United Arab Emirates

Things to do in Dubai

Dubai has two faces worth seeing: the old trading town along Dubai Creek, with Al Fahidi, the abra boats and the spice and gold souks, and the new city of Downtown, the Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Add a desert safari in the dunes outside the city and a day in Abu Dhabi, an hour and a half away, and you have the classic itinerary.

  • Burj Khalifa At the Top
  • Desert safari with dune drive and dinner
  • Old Dubai, abra ride and souks food tour
  • Museum of the Future

Experiences in Dubai

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.

Top-rated experiences in Dubai

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Highlights

  • Burj Khalifa At the Top
  • Desert safari with dune drive and dinner
  • Old Dubai, abra ride and souks food tour
  • Museum of the Future
  • Dubai Marina dhow cruise
  • Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque day trip

Best time to visit

November to March is the season, with daytime highs of about 24 to 30C. From June to September temperatures pass 40C and outdoor activities shift to early morning or after dark; Ramadan, which moves each year, changes opening hours.

Getting around

The Metro Red Line links both main airport terminals 1 and 3 with Downtown and the Marina; pay with a Nol card. Taxis are metered and reasonably priced, and traditional abras cross the Creek for a couple of dirhams.

Local tips

  • Burj Khalifa sunset slots cost more and sell out first, so book them a few days ahead.
  • The weekend is Saturday and Sunday, but some sights open later on Friday because of midday prayers.
  • Cover shoulders and knees in the old town, souks and mosques, and carry a light layer for strongly air-conditioned malls and metro.

Day trips from Dubai

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Sharjah
  • Hatta
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Dubai?

The most booked experiences in Dubai are Burj Khalifa At the Top, Desert safari with dune drive and dinner, Old Dubai, abra ride and souks food tour and Museum of the Future.

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

November to March is the season, with daytime highs of about 24 to 30C. From June to September temperatures pass 40C and outdoor activities shift to early morning or after dark; Ramadan, which moves each year, changes opening hours.

How do I get around Dubai?

The Metro Red Line links both main airport terminals 1 and 3 with Downtown and the Marina; pay with a Nol card. Taxis are metered and reasonably priced, and traditional abras cross the Creek for a couple of dirhams.

Do I need to book tours in Dubai in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Dubai?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Istanbul2994 km awaySantorini3094 km awayAthens3287 km awayOtranto3786 km away