Dubai

Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai for First Time Visitors

Experience the must see and do attractions that Dubai has to offer
By Lindsay Eagan

Dubai is the Middle East's glittering jewel, full of adventure and luxury. It's no surprise that the top attractions in the Emirates are a great place to start when planning a trip to Dubai.

Dubai regularly ranks at the top of a list of the world's must-visit destinations. The city is a treasure trove for tourists, combining the mystique and history of the Arabian Desert with the gleaming amenities of a modern metropolis.

Though many cities have come close to rivaling its variety of awe-inspiring top attractions, few have been able to surpass the sheer number of outlets and types of sites that this small Emirati nation has to offer. If you and your family are looking for the top things to do in Dubai during your trip, check out our list of some of the best attractions, including:

  • At The Top - Burj Khalifa
  • Royal Arabian Safari at Sahara Desert Resort
  • Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm
  • Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
  • The Dubai Mall
  • and more...

At The Top - Burj Khalifa

Burj_Khalifa_Observation_Deck

In a city of record-breakers, the Burj Khalifa could be considered Dubai's most famous landmark and is certainly a must-visit during your trip. Rising gracefully from the desert, the Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building. You'll enjoy dramatic vistas from the top of this 163-floor structure. No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to At The Top, the tower's exclusive viewing deck.

Spanning floors 125 and 148, At The Top gives visitors a full view of the city from the vantage point of the world's highest outdoor observatory. From this perch, you can take in the Dubai Fountain show, enjoying the synchronized water spectacle from a bird's eye view. With panoramic visibility on the rest of the Emirate, it's the perfect spot for taking photos to remember your trip.

Getting In: At The Top - Burj Khalifa tickets are included with all Go City® Dubai passes.

Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai Sightseeing Tour

Dubai is a well-connected city, with most major sites and attractions branching off from its main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road. The Big Bus Dubai travels down SZR to connect you with all the top places to visit. Whether you're interested in the traditional culture of the city's early trading ports and souks, or the iconic modern architecture of the Burj Khalifa, the hop-on, hop-off bus lets you explore the city at your own pace.

Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin and open-top seating as you traverse this impressive desert city. Buses come every five to 15 minutes, so you never have to worry about waiting around for long. With more than 35 stops on the entire tour and commentary offered in 12 languages, Big Bus Dubai provides interesting and entertaining information on the journey through this fascinating city.

Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai tickets are included on all Go City® Dubai passes.

Royal Arabian Safari & 5-star dinner at Sahara Desert Resort

sunset-desert-dubai-uae

Another bucket-list item in Dubai is a desert safari. Experience the majesty and beauty of the desert just the way the traditional Bedouins have done for generations. Climb aboard a luxurious Hummer H2 or Land Cruiser and set out on your captivating nature drive.

Enjoy onboard refreshments as you travel over the rolling sand dunes. Once in the desert, you can explore your surroundings further with a camel ride. Or, experience traditional Bedouin culture with henna painting before you savor a five-star buffet set-up at an Arabian fortress.

Getting In: Dubai Royal Desert Arabian Safari is separately ticketed and not included on Go City® Dubai passes.

4x4 quad bike ride in the desert

man-on-quadbike-desert-dubai

This action-packed activity is the most fun way of seeing what Dubai has to offer. Escape the city and head into the swirling sands for an afternoon of racing about on four wheels. You'll be geared up with a helmet and your very own ATV and then you'll be ready to give it some revs up the dunes! What's more, you'll even ride out to the specialized quad bike track on camelback for the full Arabian desert experience.

Getting in: 4x4 Quad Bike Ride in the Desert tickets are available on the Go City® Dubai Explorer pass only.

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm

Aquaventure Waterpark

Ride the thrills and spills at Aquaventure Waterpark on Atlantis The Palm. The Palm is Dubai's extraordinary hotel built in the center of a man-made island. It's one of the only places on Earth where you can zip through a water tunnel while sharks and stingrays swim above you.

If you're after hair-raising drops and rushing rapids, you'll find your buzz at Aquaventure. Aquaventure also has you covered if you're interested in sunbathing on a pristine, private beach. This waterpark caters to all aquatic desires!

Getting In: Aquaventure Waterpark tickets are included on all Go City® Dubai passes.

Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm

Lost_Chambers_Aquarium

After you've splashed your way through Aquaventure, further your marine-inspired journey with a visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, which is at the same resort. Wind your way through the aquarium's 10 glass-tunneled chambers to get up close with sharks, stingrays, piranhas, lobsters, seahorses, tropical fish, and other sea life.

Marvel in the spellbinding underwater world designed around the myth of Atlantis, the lost civilization of ruins and shipwrecks. More than 20 different marine exhibits wait for you to explore. You can even feel a real starfish in the aquarium's touch tank or learn about the different types of fish from the aquatic center's experts.

Getting In: Lost Chambers Aquarium tickets are included on all Go City® Dubai passes.

RIB Speed Boat sightseeing tour

RIB_Speed_Boat_Sightseeing

Xclusive Yachts, one of the city's most popular boat service providers, offers a chance to view the wonders of Dubai from the water. On a RIB speed boat tour, you can take in the Emirate's various famous landmarks. The top sites on this tour include:
 

  • Burj Al Arab
  • Atlantis The Palm
  • Jumeirah Beach Hotel
  • Dubai Marina
  • Jumeirah Beach Residence
  • and Bluewater Island

While the vessel does travel at high speeds for most of the trip, your boat will slow down enough for photos at select locations.

Getting In: Dubai Speed Boat Tour tickets are included on all Go City® Dubai passes.

Ski Dubai

Ski_Dubai_Indoor_Skiing

Dubai topped the record books again with the opening of the region's largest indoor ski resort (in one of the world's biggest malls, of course). Ski Dubai has five slopes of varying difficulties and inclines for skiers of any skill, from beginners to seasoned veterans. It's also the home of the world's first indoor black diamond run for those who dare to conquer the demands of the snow.

A ski lift ferries skiers up the runs, while an adjoining Snow Park includes sled routes and toboggan runs, climbing towers, and an ice cave to entertain little ones. The recent introduction of live penguin encounters at the resort adds an extra element of fun to your visit to Ski Dubai.

Getting In: Ski Dubai tickets are included on all Go City® Dubai passes.

Green Planet Indoor Rainforest

red-billed-toucan-indoor-rainforest

Dubai recently added an indoor rainforest to its list of attractions you might be surprised to find in a desert. Delve into an exotic world of flora and fauna in this vertical tropical rainforest and learn about all the different layers, plants, and animals that call it home. A place for all ages, the rainforest encourages developing first-hand knowledge about the natural world.

Getting In: The Green Planet Dubai is separately ticketed and is not included on Go City® Dubai passes.

Motiongate Dubai

Motiongate is one of the largest themed entertainment parks in the region, combining three of the largest and most prolific Hollywood studios – Dreamworks, Lionsgate, and Columbia Pictures. Motiongate brings your favorite animated stories and characters to life.

You can immerse yourself in the golden age of filmmaking by going behind the scenes to experience real-life movie sets and the inner workings of a production studio. Or, you can step into the action of your favorite films in the Green Hornet ride, a Ghostbusters battle, the interactive Smurfs village, or Shrek's fairy tale journey.

If you're not too tired of the rides and attractions, sit back and take in a high-energy live-action stage show based on films like The Hunger Games or Step Up.

Getting In: 1 Day 2 Park Hopper tickets are included on all Go City® Dubai passes.

KidZania

If you're traveling to Dubai with young ones, you'll want to include a visit to KidZania in your itinerary. This play club, based in Dubai Mall, offers children from the ages of four to 16 a safe place to live out their play dreams. Pint-sized guests can take part in role-playing activities that mimic their real-world counterparts.

Whether it's working as a doctor, fireman, police officer, pilot, or beautician, kids are given the chance to play out their roles in an actual small-scale city built specifically for them to enjoy.

