Dubai, the most populated city of one of the richest countries in the world, offers glitz and glamour to travelers from all over the world. Located in the east of the Arabian peninsula, it is one of the municipalities of the United Arab Emirates. The unique city is a fusion of tradition and innovation, evident in the city’s famed attractions.
Dubai is a desert paradise unlike any other. It is a treasure trove of exciting adventures, surreal experiences, and state-of-the-art, groundbreaking architecture. It’s really no wonder that it is the most popular place to visit in the Middle East.
Add this impressive city to your bucket list and explore all of its gems with our guide on the best things to do in Dubai. The sparkling city promises everything you could want and everything you didn’t know you’d want!
1. Marvel at the Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, UAE | Romrodphoto, Shutterstock
The ever opulent Burj Al Arab is one of the tallest hotels in the world. Located on its own man-made island in Jumeirah, the hotel first catches your attention with its stunning facade. The building is covered in curved glass, shaping it like the sail of an Arabian dhow ship — an important icon of the city’s rich history. With over-the-top extravagances such as gold plated details, personal butlers catering to every whim, and amazing gastronomic delights, the hotel gives every guest the royal treatment.
Burj Al Arab
Jumeirah St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Admission: AED 100 (INR 1900) per person
Ph: +971 4 301 7777
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Summersalt Beach Club (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Skyview Bar & Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Bar, $$)
• Taverna Greek Kitchen (4.6/5 stars, Greek, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Burj Al Arab.
The best hotel to stay near Burj Al Arab based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Dubai (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Escape the heat at Dubai Mall
Waterfall in Dubai Mall – world’s largest shopping mall | S-F, Shutterstock
Dubai’s dry, dusty, and relentless hot climate may be off-putting to travelers. Luckily, there are a number of establishments offering indoor entertainment. The best option for those seeking shelter from the sweltering heat is Dubai Mall. Located in downtown Dubai, the sprawling mall is the ultimate leisure destination. Inside the building is a massive shopping center housing over 1,300 stores, a dinosaur exhibit, an aquarium, VR park, the well known Human Waterfall, and other exciting entertainment options.
Dubai Mall
Financial Center Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa – United Arab Emirates
Admission: Free
Ph: +971 800 382246255
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Kohantei Japanese Wagyu Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Japanese, $$$)
• Republic & Co. Restaurant and Lounge (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• The Restaurant At Address Downtown (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Dubai Mall.
The best hotel to stay near Dubai Mall based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront (8.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. Stand tall at Burj Khalifa
View of Burj Khalifa on a beautiful day | Tomasz Czajkowski, Shutterstock
One of man’s natural obsessions is with height. Throughout history, every country has tried to outdo each other with building tall structures, seemingly as a symbol of power and wealth. Currently, the holder for the enviable title of the tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa. The unmissable building is the pride of Dubai and an example of the city’s engineering prowess. Towering at 2,722 feet above the city, with over 160 stories, the tallest free-standing structure in the world is an iconic feat of human innovation
Burj Khalifa
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Entry fee: Rs 5970.64 per person (see website for complete ticket details)
Ph: +971 4 366 1655
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Tulum Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Hooked on Bao (4.7/5 stars, Asian, $$)
• Micro UAE (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Burj Khalifa.
The best hotel to stay near Burj Khalifa based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Taj Dubai (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Experience the dive of your life
Sky diving men rest on UAE Dubai palm in free fall, Skydive Dubai | ViktorKozlov, Shutterstock
Skydiving in Dubai is perhaps the most exhilarating and life-changing way to see the massive city. With this experience, you are flown high above the sky and dropped from a staggering height of 13,000 feet. As you descend at over 120 miles/hour, you are treated to mesmerizing panoramic views of the city that you can’t get anywhere else. Tandem skydiving is the most popular option. You can also choose to descend to the Palm Island drop zone or the Desert drop zone, but Palm Island is the more popular choice.
