Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai for First Time Visitors

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.

By Lindsay Eagan
Published: July 18, 2024
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 ✈ 

Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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The most adventurous things to do in Dubai

From sleepy Middle Eastern backwater to adventure hub within a single generation. From traditional, conservative culture to a world city in the same time frame. This is how Dubai rolls. Having grown wealthy off the back of oil revenues and having plenty of ready cash to hand thanks to an absence of income tax (just imagine!) the adventure industry has taken the emirate by storm. It means there are few extreme sports that can’t be enjoyed in Dubai, nor activities that don’t suit the adventurously minded. From ziplines to mountain bike tracks, these are the most adventurous things to do in Dubai. Adventures with a view Even the At The Top observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa can’t compete with the height achieved with Skydive Dubai, whose landing zone nestles on the edge of Dubai Marina. Their location ensures magnificent views of the Palm Jumeirah – the artificial palm-shaped archipelago that wowed the world when it was created in the early 2000s – from 4000 meters up. iFly Dubai provides a great indoor alternative using giant fans to give you the lift you need. A similar freefall experience can be had at XLine Dubai. The world’s longest urban zipline, and one of its fastest and steepest, it stretches across Dubai Marina for an entire kilometer. Shooting over the luxury private yachts moored here from Amwaj Towers to Dubai Marina Mall, zipliners hit speeds of 80 km/h tucked into the head-first superman-style harnesses. Sufferers of vertigo should also avoid our next recommendation – tackling the Edge Walk of the Sky Views bridge connecting two residential towers from over 50 stories up. Created by the same team of architects as the Burj Khalifa, Edge Walk is another way of taking in the cityscape without obstructions, just a safety harness! Unique ways to keep cool If supping from an ice cold drink simply doesn’t cut it, there’s a long list of adventurous things to do in Dubai that will not only keep you cool but also make you look cool at the same time. The new kid on the block of Dubai extreme sports is flyboarding, which you can try from the waters around the Ain Dubai observation wheel. Combining the look of a wakeboard with the propulsion power of a jet ski, flyboarders can reach heights of nine meters as they hover above the waves. A slightly more relaxing way to take to the waters of the Persian Gulf is with a stand-up paddleboarding lesson and tour around the Palm Jumeirah. Having mastered the basics – staying upright – you’ll drift between the Sofitel and Atlantis, taking in many of Dubai’s top sights from a distance along the way. Should stand-up paddleboarding somehow not hit the right spot, other water-based outdoor adventure activities in Dubai include kite surfing and parasailing. Kite Beach is the place to head, with several schools and rental agencies standing by to provide all you need to do battle with the offshore winds. Max out your adrenaline at Dubai’s amusement parks Those who travel the world based on a country’s theme parks might well just set up camp in Dubai and never leave. It has one of the largest numbers per square kilometer of anywhere on Earth, ranging from the child-orientated to the family-friendly. Continuing the watery theme, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm has a good pick of adrenaline-inducing slides and rides. But for those in a mixed group with some who enjoy the thrill of feeling out of control and some who don’t, it also has lots of places to relax, including a 700 meter private beach. Relaxing is not a word generally associated with IMG Worlds of Adventure, whose four ‘worlds’ include the popular roller coasters of the Marvel zone as well as Lost Valley – full of dinosaurs and prehistoric planting. Younger children are well catered for too, with Powderpuff Girls and Ben 10 based adventures set to broaden the minds and smiles of visitors yet to hit double figures. Meanwhile, hop across the passport-free border to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, for your chance to ride the fastest roller coaster yet created. It’s Ferrari World’s Formula Rossa that holds the record, with other attractions including simulators, live driving experiences and a whole host of other car-based challenges. Head offroad Whilst the tracks connected with Ferrari World will have you burning rubber in no time, heading offroad is even more adventurous. Only a short distance – yet a world away – from the glitz of downtown Dubai, the desert offers an array of potential adventures. Head out on a 4x4 quad bike tour and in addition to taking to a specialty track by quad bike you’ll also get to spend the morning traveling across the desert on the back of a camel and try to stay upright as you slide down one of the biggest dunes in the region strapped to a sandboard. But if you prefer two wheels to four, there are adventurous things to do in Dubai for you too. Suburban Mushrif Park has its own offroad bike track for those keen to remain within touching distance of central Dubai. Further afield, the gravel paths around Hatta Heritage Village in the Hajar Mountains offer up a more challenging experience as well as epic vistas across the waters of Hatta Reservoir. Adventurous things to do in Dubai with Go City The adventure and extreme sports scene in Dubai may be relatively new, but Emirati’s have certainly made up for lost time. The extensive list of adventurous things to do in Dubai include attractions with a view, those based around the region’s warm waters and those taking advantage of its desert location. One of the best ways of seeing many of Dubai’s biggest attractions is with Go City. Our passes exist to bring you huge savings on attraction admission, making them a must-have for any trip to Dubai, whether you’ve got your eye on the adventurous or intend to spend your time exploring in a more sedate manner!
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Abra boats waiting to cross Dubai Creek
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Things to do in Old Dubai

