TOP THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO SEE IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – COMPLETE GUIDE!

Last Updated on December 18, 2019 by asoulwindow

Top Things To Do and Places To See In Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Complete Guide!

This blog is about the top things to do and the top places to visit in Dubai. My first experience with Dubai was when I was invited to experience a memorable luxury cruise from Dubai to Fort Kochi in India. It was a different world altogether. Even though Dubai is a Middle Eastern nation, I found it to be quite different from Jordan, another Middle Eastern nation that I had visited earlier. All you need is a handy Dubai travel guide to plan a trip to this country soon.

Roads Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (2)
The city scapes. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Here is my guide on the top things to do and the top places to see in Dubai. You should book Dubai Tour Packages which makes it easy to travel around Dubai and also because it covers most of the places of interest. You can also apply for your Dubai Visa Online. It is an easy process, which has also contributed in making Dubai one of the most accessible travel destinations of the world.

Road Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (4)
Roads of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Global Village: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

Imagine a place where you can sample the cuisine, lifestyle and culture of more than 70 countries under one roof. Expect street food, fine dining, spirited performances, shopping, luxury and much more.

Burj Khalifa Mall Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (8)
Buildings near Burj Khalifa. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

We have all seen the pictures of Burj Al Arab, haven’t we? If you have deep pockets, don’t miss an opportunity to sip a glass of wine at the Skyview Bar. Shaped like a sail, it is just as fascinating from the outside. It is not an overstatement to say that it is one of the finest and most luxurious hotels of the world.

Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (7)
Burj Khalifa. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

Everyone knows that Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building of the world. At 829.8 meters, it allows you to soak in the views of Dubai from the Observation Deck on the 134th floor. You can also enjoy the view from an open area connected to the Dubai Mall near 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. A conveniently-located metro station makes it easy to travel to and from the mall.You should not miss the fountain show that happens at the foot of the Burj Khalifa.

The Dubai Musical Fountain Show: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

The Dubai fountain show takes place every evening in an open area accessible via The Dubai Mall. It repeats every 30 minutes and looks great in the night. However, do try to reach just before it gets dark and enjoy the show in both daylight and darkness. I have seen many fountain shows during my travels, but this one stands out as one of the best alongside the one at Brindavan Garden near Mysore, India. The one at Dubai is the world’s largest choreographed musical fountain though. Some statistics will put things in perspective: the fountain is 900 feet long and water goes up to 500 feet. And the best part? It is free.

fort Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (18)
Me posing against Dubai Museum and Fort in Bur Dubai. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Kite Beach: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

Visit Kite Beach to spend a relaxing evening with your family. If you wish, you can choose to burn calories on the jogging and walking tracks or load up in one of the restaurants and cafes. If none of it appeals to you then there are always the many water sports to keep you busy. Or you can always play a game of volleyball!

Souks of Dubai: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

Souks are nothing but al fresco marketplaces where local shopkeepers sell everything from gold, spices and perfumes, to Goli Soda, fridge magnets, souvenirs and clothes. These souks are a must-visit as they have a vibrant atmosphere and you can pick up some amazing deals at really reasonable prices. Do not miss the world’s largest ring at the nearby Gold Souk. Most of the old world souks of Dubai can be found in the Deira and Bur Dubai area.

Gold Souk Deira Bur Old ring Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (11)
World’s largest gold ring at Gold Souk. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Dubai Mall: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

The Dubai Mall is quite famous amongst locals and tourists alike. When I visited the mall, it was Ramadaan. Most of the food shops were unfortunately closed but the shops selling luxury clothing, electronics, etc.left me gaping. The mall is indeed the epitome of luxury. Besides luxury items, you can also buy duty free cosmetics, toiletries, toys, groceries, etc. from the Dubai Mall. The mall can be accessed by the metro but tale note that there is a long walk from the Metro Link Bridge to the mall. You can get down at Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Mall Station. Regular feeder buses to the Dubai Mall are also available frequently.

Mall Of Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (6)
The Dubai Mall. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ibn Batuta Mall: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

If you are a shopper (I am not), then Ibn Batuta Mall will keep you busy.With 270 retail stores and 50 restaurants, there is a lot to do in Ibn Batuta Mall. And the best part areits awe inspiring interiors.

