Things to do in Dubai
The definitive rundown of Dubai's best experiences, what to see and do, and how to book each one.
The short answer
The essential Dubai experiences: go up the Burj Khalifa, do an evening desert safari, cruise Dubai Marina by dhow, wander old Dubai's souks, and see the Museum of the Future. Add Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque as a day trip.
1. Icons & skyline
The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, The View at the Palm and the Museum of the Future, Dubai's record breaking architecture, best at sunset.
2. The desert
An evening safari with dune bashing and a camp dinner is the quintessential Dubai experience; upgrade to a private heritage safari or a dawn hot air balloon.
3. Old Dubai & culture
Cross the Creek by abra to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, explore Al Fahidi's heritage quarter, and take a guided old and new city tour.
Plan & book
FAQs
What are the top 3 things to do in Dubai?
The Burj Khalifa observation deck, an evening desert safari, and a Dubai Marina dhow cruise, the three that define a first Dubai trip.
How many days do you need in Dubai?
3 to 4 days covers the icons and the desert; 5 to 7 adds Abu Dhabi, theme parks and the northern Emirates. See our day by day itineraries.
What's free to do in Dubai?
The Dubai Fountain show, public beaches (JBR, Kite Beach), the souks, the AED 1 abra ride, and the Marina and Downtown promenades.
Purpose of this page
Use this as the commercial activity hub: compare bookable tours and attraction categories, then open a product page for inclusions, restrictions and a date-specific quote. For editorial inspiration and trip sequencing, use the things-to-do guide; for sightseeing grouped by neighbourhood, use the places-to-visit guide.