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.

In A Nutshell:

• Best things to do in Dubai: Visiting Burj Khalifa is probably one of the best things to do in Dubai because it is something that you should not miss.
• Home to the fastest elevator in the world
• Home to the highest observation deck in the world
• Home to the most travelled elevator
• Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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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. 

In A Nutshell:

• Sumptuous Barbeque dinner awaits
• Authentic Arabian Feast
• Desert Camping
• Timings: 2:30 PM to 9 p.m

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3. Visit The Museum Of The Future

Strolling through the Museum of Future is the new thing added to the list Dubai things to do because the Museum is not very old and one of the new iconic landmarks in the city. 

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 include 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.

In A Nutshell:

• Holographic Guides are available to immerse in virtual reality
• It is an interactive journey to the future
• Timings: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m
• Entry Fee: INR 6000 approx

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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.

In A Nutshell:

• An Underwater Zoo full of fascinating creatures
• Enjoy Nature’s mesmerising dance
• Find some of the world’s largest reptile
• An educational and magical journey
• Timings: 10 a.m to 10 p.m.
• Entry Fees: 70 – 88 AED

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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. 

Explore the various rides at the IMG Worlds of Adventure, for it is one of the best things to do in Dubai. 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.

In A Nutshell:

• Listen to the Haunted Hotel’s whispers
• Ancient dinosaurs awaken from their aeons-long slumber in the Lost Valley
• An array of rides and attractions defying the mundane
• Timings: 11 a.m to 11 p.m
• 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 Anaconda, the world’s largest waterslide. The adrenaline rises in tandem with the sun, leaving you in awe of Dubai’s golden sunset.

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, making it one of the best Theme Parks in Dubai.

In A Nutshell:

• Unwind along the park’s tranquil river
• Embrace the private Cabana 
• Visit Splasher’s Island, which is a haven of fun
• Timings: 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m
• Entry Fees: 299 AED – 459 AED

7. Shop At The Dubai Mall

Each step you take tells a story of art and innovation that echoes 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.

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. 

In A Nutshell:

• Largest mall in the world
• 1200 retail outlets and 200 food outlets
• Home to the largest suspended aquarium in the world
• Home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Timings: 10 a.m to 12 a.m
• Entry Fees: Free

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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. 

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.

In A Nutshell: 

• Watch the curious penguins
• Try the hot chocolate while gazing at the artificial snowy landscape
• Timings: Monday – Wednesday: 10 a.m  to 11 p.m, Thursday: 10 a.m to 11 p.m, Friday: 9 a.m to 12 a.m, Saturday: 9 a.m to 11 p.m
• 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.

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.

One of the best things to do in Dubai with your partner is to take a Dhow Cruise for it is going to be a memorable experience and will allow you to witness the skyline of Dubai in a completely different way. 

In A Nutshell: 

• Witness the stunning Dubai Skyline
• Sail through the tranquil waters
• Treat your taste buds with Emirati cuisine
• Timings: 8:45 p.m to 10:45 p.m
• Entry Fees: 107-117 AED

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10. Lake Ride At Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain, a mesmerising 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.

In A Nutshell:

• Watch the Canvas of Dubai Skyline
• It is the World’s tallest performing fountain
• Take a closer view of the fountain with the boat ride
• Timings: 1 p.m to 2 p.m ( Saturday – Thursday), 1:30 p.m to 2:30 p.m (Friday) Evening Shows: 6 p.m onwards
• Entry Fees: 67 AED

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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.

In A Nutshell:

• Fly like a comet heading towards Earth
• Feel the adrenaline rush
• Entry Fees: 1510-1809 AED

12. Day Excursion At Ferrari World

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.

In A Nutshell:

• Try the Formula Rossa to feel like you are flying.
• Hop on to the world’s fastest roller coaster.
• Feel your heart throbbing with the coaster’s rhythm.
• Timings: 11 a.m to 8 p.m.
• Entry Fees: 241-267 AED

13. Scuba Diving

Among the many things to do in Dubai, scuba diving is a thrilling activity that rivals the city’s towering skyscrapers and gleaming deserts, making it one of the most exciting activities on the list of Dubai things to do. 

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 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.

In A Nutshell:

• Enjoy the shimmering waves
• Witness the astounding marine life
• Watch the sunken wrecks
• Timings: 11 a.m. Onwards
• Entry Fees: 270-306 AED

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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. 

Watching the Dolphin show is one of the new things to do in Dubai, and it allows you to watch cute little Dolphins showing off their best moves, which is a sight to behold. 

As the spectacle concludes, you’re left with a sense of wonder and a yearning for more. This is why the dolphin show has an enduring appeal amongst all the things to do in Dubai.

In A Nutshell:

• Watch an intricate dance of trust and understanding
• Timings: 11 a.m, 2 p.m, 6 p.m (Monday- Saturday)
• Entry Fees: 48 AED

15. Zipline At Dubai Marina

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, making it one of the new things to do in Dubai.

In A Nutshell: 

• Enjoy the hypnotic panorama 
• Feel the adrenaline pumping rush
• Timings: 9 a.m to 5 p.m 
• Entry Fees: 590-840 AED 

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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.