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Dreaming of Dubai and wondering how to make the most of your visit? You’re in the right place!
From its towering skyscrapers to its golden deserts, Dubai offers a blend of luxury, adventure, and culture like no other. It’s a city that’s constantly growing and changing, and every trip feels like a new discovery.
Having explored Dubai several times, I’ve uncovered the must-see attractions and hidden gems that make this vibrant city truly unforgettable. Whether you’re into breathtaking views, thrilling activities, or unique cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to plan the ultimate adventure? Here are the 10 best things to do in Dubai that you won’t want to miss!
Don’t Miss Out on our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE Dubai activity was this Red Dunes adventure tour! We rode ATVs and camels through the desert, had a yummy BBQ dinner at a luxury camp, stargazed, and more.
Check out the 18,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
- Don't Miss Out on our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Dubai
- 1. Go on a Red Dunes adventure – camel ride, stargazing, ATV, and luxury Al Khayma camp
- 2. Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi
- 3. Explore Old Dubai
- 4. Go jet skiing in Dubai Marina
- 5. Go on an overnight desert safari
- 6. Cruise on the Persian Gulf in a luxury yacht
- 7. See Dubai from an aerial view on a helicopter flight
- 8. See Dubai’s top sights with a private guide, including entrance to Burj Khalifa
- 9. Cool off at the Atlantis Aquaventure Park
- 10. Relax on a Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise
- Where to Stay in Dubai
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Dubai
1. Go on a Red Dunes adventure – camel ride, stargazing, ATV, and luxury Al Khayma camp
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 11:30 am, 2 pm, or 2:30 pm
- Highlights: ATV ride across the red sand dunes of the Lahbab desert, relaxing at a luxury desert camp, riding camels, feeding baby camels, photoshoot in local dress, dance performance, barbecue buffet dinner, stargazing (evening only), henna painting for women
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, hour-long ATV ride, professional instructor and guide, camel ride, unlimited soft drinks, buffet meal, local costumes to wear, coffee and sweats, shisha pipe, luxury camp access
- Rating: 5 stars (check 19,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
If there’s one experience that you absolutely must do in Dubai, then I’m telling you, it’s this desert adventure tour! The tour involves ATV riding across the red dunes, camel riding, and entertainment, so we had pretty high expectations going in, but this tour exceeded them by a mile.
We started out with a thrilling ATV ride across the red Lahbab desert. Driving these bad boys across the desert was beyond exhilarating – it felt like driving on Mars! We also got to go sandboarding down the super steep dunes, which was truly the cherry on top of this experience.
Then, we made our way to the luxurious Al Khayma camp, where we refueled with coffee and sweet dates. We loved spending time at this glamorous desert camp, but the camel rides were even more fun, and they offered a slower-paced and more traditional contrast to the adrenaline-fueled ATV ride.
As night fell, we enjoyed a barbecue buffet at the camp, with the most amazing kebabs and koftas. Then, we were rapt as we watched a mesmerizing dance performance and fire show.
The night ended with a stargazing session in the desert, and we recommend booking the later tour slot to ensure you get to enjoy this experience. If you’ve never been stargazing in the desert before, then you’re in for a treat, because it’s an experience unlike any other.
To say that the desert is magical would be the understatement of the century, so whatever you do, make sure that you don’t miss this unforgettable adventure. It’s the ultimate Dubai must-do!
Book this tour with over 18,500 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!
2. Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 8:30 am – 12 pm
- Highlights: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, observation deck at the Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers, Qasr Al Patan Royal Palace, driving along the Corniche Waterfront
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, all entry tickets, ladies’ abaya for mosque visit, unlimited water, professional tour guide, small group or private tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 6,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
When in Dubai, you can’t miss the wonders of neighboring Abu Dhabi! We didn’t want the hassle of planning a day trip ourselves, so we booked this full-day tour, and it proved to be the perfect solution.
We kicked off the day by visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which was insanely beautiful – like something out of a dream, in fact. We were in complete awe as we explored, and we even bought lunch in the mosque’s food court, and I must say – it was really good!
We also made a quick photo stop outside the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which has to be one of the most beautiful museums in the world. It’s truly a work of art in itself!
Then, we drove along the Corniche promenade to enjoy views of the gorgeous Arabian Gulf, and headed to Qasr Al Watan Palace. This is another insanely extravagant building, and an unmissable Instagram spot.
Last but not least, we visited the Etihad Towers, which have featured in the Fast and Furious movies (number 7, in case you were wondering!) We got to go up to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views over Abu Dhabi and the Arabian Gulf.
This tour is definitely the easiest way to visit Abu Dhabi, and as the capital of the UAE, we didn’t want to miss it! We really felt like we got to make the most of our time and hit all of the highlights, without a trace of stress involved.
