Dubai is synonymous with the Burj Khalifa, towering sleek buildings, futuristic wonders, luxury shopping centres and souks, and a unique blend of uber-modern-infused traditional Arabic culture. Nowhere else in the world will you find a city so diverse and experience-packed. Brimming with adventure and treats, not just for the eyes but also for the mind and soul, it only makes sense for you to “live up” your holiday in Dubai.
To fulfil your urban wanderlust, here we have a curated list of the top things to do and the best places to visit in Dubai for the ultimate vacation in the futuristic city. From mall-hopping to cruising through the Arab waters and capturing picture-perfect memories from the tallest observation deck in the world, our list has it all.
Burj Khalifa
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/frank_peters
First on our list, is what puts Dubai on hot lists everywhere – the Burj Khalifa. Standing 8528 m high, the magnificent skyscraper is the tallest building in the world. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a host of unique experiences: capture breathtaking views from the tallest observation deck in the world at levels 124 or 125, indulge in gourmet food at ‘At The Top Sky Lounge’, or enjoy an unforgettable sunset at ‘The Lounge’ – the highest lounge in the world. Don’t forget to soak in the beauty of the building while you’re at it – a structure that stands as a true testament to man’s abilities.
Sky Diving over Palm Jumeirah
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/ViktorKozlov
Speaking of man’s abilities, the next stop is another man-made wonder that is perhaps an object of envy for islands the world over. Palm Jumeirah is a spectacular man-made island that houses some of the most luxurious hotels and restaurants including Waldorf Astoria, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Fairmont, and the famous Atlantis, The Palm.
In addition to being one of the best places to visit in Dubai, Palm Jumeirah is also well-known for offering one of the most exhilarating things to do in Dubai as well – skydiving. Tourists seldom leave the city without a taste of the adrenaline-pumping experience. Most Dubai tour packages include a trip to the islands for the same reason.
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Desert Safari on the Dubai Desert
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Sergo Jaxua
A holiday to the desert city is incomplete without a trip to the desert. Enjoy an inspiring and refreshing ultra-short voyage through the mystical Arabian desert and indulge in thrilling activities like quad biking and sandboarding. The city offers various levels of comfort and luxury when it comes to desert safaris; you can either book a regular safari or splurge on a luxury experience. Either way, you get a taste of some of the most exclusive things to do in Dubai. Once again, desert safaris are a part of most Dubai tour packages as they are one of the most popular Dubai tourist activities.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Dmytro Nekipelov
Dubai Miracle Garden is indeed that – a miracle. Spread over 72000 sqm, the place is a sprawling wonderland filled with a diverse range of natural flowers and structures bathed in flowers. With more than 150 million blooming flowers, it is the world’s largest natural flower garden displaying a variety of awe-inspiring floral masterpieces. While Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the best places to visit in Dubai, a trip to the nearby Dubai Butterfly Garden is also typical among the things to do in Dubai. The place is a treat for the eyes and the mind, especially for children who can also learn through the experience.
Exploring and cruising on the Dubai Creek
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/TasfotoNL
The Dubai Creek is one of the finest places to visit in Dubai if cultural exploration is on your travel agenda. The saltwater estuary not only carries some of the most unique experiences in the city but also boasts a rich history. The place is said to be the original site where the first-ever settlement of the Bani Yas tribe thrived.
Mandatory among typical Dubai tourist activities, is a traditional abra boat ride over the creek. Luxury lovers can also book the famous Dhow Cruise which takes you on a boujee trip over the Arabian waters, where you can also fancy fine-dine overlooking the sparkling lights of the city. While at the creek, be sure to also explore the gold, spice, and textile souks in the area to experience the cultural treasure trove like a local.
