Things And Activities to do in Dubai – Travel Guide

Dubai has always been the top choice as a vacation destination for tourists, not only because of the glamour and glitz but also because of the endless entertainment options it offers. The city is always bubbling with energy and has no dearth of activities for visitors of all ages and preferences. If you are planning your next holiday in Dubai, you must know about the best things to do in Dubai.

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Best Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai Sightseeing

1. Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Museum

Al Fahidi Fort is the oldest monument in Dubai, constructed in 1800 AD. It is the best place to know Dubai’s inspiring history, as it houses the famous Dubai Museum, one of the top museums to visit in Dubai. Till 1896, this fort was fortified by three huge towers and was the residential place for the local rulers of Dubai.

Here, visitors get to know how Dubai has transformed from a small fishing and pearling center to one of the main centers of global business, the fashion world, and tourism. There are video shows that display the important events in Dubai between 1930 AD and 2000 AD. The exhibits include artifacts that were found during excavations. This museum also showcases the lifestyle of Bedouins living in deserts. One of the museum rooms displays how the entire region has transformed after the discovery of oil. This fort got declared a museum in 1971.

Timings: 8 AM to 8:30 PM (Saturday to Thursday) and 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM (Friday)

Tips for Travelers

• The ticket price for adults is AED 3 and for kids is AED 1 (below 6 years)
• You can explore the entire museum in 1-2 hours

Best For: Adults and older kids

2. Bastakiya Quarter

If you plan Dubai sightseeing, visit the Bastakiya Quarter in Bur Dubai to get the feel and look of old Dubai. You will find that this place is completely different from the rest of the city. Being declared a conserved place, vehicles are prohibited from entering in the Bastakiya Quarter. You can be part of the walking tours organized every morning at this fascinating place and go back to the splendid experience of walking through old pathways and courtyards. You can spend seven to eight hours to learn more about Dubai before the oil boom and its non-stop growth as an ultra-modern city. The Basta Art Café and many other galleries are worth visiting.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Tips for Travelers

• Several museums and art galleries at the Bastakiya Quarter do not have any entry fee.
• It would be best to carry some cash with you as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere in this area.

Best for: Adults and lovers of history and architecture

3. Burj Khalifa ‘At the Top’ Observation Decks

Located inside the world’s tallest building, it is one of the most spectacular Dubai attractions. Depending on your Dubai Burj Khalifa tickets, you can access its three observation decks on its 124th, 125^th, and 148th levels (Sky Level at a height of 555 meters). Entry to these observation decks is through the Dubai Mall and visitors can experience one of the world’s fastest elevators. You can enjoy an hour or more here at this observatory and get unmatched views of the world below you. Take a look at our comprehensive read to know about the Burj Khalifa.

Timings: 8:30 AM to 11 PM

Tips for Travelers

• The best time to visit Burj Khalifa is during the golden hour, i.e., before or during sunset. However, the tickets during this time slot are the most expensive.
• Book your tickets online so you do not have to spend time waiting in line.
• Arrive 30-40 minutes before the time mentioned in your entry ticket.

Best For: Everyone

How to Book: Best offers on Dubai Burj Khalifa! Check with Rayna Tours!

4. Big Bus Tour

The Hop on Hop off Big Bus Tour takes you through the most important points in Dubai and updates you with the interesting history and facts behind these significant landmarks of the city. You can opt for the Night Tour or the Day Tour. The tourists can opt for a 24-hour or 48-hour big bus tour. Tourists can pause or resume their sightseeing as per their choice with the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus Dubai tour. During the night tour, an extra attraction is the sight of the illuminated skyscrapers of Dubai.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM (Day tours) and 7:45 PM to 10: 30 PM (Night tours)

Tips for Travelers

• You get to hear a pre-recorded commentary on the places you see and visit during the tour. The commentary is available in 12 languages.
• You can book your Big Bus tour online to save money and time.

Best For: Families, couples and group of friends

5. Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is a fabulous triumph in design, built to look like a real picture frame, but it is only 152 meters tall. The two columns of the picture frame are connected to each other via a 96-meter-long glass bridge that offers a 360-degree view all over Dubai. The Dubai Frame represents the transformation of the old Dubai into the glitzy world capital, present-day Dubai. If you stand and face forward on the Dubai Frame’s observatory platform, you’ll see modern Dubai, including the Dubai Canal, the Burj Khalifa, and all the modern skyscrapers. If you look behind you, you’ll see old Dubai and the Bastakiya quarter. It is surely one of the best places to visit in Dubai. Know all about Dubai Frame with our exclusive guide.

