The best things to do in Dubai are going up the Burj Khalifa and watching the free Dubai Fountain show in Downtown, walking Old Dubai’s souks and crossing the Creek by abra, taking an evening desert safari, and spending a winter evening at Global Village. Add Dubai Frame at sunset, a beach day at Kite Beach or Sunset Beach, and Dubai Miracle Garden from October to May. Plan by area, because Dubai is spread out: Downtown, Old Dubai, Jumeirah, the Palm and the Marina each fill half a day. From October to April everything is open and outdoors is pleasant; in summer, do outdoor sights at sunrise or after dark.
At a glance
- Top five
- Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, Old Dubai and the abra, a desert safari, Global Village, Dubai Frame at sunset
- Best free
- Dubai Fountain, public beaches, Al Fahidi, Al Seef, the souks, Ras Al Khor flamingos, Dubai Marina walk
- Closed this winter
- Museum of the Future (until early 2027), Burj Al Arab (until about October 2027), Al Fahidi Fort (restoration)
- Just reopened
- Dubai Parks and Resorts (7 October 2026), Miracle Garden, Safari Park; Global Village from 14 October
- Best months
- October to April
- Days needed
- 3 to 5 days for the highlights; add a day for Hatta or Abu Dhabi
Last checked: 13 October 2026. Prices are adult tickets from official sites where published, otherwise typical current listings; confirm before you book.
On this page
Closed or changed this season: the Museum of the Future closed in September 2026 for a full exhibition overhaul and is expected back in the first quarter of 2027. The Burj Al Arab closed on 15 April 2026 for an 18-month restoration. Al Fahidi Fort, home of the old Dubai Museum, is still closed for restoration, with Dubai Culture saying in September 2026 that it would reopen “in the coming weeks or months”. Laguna Waterpark at La Mer closed for good in 2023.
The top 25 at a glance
| Place | Area | Cost (adult) | Time needed | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa, At the Top | Downtown | From about AED 175; about AED 250+ at sunset | 1.5 to 2 hours | Sunset slot, or after 7:30pm for cheaper night views |
| Dubai Fountain | Downtown | Free; boardwalk AED 25 | 30 minutes | 7pm to 9pm on a weekday |
| The Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium | Downtown | Mall free; aquarium from about AED 120 to 150 | 2 to 4 hours | Midday in summer |
| Dubai Frame | Zabeel | AED 50 | 60 to 90 minutes | An hour before sunset |
| Old Dubai, souks and abra | Bur Dubai and Deira | Free; abra a few dirhams | 3 to 4 hours | Late afternoon into evening |
| Al Seef | Bur Dubai | Free | 1 to 2 hours | Evening |
| Etihad Museum | Jumeirah 1 | AED 25; students AED 10 | 1.5 hours | Midday |
| Jumeirah Mosque tour | Jumeirah 1 | About AED 45 | 75 minutes | 10am or 2pm tour, not Fridays |
| Global Village | Dubailand | AED 25 weekdays, AED 30 weekends | 3 to 4 hours | Sunday to Wednesday from 4pm; fireworks Fri and Sat 9pm |
| Dubai Miracle Garden | Al Barsha South | AED 70 residents, AED 100 visitors, plus VAT | 2 to 3 hours | Weekday 9am, or from 4pm |
| Desert safari | Al Badayer, Lahbab, Al Marmoom area | About AED 150 to 400 with dinner | 5 to 6 hours | Afternoon pickup, sunset in the dunes |
| Ain Dubai | Bluewaters | From AED 145 | 1.5 hours | The hour before sunset |
| The View at the Palm | Palm Jumeirah | From about AED 100 off-peak | 1 hour | Sunset, the priciest slot |
| Atlantis Aquaventure | Palm Jumeirah | About AED 300 to 400 | Full day | Weekday, October to May |
| Kite Beach and Sunset Beach | Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim | Free | 2 to 3 hours | Late afternoon to sunset |
| Dubai Marina walk and JBR | Dubai Marina | Free | 2 hours | Evening |
| Ski Dubai | Mall of the Emirates | From about AED 250 | 2 to 3 hours | Any summer afternoon |
| Dubai Safari Park | Al Warqa | From AED 50 | 4 to 5 hours | 9am to 11am, November to March |
| Dubai Parks and Resorts | Jebel Ali | Varies by park | Full day | Weekdays in winter |
| IMG Worlds of Adventure | City of Arabia | Usually AED 195 to 255 online | 6 to 9 hours | Summer afternoons |
| Ras Al Khor flamingos | Ras Al Khor | Free | 30 to 60 minutes | Early morning, November to March |
| Waterfront Market | Deira | Free entry | 1 to 2 hours | 6am to 9am |
