Best Things To Do In Dubai: A Guide To The Best Experiences

Consider starting your day with a panoramic sunrise from the skyscraping pinnacle of the Burj Khalifa, followed by an adrenaline pumping desert safari in the afternoon, and ending with a tranquil dhow cruise under the moonlit sky. Such are the wonders and experiences that Dubai has to offer!

The best things to do in Dubai range from marvelling at the underwater world within the massive Dubai Mall aquarium to strolling through the historic corridors of the Al Fahidi district. If you’re looking for a high-octane dose of fun or a peaceful stroll through nature’s lap, Dubai has plenty of options.

In this city of spectacle and splendour, every moment is an enchanting poem, every corner a vivid painting. Dubai, the city where dreams dare to come true!

15 Best Things To Do In Dubai 

1. Visit The Burj Khalifa

The city unfolds beneath you as you ride the world’s fastest lift, becoming a patchwork quilt of tradition and transformation. The panoramic views from its peak are the crown jewel of Dubai activities. The city’s mesmerising vista, shimmering in the Arabian sun, tells a silent story of Dubai’s audacious ambition and astounding beauty.

Nightfall brings a different enchantment as the Burj Khalifa becomes the canvas for a spectacular light show, painting the Dubai skyline with whimsical patterns of brilliant hues. This breathtaking spectacle is yet another of the many things to do in Dubai, especially for those with a taste for the magnificent.

Visiting the Burj Khalifa is a waltz with the clouds, a dance with the stars, a tangible dialogue with the very spirit of Dubai.

Timings: 5:30 AM to 6 PM

2. Desert Safari With Barbecue Dinner

But the thrills don’t stop there. The real magic begins as the sky transforms into a star-studded canvas. Under the Arabian night sky, a captivating blend of traditional Bedouin culture and luxurious hospitality unfolds, adding another unforgettable spectacle to Dubai’s long list of activities. 

A sumptuous barbecue dinner awaits you, with tantalising aromas wafting off the grill, inviting you to partake in an authentic Arabian feast. The food is as spectacular as the scenery with succulent grilled meats and exotic local delicacies.

The desert safari and barbecue dinner truly exemplify the things to do in Dubai. Both are more than just activities; they are experiences that tug at your heartstrings leaving you with a desire to return to this mesmerizing land.

Timings: 2:30 PM to 9 PM

3. Visit The Museum Of The Future

The Museum of the Future breaks the limits of time, allowing you to not just visualize but experience what’s to come. Here, you’ll encounter advanced technologies and inventive exhibits that exist on the fringe of your wildest imaginations. Every turn in this futuristic labyrinth reveals new horizons of knowledge.

Why settle for the ordinary? When the best things to do in Dubai includes touching the future, a realm where artificial intelligence merges with human intellect, and where sustainability creates a world vibrant with life. Feel the pulse of the future, from holographic guides to immersive virtual realities that transport you to another dimension.

As you walk out, your reflection in the building’s silvery facade won’t just be a memory of an unforgettable visit. It will be a question; a question of what role you will play in this unfolding future. The Museum of the Future isn’t just a visit, it’s an interactive journey towards a destiny yet to be crafted. The question is, are you ready?

Timings: 10 AM to 7:30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 6000 approx

4. Visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Stepping into this captivating aquatic world, you are immediately swallowed by a wave of awe. You glide through an ethereal 48-metre walk-through tunnel, hypnotised by the kaleidoscope of marine life pirouetting around you. Rays glide like silk scarves fluttering in the wind, while colossal sharks, with their timeless menace and grace, impart an intoxicating blend of wonder and thrill.

The Underwater Zoo awaits you as you emerge from the tunnel. A zoo full of fascinating creatures, from nimble otters to lazy penguins, and even a colony of King Crocodiles, some of the world’s largest reptiles. A variety of interactive exhibits ensures that the journey is both educational and magical.

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Dubai. It’s more than just an attraction; it’s a journey through nature’s mesmerising dance – an aquatic ballet that leaves indelible memories. You walk away, your heart resonating with the rhythm of the deep blue sea.

Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM

Entry Fees: 70 – 88 AED

5. Enjoy The Rides At IMG Worlds Of Adventure

You are thrust into an alternate universe of endless excitement the moment you step through its grandiose portals. Marvel’s iconic superheroes proudly adorn the walls, inviting you to join their ranks in the fight against evil. Squeals of delight can be heard from the Cartoon Network zone, where favourite childhood characters come to life in a flurry of colour and fantasy.

The adrenaline rush as the Velociraptor roars to life is not to be underestimated, flinging you into an exhilarating journey of twists and turns at lightning speed. The Haunted Hotel’s eerie whispers draw you into a terrifying labyrinth, testing your courage and willpower.

Ancient dinosaurs awaken from their eons-long slumber in the Lost Valley, stepping out of the prehistoric mists and into the bright light of modernity. 

