What to do in Dubai

Activities, attractions and tours
Jumeira Beach and Park featuring a beach as well as a small group of people

Dubai Attractions

Plan to just take it easy in your hotel in Dubai? You could do that, but then you'd miss out on all the unique sights and exciting activities this buzzing city is known for. The following list of things to do will make you eager to get out and about!

If you're ready to discover the best of Dubai, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly expert show you the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {672 fun activities in Dubai fun activities in Dubai} are also worth checking out.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Dubai

Adventure & outdoor

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What to do in Dubai

Free Things to Do in Dubai

Touring on a shoestring budget in Dubai? Spend time, not cash, on awesome experiences.

Traditional Architecture Museum - Jam-packed with exhibits and artifacts, this place is a paradise for knowledge-hungry minds.

Emaar Square - Architecture lovers will enjoy marveling at the impressive modern design of this landmark.

Heritage House - Stroll around this historic attraction and uncover a couple of secrets from times past.

City Walk - Stop for a while in this lively spot and imagine life as a local resident.

Palm Islands - There's something peaceful about being close to the water, so stop a while here.

Perfume Souq - Stop here for a while and learn about the importance of this place to the locals.

Iranian Mosque - Do some quiet contemplation and learn a thing or two about this site's religious significance.

Raffles Botanical Garden - Grab your rug, pack some snacks and find a cozy spot to relish nature.

Things to Do in Dubai with Kids

There are loads of incredible experiences in Dubai that the whole gang will love. These are a few of the top family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Dubai? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Dubai

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Expedia and Jumeirah Group Sign Global Partnership Agreement

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Deal marks first for Jumeirah Group with an online travel company BELLEVUE, Wash. and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 5 …
Expedia and Jumeirah Group Sign Global Partnership Agreement

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Dubai on a sunny day?
When the weather forecast is fine, these experiences are impossible to resist:


What to do in Dubai on a rainy day?
There’s no need to splash your way through a wet day when there are plenty of fun indoor activities like these on offer:


What is Dubai famous for?
Bring your comfiest shoes because there are loads of renowned attractions you just have to see:

  • Burj Khalifa
  • Dubai Mall
  • Mall of the Emirates
  • Aquaventure

What should I not miss in Dubai?
If you’re eager to experience the best of this place, find time for these attractions in your schedule:

  • Gold Souk
  • Wild Wadi Water Park
  • Dubai Creek
  • City Centre Deira

Are there cheap things to do in Dubai?
If you’re vacationing on a shoestring budget, be sure to add these inexpensive tours and activities to your itinerary:


What can you do in Dubai for free?
You could leave your credit card in the hotel safe for the day, because these top attractions will cost you nothing at all:

  • Dubai Mall
  • Mall of the Emirates
  • Gold Souk
  • City Centre Deira

Popular places to visit

Image for Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall

Browse, shop, play and dine at one of the largest shopping and entertainment malls in the world.

Dubai Mall
Image for Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa

The tallest man-made structure on earth is a city in the sky that houses luxury apartments, offices and a hotel.

Burj Khalifa
Image for Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah Beach

Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Jumeirah Beach, a popular beach in Dubai. Stroll along the marina or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Jumeirah Beach
Image for Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is just one of the places to see in Dubai, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's desert landscapes and shops.

Burj Al Arab
Image for Gold Souk

Gold Souk

This world-famous market dazzles with its precious metals and gem stones displayed in hundreds of windows.

Gold Souk
Image for Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek

Explore the city’s waterway, and see old and new Dubai and a variety of wildlife.

Dubai Creek
Image for Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Take the family to visit the sea life at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo during your trip to Dubai. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in this vibrant area.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Image for Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain

A free light and water show in downtown Dubai attracts the crowds for its spectacular choreography.

Dubai Fountain
Image for Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Water Park

Cool off at this water park that is fun for the whole family. Its theme is based on a tale from Arabian folklore.

Wild Wadi Water Park

Explore areas of Dubai

Dubai Mall which includes interior views and shopping

Downtown Dubai

4.5/5Wonderful!(615 area reviews)

Travelers love Downtown Dubai for its popular shops, and you can see more of Dubai by jumping on the metro at Burj Khalifa - Dubai Mall Station or Business Bay Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain.

Downtown Dubai
Dubai Marina showing a marina, a city and skyline

Dubai Marina

Visit Dubai’s first purpose-built waterfront development to see a man-made canal city with luxury properties, parks, promenades and plenty of shopping opportunities.

Dubai Marina
Aquaventure showing a waterpark and rides

Palm Jumeirah

4.5/5Wonderful!(472 area reviews)

Travelers love Palm Jumeirah for its stunning beaches, and you can see more of Dubai by jumping on the metro at Nakheel Mall Station or Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nakheel Mall and The View at The Palm.

Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Marina which includes a city, a marina and boating

Jumeirah Beach Residence

4.5/5Wonderful!(372 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and popular shops highlight some of the most notable features of Jumeirah Beach Residence. Make a stop by The Walk while you're exploring the area.

Jumeirah Beach Residence
Gold Souk which includes interior views as well as a large group of people

Deira

4/5Very Good!(1,115 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Deira. Check out top attractions like Gold Souk and Al Ghurair Centre, and jump on the metro at Abu Baker Al Siddique Station or Salah Al Din Station to see more of the city.

Deira
Ski Dubai featuring snow, interior views and snow skiing

Al Barsha

4/5Very Good!(456 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Al Barsha. Mall of the Emirates is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Mashreq Metro Station or Mall of the Emirates Station to see more of Dubai.

Al Barsha
See our Where To Stay guide

Day trip destinations from Dubai

Sharjah showing heritage elements, flowers and heritage architecture

Sharjah

Nad Al Sheba

Nad Al Sheba

Photo by Bhaskar Goyal

Palm Jebel Ali