Top Things to Do in Dubai (with Travel Tips!)

(This is a guest article by Neha Singh. who loves travelling and is an avid trekker and explorer. She did her postgraduate studies in Mass Communications, loves meeting new people and strongly believes in the Gandhian principle – ‘Simple living, high thinking’. You can check out her work and connect with her on her blog.)

Ah… top things to do in Dubai – this is exciting although a very tricky topic. How could one really distill down a destination that wears several hats?

Dubai is hands down a city of unequaled architectural landmarks. And there are plentiful options to enjoy almost everything from shopping, dining, and nightlife to rip-roaring adventure, fun and entertainment. That said, you could effortlessly spend a day or two completely submerged in its cultural landmarks and unspoiled scenic treasures that are isolated and away from the city limits.

Be it for outdoors, leisure, or history/culture, Dubai is easily a something-for-everyone kind of destination where you’ll find endless choices for whatever your heart desires. If you’re not sure where or how to begin, here are a few suggestions to spend your upcoming Dubai holiday.

These are some of Dubai’s iconic experiences. But before you check them out, take a look at the following Dubai travel tips which makes your visit a lot easier and fulfilling.

Dubai Travel Tips

First of all, know when to visit

Yes, this is very important to know when to visit, as Dubai is always sunny due to its desert climate. But, if you’re an outdoorsy person or don’t want to find yourself tolerating harsh summer heat, avoid coming here from June to August. However, these months are the best time to visit Dubai if you’re willing to make the most of the city’s strongly air-conditioned indoor leisure and entertainment attractions. And the real advantage is that you will literally get to save tons on your Dubai vacation. Accommodation, dining, sightseeing, shopping, etc. – everything comes at a rate that you’ve never imagined.

For outdoorsy people, November to March is undoubtedly the best time to visit Dubai. As this also turns out to be the peak season packed with many exciting events like DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival), it’s an absolute must to make advanced bookings for your hotel accommodation, airline tickets, tours, etc. at least three to four months before.

Pick the right hotel

Whether you plan your trip to Dubai during summer or winter, choose accommodation that offers convenient access to almost everything that you’re planning to do on your vacation. An accommodation in Jumeirah or Dubai Marina is most ideal for beach-goers and water sport enthusiasts, while one in Downtown Dubai, Barsha or Sheik Zayed Road would perfectly fit those who want to be in a central location. When it comes to the budget, you’ll find rooms in every range from super luxurious like Burj Al Arab to mid-range and super cheap options across Bur Dubai and Deira regions.

Getting around is easier than you think

Dubai is not really a walkable city, but extremely affordable transport options make it a breeze to travel from one point to another. Use a single NOL card to access all public transport operated by the Dubai Government’s RTA (Road and Transport Authority). Most efficient and swift of all is Dubai Metro which is driverless and allows you to get to popular neighborhoods and iconic attractions without worrying about parking or dealing with hectic traffic.

Spend smart and save on tours and entry tickets

For this, just invest in a value-packed combo pass which lets you access some of Dubai’s most celebrated sights, brand-new theme parks, and best shopping / culinary spots all for a single rate.

Most importantly, know about local customs and rules

Dubai is a super amicable destination but it expects the visitors to respect its culture and traditions that are deeply entrenched in the Islamic roots. So just take care of these few things in order to avoid yourself getting into unnecessary problems like making a hefty fine payment or even ending up in jail.

• Dress modestly in public spaces. Make sure that your outfit covers your shoulders and knees.
• Avoid any kind of PDA.
• Take permission before you click pictures of significant government structures and locals, especially women.
• It’s a serious offense to smoke or get intoxicated in public.
• Don’t dine or drink in public if you’re visiting here during Ramadan.

Best Things to do in Dubai

1. ADMIRE DUBAI FROM BURJ KHALIFA

Opened a decade ago, this 828-meter structure continues to be one of Dubai’s top attractions and for all the right reasons. It’s the world’s tallest building and also counts among the most futuristic structures ever, with many recognitions and accolades to its credit.

There are several striking dining and accommodation choices, but most people visit here for its observation decks complemented by the faster ever elevator ride. Towering 124 floors above Downtown Dubai, a visit to At the Top observatory is one of the best ways to get introduced to the sheer scope and grandeur of this stunning city. Take this experience to the next level as you ascend to its SKY level on the 148^th level which is also the highest of its kind.

To make the most of your visit here, make sure that you pre-book your Burj Khalifa tickets and visit here during non-prime hours to skip the crowds.

2. EXPLORE THE DUBAI MALL AND WATCH DUBAI FOUNTAIN SHOW

A trip to Downtown Dubai or Dubai itself is incomplete without traveling to this biggest-of-its-kind shopping mall. It’s so massive that you could easily spend your whole vacation here. Yes, I’m not kidding; wander around its endless sprawls of more than 1200 shops, spend quality time at its many leisure attractions, and of course stop in between to recharge your energy (thanks to its 200 plus dining choices).

Entry to this mall is free, but shopping certainly doesn’t come cheaper here. With that being said, not all experiences here extract your money. Watch a part of the mesmeric and largest of its kind Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo for free. Also, it doesn’t cost anything to see Dubai Dino and strike a click against the beautiful Angel Falls. Now if you don’t mind a bit of extravagance, it’s worth spending for its Dubai Ice Rink, VR Dubai Park, and KidZania Dubai (a must-experience for little ones from 2 to 12 years.)

Finally, don’t leave the Dubai Mall or Downtown Dubai without watching the Dubai Fountain Show on Burj Lake. This stunning light and water show is artistically choreographed in tune to classic Arabic, Bollywood, and Hollywood music. It’s the world’s highest of its kind show, with water reaching up to 500 feet during the performance. And the greatest surprise is that you can watch this extravaganza while not spending a dime.