IMG Worlds is an emotional rollercoaster packed with a breathtaking array of rides and attractions that defy the mundane. Dubai, with its daring architecture and glistening sands, has many wonders, but IMG Worlds of Adventure is a must-see thrill ride in its own right.

Timings: 11 AM to 11 PM

Entry Fees: 152-180 AED

6. Visit Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Admire the record-breaking Tower of Poseidon, which dares you to scale its serpentine slides. As your heart beats in time with the drumbeats of anticipation, plunge into the darkness of the Aquaconda, the world’s largest waterslide. The adrenaline rises in tandem with the sun, leaving you in awe of Dubai’s golden sunset.

When you seek a breather from thrill, the park invites you to unwind along its tranquil rivers, wander around the tropical landscapes, or relish in the embrace of a private cabana. For the young ones, Splasher’s Island is a haven of fun, perfectly sized for their giggles and gleeful splashes.

Among all the things to do in Dubai, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark promises more than just an adventure. It offers a journey, where the desert city’s soul meets the ocean’s rhythm, creating an enchanting symphony that resonates in every corner of this aquatic paradise. So pack your adventurous spirit and plunge into the heart of Atlantis.

Timings: 9:45 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fees: 299 AED – 459 AED

7. Shop At The Dubai Mall

Each step you take tells a story of art and innovation that echos along the polished marblescape, tantalising your senses with the inviting aroma of exotic spices and the enchantment of diamonds. Unfold the opulent tapestry of designer boutiques and flagship stores that hold the secrets of the latest fashion trends, luring you to become engulfed in their allure.

Surrendering to the artful symphony of the Dubai Mall is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Dubai. The amusement parks’ playful laughter reverberates across its length and breadth, while the Dubai Aquarium’s captivating display silently piques the interest of young and old alike.

When the sun goes down and moonlight fills the sky, visiting the Dubai Mall becomes one of the best things to do in Dubai once more, as it dances to a different beat, a nocturnal symphony of luxury illuminated by a thousand twinkling lights. 

Timings: 10 AM to 12 AM

Entry Fees: Free

8. Enjoy Skiing At Ski Dubai

Feel the adrenaline rush through your veins as you succumb to the irresistible call of adventure sports in Dubai. Ski Dubai invites you to caress the snow beneath your feet creating a symphonic symphony of crunch and crackle that echoes all around you. As you glide down the soft, inviting slopes your cool frosted breath mingles with the winter air. 

From expert thrill-seekers to inexperienced snow bunnies, there’s a slope for everyone, promising unrivalled fun. Observe the curious penguins or enjoy a hot chocolate while gazing out at the majestic, snowy landscape – a sight that will undoubtedly make your heart sing!

Skiing is undeniably one of the best things to do in Dubai, where a snowy adventure awaits around every corner. Ski Dubai is more than just a location; it’s a sensation that will make your soul pirouette with delight.

Timings: Monday – Wednesday: 10 AM to 11 PM, Thursday: 10 AM to 11 PM, Friday: 9 AM to 12 AM, Saturday: 9 AM to 11 PM

Entry Fees: 178-198 AED

9. Dine At Dubai Dhow Cruise

As the cruise sets sail, you’ll witness the play of lights dancing on the marina’s surface, a spectacle that paints an enchanting backdrop to an unforgettable meal. The eclectic spread before you is a testament to the city’s gastronomical prowess, with local Emirati cuisines mingling with international delicacies, an edible journey bound to titillate your taste buds.

Now, let’s engage our senses even more. Can you hear the soothing melodies of traditional Arabic music? Can you smell the intoxicating aroma of rich spices from the chef’s platter?

Dubai Dhow Cruise dining experience is indeed one of the best things to do in Dubai, not merely for the exquisite meal, but for the captivating cityscape that comes along with it. Savor each bite and let the cool sea breeze whisper tales of the city’s grandeur. This is more than a dinner; it’s a memory sculpted by Dubai herself.

Timings: 8:45 PM to 10:45 PM

Entry Fees: 107-117 AED

10. Lake Ride At Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain, a mesmerizing marvel of water, light, and music, is a spectacle to behold. And viewing it from the lake’s center is an exclusive privilege – a perspective enjoyed by the daring few who seek adventure beyond the usual.

It’s a ride of sensory enchantment, where the rhythm of the fountain dances harmoniously with the melody of the Middle Eastern music, painting ephemeral art on the canvas of Dubai’s skyline.

As the sun sets, the shimmering city lights mingle with the fountain’s luminescent glow, creating a visual symphony of colours that bedazzles the eyes. It’s as if the stars have descended from the skies, choosing this piece of earth as their playground. 

Truly, among all the things to do in Dubai, this lake ride offers an unparalleled experience. It’s the tale of the city, narrated not in words, but in waves, lights, and melody.

