Skip to Content

Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai

Desert Safari, one of many things to do in Dubai

Desert Safari outside Dubai (photo: Courtney Walker)

Dubai is a fantastic city to visit, with lots to see and do as well as beautiful conditions to relax on the beach or by the pool.

The only problem you’ll have on a trip there is fitting it all in. With its investment over the last decade, it is fast becoming one of the world's must-visit places, whether it is to see the tallest building ever constructed or take a peek at the extravagant hotels.

While some people dismiss Dubai for lack of culture and being artificial, the mix of individuals who live and visit make it a cultural melting pot, the kind of place where you can meet someone from any part of the world.

If and when you do decide to visit, we suggest you prioritize the things to do below, which will give you a taste of the true Dubai, as well as sampling some of the newer additions as the area has developed.

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride

You can take a hot air balloon ride that begins just as the sun is rising that will take you across desert over canyons and emerald oases, and windswept dunes where the sand changes colors with the rising of the sun.

2. Spa Break

Get a taxi from the airport and once you’ve arrived at the hotel your relaxation can begin. Many of the hotels offer world-class spas so it is a perfect place to unwind, indulge, and pamper yourself.

3. Desert Safari

Take a safari into the desert where you can be the passenger in a luxury car, drive your own luxury car or simply sit back in a 4-wheel drive and experience the beauty of the desert.

You can expect to see herds of wild camels, onyx, and gazelles along the way.

Experience a picnic in a luxury tent in the middle of the desert, or try riding a camel to truly enjoy your experience.

4. Tickle Your Tastebuds

You can get just about any food in Dubai, and world-class chefs from all over the world have opened up restaurants there.

Whether you feel like having a snack on the street, a quick meal at a mall or pub, or a fine dining experience Dubai offers everything that you could want in the way of food.

Spend your time working through everything, even if you do return home slightly more plump than usual.

5. Golf

There are some first class golf resorts in Dubai that have been designed by some of the world’s best golfers.

They are challenging courses that offer up exciting hazards, beautiful scenery and world-class facilities to entertain those in your family that don’t feel like playing.

6. Cruise

Whether you are interested in a dinner cruise or just seeing the sights like the artificial islands off the shore, this is an exciting option for your visit. The views of the city from the water are a fantastic way to top off your visit to Dubai.

7. Skydiving

Try skydiving from 10,000 feet and you can see the city from an entirely different point of view.

Most providers offer pickup and drop off back to your hotel as part of the package.

Even when you’re watching the skydivers sail down from the sky from the beaches, it gives you goosebumps.

8. Helicopter Tour

Take a breathtaking ride of the city and the surrounding area with a knowledgeable guide that will point out the highlights as you fly over the top of them.

Dubai is the land of indulgence, and there’s nothing as indulgent as a scenic helicopter flight.

Burj Khalifa, one of many things to do in Dubai

View from atop the Burj Khalifa (photo: Rob Young)

9. See the World’s Tallest Tower

If you can’t afford the helicopter tour, then the Burj Khalifa is a good alternative, being the world’s tallest tower and standing at 829.8 meters tall.

It is made up of a mixture of commercial space, hotel space, and residential space. It has an observation deck on the 148th floor where you can get a bird’s eye view of the city.

There is a 27-acre park for you to explore before heading into the building.

There is also a striking fountain at the base of the building that is filled with lights, colors, and music to entertain visitors.

10. (Window) Shopping

Dubai offers some of the world’s best shopping, and there are hundreds of stores to choose from.

There are 60 malls, offering stores with the latest in haute couture as well as some fabulous shopping at bargain prices.

Dubai is also known as the cheapest place in the world to pick up a used luxury vehicle like a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche so if you can afford to ship it home, it the best place to get a great deal.

Dubai continues to grow in both size and popularity, and whatever your travel tastes there’s no doubt that this is an intriguing place to visit.

Whether you decide to visit now or in five years, expect to be WOW'd by a destination like no other place on Earth.

_______

This story was brought to you in partnership with Taxi2Airport.com.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends: