Dubai is a city of contrasts where ultra-modern skyscrapers and contemporary luxury meet rich, deep-rooted Arabian traditions. With its blend of luxury, culture, adventure, and innovation, this city in the UAE offers endless opportunities for memorable experiences, making it a desirable destination for travellers worldwide. The city boasts huge structures, enormous deserts, and pristine beaches, offering something for everyone. For returning visitors or first-timers looking to explore further, in this article, I share an extensive list of the finest things to do and see in the golden city to make your visit extra special. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, here’s your ultimate Dubai bucket list – filled with must-see attractions, unforgettable activities, and hidden gems.
Dubai bucket list: things you can’t miss
Don’t miss my pick of the very best things to do when visiting Dubai.
Go on a desert safari adventure
Dubai’s desert offers a stark contrast to its urban landscape, and a desert safari is the perfect way to experience its beauty. Riding through the desert is one of the most exciting means of exploring the infinite expanse of Dubai’s Arabian desert. Jump inside a 4×4 vehicle and enjoy dune bashing as you move through sandy, golden hills at high speed. This is only one part of the adventure, however, as a desert safari also involves camel rides, sand boarding, and a falconry demonstration. Following sunset, a mouth-watering barbecue meal is served in a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars with performances including Tanoura and belly dancing. It’s the perfect opportunity to leave behind city life for a while and discover the beauty of the Dubai desert for yourself. The cooler months from October to April are ideal for desert activities.
Shop and explore at The Dubai Mall
Shoppers will fall in love with The Dubai Mall – one of the biggest shopping hubs worldwide. It’s not just a shopping destination; it’s a full-day experience. As well as being home to over 1,200 shops including Fashion Avenue for high-end luxury brands, the mall houses the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where you can observe countless water animals, including sharks and rays. Other highlights include an Olympic-sized ice rink, an indoor theme park, the incredible Virtual Reality Park, and endless eateries that serve various cuisines from all over the world leaving you asking for more. Just outside the mall, the Dubai Fountain hosts a spectacular water show synchronised to music, a great place for photos and for unwinding after a busy day of shopping.
Visit the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is one of the city’s newer attractions and a must-see for those who want to capture the contrast between old and new Dubai. This giant picture frame reaches 150 meters in height and spans 93 metres, offering panoramic views of both historic and modern parts of the city from its sky bridge. It’s a great spot to take wide-angle photos and to appreciate how far Dubai has come in its journey to become a global city. You can also learn about Dubai’s history through the displays on the ground floor. Dubai Frame tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a good choice for families who want to mix sightseeing with some fun education.
Relax at Jumeirah Beach
Dubai’s golden beaches are world-famous, and Jumeirah Beach is one of the city’s most popular spots to relax and unwind. In fact, it’s somewhere I encourage any visitor to add to their Dubai bucket list as it’s a great place to enjoy a day of sea, sun, and sand. The beach’s clear blue waters and soft white sand make it an excellent spot for downtime and relaxation. You can also try your hand at several water sports like jet skiing, paddle boarding, and parasailing. The beach also offers incredible sights of the Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s fancy sail-shaped hotel, so it’s a great place to spend a beach day with excellent views. There are also plenty of great restaurants and cafes along the promenade for a bite to eat after your beach day.
Head to the top of the Burj Khalifa
No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. A must for anyone’s Dubai bucket list, this iconic building is an impressive 828 metres and offers outstanding city sights from its observation decks on the 124th, 125th, or – at a record-breaking height of 555 meters! Be sure to drop in during sunset for the startling sight of Dubai’s transition from daylight to nightfall. Whether you visit by day or at sunset, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the skyline, desert, and ocean. For a more adventurous option, reserve the Sky Lounge at ‘At the Top’ on the 148th floor for an exclusive VIP experience and panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline. If you’re feeling brave, you can also walk across the glass floor at the top for an exhilarating experience! I really recommend booking your tickets online in advance, especially for the super popular sunset time slots.
Spend some time at the Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina is one of the most vibrant areas of the city, lined with sleek towers, luxurious hotels, and a stunning waterfront. Dubai Marina is home to some of the city’s best eateries, stores, and places to have fun, making it a popular nightlife spot. Take a stroll along the Marina Walk to see the glitzy boats and skyscrapers along the water. For a different view of the area, hop on a yacht tour or take a dhow cruise at night to experience the marina’s sparkling skyline. You can eat while you sail through the marina and take in the sights of the golden city’s new buildings. For dinner with a view, try Pier 7, which offers seven floors of international cuisine, each with outdoor seating overlooking the marina.
Visit the Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most ambitious engineering marvels, and a true global icon. This artificial island, shaped like a palm tree, is home to luxury hotels, pristine beaches, world-class dining, and exclusive beach clubs. To get the full Palm experience, visit the iconic Atlantis, The Palm resort for a day of fun at the Aquaventure Waterpark or explore the Lost Chambers Aquarium, which is filled with fascinating marine life. The Palm Jumeirah offers something for everyone, whether you’re after adventure or a day of R&R. If you’re feeling fancy, I recommend renting a yacht or taking a boat tour to admire the views of the Palm from the water.
Explore the historic Al Fahidi District
For a glimpse into Dubai’s rich history, head to the Al Fahidi Historical District. This neighbourhood showcases old wind-tower houses, narrow alleyways, and ancient courtyards that transport you to Dubai’s early days. Explore restored merchant houses, and drop by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where you can enjoy a traditional meal and gain an insight into the Emirati way of life. The Dubai Museum, located in the Al Fahidi Fort, tells the fascinating story of Dubai’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis. I recommend taking an abra (or a water taxi) across Dubai Creek to explore the bustling souks, where you can bargain for spices, gold, and textiles. It’s a shopper’s paradise.
