19 Bucket List Things to Do in Dubai
Are you planning your trip to Dubai and are not sure which activities are worth experiencing? I got it.
Dubai is one of those cities where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at first. There’s a lot to see, a lot to do, and everything feels bigger than expected.
After visiting Dubai many times over the years, I’ve learned which experiences are truly worth your time and which ones you can skip.
Want to stay in a great location and not waste time getting around?
These hotels are well-located for sightseeing and make it easy to fit more into your days in Dubai.
➡️Address Downtown, next to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
➡️Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel – In Al Barsha with direct metro access
➡️Vida Dubai Mall – near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
19 Unforgettable Experiences In Dubai
1. Skydive Over Palm Jumeirah
For pure adrenaline, skydiving over Palm Jumeirah is hard to beat. You jump with an instructor, and the entire experience is filmed.
Seeing the Palm, the sea, and the city from above is something you won’t forget, even if you’re not usually into extreme activities.
2. See Burj Al Arab Up Close
Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai’s most recognizable landmarks. You can’t just walk in, but there are ways to visit inside with guided tours or dining reservations.
If you don’t plan to go in, it’s still worth seeing from the outside. Beaches like Umm Suqeim and nearby spots offer great photo spots.
3. Go Up the Burj Khalifa
Seeing the Burj Khalifa in person is impressive, but going up gives you a better sense of Dubai’s scale. From the observation deck, you can see how far the city stretches into the desert and along the coast.
You can also visit the lounges higher up for drinks and light bites, or book a restaurant or hotel stay at the Armani Hotel inside the tower.
4. Watch the Dubai Fountain at Night
Right outside the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain puts on free shows every evening. Water moves in time with music and shoots high into the air, with the tower as the backdrop.
If you want a closer view, you can watch the show from an abra on the lake, but even from the promenade, it’s worth stopping for.
5. Swim at Aura Skypool
Aura Skypool sits on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower and offers a 360-degree infinity pool experience. You need to book ahead, and you can choose between daytime or evening slots.
Besides the pool experience, there are also indoor options with food and drinks, or you can go for a yoga session with skyline views, usually in the morning.
6. Spend Time at Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is more than just a place to shop. Along with hundreds of stores, it has the Dubai Aquarium, an ice rink, cinemas, and a wide choice of restaurants and cafes.
It’s easy to spend several hours here, especially if you combine your visit with the Dubai Fountain show outside or a trip up the Burj Khalifa.
Tip: If you can, visit on a weekday and earlier in the day to avoid crowds. Plan at least half a day if you want to see more than just the shops.
7. Helicopter Ride Over Dubai
A helicopter ride is one of the best ways to see Dubai from above.
You’ll fly over Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, and the coastline, which really shows how the city is laid out. Flights are short but memorable, especially if it’s your first visit.
8. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert
This is a peaceful way to experience the desert at sunrise. The ride usually includes early morning pickup, views over the dunes, breakfast, and a short camel ride at a Bedouin-style camp.
It’s a relaxed experience that shows a completely different side of Dubai.
9. Walk on the Glass at Sky Views
Sky Views Observatory gives you a different angle of Downtown Dubai. You can walk on a glass floor, take a glass slide, or try edge walking if you’re up for it.
Because it’s very popular, I recommend avoiding it in the peak season.
10. Explore Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s biggest engineering projects. It’s home to resorts, restaurants, beaches, and residential areas.
You can reach it by car, taxi, or monorail, visit Atlantis, walk along the boardwalk, or go up to The View at The Palm for a clear look at the island’s layout.
11. Visit the Museum of the Future
Even before you step inside, the Museum of the Future stands out thanks to its unique design along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Inside, the focus is on technology, future ideas, and interactive spaces. There are also areas designed for children.
12. Ride the XLine Zipline in Dubai Marina
XLine Dubai Marina is one of the longest urban ziplines in the world. You fly across the marina at high speed, with views of towers and water below.
There are two lines side by side, so you can ride with someone else.
13. Go on a Desert Safari
The desert shows a very different side of Dubai. Most people visit on guided safaris that include dune bashing, photo stops, and optional activities like camel rides or sandboarding.
Many tours finish with dinner and shows at a desert camp if you choose the evening tour.
14. Ski Indoors at Mall of the Emirates
Ski Dubai lets you ski or snowboard indoors, complete with real snow and chairlifts.
Even if skiing isn’t your thing, it’s still interesting to see snow and winter activities inside a shopping mall in Dubai. You can also visit the Penguin Encounter, where you’ll see real penguins up close.
15. Spend a Day at Aquaventure Waterpark
Located at Atlantis, Aquaventure is known for its large number of slides and water attractions.
Plan to spend most of the day here, and there’s also beach access if you want a break from the rides. You can also add experiences like dolphin encounters if that’s something you’re interested in.
16. Visit Global Village
Global Village is a seasonal attraction that brings together food, shopping, and entertainment from around the world. Each pavilion represents a different country, with traditional products, souvenirs, and street food.
It’s a great place to try food from many cultures in one evening and watch live performances, cultural shows, and concerts. There are also rides and games, which make it popular with families.
Global Village is open from October to April and works best as an evening activity, as it comes alive after sunset.
17. Dive at Deep Dive Dubai
Deep Dive Dubai is the deepest pool in the world. Inside, there’s a sunken city you can explore underwater.
Beginners and certified divers can both take part, with different depth options depending on experience.
18. Watch La Perle by Dragone
La Perle is a live show with acrobatics, water stunts, and aerial performances.
The theatre is designed around a water stage, which makes the experience very different from standard shows.
19. Walk Through Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is a nice stop if you want to see something different from the usual city sights. It’s an outdoor garden filled with colourful flower displays, themed structures, and wide walking paths.
You can come here for a relaxed walk and take lovely pictures. It is also a good place for couples and children.
Due to the hot weather, Miracle Garden is open from October to April.
Unmissable Experiences in Dubai: FAQs
Is Dubai worth visiting?
Yes. Dubai offers a mix of modern landmarks, beaches, cultural spots, and desert experiences. Whether you like sightseeing, food, shopping, or relaxed days, there’s a lot to see and do.
How many days do you need in Dubai?
If you’re short on time, 4 days is enough to see the main landmarks. To explore more of Dubai at a comfortable pace, 7 days is a better option, especially if you want to include beach time and desert activities.
Can you do these activities without a car?
Yes. Dubai has a good public transportation system, including metro, tram, buses, and boats, which connect many major areas. You can combine public transportation with walking, and when booking some tours, hotel pick-up and drop-off are often included, so a car isn’t always necessary.
Dubai isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing experiences that match how you like to travel.
Whether you prefer views, activities, shows, or relaxed days, these experiences give you a good sense of what makes Dubai stand out.
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