Best Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai is a fantastic city that offers a mind-boggling array of experiences and activities for any type of traveler. From luxurious shopping experiences to thrilling desert safaris, the city is a paradise for pleasure seekers and adventurers alike. Whether indulging in world-class dining experiences or exploring its ancient traditions, Dubai guarantees unforgettable experiences with every turn.

The Burj Khalifa shoots a stunning 2,717 feet (828 meters) skyward, its 163 stories slicing through the clouds as the tallest building ever constructed in the world. This architectural marvel is only one of Dubai's extraordinary attractions, a city where defying world records has become second nature to the essence of its existence.

Tourists visiting Dubai have a tapestry of fascinating contrasts to unravel. Dubai Mall sprawls across over 1 million square meters as the world's largest shopping hub, while in another corner of town, the historic Gold Souk channels around 20% of the world's gold supply through its narrow, congested alleyways. They can spend a day gawking at 2.5 million gallons of seawater within the Dubai Aquarium teeming with aquatic life, and the following day walking 150 million attentively planted blooms at the Dubai Miracle Garden.

This guide lights up the unmissable experience awaiting first-timers and old-timers to this amazing Emirati metropolis in 2025.

Dubai lies open before newcomers as a world of unparalleled experience, where the world's greatest landmarks and historical treasures are waiting to be explored. The cityscape is breathtakingly surreal, a harmonious combination of architectural genius and cultural heritage, bringing about the critical experience that summarizes the Dubai experience.

The ascend to the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa is a shrine for visitors to Dubai. From observation decks at the 124th or 148th floor, the extensive metropolis unrolls in picture-postcard grandeur, where deserts way down in the distance blend with cerulean seas at the far horizon. The Dubai Fountain, at the Burj Khalifa's feet, dazzles with water sprays reaching up to 500 feet, to music. These stunning performances happen on the half hour from 6pm until 11pm and consist of each display shooting over 22,000 gallons of water high into the air. The fountain is currently closed for renovations and will hopefully be reopened in a couple of months.

The timeless traditions of Bedouin heritage await exploration on desert safari excursions, typically a 45-minute camel trek across the rolling dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. These journeys of culture might include encounters with indigenous wildlife, demonstrations of ancient falconry, and Middle Eastern-style picnics featuring traditional Arabian banquet fare under an inky-black desert sky. Passengers should dress comfortably and arrive early—15 to 30 minutes ahead of the announced departure time is advisable.

Dubai Marina waterways offer a distinctive glance at the city's architectural majesty. Aboard posh yachts departing every hour in the daytime, patrons are offered air-conditioned lower decks or outdoor-top upper deck areas offering unrestricted views. The tranquil waters present an ideal atmosphere for photography of Dubai's vertical ambitions, as each vessel passes beneath the umbra of awe-inspiring structures that define the cityscape.

This futuristic museum takes visitors half a century into the future to see what life will be like in 2071 through arts-meets-tech exhibitions. The museum's scope includes space travel, eco-conservancy, and human health, functioning between 10 am and 6 pm every day. The building itself is no less eye-catching—a torus-shaped wonder covered in detailed Arabic calligraphy, being both vessel and substance of Dubai's story of the future.

Within its colossal Dubai Mall reside over 1,200 shops for retailing alongside entertainment ranging from an fascinating aquarium to a dazzling ice rink. Labyrinthine alleys of old-fashioned souks filled with exotic spices, meticulously handcrafted gold ornaments, and traditional handwoven textiles beckon those who relish authentic mercantile experiences. Deira's world-famous Gold Souk features particularly pleasant prices for gold of the best quality.

Al Fahidi Historic District provides access to Dubai's pre-oil history, with free admission to more than 50 restored traditional homes in its 31,000 square meter complex. Visitors stroll through twisting, narrow streets to learn about museums, art galleries, and cultural centers that chronicle the humble beginnings of this skyscraper city.

This massive structure rises 150 meters high and spans a width of 93 meters, creating a golden picture frame that encloses differing scenery—Old Dubai extends north and New Dubai's modern silhouette extends south. The ground level houses historic exhibits tracing the city's development, while above, the observation deck features a heart-stopping glass walkway that tests individuals' bravery as it presents them with unparalleled views.

