Top Things to Do in Dubai

About the City

Dubailand Delights and Desert Dilemmas: A Tale of Two Cities in One Imagine stepping into the future with a touch of tradition; that's Dubai for you! A playground for the affluent where skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa reach for the stars, and shopping malls are so giant you might need a map to escape. It's where the sun kisses the golden sands, and luxury cars zoom past with a purr that echoes opulence. Good: Indulge in seven-star hospitality at the Burj Al Arab or get lost in the mesmerizing maze of the Dubai Mall. Do you fancy gold? Stroll through the Gold Souk, and you'll think you've struck it rich! Aquatic adventures at Atlantis, The Palm, are perfect for splash-seekers, while the Dubai Fountain offers a symphony of water, light, and music that dances like it's in Broadway's spotlight. Bad: Alas, not everything glitters. The summer brings a scorching heat that could fry an egg on the hood of one of those fancy cars. And traffic? Let's just say patience is a virtue that you'll learn whether you like it or not. The cost of living high on the Arabian dunes isn't friendly to every wallet, and while the city never sleeps, some critters in the desert wish they could when the bustle becomes too much. It's an oasis of extremes where extravagance meets tradition in a desert mirage that's very much real.

Things to Do in Dubai

Experience Knafeh

Food & Drink

Dive into a sweet cheese-tastic affair with Knafeh, a dessert that's a piece of cheesy, syrupy heaven in every bite. Picture a layer of gooey, stretchy cheese topped with a crispy, golden vermicelli-l...

Pedal Power by the Palm

Outdoors

Gear up for a breezy cycling adventure around the Palm Jumeirah! Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your back as you pedal past some of Dubai's most luxurious homes and hotels. Keep your eyes p...

Snapshots with Sharks at Atlantis

The Unexpected

Dive into the deep blue without getting wet and snap a selfie with a shark! No, you're not dreaming—Atlantis The Palm has an aquarium where you can get up-close and personal with these toothy critters...

Urban Glamping

The Unexpected

Think camping, but make it fancy! Urban glamping combines rugged outdoor vibes with chic, luxury amenities. Picture indulgent tents, cozy fire pits, and gourmet marshmallows. It's where the great outd...

Antique Treasure Hunting

The Unexpected

Skip the shiny new malls and get your Indiana Jones on with some antique treasure hunting! Dive into the world of rare trinkets, vintage finds, and collectibles to grab a slice of history to take home...

Sky-High Tea Time

The Unexpected

Elevate your tea sipping experience—literally! Head to one of Dubai's cloud-piercing skyscrapers to enjoy a sophisticated high tea session with an aerial view of the cityscape. Hint: pinkies up for ad...

Kite Surfers' Delight

Outdoors

Harness the power of the wind and ride the waves on a kiteboard. Whether you're a rookie looking to catch your first breeze or a seasoned pro zipping through the surf, Kite Beach is your go-to spot fo...

Desert Safari Drifters

Outdoors

Bounce over dunes and slip down sandy slopes in a desert ride that's more fun than a rollercoaster. Get ready to scream 'woohoo' as your 4x4 defies gravity and gives you a taste of the real Arabian De...

Parks and Picnics Galore

Outdoors

Lay out a feast at one of Dubai's green oases! Crack open the hummus, munch on some tabbouleh, and soak up the sun. Dubai's parks are bursting with lush lawns perfect for a friendly game of frisbee, o...

Urban Adventure at City Walk

Outdoors

Get your comfy shoes on because it's time to hit the City Walk! Marvel at the street art, pop into unique boutiques, and maybe even catch an outdoor yoga class. It's the perfect place for a lazy eveni...

Relish Majboos

Food & Drink

Time to dig into a plate of majboos, the one-pot wonder that's the talk of Dubai's town! It's a rice dish that's been taken to the next level with a mix of spices, juicy meat, and sometimes a raisin o...

Take On the Waves at Aquaventure Waterpark

Sights

Splash, crash, and laugh your way through Aquaventure Waterpark. Dive down terrifying slides, ride the rapids, or float along the lazy river. It's a watery world of fun where sun-soaked memories are j...

Get Cultured at the Dubai Opera

Sights

Fancy a splash of culture with a side of dramatic flair? The Dubai Opera is an architectural masterpiece that's music to your ears—literally! Whether it's a stunning ballet, a dramatic opera, or an el...

Catch the Glitz at the Gold Souk

Sights

Ready to sparkle more than a disco ball at a 70s party? The Gold Souk is where bling is king! Rows upon rows of shops and stalls will bedazzle you with gold, diamonds, and precious gems. Just walking ...

Bargain in the Bustle of Spice Souk

Sights

Take a deep breath (but not too deep if you're near the chili powder) and dive into the labyrinth of the Spice Souk. Let your senses be tantalized by the colors and scents of exotic spices. Looking fo...

Sail the Creek on an Abra

Sights

Why walk when you can float? Hop onto an abra, Dubai’s traditional wooden boat, and float along the historic Dubai Creek. It's like a time machine on water, and the view's not too shabby either. Just ...

Tuck into Stuffed Camel

Food & Drink

Ready for an epic feast? Stuffed camel is not just a dish, it's an edible extravaganza! Often cited as one of the largest dishes served in the world, this one's for the bucket list. Imagine a whole ca...

Taste Margoogat

Food & Drink

Spoons at the ready, folks – it's time to dive into a bowl of margoogat! This robust stew will give you a taste of the Gulf you won't forget. Packed with tender meat, vibrant vegetables, and a kick of...

Nibble on Manakish

Food & Drink

Get ready to nosh on a snack that's like the Middle Eastern answer to pizza - it's manakish time! Picture a fluffy flatbread topped with zaatar and cheese, or minced meats if you're feeling fancy. Toa...

Bowling Extravaganza with a Twist

The Unexpected

Who knew you could chuck a ball down a neon-lit alley with thumping music in the background? Yep, Dubai's not just about sand and sun; it's also about strikes, spares, and splits at some uber-cool bow...