19 Best Things to Do in Dubai (+ Map & Itinerary)

This is my ultimate guide on the best things to do in Dubai, tried and tested, with personal picks and easy tips to help you plan a trip that feels like you.

I’ve been to Dubai three times now, and each trip has surprised me. Some people write it off as shiny and superficial, but once you step beyond the shopping malls & skyscrapers, you’ll find a city that has soul.

I’ve watched sunrise turn the dunes gold from a balloon basket, wandered old neighbourhoods where abras still ferry locals across the creek, and spent very content afternoons hopping between art galleries, cultural hubs and beach clubs. 

Dubai is far more than a transit stop. Give it a long weekend and you’ll find world-class museums, calm public beaches, souks that smell of cardamom and a food scene that ranges from shawarma to Michelin.

If you’re up for something even more immersive, you can upgrade to the Desert overnight experience. This includes a sleepover in a traditional Arabic stone dwelling with beautiful decor, and in the morning, you’ll enjoy a luxurious breakfast spread (I’m talking smoked salmon, cold meats, eggs, caviar… YUM!).

We went just before sunset and couldn’t have timed it better. The golden hour light lit up the skyscrapers, the ocean shifted into that moody deep blue, and then the sky exploded into brilliant shades of purple and pink as the whole city lit up.

If you’re planning a visit to The View at The Palm, book your tickets ahead and aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before golden hour kicks in.

It’s ideal for adults, teens and anyone even slightly curious about what life could look like in a few decades. Even if museums aren’t normally your thing, I promise this one will absolutely surprise you.

Sure, it’s one of the pricier things to do in Dubai, but the whole experience feels every bit as luxurious as the price tag suggests. Alternatively, check out this Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour that’s around half the price (though sadly no breakfast, drone show or falcon experiences are included).

The walking tour includes a little trip across Dubai Creek on an abra – a traditional wooden taxi boat that’s been used here for centuries. It still only costs 1 AED (about 20p) for a one-way journey.

And although this cost is included in the tour, I was surprised to learn that the price hasn’t changed in decades, which might just be the cheapest activity in Dubai. 

Now, if you’re the type who sees a skyscraper and thinks “I’d love to hang off the edge of that”, you’re in luck (and no, I can’t relate). For AED 499 (£105), you can do the Edge Walk, which involves actually walking around the outside of the building. Yes, really.

You’re clipped in and everything, but you are very much outside and very much high up. I didn’t do this myself, but I watched a few brave souls take it on, and they came back looking both exhilarated and slightly pale. If you’re after a proper thrill, this one’s got your name on it.

I booked this experience online here, which includes an amazing guide who will take photos & videos of you and your crew, and you’ll even get an ice cream at the end of your experience – just in case you weren’t already feeling like you deserved a treat. Prices start at £55 per group of two for a 30-minute tour.

I spent a solid three hours here and honestly could’ve stayed longer. There are various restaurants within House of Hype, including a hidden sushi bar, so it’s great for a night out or lunchtime visit.

I spent a long time watching the fish float about in that massive Ambassador Lagoon, which genuinely feels like you’re looking into the ocean. There are sharks, rays, jellyfish and all sorts of weird and wonderful sea creatures I could never name but definitely appreciated.

Whether you’re into marine life or are looking to entertain your little ones for a few hours in blissfully cool air conditioning, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

You could easily spend a few hours here wandering from gallery to gallery, popping into boutiques and checking out all the buzzing creative spaces and pop-up markets.

The galleries are free to visit and the exhibitions change regularly, so even if you’ve been before, there’s usually something new to see.

Whether you’re into modern art, good coffee or just need a break from the skyscrapers, Alserkal is the spot. It’s laid-back, a little unexpected and proves that Dubai’s creative scene is very much alive and thriving.

We booked the sunrise session from 6 am to 9 am, which meant we got to see the city wake up while floating in a warm pool surrounded by clouds. There’s something very peaceful about watching the sun come up over the skyline before the rest of Dubai starts moving.

The loungers are plush, the service is super attentive, the tunes are banging, and the menu has enough juices, smoothies and breakfast-y bits to keep you going. Definitely book online in advance, as it fills up quickly.

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of the Future, where you’ll travel on a simulated rocketship to the year 2071 to experience what the future will look like, with space exploration, robots and innovative exhibitions. This is definitely the coolest museum I’ve ever been to.

Then it’s time to go on a Desert Safari. This magical half-day experience was the highlight of my trip!

It starts with a desert tour in a vintage Land Rover, followed by a sunset falcon show and ending with a four-course Emirati dinner at a beautiful torchlit Bedouin camp with traditional performances in the evening. 

Have a leisurely lunch by the beach in Palm Jumeirah – I recommend dining at Kyma Beach or at Nobu By The Beach.

End the day by catching golden hour at The View at The Palm, where you’ll witness the most gorgeous sunset views.

OR if you want to end the trip by just chilling, spend day 5 at a rooftop pool like Cloud22 or Aura SKYPOOL. If you want recommendations on the best hotels with a pool, be sure to check out my Dubai hotel recommendations.