Timings: 1 PM to 2 PM ( Saturday – Thursday), 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (Friday) Evening Shows: 6 PM onwards

Entry Fees: 67 AED

11. Skydive At Palm Jumeirah

A breath. A moment. Then, the plunge! As you hurtle through the skies, the fierce wind screaming past, time seems to freeze. Palm Jumeirah, a human testament to architectural genius, grows ever closer, its fronds a blur of luxury residences and extravagant hotels. Skydiving here is more than just a thrill – it’s a vantage point like no other, an unparalleled view of one of the most incredible activities in Dubai.

You fly through the sky like a comet, heading for Earth and the Palm Jumeirah. The parachute opens, returning you to a calm descent. Your heart continues to race, your adrenaline tinged with awe. As your feet touch down on the golden sands, you realise you’ve done more than just tick off another Dubai activity – you’ve felt the pulse of this vibrant city from above.

Entry Fees: 1510-1809 AED

12. Day Excursion At Ferrari World

As the morning light cascades over its iconic red dome, the metallic allure of Ferrari World draws you in. You can feel the humming energy under your feet, whispering promises of the thrill ahead.

You take your first ride, the Formula Rossa, and suddenly you’re flying! The world’s fastest roller coaster, it catapults you into a whirlwind of euphoria, matching the speed of a top-tier F1 car. Your pulse quickens, your heart throbs in rhythm with the coaster’s roars, and suddenly, Dubai takes on a whole new light.

The day whisks by in a blur of Ferrari’s signature rosso corsa. An adrenaline-induced blur of awe-inspiring architecture, exhibits, the junior GP for your little Schumachers, and of course, the spellbinding Italian street performances.

As the sun sets, painting the skies with hues of blush and violet, your excursion at Ferrari World culminates. It’s not just a visit, but an expedition to the pulsating heart of excitement. Dubai, you realise, is a city that never stops surprising, even if it’s just for one time.

Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM

Entry Fees: 241-267 AED

13. Scuba Diving

Dubai’s underwater landscape embraces an irresistible natural symphony, blending mesmerising marine life with an array of sunken wrecks teeming with stories of their glorious past. Schools of vibrant fish spin and twirl in a balletic dance in the enticing turquoise waters, their vibrant scales winking in the refracted sunlight. While curious turtles glide through the liquid space with a serene grace, anemones sway, their tentacles flashing neon hues.

It’s a magical realm where divers can escape the city’s bustling routine and be swallowed up in the grandeur of the marine ecosystem. Delve into this otherworldly kingdom, where every plunge propels you into an extraordinary world of enchanting discoveries. Scuba diving in Dubai, an underwater odyssey you’d never wish to miss.

Timings: 11 AM Onwards

Entry Fees: 270-306 AED

14. Watch The Dolphin Show

The dolphins, the shining stars of the show, arc out of the water, a testament to the fluid blend of strength and grace. Their silver-grey bodies shimmer like quicksilver as they perform flips and twists that would leave even the most skilled gymnasts in awe. Each jump is a whispered promise of the extraordinary, each landing a delicate kiss on the water’s surface.

Engaging with these intelligent creatures remains one of the most enthralling activities in Dubai. You can sense the synergy between the dolphins and their trainers, an intricate dance of respect and understanding, love and trust. The air resonates with their playful laughter, transforming the venue into a magical world under the vast expanse of the UAE sky.

As the spectacle concludes, you’re left with a sense of wonder and a yearning for more. This is why, amongst all the things to do in Dubai, the dolphin show has an enduring appeal. It’s not just a spectacle, it’s a story of harmony that leaves an indelible mark on your memory.

Timings: 11 AM, 2 PM, 6 PM (Monday- Saturday)

Entry Fees: 48 AED

15. Zipline At Dubai Marina

Imagine leaping from a soaring platform, your heart pounding in time with the pulsating rhythm of the city, and sailing through the air, suspended by nothing more than a slender metallic line. The marina’s majestic waters glisten beneath you as the wind whispers by, echoing the city’s dynamic energy.

As the zip-line stretches out, transporting you across the hypnotic panorama, your senses come alive. Skyscrapers dot the landscape, demonstrating Dubai’s architectural prowess. As you approach the landing platform, the cityscape’s imposing charm reveals itself, leaving you with a memory to cherish.

Ziplining at Dubai Marina is an unparalleled, exhilarating way to experience the city’s vibrancy, whether during the day with the sun sparkling on the azure waters or at night with a twinkling spectacle of lights. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular activities in Dubai, connecting you with the city’s pulse in the most thrilling way possible.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM 

Entry Fees: 590-840 AED 

Beyond ziplining at Dubai Marina, Dubai is a mesmerising canvas of traditions and futurism. It weaves a magnificent symphony of experiences that fascinate and enthral with its sprawling deserts, world-renowned landmarks, bustling souks, and thrilling theme parks. 

Activities in Dubai cater to every adventurous spirit and curious soul, whether you’re marvelling at the world’s tallest building, basking in the grandeur of the desert, or experiencing the rich local culture. Dubai beckons you into an unforgettable story of discovery and delight as each day reveals a new facet of this vibrant city. Accept the enchantment of the Arabian Jewel.