Skydive Dubai
Al Seyahi St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Tandem skydive cost: AED 1,499
Ph: +971 4 3778888
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Shiro Sushi.wok JBR Dubai (4.6/5 stars, Japanese, $$$)
• Favourite Choice Restaurant (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Charcoal Garden Restaurant and Cafe (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Skydive Dubai.
The best hotel to stay near Skydive Dubai based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Bask in the sun at Jumeirah Beach
Daytime view of Jumeirah public beach with the sea and flying seagulls | alexialex, Shutterstock
The weather in Dubai is almost as famous as the city’s attractions. If you can’t fight the heat of Dubai, why not bask in it? The city has a number of beaches perfect for embracing the hot weather. Jumeirah Beach is the best and most accessible public beach to enjoy the sun. The lively beach has many activities to enjoy. From water sports on the peaceful aquamarine waves to cozy barbecue picnics on the beach, there is something for everyone seeking fun under the sun.
Revel in the beautiful sunshine and turquoise waters of the beach. Despite the city’s conservative roots, it is very open and accepting of its visitors and allows visitors to flaunt their stuff in bikinis and Speedos. Dress appropriately when going to places adjacent to the beach, though!
Jumeirah Beach
5th Street – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Crust Restaurant (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• MAMA’ESH Al Manara (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Lifter Life Healthy Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Health food, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Jumeirah Beach.
The best hotel to stay near Jumeirah Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts (8.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. See the Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque – Open Doors Open Minds | SMCCUDubai, YouTube
Located north of the Dubai Marina, the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque is a must-see landmark of Dubai. The elegant white facade and beautiful architecture draw many visitors to see its splendor. One of the few mosques open to non-muslims, the mosque offers a daily guided tour of its interiors for educational purposes for a small fee every day at 10 a.m.
Gaze upon the stunning and ornate decor of the mosque as you learn more about Islam and its worship practices, and the mosque itself. Wearing a modest dress that has long sleeves and long pants/skirts is advisable at the mosque to respect the place of worship. National attire may be borrowed at the mosque if needed.
Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Beach Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Admission: AED 25 per person
Ph: +971 4 353 6666
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Square by Meraas (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Habak Urban Lebanese Food (4.6/5 stars, Lebanese, $$)
• Bado Chinese(4.7/5 stars, Chinese, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Jumeirah Mosque.
The best hotel to stay near Jumeirah Mosque based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK, Dubai, Autograph Collection (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Have a blast at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Endangered arabian oryxes (Oryx leucoryx) in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, United Arab Emirates | Kertu, Shutterstock
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is the United Arab Emirates’ first national park. The Arabian desert, located on the outskirts of the city, spans over 225 square kilometers. It is home to over 57 plant species, 120 birds, and 43 mammals and reptiles. The reserve offers stunning scenery of sand dunes and desert fauna, punctuated with desert wildlife.
Experience a unique desert safari that is sure to be the highlight of your trip. Tours to the reserve have different options that suit every traveler’s taste. You can enjoy a camel ride, hot air balloon ride, or glide through the sand dunes on a board. Only a number of operators are granted a concession by the government to organize day tours to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: Arabian Adventures, Lama Tours, Travco and Alpha Tours.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
WJ3G+FW Margham, Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Admission: USD 163 per person
Ph: +971 4 8098710
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Al Romman Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Cowboy Shawarma (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• The Hajar Terrace Bar (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
The best hotel to stay near Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Dine in the desert dunes
The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert: Where Luxury and Nature Unite | The Ritz-Carlton, YouTube
While most desert safari tours to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offer a traditional dinner in a desert camp, you can also enjoy dining with the picturesque desert as your view from a selection of exclusive dining options. One of these is the Ritz-Carlton located in Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah, which offers an unforgettable dining experience in the Dubai desert. Taste authentic Bedouin cuisine under the Arabian sky with the trademark attentive service at the Ritz.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
Al Mazraa, Wadi Khadija – Ras al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates
Ph: +971 7 206 7777
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Atyaf Restaurant (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Al Maeda (4.5/5 stars, Lebanese, $$)
• Meat Point Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert.
