If you’re looking for the best things to do in Dubai, we have you covered.
There are so many fantastic things to do and places in Dubai – from stunning waterfronts to super rooftop bars, desert escapes and shopping spots – it can be tough to know where to start.
And to help, we’ve rounded up over 100 of the very best things to do in Dubai right here.
It’s time to get out there and start ticking all these awesome things to do in Dubai off your places to visit in Dubai bucket list.
For the ultimate up-close experience of the Burj Khalifa, take a cruise on the lake. Attractions also include pedalos, a floating garden, kayaks and water bikes. One of the best things to do in Dubai if you’re new to the city.
Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, www.thedubaimall.com (800 28843867).
You’ll need a reservation just to get into this hotel, so book a drink at Gilt, a day on the infinity pool terrace or afternoon tea in style. Wear your best garb.
Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim (800 323 232).
Missing wildlife? Fancy a trip to the jungle? Head to The Green Planet to see an array of creatures and there is even a rainstorm two times each day, at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm, that lasts for 5 minutes.
The Green Planet, City Walk, Al Safa Street, www.thegreenplanetdubai.com (800 637227).
World-record-breaking diving facility, Deep Dive Dubai, is equipped with a 60-metre-deep pool and sunken city for divers of all levels to explore. There are freediving, snorkelling and scuba diving experiences and courses available.
Open daily, noon-6pm. Nad Al Sheba, deepdivedubai.com.
An epic example of engineering ingenuity, this artificial archipelago is truly a modern wonder to behold. Take a stroll around the boardwalk and enjoy the sights or hop on The Palm Monorail that rides along the trunk.
Palm Jumeirah.
Fancy yourself as a bit of a thrill-seeker? If so then the Sky Views Dubai observation deck at Address Sky View Hotel is one must-do to cross off of your Dubai bucket list. From 220m up you can traipse across the 46m long glass walk, zip down the see-through slide and harness up to walk along the open-air viewing area. If you’re feeling really brave you can even leap across the precipice, safe in the knowledge that your harness will do its thing.
Dhs55 (Edge Walk from Dhs499). Open daily 10am-10pm. Address Sky View Hotel, Downtown Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah’s 21km stretch is a great place to go to stretch your legs and get a great view of Dubai’s new hotel Atlantis The Royal.
Palm Jumeirah.
It’s the tallest building in the world with a staggering 160 floors and looms at 828 metres high. Take a trip to the 148th floor for the observation deck, At The Top.
Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, www.burjkhalifa.ae.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to Dubai, hop aboard a sightseeing bus to make your way around the city without driving.
Daily, call for timings. Various locations, www.bigbustours.com (04 3407709). www.citysightseeing-dubai.com (04 316 7506).
It’s time to stop and smell the roses, literally. The 72,000 sq m Miracle Garden has more than 150 million flowers for you to admire. Just make sure to swing by when it isn’t summer as Miracle Garden shuts during the hotter months.
Al Barsha South, Dubailand, www.dubaimiraclegarden.com (04 422 8902).
The fastest indoor roller coaster in Dubai had to make it onto this list. For those who love to get their blood pumping, ‘The Storm’ is a high-octane ride with twists and turns, inclines and massive dives that are definitely not for the faint-hearted. Expect non-stop action throughout the two-and-a-quarter-minute ride that will leave you breathless and elated all at the same time.
Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Hills Estate (04 448 5033).
Right next door to the Miracle Garden is the Butterfly Garden, which is home to more than 15,000 butterflies of more than 50 different varieties, all fluttering around.
Al Barsha South, dubaibutterflygarden.com.
Overdue a trip to the pictures? For a VIP viewing experience then check out Cinemacity at Address Fountain View, right by Dubai Mall. The licensed cinema offers the works with its dine-in service with a selection of à la carte menu of Japanese fusion dishes, brought straight to your super-cosy recliner seat via the butler service.
Cinemacity, Fountain Views, Downtown Dubai, cinemacity.ae (04 770 0111).
The Walk and neighbouring al fresco district The Beach at Dubai’s JBR were designed to make the most of strolls. People-watching is prime here, plus there are loads of things to eat – don’t miss the Turkish ice cream.
The Beach, JBR, www.thebeach.ae (04 3173999).
