Things to do in Dubai

A 200-year-old glistening desert city, Dubai is relatively new – but don’t let that fool you. Among all the futuristic skyscrapers, this place has plenty of culture and heritage. Meander through the streets of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and you’ll be instantly transported to the traditional Arabia. Walk through cobbled streets, admire the traditional air towers, and see coral buildings that have been meticulously restored to their former glory. Meanwhile, the Al Seef historical district is a true mix of culture and modern life, with various glittering shops and cosy cafes. Hop in a traditional abra – or water taxi – and sail across the creek to see the city from a different angle, as you float past traditional souks and see the infamous skyline.

Book our Traditional Dubai City Tour to discover another side to the City of Superlatives. Or book a spot on our Walking Street Food Tour, where you can taste local Arabian cuisine. As well as trying classic meals and an Arabic cocktail, you’ll explore the old Spice Souk. This really is a treat for all the senses, from the colourful spices and sweet incense, to the aroma of Arabic coffee and traditional cuisine. See Dubai like never before with our cultural excursions.

Dubai is filled with things to do for adventurers. You’ll find theme parks, indoor skiing, dune-bashing and much more.

Two of the largest and most famous waterparks in the Middle East are Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm and Wild Wadi Waterpark at Jumeirah Beach hotel. Combined, these waterparks have over 60 rides, the longest and craziest lazy river in Dubai, fantastic splash parks for tots, and two private beaches. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, there’s even a zip-line from one end of Aquaventure to the other.

Meanwhile, Dubai Parks and Resorts offers four separate theme parks, all in one place. You can visit Motiongate™ Dubai, Bollywood Parks™ and even LEGOLAND® Dubai – the largest indoor theme park in Dubai. Plus, IMG Worlds of Adventure offers rides and interactive games for all ages.

And no trip to Dubai would be complete without a desert safari. Leave the urban jungle behind you and head into the dunes on an incredible off-road drive. Stop off for an iconic selfie in the desert and watch the golden sunset. Round things off with dinner and a traditional show at a Bedouin-style camp before heading back to the city.

Dubai is full of iconic buildings and experiences, from shopping in the planet’s largest mall to dining at the ultra-luxurious Burj Al Arab. But the Burj Khalifa should be at the top – no pun intended – of your to-do list. Nearly 900 metres high, the tallest building in the world is nearly three times as big as The Shard in London. With our At the Top ticket, you can gaze over the city from the world’s highest viewing platform. Or why not book our Tea in the Clouds excursion? You can relax 154 floors above the ground, and soak up views of the city skyline while tucking into a luxury afternoon tea.

Elsewhere, you could easily spend a whole day in Dubai Mall – this place has hundreds of shops, restaurants, a cinema and an ice rink. It’s also home to the world’s largest aquarium, the Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can see mesmerising marine life.

After dark, the Dubai Fountains are a must-see. Inspired by the world-famous Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, these dancing fountains are best seen at dusk. The atmosphere is electric, and you’ll also be able to see Burj Khalifa in its full glory, all lit up.

Using local transport on holiday can sometimes be a little daunting but, in Dubai, it couldn’t be easier. The tram and metro services here are clean, efficient and super-easy to use, linking everywhere from the airport and Downtown Dubai, on to JBR and The Palm. Like most big cities, Dubai also has a sightseeing bus, helping you to visit multiple iconic landmarks with a hop-on, hop-off ticket.

If you choose to stay in or around the JBR area, you’ll have easy access to this bustling hub of shops, cafes and restaurants. You can easily walk along the promenade or soak up the atmosphere with a coffee. JBR is connected to Bluewaters Island by a footbridge, where you’ll find more shops and eateries. This manmade island is also home to Ain Dubai, or the Dubai Eye. And – in true Dubai fashion – it’s the world’s largest viewing wheel. Dubai Marina and Dubai Canal also offer great views and are both lovely spots to go for a stroll.