Explore Dubai’s traditional souks
No Dubai bucket list is complete without a visit to the city’s traditional souks. They’re a must-see for anyone who wants to experience Dubai’s rich trading past from the Spice Souk’s aromas of exotic herbs and teas to the Gold Souk’s dazzling gold jewellery pieces and more. The Perfume Sou offers traditional Arabic perfumes and oud. To shop in a more modern setting, head to the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, where you’ll find vibrant fabrics, pashminas, and custom-made clothes. A visit to the souks transports you back to Dubai’s pre-oil days, when trade and barter were at the heart of the local economy. Don’t be afraid to haggle in these traditional markets to negotiate the best deal on your purchases.
Experience Dubai Opera
Opera may not be the most typical addition to your Dubai bucket list, but it should be! Located in the heart of downtown Dubai, the Dubai Opera is a cultural hotspot showcasing various performances, including opera, concerts, ballet, and theatre shows. The eye-catching dhow-shaped structure is an architectural gem and a top pick for culture enthusiasts. With its state-of-the-art acoustics and flexible seating, Dubai Opera offers an intimate yet grand setting for enjoying everything from classical performances to contemporary shows. Take a look at the lineup to see what’s playing during your visit, and treat yourself to an evening of top-notch entertainment in this impressive setting. It’s a cultural hub that perfectly complements the city’s modern appeal.
Ski in the desert at Ski Dubai
Believe it or not, you can hit the slopes in the middle of the desert at Ski Dubai, located inside the Mall of the Emirates! This indoor ski resort is the Middle East’s first of its kind and an unexpected oasis of snow in the heart of the city. Spanning 22,500 square metres, the winter wonderful offers skiing, snowboarding, and even a snow park for non-skiers. Whether you’re an experienced skier or trying it for the first time, the slopes cater to all skill levels. Meet the resident penguins for a unique encounter, or simply enjoy the novelty of playing in the snow while it’s 40°C outside. It’s the perfect activity for families, offering sledding and tobogganing for kids, and even snowman-building. Make sure you warm up after your snowy adventure with a hot chocolate at the Avalanche Café, which offers views over the snowy slopes.
Explore Global Village
For a cultural journey around the world in just one evening, visit Global Village, an enormous outdoor market that showcases pavilions from over 90 countries. Each pavilion features the best of its nation’s traditions, including authentic food, crafts, clothing, and cultural performances from its home country, making it a great place to explore the diversity of Dubai’s expat community. You can indulge in flavours from around the globe, shop for unique treasures like Egyptian antiques, Indian spices, and Moroccan lanterns, and enjoy vibrant cultural shows, from Bollywood dances to African drumming – all in one place. Catch one of the many live shows and performances that take place throughout the evening, or enjoy a thrilling ride at the carnival section for added excitement.
Dubai bucket list: FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about things to add to your Dubai bucket list.
What is the most popular thing in Dubai?
The most popular attraction in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Its observation decks offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline, desert, and coastline, making it a must-see for visitors. Alongside the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and its adjacent Dubai Fountain are major highlights, drawing millions for shopping, entertainment, and the iconic fountain’s choreographed water shows.
How many days in Dubai is enough?
A stay of 4 to 5 days is generally enough to experience the best of Dubai. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Palm Jumeirah, as well as enjoy activities such as a desert safari, a visit to the souks, and relaxing on the beaches. With five days, you can balance sightseeing, shopping, and downtime without feeling rushed.
What do tourists typically do when visiting Dubai?
When visiting Dubai, tourists typically explore the city’s iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, indulge in luxury shopping at the Dubai Mall, and relax on the beaches such as Jumeirah Beach. Many also enjoy a desert safari, which includes dune bashing, camel rides, and a traditional Bedouin dinner. Cultural experiences like visiting the Dubai Museum, wandering through the souks, and taking an abra ride on Dubai Creek are also popular. Additionally, attractions like Ski Dubai and the Dubai Marina offer unique experiences that blend modern entertainment with traditional charm.
How can I enjoy Dubai without money?
Enjoying Dubai without spending much money is possible with a few strategic choices:
- Explore the beaches: relax at public beaches like Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach, which are free to access and offer stunning views of the city’s skyline.
- Visit parks and gardens: enjoy Dubai’s green spaces such as the Dubai Miracle Garden (if visiting during its open season) or the Dubai Creek Park for a leisurely stroll.
- Wander around souks: explore the traditional markets (souks) like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk to experience local culture and window shop.
- Walk through Dubai Marina: enjoy the scenic views along Dubai Marina Walk, where you can admire luxury yachts and the impressive skyline.
- Take a ride on an abra: experience a traditional abra (water taxi) ride on Dubai Creek for a small fee and see the city from the water.
- Visit Al Fahidi Historical District: explore this area to learn about Dubai’s heritage and architecture without spending money.
- Dubai Fountain show: watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain show at the Dubai Mall, which is free and takes place regularly in the evenings.
- Attend free events: look out for free public events, concerts, and festivals that occur throughout the year.
By focusing on these activities, you can experience the essence of Dubai while keeping expenses to a minimum.
Dubai keeps surprising visitors with its countless attractions and things to do. This lively city offers something for everyone, whether you want excitement, culture, or to unwind. Don’t miss adding these must-do activities to your Dubai bucket list for a trip that you’ll remember for a lifetime!
