Final up to date:
Planning a visit to Dubai and questioning what’s really price your time (and cash)?
Whether or not you’re heading there with mates, youngsters in tow, touring solo, or simply wish to see if Dubai lives as much as the hype, this record has you lined. From desert safaris to indoor ski slopes to gold-drenched facials, right here’s your cheat sheet for the perfect issues to do in Dubai.
Bonus: We’ve added tricks to save money, keep away from crowds, and hyperlink you to deep dives from our Dubai journey archives.
Hit the Massive Sights (Sure, They’re Value It)
Let’s be trustworthy. If you land in Dubai, you’re stepping right into a metropolis that doesn’t do delicate. And that’s half the enjoyable.
- Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest skyscraper. It’s iconic, and sure, it’s price standing on the base and craning your neck skyward. In order for you the view, attempt to guide your go to early within the day or round sundown for the perfect expertise.
- Dubai Fountain Present – Situated proper under the Burj Khalifa, this water and light-weight present is among the finest free issues within the metropolis. Extra free issues to do in Dubai ideas right here.
- Dubai Miracle Backyard – Over 50 million blooming flowers organized in whimsical shapes, suppose large teddy bears product of petals. Excellent with youngsters, or simply for those who’re craving a colour overload.
- Ain Dubai – The world’s largest remark wheel. Go within the night for glittering skyline views.
Add a Little bit of Quirk (The Uncommon Stuff)
Dubai is nice at taking issues to the acute (in one of the simplest ways).
- Ski Dubai – A large indoor ski hill contained in the Mall of the Emirates. The place else are you able to ski, bobsled, or hold with penguins in the course of the desert?
- Chillout Lounge – A café constructed from ice, right down to the chairs. They hand you a parka and serve soup, sandwiches, and steaming mocktails. It’s kitschy and enjoyable, particularly if it’s +42°C outdoors.
- International Village – A seasonal multicultural theme park with meals, exhibits, and buying from 90+ international locations. Suppose Epcot, however with extra shawarma.
For much more surprising adventures (zorbing, lava shell massages, and extra), don’t miss 15 distinctive issues to do in Dubai.
Issues to Do with Youngsters (That Adults Secretly Love Too)
We’ve traveled the world with our kiddos, and Dubai makes it simple to maintain everybody completely happy.
- Dubai Aquarium – Contained in the Dubai Mall, with an enormous viewing panel and walk-through tunnel.
- Journey Zone – Ziplining, wall climbing, trampolines, principally a child’s dream day.
- LEGOLAND Dubai – Smaller than its U.S. cousins, however filled with allure.
- Desert Safari – Camel rides, henna portray, dune bashing, and stomach dancing underneath the celebrities.
Get the complete breakdown in our family-friendly Dubai information.
Discover Dubai for Free (Sure, Actually)
Dubai has loads of luxe sights, however you don’t must empty your pockets to benefit from the metropolis.
- Jumeirah Seashore – Public, clear, and ideal for a swim or individuals watching session.
- Dubai Creek – Watch wood boats glide by and wander by the charming Al Fahidi Historic District close by.
- Alserkal Avenue – Dubai’s hippest artwork scene. No entry payment, however you would possibly go away impressed.
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – Flamingos within the desert? Yup. Greatest in winter.
Right here’s our full record of the perfect free locations to go to.
The Greatest Souvenirs to Purchase in Dubai
Dubai is a client’s paradise, and sure, you will discover one thing cool past fridge magnets.
- Camel Milk Chocolate – Sounds bizarre. Tastes wonderful. Al Nassma is the go to model.
- Pashmina Shawls – Actual pashmina is tremendous mushy and light-weight (and comes with bragging rights). Be careful for faux acrylics.
- Arabic Espresso Units – Excellent for those who’ve fallen in love with cardamom laced espresso.
- Spices and Dates – Top off on saffron, za’atar, and plump Medjool dates from the myriad of souks across the metropolis.
- Miniature Burj Khalifas – Sure, they’re a bit touristy, however they’re enjoyable. Particularly the gold-plated ones.
You’ll discover most of those within the Gold, Spice, and Textile Souks or on the large Dubai Mall. For extra concepts, take a look at our information to the perfect issues to purchase in Dubai.
When Ought to You Go to Dubai?
Right here’s the quick reply: November to March. Heat days, cool nights, and all the pieces’s open.
Shoulder seasons like April or October? Nice for those who like warmth and shorter traces. Summer time? It’s doable, however put together for a sauna expertise. Numerous outside sights shut down and also you’ll reside in air-con.
We break all of it down in our seasonal information to visiting Dubai.
Bonus Suggestions: Fast Wins for a Smoother Journey
- Wi-Fi is in all places, together with malls, seashores, even the Metro. Deliver a VPN simply in case.
- Public transport is environment friendly, clear, and secure. Use the Metro for longer distances and ride-sharing apps for brief hops.
- Costume code – Dubai’s fairly relaxed, however modest clothes is appreciated in public areas. Suppose shoulders and knees lined.
The Takeaway
Dubai is a kind of uncommon cities the place you’ll be able to ski, store, sandboard, and sip saffron tea, all in the identical day. It’s flashy, sure, nevertheless it’s additionally stuffed with heat, colour, and creativity.
Whether or not you’re planning per week of household enjoyable, a romantic getaway, or an offbeat solo journey, Dubai has one thing surprising ready for everybody.
Nonetheless planning? Save this publish for later and take a look at these posts of ours subsequent:
