Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city that surprises everyone who sees it. It is one of the most essential cities to visit in the United Arab Emirates.
The city is very new, keep in mind that 40 years ago there was hardly anything where now you will find luxury skyscrapers, shopping centers, impressive mosques... You will not lack things to see and do in Dubai.
In this post I tell you the best 30 best things to see and do in Dubai and I add some behavior tips and where to stay in Dubai.
30 BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN DUBAI
1. Visit the Burj Khalifa, the most impressive building to see in Dubai
The usual landscape of the big cities of the United Arab Emirates is skyscrapers and luxury in every corner. So many of its buildings impress by their magnitude. But the Burh Khalifa is one of the most impressive.
This building is the tallest in the world at 828 meters high. You can go up to the 148th floor in an ultra-fast elevator to reach the highest observatory in the world, located at 555 meters high.
You also have a cheaper option to access the building. There is a gazebo on the 124th floor.
In addition to the observatory, the Burj Khalifa has the Armani hotel on the first 39 floors, luxury apartments up to the 123rd floor, and offices to the top on the 163rd floor.
If during the day the building attracts attention from any part of the city, at night with the "festival" of lights even more so. Incredible!
2. Dubai Fountains, an essential thing to see in Dubai
You will find these fountains at the foot of the Burj Khalida. They are recognized as the largest fountains in the world. They were designed by the same company that designed the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Every day you can see the water and music light show from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The jets of water reach a height of 275 meters following the rhythm of contemporary Arabic music.
3.. Take a guided tour of Dubai
An interesting way to get to know the city is with a guided tour. This visit lasts about 5 hours and on the tour you will get to know some of the most popular places in the city such as; Dubai Creek, Jumeirah Beach Residence, the Blue Mosque, the Burj Ak Arab, Jumeirah Palm Tree…
4. Visit the Al Fahidi Historical Quarter
Although Dubai has become one of the most modern and luxurious cities in the world, it also has traditional places to explore.
This neighborhood was built at the end of the 19th century and the Persian merchants who traded in pearls and fabrics lived there. Since there were no taxes to be paid in Dubai, having money, they moved there and had access to Dubai Creek, the nerve center of commerce in the area.
The buildings are very typical of the Arab style, made of plaster in cinnamon and coral tones. Getting lost in the alleys of the historic quarter is wonderful. In addition, you will be able to enter most of the houses, since at present they are galleries of furniture, art, ceramics... There are also usually small market-style stalls in the alleys, in case you feel like buying a souvenir from Dubai.
5. Visit Dubai Creek, an essential place to see in Dubai
This river was key to the growth of the city, since the first settlers of the city settled in this area to trade pearls and fish.
The Dubai Creek separates the city into two parts: Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. You can cross it with an "open" the traditional wooden boat, for only 1 dirham. You also have the option of doing it with the traditional Arab boats called dhows.
One of the best things to do in Dubai is to take a ride on a dhow before dark.
6. Lose yourself in the Deira neighborhood, the Gold and Spices Souk
Another of the traditional places to visit in Dubai is the Deira neighborhood. In it is the souk of gold and spices.
Here you can buy both traditional and modern jewelry. Stroll through its narrow streets with the aroma of the species present at all times and, of course, take the opportunity to buy a gift.
You can also buy a traditional costume of the country. There are fabric stores that sell some already made by standard sizes for about 20 euros. If you want it made to measure, they take your measurements, you choose the fabric and in less than 24 hours they have it ready for you. This type of tailored suits are around between 150 and 250 euros.
You will also find the local fish market. In the early hours the bustle in the market is crazy, and it is a pleasure to walk between stalls and see the daily life of Dubai in its splendor.
7. Burj al Arab, The most luxurious hotel in the world that has 7 stars is located in Dubai
The Burj Al-Arab is the tallest hotel in the world, measuring 321 meters high. Its design is reminiscent of the sail of the dhow, the typical Arab ship. In addition, it is considered the most luxurious hotel in the world and the only one with 7 stars. If you can afford it, staying at the Burj al Arab should be a unique experience.
You also have other ways to get to know the hotel. You can book to eat at their restaurant or have a drink at the skyview bar which is 200 meters high and has incredible views.