Hop on an abra, hand over a dirham and enjoy a smooth sail across the Creek. It’s a short trip to the other side, but it’ll take you back to everything the city is really about. One of the best things to do in Dubai if you’re after that authentic, historic feel.
Dhs1. Dubai Creek.
There are 78 countries represented at this huge outdoor attraction as well as fairground fun, international food, shows, shops and even an oddities museum. Just remember that this is one to visit in the cooler months as it closes over the summer.
Global Village, Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, www.globalvillage.ae (04 3624114).
www.imgworlds.com (04 403 8888).
www.thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382246255).
www.thedubaiframe.com (800900).
Check out the outdoor Ripe Market
www.ripeme.com (055 5431282).
www.cinemaakil.com (058 524 6362).
This mall is modelled on an ancient Souk, and if you don’t get lost at least once you’re winning. Take visitors to show off the views of one of the best things to do in Dubai.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, www.jumeirah.com (04 366 8888).
Since opening in 2016 this stunning dhow-shaped building has been a hub for theatre, musicals, operas, ballet and comedians. Early highlights include Chicago and Jack Dee, setting the tone for the A-list acts to come. One of the best things to do in Dubai for any opera-lover.
Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai www.dubaiopera.com (04 440 8888).
Roam through the narrow alleyways, packed full of bags of vibrantly coloured spices at the spice souk in Deira. You’ll be bowled over by the warming scents of the spices and you can pick up some to give your cooking some flavour.
Baniyas Street, Deira.
One of only a handful of mosques in the country open to non-Muslims, a visit here is an engaging cultural experience designed to inform and educate about Islam and Emirati culture. One of the best things to do in Dubai for a lover of culture and history. Modest dress is required.
Open Sat-Thu, 10am and 2pm. Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Beach Road, www.jumeirahmosque.ae (04 3536666).
Al Seef on Bur Dubai side of the Creek is an area of Dubai steeped in history, with a huge amount of Emirati culture. It leans heavily on the contemporary elements of life in Dubai but also has a nostalgic twist. There are loads of coffee shops for a pit stop, too.
Al Seef, Bur Dubai, www.alseef.ae.
Whether you love the sport or just a jolly good day out, there’s heaps to do at Meydan Racecourse. A real passion for the city, a visit is one of the best things to do in Dubai. The next season starts on Friday November 12, with 12 races lined up.
Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, www.dubairacingclub.com.
Located across the top of The Link (the world’s longest cantilever), Tapasake offers both a pool club and a restaurant experience. At the pool, you’ll get a resident DJ, refreshing drinks, and a tapas-style menu of Japanese-Latin American bites as well as swim-up bars, sunken pods and a chance to level up your Instagram feed.
You can still visit the destination without accessing the pool if you book a spot of lunch or dinner at the Tapasake restaurant.
You’ll get plates of Nikkei dishes including sushi, sashimi, ceviche, tiradito and izakaya tapas for sharing.
Dhs1,000 (Dhs400 redeemable on F&B.) Daily from 10am-7pm. 27th floor, One&Only Zabeel, oneandonlyresorts.com/one-zaabeel/tapasake (04 666 1777)
An afternoon tea on an abra anyone? This stunning set-up by Margaux, a French pastry boutique, features a 45-minute abra tour around Madinat Jumeirah’s waterways. You can treat yourself to a selection of savouries, pastries and incredible views of Burj Al Arab.
Dhs1130 for two. Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, jumeirah.com
Visit the Time Out Dubai Best Italian Restaurant for a superb meal and you’ll also see a couple of turtles gliding by when you sit outside.
Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim (04 275 2555).
The rooftop of this excellent restaurant has stunning views, and the European dishes from this top duo are outstanding.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim folly.ae (04 430 8535).
You can enjoy a magical experience at Al Wasl Plaza Café under the world’s largest interactive, immersive dome. The venue is open throughout the day but light projections start at sunset.
Open weekdays, 7.30am-10pm, weekends, 9am-10pm, Expo City Dubai, expocitydubai.com
If you’ve been anywhere near Instagram recently you’ll have seen this spot from celebrity chef Jean Imbert. Found on the rooftop of the brand-new Lana hotel, on the 30th floor, it’s open as a pool in the day and as a nightspot as darkness falls. The USP? 180-degree views across Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, d3 and beyond.