Getting In: Admission to KidZania is separately ticketed and is not included with Go City Dubai® passes.

Other ideas for top things to do in Dubai

The below are popular activities to do in Dubai. Please note, that some of these items may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Dubai pass.

  • Take an abra ride - a traditional wooden boat that fits around 20 passengers on the Dubai Creek - (included in the Big Bus Dubai Tour). See how old and new Dubai come together from the best view of the city: on the water.
     
  • Visit the traditional Bastakiya Quarter, which squeezes itself between the Dubai Creek and the buzzing Bur Dubai district.
     
  • Explore and bargain at the Gold Souk and buy exotic herbs & spices at the Spice Souk.
     
  • Visit Dubai Museum, Shindagha Museum ('Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House'), and the Heritage Village and learn how Dubai was once a small fishing village.
     
  • Go shopping at the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Burjuman, Deira City Center, Marina Mall, Dubai Festival City, WAFI, or Mercato Mall.
     
  • Stroll along 'The Beach' at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and have lunch at one of the many outlets along the beach, or sunbathe and take a swim at Kite Surf Beach.
Jumeirah
  • Enjoy Beach Day access at any of the 5-star resorts along the coast (Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Westin Hotel) or at the hotels on Palm Island.
     
  • Dine at the beautiful Souk Madinat with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab Hotel and Arabian Sea
     
  • Enjoy a Friday (Champagne) Brunch at one of the many 5-star hotels - a Dubai weekend tradition!
     
  • Book a luxury spa treatment at one of the glamorous hotels or pamper yourself at a beauty salon (manicure, pedicure, massage, etc).
     
  • If you enjoy golf, tee off at the courses designed by Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els. Head to the city's most famous course, the 18-hole Emirates Golf Club, or at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
     
  • Enjoy sundowners at the many outdoor bars and clubs with sunshine all year round (Barasti bar, 360 at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, etc.) or at the stunning rooftop bars of 5-star hotels in town.

Dazzling Dubai adventures for first-time visitors

That's a wrap on our selection of the top things to do in Dubai for first-time visitors during their vacation. Whether you are traveling with kids, teens, or just adults, we're sure you and your family will have a wonderful time.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Dubai must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.  

☀️ Compare Dubai passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈ 

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dubai in september
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Dubai in September