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

Tips for Travelers

• It is best to visit Dubai Frame during the daytime to enjoy the view of the various attractions clearly.
• You cannot carry heavy luggage or bars to the Dubai Frame. You can deposit these on the locker facilities available at the premises.

Best For: Everyone

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6. Etihad Museum

Visit the Etihad Museum in Dubai to discover the UAE’s contemporary history. The museum is located in a brand-new building in Jumeirah, which is a treat to the eyes. Inside the museum, you will see several interactive pavilions that depict the UAE’s history with dioramas, multimedia, photos, and films. Watch and understand how the UAE has developed from being a collection of pearl diving and fishing villages to a global tourist destination in just a few decades. Most of this development happened between 1968 and 1974, a tremendous achievement given the short duration. Learn about the UAE’s rich heritage and life before the seven emirates were unified. If you have wondered just how a relatively unknown region has become this popular almost overnight, the Etihad Museum will put your questions to rest. The museum is spread over 25,000 square meters and is located at Union House, a historical site as it’s the very place where the UAE’s new constitution was signed in 1971.

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM

Tips for Travelers

• You cannot buy tickets to the museum online. The tickets can only be bought from the counter at the venue.
• The best time to visit the museum is during the weekends, as weekdays are crowded with college and school tours.

7. Queen Elizabeth 2

Image Credit: qe2.com

Queen Elizabeth 2, once the toast of British heritage for over 50 years, is today an incredible 13-deck oceanic destination offering a hotel, dining, entertainment, and fun. Queen Elizabeth 2 is now permanently docked at Dubai’s Mina Rashid; you can sign up for fun heritage tours of this iconic ship. Queen Elizabeth 2 used to be one of the most famous cruise ships in the world, launched in 1969. After many memorable travels between England and the US and the rest of the world, she’s come to rest in Dubai. The QE2 is equipped with 13 decks of rooms, dining areas, restaurants, cafes, shopping venues, boutiques, a fabulous gym, spa, swimming pool, and multiple entertainment venues. Discover the legend of Queen Elizabeth 2 and introduce yourself to the wife of King George the second, after whom the ship has been named. Exploring QE2 will be the highlight of your trip and one of the best things to do in Dubai.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Heritage Tours: 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM and 7 PM

Tips for Travelers

• You can book the tickets for the heritage tours online.
• You can arrive at the venue by car, metro, or bus

Best For: Everyone

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Dubai Theme Parks

8. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Located within the Dubai Mall, it is one of the largest aquariums in the world. The highlight of the aquarium is the 10 million-liter suspended tank, which is home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals. The underwater zoo has some interesting inhabitants too. Things to do in Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo also include glass boat rides, scuba diving, shark diving, etc.

Timings: 10 AM to 12 AM

Tips for Travelers

• You can book tickets to the aquarium and special experiences online to save time and money.
• The place is likely to be crowded during the weekends, so try your best to visit during the weekdays.

Best For: Families with children and animal lovers

9. Ski Dubai

One of the most adventurous things to do in Dubai is to experience indoor skiing in Dubai at Ski Dubai. Apart from skiing, adventure enthusiasts can also go tobogganing, snowboarding, or simply playing in the snow. This mountain-themed indoor ski resort attracts visitors throughout the year. Skiing is offered to novices and the most experienced skiers. Professional guides are also there to help the participants. Another winter sport, snowboarding, is also quite popular at this ski resort.

Timings: 10 AM to 11 AM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 10 AM to 12 AM (Thursday and Friday)

Tips for Travelers

• Skiing equipment, as well as winter attire (thermal jackets, ski poles, ski boots, etc.) are included in the ticket price.
• Although winter attire is available, you must  get your own gloves unless you want to buy them from the store.

Best For: Everyone

10. Motiongate Dubai

A visit to the Hollywood-studio-themed Motiongate Dubai is one of the best things to do in Dubai. It is part of Dubai Parks and Resorts and is divided into several zones that include DreamWorks, Lionsgate, Studio Central, Columbia Pictures, and Smurf Village. Each of the zones has numerous rides and attractions that will keep you engaged and entertained.

Timings: 2 PM to 10 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 2 PM to 11 PM (Thursday and Friday)

Tips for Travelers

• Before you visit this park, know Motiongate Dubai timings and other relevant details to make the most of your visit here.
• Explore the park zone-wise. Enter one zone, check out all the rides and attractions and move on to the next.
• Try to visit during a weekday to avoid crowds. Also, arrive early in the day to have maximum fun.

