Dubai is a bustling city, full of innovative projects but also a rich history. The city has so much to offer, whether you visit here as a business traveler, couple, with friends or family. It may be exhausting to try planning a trip in Dubai by yourself. That’s why, we’ve gathered the 10 most popular things to do in Dubai and made a list to save you from stress. Keep reading the list until the end so as not to miss anything!

Best 5 Star Hotels in Dubai - Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk

1. Climb to the Top of Burj Khalifa

Known for being the world’s tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa is the first stop you should visit when you come to Dubai. Burj Khalifa: At the Top, allows visitors to have a unique sightseeing experience from the observatory floors 124 & 125 of Burj Khalifa

This bucket-list experience allows you to watch the burning sunset with a panoramic view and ensures you to have an unforgettable experience. Burj Khalifa tours grant you instant ticket delivery and access to the 124 and 125th floors. If you choose to visit there for sunset, make sure you’re ready to wait for the entrance and elevator lines. If you choose to skip the line, you can also book the VIP premium tickets and gain access to the 148th floor, waiting lounge and complimentary pastries, a hot drink and dates.

Dubai Fountain Show - 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Dubai

2. See the Dubai Fountain Show

The Dubai Fountain Show is a truly spectacular and a must-see show that takes place in front of the Burj Khalifa. It’s the world’s tallest performing fountain and shoots water jets up to 140 meters. Being 900 feet in length, the Dubai Fountain performs choreographed displays synchronized to music and light, which makes it a unique must-see destination in the heart of Dubai. 

Many tours and combo tickets include a traditional abra ride along the Burj Lake and offers an exquisite cruise experience. Also offering front row seats to the show, visitors get the chance to see the Dubai Mall Fountain Show, which can be observed from Dubai Mall promenade. The cruise also passes some of the famous attractions, such as Souk Al Bahar and Palace and the ride takes 30-minutes, 6 people per boat.

Dubai Frame - 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Dubai

3. Admire Amazing Views from Dubai Frame

Renowned for standing as a monument for Dubai’s rich historyDubai Frame is a unique architectural marvel that offers visitors the spectacular views from both old and new Dubai. The Past Gallery, located on the mezzanine floor of the Dubai Frame, is an exhibition that tells the story about Dubai’s rich history and how it all began, while the Future Gallery showcases the innovative projects that will shape the future of the city. 

With the Dubai Frame Admission Ticket, guests are allowed in all the exhibitions and the other zones of the Dubai Frame. You can admire the gorgeous views from the huge windows of the Sky Deck located on the top floor and see the old and new Dubai with your own eyes and experience its tradition within the towering structure. From interactive screens to 3D projections, Dubai Frame is a must-visit destination for the perfect Dubai trip. 

Dubai Desert Camp - 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Dubai

4. Have a Camp Experience in the Desert (ATV, Sandsurf, Camels..)

Just outside the bustling city of Dubai, there’s a whole other world with the rolling sand dunes. Perfect retreat spot for adventurers, the dune offers adventurous activities from sandsurf to stargazing, camel to ATV rides and many others. If you’re looking for a unique experience away from the city, you should definitely consider booking a safari tour in Dubai

Safari tours in Dubai generally come as combo packages and include various activities for the travelers. If you’re staying in a hotel in Dubai, some hotels also offer transfers to the desert within their own packages. To enhance your adventure even more, you can stay in the 5-star Al Khayma Camp in the middle of the Dubai desert, dine with traditional dishes and experience the Bedouin lifestyle to its core. 

Dubai Yacht Tour - 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Dubai

5. Get on a luxurious Yacht Tour in Dubai Marina

On the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Gulf with turquoise skyline of the Dubai Marina, a yacht tour is what leisure travelers are looking for. Glide along the water and get a chance for sightseeing the famous attractions located on the waterfront, a luxurious Marina yacht tour ensures a relaxed retreat under the glazing sun or picturesque sunset. 

Yacht Tours in the Marina offers a more affordable and practical trip than renting your own ride. While most of the tours offer breakfast, BBQ and beverages, there are also the ones offering access to free Wi-Fi, lunch and more. Yacht cruises usually take 2-3 hours and they pass by several locations such as Burj Al Arap, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis Dive Centre, Skydive Dubai and others (depending on the package). This is a must-do activity especially for those who are traveling with friends or family.

