The Ultimate Guide to Fun Places to Visit in Dubai

Dubai is a city like no other. From its ancient beginnings to its modern-day opulence, this city has grown to become one of the world’s most exciting tourist destinations. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, Dubai is packed with thrilling experiences for all ages.

Dubai is located on the Arabian Peninsula in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It sits at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe and is the second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi. Dubai is known for its glitz and glamour—from its iconic skyline full of skyscrapers and luxury hotels to its stunning beaches and endless entertainment options.

Dubai is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, with a population of over 2.7 million people. It is home to some of the world’s tallest buildings, including the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Islands. The city has a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years, and today it’s a major commercial hub for trade and tourism.

Dubai has a lot to offer visitors—from luxurious shopping malls and high-end restaurants to exciting outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa day or an adrenaline-filled day of dune bashing, Dubai has it all. Here is your ultimate guide to some of the most fun places to visit in Dubai, from iconic attractions to hidden gems.

What to See and Do

1. Burj Khalifa

No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the world’s tallest building—the Burj Khalifa. Standing at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet) tall, the Burj Khalifa is an architectural marvel. You can take a tour of the tower to experience its breathtaking views of the city, or you can opt for a private tour to get an even closer look. Be sure to explore the observation deck on the 124th floor, where you can take in sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and beyond.

2. Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping destinations, boasting over 1,200 stores, 160 restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options. It is also home to the world’s largest aquarium, as well as one of the longest indoor ski slopes. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the mall or take a ride on the aqua taxi for a unique perspective on the city skyline.

3. The Palm Islands

The Palm Islands are three manmade islands located off the coast of Dubai—Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and Palm Deira. These palm tree-shaped islands are some of the most iconic landmarks in the city and are home to some of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts and residential properties. You can take a tour around the islands by boat for a beautiful view of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

4. Dubai Marina

The Dubai Marina is a vibrant waterfront promenade lined with luxury yachts, trendy bars, and upscale restaurants. It is one of the city’s most popular attractions and offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Take a stroll along the Marina promenade, take a ride on an abra (water taxi), or explore the many restaurants and cafés along the waterfront.

5. Desert Safari

No visit to Dubai would be complete without an exhilarating desert safari. You can embark on a thrilling dune bashing adventure in an off-road vehicle or take a calmer camel ride across the golden sands. You can also experience Bedouin life with a BBQ dinner under the stars and traditional entertainment like belly dancing and fire shows.

6. Miracle Garden

The Miracle Garden is one of Dubai’s most colorful attractions. The garden features over 45 million blooming flowers set among winding paths, archways, and topiaries in shapes of animals and other figures. During your visit, you can explore the gardens at your own pace or take a guided tour for more insights into this horticultural wonderland.

7. Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located in Mall of the Emirates. It is one of the world’s largest indoor ski parks and offers a variety of winter sports activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and zip-lining. You can also have a close encounter with some friendly penguins at the snow park’s own colony.

Tours

1. City Sightseeing Bus Tour

A great way to get to know Dubai is with a City Sightseeing Bus Tour. This hop-on hop-off tour takes you around the city with stops at many popular attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque, Bastakiya Quarter, Dubai Creek, and more. You can also enjoy audio commentary on board so you can learn more about each destination as you go around the city. Book a City Sightseeing Bus Tour here.

2. Dhow Cruise

Experience the beauty of Dubai from the water with a Dhow Cruise on Dubai Creek. You will cruise past some of the city’s most iconic sights such as Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Mosque while enjoying traditional music and dinner onboard your own private boat under the stars. Book a Dhow Cruise here.

3. Desert Adventure Tour

Take your desert adventure to another level with this Desert Adventure Tour from Dubai. This full-day tour takes you on an off-road journey through some of Dubai’s most spectacular desert scenery including sand dunes, oases, and camel farms while enjoying exciting activities like dune bashing, sand boarding, ATV riding, and camel riding. Book a Desert Adventure Tour here.

Conclusion

Dubai is truly one of world’s most exciting cities—from its ancient roots to its modern-day opulence, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. From iconic attractions like Burj Khalifa to unique experiences like dune bashing in the desert, there are plenty of fun things to do in Dubai that will make your trip unforgettable!