Open daily noon-3.30pm, 5pm-midnight. The Lana – Dorchester Collection Dubai, Business Bay, dorchestercollection.com (04 541 7755).
This bustling area of the city is a haven for authentic street eats. One of the top picks is O’Pao for its innovative sliders – don’t miss the O’Pao cheese burst version.
Karama, www.opaodxb.com.
Head for heights? Dubai’s only revolving restaurant circles through 360 degrees of panoramic splendour.
Al Dawaar, Hyatt Regency Dubai, Naif, www.hyatt.com (04 209 6914).
www.lastexit.ae (04 3173999).
If you’re curious about trying incredibly intricate and creative French food by one of the most famous chefs in the world, you’ll have to add La Dame de Pic Dubai to your foodie bucket list.
The restaurant, which is now open to the public at The Link in One&Only Zabeel, is bound to make waves for its sophisticated approach to French cuisine.
Anne-Sophie Pic is the decorated chef behind the the restaurant that is known worldwide for its avant-garde offering.
Open daily from 6pm-midnight. The Link, One&Only Zabeel, oneandonlyresorts.com/la-dame-de-pic (04 666 1777).
Experimental bar Paradiso, which is located at FIVE LUXE JBR is hailed as the best Italian bartender abroad and the best barman in Spain, head mixologist Giacomo Giannotti has come to Dubai to promise a beverage masterpiece inside the experimental world of Paradiso.
If you only order one mixed drink, your senses (and Instagram feed) will be elevated from the get-go. Expect bunsen-burner style delivery, with substance. Alongside Giannotti will be chef David Gil Rovira, whose expertise in Spanish cuisine makes the perfect pairing. No smoke and mirrors in this place.
Open now. 7pm – 2am week days. FIVE LUXE, The Walk, JBR. luxejbr.fivehotelsandresorts.com.
www.qe2.com (04 526 8888).
Go bowling in the world’s highest bowling alley
Listen to live music at Q’s Bar & Lounge
Live sets and sundowners
sohogardendxb.com (054 233 5555).
The Penthouse at FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai is one of the best bars in town. Big DJ nights every Thursday ease into a chilled-out Saturday ladies’ day poolside brunch. The Penthouse’s bar food is excellent and there’s a fantastic ladies’ night on a Tuesday when you’ll get three free drinks. But it’s all about those views at this rooftop bar – the most visitor-friendly vistas in Dubai, which help us unleash our inner tourist, too. One of the best places to visit in Dubai with guests, the views are unrivalled and the venue is fantastically chic. Go, now.
Open Sat-Wed 4pm-3am, Thu-Fri 4pm-4am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai (052 900 4868).
Beyond the desert and into the mountains lay memorable experiences for adventurous types. Whether it is in the shape of a 350m zip-line adrenaline ride, kayak in the serene waters of Hatta, side-by-side horse riding excursions or hiking and mountain bike treks this really is a hub for adventurous types. Book yourself one of the 13 shiny metal American-style airstream trailers at Hatta Sedr Trailers Resort, too.
Hatta Wadi Hub, Hatta, www.visithatta.com (800 637227).
Always wanted to learn to dive? You can do that right here in Dubai. PADI dive training teaches the importance of diving in pairs and will get you ready to explore the open water. Watch out for cool-looking fish.
Al Boom Dubai, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, www.alboomdiving.com, (04 3422993).
This has romance written all over it, so cynics you might want to skip this one. These two intertwined heart-shaped manmade lakes set up near Al Qudra Lakes are hugely popular. The site even has trees planted that spell out the word “love”. All together now, “ahhh”.
Al Qudra
Pull on your hiking boots, grab your walking buddy and hop in the car to head to this wadi just outside Dubai in Sharjah. It’s the perfect weather to enjoy nature, so make the most of it and get back to nature.
Sharjah.
There are few things more adventurous than riding through the desert. Trot, walk or gallop, depending on your skills, and enjoy the amazing scenery. Giddy up.
Al Jiyad Stables, Qudra aljiyadstables.com
Ready for some exercise? Give this super-cool sport that’s like snowboarding on the sand a whirl. The red dunes are where the gnarliest action can be found. Yes, we did use the word ‘gnarliest’.
oscarknighttours.com.
