Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason. By mid-2025, over 11 million travelers had already stayed overnight, drawn by futuristic architecture, desert adventures, pristine beaches, and a lifestyle that blends Arab tradition with global luxury.
Suppose you’re visiting for a few days or planning to move here. In that case, this guide gives you everything you need to plan your trip, from what to do and where to stay, to how to get around, stay connected, and save money along the way.
Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai (with Insider Tips)
1. The Dubai Fountain – The City’s Heartbeat
Located right next to Burj Khalifa, this is the world’s largest choreographed fountain show. The jets shoot up 140 meters, moving in sync with Arabic and international music.
- When to Go: Shows start in the evening and run every 30 minutes until 11 pm. Aim for sunset, you’ll catch golden light on the Burj Khalifa, followed by the first show.
- Where to Watch for Free: From the promenade outside Dubai Mall or on the Souk Al Bahar Bridge (great view, fewer crowds).
- Upgrade Option: Book a Fountain Lake Ride (AED 65) and enjoy the show from a traditional abra boat right on the water.
Pro Tip: Combine it with dinner at “Time Out Market Dubai” or “Abd El Wahab” in Souk Al Bahar, you’ll get dinner and the view.
2. Museum of the Future – See Tomorrow, Today
You’ll recognize it instantly. The silver oval building with Arabic calligraphy glowing at night. Inside, each floor explores futuristic themes such as space, AI, and sustainability.
- Tickets: AED 149 per person. Book online in advance; walk-ins are rarely available.
- How Long to Spend: 1-2 hours.
- Free Option: You can still enter the ground floor and lobby area for free, perfect for photos and a quick look at the robot barista café.
- Why Visit: It’s not just tech – it’s an emotional experience about how humans and technology can coexist.
Family Tip: Kids love the “Future Heroes” zone (for ages 4 -10). You can book child-only play sessions while parents explore upstairs.
3. Souk Madinat Jumeirah – Old Arabia Meets Modern Luxury
Think narrow alleys, wooden ceilings, and the smell of oud and spices. Souk Madinat feels like stepping back in time, but with air-conditioning and waterfront restaurants.
- Getting There: 15 min from Downtown by taxi (AED 35).
- Things to Do:
- Shop for handmade rugs, lanterns, jewelry, and souvenirs.
- Take an abra ride (AED 100 per person) through the canals, with views of the Burj Al Arab.
- Stay for dinner at “The Folly” or “Trattoria Toscana” with a canal view.
- Best Time: Evening, when everything is lit up and cooler to walk around.
4. The Dubai Mall – More Than Shopping
At over 12 million sq ft, Dubai Mall is a mini-city. You can easily spend a whole day here without getting bored.
Highlights:
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (one of the largest in the world)
- Dubai Ice Rink – yes, ice skating in the desert!
- VR Park – virtual-reality rides and games
- KidZania – a mini city for kids to role-play jobs
- Reel Cinemas – luxury screens with reclining seats
Pro Tip: Download the Dubai Mall App to find shops and events, it’s huge and easy to get lost.
5. Times Square Centre – Chill Vibes for Families
A smaller, community-style mall is perfect if you want to avoid the chaos of big crowds.
- What’s Special: Free play zones, weekend workshops, and live shows for kids.
- Don’t Miss: Chill Out Ice Lounge, where everything (even tables) is made of ice. Kids love it.
- Best For: Young families, or travelers looking for a relaxed, local experience.
6. Ain Dubai – Back and Better in 2025
After a long pause, the world’s tallest observation wheel has reopened! It’s located on Bluewaters Island, connected by a pedestrian bridge from JBR.
- Height: 250 meters, nearly double the London Eye.
- Tickets: From AED 130 (shared cabin) to AED 500+ (private cabin).
- Best Time: Sunset, city lights come alive, and the sky glows orange.
Tip: Even if you don’t ride, Bluewaters is excellent for coffee or dinner with sea views.
7. Dubai Desert Safari – Adventure in the Dunes
A desert safari is essential. Most tours pick you up from your hotel and include dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding, camel rides, a BBQ dinner, and live shows.
- Duration: 6 – 7 hours (usually 3 pm – 9 pm).
- Price Range: AED 250 – 400, depending on the operator.
- What to Bring: Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf, and a light jacket (it gets cold at night).
- Pro Tip: Choose a tour with fewer people per vehicle. It’s more comfortable and authentic.
8. The View at The Palm – See Dubai From Above
Located inside The Palm Tower, this viewing deck gives you the best aerial view of the palm-tree-shaped island.
Tip: Combine your visit with a drink at CouCou Dubai in the same tower – amazing skyline views.
Levels: 52 (Standard) & 54 (VIP Next Level with fewer crowds).
Tickets: AED 100 – 275 depending on level/time.
Timing: Late afternoon to sunset is perfect for photos.
9. The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour
A sleek bridge-style deck that stretches 26 meters over the water and gives you a panoramic view of Downtown Dubai.
- Cost: Free
- Getting There: 15 min by taxi from Downtown Dubai.
- Why Go: It’s peaceful, photogenic, and less crowded than typical tourist spots.
10. Al Shindagha Museum and Creek Walk
This museum tells the story of Dubai before the skyscrapers, pearl diving, trade, and Bedouin life.
Tip: Go around 4 pm, the light is great for photos, and you can stay for sunset on the water.
Tickets: AED 15 – 50. Some parts free.
Bonus: Walk along Dubai Creek, watch the wooden abra boats, and explore nearby Al Seef for cafés and art shops.
Not all websites are made equal. Some websites are simple, logical, and easy to use. Others are a messy any for hodgepodge of pages and dummy more any more links.
Hidden Gems You Will Actually Enjoy
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Free flamingo-spotting near Business Bay. Bring binoculars. There are over 20,000 birds here.
