jumeirah’, is a resort complex inspired by an old Arabian citadel. It features luxury hotels and private areas designed in traditional Middle Eastern style. Visitors can unwind at the renowned Talise Spa, shop for souvenirs and unique pieces at the Madinat Souk, or enjoy digital art displays at the Theatre of Digital Art.
With more than 40 dining spots offering global cuisines, it’s also the perfect place to grab a meal.
Opening hours and price: Depending on individual venues within the complex.
10) Dubai Frame
Opened in 2018, the Dubai Frame has quickly become a famous spot in the city, representing the link between old and new Dubai. Situated in Zabeel Park, the structure stands 150m tall and offers panoramic views of both the historic and modern sides of the city.
A highlight is the glass bridge walkway that links the two towers, making the entire building resemble a giant picture frame.
Opening hours: 9am to 9pm daily
Must read: 20 Incredible Things to Do in New York City (2025 Travel Guide)
11) Kite Beach
Kite Beach is a great spot to try out watersports, but there’s just as much fun to be had on land. Enjoy a smoothie at one of the outdoor cafés and restaurants, watch skaters and bikers at XPark by Etisalat, or play in a fun volleyball game on the beach.
With plenty of activities and a stunning view of Burj Al Arab in the distance, it’s easy to spend the whole day here.
Opening hours: 24 hours daily, with dining and sporting venues operating at different times
12) Jumeirah Beach
Exploring all that Dubai has to offer can be a little tiring—I know from experience. When you need a break, head over to Jumeirah Beach. Famous for its clear waters, soft white sand, and beautiful sunsets, it’s one of the city’s most loved spots.
Set in the upscale Jumeirah district, the beach is lined with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops. You’ll also find beach lounges and umbrellas available for rent. Simply sit back, enjoy the sunshine, and take in the stunning views.
13) SLS Dubai
One of the top experiences in Dubai is a stay at the SLS Dubai.
This luxury hotel blends sleek modern design with a hint of classic elegance, creating a truly unique atmosphere in the heart of the city. Its location is ideal, with many of Dubai’s main attractions only a short drive away. The rooms are spacious, stylishly furnished, and equipped with the latest amenities, all while offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.
14) Take a Ride on The World’s Largest Ferris Wheel
While exploring Dubai Marina, you’ll notice Ain Dubai, also known as the Dubai Eye. This amazing Ferris wheel is one of the city’s most famous sights.
Situated on Bluewaters Island, right off the coast near Palm Jumeirah, it offers an unforgettable experience. You can hop into one of the 48 fully air-conditioned capsules, each holding up to 40 people, for a comfortable and stylish ride.
Reaching 250 meters in height, the wheel provides breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai and beyond. A 40-minute ride starts at AED 130, which also includes access to the attractions on Bluewaters Island.
15) Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain Show is one of the city’s must-see attractions, offering an unforgettable mix of water, music, and light.
Set in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the fountains shoot streams of water up to 500 feet into the air, perfectly choreographed to a soundtrack that ranges from classical pieces to modern hits.
The most magical time to experience it is after dark, when the illuminated water creates a spectacular sight. Visitors can enjoy the show from different spots, such as the promenade or nearby restaurants.
Performances take place every 30 minutes in the evenings, and the best part—it’s completely free to watch.
We personally watched nine different performances, each with its own unique charm, but the Spanish version of Enrique Iglesias’ “Hero” was by far the most moving—it even brought tears to my eyes.
16) Dubai Water Canal
Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2km-long waterway that stretches from the Creek in old Dubai, passes through Business Bay, and flows out into the Arabian Gulf. With 80,000 square meters of public space and a 12-kilometer bike track, it has quickly become a popular place for visitors.
The canal is crossed by five pedestrian bridges, making it a great place for a walk while enjoying stunning city views. Close by, you’ll find Al Habtoor City, home to the spectacular La Perle show, luxury five-star hotels, and a selection of stylish restaurants.
17) City Walk
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City Walk combines European-style pedestrian streets with plenty of shopping and entertainment, making it an ideal spot for a day out. Stroll along tree-lined avenues filled with restaurants and shops, and admire creative works from some of the world’s top urban artists.
For families, The Green Planet offers an indoor tropical rainforest experience where you can see real wildlife up close. Just nearby, the Coca-Cola Arena – the largest indoor arena in the Middle East – hosts exciting concerts, comedy shows, and more.
18) Dubai Miracle Garden
Visit a beautiful flower garden at Dubai Miracle Garden, the biggest flower garden in the world. Spanning 72,000sqm, the park showcases breathtaking installations transformed into vibrant floral displays. Visitors can walk among over 150 million flowers in its many displays.
Close by, Dubai Butterfly Garden makes a great addition to the visit, where kids can discover over 15,000 species of butterflies and learn about them in an engaging way.
Opening hours: 9 AM to 9 PM from Monday to Friday, and 9 AM to 11 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
19) Dubai Opera
Situated in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Opera hosts world-class performances ranging from classical concerts and stand-up comedy to musicals, pop concerts, and more. Overlooking the Dubai Fountain and set beside Burj Khalifa, the venue’s striking design takes inspiration from Arabian dhow ships. Inside, the stage can seamlessly transform into three formats – a theatre, a hall, or a concert hall.
To find out what’s on during your trip, check the Dubai Calendar.
20) Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the city’s most vibrant districts. Take a walk along Marina Walk to admire the impressive skyline, or hop on a traditional dhow cruise for a different view.
This bustling destination is a favourite among visitors, thanks to its waterfront dining spots, lively lounges, and shopping options at Dubai Marina Mall. If you love excitement, XLine Dubai Marina – the longest city zipline in the world – gives you a fun and memorable experience.
21) Hatta
Located 130km south-east of Downtown Dubai, Hatta is a must-visit scenic escape. Here, you can go kayaking on the peaceful Hatta Lake or explore rugged trails with unique hiking adventures. The area now also features Hatta Dome Park, a glamping spot offering mountain views and a natural retreat, along with the stylish Damani Lodges.
If you love adventure, Hatta Wadi Hub has many fun activities like zorbing and mountain biking. Don’t forget your swimsuit – it’s also home to the region’s first water jump park, Hatta Drop-In.