Howdy there, traveler! So you're planning a trip to Dubai, are you? This desert oasis draws visitors from all over, so you're in good company. But when do you plan to visit? Is September a good time to vacation in Dubai? Well, scroll down, browse our guide to Dubai in September, and see what you think! Including: Dubai weather in September VR fun Underwater adventure Spooky escape rooms and more! Dubai in September: What to Expect It's hot. Really hot. Surprising perhaps no one, September in Dubai isn't your typical fall month. Instead, it's merely the tail end of Dubai's long, long summer. But the tail end doesn't mean you're in for a cooler time. Not really. That's because temperatures in September reach highs of 100°F or more and lows of around 79°F. So prepare for extreme temperatures, or perhaps go another month where the heat is more manageable. However, if you insist on September, then there are certainly some things to bear in mind. Bring a big hat, pack a load of factor 50 sunscreen, and avoid direct sunlight at peak hours to avoid shriveling up like a toasted prune. With those caveats in mind, we've peppered our recommendations with both inside and outside fun. You are most welcome, friend. Dubai in September: What to Do Nighttime BBQ Shenanigans When temperatures are enough to cook eggs on your car, embrace your inner vampire and stick to the shadows instead. But why settle for small shadows when you can utilize the humungous shadow that is nighttime? With nary a ray of sun in sight, you'll be safe. And where better to explore in this newfound safety than the beautiful sand dunes outside the city? On this BBQ and entertainment trip to the desert, you'll do just that. You'll be escorted from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 to the dunes. Then, you'll reach a camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meats and veg. And refreshing drinks, of course. Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Catch a belly dancing show, partake in some sweet shisha, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad. Then, as things wind down, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel to sleep off all the success. This BBQ soiree in Dubai is perfect for those looking to make the most of the cooler September nights. Evening Landmark Adventure! One of the joys of vacationing in an exciting new place is exploring the region's landmarks. And you'll be thrilled to know that Dubai has heaps of awe-inspiring buildings all across its skyline. And, in the spirit of your newfound vampirism, why not go see those sighs at night on a magical evening bus tour? Be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Ain Dubai, and the city harbor. That way, you'll get enough snaps to show your colleagues around the watercooler, and dodge the worst of the sun in the process! Does that smell like a win? Because it sure smells like a win to us. Spooky Escapes Looking for any other excuses to escape the heat? Look no further than Dubai's terrifying escape rooms at No Way Out. Because when it's hot outside, nothing quite beats being chased around the place by an ax-wielding maniac in the comfort of air-conditioning. With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 friends will battle the clock, devious traps, puzzles, and contend with creepy actors playing their parts as they try and scare you senseless. And if that wasn't enough, you can even stay after your game and sit down for a bit of interactive horror cinema. Each show features wind, water, and other special effects that will assault your senses as you watch. But, be careful. You never know when one of the actors will be creeping right behind your seat. Marvelous and cool, thanks to the aforementioned air-con. Explore sunny locales at a safe distance Another way to beat the heat is to simply travel to another realm. But how can that be? Aren't you firmly stuck in this reality? Well, not quite. Thanks to VR Park Dubai, alternate realities are just a headset away. Visitors, or adventurers, if you will, are welcome to immerse themselves in 7 games over the course of four hours. Suit up, slip your headset on, pick your poison, and play away. Can you make your way out of the VR Maze? Can you stop the robot uprising in Robocom? You can even challenge your friends or family to competitive games, including sports, platforming, and puzzle-solving genres. The perfect answer to an abrasively warm afternoon, explore virtual reality and see what all the buzz is about! Explore life beneath the surface And finally, let's end our cool list of sun-dodging goodness with perhaps the best escape of all - a journey beneath the oceans. And where better to find such an escape than at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo? You'll start your adventure in the aquarium's massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be able to see all sorts of aquatic species going about their day. Sharks, rays, and other exotic species will be swimming right above your head, and may even approach you if you're not too scary looking. Perfect for photo ops, as well as a strangely serene stroll, it's a one-of-a-kind experience in Dubai, and well worth a visit. After you've wandered along the tunnel, you'll reach the Underwater Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with tons of exotic fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic wonders. You'll meet spider crabs, otters, piranhas, penguins, and other colorful characters. Delightful, and a great way to escape September heat in Dubai! And that just about wraps our guide to Dubai in September! If you dare face the sun head-on and are looking for some outside activities, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. Yes, even the shadeless bits for all you thick-skinned boys and girls!
Dom Bewley
Sharjah Mosque Dubai
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Visiting Dubai During Ramadan - Things to Do and Top Tips

If you're planning a trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi and it falls during Ramadan, there are some things you'll be doing differently. From fasting to feasts, experiencing Dubai during Ramadan is a wonderful way to get a deeper understanding of Islamic culture and festivities.
Casey Makovich
dubai in may
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Dubai in May

