07 May 2024 | Latest News
According to Dubai Tourism, a Dubai government agency, the megacity welcomed some 17 million tourists in 2023. The tally for the first two months of 2024 is even more astonishing, with the numbers up to 3.67 million, an increase of 18% compared to the same period last year. One major reason behind these mind-boggling numbers is the exhaustive list of things to do in Dubai. Dubai remains one of the few cities in the world with attractions for everyone.
Skyscrapers, mega hotels and shopping malls, exotic deserts, happening nightlife, ice parks, pristine beaches, waterparks, kids’ attractions—Dubai has everything. The list of tourist attractions often gets overwhelming, leaving you wondering what to do and what not to do. Moreover, this list is getting bigger daily, with more spots being added regularly.
This guide walks you through the best things to do in Dubai differently. We have segregated top free activities, kids and family places, couple of attractions, adrenaline-kicking adventures, and recent attractions to help you chalk out your itinerary.
Dubai has many attractions for budget travelers without entry fees. These places are also great for people living in Dubai who don’t want to spend extra for a day out. Let’s check them out.
Located near Burj Khalifa, it is one of the biggest fountains in the world. The water jets shoot up to 500 feet, reaching as high as a 50-story building. The fountain is choreographed to famous music numbers, with the shows beginning at 6 PM and ending with a grand display at 11 PM. You can catch a free show anywhere around the mall, but if you want an up-close and personal experience, you’ll have to book a boat ride or go on a boardwalk.
The Dubai Mall, a majestic and iconic landmark in Dubai, is free to visit. You can enjoy and explore various shops, brands, and food spots. Please note that only entry to the Dubai Mall is free and not the subsequent services and attractions.
A visit to mosques is a must for Muslim travelers. The best part is that entry to all mosques is completely free for Muslim tourists, but foreigners may have to pay for guided tours. The best mosques to visit in Dubai include the Grand Bur Mosque, Jumeirah Mosque, and Al Farooq Omar Bin Khattab Mosque. Make sure you follow the dress code while visiting mosques in Dubai.
Dubai is famous for the most scenic beaches in the world. Many beaches are free unless they are private. The best free beaches to visit include Jumeirah Beach, Al Sufoh Beach, Kite Beach, Barasti Beach, and Mercato Beach. Please note that only the entry is free. You will have to pay for any equipment you rent at the beach.
The best place to visit and see for all those who love the precious metal of gold. The Gold Souk is lined up with rows of goldsmiths selling tax-free and unique jewelry. A visit here doesn’t require too much time, so it is better to combine free neighboring attractions like Bur Dubai Grand Mosque, Al Seef, and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Dubai is a truly family-friendly tourist spot. You’ll find many places where you can have some quality family time. Let’s check out some of the best things to do in Dubai with your family.
Almost every kid knows about Lego. Why not amaze them with a Lego-based theme park? Legoland Dubai is a year-round theme park and an awesome place to visit for families with kids between 2 and 12. The park features activities like rides and shows. You can also marvel at over 15,000 Lego structures and visit 6 themed parks.
The Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the best things to do in Dubai for families and couples. Home to some 150 million flowers, the 72,000-square-foot facility has received millions of visitors since its opening day on February 14, 2013. The huge floral structures are a sight to behold that will delight you and your kids. A visit here usually requires 2–3 hours, so plan your day accordingly and include neighboring attractions. Couples and parents can also take pictures in the romantic settings here.
The Arabian folklore-inspired waterpark is Dubai’s oldest family-friendly waterpark. The park features more than 30 rides and slides and a huge wave pool. The park also has a separate kid’s area, Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon with over 100 kid-friendly activities.
One of the best and most iconic attractions in the city, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, is located at the Dubai Mall. A visit to this place would be a life-changing experience for your little ones. The place is an architectural wonder, holding 10 million liters of water and showcasing diverse marine life. You can catch up with penguins, piranhas, crabs, jellyfish, and King Croc.
You will find this unreal piece of land inside the Mall of the Emirates. Ski Dubai is the world’s third-largest indoor ski slope, with over 6,000 tonnes of ice. There are qualified instructors to teach you about skiing, so you can have a fantastic experience. The place also provides a chance to meet snow penguins in an up-close encounter. This one may not be too fascinating for visitors from America or Europe, but it still holds the distinction of being one of the best things to do in Dubai.
Every attraction in Dubai is also an entry in the list of the best things to do for couples. However, there are some specific things that most couples or honeymooners prefer while traveling to Dubai. Let’s explore them.
