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United Arab Emirates
Best Things to Do in Dubai
Looking for the best things to do in Dubai? We've gathered 3 experiences covering the best attractions Dubai is known for — tours in Dubai, food walks, cultural highlights and Dubai day trips — every one bookable directly with GetYourGuide, our trusted partner for skip-the-line tickets and local guides.
Desert safaris
Dune bashing in the Arabian desert
The desert safari is the single most booked experience in Dubai — a white-knuckle evening of dune bashing in a 4x4, a camel ride at sunset, sandboarding down the dunes and a BBQ dinner with a belly-dance show at a desert camp. It is the closest the city gets to the Arabia of the imagination.
Not sure whether to book one? Our honest Dubai desert safari guide breaks down what is included, what it costs and how to pick the right operator, or browse every adventure tour we offer worldwide.
Modern landmarks
The Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai
The Burj Khalifa, at 828 metres the world’s tallest building, is the headline sight of modern Dubai. Book a timed ticket to the At the Top observation deck — sunset slots sell out first and give the classic day-to-night view over the city and the Arabian Gulf.
Pair it with the Dubai Fountain show at the base of the tower and a stroll through the Dubai Mall. For the full planning walkthrough, see our Dubai travel guide.
Dhow cruises
See the city from the water
A dhow is a traditional wooden cargo boat, refitted with seating and a dinner deck for cruises along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. A dhow cruise is the most atmospheric way to see the old city from the water, with a buffet dinner and the Deira skyline lit up after dark.
For a quicker taste, cross the creek on a one-dirham abra water taxi. Many of our Dubai tours bundle a Creek dhow cruise with a souk walk, or browse cultural tours worldwide.
Old Dubai
Al Fahidi, abras and the souks
Before the skyscrapers there was Al Fahidi — the oldest surviving quarter of Dubai, with wind-tower houses, narrow lanes and the Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort. Cross the creek on a wooden abra to the Deira gold and spice souks for the city’s most authentic morning.
Families will find more ideas in our Dubai family attractions guide, or compare family tours worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Dubai travel FAQ
What are the top things to do in Dubai?
The Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, a desert safari with dune bashing, a dhow cruise along Dubai Creek, and the gold and spice souks of Deira headline most first visits. Pair them with a trip up the Burj Khalifa and an evening in the Al Fahidi historic district for a well-rounded trip.
Is a Dubai desert safari worth it?
For most first-time visitors, yes — it is the most booked experience in Dubai and the one most travellers remember. A typical evening safari bundles dune bashing in a 4x4, a camel ride, sandboarding, a BBQ dinner and a belly-dance show at a desert camp. Read our honest Dubai desert safari guide for what it includes, what it costs, and how to pick the right operator.
How do I visit the Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and tops almost every list of things to do in Dubai. Book a timed ticket to the At the Top observation deck in advance — sunset slots sell out first and offer the classic day-to-night view over the city. A guided Downtown Dubai tour often bundles the Burj Khalifa with the Dubai Fountain and the Dubai Mall.
What is a dhow cruise in Dubai?
A dhow is a traditional wooden cargo boat, refitted with seating and a dinner deck for cruises along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. A dhow cruise is the most atmospheric way to see the old city from the water, with a buffet dinner and the Deira skyline lit up after dark. Most Dubai tours offer a Creek dhow cruise or a Marina dhow cruise.
Where is Old Dubai and what should I see there?
The Al Fahidi historic district is the oldest surviving quarter of Dubai, with wind-tower houses, narrow lanes and the Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort. Cross the creek on a wooden abra boat to the Deira gold and spice souks for the city’s most authentic morning. Many cultural tours bundle Al Fahidi, an abra ride and the souks into a single half-day walk.
How many days do I need in Dubai?
Three to four full days is a comfortable minimum — enough to do a desert safari, take a dhow cruise, visit the Burj Khalifa and explore Old Dubai without rushing. Add a fifth day for Abu Dhabi (the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a day trip) if you want to see more of the UAE.
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
The cool season from November to March is the most pleasant, with warm days and clear skies ideal for desert safaris and outdoor sights. Summer (June to September) is fiercely hot, with most life moving indoors to the malls and hotels. Avoid the holy month of Ramadan if you plan to eat or drink in public during daylight hours.
Explore Dubai tours
Every Dubai tour above is bookable directly with GetYourGuide — desert safaris, dhow cruises, Burj Khalifa tickets and free cancellation on most experiences. Ready to dive deeper? Open the full Dubai travel guide.