108 amazing things to do in Dubai in 2024

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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.

  • Dubai attractions 2024
  • Ultimate Dubai guide
  • Dubai bucket list activities
  • Top Dubai experiences
  • Must-see in Dubai
  • Dubai adventure list
  • Cultural hotspots Dubai
  • Dubai dining guide
  • Nightlife in Dubai
  • Dubai shopping destinations

Best things to do in Dubai: Attractions

Cruise past The Dubai Fountain

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, The Dubai Fountain
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).

Dress up and visit Burj Al Arab

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Burj Al Arab
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).

Take a trip to the rainforest at The Green Planet

Things to do in Dubai, visit The Green Planet

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).

Experience the underwater world, 60-metres-below

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.

Explore Palm Jumeirah

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.

Get the adrenaline pumping from 220m up

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.

Check out Atlantis The Royal

Atlantis the royal

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.

See Dubai’s Burj Khalifa

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Burj Khalifa
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.

Hop on a Dubai sightseeing bus tour

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).

Meander among the flowers at Dubai Miracle Garden

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Dubai Miracle Garden
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).

Ride into the eye of the storm at Dubai Hills Mall

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).

See butterflies at Dubai Butterfly Garden

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.

Sip a drink and watch a film at Cinemacity

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).

Stroll along The Beach at JBR

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).

Take a trip across Dubai Creek

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.

Travel the world at Dubai’s Global Village

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Global Village
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).

Jump out of a plane at Skydive Dubai

www.skydivedubai.ae.

Ride the roller coasters at IMG Worlds of Adventure

www.imgworlds.com (04 403 8888).

Splash around at a waterpark

Speed around the track at eKart Dubai Mall
www.ekartzabeel.ae.

Swim with sharks in Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

www.thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382246255).

Tackle the slopes at Ski Dubai

www.skidxb.com (800386).

Take a snap of Dubai from the Dubai Frame

www.thedubaiframe.com (800900).

Zip over the top of Dubai Marina on the XLine

www.xdubai.com/xline.

Best things to do in Dubai: Culture

Be amazed by La Perle

www.laperle.com (04 4370001).

Buy jewels at Dubai Gold Souk

Check out the outdoor Ripe Market

www.ripeme.com (055 5431282).

Catch a film in style at Cinema Akil

www.cinemaakil.com (058 524 6362).

Check out the art galleries at Al Quoz

www.alserkalavenue.ae (04 3333464).

Discover history at the Dubai Museum

Do a heritage tour of Al Fahidi with SMCCU
www.cultures.ae.

Do a sustainable mountain and desert safari with Platinum Heritage

www.platinum-heritage.com.

Explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
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).

Haggle at Dubai gold and textile souks

Journey into space at Museum of the Future
museumofthefuture.ae

Immerse yourself in art at TODA

www.toda.ae.

Nip down the road to Sharjah

www.sharjahart.org.

Read all about it at MBR Library

See a show at Dubai Opera

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Dubai Opera
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).

Sniff out a bargain at the Spice Souk

Credit: Canva

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.

Visit Jumeirah Mosque

Credit: Supplied

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).

Visit Etihad Museum

etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae.

Walk along Al Seef

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Al Seef
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.

Watch camels race at Al Marmoom

Watch the horse racing at Meydan

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Meydan
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.

Best things to do in Dubai: Dining experiences and restaurants

Tuck into a tapas-style menu at Tapasake

Credit: Tapasake

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)

Savour afternoon tea on an abra

 

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’Salamjumeirah.com

Dine next to the turtles at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

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).

Relax on a rooftop at folly

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, folly by Nick & Scott
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).

Dine in a record-breaking spot in Dubai

 

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

Snap a pic at High Society

Credit: High Society

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).

Discover Indian street food in Karama

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.

Dine at Al Dawaar revolving restaurant

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).

Eat from a food truck at Last Exit

www.lastexit.ae (04 3173999).

Enjoy a menu by one of the most famous chefs in the world

The Link
Anne-Sophie Pic Credit: La Dame de Pic

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).

Sip on a mixed drink at Paradiso

Credit: Supplied

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.

Get a head for heights with dinner in the Sky at JBR

Have dinner underwater in Dubai
Let the good times roll at SushiSamba
sushisamba.com/locations/dubai (04 278 4888).

Stuff your face at Time Out Market Dubai

timeoutmarket.com/dubai.

See culinary theatrics at Carnival by Trèsind

Have sundowners in the world’s tallest building
www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com (04 888 3828).

Take a beach club crawl at Palm West Beach

westbeach.ae

Try a proper Middle Eastern shawarma

albeiruti.com (04 320 0043).

Take afternoon tea on the QE2

www.qe2.com (04 526 8888).

Best things to do in Dubai: Nightlife

Find a taste of Ireland at The Irish Village

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). 

Sip sunset drinks at The Penthouse

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, The Penthouse
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).

Sunbathe and party on the beach at Nikki Beach

www.nikkibeach.com (04 376 6162).

Party and watch sports with friends at Barasti

barastibeach.com (04 318 1313).

Best things to do in Dubai: Off the beaten track – outdoors and more

Admire the wildlife at Ras Al Khor Sanctuary

www.rasalkhorwildlife.ae (800900).

Take a stroll down Hindi Lane

Get new threads made in Satwa
Have an adventure in Hatta

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Hatta
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).

Learn to dive at Al Boom Dubai

33 great family discounts in Dubai

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).

Have a romantic stroll at Dubai Love Lakes

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Dubai Love Lakes
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

Hike at Wadi Helo

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.

Horse ride in the desert

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

Sandboard on the dunes

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.

Paddle a kayak on the Palm

www.anantara.com (04 5678888).

See the desert from a hot air balloon

www.balloon-adventures.com

See stunning street art on 18B street

Try to dune buggy

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Try dune buggying
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).

Visit Hatta Heritage Museum

visithatta.com/en.

Have a blast at the GAME OVER escape room

escapegameover.ae

Best things to do in Dubai: Spas, sports and wellbeing

Chill out at the snow room at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Talise Ottoman Spa

Jet ski at JBR

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.

Take a walk along Kite Beach

Go cycling at Al Qudra Cycle Track
Play a round of night golf at Emirates Golf Club
Swing over to Topgolf
www.topgolfdubai.ae (04 371 9999). 

Play padel at Matcha

www.matcha-club.ae (04 548 8364).

Take in views of the Palm from Aura

auraskypool.com.

Have a pool day at Terra Solis

terrasolisdubai.com (04 456 1956).

Treat yourself at the Guerlain Spa

www.oneandonlyresorts.com (04 440 1040).

Try “underwater yoga” at The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Best things to do in Dubai: Family activities

Bounce around at BOUNCE X Park

www.bounce.ae.

Get competitive at Chaos Karts

 

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

Have fun at LEGOLAND

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).

Jump around like a maniac at Air Maniax

www.airmaniax.com (04 348 8981).

Make a splash at LEGOland Water Park Dubai

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Make a splash at LEGOland Water Park Dubai
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).

Go football crazy at Real Madrid World

(Credit: Supplied)

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). 

Ride the waves at Wavehouse Dubai

Fantastic things to do in Dubai, Ride the waves at Wavehouse Dubai
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).

Soar in the air at Sky Zone

Head to Skyzone for a brilliant family day out

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).