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Dubai Frame
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Creative HRI doy
The Dubai Frame is the epitome of structural and purposeful elegance and is hence one of the best places to visit in Dubai. It has become an architectural landmark of the city and is known to connect Dubai’s past with its present. It allows you to witness the magnificent transition from old Dubai to new Dubai through the sweeping views it offers of the city from 150m above and also through the exhibits that tell inspiring stories of Dubai’s past and future. Standing at 150.24 meters tall and 95.53 meters wide, the frame has an amazing glass walkway that connects the two towers of the frame through which visitors can walk – a must-do among Dubai tourist activities, and an interesting time tunnel which stimulates what Dubai will look like in 50 years. Talk about futuristic!
Stroll along Dubai Marina
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Sergii Figurnyi
Dubai Marina is another one of the most important places to visit in Dubai as it offers an exciting experience of the city’s hip and happening neighbourhood. Take a stroll along the Marina Walk to enjoy relaxing sightseeing, or take the Dhow Cruise to scan the city in style. In addition to the views, the place also offers other interesting things to do in Dubai, like dining at waterside restaurants, indulging in retail therapy at the Dubai Marina Mall, and testing your thirst for adventure by taking the XLine Dubai Marina – the longest zipline in the world.
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Wrapping Up
While this list covers some of the most popular and must-visit places and things to do in Dubai, the desert city has much more to explore. To soak in more experiences, look for longer, more extensive Dubai tour packages and spend ample time visiting landmarks or sightseeing. Save up for the holiday experiences in the city, by booking cheap flights to Dubai a few months ahead of your trip. Be sure to also stay at the top hotels in Dubai for a comfortable few days.
FAQs
What are some of the most popular places to visit in Dubai?
Dubai is filled with amazing and unique experiences, supplemented by wonderful places to visit. Some of these destinations are a true testament to man’s abilities.
Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Dubai:
- Burj Khalifa
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Desert
- Dubai Miracle Garden
- Dubai Marina
- Dubai Frame
- Burj Al Arab
- La Perle
- Museum of the Future
- Sky Views Dubai
- Kite Beach
- The Dubai Fountain
Most of these places are covered in typical Dubai tour packages. However, to spend more time exploring, you can also visit the places independently.
What are some adventurous things to do in Dubai?
Whether you like testing your limits and living on the edge, or enjoying peaceful evenings listening to the sound of the waves, Dubai has a unique experience for everyone. Among adventurous Dubai tourist activities, you can choose anything from skydiving over Palm Jumeirah or riding the XLine Dubai Marina – the longest zipline in the world.
Here is a list of some of the adventurous things to do in Dubai:
- Skydiving
- Riding a hot air balloon
- Enjoy rides at IMG Worlds of Adventure
- Skiing
- Sandboarding
- Dune bashing
- Quad biking
- Bungee jumping
- Ziplining
- Taking the glass slide
- Helicopter tours
- Parasailing
What is Dubai most famous for?
Dubai is famous for several structures and places, the main attraction being the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world. With a height of 8528 m, the place offers several exciting experiences, including lounging and dining, most of which are covered in interesting Dubai tour packages.
Some other unique places that Dubai is famous for are:
- Deep Dive Dubai – the deepest swimming pool in the world
- Hatta – the world’s tallest landmark sign
- Palm Jumeirah – one of the most extensive manmade islands in the world
- XLine Dubai Marina – the world’s longest zipline
- Dubai Miracle Garden – the largest natural flower garden in the world
- Dubai Mall – the largest shopping mall in Dubai
What Visa do I need to holiday in Dubai?
To holiday in Dubai, you need a tourist Dubai visa which allows recreational visits for sightseeing and exploration for a few days. You can apply for visa online with a select few travel partners that provide online visa services for 180+ countries. Look for the lowest air tickets for Dubai and visa services at best prices well in advance to get the best deals.
What are the Dubai visa documents required for Indians?
The following are some of the Dubai visa documents required for Indians:
- A valid passport with at least six months until expiry from your date of travel
- Confirmed return or onward travel tickets to Dubai
- A fully filled and signed visa application form
- Travel Insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Dubai, such as hotel reservations
- Financial proof such as recent bank statements showing sufficient funds enough to cover your Dubai holiday
- Photographs
Get in touch with reliable travel agents supplying Dubai visa online for better assistance.
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