3. TAKE A DRIVE AROUND PALM JUMEIRAH AND STOP FOR A POSE AT BURJ AL ARAB

This is one of the unmissable Dubai things to do for first-timers! No introduction is probably required for Dubai’s timeless palm-tree shaped, man-made island, Palm Jumeirah. It holds some of the city’s most marvelous attractions, and has plenty to do and see including Atlantis, The Palm Resort, Aquaventure Water Park, Dolphin Bay and more. While a guided tour or a monorail ride gives you a glance of its stunning highlights, nothing beats an airborne activity (like a helicopter ride or skydiving), if you wish to see this island in its real splendor.

Just a few blocks away from here is Burj Al Arab, which is credited to be the world’s only seven-star hotel. A stay here may not be for all, but a selfie against this classic sail-shaped structure is a must-do on any Dubai trip. And you can make it more memorable by reserving a table at one of its posh dining venues. More than food, it allows you to admire its regal interiors and of course the captivating views that surround it.

4. FALL IN LOVE WITH DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN

This seasonal attraction which is open only during the winter months is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Spread over 72,000 square meters, this is where you can immerse yourself in its striking ambience, surrounded by over 45 million colorful flowers arranged in a variety of shapes, patterns and designs.

Whether you want to give your Instagram feed an instant boost or just looking for a relaxed outing amid a lush background, you will certainly be in awe with its themed gardens enriched with fountains, shaded areas and dining venues.

To visit here, it will cost around AED 55 for adults and AED 40 for kids from 3 to 12 years. If you’re joined by little ones below three years, they can enjoy free entry.

5. DISCOVER UNTOUCHED NATURE ON A DESERT SAFARI

The vast stretch of pristine golden desert sands across Al Awir and Al Lahbab areas easily defy Dubai’s status as a modern city. To experience it for yourself, take a guided desert safari Dubai infused with the right measure of adventure, fun, and thrill. Those with time constraints can opt for morning safari, but evening desert safari is most recommended for a greater slice of Dubai’s desert, its culture, traditions, and of course exclusive experiences.

The highlight of any desert tour is the dune bash which is nothing but an electrifying ride over the steep low and high dunes in a powerful 4X4 vehicle. It also includes many Bedouin-style activities like henna tattooing, falconry, Shisha smoking, etc. Moreover, subject to your chosen desert safari, it also includes a BBQ dinner, traditional shows (like Tanura and belly dance), and even camping under desert stars (only in overnight safari.)

6. CHILL OUT IN DUBAI’S THEME PARKS

Even if you’re not a theme park fanatic, do try to visit some of them; you won’t regret it one bit. Topping the list is Ski Dubai. We were a bit skeptical about the idea of skiing in the middle of the desert city. But we soon realized that this indoor ski resort at Mall of the Emirates is more than that; it’s the place to indulge in almost all your favorite winter and snow activities.

Another must-experience in Dubai is Dubai Parks and Resorts. It’s the region’s first integrated resort; what makes it extra special is its four unique theme parks such as Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai, and LEGOLAND Water Park. Just pick the right pass which allows access to all four parks or one or two of your favorite parks.

That’s not all; the biggest of its kind IMG Worlds of Adventure, VR Park Dubai, and Hub Zero are all equally worth visiting.

7. VISIT AL BASTAKIYA QUARTER

This is one of the most secluded and quietest parts of Old Dubai. Full of art galleries, museums, and historic buildings topped with wooden wind towers or traditional air-conditioners, a stroll through this beautifully preserved quarter will take you back to Dubai’s modest past. Among the not-to-miss here are Dubai Museum which is located inside the region’s oldest of its kind Al Fahidi Fort, and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU).

8. DELIGHT IN A RELAXED DHOW CRUISE

It’s truly amazing to see Dubai’s skyline from the water. There are several ways to do this, but nothing comes close to a leisurely cruise aboard a rustic wooden dhow.

Interestingly, it was once extensively used for pearl farming and fishing in the pre-oil phase. They are now converted to a floating restaurant and make for an unforgettable experience with fine dining and traditional entertainment arranged onboard. Dependent on your choice, you’ll get to enjoy this approximately two-hour cruise along the charming sights of historical Dubai Creek or the stylish Dubai Marina or Dubai Canal.

9. DIVE INTO DUBAI’S DISTINCTLY DIVERSE DINING SCENE

This is definitely one of the top things about Dubai. People from over 200 countries call Dubai home and this is largely reflected in its culinary scene. It, therefore, goes without saying that whatever your taste buds crave will be readily available in the city.

So whether you’re a hardcore foodie looking to try some really unique exotic cuisines or someone who doesn’t want to miss the homely food, you’ll never be disappointed once in Dubai. That’s not all; it satisfies every preference and pocket as well, with everything from the most stylish settings and dreamy venues (even amidst clouds) to the extremely cheap street foods at your disposal.

10. SHOPPING IN DUBAI

If you think that you can easily skip this because you’re not a shopaholic, it’s hard to do and I’m saying this from my own personal experience. Take a stroll down its traditional souks such as Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, etc. and this would definitely tempt you to own some really one-off souvenirs and merchandise.

Apart from these, the city has over 70 massive malls, each of which is truly a universe unto itself. They are all-inclusive places with tons of shops and an array of dining and leisure choices all under its roof.

Conclusion

If you haven’t yet added Dubai to your travel wish list, don’t delay; just visit here! You’ll find plenty to adore about this stunning Arabic city which is sure to make you fall for it over and again.