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).