DinaDubai is a city of contrasts: ultra-modern skyscrapers next to traditional souks, luxurious shopping malls next to the desert and Arabic markets. I explored the best things to do in Dubai during a short trip of just 3 days, but I can say it impressed me and was truly something different.
Dubai at a Glance
As always, before I start describing the best things to do, I want you to know what to expect:
- It’s a huge, modern metropolis – don’t expect to explore it on foot.
- The weather is unbearable in the summer (40+ degrees!), so it’s best to go from October to April. I went in September and I roasted!
- It’s an expensive city, I won’t lie. The words “budget-friendly” and “Dubai” don’t go hand in hand.
- It respects traditions – dress modestly. No, you don’t need to cover yourself in a full-body hijab but leave the minis at home. You can bring them, but wear them at night at your hotel, not during your daytime strolls around the city.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI
#1. BURJ KHALIFA – THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD
***It is recommended to purchase tickets for the Burj Khalifa online several days in advance from here.
I can’t not start with the Burj Khalifa! It’s the tallest building in the world and definitely the symbol of Dubai. Standing at 828 meters, it’s the first thing you must see in Dubai.
I really debated whether it’s worth going up because the tickets aren’t cheap (42 euros). But you’re only in Dubai once, and I think I made the right choice – you don’t go up to the 124th and 125th floors every day! The experience was worth it. Even the elevator ride, where you go up at a speed of 10 meters per second, is something special. Inside, there are videos to keep you entertained, and you don’t even realize how fast you’re going.
Fortunately, we booked the tickets in advance, decided on the time, and simply arrived 5 minutes early, going straight in while others in the line gave us the side-eye. If you read online, some people wait over an hour in line. There’s no reason to torture yourself!
The entrance is INSIDE the shopping mall. You buy the tickets in advance, have them on your phone, and enter without waiting half an hour standing in line with the crowd.
My Pretty Travels Tip: My Pretty Travels Tip: Book your ticket at least 2 days in advance to choose the exact time you want! If you want to go even higher, you can visit the 148th floor at the Sky Lounge (with an additional cost).
#2. DUBAI MALL, ΤHE MOST IMPRESSIVE SHOPPING MALL
The Dubai Mall is not just a shopping center. It’s a destination on its own! First of all, it’s HUGE. It has over 1,200 stores, and its size is roughly equivalent to 50 football fields. Whatever you’re looking for, from any brand, you’ll find it here. Of course, we wouldn’t include it in the best things to do in Dubai if it was just a shopping mall. The Dubai Mall has other attractions too:
Inside, you’ll find:
Inside, you’ll find:
- Aquarium – the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, with over 33,000 marine animals. You can even walk through a 48-meter tunnel with sharks and rays swimming above you.
- Ice rink: the Dubai Ice Rink, an Olympic-sized skating rink. Surreal!
- Ski resort: No, I’m not kidding. Inside the mall, there’s Ski Dubai, where they manage to keep snow all year round at -4 degrees, while outside it’s 40°C!
Of course, the downside to all this? It’s packed with people. Imagine Ermou Street on Christmas Eve and multiply it! I visited the mall twice, once in the morning and once at night, and the experiences were completely different. In the morning, it’s calm and quiet; you can enjoy a coffee peacefully and window shop. At night, it’s chaotic as everyone finishes work and heads out for a stroll.
My Pretty Travels Tip: It’s better to go in the morning if you want to shop at the mall to avoid the crowds.
As I asked and learned from locals, due to the unbearable heat, people and families who would normally go for evening strolls outside in other countries, come to the mall here because it has air conditioning!
Of course, if you want to shop in Dubai, this is the place to come. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, you should take a stroll and see the waterfall with the Pearl Divers diving into the water. Before the UAE became rich from oil, pearl diving was a significant source of income, and of course, they haven’t forgotten it and honor their history.
#3. THE FOUNTAINS IN DUBAI
So, after you’ve been to the Burj Khalifa and the mall, it might be starting to get dark. The perfect moment to see the Dubai Fountains, another must-see attraction worth photographing!
The fountains can shoot water up to 140 meters high – as tall as a 45-story building. Each show is free and is a choreographed masterpiece that lasts 3-5 minutes, with music ranging from classic Arabic melodies to contemporary pop hits.
Showtimes – Dubai Fountains
- Afternoon shows: 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Evening shows: Every 30 minutes from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Where to get the best photos?
- Dubai Fountain Boardwalk: Less crowded, but not as great of a panoramic view.
- Apple Store in Dubai Mall: I went there, but unfortunately, it was very crowded. The view is panoramic, but you have to be tall! Head to the Apple Store and go out onto the terrace.
- Souk Al Bahar Bridge: A good spot, but it gets quite crowded!
#4. The “Traditional” Dubai & Gold Souk
Here, you’ll experience authentic Dubai! Walk through the narrow streets of the Al Fahidi Historical District with its traditional houses, visit the Dubai Museum, and get lost in the souks.
The Gold Souk is impressive even if you don’t plan on buying anything. Imagine display windows full of gold! Don’t forget to haggle if you want to make a purchase.
#5. DUBAI MARINA
Dubai Marina is perhaps the most impressive neighborhood in the city. Skyscrapers reflect in the waters of the canal, with luxury yachts and restaurants everywhere.
