Dubai is a jaw-dropping city with an incredible knack for making the impossible seem ordinary – think towering skyscrapers piercing desert skies, man-made palm-shaped islands and shopping malls with actual aquariums inside them. Discover what makes Dubai absolutely unforgettable by exploring the best places to see in Dubai and the activities that will make any trip truly memorable.
Iconic Landmarks and Top Attractions
Dubai doesn't just build buildings – it creates legends that rewrite the rules of what's possible. These fun things to do in Dubai showcase the city's architectural marvels.
1. Burj Khalifa – The world's tallest building
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai
Standing at the base of what feels like a giant needle threading the clouds, the Burj Khalifa rises 828 metres in pure architectural audacity. The elevator ride hits 10 metres per second, making ears pop as Dubai shrinks below.
Levels 124 and 125 deliver postcard-perfect shots, but level 148 is where magic happens. The outdoor terrace offers views of the Persian Gulf stretching endlessly while the city buzzes below in absolutely surreal fashion. Timing visits for sunset provides spectacular views as Dubai lights up when darkness falls.
Insider tip: Book online to save money and skip queues.
2. Dubai Fountain Show – The world's largest choreographed fountain
Burj Khalifa Lake, Downtown Dubai
This fountain show transcends typical water displays. Pure theatre on water features jets shooting 150 metres into the air, dancing to haunting Arabic melodies and chart-topping hits in captivating performances.
Shows run every 20 minutes from 6pm-11pm, with weekend afternoon performances. The best viewing spots are lakeside restaurant tables – dinner and a show with the Burj Khalifa towering dramatically behind.
3. Dubai Mall – Beyond shopping paradise
Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai
Calling Dubai Mall just a shopping centre is like calling the Louvre just a building with paintings. These 1.2 million square metre wonderland houses over 1,200 shops – basically a small city where visitors could lose an entire day.
Walk through tunnels while sharks glide overhead at Dubai Aquarium. Ice skate in the desert on an Olympic-sized rink. Battle aliens in VR Park Dubai. With over 200 restaurants, diners could eat somewhere different for six months straight.
Cultural Heritage and Historic Areas
Dubai offers more than flash – the city has a genuine soul. Discover Dubai's hidden gems in these historic places that tell the story of Old Dubai.
4. Al Fahidi Historical District and Dubai Museum
Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai
Walking into Al Fahidi feels like stepping through a time portal. Traditional wind towers reach skyward like ancient air conditioning systems. This restored neighbourhood tells Dubai's origin story through courtyard houses, art galleries and cafés serving Arabic coffee prepared for generations.
Dubai Museum, housed in Al Fahidi Fort (Dubai's oldest building from the 18th century), brings history to life through underground galleries recreating entire scenes – pearl divers at work, Bedouin families in traditional tents, bustling old souks.
5. Dubai Creek and Al Seef waterfront
Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai
Dubai Creek is the lifeline that made everything possible. This natural harbour turned Dubai into the crossroads between East and West. Traditional abra boats offer Dubai's most authentic ride.
Journeys pass the glittering Gold Souk and aromatic Spice Souk where frankincense and cardamom create intoxicating sensory overload. Al Seef waterfront perfectly blends past and future – traditional wind-tower architecture alongside contemporary restaurants, with dhow boats built using generations-old techniques next to cutting-edge Emirati art galleries.
Desert Adventures and Unique Experiences
Dubai shows its wild side with the Arabian Desert as the ultimate playground. These Dubai-style activities provide adventures of a lifetime.
6. Desert safari and Bedouin camp experience
Pick-up from hotels, tours operate daily
Desert safari connects visitors to the landscape that shaped this region for centuries. Dune buggying delivers pure exhilaration – the world's most extreme roller coaster across endless red sand. Sandboarding and quad biking across terrain changing with every wind gust make these tours unforgettable.
The real magic happens at sunset in the Bedouin camp under desert stars. Traditional henna painting, aromatic shisha, mesmerising belly dancers and Tanoura performers culminate in authentic Middle Eastern feasts.
7. Dubai Marina and waterfront experiences
Al Marsa Street, Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina demonstrates what happens when urban planners dream big and physics plays along. This man-made canal city carved from coastline features competing skyscrapers reaching skyward. The Marina Walk stretches kilometres along sophisticated promenades mixing international cuisine, boutique shopping and stunning architecture.
Adrenaline seekers can try XLine Dubai Marina – the world's longest urban zipline soaring between skyscrapers at 80km/h. For those seeking premium experiences, consider luxury holidays in Dubai that include exclusive marina experiences.
Family Attractions and Entertainment
Dubai masterfully creates experiences thrilling adults while captivating kids. These family-friendly places to see in Dubai ensure everyone has an amazing time.
8. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Rd, The Palm Jumeirah
Aquaventure spans 22.5 hectares as the world's largest waterpark, boasting over 105 thrilling slides and attractions. The legendary Leap of Faith plunges riders down a near-vertical drop through shark-filled tunnels, while Aquaconda launches groups through the world's largest waterslide tube.
Families can explore Splashers Mountain, Island, and Lagoon – the largest kids-only waterpark area in the Middle East – featuring gentle slides and interactive water features. When adventure calls for a break, the meandering Lazy River offers peaceful floats through tropical landscapes.
9. Dubai Miracle Garden
Al Barsha South 3, Dubai
Dubai's most impressive trick yet – transforming desert into floral paradise featuring 150 million flowers. Open November-April, this seasonal wonder showcases ever-changing themed gardens.
The Emirates A380 flower sculpture (world's largest floral installation) makes life-sized aircraft look delicate. Heart-shaped arches create romantic photo opportunities, while butterfly gardens and aromatic walls engage all senses.
10. Global Village
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Exit 37
Global Village answers: "What if travellers could explore the world in one evening?" Operating October-April, this multicultural festival brings 90+ countries together in authentic pavilions.
Sample Indian street food, browse Turkish carpets, catch African dance performances – an immersive global journey that feels authentic. International artists, cultural shows, spectacular fireworks, plus Fun Fair rides create the ultimate cultural celebration.
Planning Your Dubai Adventure
- Perfect timing: Visit Dubai from November to March, when the weather offers ideal conditions for all activities and adventures.
- Easy transport: Efficient metro connects major attractions; taxis and ride-sharing provide door-to-door convenience.
- Cultural respect: Dress modestly in public areas, especially when visiting mosques and Old Dubai.
- Smart booking: Online reservations save money and guarantee entry, especially during peak season. Whether planning a quick Dubai city break or an extended stay, advance booking is essential.
Ready to Discover Dubai?
From gravity-defying architecture to starlit desert adventures, from ancient cultural treasures to memory-making family attractions – Dubai delivers experiences lasting long after visitors return home. This remarkable city masters making every visitor feel they've found exactly what they were seeking, with countless things to do in Dubai for every type of traveller.
Dubai adventures await and Away Holidays makes them happen. Every traveller is different, every dream unique and every perfect holiday needs that personal touch turning good trips into unforgettable journeys.
Browse the carefully curated selection of holidays to Dubai and discover why this extraordinary destination continues capturing hearts and imaginations worldwide.
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