The View at The Palm - 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Dubai

6. Look over the Palm from the Top (Palm Observatory)

Dubai’s opportunities are endless. There are so many destinations to visit, so many wonders to see. Climbing on top of an observatory deck allows you to look over the vibrant city and get a glimpse of what it has to offer. The Palm Jumeirah, the gorgeous artificial island of Dubai, hosts one of the most luxurious observatory decks with stunning views.

 In The View at The Palm, you can admire the panoramic skyline of the Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the beyond. The View Exhibition, located within The View at The Palm, allows visitors to have an interactive experience that gives information about the history of the Palm Jumeirah. After delving deeper in the history of this magnificent construction, you can enjoy the picturesque views from the high windows on the floor 52. With booking a VIP ticket option, visitors are offered a guided tour, drink, VIP waiting lounge and skip-the-line entry. 

Dubai Jet Ski - 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Dubai

7. Ride on a jet ski in Dubai

Are there any activities that allow you both to enjoy a water sport and sightsee the iconic waterfront attractions? For energetic travelers, jet ski tours in Dubai are the perfect option to get rid of the excess energy. Leaving Dubai without riding a jet ski is a big no, and there are many tour options to choose for the best experience. Booking tours with various offers, you are in control of your own adventure!

 Jet ski tours allow you to explore the waterfront attractions while having fun on the crystal seas. Ride among the iconic Burj Al Arab, dazzling Dubai Marina, Atlantis the Palm and Burj Khalifa, these tours combine the matchless adventure with popular sightseeing destinations. While some of the tours also offer different catering options and hotel transfers, most of them are guided tours along the gorgeous sea.

Aquaventure Waterpark - 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Dubai

8. Go to the craziest adventure waterpark - Atlantis Aquaventure

Located within the Atlantist The Palm resort in Dubai, Atlantis Aquaventure is the world’s largest waterpark. The park has more than 105 slides and water attractions, a major wave pool, various entertainment and themed parks. Especially an unforgettable experience for families with children, Atlantis Aquaventure is a must-go place when you book a hotel in Dubai. 

Several ticket options to choose from, visitors may prefer to buy a one or two day pass, Aquaventure & The Lost Chambers Aquarium combo, private cabanas and many more. The park’s numerous experiences include a shark safari, snorkel, dolphin encounter, Splashers Kids’ Play Area and others. You can either buy an entry ticket with access to the park, Surfs Up machine and Lost Chambers Aquarium access with a combo ticket, or pamper yourself with tickets involving other options.

Dubai Cultural Tour - 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Dubai

9. Participate to a Cultural Tour to Discover the Old Dubai

Your Dubai trip is not complete if you didn’t see the city’s historical side. It may seem like its innovative projects and luxurious futuristic architectures are what makes Dubai unique, however, with its historical souks, traditional flavors and important structures, Dubai is so much more than just a city with skyscrapers. You can either do it all by yourself, or book a tour to wander around the famous souks, use abras to cross the creek and enjoy the street foods.

Many of the cultural tour packages in Dubai include street food tasting, all fees and taxes, private abra ride, local guide, fresh juice and bottle of water. It offers you a stress-free trip and ensures that you don’t have to think about all the little details as if you are traveling by yourself. Immerse yourself into the historical side of Dubai, explore the Al Seef, Dubai Creek, Bastakia Quarter, historical neighborhoods, museums and the souks. 

Dubai Miracle Garden - 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Dubai

10. Explore the wonderful Dubai Miracle Garden

In this garden looking like a place from heaven, there are more than 150 million flowers, each of them arranged colorfully and in a pattern. With its one-of-a-kind attractions, dining options and numerous entertainment experiences, Dubai Miracle Garden also nestled just right next to the Dubai Butterfly Garden, where it’s claimed to be the world’s largest butterfly garden. After admiring the city’s picturesque views, relaxing on the golden sands and having an adrenaline rush on the dunes, visit this serene garden before you say goodbye to Dubai. 

Dubai Miracle Garden charges visitors with fees before it allows you to step in. You can wait in the line for your turn, or buy a skip-the-line entry ticket if you’re traveling in the busiest months, which are December to February, and begin the journey right away. Suitable for all types of travelers, the garden hosts a 15-meters floral clock, a castle, Smurfs Village and gorgeous cabanas.