What’s the point of visiting Dubai as a couple if you don’t have a picture with the Dubai Frame in the background? An iconic place in Dubai, it is the largest frame in the world. You can go to the top floor to take pictures and have amazing views. After you are done taking pictures, head over to the nearby Museum of the Future before making your way to the Dubai Garden Glow. These attractions are located 20 minutes away from the frame.
An artificial island and one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, Palm Jumeirah is home to many couple activities. You can make or reaffirm your vows and promises at The View Palm Jumeira, a 240-metre-high observation deck. Other attractions include Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, the Lost Chambers Aquarium, and the Boardwalk. Couples can also get world-class spa sessions from Anantara Spa, Talise Ottoman, and Awaken Wellness.
A dessert tour is a must for honeymooners and couples. The attractions include Desert Safari, a quad bike tour, a camel ride, dinner in an exotic setting, and a hot air balloon ride. One way to save on a desert adventure is to book a package that offers everything.
Dubai's shores are home to the most luxurious yachts in the world. The best part is that some of them are available for rent. A yacht ride will give you lots of time to enjoy Dubai’s beauty with your spouse. Some may prefer a dhow cruise for a more authentic Dubai experience.
Dubai is home to some of the craziest activities. Some of these things to do in Dubai are so vivid and intense that they’ll give you chills and boost adrenaline to untapped limits.
Skydiving in Dubai is a unique experience. The adrenaline junkies will get their fair share of heart-racing moments from drops above Dubai’s skyline. Once in the air, your whole life flashes in front of you, and the parachute deploys, bringing everything to a standstill for the next few minutes. Skydive Dubai offers the best skydiving packages, with the option of landing in the desert or palm drop zone.
Sharks are one of the fiercest creatures known to humans. An up-close encounter with the sharks provides an unforgettable experience for the rest of your lives. There are instructors to train and dive along in special aquariums. You can get a chance to observe and even feed various species of sharks, including reef and whale sharks.
What could be more exhilarating than a chance to fly and swim at the same time? All the fun can reach a maximum speed of 150 kilometers per hour if you get a hold of it. The flying parts take you to a maximum height of 100 feet, from where you can dive right back into the sea to satisfy your adrenaline cravings.
Deserts are an important part of Dubai’s landscape. A dune bashing session in a powerful 4x4 SUV, driven by expert drivers, will tick many of your adventure checkboxes. The drivers manoeuvre you through sharp turns, steep climbs, and deserts.
Dubai is not just a city; it is an ever-evolving phenomenon. The list of tourist attractions in the city continues to grow daily. Here are some of the recent additions to things to do in Dubai. This section is particularly helpful for frequent travelers and Dubai residents.
The innovative museum opened its gates in February 2024. The place provides an immersive experience with the help of multi-image control and mapping, and sensor-based interaction systems to allow visitors to get close to the exhibits. The place also houses a tea bar where you can enjoy some snacks.
A lovely place for wildlife lovers, the crocodile park started welcoming guests in April 2024. The park houses more than 250 Nile crocodiles. You can observe these majestic creatures and even feed them at designated feeding stations. The park is located next to Mushrif Park. We suggest planning a visit to both places in one day.
The multi-story indoor adventure spot is one of the best things to do for little kids and teenagers. It started operations in February 2024 and features rides, ninja courses, ball pits, and a rope climbing area. You can take your little ones there too and have fun with them in the dedicated toddler zone. The management plans to add various activities in the near future, so keep a check on what’s happening inside.
With so many things to do and attractions to visit, it’ll take you weeks to fulfill your aspirations. But there is a way around it.
Firstly, ponder the nature of your trip. If you are traveling solo, plan and prioritize what you like. For adrenaline buffs, adventurous activities must be the top priority. Architectural enthusiasts can relish Dubai’s landscape, including buildings, parks, palaces, and mosques, which will do the trick. For family travelers, a plan around family-friendly places will tick their wish list.
Secondly, consider the duration of your trip. The more time you have, the more things to do in Dubai you can consider. However, grouping activities and attractions together is a time-saving way to proceed.
Thirdly, the budget is an important factor. There are plenty of ways to save money on your Dubai odyssey. You can walk or use the metro and avoid costly taxi rides or car rentals. Moreover, there are plenty of free attractions as well.
Virikson Holidays offers the best Dubai travel deals. Our team works tirelessly to develop cost-saving yet luxurious packages for your convenience.
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