8. The Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in Dubai
Although I never recommend malls in any of my articles, in Dubai there are some amazing ones. This one in particular has 1,200 shops and restaurants, a theme park for the little ones, galleries decorated as if it were a souk, an ice skating rink... and although it is not an essential place to visit in Dubai (especially if you have little time) if you have several days you can take the opportunity to take a walk or eat in one of its restaurants.
9. Mall of the Emirates, in case you want more see more stores
Another shopping center option is the Mall of The Emirates. This shopping center is somewhat more traditional. It has the peculiarity that it has a ski area. (What has been Xanadú for the people of Madrid, although much bigger). It has a capacity of 1,500 skiers and you can do 5 different routes. In addition, for those who do not want to ski, they have other activities such as sledding or sliding down an ice slide. In addition, in the enclosure they even have penguins that they use in some of their shows.
10. Take a trip to the desert
Visiting the Desert when traveling to Dubai is practically an essential stop. It is located just outside the city. And you can make a journey in a quad or 4x4 car. You have several options:
11. Visit the Bastakiya Mosque
The Bastakiya Mosque has a special charm. You will find it in the Al Fahidi neighborhood. It draws attention for its decorative engravings and latticework with geometric shapes. It is a beautiful building that you cannot miss in Dubai.
12. Dubai Museum, an interesting visit to learn more about Dubai
This museum is located in the Al-Fahidi fierte. The fort was built in 1787 to defend the Dubai Creek.
The construction is made with plaster, mud, coral and wood and, although it was restored in 1971, it retains its original essence.
As soon as you enter the museum you will find a spectacular display of maps to see the evolution of Dubai and the Emirates after oil was discovered in the region.
Throughout the exhibition halls you will be able to see weapons, tombs from more than 4,000 years ago found in the archaeological excavations of Al Qusais, musical instruments, cooking instruments... In the central courtyard there is an exhibition of traditional boats.
You can visit the museum from Saturday to Thursday (8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and Friday (2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.).
13. Visit the Dubai Butterfly Garden and the Miracle Garden
In the middle of the desert and in a city with such high temperatures as Dubai, it is incredible to find a place like this.
In the Miracle Garden there are thousands of flowers of all colors. Throughout the walk you will see floats, carriages, castles, a peacock, a mini Burj Khalifa... and all covered in flowers.
Dubai's Butterfly Garden is home to more than 10,000 species. In this place you can learn about the different specimens.
You can visit these two places for free or take an organized tour:
14. Visit Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the emir of Dubai until 1958 and grandfather of the current emir. His original house was on the banks of Dubai Creek so he could see the commercial activity from his balcony.
The building has been reconstructed as a museum to show the Arab architecture, you will be able to appreciate the traditional doors carved with floral shapes and wooden latticework are the stars. The house has a total of 30 rooms around a central courtyard and you will find photographs and historical documents from the Dubai Museum.
You can visit the museum from Saturday to Thursday (8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and Friday (3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.).
15. Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is the most central and popular beach, the vast majority of bathers are tourists. It has 7 kilometers of sand, calm and crystalline waters. It is the perfect place to enjoy, relax and cool off the heat a bit. It is a beach that has all kinds of facilities, it could not be less being in Dubai. You will find restaurants, rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, you can do water sports, hire massages...
Keep in mind that on Wednesdays and Thursdays the beach is exclusively for women and children. Even all the workers, that day, are women.
I don't think I have to remind you, but Dubai is an Islamic/Muslim destination so nudism or going topless is totally prohibited.
16. Visit the Jumeirah Mosque
Right next to the beach you will find the Jumeirah Mosque. It is an exact copy of the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, although the original is eight times larger. Many say that it is the most beautiful mosque in Dubai. At night it is completely illuminated, so I recommend that you visit it again at that time if you can. If you are interested in visiting it inside, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Cultural Understanding organizes guided tours every day at 10am, except Fridays. The cost is 2 euros and little. It's worth it!
17. Artificial islands of Dubai
Something very impressive to see are the artificial islands of Dubai. There are two sets of islands: The Palm Island and The World.
The first is a pair of date palms formed by small islands with hotels, restaurants, luxury residences, entertainment venues...
The second, The World is a world map made up of various islands that are sold to individuals. You can already imagine that the prices are astronomical. The islands are worth between 7 and 50 million dollars, depending on their dimensions and if there is anything already built on them.
And if you are wondering how they have been able to build these artificial islands, you should bear in mind that millions of cubic meters of sand and stones from the bottom of the sea have been used.