My Pretty Travels Tip: Take a stroll along Marina Walk in the evening – it’s magical! Alternatively, book a dinner cruise. It costs around 60-70 euros per person and is worth every cent.
#6. THE DUBAI DESERT
This is something you MUST do in Dubai! You’ll be picked up by 4×4 from your hotel, go dune bashing in the desert (hold on tight!), watch the sunset over the sand dunes, and then enjoy traditional food and belly dancing at a Bedouin camp.
My Pretty Travels Tip: There are many companies offering safaris. Choose one with good reviews and don’t go for the cheapest option. The difference in experience is huge!
#7. A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
Although I didn’t take the hot air balloon ride myself (it was sold out!), my friends did say it was the best experience of their lives!
Although I didn’t take the hot air balloon ride myself (it was sold out!), my friends did say it was the best experience of their lives!
They pick you up from the hotel very early (around 4 a.m.)
You get in the hot air balloon, which lasts about 1 hour.
Afterward, they serve breakfast in the desert.
Overall, the experience lasts 4-5 hours.
COST AND BOOKINGS:
It costs around 300€ per person.
#8. DAY TRIP TO ABU DHABI – IS IT WORTH IT OR NOT?
Abu Dhabi is just 1.5 hours away from Dubai and is definitely worth a visit! I visited the impressive National Aquarium, which is the largest in the Middle East, but there are so many other things to see that you’ll definitely need an entire day.
MUST-SEE SIGHTS:
Emirati Heritage Village – to see what life was like before the oil boom.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque – an architectural masterpiece made of white marble, gold, and Swarovski crystals.
Louvre Abu Dhabi – yes, a branch of the famous museum has opened here, and it’s stunning!
Ferrari World – for speed enthusiasts, it has the fastest roller coaster in the world.
Qasr Al Watan – the presidential palace that’s now open to the public.
HOW TO GET THERE:
- With an organized tour (from 80€)
- By taxi (around 250 dirhams – 60€)
- By bus (more economical, but the traffic in Dubai is worse than in Athens)
WHERE TO EAT:
- For luxury: Emirates Palace
- For local cuisine: Al Fanar Restaurant
- For value for money: The Galleria Mall has many good options
Personally, I think it’s worth dedicating a day to Abu Dhabi. It’s quieter than Dubai, with fewer tourists and a more authentic Arab atmosphere!
#9. THE JUMEIRAH MOSQUE – A UNIQUE ATTRACTION IN DUBAI
The Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai that allows non-Muslims to enter. Its architecture is stunning, with a medieval Egyptian style and modern elements.
My Pretty Travels Tip: Go early in the morning for the best photos. Remember to dress appropriately – cover shoulders and knees
#10. PALM JUMEIRAH, THE PALM TREE IN DUBAI
The artificial island shaped like a palm tree is something you must see from above! You can take a monorail ride to Atlantis The Palm (an impressive hotel with a waterpark) or go for a meal at one of its luxurious restaurants.
My Pretty Travels Tip: If you want to see the Palm from above but don’t want to spend a fortune, go for a drink at The View at The Palm. It’s more affordable than skydiving!
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBAI
Dubai offers countless accommodation options. I stayed at Atlantis on The Palm.
It’s an excellent hotel that combines luxury with fun. Why should you stay here and why is it a sight in itself in Dubai?
- You get FREE unlimited access to Aquaventure Waterpark (the largest waterpark with endless water slides in the world!)
- Free entry to The Lost Chambers Aquarium with over 65,000 marine creatures
- 20+ restaurants and bars, including the famous Nobu and Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen
- A private 1.4-kilometer beach
My Pretty Travels Tip: Book a room with a view of the Persian Gulf – it’s worth the extra money!
Yes, it’s expensive but if you calculate that the tickets alone for the waterpark cost 90€ per person and the aquarium another 35€…! It’s definitely worth it, especially considering everything you get included!
SECRETS FOR BETTER PRICES:
Subscribe to their newsletter – they often send out deals
Book off-season (June-September, prices drop to half)
Check for packages that include half-board
Make your reservation at least 3 months in advance for better prices
WHAT TO BE AWARE OF
The hotel is HUGE – I lost my way more times than I can count.
The restaurants are expensive – if you don’t have half-board, prefer to eat lunch at the waterpark where prices are more reasonable.
Book restaurants in advance, especially Nobu and Ossiano (the underwater restaurant!).
ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
If Atlantis is out of your budget, you can stay at a more affordable hotel on The Palm (like FIVE Palm Jumeirah) and just buy a day pass for the waterpark.
LAST IMPORTANT TIPS: In general, Dubai is a destination you should visit (in my opinion) if you’ve decided that you want to spend and have fun. It’s not a place like Rome, Paris, or Stockholm where you can just walk around, experience the city, and take photos. No. It’s a destination where you need to plan what you’ll do and book your activities. But it’s something worth experiencing because you won’t do these things anywhere else. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Alcohol is allowed but only in hotels.
- Prefer linen and cotton fabrics.
- The metro is said to be excellent (I didn’t use it myself).
- Taxis are relatively cheap and safe (I found Uber very convenient).
Have you been to Dubai? What was your favorite attraction? Tell me in the comments!
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