Reserve your spot on this top-rated tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Explore Old Dubai
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am, 2:30 pm, or 5 pm
- Highlights: exploring Old Dubai, visiting the Al Fahidi quarter, Dubai Museum, tasting street food (if option selected), shopping in souks, crossing the Dubai Creek on a traditional Abra
- Inclusions: local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), street food tastings, coffee, fresh sugarcane juice, Abra ride, Al Fahidi entrance fee
- Rating: 5 stars (check 3,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We couldn’t wait to explore Old Dubai, and we wanted to do it properly, so we booked this guided tour! It was amazing to experience a totally different side to the city. We felt a world away from the glitzy skyscrapers and luxury malls that Dubai is typically known for.
Our journey began in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. As we strolled through the narrow alleys and wind towers, we felt like we were stepping back in time. Our guide, Hamza, brought Dubai’s history to life, and offered local insights that made the experience feel much more meaningful.
Exploring the souks was an amazing way to immerse ourselves into the local culture, although if truth be told, we might have gotten a bit of a sensory overload if we hadn’t had Hamza to help us navigate them. He also gave us some great tips on pricing and haggling, so we were able to score some bargains.
But for me, the highlight of the tour was sampling street food, coffee, and sugarcane juice as we wandered through Old Dubai! Among other things, we got to try falafel, chai, and chocolate-covered dates, which were beyond delicious. For this reason, we highly recommend booking the premium option of this tour, as all tastings are included.
If you want to explore Old Dubai, then this tour is definitely the way to go. We loved it and would 100% do it again!
Check out the THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
4. Go jet skiing in Dubai Marina
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 8 am – 4:30 pm
- Highlights: thrilling jet ski adventure, admiring Dubai’s top landmarks from out on the water, fun photo break
- Inclusions: one jet ski for two people, changing room and locker access, masks or glasses if necessary, safety jackets, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 2,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Jet skiing? Sign me up!
We loved this jet ski experience in the Dubai Marina because we got to see famous landmarks like the Palm Jumeirah islands and resort, the Burj Khalifa and the fin-shaped Burj al Arab hotel. It was a thrilling adventure and the most exhilarating way to see the city’s iconic landmarks for sure.
Our adventure began with a safety briefing, and then before we knew it, we were on our jet ski, cruising through the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf.
We got an immediate adrenaline rush, but the experience only got better as we zipped past the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. We then got to take a photo break to remember how epic of an experience this was!
Of course, we could see the Burj Khalifa from out on the water – I mean, it is the tallest building in the world! We really got a sense for how impressive Dubai’s skyline was from out on the water, and we also couldn’t believe that the Palm Jumeirah islands were man made!
You go to Dubai to feel like a VIP, and nothing says that like riding a jet ski! There’s a reason everyone dreams of riding a jet ski, so why not make that a reality while you’re here?
Check availability and secure your spot on this tour here!
5. Go on an overnight desert safari
- Duration: 18 hours
- Time: 2:30 pm
- Highlights: dune bashing, sandboarding, enjoying cultural shows and a delicious dinner, listening to stories around the campfire, stargazing with a telescope, staying overnight in a luxury Bedouin desert camp, watching the sunrise over the desert
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, 4WD transport, English-speaking driver and guide, sandboarding, camel rides and feeding, henna for ladies, shisha pipe, Arabian makeover and photoshoot, buffet dinner from Michelin-star restaurant, snacks and coffee, breakfast, free WiFi
- Rating: 5 stars (check 2,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to maximize your time in the Dubai desert, then we highly recommend booking overnight this tour. It combined thrilling activities, amazing food, and cultural richness, so we truly couldn’t have asked for more!
We began our adventure by dune bashing in the Lahbab Desert, which basically means thundering through the towering dunes in a 4WD vehicle. It was so exciting, and we also got to get out and go sandboarding! Then, we slowed down the pace with a peaceful camel ride, which was such a fun and unique experience.
When we arrived at the Al Khayma Camp, the magic truly began. The Bedouin-style accommodation was gorgeous, and we loved hearing stories about these mysterious desert nomads.
We also got to sip on traditional Arabic coffee, snack on Emirati sweets, and dress up in local attire. Bailey also got her hands painted with henna, although this experience is for women only – sorry, gents!
We loved the delicious barbecue dinner, and watched Tanoura and Khaliji dancing under the stars. Then, we enjoyed stargazing before cozying up next to the campfire to listen to stories.
We had a great night’s rest in our tent – although if truth be told, calling it a “tent” is a bit of an insult, given how luxurious and beautifully decorated it was. Then, we enjoyed a breathtaking desert sunrise before heading back to the city.
This tour was full of bucket list experiences, and it really allowed us to embrace the beauty of the Arabian desert.