| Dubai Garden Glow | Zabeel Park | AED 73.50 | 2 hours | Just before sunset |
| Alserkal Avenue | Al Quoz | Free galleries | 1 to 2 hours | Late afternoon |
| Hatta | Hajar mountains | From free to about AED 250 | Full day | Leave by 6:30am, October to April |
Things to do by area
Downtown Dubai and Business Bay
The busiest half day in the city, and the best first evening. Go up the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 828 metres: the At the Top decks on levels 124 and 125 are the standard ticket, with pricier options on level 148 and the lounge higher up. Then walk out to the Dubai Fountain on the Burj Lake, which dances every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm, free from the promenade. In between, The Dubai Mall holds the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an ice rink, and more than a thousand shops; Souk Al Bahar across the lake has fountain-view restaurants, and Dubai Opera stages concerts and shows. For a quieter view of the tower, see our guide to Burj Khalifa view spots.
Old Dubai: Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi and Deira
Where Dubai began, on both banks of Dubai Creek. Start in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (also called Al Bastakiya), a maze of restored wind-tower houses with small museums and cafés, then walk to the Bur Dubai textile souk and cross the Creek by abra, the wooden water taxi, for a few dirhams. In Deira, the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk are a short walk apart. Along the water, Al Shindagha Museum tells the story of the Creek and the city, and Al Seef is a restored heritage waterfront with restaurants. A dinner dhow cruise on the Creek is the classic evening. Our Old Dubai walk puts it all in route order.
Zabeel and Al Karama
Dubai Frame, a 150-metre picture frame with a glass-floored bridge at the top, shows old Dubai to the north and the new skyline to the south; go an hour before sunset. It sits in Zabeel Park, which also hosts Dubai Garden Glow, with lit-up sculptures and a dinosaur park after dark.
Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim
The beach strip south of the city. Etihad Museum marks the spot where the UAE was founded in 1971 and is one of the best museums in Dubai for the price. The Jumeirah Mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, usually at 10am and 2pm except Fridays, with Emirati refreshments. Further south, Kite Beach has a running track, food trucks and water sports, and Sunset Beach at Umm Suqeim has the classic view of the Burj Al Arab, which is closed but still a striking backdrop. Madinat Jumeirah and Souk Madinat have waterways, restaurants and abra rides. Wild Wadi waterpark reopened in February 2026 after its annual maintenance. La Mer and J1 Beach are beachfront districts with restaurants and beach clubs.
Palm Jumeirah
The man-made island has the best skyline views from The View at the Palm on level 52 of The Palm Tower, and the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool at Aura Skypool, sold by session from about AED 200 to 300. At the tip, Atlantis The Palm has the Aquaventure waterpark and the Lost Chambers aquarium, and the tethered Dubai Balloon at Atlantis rises about 300 metres for 10 minutes, from about AED 75. Nakheel Mall sits below The View. For a cheaper day, walk the Palm West Beach boardwalk, lined with beach clubs looking across the Arabian Gulf, or ride the Palm monorail. See things to do on Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai Marina, JBR and Bluewaters
Walk the 7 km Dubai Marina promenade among the towers, then go down to The Walk at JBR and the beach, one of the liveliest in Dubai. Water sports, yacht charters and jet skis leave from the marina. Across a footbridge, Ain Dubai, the giant observation wheel on Bluewaters Island, takes about 38 minutes per rotation; go at sunset. Above the Marina, Skydive Dubai drops tandem jumpers over the Palm, from about AED 2,200 to 2,800 depending on photos and video.
Al Quoz and Al Barsha
Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz is Dubai’s arts district, with free galleries, independent cinema and cafés in converted warehouses; Al Quoz also has indoor attractions such as Chaos Karts. At Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai has real snow, a ski slope, a snow park and penguin encounters.