The best hotel to stay near The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa (8.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Wander through Dubai’s traditional souks
Gold on the famous “Golden souk” in Dubai Deira market | Patryk Kosmider, Shutterstock
Before the mega-structure malls Dubai has become known for, its people traded in lively marketplaces known as souks. The city has cherished this aspect of its history and developed its more popular souks as a tourists’ destination for souvenirs and mementos of their trip. Even if you aren’t too keen on shopping, the displays of the souks are a sight to see themselves.
Be starstruck by the glittering displays of the Gold Souk market. With over 300 shops displaying intricate gold jewelry and other items, it is the world-renowned gold trading center in the world. You get what you pay for at this bazaar, so don’t worry about ending up with fake gold as the souk is well monitored by the government.
Dubai Gold Souk
779W+QQ Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Gujaranwala Restaurant (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Taha Restaurant And Cafeteria (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Shamiran Restaurant (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Dubai Gold Souk.
The best hotel to stay near Dubai Gold Souk based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Al Bandar Rotana – Creek (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Explore the Bastakiya Quarter
Traditional Arabic streets in historical Al Fahidi district, Al Bastakiya Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Nikolay Antonov, Shutterstock
While Dubai may seem futuristic with its impressive structures and attractions, it is a city that keeps its traditions and history close to its heart. The very heart of Dubai lies in the Bastakiya Quarter, the city’s charming historic district. The heritage neighborhood is the oldest residential area of Dubai. Filled with ochre-colored restored buildings with wind towers, a traditional form of air conditioner, the buildings are now home to hotels, cafes, and galleries.
Bastakiya Quarter
777X+PX Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Admission: Free
Ph: +971 4 515 5000
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Kabab Afandina (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Sitara Afghan Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Afghan, $$)
• Yasmin Restaurant ( Nepali Cuisine Section) (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Bastakiya Quarter.
The best hotel to stay near Bastakiya Quarter based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Jumeirah Creekside Hotel (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Learn about the city in the Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum exterior on a sunny day | GagliardiPhotography, Shutterstock
A visit to a foreign land is more enriching when you make time to learn about the land’s history and local culture. The best way to do this is in the Dubai Museum, located appropriately near the Bastakiya Quarter. Housed in Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai, the museum takes you on a journey back to its beginnings where you can learn about 3,000 years’ worth of history of Dubai. The museum displays antiquities and historical weapons and exhibits on the life of the nomadic Bedouin who occupied the land. It is the most visited museum in the whole UAE.
Dubai Museum
Al Fahidi Fort – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Admission: AED 3 or INR 58 per person (for adults) and AED 1 or INR 20 for children (below 6 years)
Ph: +971 4 353 1862
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Rajasthani Chaat Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Al Kawakeb Restaurant (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Mumbai Swadisth Restaurant LLC (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Dubai Museum.
The best hotel to stay near Dubai Museum based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Fairmont Dubai (8.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Delight in splendor at the Dubai Miracle Garden
Beautiful Flourish Duck and Flower Landscape Miracle Flower Garden with over 45 million flowers in a sunny day | Abrar Sharif, Shutterstock
When Dubai creates something, you can expect it to be over-the-top, wildly inventive, and so memorable people can’t stop talking about it. The Dubai Miracle Garden is no exception. Located in the heart of Dubailand, this massive garden comes alive every November to May. Seemingly every corner of the park is in full bloom with over 150 million flowers, meticulously arranged and decorated in different structures and patterns. Each year the garden has a different concept and design.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Al Barsha South 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Admission: 40 AED for adults and 30 AED for children aged between 3 yr and 12 yr
Ph: +971 4 422 8902
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Food Park Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Defne Turkish Restaurant (5/5 stars, Turkish, $$)
• Fusion Restaurant – The S Hotel (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Dubai Miracle Garden.
The best hotel to stay near Dubai Miracle Garden based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Atlantis, The Palm (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
Like this article? Share it!
Subscribe to get more travel tips and guides like these to your inbox.