Dubai is fast becoming one of the places to visit. With its mix of larger-than-life attractions, year-round sun, and delightful beaches, it's no wonder you're considering it. But when is the best time to visit? Is Dubai in May perfect for your vacation plans? Check out our guide to Dubai, and decide for yourself if you should visit in May! Including: Dubai weather in May Dubai's beaches at night Wintery escapes from the warmth Night delights in the desert and more! Dubai in May: What to Expect For many of us, May is the perfect mix of spring freshness and summer sun. The flowers are well in bloom, temperatures are 75-80°F, and we're settling into the transition between jeans and shorts. Dubai does May different, to no one's surprise. It's when we really start to see the mercury rise, as you can expect highs of 99°F and lows of 73°F. High humidity and minimal rain only reinforce the intense heat. Unless you're built for it, you may want to pick a month outside of the May-September range. However, if May is the perfect vacation time for you logistically, you can still have a great time and see the sights while avoiding the worst of it. And if you're planning on hitting up some of Dubai's biggest attractions, you may actually have a better time of it, as tourism tends to dwindle in the summer period. That means fewer people, smaller queues, and more time for fun! So, let's explore the best way to enjoy Dubai in May. Dubai in May: What to Do Snow Escapades When the heat gets too much, where better to escape it than the snowy hills of a ski resort? But we're talking about Dubai here, a place with minimal summer rainfall and constant beating sun. Where in the world would one go to experience such alpine delights? Well, Ski Dubai, of course! Dubai's very own indoor snowy paradise just happens to be the largest of its kind in the world, and you're more than welcome to strap up and get your ski on. This all-inclusive package ensures you needn't bring anything other than your ski brain, and the center's multiple slopes ensure you have plenty of space to get powdery. Ski lingo, baby. And if skiing's not your bag, you can snowboard, sled up, or even just sit and admire the cool temperatures. Plus, there are penguins sometimes, which is the icing on the chilly cake. Sea, sand, and no sun? Hitting the beach might be low on your itinerary when the sun can literally cook you in 20 minutes, but don't dismiss Dubai's sandy shores outright. Even under the cover of darkness, you can make the most of the space, and in some cases, the sea too. That's because many of Dubai's beaches are open to loungers 24/7. And in some cases, like with Umm Suqeim Beach, you can even take a dip in the sea after sundown. Thanks to Umm Suqeim Beach's Smart Light system, the waters stay lit until midnight, so you can safely - and legally - appreciate the cooling waters after the sun runs off. Lifeguards are still on duty, so no worries about any potential mishaps. However, once the clock strikes 12, you'll need to vacate the cooling waters and stick to the sands. But so what? Heading to a sandy paradise like Dubai, the last thing you want to do is miss the beach scene entirely. At least this way, you give your skin a rest, and ensure you don't spend the rest of your vacation in painful red lobster mode. Night bites and dune gazing Speaking of nighttime, another of Dubai's biggest draws is its magnificent dunes. As soon as you leave the outskirts of this young city, you're met with the endless, flowing sands of the beyond. And, while we wouldn't recommend heading out there on your own, they absolutely deserve to be explored. So, why not take a curated approach to exploration, and check out an evening tour and BBQ experience in the heart of Dubai's desert? Kicking off with a 5-star taxi service that will comfortably transport you from your hotel to the desert, you'll arrive at the party camp. Then, sit down and treat yourself to a BBQ feast of spiced meats, veg, and other delicious Dubai delicacies. When you're full to bursting, lounge back and appreciate the evening's entertainment. Featuring belly dancing, shisha, camel riding, and henna tattoos, it's an evening packed with fun! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. You'll have the best sleep in months. Burnt by the sun, but calmed by the waters If you absolutely insist on meeting Dubai's unforgiving sun head-on, level the playing field at a water park. The H20 will help you cool off, at least. And good news, people, because Dubai has the water park game cornered thanks to some brilliant watery spaces. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best, with plenty of amazing rides for both kids and adults. From death-defying drops to snakey slides, they even have a kids-only area and their own beach if you need to relax. For kids, LEGOLAND® Water Park ticks all the boxes. Featuring 20 rides themed around many of their most recognizable characters, it might not be as exhilarating for adults as the other two, but there's nothing stopping you from getting on the rides and having a blast. Either way, our top tip to come out unscathed is to apply, apply, and reapply sunscreen regularly throughout your visit. Slides and sunscreen don't mix, as the former will scrape the latter right off. So, make sure to stay topped up! Light bites On hotter days, you might lose that hearty appetite. So, stay refueled with small dishes at Dubai's beach clubs. Not only will you get manageable dishes perfect for near-100° heat, but you'll have plenty of shade or air-conditioning to enjoy them in! Twiggy by La Cantine is our pick, with its Mediterranean menu complimented by plenty of refreshing drinks and a massive infinity pool to cool off in. Perfect. And that's our guide to Dubai in May! Looking for more fun ideas to experience during your vacation? Try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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