- Jameel Arts Centre: Modern art museum with peaceful gardens and free exhibitions.
- XVA Art Hotel & Café: In Al Fahidi, sip mint tea under shaded courtyards and browse local art.
- The Viewing Point: A brand-new architectural icon with fewer crowds, perfect for reels or photos.
Where to Stay in Dubai
Dubai Marina & JBR For Beach Vibes and Nightlife
You’ll find high-rise hotels, beach clubs, and family-friendly fun.
- Why Stay Here: Walking distance to the beach, restaurants, and tram/metro links.
- Perfect For: Families, couples, or first-timers.
- Budget:
- Budget: Rove JBR (USD80)
- Mid-range: Sofitel JBR (USD180)
- Luxury: Address Beach Resort (USD400)
Downtown Dubai & Business Bay For City Explorers
Stay here if you want to be close to Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.
- Downtown: Tourist centre, lively, walkable.
- Business Bay: Quieter, more corporate, still very central.
- Hotels: Citymax Hotel (USD100), The Palace Downtown (USD350).
Palm Jumeirah For Luxury and Relaxation
Artificial island full of top-end resorts, beach clubs, and restaurants.
- Why Stay Here: Ideal for honeymoons and couples’ retreats.
- Getting Around: Monorail or taxi.
- Hotels:
- voco Dubai The Palm (4star),
- One&Only The Palm (5 star)
- Atlantis The Royal (ultra-luxury)
Bur Dubai & Al Fahidi For Culture and Budget Travel
Historic area along the Creek. Great if you want culture and affordable stays.
- Why Stay Here: Cheaper rooms, authentic food, walkable heritage sites.
- Hotels:
- Premier Inn Al Jaddaf (USD40),
- XVA Art Hotel (USD120).
Unforgettable Dubai Experiences
Experience: Why It’s Worth It. Approximate Cost
Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah, The ultimate thrill + best aerial views AED 2,000 – 2,500
Dhow Cruise Dinner Dinner + skyline views + live music AED 150 – 300
Desert Safari (BBQ & Shows) Cultural + fun combo AED 250 – 400
Burj Khalifa / The View Iconic Dubai experience AED 100 – 300
Jet Ski Tour (JBR) Adrenaline + beach view AED 350 – 500
Suggested Itineraries
Dubai Highlights: 1 Day:
Morning: Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
Afternoon: Museum of the Future
Evening: The Dubai Fountain show + Souk Al Bahar dinner
Classic Dubai: 3 Days
Day 1: Old Dubai (Al Fahidi, Creek ride, souks)
Day 2: JBR Beach + Bluewaters Island + Ain Dubai
Day 3: MOTF + Downtown dinner + Fountain show
Adventure and Luxury: 5 Days
Days 1–3 equals to above itinerary
Day 4: Desert Safari plus BBQ
Day 5: The View at The Palm plus a relax at Marina Beach
Full Experience: 7 Days
All of the above plus a Day Trip (Abu Dhabi or Hatta).
Use your last day for shopping or spa time!
Best Day Trips from Dubai
Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Louvre Abu Dhabi (1.5 hrs away).
Hatta: Mountains, kayaking at Hatta Dam, and Hatta Heritage Village.
Fujairah: East-coast beaches and coral-reef snorkelling.
Ras Al Khaimah: Mountain adventures & world’s longest zipline on Jebel Jais.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
Season Weather Best For:
Nov-Mar: 20 – 28 °C, pleasant Outdoor activities & festival
Apr-May: Warming up (30 – 35 °C) Fewer crowds & hotel deals
Jun-Sep: Hot (40 °C+) Indoor attractions & shopping sales
Oct: Cooling down, Beach & desert trips start again
Event Tip: Dubai Shopping Festival (Dec – Jan) & Dubai Food Festival (May) are worth planning around.
Dubai Travel Tips
1. Stay Connected
Grab a tourist SIM or eSIM at the airport (Etisalat, du, or Virgin). Packages start at AED 49 for 2 GB data + local minutes.
2. Getting Around
- Metro: Clean, safe, and cheap (AED 3 – 7 per ride).
- No Card: Buy once, use for metro, tram, bus & water bus.
- Taxi: Fare from AED 12. Use the Careem or Uber apps for cashless rides.
- Parking: Malls are free; streets can be paid via RTA app.
3. Dress Code
Dubai is modern, but modest. Cover shoulders & knees in malls or mosques; swimwear is acceptable at beach clubs and resorts.
4. Money Matters
- Cards accepted everywhere.
- Keep small cash for tips and street food.
- Tipping: 10 -15% is customary in restaurants.
5. Safety
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Still, avoid public PDA, drinking in public, or littering (fines are high).
6. Alcohol Rules
Drink only in licensed bars & restaurants. The 2023 tax cut made drinks cheaper, but don’t walk around with alcohol.
7. Weather Tips
Carry a water bottle and sunscreen. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or after sunset. Avoid midday heat in summer.
Budget Guide (Per Day Estimate Per Person)
Money Saver Tips:
- Use combo tickets (Burj Khalifa + Aquarium bundle).
- Metro Day Pass saves if you’re hopping around.
- Book tours online (GetYourGuide or Klook) for discounts.
Essential Apps to Download
- RTA Dubai: Parking & transport info
- Careem/Uber: Taxis and food delivery
- Zomato/DiningOut: Restaurant reviews and deals
- Visit Dubai: Event listings and maps
Plan Your Dubai Trip Now
You’ve now got everything; top attractions, hidden gems, practical tips, and insider advice.
Here’s what to do next:
Save this guide offline, you’ll use it every day in Dubai.
Choose your travel dates (Nov – Mar is best).
Book flights and a hotel early for the best rates.
Grab a SIM card & Nol card on arrival.
