Dubai is an amalgamation of ancient and modern history that can be witnessed in many of its wonderful attractions. It can be a little overwhelming when you visit it for the first time. Though it is known for its pompous and extravagant lifestyle, there are some charming places soaked up in its past. Whether you are looking for things to do in Dubai airport or things to do in Dubai at night, Dubai offers all the exposure you need to make your itinerary memorable.

Take a look at some of the best things to do in Dubai as a first-time or experienced traveler.

1. Take a Memorable Ride at Old Dubai: 

Today Dubai is known for its grandeur and glitter, but there was a time when it was scattered with small fishing villages. If you want to get a taste of Old Dubai, head to the Al Bastakiya quarter. The buildings here are made of gypsum and coral. Also known as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, this charming old Arabian village is dotted with pretty cafes, art galleries, and tiny little shops. Check out the famous Dubai souks and shop for some traditional garments, spices, herbs, footwear, and other Arabian trinkets. But don’t forget to haggle with the sellers for the best bargains. Visit the Dubai Museum to understand the rich history of Emirati life. This is the best way to get a glimpse of traditional Arabic culture and get the best out of your Dubai trip.

2. Feel rejuvenated at Desert Safari: 

If you want to escape the chaotic city life, there is no better way than to visit the fantastic deserts of Dubai. Explore your adventurous side by engaging in some dune bashing, quad biking, and sandboarding. Hop on the back of a camel for a bumpy but enjoyable ride. Enjoy the different forms of fun and entertainment such as Belly dancing, Tanura show, Fire show, Henna tattooing. Indulge in some lip-smacking BBQ dinner with an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. For a more mesmerizing experience, watch a beautiful sunset and spend the night under the sky by signing up for the night safari and overnight stay. It is an experience you will cherish during all your upcoming Dubai tours and you will remember it throughout your life. Desert Safari is one of the fun things to do in Dubai at any time during the year.

3. Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain: 

A visit to Downtown Dubai, one of the best areas in the city is a must on every traveler’s itinerary. Spend a few hours at the Dubai Mall and shop to your heart’s content. And if you feel like splurging a bit more, try to buy gold coins or gold bars from the Gold Dispensing ATM located here. Head out to musical Dubai Fountains to see the spectacular light show that illuminates the entire sky. It is one of the top things to do in Dubai at night with your entire family. And last but not least, book your tickets in advance to visit the top deck of the imposing structure, Burj Khalifa for an outstanding view of the entire city. It is worth every penny spent in your Dubai vacation package.

4. Fall in love with Dubai Global Village:

Want to get a sneak peek of every nation in the world? Don’t worry! We have got you covered. Dubai Global Village is the ideal family destination for entertainment, shopping, and culture. There are numerous pavilions and stalls representing different nations. It offers unique experiences and mouth-watering international cuisine. There are more than 100 food stalls that serve authentic street food and over 20 cafes and restaurants that offer a fine dining experience. You feel as if you have visited different nations under one roof. The ticket cost is 15 dirhams and you get access to many shows, performances, and concerts at the venue on that day. However, for some of the attractions, you may have to buy a separate ticket. The Global Village is open from November to April every year and it is also considered as the best time to visit Dubai. For nature lovers, it is one of the top 10 things to do in Dubai with family.

5. Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium: 

Your Dubai trip will be incomplete without a visit to one of the award-winning waterparks, Dubai’s Aquaventure Waterpark. Tour to this aquarium is one of the fun things to do in Dubai for kids. With over 30 thrilling water rides and attractions, it promises you a day full of fun and excitement. Touted as the largest of waterparks, it also has private beaches and kids play area. Head out to the Lost Chambers Aquarium at the famous Atlantis the Palm, where you can get up, close and personal with sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and stingrays. No wonder, this aquarium is such a vital part of Dubai tourism.

6. Taste Incredible Cuisine at Dubai Creek: 

Visit Dubai Creek to get a hint of what Dubai was like before. This saltwater creek divides the city into two. Bur Dubai village and Deira village are bordered on either side of the creek. Visit the souks on either side of the creek for a fun shopping experience. The Gold Souk has gold, diamonds, and other precious stones while the Textile Souk is full of traditional garments. A trip down the creek in the traditional wooden boats called ‘Abra’ is a delightful experience. For a more exotic experience, you can take a Dhow Cruise across the creek. The cruise generally lasts for two hours. You can enjoy the wonderful Dubai tourist attractions while having a delicious traditional Arabian dinner buffet and live entertainment onboard.

