Dubai leaves its visitors in awe due to its modern and natural attractions. With the option to admire numerous architectural landmarks, soak in rich history and interesting culture, or experience an adrenaline-pumping desert safari, Dubai is a popular travel destination that amazes adventurers and leisure travelers. If Dubai is your next vacation destination, look at this Dubai bucket list including the best things to do in Dubai.
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1. Dubai Desert Safari
The Arabian desert is not just a geographical setting in Dubai, but the heart and soul of the region. Its vastness and beauty can be enjoyed only by taking an evening desert safari Dubai. This safari combines adventure, sightseeing, entertainment, food, and cultural immersion. As the sun sets, the massive desert transforms into a serene oasis that not only soothes the eyes but also the mind and body.
The first activity involves getting in an SUV and enjoying a thrilling ride on the rolling dunes. When the night falls, you will be transported to a traditional Bedouin-style camp and engage in cultural activities, watching belly dancing, and savoring a delicious BBQ dinner. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or just a cultural explorer, this safari is the best thing that you will want to enjoy repeatedly.
2. Marvel at the Dubai Frame
Dubai intelligently merges its past and future. The best place to witness this is the Dubai Frame. This 150-meter-tall tower is designed like a photo-frame, and it offers visitors a solid platform to witness two contrasting sides of the city – the old town on one side and the new and modern part of the city on the other.
You can walk on a transparent glass bridge that links two of the structure’s towers and see the entire city beneath your feet. From the top of the building, you can capture the old and new city sights in one sweeping view. The tower features a museum where you can see the transformation of Dubai from a small fishing village to a metropolis. Book your visit in advance and check the Dubai Frame ticket price, which is AED 50 for adults.
3. Visit the Burj Khalifa: The World’s Tallest Building
Any Dubai bucket list will not be complete without visiting the Burj Khalifa, the largest structure ever built. Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters which makes one feel like standing on the top of the world. The observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors are where visitors get a view of Dubai’s skyline, the surrounding desert, and the Arabian Gulf in the distance.
To make your visit worth a million dollars, visit the tower during sunset. It is a magical experience to watch the entire city with the lights on from such a height. Another must-experience thing to do here is to enjoy a bit at a restaurant called At.mosphere located on the 122nd floor. The view, ambiance, the luxurious meal at this restaurant will surely amaze you.
4. Dubai Mall – For Exclusive Shopping Experience
Visiting the Dubai Mall is one of the top things to do in Dubai. You will have a different type of feeling when you step inside the world largest shopping mall in the world that houses over 1200 retail shops. There is everything you can buy to enhance your personality, refurbish your wardrobe, uplift the interior of your home, or office, or even gift things to your loved ones.
The Dubai Mall also takes care of your entertainment. Situated inside the mall is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo which houses thousands of fish, sharks, and rays. Feel the excitement of walking through a 48-meter-long tunnel and viewing marine creatures swimming over your head. The Mall also features an Olympic-sized ice rink, a virtual reality park, and a haunted house. After enjoying your day at the Mall, you can watch the famous Dubai Fountain, which is a spectacle that will leave you in awe.
5. Explore Old Dubai at the Al Fahidi Historic District
Dubai holds to its roots firmly and takes pride in its thousand-year-old history and culture. To experience how it stays grounded in its roots, you must visit the Al Fahidi Historic District, also known as the Bastakiya area. Here, you can witness the life in Dubai before the oil boom.
As you stroll through the labyrinth of Al Fahidi, you will see traditional wind towers, art galleries, and museums that offer glimpses of Dubai’s past. Visit the Dubai Museum located in the Al Fahidi fort built in the 18th century. Here, you can learn about Dubai’s history as a small fishing and pearl-diving village. Another attraction in Al Fahidi is the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding where you can experience the culture, traditions, religion, and food of the Emirati region.
6. Visit Jumeirah Beach and Marvel at Burj Al Arab View
Dubai’s amazing coastline and skyscrapers can best be enjoyed from a vantage point. In this regard, Jumeirah Beach is an amazing place. The beach offers soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. It is best for swimming and enjoying several water activities such as kite surfing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and more. The beach also offers a huge playground for children.
There are many restaurants and cafes close to the beach to enjoy a beachside meal. The best part of visiting this beach is the clear view of the impressive Burj Al Arab Hotel. For an all-round experience, you can also consider taking a boat ride here. The view of Dubai’s coastline from the water will take your breath for sure.
7. Take a Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek is a historic waterway that has been the heart of Dubai, the source of trade and fishery as well as pearl diving for centuries. Today, a dhow cruise presents a wonderful opportunity for visitors to relax and enjoy the sights of both the old and new Dubai from the water.
Here, the tour takes you through artificial creek that passes through the Gold and Spice Souks, the Heritage Village, and the bustling Deira district.
Many dhow cruises offer a red-carpet welcome, unlimited refreshments, live entertainment onboard, and a buffet dinner that includes a variety of international and Arabian meals. If you want to enjoy a perfect evening, try a dhow cruise, and enjoy tasty food, live entertainment, and beautiful scenery to behold.
8. Ski in the Desert at Ski Dubai
The desert is the last place that one would expect to go skiing but guess what – it’s true! Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort inside the Mall of Emirates where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and penguin encounters. It’s unbelievable to experience real snow and below-zero-degree temperatures in a desert city.
Ski Dubai is a fun place for both first timers and experienced skiers. In fact, it is a perfect entertaining place for all ages and skill levels. And if skiing is not your thing, visit the snow park area, and enjoy constructing snowmen or just soak in the feeling of playing in snow while the temperatures outside are over 40 degrees.
9. Discover the Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah as its name suggests is a palm-shaped island. It is an example of civil engineering and one of the biggest symbols of Dubai. This artificial island boasts of hotels, restaurants, and other recreational facilities together with extended beaches. This fabulous island also lets you take a helicopter ride or go skydiving to get the best view of this stunning piece of land and as well as have an adrenaline rush.
For a more laid-back experience, you can sunbathe at any one of the beach clubs, or visit Atlantis, The Palm where there is the Lost Chambers Aquarium, Aquaventure Waterpark, and numerous high-end restaurants. Just one visit to this stunning island will have you experience many things in one place, be it adventure, sightseeing, world-class food, and more.
Dubai offers adventure, culture, and luxury for all age groups. From extreme desert safaris to marvelous views from the Burj Khalifa, and beach fun to soak in stunning sights and water-based activities, there is a lot to include on your Dubai bucket list. Whether you are visiting Dubai for a weekend, or a long stay, ensure that you check off all the top things to do in Dubai mentioned above.