Gold Souk Deira Bur Old Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (19)
Affordable Indian vegetarian food galore. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Bur Dubai: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

Bur Dubai is the soul of Dubai. And it was also my most favourite part of Dubai. This area is filled with in Indian restaurants, cheap grocery stores, souks, etc. Many Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis call it home along with the locals. I was delighted to find amazing Indian food (South Indian, Gujarati, Maharashtrian, etc.) at reasonable prices here. You can even see Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan or Kareena Kapoor promoting jewelry and soaps from the billboards. Do visit the nearby historic Al Fahidi Fort.

Gold Souk Deira Bur Old Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (9)
Kareena Kapoor poster at Bur Dubai near Deira. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Creek: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

The Dubai Creek is a great place to soak in the local culture. It is a good idea to take a traditional wooden boat taxi for a throwaway price of 1 Dirham. The wooden boat is called abra. If you are not a boat person, then you can enjoy a stroll on the neatly paved path along the creek. It looks particularly beautiful in the evening.

Gold Souk Deira Bur Old creek Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (16)
Me at the Dubai Creek near Bur Dubai and Deira. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Palm Jumeirah: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

The controversial and famous Palm Jumeirah is worth a visit for its grandeur. Known as the eighth wonder of the world, Palm Jumeirah is the largest man-made island of the world. It is a lively area and home to world-class luxury shops, spas, beaches, cafes, restaurants, entertainment options, and even villas and apartments.

Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates abra dhau boat (17)
Me enjoying a one Dirham abra ride at Dubai Creek. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dhow Cruise: Top Thing to Do In Dubai, U.A.E.

The Dhow Cruise on the calm waters of Dubai creek in Old Dubai is the quintessential Dubai experience. It is a cruise on the traditional wooden dhow (boat). You can enjoy food, drinks and even live music and Tanura dance while the boat glides past the city. The beautiful lights of the city will be your constant companion.

Gold Souk Deira Bur Old Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (12)
The glamorous Gold souk. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Belly Dancing: Top Thing to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

Belly dance is a traditional Middle Eastern dance. The western world gave it the moniker, Belly Dancing. Dubai has some of the finest Belly Dancing shows and you can enjoy them in hotels, restaurants and even deserts.

Dubai Museum UAE United Arab Emirates (21)
The Dubai Museum at Bur Dubai. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Museum: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

If you are in Bur Dubai district, you should pay a visit to the Dubai Museum. It is located inside the old worldly Al Fahidi Fort.You can acquaint yourself with the Emirati lifestyle and culture. I could not visit it as I arrived here late night. Make sure you visit it between 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Fridays, the Dubai Museum opens at 2:30 p.m. Entry fee is only 3 Dirham per adult and 1 Dirham for kids under six.It is a very small museum and can be viewed in very less time.

Mall Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (5)
Mall of Dubai. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Al Bastakiya: Top Place to See In Dubai, U.A.E.

Located between Dubai Creek and the Bur Dubai district, this part of Dubai is rich in history and culture. It is a pleasant departure from the high-rises and glitzy malls of Dubai. Slow down here and spend some time in a café or art gallery or explore the historical monuments.

Gold Souk Deira Bur Old spice Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (14)
Spices galore in the souks of Deira and Bur Dubai. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dune Bashing: Top Thing to Do In Dubai, U.A.E.

Dubai is a great place to enjoy the thrilling dune bashing. Though I did dune bashing in Mleiha in Sharjah (and enjoyed it!), many who have done dune bashing in Dubai vouch for it as well. Imagine a Land Cruiser navigating the impermanent sand paths at an angle of 45 degrees. Now, imagine yourself inside the Land Cruiser! Exciting, isn’t it?

Gold Souk Deira Bur Old Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (20)
This could have been a scene in India. Indians watching a cricket match on television at a shop in Bur Dubai. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ski Dubai: Top Thing to Do In Dubai, U.A.E.