Best For: Families and adventure lovers

11. LEGOLAND Dubai

Legoland Dubai, the ultimate indoor theme park for kids, is based on the popular children’s toy, Legos. Located within Dubai Parks and Resorts, it has five themed zones offering fantastic thrills and rides, which include Lego Miniland, Lego Mindstorms, Lego City, Duplo Gardens, etc. Children can build different structures using huge Lego blocks. You will also see famous buildings made of Lego blocks at the park.

Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 10 AM to 8 PM (Thursday and Friday)

Tips for Travelers

• Book your tickets online to receive great deals and discounts
• Choose the Q-Fast tickets to skip the queues on rides and attractions

Best For: Kids under the age of 12

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12. Riverland Dubai

Riverland Dubai within Dubai Parks and Resorts is a free theme park that takes you back in time. It acts as an entrance to the rest of the parks. Here, you can glimpse into some of the great eras of the past through the Peninsula, the Boardwalk, India Gate and the French Village. The place is a fun dining and shopping destination.

Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 10 AM to 12 AM (Thursday and Friday)

Tips for Travelers

• There are numerous dining and shopping places in each of the zones in the park
• Some of the facilities available at the park include an ATM, a first aid station, drinking fountains, wheelchairs, lockers, and strollers.

Best For: Everyone

13. IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure offers adrenaline-pumping attractions for all comic book fans out there! There’s an interactive ride based on every comic book hero or heroine that you love, whether it’s Spider-Man, the Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, or the Avengers. IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor theme park, covering an area in excess of 1.5 million square feet. The six epic adventure zones of this park are Cartoon Network, Marvel, IMG Boulevard, The Haunted Hotel, IMG Kids Zone, and Lost Valley: Dinosaur Adventure. Check out our all-inclusive guide to IMG Worlds of Adventure to learn more about this adventure spot in Dubai.

Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM (Sunday to Wednesday) and 11 AM to 10 PM (Thursday and Friday)

Tips for Travelers

• Most rides at the IMG Worlds of Adventure have a height restriction, except for Haunted Hotel
• Arrive early to enjoy the rides and attractions without bothering about the crowds. Likewise, weekdays are better than weekends if you want to avoid crowds.

Best For: Kids, adults and adventure lovers

How to Book: Skip-the-line & book IMG Worlds of Adventure tickets online!

14. Play DXB

Get ready to experience some of the most thrilling virtual reality-based rides and games at this theme park within the Dubai Mall. It is a stupendous 75,000-square-foot indoor theme park that spreads across two levels. With over 30 attractions ideal for every age and ability, get ready to escape from your daily mundane routines and throw yourself into some of the greatest immersive experiences that’ll take you away from reality! The best thing is that it offers both single-player and multiplayer experiences. Refer to our exclusive Play DXB for more information.

How to Book: Play DXB tickets at best prices! Book online now!!

15. Dubai Dolphinarium

The Dubai Dolphinarium is an indoor park, home to several dolphins and seals. You not only get to see these friendly sea animals but also touch and interact with them. The Dubai Dolphinarium shows and activities include the Dolphin and Seal Show, Swimming with Dolphins, and the Creek Park Exotic Bird Show.

Timings: 10 AM to 7:30 PM

Tips for Travelers

• There is no entry fee for children below the age of 2 years. However, children above the age of 12 require an adult ticket.
• Pets are not allowed inside the Dubai Dolphinarium.

Best For: Families with children

16. iFly Dubai

If you are not ready for the actual sky diving experience, go indoors at iFly Dubai. Here, you get to skydive inside the 10-meter-wide glass tunnel, where a gust of wind would help you fly four meters above the ground. Plus, it is totally safe, as you will be constantly guided by the professionals present with you.

Timings: 12 PM to 10 PM (Sunday to Wednesday), Thursday (12 PM to 11 PM) and Friday and Saturday (10 AM to 11 PM)

Tips for Travelers

• Be sure to refer to our exclusive guide for things to know about iFly Dubai.
• Apart from adults, kids above the age of 3 years can also experience flying at iFly Dubai.
• Kids under the age of 18 should have written permission from their parents.

Best For: Adventure lovers, adults, and kids

17. Dubai Garden Glow

Dubai Garden Glow in Zabeel Park is an eco-friendly theme park complete with art installations made with recyclable items and illuminated with millions of energy-efficient LED lights. Dubai Garden Glow attractions include an Ice Park, an Art Park, a Glow Park, a Dinosaur Park,  etc. It is surely a delight for visitors.

Timings: 4 PM to 12 AM (the park remains closed during the summer months)

Tips for Travelers

• Kids under the age of 3 and adults with special needs do not need an entry ticket.
• You can buy the tickets online. However, the tickets to Ice Park have to be bought at the venue itself.