18. Take a helicopter ride, an amazing thing to do in Dubai
If you have the opportunity, a great activity to do in Dubai is a helicopter ride. You will be able to see the city from the heights and fly over the area of the floating islands. We couldn't do the activity, despite having already reserved it, due to a sandstorm, so we were left with the desire.
19. Take a walk in Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is the second largest marina in the world after Marina del Rey in California and is surrounded by more than 200 skyscrapers. You can take a walk and admire the huge yachts (they look like ocean liners). In this area there are also some prestigious restaurants in the city.
20. Visit Heritage and Diving Village
In the Heritage and Diving Village you will find several photographic exhibitions on pearl collecting and the construction of boats called dhows. You will also find a Bedouin style recreated through traditional Persian houses, a souk full of artisans and a small and charming cafeteria.
From October to April there are musicians and dancers performing live traditional scenes and dances.
21. Sheikh Zayed Road
It is the eight-lane highway that crosses the modern business district of Dubai. If you dare to rent a car, you will surely pass through here. This road has steel and glass plates that delimit it. It is surrounded by skyscrapers. In the surroundings there are hotel zones, shopping centers and some places of interest such as the Dubai World Trade Center Tower viewpoint, the Gold and Diamond Museum, the Courtyard Gallery... among others.
22. Dubai Frame
You have several viewpoints in Dubai, the Dubai World Trade Center Tower that I have mentioned in the previous point is one of them. But there are some more spectacular ones like the Flying Cup, where you can have lunch or dinner. Or the Dubai Frame, for me, the essential viewpoint to see in Dubai.
This impressive structure is literally the largest photo frame in the world.
23. Spend the day at Ferrari World
For car lovers or simply lovers of theme parks, you cannot miss Ferrari World.
You should bear in mind that at least one day is necessary to enjoy the park.
24. More theme and amusement parks in Dubai
If you want amusement and theme parks, don't worry, in Dubai you have a long list. They could not miss.
You have the option of water parks, amusement parks, parks for the little ones, theme parks and even Bollywood.
Here are all the park options in Dubai:
25. Visit Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple
This Hindu temple is a bit far from the city of Dubai. However, if you have more time in the city, it is a good option to see Hindu integration in Dubai. A good option to visit it is on Friday, since it is a day of prayer.
Remember to respect their culture and go covered and barefoot at all times.
If you have visited India or any country where the Hindu religion is practiced, you will realize that this temple, especially on the outside, is much more sober. This is basically because it is a Buddhist temple built in a Muslim country. So they have perfectly adapted and combined a religion with architecture similar to the country where it is located.
26. Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise
It's hot in the United Arab Emirates. Too much. So night activities are a good idea to enjoy the outdoors of the city.
If you feel like enjoying a dinner with traditional dishes and in addition to a boat trip through Dubai Marina, you can do it with this cruise.
27. Dubai Ferry
To navigate Dubai Marina you also have the option of taking the ferry. You have several options, from several private companies (who always try to cheat you with the price) and the public option. It is a public transport service, just like the train or the metro, and is used by both locals and tourists to go to different parts of the city. (Very similar to the Bangkok boat taxi). It is a cheaper option to take a boat trip in Dubai.
28. Al Qudra Cycle Path
Something very original to do in Dubai is to take a bike ride through the desert. This road is in perfect condition to travel without problems.
You must take into account the temperatures of Dubai and especially in the desert. It is advisable to do the route as soon as dawn or dusk.
There are several places in the city where you can rent a bicycle. And even many of these rental shops have a guide so that you can do the route accompanied.
29. Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi
If you are thinking of visiting the United Arab Emirates as the only destination (it is not a stopover on your trip) I advise you to combine a couple of days in each city. At least 2 days in Abu Dhabi, three in Dubai.
If you do not want to do a route and you are only going to stay in Dubai, what you can do is a 1-day excursion to Abu Dhabi, returning to Dubai at night.
In Abu Dhabi there are very interesting places to visit such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the promenade, the Marina shopping center, the Heritage Village and the Etihad Towers.
Posts from Abu Dhabi that may interest you:
30. Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride
A unique experience is to take a balloon flight over the Dubai desert at sunrise. And although it is not a very affordable experience, it is the final point to end an unforgettable trip.
DUBAI POSTS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Dubai a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!