So, you're visiting Dubai? Or perhaps you want to know what to do in Dubai? Either way, you've come to the right location. Dubai is a city with bustling sights, luxurious activities, and incredible adventures. With the right Dubai tour package, you can visit both the city's modern and traditional aspects.

I recently visited Dubai, and it truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with family, on a work trip, or just looking for fun and adventure, there’s always something to do.

In this travel guide, I’ve put together the top 11 things to do in Dubai based on my experience. Let’s get started and discover the best of what this incredible city has to offer.

List of 11 Best Things to Do in Dubai 

1. Burj Khalifa

Come on: you can't go to Dubai and not notice the Burj Khalifa. Reaching an incredible 828 meters tall, this tower is the world's tallest building; it's Dubai's symbol of ambition.

I suggest you book tickets for the 'At The Top' experience, which leads you to the 124th and 125th floors. If you feel like spending a bit more (and wish for fewer people), treat yourself to the 'At The Top SKY' ticket that leaves you on the 148th floor.

Seeing city lights when the sun sets behind the horizon has been pure magic. Believe me, panoramic shots of the city, the desert, and even the coast are next level.

Pro Tip: It's a good idea to book tickets ahead of time to prevent long queues and arrive early to secure optimal positions for photos.

And don't miss out on the Dubai Fountain show right below, it takes place every 30 minutes during the evenings and goes perfectly with your Burj experience.

2. Shop 'Til You Drop at Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is not only somewhere to shop; it's an experience! It has more than 1,200 stores and something for everyone. And that's not even the beginning of it. There are plenty of places to eat, enjoy yourself, and discover as well.

Families can take advantage of the Olympic-sized ice-skating facility or go to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to witness incredible sea life.  

You can get up close to marine life by way of a 48-meter tunnel walk.  The offerings in this destination include both shark diving activities and cage snorkeling, along with glass-bottom boat tours.

In the evening, the mall is even more enchanting. With lovely lights and a vibrant vibe, it's one of the best places to be in Dubai at night. There are also plenty of food choices, ranging from quick bites in the food court to good restaurants.

Pro Tip: Download the Dubai Mall app to avoid getting lost.

Don’t miss the Dubai Fountain just outside the mall. The water moves to music and lights in a stunning show, especially in the evening. It’s something you’ll never forget.

3. Day Trip to Ferrari World (Abu Dhabi)

If you've got an extra day on your Dubai holiday, take a short day trip to Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. It's a 90-minute drive and well worth it, especially if you're a fan of speed and thrills!

By choosing the all-inclusive Dubai & Abu Dhabi Experience Package, your visit to Ferrari World is already included. This makes it easy to enjoy both cities without any extra planning.

Ferrari World is home to Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world. There are also fun rides for kids, racing simulators, car displays, and live shows. Even if you’re not a huge car fan, the park’s energy and design make it a fun day out.

4. Explore the Dubai Miracle Garden

If you enjoy flowers, you will be smitten with the Dubai Miracle Garden. It is the largest flower garden in the world, featuring more than 150 million flowers arranged in spectacular shapes and designs. 

You'll observe everything from flower-covered castles and heart-shaped arches to massive animals composed of nothing but blossoms.

It's a serene and vibrant spot that's ideal for a stroll, especially during the cooler seasons (October to April). Don't leave your camera behind – this garden is among the most Instagrammable areas in Dubai!

5. Discover the Museum of the Future

This museum is not all about gazing at the past; it's all about fantasizing about the future! The Museum of the Future is one of the most breathtaking structures in Dubai, with a distinctive ring design wrapped in Arabic calligraphy.

Inside, you’ll find exciting exhibits about space travel, robots, smart cities, and the future of health and education. It’s a mix of science, technology, and imagination, and it’s great for all ages. You’ll leave feeling inspired and curious about what’s to come.

6. Visit Global Village

Global Village makes it possible to experience numerous nations in one location. You are able to stroll through the India pavilion and discover vibrant spices, witness vibrant flamenco dances in the Spain pavilion, or taste delicious Turkish baklava.

Every zone displays the food, culture, and architecture of various regions of the world. This makes Global Village one of the top and most entertaining activities to do in Dubai. It's ideal for a night out for fun, shopping, food, and live performances.

7. Visit AYA Universe

AYA Universe is a cool and futuristic venue with lots of lights, colors, and sounds. Every room is a different world, with glowing stars, moving objects, and cool effects that transform when you pass through them. It's a good place for fantastic photos and an out-of-this-world experience.

To have more fun, try visiting during a weekday morning. It's normally less crowded then, so you can walk around without massive crowds and get better photos.

Dress in comfy shoes and clothing that allows you to move freely. You're going to be walking, turning, and getting close to the exhibits, so it's better to relax. AYA is designed for walking around and having fun, so dressing comfortably matters a lot.

Whether you go with friends, family, or solo, AYA Universe is an entertaining and thrilling destination to explore while in Dubai.

8. See the Dubai Frame 

The Dubai Frame is one of the city's most striking landmarks, and one that few visitors don't want to go back and explore. It's a huge golden structure that resembles a picture frame and provides stunning views of old and new Dubai. 

From the top, you can observe how the traditional neighbourhoods on one side contrast with the giant skyscrapers on the other.

Crossing the glass-bottomed bridge is exhilarating! It's an excellent spot to click photographs and learn more about how Dubai has evolved over the years. Whether you visit in the day or evening, the sight is simply unforgettable.

9. Go on a Desert Safari

Any trip to Dubai would not be complete without taking a desert safari. You can find limitless dunes just outside the city waiting to be explored. Most safaris involve a 4x4 ride, where expert drivers give you a thrilling and bumpy ride over the dunes.

You may also enjoy activities such as camel riding, sandboarding, and watching a stunning desert sunset. At night, most safaris have a sumptuous BBQ dinner, accompanied by local music and dance performances. It's a wonderful experience amid the desert in comfort and in style.

10. Soar Above the Desert in a Hot Air Balloon

Riding a hot air balloon over the Dubai desert is like stepping into a dream. You’ll gently rise into the sky as the sun comes up, lighting the dunes with a warm glow. The view is peaceful and beautiful, something you’ll never forget.

From high above, you’ll see endless desert, tall mountains, and maybe even a camel or two walking below. Sunrise is the best time to go because the light is soft and perfect for amazing photos.

Unlike fast desert rides like dune bashing, a hot air balloon ride is calm and quiet. You’ll float slowly through the air, with just the sound of the wind and the balloon burner. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the desert away from the busy city.

Best time to go: Early morning is perfect for flying. The air is cooler, the wind is calm, and the sunrise makes the view even more magical.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget your camera or phone! You’ll want to capture the stunning views from above.

11. Ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus

The Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus is among the most thrilling activities in Dubai for family entertainment. It's an easy and fun experience to view the city's highlights, such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and Sheikh Zayed Road.

You can get off at any stop to visit, then get back on when you are ready. This allows you to go at your speed to see places without the worry of getting around.

Throughout the ride, you will receive interesting tidbits about Dubai via an audio guide provided in most languages, so it is an educational ride for all.

If you desire a casual way to see Dubai with your loved ones, this bus tour is an excellent pick.

Checklist to Prepare for Your Dubai Trip

Before you embark on visiting all the interesting destinations in Dubai, you should prepare adequately. Below are easy but vital things to tick off your list to ensure that your trip goes on easily:

• Check Your Passport & Visa: Make certain that the validity of your passport is for at least 6 months. Also, check if you require a visa to enter Dubai, which you should apply for in advance.

• Book Your Flights and Accommodation: Book your flights and hotels in advance for the best rates. Also, consider about Dubai holiday package that includes accommodation in prime locations like Downtown Dubai or near the Marina, making it easy to explore the city’s top attractions.

• Plan Your Itinerary: Check out Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, go on a desert safari, and if you have some extra time, do a day trip to Abu Dhabi.

• Pack Appropriate Clothing: In Dubai, it’s hot, so pack light and breathable clothing. Also, wear a more modest dress for the religious sites. And do not forget your comfortable shoes for walking.

• Currency & Payments: The currency is that of the UAE Dirham (AED). Notify your bank of your travel dates and bring a mix of cash and cards.

• Health & Safety: Check which vaccines you may require. Bring along what meds you’ll need and also some sunscreen for protection.

• Connectivity: Get a local SIM card or international roaming plan for connectivity.

• Cultural Etiquette: Learn some basic social norms and dress etiquette to honor local culture.

• Transport Options: Check out the public transportation in Dubai taxis, metro, and car rentals.

• Travel Insurance: Always have travel insurance, which includes health, cancellations, and emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Dubai is a city that wonderfully blends old customs and modern marvels. If you love strolling through serene old streets, zip-lining down water slides, or admiring futuristic structures, there is always something new to be found.

This is a great list of things to do for your Dubai vacation. Whether you're an adventure-seeker, a culture-vulture, or simply someone who wants to unwind, Dubai has something extraordinary in store for you.

Ready to plan your unforgettable Dubai experience? Let Computravel guide you every step of the way. Check out our Dubai holidays now and book your ideal holiday with us today!