Dubailand and the inland attractions
Most big family attractions are inland along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Global Village has pavilions from more than 90 cultures, street food, shows and rides from October to May. Dubai Miracle Garden has more than 150 million flowers in giant displays. IMG Worlds of Adventure is a huge indoor theme park, ideal in summer. Dubai Parks and Resorts at Jebel Ali groups Motiongate, Legoland and Real Madrid World, and reopened on 7 October 2026 after more than six months closed. Find every park compared in UAE theme parks.
Deira’s east side, Al Mamzar and the north-east
The Waterfront Market is Dubai’s fish market, open 24 hours: buy fish at dawn and have it cooked in the restaurants. Al Mamzar Beach Park has calm lagoon beaches for AED 5. Inland, Quranic Park in Al Khawaneej is free, with the Cave of Miracles and the Glass House for AED 5 each, and Mushrif Park has mountain bike trails in a ghaf forest.
Outside the city
- Desert safari: an afternoon 4×4 trip with dune bashing, a sunset stop and a camp dinner.
- Hot air balloon: sunrise flights over the desert, usually about AED 1,000 a person including transfers.
- Al Qudra: desert lakes, Love Lake and the Al Qudra cycle track.
- Hatta: kayaking on the dam, Hatta Wadi Hub and mountain trails, about 90 minutes away.
- Further: see day trips from Dubai, grouped by drive time.
Things to do by time of day
| Time | Best options | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise | Hot air balloon, Al Qudra lakes, Ras Al Khor flamingos, Waterfront Market, a beach run at Kite Beach | Coolest hours and softest light; wildlife is most active |
| Morning | Dubai Safari Park, Miracle Garden, Al Fahidi, Jumeirah Mosque tour, Hatta | Beat the heat and the crowds |
| Midday | Museums, Dubai Mall and the aquarium, Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds, Alserkal Avenue | Indoors and air-conditioned |
| Late afternoon | Dubai Frame, Burj Khalifa, The View at the Palm, Ain Dubai, Garden Glow | See the city in daylight, at golden hour and lit up |
| Sunset | Sunset Beach, desert safari, dhow cruise, Al Seef, Aura Skypool | The classic Dubai skyline and dune colours |
| Night | Dubai Fountain, Global Village, Dubai Marina, night beaches, La Perle, concerts at Coca-Cola Arena | Everything stays open late; see Dubai at night |
Free things to do in Dubai
- Dubai Fountain shows every 30 minutes from 6pm.
- Public beaches: Kite Beach, Sunset Beach, JBR, the Jumeirah beaches and Khor Al Mamzar, several with night swimming.
- Al Fahidi, Al Seef and the souks, plus the Creek waterfront.
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary for flamingos from the hides.
- Dubai Marina walk, The Walk at JBR and the Palm West Beach boardwalk.
- Alserkal Avenue galleries.
- Quranic Park gardens, and Dubai’s parks for a few dirhams, such as Mushrif and Al Mamzar.
- Global Village fireworks are free once you are inside for AED 25.
More in free things to do in Dubai.
Big-ticket experiences
| Experience | Typical price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Evening desert safari | About AED 150 to 400 | Use a licensed operator; skip the bashing if pregnant or with back problems |
| Hot air balloon | About AED 1,000 | Sunrise only, weather permitting, October to May is best |
| Skydive over the Palm | About AED 2,200 to 2,800 | Book well ahead; weight and age limits apply |
| Helicopter tour | Usually about AED 700 to 900 for 12 to 15 minutes | Short flights over the Palm, Burj Al Arab and Downtown |
| Deep Dive Dubai | From about AED 400 | The world’s deepest pool for diving; book online, health check needed |
| Aura Skypool | About AED 200 to 300 by session | Sunset sessions sell out first |
| Dhow dinner cruise | About AED 100 to 300 | Creek cruises are cheaper; Marina cruises have the skyline |
| La Perle | Varies by seat | An aqua theatre show at Al Habtoor City; check the current show days |
Indoor immersive attractions
For hot afternoons, Dubai has a cluster of digital and interactive attractions: AYA Universe at Wafi City, a walk-through of light and projection rooms; ARTE Museum in The Dubai Mall, with large-scale immersive digital art; and House of Hype, also in The Dubai Mall, with interactive rooms aimed at teens and families. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for each, and check current hours and prices before you go, as they change often.