Best For: Families and art lovers

How to Book: Best offer on Dubai Garden Glow! Use coupon code & grab the deal!

18. Bounce Dubai

Image Credit: bounce.ae

Kids love jumping around, and Bounce Dubai is an indoor trampoline park that offers exactly that. Kids will have fun with activities and attractions like Jump Box Beat, Dodged Ball, Kids Court, Open Jump, etc. Apart from kids, adults can have a great time jumping around the 120 interconnected trampolines, playing dodge ball, scoring the walls and even ziplining.

Timings: 9 AM to 8 PM

Tips for Travelers

• Book your tickets online, as the queue at the center can be long and time-consuming
• Grip socks are necessary for everyone jumping on the trampolines.
• Only children who can walk with support can enjoy the attractions of the park.

Best For: Kids between 5 years and 14 years

19. KidZania Dubai

KidZania Dubai is a theme park for kids where they can learn life skills in a fun way. KidZania offers kids the option of choosing from 40-role-playing activities where they can be doctors, firefighters, shopkeepers, etc., and learn about the work and how to manage money and expenses. While kids have fun role-playing and making the most of the KidZania Dubai Mall attractions and activities, parents can relax in the lounge with a drink and a snack.

Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM (Sunday to Wednesday) and 10 AM to 11 PM (Thursday to Saturday)

Tips for Travelers

• Parents cannot enter the activity area but have to stay in the lounge which has Wi-Fi, TV and a café.
• Children can stay in KidZania as long as they want, until closing time.

Best For: Children between 4 and 16 years

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Dubai Water Parks

20. Wild Wadi Water Park

The first on the list is the Wild Wadi Water Park. This water park is in front of Burj Al Arab and offers about 30 exciting rides. The park houses the longest slide in the Middle East, Jumeirah Sceirah. Beaker’s Bay, the biggest pool in the Middle East, is another major attraction of this water park. The theme of this park is inspired by the Tale of Juha, a famous character in Arabian folktales. The must-try rides here are Tunnel of Doom, The Tantrum Alley, and Juha’s Dow and Lagoon. Don’t miss out on our exclusive read for interesting facts about Wild Wadi Water Park.

Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM (Monday to Wednesday), 10 AM to 6 PM (Thursday) 10 AM to 10 PM (Friday) and 10 AM to 8 PM (Saturday)

Tips for Travelers

• You can book the tickets for visiting the water park online rather than waiting in a long queue at the ticket counter.
• Make sure that you and your family members stay hydrated.

Best For: Families with kids, couples and adventure lovers

21. Atlantis Aquaventure

Enjoy heart-thumping and adrenaline-rushing rides at the Aquaventure Water Park at Hotel Atlantis, the Palm. As the largest water park in Dubai, things to do at Atlantis Aquaventure Dubai are endless. Right from Shark Safari, Splasher Children’s Play Area, and the Tower of Neptune to the Tower of Poseidon, there is something for every age group. The water park also has a private beach, the only beach in the UAE where alcohol is served.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Tips for Travelers

• Atlantis Aquaventure is extremely strict about the dress code. Hence, make sure to adhere to them. Make sure babies are wearing swimwear diapers.
• In order to keep your money safe and prevent it from getting wet, it would be best to opt for an electronic watch with enough credit. You can swipe the watch if you want to buy something. If your account has residual money at the end of the day, it would be refunded to you.

Best for: Kids, adults, and couples

22. Legoland Waterpark

LEGOLAND Water Park is part of Legoland Dubai, Dubai Parks, and Resorts. Families and kids can hit 20 water slides, a family raft, and a body and tube slide, among other LEGOLAND Water Park attractions. Let your kids splash about in the huge Lego Wave Pool and build a raft using custom Lego bricks. Toddlers will love the slides and rides in the DUPLO® toddler play area. Let your kids enjoy eating at the two Lego-themed restaurants and lie around under Lego cabanas to rest.

Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 10 AM to 8 PM (Thursday and Friday)

Tips for Travelers

• It’s best to visit the park on weekdays as it can get really crowded during the weekends.
• You cannot get any outside food inside the park. However, exceptions are made for baby food.

Best For: Kids under the age of 12

23. Dubai Desert Safari

No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the Dubai Desert Safari. The adrenaline rush of a 4×4 safari jeep, speedy mountain bikes, and camel rides in the majestic Dubai desert are experiences that will stay with you for a long time. If you have some extra time during your desert safari, you can go for enthralling sandboarding, get the henna tattoo done, and enjoy a wonderful BBQ dinner in the evening desert camps. Almost every reputed tour operator offers a pick-up and drop-off facility for your desert safari.

