Over the last few years, Dubai has become a popular tourist destination attracting travellers from all over the world. From the famous Desert Safari to the Burj Khalifa and even an indoor ski resort, the city has a lot to offer. If you are just transiting or spending a whole week in Dubai, here are some of my top things to do in Dubai.
At the top of Burj Khalifa
If it is your first time in Dubai, I would recommend visiting the top of the Burj Khalifa. You can get panaromic views of the city from the 124th floor. As of January 2024, the ticket price for adults during prime hours (3pm to 6:30pm) is AED 259, while non-prime hours cost AED 179. The best time to visit would be at sunset and maybe even see the Dubai Fountain show from the top (happens once every 30 minutes). I would recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Visit Dubai mall
Below the Burj Khalifa is Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world. Visiting Dubai Mall always feels like a maze to me. However, the place is buzzing all the time. From plenty of shopping options and eateries to an aquarium inside the mall, you could spend a whole day there. Our go-to spot is Din Tai Fung which has great views of the Dubai Fountain.
Desert Safari
This again is an activity for your first trip to Dubai. If you have never been on a desert safari or sand dune bashing, I would definitely recommend it. It is one of the top things to do in Dubai. However, it is very touristy i.e. expect a lot of tour operators doing the same thing. You can only do this as part of a tour. Tour operators pick you up from your hotel before sunset and take you into the desert in a Land rover. You can either opt for a private tour or with 4-6 other people. Once in the desert, you’ll start with a sand dune bash (i.e. drive on the dunes). This is followed by dinner and belly dancing at a desert camp.
The view at the Palm
Located at the base of the Palm in The Palm Tower, this observation deck is on the 52nd floor (240m high). You get to see panoramic views of the Palm island. The trip up to the viewing deck tells you how the Palm was constructed on the sea. With this experience, you really appreciate this mega-structure that is completely man-made. Tickets start from AED 100 and can be booked online.
Visit the Souk(s)
The Middle East is popular for their ‘souk’ i.e. local markets to purchase spices, clothes and jewellery. There are multiple souks in Dubai that you could visit. The original souks are located in old Dubai including Spice Souk (to purchase spices), Deira Perfume Souk (to buy the traditional Arabic oud attars) and Gold Souk (to buy gold). In new Dubai, there is also a re-created souk in Jumeirah called souk Madinat Jumeirah. It is important to be wary that souks are very popular amongst tourists and often overpriced. Hence, we would recommend brushing uo your bargaining skills and looking up prices online to avoid overpaying.
Planning your trip to Dubai?
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