Things to Do in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide

• At the Top, Burj Khalifa

  Ride the high speed lift to the observation decks for panoramic views over the city, the coast and the desert.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure

  A vast indoor theme park with Marvel and Cartoon Network zones plus thrill rides, ideal on a hot day.

• Aquaventure Waterpark

  One of the largest water parks in the world at Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah, with towering slides and a marine habitat.

• Dubai Miracle Garden

  A seasonal display of millions of blooming flowers arranged into elaborate sculptures and archways.

• Ski Dubai

  An indoor ski slope and snow park inside Mall of the Emirates, complete with real snow and resident penguins.

• Desert Safari

  Head into the dunes for dune driving, sandboarding, camel rides and a camp dinner under the stars.

• La Mer and Laguna Waterpark

  A beachfront district with a compact water park, street art and casual dining along the sand.

• Dubai Marina Cruise

  Board a traditional dhow or modern yacht to glide past the Marina towers and out toward the Gulf.

• The View at The Palm

  An observation deck on Palm Jumeirah that frames the fronds of the island and the skyline beyond.

• Green Planet

  An indoor tropical rainforest in City Walk with a living biodome full of birds, reptiles and plants.

• The Dubai Fountain Show

  Watch the choreographed water and light performance on the lake outside The Dubai Mall in the evenings.

• Al Fahidi Historical District

  Wander the restored wind tower lanes and courtyards that preserve the atmosphere of early Dubai.

• Abra Ride Across the Creek

  Crossing on a traditional wooden abra is one of the city's cheapest and most charming rides.

• Jumeirah Beach

  Swim, walk or watch the sunset on the public stretches of soft sand with the Burj Al Arab in view.

• Dubai Marina Walk

  Stroll the waterfront promenade past yachts, towers and cafes, especially pleasant after dark.

• The Beach at JBR

  A lively open air promenade beside the sand with people watching, play areas and sea views.

• Gold and Spice Souks

  Explore the traditional markets of Deira for the sights and scents, with no obligation to buy.

• Al Seef Waterfront

  A heritage inspired boardwalk along the Creek blending old style architecture with modern promenades.

• City Walk Strolling

  An open air district of boulevards, murals and fountains that is pleasant to browse on cooler evenings.

• Dubai Water Canal Promenade

  Follow the landscaped path along the canal through Business Bay for skyline and bridge views.

• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

  Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays inside The Dubai Mall.

• KidZania Dubai

  A role play city where children try grown up jobs, located inside The Dubai Mall.

• Motiongate Dubai

  A film themed park at Dubai Parks and Resorts with rides based on popular animated and studio characters.

• Legoland Dubai

  Rides, build zones and a water park designed for younger children at Dubai Parks and Resorts.

• The Green Planet

  An indoor rainforest biodome where kids can meet birds, reptiles and sloths up close.

• Dubai Dolphinarium

  Dolphin and seal shows plus a creek side location that is easy to combine with old Dubai.

• OliOli Children's Museum

  A hands on play museum with interactive galleries designed to spark curiosity.

• Ski Dubai Snow Park

  Toboggan runs, snowball throwing and penguin encounters inside Mall of the Emirates.

• Aquaventure Waterpark

  Family friendly slides and a lazy river at Atlantis, with gentler areas for smaller children.

• Children's City

  An educational play space in Creek Park focused on science and discovery for young minds.

• Rooftop Lounge at Address Sky View

  Sip a drink with sweeping views toward the Burj Khalifa from a high floor terrace.

• Fine Dining in Downtown

  Downtown and Business Bay host celebrated restaurants ranging from Middle Eastern to global tasting menus.

• Spa Day at a Beach Resort

  Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah resorts offer hammams and treatments for a slow, indulgent afternoon.

• Yacht Charter from the Marina

  Hire a boat to cruise the coastline, anchor for a swim and watch the skyline light up.

• Art Galleries at Alserkal Avenue

  A converted industrial complex in Al Quoz filled with contemporary galleries and independent cafes.

• Gold and Spice Souk Bargaining

  Practice the art of haggling in Deira's traditional markets for jewellery and spices.

• Sunset Camel Trek

  A quieter desert experience focused on the landscape and the light rather than thrill rides.

• Coffee and Culture in Al Fahidi

  Sit in a courtyard cafe and join a cultural meal that explains Emirati traditions.

• Helicopter Tour

  See the Palm, the coast and Downtown from the air on a scenic flight for a special occasion.

• Dinner Cruise on Dubai Creek

  Dine aboard a traditional dhow as it drifts past the illuminated old city.

• Sunset at Jumeirah Beach

  Watch the sky change over the Gulf with the Burj Al Arab as a backdrop.

• Fountain View Dinner

  Book a lakeside table around The Dubai Fountain to dine as the water show plays.

• Private Yacht Cruise

  Charter a boat from the Marina for a quiet evening on the water for two.

• Desert Camp Under the Stars

  A private or premium desert experience with dinner and clear night skies away from city lights.

• Hot Air Balloon at Dawn

  Float over the dunes at sunrise for a serene start to the day, sometimes with wildlife below.

• Couples Spa Retreat

  Book a shared treatment at a Palm Jumeirah resort for a relaxing afternoon.

• Al Seef Evening Stroll

  Walk the heritage waterfront hand in hand and take an abra across the Creek.

• High Tea with a View

  Enjoy afternoon tea at a landmark hotel for an elegant, unhurried treat.

• The View at The Palm at Dusk

  Take in the island and skyline as the city lights begin to glow.

• The Dubai Fountain After Dark

  The evening shows are most dramatic against the lit up Burj Khalifa.

• Global Village

  During the cooler season this cultural park buzzes with pavilions, food and shows into the night.

• Dubai Marina Walk

  The promenade glows with reflections and lively dining once the sun sets.

• The Beach at JBR

  Open air shops, street performers and sea breezes make this a favourite evening hangout.

• Souk Madinat Jumeirah

  A recreated market with waterways, restaurants and views of the illuminated Burj Al Arab.

• City Walk at Night

  Lit boulevards, fountains and dining make this district pleasant for an evening wander.

• Rooftop Bars in Business Bay

  Elevated lounges offer skyline views and a stylish night out.

• Late Night Souks of Deira

  The gold and spice markets stay lively into the evening, glittering under their lights.

• Dhow Dinner Cruise

  Glide along the Creek or Marina with dinner and the city shining around you.

• The Dubai Mall

  Shopping, dining, an aquarium, an ice rink and a cinema under one enormous roof.

• Ski Dubai

  Swap the heat for real snow at the indoor slope inside Mall of the Emirates.

• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

  Explore marine life through a walkthrough tunnel inside The Dubai Mall.

• Museum of the Future

  Immersive exhibits imagining coming decades, all indoors and air conditioned.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure

  A fully indoor theme park with thrill rides and themed zones.

• Green Planet

  An indoor rainforest biodome in City Walk full of tropical wildlife.

• Etihad Museum

  A modern museum telling the story of the founding of the United Arab Emirates.

• Dubai Ice Rink

  Skate on the Olympic sized rink inside The Dubai Mall.

• Mall of the Emirates

  A major shopping centre with cinemas, dining and the Ski Dubai slope attached.

• Coffee Museum in Al Fahidi

  A small, atmospheric museum in the heritage district devoted to coffee culture.

Dubai is really a collection of distinct districts, each with its own character. Knowing them helps you decide where to base yourself and how to group your days, from the glossy Downtown core to the historic Creek side quarters.

See our full Best Hotels in Dubai guide for the best areas, and plan smoothly with our Dubai travel tips.