Motorbikes, quad bikes and, our favourite, buggies can be hired for those that want to try out riding over for themselves. Harder than it looks to master, but easier than you may think to learn, it’s a far cry from a gentle camel ride.
MX Dubai, Al Ain Road, near Skydive Dubai, www.mxdubai.com (055 262 2707).
Some like to float leisurely in the sea, others like to race around it on super sleek jet skis. Tru it out down at JBR Beach and explore the stretch of sea between JBR and the Palm while you’re at it.
From Dhs450 for 20 minutes. Sky & Sea Adventure Dubai. watersportsdubai.com.
www.bounce.ae.
Dubai residents and visitors can get as close as possible as the city is getting its first live-action video game racing experience. At Chaos Karts, prepare to unleash your inner Penelope Pitstop and Dick Dastardly as the new attraction is a go-kart track where guests can get behind the wheel of karts to battle their mates
Its karts will be kitted out with features to simulate real-life sensations to immerse competitors fully into a race track experience.
Each race – which lasts about 20 minutes – will vary in design, complete with music and kart powers to help racers battle it to the finish line.
From Dhs140. 10am-10pm (Sun–Thurs); 10am-midnight (Fri and Sat). 6A St – Al Quoz.@chaoskartsuae. chaoskarts.ae
The LEGOLAND extravaganza at the city’s Dubai Parks and Resorts has successfully brought LEGO to life with more than 40 rides, shows and attractions on six themed lands crammed with 15,000 LEGO models and more than 60,000 LEGO bricks. Start off at the factory where you’ll get a guided tour and find out how LEGO bricks are made, before moving onto LEGO City where you can learn to drive an electric car and fly a LEGO plane. From there it’s onto the various kingdoms and imagination zones, before taking a turn on some rides at the Adventure zone before heading to Miniland, where kids will be able to marvel at 20 miles of LEGO bricks.
Dubai Parks And Resorts, Jebel Ali, Dubai, www.legoland.com/dubai (04 820 0000).
Aqua fun for the whole family at Dubai’s LEGOLAND Waterpark where the rides are great, the water is cold and the sun always shines. The Joker Soaker kids’ area has the perfect amount of tumbling buckets of water, water shooters and slides, the lazy river is a great way to chill out and stay cool and with 20 water slides throughout the park to enjoy, there is no excuse not to get wet.
Dubai Parks And Resorts, Jebel Ali, Dubai, www.legoland.com/dubai (04 820 3123).
Football fans have Real Madrid World to explore as it has officially opened at Dubai Parks and Resorts.
There are more than 40 original Real Madrid-themed experiences and attractions including the locker rooms of Real Madrid players and the secret sanctuary guarding the club’s winning trophies.
Families and friends can explore new adrenaline-pumping-themed attractions, immersive experiences and fan engagement opportunities, all of which will celebrate football (and basketball) the Real Madrid way.
From Dhs295 per person. Sun-Thurs, 12-9pm, Fri-Sat, 12-10pm dubaiparksandresorts.com (800 262 9464).
Wavehouse brings together live music, gaming, bowling, dining and a wave machine all in one place, which is why it’s our Best Family Restaurant. Whether you’re looking for bowling, drinks or surfing – it’s here at Atlantis The Palm. There’s a four-lane, ten-pin bowling alley awaits complete with visual 3D mapping projections (and super plush couches). Lanes can be hired from Dhs60 per person, per game from noon to 1am daily. There’s also the LEVELS arcade with more than 50 games including the world’s largest Pac Man. Fancy showing off your surfing skills? Check out the Waverider outside.
Prices and timings vary. The Avenues, Atlantis The Palm, atlantisthepalm.com (04 426 2000).
This Dubai family-fun site has more than 200 locations elsewhere in the world. Sky Zone Dubai is an indoor trampoline park where little adrenalin junkies can work their way around the various areas that include a foam zone, dodgeball arena and zip line. The youngest jumpers have their own toddler area to play in and there is a great café for parents where healthy snacks are on offer in addition to the usual pizza and chicken nuggets. The coffee isn’t half bad either.
Ibn Battuta Mall www.skyzone.ae (800 759 9663).