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Planning a visit to Dubai and questioning what’s really price your time (and cash)?
Whether you’re heading there with associates, children in tow, touring solo, or simply need to see if Dubai lives as much as the hype, this record has you lined. From desert safaris to indoor ski slopes to gold-drenched facials, right here’s your cheat sheet for the very best issues to do in Dubai.
Bonus: We’ve added tricks to save money, keep away from crowds, and hyperlink you to deep dives from our Dubai journey archives.
Hit the Big Attractions (Yes, They’re Worth It)
Let’s be trustworthy. When you land in Dubai, you’re stepping right into a metropolis that doesn’t do refined. And that’s half the enjoyable.
- Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest skyscraper. It’s iconic, and sure, it’s price standing on the base and craning your neck skyward. If you need the view, attempt to e book your go to early within the day or round sundown for the very best expertise.
- Dubai Fountain Show – Located proper beneath the Burj Khalifa, this water and lightweight present is among the greatest free issues within the metropolis. More free issues to do in Dubai ideas right here.
- Dubai Miracle Garden – Over 50 million blooming flowers organized in whimsical shapes, assume large teddy bears product of petals. Perfect with children, or simply if you happen to’re craving a shade overload.
- Ain Dubai – The world’s largest statement wheel. Go within the night for glittering skyline views.
Add a Bit of Quirk (The Unusual Stuff)
Dubai is nice at taking issues to the intense (in one of the best ways).
- Ski Dubai – A large indoor ski hill contained in the Mall of the Emirates. Where else are you able to ski, bobsled, or hold with penguins in the course of the desert?
- Chillout Lounge – A café constructed from ice, right down to the chairs. They hand you a parka and serve soup, sandwiches, and steaming mocktails. It’s kitschy and enjoyable, particularly if it’s +42°C exterior.
- Global Village – A seasonal multicultural theme park with meals, reveals, and procuring from 90+ international locations. Think Epcot, however with extra shawarma.
For much more surprising adventures (zorbing, lava shell massages, and extra), don’t miss 15 distinctive issues to do in Dubai.
Things to Do with Kids (That Adults Secretly Love Too)
We’ve traveled the world with our kiddos, and Dubai makes it simple to maintain everybody pleased.
- Dubai Aquarium – Inside the Dubai Mall, with a large viewing panel and walk-through tunnel.
- Adventure Zone – Ziplining, wall climbing, trampolines, mainly a child’s dream day.
- LEGOLAND Dubai – Smaller than its U.S. cousins, however filled with attraction.
- Desert Safari – Camel rides, henna portray, dune bashing, and stomach dancing beneath the celebrities.
Get the total breakdown in our family-friendly Dubai information.
Explore Dubai for Free (Yes, Really)
Dubai has loads of luxe points of interest, however you don’t must empty your pockets to benefit from the metropolis.
- Jumeirah Beach – Public, clear, and excellent for a swim or folks watching session.
- Dubai Creek – Watch picket boats glide by and wander by way of the charming Al Fahidi Historic District close by.
- Alserkal Avenue – Dubai’s hippest artwork scene. No entry payment, however you may depart impressed.
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – Flamingos within the desert? Yup. Best in winter.
Here’s our full record of the very best free locations to go to.
The Best Souvenirs to Buy in Dubai
Dubai is a consumer’s paradise, and sure, you could find one thing cool past fridge magnets.
- Camel Milk Chocolate – Sounds bizarre. Tastes wonderful. Al Nassma is the go to model.
- Pashmina Shawls – Real pashmina is tremendous comfortable and light-weight (and comes with bragging rights). Watch out for pretend acrylics.
- Arabic Coffee Sets – Perfect if you happen to’ve fallen in love with cardamom laced espresso.
- Spices and Dates – Stock up on saffron, za’atar, and plump Medjool dates from the myriad of souks across the metropolis.
- Miniature Burj Khalifas – Yes, they’re a bit touristy, however they’re enjoyable. Especially the gold-plated ones.
You’ll discover most of those within the Gold, Spice, and Textile Souks or on the huge Dubai Mall. For extra concepts, try our information to the very best issues to purchase in Dubai.
When Should You Go to Dubai?
Here’s the brief reply: November to March. Warm days, cool nights, and every little thing’s open.
Shoulder seasons like April or October? Great if you happen to like warmth and shorter traces. Summer? It’s doable, however put together for a sauna expertise. A variety of outside points of interest shut down and also you’ll reside in air con.
We break all of it down in our seasonal information to visiting Dubai.
Bonus Tips: Quick Wins for a Smoother Trip
- Wi-Fi is in all places, together with malls, seashores, even the Metro. Bring a VPN simply in case.
- Public transport is environment friendly, clear, and protected. Use the Metro for longer distances and ride-sharing apps for brief hops.
- Dress code – Dubai’s fairly relaxed, however modest clothes is appreciated in public areas. Think shoulders and knees lined.
The Takeaway
Dubai is a type of uncommon cities the place you may ski, store, sandboard, and sip saffron tea, all in the identical day. It’s flashy, sure, but it surely’s additionally stuffed with heat, shade, and creativity.
Whether you’re planning per week of household enjoyable, a romantic getaway, or an offbeat solo journey, Dubai has one thing surprising ready for everybody.
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