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Best things to do in Dubai
Planning a trip to Dubai? We’ve got you covered with a round-up of the best things to do.
So, you’ve got your sights set on Dubai and you’re starting to plan your trip. This is the perfect place to start. We’ve rounded up all the best things to do in Dubai and it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone. Our list includes everything from sightseeing boat trips that tick off the city’s most famous landmarks to shopping sprees at one of the world’s largest malls. Read on and get ready to put those holiday plans into progress…
Once you’ve had a read, check out our Dubai holiday deals.
Once you’ve had a read, check out our Dubai holiday deals.
Soak up the sights from the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is more than 2,700 feet tall, crowning it as the world’s tallest structure. Struggling to imagine how tall that is? Picture the Empire State Building and double its height and you’ll be somewhere along the right tracks. If you ask us, a trip here is a must on your holiday to Dubai. The best way to do it? Hop in the super speedy lift and head to a viewing platform over 100 levels up for an aerial shot of the city. If you’re feeling hungry, you can hop in a lift to a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for a three-course meal.
Book a trip to the Burj Khalifa.
Book a trip to the Burj Khalifa.
Swap cityscapes for sand dunes
Dubai’s desert feels worlds away from the bright lights of the city, but it’s actually less than an hour’s drive from the centre. You can forget the fancy cars when you head out here – it’s all about adventures in a 4x4. Get the adrenaline pumping as your expert driver whizzes across the sand dunes before stopping off for a visit at a traditional Arabic camp. Just don’t forget your shades and suncream.
Take off to Dubai’s desert.
Take off to Dubai’s desert.
Take a look inside Dubai’s past at Dubai Creek
Don’t let Dubai’s futuristic skyline fool you, there’s plenty of history to uncover here. The neighbourhoods either side of Dubai Creek – AKA Bur Dubai and Deira – are the place to head to turn back the clocks. You can check out the markets and museums that line both sides of the water on a guided tour, or see the sights on a boat trip. We’d recommend spending the evening on board a traditional dhow boat on a dinner cruise – the city lights create the perfect backdrop to a romantic evening.
Book a trip to Dubai Creek.
Book a trip to Dubai Creek.
Set sail from Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is the jumping off point for some of the city’s best boat trips. Hop on board a speed boat and sail past iconic sights like the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach – they’re especially pretty at sunset. That’s not the only thing this place has up its sleeve, though – it’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Lots come with outdoor terraces with views of the city’s skyscrapers – just make sure you book early to get the best seat.
See what's on offer from Dubai Marina.
See what's on offer from Dubai Marina.
Make a splash at Atlantis The Palm
Love a waterpark? You’re in for a treat. The Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park is the world’s biggest. It’s home to more than 100 slides and attractions, with the line-up including a vertical slide that sends you into a shark-filled lagoon, a lazy river and a private beach. Buy a 2-4-1 ticket and finish your day off at the Lost Chambers Aquarium where there are thousands of different types of marine life to check out, including sharks, stingrays and tropical fish.
Get your ticket to Atlantis The Palm.
Get your ticket to Atlantis The Palm.
Level up the luxury at Burj Al Arab
Luxury meets new levels at the Burj Al Arab. The good news is you don’t have to stay at this hotel to experience it. Take off on a guided tour of the hotel for a sneak peek inside its huge atrium and to get a look inside some of its most expensive rooms. Some tours even include a meal at one of the hotel’s restaurants, too.
Book a visit to Burj Al Arab.
Book a visit to Burj Al Arab.
Uncover Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is one of the city’s icons, with some of Dubai’s most glam hotels and restaurants finding a home on its shores. The best way to see it all? Head to the 52nd floor of Palm Tower, AKA The View at The Palm where you can gaze out across the whole man-made island. If you’re not a big fan of heights, you can take to the waters surrounding the island on a kayak, or show off your skills on a paddleboard.
Get your ticket to Palm Jumeirah.
Get your ticket to Palm Jumeirah.
Spend the day at Dubai Mall
Shopping fans, this one’s for you. Nowhere does shopping trips like Dubai Mall – it’s the biggest mall in the country, with more than 1,000 shops to choose from. The line-up includes all the biggest names in tech and fashion, and – for when you need a pitstop – there are more than 200 restaurants and bars to fill up in. Shopping’s not the only thing on the agenda here, though – there’s a huge trampoline park, an ice rink and a cinema with more than 26 screens, too. You’ll also find Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo here – it’s home to more than 300 species of marine animals, including sharks and stingrays. Plus there’s KidZania where little ones can don pilot and firefighter uniforms and live out their dream jobs. If you’re feeling brave, head to Hysteria – a haunted house filled with fog, special effects and strobe lights. Oh, and don’t forget to look out for Dubai Dino – a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton that’s displayed in the mall’s atrium.
Sort your shopping trip to Dubai Mall.
Sort your shopping trip to Dubai Mall.
Time hop at the Museum of the Future
It’s clear Dubai’s already one step ahead of the game – its skyline looks like something from a futuristic film and its hotels are some of the most impressive in the business. But, what comes next? Take a look at some of the latest tech from the world’s leading innovators and see what life could look like in 2071 at the Museum of the Future.
Get a ticket to the Museum of the Future.
Get a ticket to the Museum of the Future.
Ready to go?
Check out our Dubai holiday deals.
Or, have a read of the best hotels in Dubai, best time to visit Dubai and 11 ways to do Dubai on a budget.
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Author: Karl Taylor
Last updated: 21.08.2024