This tour is popular – reserve your spot now to access FREE cancellation options.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Cruise on the Persian Gulf in a luxury yacht
- Duration: 1 – 3 hours
- Time: 9 am – 9 pm
- Highlights: seeing Dubai’s iconic skyline, sunbathing or relaxing on deck, luxurious yacht cruise
- Inclusions: yacht cruise, on-board breakfast or barbecue (for 2 or 3 hour cruises), soft drinks
- Rating: 5 stars (check 6,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Dubai is a luxurious destination, and we decided to embrace that with this luxury yacht cruise!
We had a blast cruising VIP-style along the Persian Gulf. We went for the 3-hour afternoon cruise with a barbecue lunch included, but there are a ton of choices. With options ranging from breakfast cruises to sunset and twilight experiences, there’s definitely something for everyone.
We boarded our sleek, modern yacht on the Dubai Marina, and were greeted by an uber-friendly crew who made us feel right at home! The boat was spacious, and we topped up our tans on the sunbathing deck, although there was plenty of shaded seating for whenever we needed a break.
As we glided through the sparkling Persian Gulf, we enjoyed views of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, including the Atlantis, the Palm, the Burj Al Arab, and of course the Burj Khalifa.
We also loved the barbecue lunch that we got, which consisted of grilled meats, fresh salads, and yummy sides. For those who want to drink, there’s also the option to upgrade to an unlimited alcohol package on board.
The afternoon cruise was an epic experience, and we’ve both agreed that next time we’re in Dubai, we’ll book this tour again and do either the twilight or sunset cruise. It’s an affordable yet premium way to enjoy Dubai’s gleaming modern beauty from out on the water, and we would recommend it to anyone!
Check availability and book this top-rated luxury cruise here!
7. See Dubai from an aerial view on a helicopter flight
- Duration: 12 – 30 minutes
- Time: 9 am – 5:30 pm
- Highlights: birds’ eye views of the Dubai Frame, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Old Dubai, Dubai Creek
- Inclusions: helicopter flight, live commentary, light refreshments
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
A helicopter tour is a truly unforgettable way to experience Dubai. As amazing as it is to explore the glittering city on ground level, nothing beats getting up in the air for a birds’ eye view!
What we love about this helicopter tour is that there are multiple different options available. There’s a more affordable 12-minute tour to an all-out 30-minute flight. Whichever one you choose, you’re in for a treat. We decided to go for the 22-minute “vision tour”, as it seemed like a happy medium.
We enjoyed a seamless check-in process, and the staff couldn’t have been warmer or more welcoming. After a short safety briefing, we were guided to the helicopter. I even scored the front seat next to the pilot, which was the ultimate vantage point!
Speaking of the views, they truly were mesmerizing. Dubai Creek shimmered below us, and the iconic skyline emerged in the distance.
We soared over the Palm Jumeirah, and we could really appreciate the unique tree-like shape of these man made islands from up in the air. The Burj Khalifa always looks magnificent, but we were better able to grasp its scale from up in the air. It’s so tall, it’s surreal!
Every angle we saw offered a postcard-worthy view of Dubai, and although it was a little pricey, this flight was definitely one of the best things we did here. It offers an unbeatable perspective of the city, so don’t hesitate to book!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here.
8. See Dubai’s top sights with a private guide, including entrance to Burj Khalifa
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 7 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa observation deck and skip the line admission, abra boat ride, Old Dubai, Meena Bazaar, the Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Beach, gold souk
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, private guide, customizable tour, Burj Khalifa observation deck, abra boat ride,
- Rating: 5 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re short on time in Dubai, then this private, full-day city tour is a must! From the moment we met our guide, Moussa, we knew we were in good hands. The tour was so well-organized and we got a really personalized insight into both the historical and modern marvels of Dubai.
Dubai isn’t known as a destination for history-lovers, but our day actually began with a relaxing walk along the historic Dubai Canal. Afterward, we made our way into another world, aka the charming Old Dubai, which was truly like going back in time. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the souks and the Meena Bazaar, which was an awesome way to soak in the local shopping culture.
Then, we admired the glittering yachts and skyscrapers at the Dubai Marina, before heading to the iconic Burj Al Arab to snap photos of its iconic exterior.
The highlight of this tour for us was going to the 124th and 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa for panoramic views of the city. If you’re on a time crunch, you can upgrade to skip the line entry tickets and see the city from the 148th floor for even higher views!
This tour is a perfect introduction to Dubai. We learned how the city transformed from humble beginnings to a world-famous glittering metropolis, and ticked off photo stops at all of Dubai’s top attractions.
Don’t miss out – book your spot here before this tour sells out!