Eat like a local
- Emirati food: try machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), luqaimat (sweet dumplings with date syrup) and karak chai. Al Fanar serves Emirati dishes in an old-Dubai setting, and the Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi has a shaded courtyard for breakfast.
- Street food: shawarma at Al Mallah on Al Dhiyafah Road in Satwa is a long-running favourite, and karak and parathas from roadside cafeterias cost a few dirhams.
- Fish: buy at the Waterfront Market and have it grilled on site.
- Fine dining: Dubai has its own Michelin Guide, with starred restaurants across Downtown, the Palm and the Marina.
- Friday and weekend brunch is a Dubai institution in hotels, from family brunches to beach-club parties.
- A Bedouin-style dinner under the stars is part of most desert safaris, with grills, Arabic coffee and dates.
What’s on by season
- October to May: Global Village, Miracle Garden, Garden Glow, Safari Park and the outdoor markets. See Dubai’s winter season.
- 31 October to 29 November 2026: the Dubai Fitness Challenge, with Dubai Run on Sheikh Zayed Road on 22 November.
- December and January: the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Burj Khalifa.
- Winter weekends: weekend markets and camping in the desert.
- Summer: indoor parks, Ski Dubai, waterparks and the malls; see indoor activities in Dubai.
Day plans
One day in Dubai
- Morning: Al Fahidi, the abra across the Creek and the Deira souks.
- Midday: lunch, then Etihad Museum or the Jumeirah Mosque tour at 2pm.
- Late afternoon: Burj Khalifa at sunset.
- Evening: the Dubai Fountain and dinner in Downtown.
Three days in Dubai
- Day 1: Old Dubai in the morning, Downtown and the Burj Khalifa in the evening.
- Day 2: a Jumeirah beach morning, the Palm and The View at the Palm, then Dubai Marina and JBR at night.
- Day 3: Miracle Garden in the morning, an afternoon desert safari, or Global Village in the evening.
Travelling with children? See Dubai with kids, sorted by age and budget.
Good to know
- Dress: swimwear is for beaches and pools; cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks, museums and heritage areas, and fully in mosques.
- Photos: ask before photographing people, especially women and families.
- Ramadan: many attractions change their hours; eat and drink discreetly in public during daylight.
- Alcohol: only in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants; never on public beaches or in the street.
- Heat: from June to September, plan outdoor sights for early morning or after dark and carry water.
- Booking: book the Burj Khalifa sunset slot, Aura Skypool and skydiving in advance; most other tickets are cheaper online.
- Official information: Visit Dubai, run by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, lists events and attraction updates.
- Dubai landmarks: tickets, timings and the best time for each.
- Best parks in Dubai: entry fees and which park for what.
- Best public beaches in Dubai: free beaches and night swimming.
- Things to do in the UAE: the city-by-city guide.
- Grand Hyatt Dubai waterpark: a city-centre waterpark day.
- Fishing in Dubai: spots, licences and charters.
Things to do in Dubai FAQs
What is the number one thing to do in Dubai?
Going up the Burj Khalifa at sunset, then watching the free Dubai Fountain show below it. Together they take about three hours in Downtown Dubai.
What are the best free things to do in Dubai?
The Dubai Fountain, the public beaches such as Kite Beach and Sunset Beach, Al Fahidi and the souks, Al Seef, Ras Al Khor’s flamingos, the Dubai Marina walk and the Alserkal Avenue galleries.
How many days do you need in Dubai?
Three to five days covers the highlights: Downtown, Old Dubai, the beaches and the Palm, a desert safari and one theme park or Global Village. Add a day for Hatta or Abu Dhabi.
Is the Museum of the Future open?
No. It closed in September 2026 for a complete exhibition overhaul and is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2027.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
October to April, when it is warm rather than hot and the seasonal attractions such as Global Village, Miracle Garden and Dubai Safari Park are open.
What can you do in Dubai at night?
Watch the Dubai Fountain, visit Global Village, walk Dubai Marina and JBR, swim at a night beach, take a dhow dinner cruise, or see a show or concert.
What is there to do in Dubai in summer?
Go indoors in the day: Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds, the Dubai Mall and its aquarium, museums and waterparks. Save beaches and outdoor sights for sunrise or after dark.