7. Try Extreme Adventure at Ski Dubai: 

Want a break from the scorching heat of UAE? Then Ski Dubai has got you covered. It is a humongous indoor ski resort built right in the center of the city. There is even a beautiful ice cave for kids. Enjoy a personal encounter with the snow penguins, through various engaging and interactive programs. Sign up for one of the ski lessons here with their qualified team. For a bit of adventure, try tobogganing, snowboarding or skiing at the 85-meter high indoor mountain with five slopes of varying steepness. And yes, don’t miss the March of the Penguins that takes place several times a day. If you are traveling in Dubai in search of ultimate amusement then you shouldn’t miss visiting this destination.

8. Enjoy Amazing Architecture of Jumeirah Mosque:

Jumeirah Mosque is located in the Dubai Marina. What makes this mosque special is the fact that it is open to non-Muslims and also to women. The mosque was a gift from the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai, to his son, the current ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The construction of the mosque is based on the medieval Fatimid architecture. You can see the mosque’s image printed on the 500-dirham note. It has a beautiful white marble façade with yellow and blue walls against which painted panels are placed. Regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in the UAE, it is a brilliant example of Islamic architecture. It looks even more fantastic when lit up in the evenings. It is one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai. Guided tours are available from Saturday through Thursday for non-Muslims.

9. Get Close to Nature at Palm Islands: 

It is also listed in one of the best places to visit in Dubai all around the year. You should visit this man-made archipelago for some of the most stunning views of the city. Constructed in the shape of a palm tree, this captivating island is dotted with high-end apartment towers, luxury villas, exotic resorts, upmarket restaurants, and five-star hotels. Jutting into the Persian Gulf, this gigantic archipelago is visible from space. Private tours on speedboats and yacht are available. You can also take the Dubai Ferry ride to the Palm Jumeirah for some enchanting views of the island. This one should surely be a part of your Dubai things to do list.

10. Overhaul Your Camera with Pictures at VR Park Dubai: 

Considered among the most adventurous and fun things to do in Dubai with kids, this is a place to visit for experiencing some thrilling activities. There are many virtual reality games in the park divided into eighteen zones for different age groups. Some games take you to different planets, distant future, and The Raft where you fight demons. But the most exciting of all the Burj Drop which is a roller coaster ride. Imagine falling off the top of Burj Khalifa, the experience is frightening as well as breathtaking. No matter from what corner of the world you are traveling to Dubai, this destination offers you enough exposure to make your Dubai vacation truly epic.

11. Discover Nature at Dubai Miracle Garden:

As the name suggests, this is one of the miraculous tourist attractions in Dubai that attracts visitors in huge number. Spread over 72000 square meters, this is the biggest and the most fantastic natural flower gardens in the world. Featuring over 100 million flowers and plants, this place is a paradise for nature lovers. Set in the heart of Dubailand, this garden is open only from mid-November to mid-May. These millions of colorful blooms are a visual treat. Iconic landmarks, toys, cartoons, and people are created completely out of flowering plants. The display changes every year and has brilliant lighting that makes them even more beautiful. There is an amphitheater, Trampoline Park and events such as live shows, flower parade and Zumba are organized for the visitors. Shop at one of the souvenir shops to take back home some lovely memorabilia or take a picture at their photobooth and cherish this memory for life.

12. IMG Worlds of Adventure: 

Say hello to your favorite characters at the world’s largest indoor amusement park. Be it your favorite Cartoon Network characters like Power Puff Girls or the Marvel Comics characters such as Hulk, Superman, and Spiderman, you will find all of them under one roof. However, the highlight of this park is the Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure Zone, which houses more than 60 animatronic dinosaurs. All these offerings will definitely make your first Dubai travel a valuable experience. If you are a thrill lover then it is one of the top things to do in Dubai for people like you.

What’s next waiting for you?

Dubai has multiple attractions, each more fascinating than the other. There are other theme parks and waterparks such as the Wild Wadi Waterpark or the Bollywood Park. You would like to visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo or the Dolphinarium. We have tried to list out the best places of Dubai that you should not miss on your first trip. But if you can plan a longer trip, we highly recommend you visit the other beautiful attractions this magical place has to offer. The list of top things to do in Dubai mentioned above will definitely make an excitement to your tour.

Now you know what to do in Dubai, you can plan your journey in the most effective way. If you are planning to visit a few more popular cities such as Abu Dhabi then check out our other travel guides.