9. Cool off at the Atlantis Aquaventure Park
- Duration: 8 – 12 hours
- Time: 9 am onwards
- Highlights: crazy water slides, corkscrew chutes, shark tunnels, Splasher’s Island kids area, lazy rivers, visiting the Atlantis-themed aquarium, Surf’s Up machine
- Inclusions: waterpark access, aquarium tickets (if selected), unlimited ride on Surf’s Up machine
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 4,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
For families visiting Dubai (or just big kids at heart), the Aquaventure waterpark at Atlantis the Palm is an absolute must! We had the best day ever exploring all of the thrilling water rides and floating along the lazy rivers.
The park is absolutely huge, so there’s something for everyone. We loved the Aquaconda ride, which up to 6 people can ride together – talk about fun for all the family! Meanwhile, the super steep Poseidon’s Revenge ride was absolutely crazy, and by far the scariest water slide I’ve ever come across.
For the little ones, there’s also Splasher’s Island, which is a purpose-built children’s play area. There are lots of smaller slides and play areas here, and kids love it.
But for us, the most impressive part of the park was the Shark Attack ride. We stepped into a two-person tube and ended up in an underwater lagoon, filled with sharks, which was wild!
What made this experience even better for us was the fact that we booked the combo ticket, which includes access to Atlantis’ Lost Chambers Aquarium. It’s huge, and home to 65,000 marine animals, so it’s 100% worth visiting. When in Dubai, right?
If you’re looking for a fun and light-hearted day out in Dubai, then we highly recommend booking tickets for Aquaventure to ensure that you don’t miss out. We will 100% come back here next time we’re in the city!
Reserve your tickets here to access flexible cancellation and payment options!
10. Relax on a Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 5 pm or 8:30 pm
- Highlights: sunset or nighttime cruise, delicious buffet dinner, gorgeous views of Dubai’s skyline, bottomless drinks
- Inclusions: 1.5-hour cruise, unlimited soft drinks and alcohol, international buffet, live music
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 2,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
This dinner cruise is the ultimate way to spend an evening in Dubai! We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see Dubai’s iconic skyline from the water, and it was extra beautiful as we watched the sun set over the city.
We had such a great time that I would definitely come back and do the after-dark dinner cruise in the future though, as I think it would be amazing to see the city lights at night time!
The staff were so lovely to us, and they seated us at a table with a first-class view, which made the experience even more special. The sky began to change colors as we sailed along the marina, and we loved seeing attractions like the Ain Dubai wheel and the JBR resort, a skyscraper which famously has a hole in the middle!
The on-board buffet was delicious, with lots of international dishes, plenty of fresh salads, and a live cooking station. It was very well-prepared, and being able to wash it down with free-flow alcohol certainly didn’t hurt. There was live acoustic music, too, which created a relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere.
Booking this cruise pretty much guarantees an unforgettable evening in Dubai. With stunning views, attentive staff, and unlimited food and drink, you absolutely cannot go wrong!
Check availability and book this top-rated cruise here before you go!
Where to Stay in Dubai
It can be hard to find the perfect place to stay in a city like Dubai – there are almost too many good options! To help narrow it down, I’ve picked out three excellent hotels that are in fantastic locations. You can choose between a luxury, mid-range, or budget option depending on your travel budget, but all will be a lovely stay!
Luxury – $$$
Dubai Marriott Harbor Hotel And Suites is my top pick for a luxury stay. The Marriott chain always provides top service, luxurious rooms, and amenities for a relaxing vacation. The location is fantastic, just off of Dubai Harbor, so you have incredible views and are in the heart of the action. You can get suite style or standard hotel rooms, some with balconies and harbor views or views of the city!
Prices start around $250 USD per night and go up. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Rove La Mer Beach a little outside of the city center, but right on the beach and in the fun neighborhood of La Mer. The rooms are rather simple and comfortable, perfect if you plan on being out and exploring a lot! The hotel has a popular outdoor pool and a lovely beach front terrace with a restaurant. Did I mention you have access to a private beach?
Rooms start at $150 USD per night and you can book this hotel on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai may be the cheapest opinion on this list, but it’s actually my top pick! It’s located in the heritage district, Al Seef, and the decor of the hotel looks like a traditional Arabian home, with modern luxuries. Rooms range from twin to king rooms, and you can enjoy the outdoor pool, traditional style restaurant, and also Arabic coffee service upon check in.
Prices range from $50 to $130 USD. Check availability and book this hotel on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Dubai here.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Dubai is one of the most unique cities we’ve ever traveled to! From exploring the world’s tallest building, to riding camels through the desert or wandering through the old city, we were captivated by Dubai. I know that if you check off just a few items on this list, you will be too!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides! We’ve been all around the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few related reads to help plan your next adventure!
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