It might seem unbelievable but you can attempt skiing in Dubai. Indoors, though. Trust Dubai to make anything happen. At Ski Dubai you can enjoy tube slides, zip lines and many other exciting activities. I didn’t go there but someone told me it’s a fun place for families.

Gold Souk Deira Bur Old Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (13)
Shops near Bur Dubai. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Wild Wadi Waterpark: Top Thing to Do In Dubai, U.A.E.

Imagine going down a slide at a thrilling speed of 80 kilometers per hour. The rides at JumeirahSceirah tower are memorable. Choose from 30 rides at the Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates Gold Souk Deira Bur Old (10)
An expat woman passing through a shop in Gold Souk. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

IMG Worlds of Adventure: Top Thing to Do In Dubai, U.A.E.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the biggest indoor theme park of the world. It houses some of the most thrilling rides and has a section devoted only to dinosaurs. Kids love it, so do adults!

Gold Souk Deira Bur Old Creek Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (15)
Dubai creek near Deira and Bur Dubai. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Besides these top places, other top places that you must visit on your trip to Dubai are Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai Frame.

Burj Khalifa from mall Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (22)
Me at Burj Khalifa. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Spread the love, share this blog

Got any question/comments, ask in the comment section below so that it can benefit other readers.

Email me for collaboration: [email protected]

Be a part of my journey on social media. The travel content I create there is different from this blog.

Pls subscribe/follow/like:

You Tube

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

City Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (1)
The city! Dubai, United Arab Emirates

WARNING : COPYRIGHT TO ALL THE CONTENT SHARED HERE REMAINS WITH ME. THE IMAGES AND TEXT IN THIS BLOG ARE BY ME UNLESS MENTIONED OTHERWISE. YOU CAN NOT JUST LIFT THE CONTENT AND USE IT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. STRICT LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF CONTENT IS STOLEN. YES, I AM SERIOUS.

Airport Dubai UAE United Arab Emirates (3)
Dubai airport. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

16 thoughts on “TOP THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO SEE IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – COMPLETE GUIDE!”

  1. Pingback: Dubai Travel Guide – 9 Things You Must Have Before You Travel To Dubai | A Soul Window - Top Travel Blog from India!

  2. Pingback: Pink Tea,Samovar and other secrets – In Search of vegetarian food in Lucknow during Ramadan | A Soul Window - Top Travel Blog from India!

  3. I love those little boats you photographed at Dubai Creek. I love stumbling across hidden gems like that. In Dubai, I’d be most excited for dune bashing! That sounds so exhilarating and I would love to get lost in the desert for a few hours. Great list to top things to do!

  4. Wow! There are so much to do and see in Dubai. The Global Village sounds great, especially if you are a picky eater. I think visitors can find food from their own countries here. The Dubai Musical Fountain Show will also be the place that I will not miss. Seems like the fountain show is amazing both before the sun set and evening hours! Great list!

  5. Dubai is my favorite places in the world. I went gaga shopping with great finds and huge discounts. Can’t wait to be back again. This time try the Dhow Cruise.

  6. My brother is there right now. They’re going to see the Burj Al Arab and I’d imagine Khalifa too. Personally, I’d love to visit Palm Jumeirah one day!

  7. Theres like so much to do and explore in Dubai. Haven’t been there yet, but have been planning to get a glimpse of Dubai by having a decent layover which allows me to explore Dubai. I would definitely love to check out the Souks of Dubai, and the global village for sure.

  8. Dubai is the one place I have zero interest in visiting and I’m not sure why that is. Maybe because everything there is so man made, but then again I forget about their deserts. Your post does it make it sound like fun though. Those gold souks are crazy! The gold is so yellow and that dress in the window….. made of gold coins? I can only imagine how heavy it is! I would love to see the Burf Khalifa I must admit. Maybe I’ll do a 2 day stop over enroute to Europe one day.

  9. Jane Dempster-Smith

    The Gold Souk looks incredible, it is something that I really would like to visit. Dubai looks like so much fun and there is so much to see and do. I think you really need a week to spend there and not use Dubai just as a stopover which many of us do from Australia. Dubai Mall looks so large I would probably get lost and I would really enjoy seeing the fountain in the evening.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *