14 Top Things to do in Dubai for an Iconic Holiday

Enjoy an Iconic Holiday in Dubai: Best Things to do in the Golden City of Dubai.

An evening desert safari Dubai is one of the best things to do in Dubai. Likewise, there are many more interesting things that you will get to enjoy during your holiday in Dubai.

Myriads of activities and attractions await you in Dubai, a city known for its polarity of being traditional and modern at the same time. The emirate city of Dubai is vibrant, glamorous, modern, and yet deep-rooted in its culture. No wonder, the city intrigues and attracts millions of tourists to its gates every year. The best part is that there is something for everyone here, be it families, couples on a romantic holiday, or people who are looking for some cool adventures. Here you will find the best things to do in Dubai that will ensure that you have a memorable holiday.

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Visit the Iconic Attractions

Burj Khalifa towering over downtown Dubai skyline
Burj Khalifa at night | Photo by ZQ Lee on Unsplash

Sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Dubai, as it is home to amazing attractions and architectural marvels, some of them being world-record holders.

Burj Khalifa

All of 828 meters, Burj Khalifa has 163 floors, comprising a luxury hotel, several fine dining restaurants, upscale residential units, and smart corporate offices. The tallest building in the world also has observation decks open for tourists who want to see 360-degree bird’s eye view of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Dubai.

Dubai Mall

Home to over 1200 stores, you can buy everything from clothes to electronics at the Dubai Mall. Plus, the largest mall in the UAE has an aquarium and underwater zoo, indoor play areas and theme parks, and innumerable dining options. The Dubai Fountain Show outside the Dubai Mall is magical, something you should not miss.

Palm Jumeirah

The largest manmade island in the world has some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts, the most renowned being Hotel Atlantis the Palm. The island also has beaches, a water park, an aquarium, a beautiful park, and a boardwalk. To see the aerial view of the place, you must go to the observation deck at The View at The Palm.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Roam around the largest flower garden in the world in Dubai. The Dubai Miracle Garden is truly a miracle, as you will get to see more than a 100 million plants and flowers right in the middle of the desert city. What makes it even more interesting is the unique and magnificent floral installations.

Enjoy the Amazing Dubai Experiences

woman in desert seems to be holding hand of camera person
Desert Safari Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Photo by Valeria Andersson on Unsplash

Apart from sightseeing, there are some experiences that you should not miss in Dubai.

Desert Safari

Many consider desert safari as the ultimate experience one can have in Dubai. The evening desert safari Dubai is the most popular and involves adventurous activities, entertainment programs, and a delicious BBQ meal. You also get to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert and also witness a wonderful sunset.

Dhow Cruise Dinner

The dhow cruise dinner is a relaxing activity where you sail on the waters of the Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina while enjoying a delicious dinner. The dhow cruise comes with live entertainment in the form of Tanoura dance. You also get to admire the glittering view of the Dubai skyline.

Dubai Beaches and Water Sports

Being a coastal city, Dubai is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Aside from relaxing in its golden sand and admiring its blue waters, you must also try the innumerable water sports offered here. You can try kite surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat riding, and more here.

Extreme Adventures

Along with water adventures, Dubai is also known to offer a variety of extreme adventures. Sky diving is one of the sought-after adventurous activities in the city. Here you will find both outdoor and indoor skydiving. Moreover, Dubai also offers hot air balloon riding, bungee jumping, ziplining, skiing, and more.

Relish the Cultural Side of Dubai

bags of spices and dried flowers at one of the top things to do in Dubai - the spice souk
Dubai Spice Souk Entrance - 34th Street | Photo by Jon Villanueva on Unsplash

Dubai follows a Bedouin-style culture, despite all its glamor. You will find the remnants of its culture and heritage in the old part of the city.

Al Fahidi Neighborhood: Al Fahidi Neighborhood is located on the coast of Dubai Creek and is the oldest neighborhood in the city. As you walk along its narrow-cobbled streets, you would be greeted by traditional sandstone homes and windrowers. The place is filled with an interesting array of museums, cafes, and art galleries.

SMCCU: The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding is one of the best places to learn about the culture and heritage of the city. From taking heritage tours around the city to sharing traditional meals and indulging in conversations about Emirati traditions and culture, there is plenty to do at this center.

Souks: Your tour of the old part of the city would not be complete without a trip to the souks of Dubai. The most famous is the Dubai Gold Souk, which is home to more than 300 gold stores. Apart from this, there is the Perfume Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk, each offering you a treasure trove of local products.

Feel Joy at the Amusement Parks

exterior of Dubai Parks & Resorts amusement park with white robed visitors
Bollywood Parks™ Dubai Entrance | Photo courtesy of Dubai Parks and Resorts via Wikipedia

Dubai’s amusement parks are filled with thrilling rides and world-class facilities. Here are a few that are usually included in almost all Dubai vacation ideas.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

It is the largest indoor theme park in the world and is in Dubai’s City of Arabia. IMG Worlds of Adventure has some cool zones, namely Marvel, Cartoon Network, Haunted Town, Lost Valley, IMG Kids Zone, and IMG Boulevard. Each of the zones has thrilling rides, interesting attractions, and innumerable shopping and dining avenues.

Dubai Parks & Resorts

Dubai Parks & Resorts covers an area of 25 million square feet and has numerous theme parks, water parks, play areas, and resorts. Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Waterpark, Riverland Dubai, and Neon Galaxy are the major attractions here.

Atlantis Aquaventure

Atlantis Aquaventure is the largest water park in the UAE as well as in the Middle East region. Located inside the premises of Hotel Atlantis the Palm, Atlantis Aquaventure has more than 100 fun slides and attractions. It is also attached to a private beach where you can relax or try out some amazing water sports.

Apart from the things mentioned above, Dubai is also known for its amazing nightlife. You can go club hopping in Dubai or witness a marvelous music concert or performance at Dubai Opera or La Perle. Regardless of your area of interest, you would not find it difficult to find Dubai attractions and activities that engage and excite you like no other.

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Hi, I’m Stacey

UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.

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