Dubai Miracle Garden is a lovely flower paradise with over 50 million flowers and the world's largest natural flower garden. Located at the center of Dubai, the garden stretches over an area of 72,000 square meters and incorporates a variety of exquisite floral attractions and architecture including life-sized flower castles, houses, and hearts. Open from the months of November to April, the garden serves visitors an ever-changing scene, with fully-blooming flowers for each season, and as a result, a photographer's wonderland.

The Dubai Butterfly Garden, with over 15,000 butterflies, and several themed gardens, such as the Crescent Garden and the Heart Garden, are scattered about the garden. The garden itself is a tribute to sustainability and aesthetics, employing green strategies like drip irrigation to conserve water. It's also family-oriented, providing open space for children to run about and have fun, and provides a peaceful, sensory experience for visitors of all ages.

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located inside the iconic Dubai Mall, is an underwater experience like no other, featuring thousands of sea creatures from across the world. The colossal aquarium features a 10-million-liter tank, featuring vibrant fish, sharks, stingrays, and other fascinating sea creatures.

Visitors can pass through a glass tunnel running through the middle of the tank, encircled by what seems like sea life. The Underwater Zoo, upstairs over the aquarium, continues the experience with displays of exotic creatures such as piranhas, penguins, and crocodiles. For ocean lovers or anyone seeking a different kind of adventure, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is an unforgettable dive into the sea.

Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates, offers a fantastic indoor skiing experience in the heart of the desert. As the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, it boasts a massive snow park covered with genuine snow, where individuals go skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. The resort has a 400-meter long mixed skill ski slope for both beginners and pros. Apart from snowboarding and skiing, Ski Dubai also hosts unique experiences like the snow penguin experience, where visitors can play with and interact with real penguins, and the ice cave, an ethereal, ice kingdom.

True appreciation of Dubai requires more than a list of things to do—it requires the subtle recognition only residents have. These local tips will make your visit from touristy fun to true exploration, sidestepping visitor faux pas and revealing the city's hidden beats.

Best times to visit popular spots

Dubai pays the visitor back in terms of strategy. Observation decks of Burj Khalifa get way less footfall early morning prior to 10AM or late night post-8PM on weekdays. The golden period for outdoor excursion falls between the months of November to March when the mercury is a comfortable 20-25°C. January is particularly distinctive, with Dubai Shopping Festival shrouding the city in excellent discounts and night entertainment spectacles.

Where to eat like a local

Arabian Tea House sits snug within Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, offering original Emirati cuisine surrounded by atmospheric settings that recall Dubai domestic architecture from days gone by. Seafood lovers head to Al Jalboot, where creations highlight the freshest catches of the day cooked in accordance with traditional UAE cuisine norms. 

Budget-conscious visitors can consider Al Dhiyafah road, where local flavors abound from several restaurants at local prices. Downtown Dubai tourists might get to Time Out Market, where the city's top chefs combine in signature dishes in a relaxed communal environment.

1. What are things to do in Dubai?

There’s so much to do in Dubai, from enjoying a thrilling desert safari to relaxing on the beaches of Jumeirah. Don’t miss a visit to the Burj Khalifa for breathtaking views of the city, explore the Dubai Mall, and take a dhow cruise along the creek. You can also visit Dubai Miracle Garden, explore Global Village, or go skiing at Ski Dubai for a unique experience in the desert.

2. Which month is best to visit Dubai?

The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. 

3- Is Dubai good for family trip?

Yes, Dubai is perfect for a family trip. It offers a range of attractions for all ages, including Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai Aquarium, and Dubai Dolphinarium. Families can enjoy a desert safari, relax on Jumeirah Beach, or visit Dubai Mall for fun activities like the ice rink and KidZania. With so many exciting experiences, Dubai is an ideal destination for family adventures.

4. What are the special places to go in Dubai?

Dubai is home to several unique attractions. The Burj Khalifa stands as the tallest building in the world, offering panoramic views of the city. Other must-see spots include the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Marina, the Dubai Opera, and the Museum of the Future. For a touch of culture, explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood or the Dubai Museum. If you're looking for luxury, the Palm Jumeirah is a special place to visit, with its upscale resorts and stunning coastline.

5-What is Dubai's famous food?

Dubai's famous foods include Shawarma (spiced meat), Machboos (spiced rice with meat or seafood), and Al Harees (wheat and meat dish). For dessert, try Baklava, Kunafa, and Luqaimaat (sweet dough balls). The city offers a blend of traditional Emirati flavors and international cuisines.