Best Things to Do in Duabi
Dubai is a city of contrasts, where tradition meets modernity, where desert meets sea, and where luxury meets adventure. Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, offering a variety of attractions and experiences for every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for culture, history, shopping, entertainment, or nature, Dubai has something for you. Here are some of the best things to do in Dubai that you should not miss.
Reach the tallest building in the world: the Burj Khalifa
One of the most iconic landmarks of Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 828 meters high. The Burj Khalifa offers stunning views of the city and beyond from its observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148. You can also enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the restaurants or lounges on the higher floors, or watch the spectacular fountain show at the base of the tower. The fountain show is synchronized with music and lights and takes place every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Visit Dubai's famous landmarks
Dubai is home to many architectural wonders that showcase its rich heritage and futuristic vision. One of the most famous landmarks is The Burj Al Arab. This is a sail-shaped hotel that stands on an artificial island and is considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. You can book a room or a suite at this seven-star hotel, or visit one of its restaurants or bars for a special occasion. Or just admire the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel from the Jumeirah Public Beach shore. Another landmark that will impress you is the Palm Jumeirah. This is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree that hosts many hotels, resorts, villas, and attractions. You can take a monorail or a taxi to explore this island, or take a boat tour around it.
If you are looking for a more natural and colorful experience, you can visit the Dubai Miracle Garden. This is a floral paradise that features millions of colorful flowers arranged in various shapes and patterns. The garden is open from November to May every year. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature in Dubai.
These are just some of the famous landmarks that you can visit in Dubai. There are many more to discover and admire in this amazing city.
Enjoy a thrilling desert safari
A trip to Dubai is not complete without experiencing the beauty and thrill of the desert. You can join a desert safari tour that will take you on a 4x4 ride across the sand dunes, where you can enjoy activities such as sandboarding, camel riding, quad biking, and stargazing. You can also visit a traditional Bedouin camp and enjoy a barbecue dinner, live entertainment, and cultural activities such as henna painting and shisha smoking. You can choose from different types of desert safaris depending on your preference and time availability. For example, you can opt for a morning safari if you want to avoid the heat and crowds; an evening safari if you want to watch the sunset and enjoy the night; or an overnight safari if you want to sleep under the stars.
Explore the largest mall and aquarium in the world: Dubai Mall and Aquarium
If you are looking for some indoor fun with your family, head to the Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world by total area. The Dubai Mall has something for everyone, from hundreds of shops and restaurants to cinemas and theme parks. One of the highlights of the mall is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where you can see over 33,000 marine animals in a huge tank that spans three floors. You can also walk through a glass tunnel, take a boat ride, or even dive with sharks. Another attraction that will amaze you is the VR Park, a virtual reality theme park that features various games and experiences for all ages.
Experience a breathtaking helicopter tour of the city
For an unforgettable aerial adventure, book a helicopter tour that will give you a bird's eye view of Dubai's skyline and landmarks. Although this event is not cheap, it is still one of the most popular events in Dubai. Taking off from Palm Jumeirah, you will fly over the world's largest artificial island, Palm Jumeirah; See the world's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab, from the air; Fly over Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina or Burj Khalifa. The tower looks even more spectacular from the sky. You can also combine your helicopter tour with other activities, such as a desert safari, a yacht cruise, or a city tour.
Ride a traditional boat along the creek and canal
One of the best ways to explore the historic and cultural side of Dubai is by taking a boat ride along the Dubai Creek or the Dubai Canal. You can hop on a traditional wooden boat called an abra or a dhow and enjoy the scenic views of the old and new Dubai. About 20 passengers can fit on each abra. There are 150 of these boats that operate the two routes across the creek from Deira to Bur Dubai. These are now motorised boats that start around 6 am every day and make the crossing in just five minutes. You have the option to buy a one-way ticket, or to hire your own abra for an hour to go further along the creek. The ride costs about AED1 (US$0.27).
Shop for souvenirs at traditional markets: Gold and Spice Souks
If you are looking for some authentic and unique souvenirs to take home from your trip to Dubai, head to one of the traditional markets or souks in the city. The most famous ones are the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk, located in the Deira area near the Dubai Creek. The Gold Souk is a dazzling display of gold, silver, and precious stones, where you can find anything from rings and bracelets to necklaces and earrings. The Spice Souk is a fragrant feast for the senses, where you can find a variety of spices, herbs, nuts, dried fruits, and teas. You can also find other items such as carpets, textiles, lamps, and pottery at these souks.
Discover Abu Dhabi and its grand mosque
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and a neighboring emirate of Dubai. ABU Dhabi is only a 90-minute drive from Dubai. If you have some extra time in Dubai, you can take a day trip to Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is a city of culture, history, and innovation, with many attractions and landmarks to see. One of the most impressive ones is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. The mosque can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers and features 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and 24-carat gold-plated chandeliers. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths and offers free guided tours. Besides the grand mosque, Abu Dhabi has many other attractions to offer, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and the Yas Island.
Experience the world's largest Ferris wheel: Ain Dubai
For a thrilling and panoramic experience, don't miss the chance to ride the Ain Dubai, the world's largest Ferris wheel located on Bluewaters Island. The Ain Dubai stands at 250 meters high and has 48 capsules that can accommodate up to 1,900 people at a time. The ride lasts for about 38 minutes and offers spectacular views of the city and the Arabian Gulf. You can also choose from different packages and experiences. Ferris Wheel rides start at AED 130 and premium private cabins can cost more than AED 1900. You can visit the official website for a complete list of fares.
Learn about history and culture in the historic district of Al Fahidi
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Dubai, visit the Al Fahidi Historical District, also known as Bastakiya. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai, dating back to the 19th century. Here you can see traditional wind-tower houses, narrow alleys, courtyards, and art galleries. You can also visit some of the museums and attractions in the area, such as the Dubai Museum, where you can see exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and heritage of Dubai; the Coffee Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of coffee in the region and sample different types of coffee; and the Coin Museum, where you can see a collection of coins from different eras and countries.
