Dubai is the best holiday destination in the United Arab Emirates, featuring contemporary architecture, luxurious shopping, and cultural attractions. Whether you want to explore the iconic Burj Khalifa or have fun at Aquaventure Water Park, there are lots of activities to do in Dubai for visitors of all age groups. In this travel guide, we'll take you through the 8 best things to do in Dubai to experience the best of Dubai City from tourist attractions to holiday stays.
Table of Contents
- Visit the Iconic Burj Khalifa
- Explore Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain
- Enjoy The View at The Palm Jumeirah
- Experience the Thrills at Desert Safari
- Interact with Marine Life at Dubai Dolphinarium
- Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek
- Spend a Day at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
- Stroll Through the Miracle Garden
- Ski at Ski Dubai
- Wander Through Al Fahidi Historical District
1. Visit the Iconic Burj Khalifa
A trip to Dubai is incomplete without a visit to Burj Khalifa. This world-famous Dubai tourist attraction offers unparalleled views of Dubai's skyline and landmarks like Dubai Fountain, Atlantis The Palm, the Persian Gulf coast, and Burj Al Arab from the 124th floor which can be accessed with burj khalifa 124 and 125 floor tickets. When you’re in Dubai for the holidays don’t miss out on the beauty of Dubai city from the vantage point.
Location: Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
2. Explore Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain
Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world boasting 1,200 stores, an indoor theme park, an ice rink, and the Dubai Aquarium making it one of the best places to visit in Dubai.
Be mesmerized by the visuals of the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest choreographed fountain featuring captivating water, music, and a light show. This attraction at the entrance of the Dubai Mall is a not-to-be-missed activity in Dubai.
Location: Downtown Dubai, next to Burj Khalifa
3. Experience The View at The Palm Jumeirah
Witness Dubai from a unique perspective of Dubai from The View at The Palm Jumeirah on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower. Enjoy 360-degree views of Dubai’s iconic tourist attractions like Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline. Whether you're visiting during dusk or dawn, the views here are stunning.
Location: Palm Jumeirah Island, Nakhlat Jumeirah Road
4. Experience the Thrills of Desert Safari
Desert Safari is one of the best activities to do in Dubai, offering an exciting mix of adventure and culture. Experience the adventure of a lifetime with a thrilling dune bash across the vast desert expanse. Glide through the ups and downs of the sands on a sandboard or take a relaxing camel ride to witness the beauty of the desert. After an adventurous time, go to the desert camp to enjoy cultural activities like henna painting and photographs in traditional Arabic attires. Feast on the delicious BBQ dinner under the stars while watching the beautiful belly dance, tanoura dance, and fire shows. Tourists can also opt for camping in deluxe desert tents. With our desert safari dubai tour packages, you can spend an unforgettable day or night in the desert camp.
Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve & surrounding desert areas
5. Interact with Marine Life at Dubai Dolphinarium
Dubai Dolphinarium is a popular Dubai activity where tourists can meet and greet with dolphins and seals. Located in Creek Park, the Dolphinarium offers a host of activities like dolphin and seal shows, swimming with dolphins, and other interactive experiences. It's a perfect place to visit in Dubai with family.
Location: Creek Park, Riyadh Street, Umm Hurair 2
6. Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek
Enjoy the night cruising on the Dubai Creek with delicious BBQ Dinner in a traditional dhow. As you cruise along the waters you’ll witness the charm of Old Dubai while enjoying the live performances onboard. This Creek Dhow cruise dinner menu offers everything from hot starters and cold salads to main courses and desserts for an unforgettable night in Dubai with your family or your better half.
Location: Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai or Deira boarding points
7. Enjoy a Day at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the must-visit places in Dubai for friends and families looking to have some fun in Dubai. This world-famous water park in the Middle East offers a host of slides, rides, and attractions like the lazy river for a perfect day out in Dubai.
Location: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
8. Stroll Through the Miracle Garden
Miracle Garden is one of the best Dubai Tourist Places featuring over 50 million flowers arranged in intricate designs. From heart-shaped arches to a life-sized Emirates A380 plane covered in flowers, a garden is a visual feast that attracts visitors from around the world.
Location: Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand, near Arabian Ranches
9. Skiing at Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai offers a surreal experience in the heart of the desert — skiing and snowboarding on real snow. Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, this indoor ski resort features slopes for all levels, a snow park, and even the chance to meet penguins. Families can enjoy tubing and tobogganing, while thrill-seekers can carve down the advanced runs. If you’re searching for things to do in Dubai with family or things to do in Dubai with kids, this attraction guarantees fun for all ages. It’s one of Dubai’s most unique experiences, blending adventure with an escape from the city’s heat.
Location: Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road
10. Wander Through Al Fahidi Historical District
Step back in time at the Al Fahidi Historical District, also known as Al Bastakiya. This cultural gem showcases Dubai before the skyscrapers, with winding alleys, traditional wind-tower houses, and art galleries. Visitors can explore museums like the Dubai Museum and Coffee Museum, or simply stroll through the courtyards that exude old-world charm. It’s a great choice when looking for cultural things to do in Dubai, and it also makes for a calm, educational outing for families. Perfect if you’re interested in combining history with things to do in Dubai with family.
Location: Bur Dubai, near Dubai Creek
Conclusion
Dubai is a city that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, offering a host of activities, attractions, and things to do for adventure and relaxation. Our team of Dubai Holiday Experts at Best Value Tourism creates carefully curated Dubai tour packages with the best trip itinerary and excellent service, ensuring the best of what Dubai has to offer. Talk to our experts today and make your Dubai holiday memorable.