‘Old’ and ‘Dubai’ aren’t necessarily words that fit together comfortably with our image of the emirate as a new city rising out of the sands of the desert. However, there is an Old Dubai, and it’s one of the richest areas for atmosphere and authenticity. Straddling both sides of Dubai Creek’s northernmost portions, things to do in Old Dubai aren’t difficult to find. Top attractions are found dotted throughout the neighborhoods which form the district. Running clockwise these are Deira, Al Seef, Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha. From museum spaces to historic marketplaces, here’s our guide to the wonders of Old Dubai. Get your taste buds popping When hunger beckons, quick and tasty eats appear to lie on every street corner of Old Dubai. The most popular spots are busy from mid-morning onwards, with shawarma wraps feeding the neighborhood’s hungry alongside Indian snack foods such as samosas – the best are found around the Indian enclave of Meena Bazaar. But if you can, it’s worth lingering over the flavors of Old Dubai to appreciate them fully. Take a walk through Deira’s traditional Spice Souk, where spices are piled in great mounds, and your senses will be opened to a world of colors, smells, sounds and tastes. The market’s teas make particularly good souvenirs, just don’t forget to haggle! An often overlooked aspect of Emirati culture is its tea drinking ceremonies, which can be explored at the Arabian Tea House a block away from the Dubai Museum. A visitor-friendly space combining authenticity with comfy cushions, the tea house has 150 different brews to choose between, as well as platters of delicious local sweets including syrup-soaked khabisah. Getting about Old Dubai you’ll probably find yourself crossing Dubai Creek at one point or another, whether by bridge, tunnel or abra small boat. However, to discover the importance of this waterway to the development of Dubai, a dedicated tour – such as a dhow dinner cruise – is a better option. Delve into the history of Old Dubai As the site of the emirate’s earliest settlement, much of Old Dubai has been preserved and restored to create districts very different from those around the Burj Khalifa. The low-slung buildings made of gypsum and coral stone hint at a proud if humbler past. For a quick-fire guide through culture, seafaring and heritage, slip through the grand entranceway of the Dubai Museum, housed within its oldest building, the Al Fahidi Fort. Constructed in the late 1700s to defend the growing settlement from attack from the sea, it contains a collection of artifacts that show off the skill of artisans hundreds of years before it became known internationally. The Al Shindagha Museum has a similar role to play, with plenty of multimedia additions to bring it all to life. If there’s no time on your itinerary to head out into the Rub Al-Khali desert in the emirate’s far east on a 4x4 quad bike ride or desert safari and BBQ dinner you can still explore some of its archeological wonders at Saruq Al-Hadid Museum. Meaning ‘the way of iron’, it displays iron age objects discovered in the desert by none other than Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Explore your artistic side Although Old Dubai is awash with the past, that doesn’t mean it isn’t also a destination for the culture of the present too. A leading light in contemporary Arab art, XVA Gallery is proud of its location on the creek between Al Fahidi and Al Seef. Along with its café and hotel, it aims to provide a space where the art of the Middle East as well as India can be enjoyed. It hosts regular exhibitions of established and emerging artists to ensure its walls are never the same for long. The nearby Majlis Gallery was once the residence of an interior designer and still has the feel of a home first and foremost. Hosting the works of local and international artists, it continues its ethos of being a ‘majlis’ or meeting place, where people are able to gather to share their common interests. Best of the rest By now you’ll be wanting to give your feet a well earned rest, so make your way to the nearest stop of the city’s Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus. A way of seeing those parts of Old Dubai that extend away from Dubai Creek, its route includes Al Shindagha Heritage Village – a living museum of craftsmen, fishermen and pearl divers – and the souks of Deira. If its Spice Souk impressed, the warren of narrow covered paths that make up the Gold Souk will also be high on your list. One of Dubai’s oldest trading places, there’s enough gold (and silver, platinum and pearls) to support the budget of a small country. Look out for merchants including the producers of the Guinness World Record holder for the longest handmade gold chain. Stretching for 5.5 km of 22 carat gold, it weighed 240 kilos and had four million individual links. For thrills which won’t break the bank, indoor amusement park Magic Planet has some physical rides and arcade-style video games. Children of all ages will find something that suits them, from soft play to a ten pin bowling alley. But for the biggest adrenaline rushes you’ll have to travel out of Old Dubai. Do that, and there’s suddenly a huge range of amusement parks to choose between. For instance, MOTIONGATE contains over 25 different rides and experiences, including roller coasters set around the Hunger Games and Ghostbusters, whilst LEGOLAND Dubai brings the charm of these tiny plastic bricks to the region for the first time. Checking out all the things to do in Old Dubai Having seen millions spent on its restoration and preservation, Old Dubai provides a fascinating insight into the traditions and origins of the modern multicultural city home to around 200 different nationalities. From its restaurants to its museums and its souks, there’s good reason to consider the quick metro ride from other parts of the city to explore. Head for the things to do in Old Dubai with Go City and you’ve also got the chance of reduced admission to many of them!
Ian Packham

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