Timings: 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM (evening desert safari)

Tips for Travelers

• Count on our guide to finding the best desert safari Dubai.
• Wear comfortable cotton clothes while on the desert safari. But do not forget to carry a jacket or shawl as it can get chillier at night.
• Listen and follow the instructions provided by the instructors before trying any of the adventure sports at the desert camp.

Best For: Families with older children, couples on honeymoon, and groups of friends

How to Book: Best Deals on Tickets for Desert Safari Dubai! Check with Rayna Tours!

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FAQs

What are the top attractions to visit in Dubai?

The best attractions in Dubai are:

• Burj Khalifa
• Burj Al Arab
• Dubai Mall
• Bastakiya Quarter
• Desert Safari
• Ski Dubai

What are the fun activities to do in Dubai with kids?

Dubai is a place like no other in the Middle East. It’s nothing short of a giant playground with an endless amount of things to see and do for all age groups and abilities. So, it goes without saying that you’ll find loads of fun-packed options to keep your little ones busy and occupied. This ranges from thrilling escape rooms and cool amusement parks, including snow-themed Ski Dubai, to the one-of-a-kind KidZania Dubai, the first-of-its-kind Bounce-X trampoline park and the fun-packed Play DXB.

What is Dubai known for?

Dubai is probably most famed for its dazzling cityscape, dotted with soaring skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and breathtaking man-made islands. It’s also popular for its vibrant nightlife, most distinct theme parks, and jaw-dropping entertainment options such as La Perle by Dragone show. Moreover, with a variety of off-beat experiences (like desert safaris and dhow cruises) to count, it’s a destination that entices every preference.

What are the leisure things to do in Dubai?

Dubai may be a desert city, but it packs an astonishing amount of diversity when it comes to the leisure choices it has to offer. There are massive shopping malls (with all recreation imaginable under their roof), traditional Arabian bazaars or souks, world-class dining choices, pampering spa treatments, amazing theme parks, and, of course, the most comprehensive events, including the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).

What are the top indoor and outdoor activities in Dubai?

Dubai is a year-round spot for an immaculate leisure vacation. And this is courtesy of the tons of choices available for indoor and outdoor activities. From desert safaris and cycling to flyboarding, parasailing, and extreme sky diving sessions, the outdoorsy people will find the most unbeatable options across Dubai’s land, water, and air. When it comes to indoor fun, choices are almost limitless, with escape rooms and indoor theme parks including the coolest of its kind snow park and the biggest of its kind IMG Worlds of Adventure.

What are the best outdoor attractions in Dubai?

Some of the popular outdoor attractions in Dubai are:

• Wild Wadi Water Park
• Dubai Desert Safari
• Skydiving
• La Mer Beach
• Global Village

What are the best indoor attractions in Dubai?

The best indoor attractions in Dubai are:

• iFly Dubai
• Dubai Dolphinarium
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
• Ski Dubai
• KidZania

What should not be done in Dubai?

Remember these things when in Dubai:

• Do not wear revealing or inappropriate clothes.
• Do not click pictures of locals or women without permission.
• Do not exhibit PDA.
• Do not carry drugs or prohibited items.
• Do not drink alcohol in public or undesignated areas.
• Do not greet or eat with your left hand.

What is the best month to go to Dubai?

The best time to visit Dubai is from November to April. The average temperature is 16 °C-24 °C. With cloudless blue skies and pleasant sunshine, these winter months are perfect for outdoor excursions in Dubai. January and February remain packed due to events like the New Year and the Dubai Shopping Festival.

Which are the hottest months in Dubai?

July and August are the hottest months in Dubai. The days have daily highs of around 43°C and lows of 31°C. The summers are long and excruciatingly hot, making it the low-budget season of tourism in Dubai.

Is Dubai expensive to eat?

Dining out in Dubai is not always expensive unless you are sitting in one of the Michelin-starred hotels or Burj Al Arab. While the local eateries in Old Dubai have main dishes that cost around AED 35-50, the mid-range restaurant costs AED 160-250 for a three-course meal.

What language do they speak in Dubai?

Arabic is the official language in Dubai for both verbal and written communication. Home to more than 200 nationalities, Dubai is a multi-linguistic city where English is a popular spoken language in Dubai. Some other common languages in Dubai are Hindi, Urdu, Filipino, and Mandarin.

Why is Dubai so popular?

Dubai attracts millions of tourists because of its one-of-a-kind architecture. It has a cutting-edge vision, extravagant dining options, man-made islands, five-star hotels, city-sized malls, ski slopes, desert safaris, and a range of cool and cultural activities. You will never find such a mixed bag of innovative developments and historic sights.