Home to the tallest skyscraper in the world, Dubai used to be mostly desert only a few decades ago. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations with around seven times more foreigners than locals. You can tell by the then vs. now pictures of Dubai that the city has developed rapidly — the reason being revenues from oil reserves that started to flow in 1969. Today, the city is one of the third-richest in the world; they even have ATMs that dispense gold.
With its fast-growing population and infrastructure, Dubai is becoming one of the world’s most progressive cities. At least ten skyscrapers are built each year, making it one of the top five cities in the world for sheer number of high-rise buildings. The emirate draws visitors with an extraordinary mix of experiences: ultra-modern architecture alongside historic souks, Michelin-starred restaurants steps away from traditional Emirati street food, and year-round sunshine averaging 24°C in winter and 41°C in summer — meaning October through April is the sweet spot for most travelers.
Getting around is straightforward. The Dubai Metro connects the airport to Downtown, the Marina, and beyond for a few dirhams, while taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem are widely available. Most attractions cluster around Downtown Dubai, Dubai Creek, and the Dubai Marina — three distinct neighborhoods worth building your itinerary around. If you plan a trip to Dubai this year, plan your Dubai trip on Lentii and use the tips below on attractions, activities, and more to make planning easy.
Best Attractions in Dubai
Now what most people get in mind when they hear the word Dubai is beaches and skyscrapers, but there is more to Dubai than just beaches and buildings. Take the Dubai Fountain as an example. The Dubai Fountain, also known as “The Palm Fountain,” holds the world record for the tallest performing fountain at 274 meters, beating the second largest fountain (The World Cup Fountain in Korea, 202m) by 72 meters.
The Fountain has a show that begins every 30 minutes every afternoon and is followed by loud music. There are many places you can sit, including a floating platform or abra ride if you would rather have a closer experience of the fountain. Another great option is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where there are thousands of aquatic creatures such as sharks, rays, sand tiger sharks, and many other exciting marine species.
Dubai is home to the tallest skyscraper in the world. Standing at 829.8 meters, the Burj Khalifa contains 209 floors. The tip of the spire is visible from up to 95 km away. The building took around 22 million man-hours and 12,000 workers per day. Head to the At the Top observation deck on level 124 for sweeping views of the city, desert, and Arabian Gulf — or upgrade to the At the Top Sky lounge on level 148 for an even higher vantage point. Book tickets online in advance to skip the queues, and time your visit around sunset for the best photos.
If you want to experience Dubai’s past, visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (formerly Al Bastakiya). The neighborhood contains museums, wind-tower houses, cafes, and galleries that tell stories of life in old Dubai. The buildings were constructed over a century ago by Sunni Iranian merchants from Bastak, Iran — and thus the name. Inside the neighborhood, the Dubai Museum is a must. Housed in Al Fahidi Fort (built 1787), the oldest surviving structure in Dubai, it traces the city’s journey from a small pearl-diving village to a global metropolis through vivid dioramas and historical artifacts.
Just steps away flows Dubai Creek, the historic waterway that built the city’s early trade. Cross it by abra — a traditional wooden boat — for just 1 AED, one of the best-value experiences in all of Dubai. The creek banks are lined with the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where fragrant stalls sell everything from saffron and frankincense to 24-karat gold jewelry.
I’m sure you have heard about Dubai’s famous Palm-shaped Island. This man-made island stretches five km into the Arabian Gulf. The island contains cafes, restaurants, and hotels, ensuring you get the most out of your stay. The iconic Atlantis, The Palm anchors the top of the crescent — even if you’re not a hotel guest, its waterpark Aquaventure is one of the best in the region and well worth a day trip.
Top Activities in Dubai
Dubai offers a range of activities and sports for all ages that will really make your trip an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to face your fear of heights, cool off in the desert heat, or drift across the water at sunset, Dubai delivers at every turn.
A few highlights to put on your list:
- Aqua Venture Waterpark (Atlantis, The Palm)
- Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Hot air balloon ride over the desert
- Speedboat around Palm Jumeirah
- Desert safari with dune bashing
- Traditional dhow cruise on Dubai Creek
Aqua Venture Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm is a must if you love waterparks — it spans 42 acres with over 30 slides, a lazy river, and a private beach. Tickets can be booked online, and arriving early on weekdays saves both money and queue time. For something wilder, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo inside Dubai Mall lets you dive with sharks — no experience needed, as certified instructors lead the cage dive.
For adrenaline seekers, skydiving over Palm Jumeirah with Skydive Dubai is one of the most iconic experiences in the world. You free-fall from 13,000 feet with the palm-shaped island spreading below you — book weeks in advance as slots fill fast. If you prefer your heights with a gentler pace, a hot air balloon ride at dawn over the Al Ain desert gives you sweeping views of the dunes at sunrise.
No Dubai trip is complete without a desert safari. Most operators pick you up from your hotel in the late afternoon, take you dune bashing in a 4×4, then settle into a Bedouin-style camp for dinner under the stars. In the evenings, a traditional dhow cruise along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina is a relaxed way to see the city skyline glittering from the water — dinner and soft drinks are usually included.
Dubai offers a range of activities and sports for all ages that will really make your trip an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to face your fear of heights, cool off in the desert heat, or drift across the water at sunset, Dubai delivers at every turn.
A few highlights to put on your list:
- Aqua Venture Waterpark (Atlantis, The Palm)
- Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Hot air balloon ride over the desert
- Speedboat around Palm Jumeirah
- Desert safari with dune bashing
- Traditional dhow cruise on Dubai Creek
Aqua Venture Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm is a must if you love waterparks — it spans 42 acres with over 30 slides, a lazy river, and a private beach. Tickets can be booked online, and arriving early on weekdays saves both money and queue time. For something wilder, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo inside Dubai Mall lets you dive with sharks — no experience needed, as certified instructors lead the cage dive.
For adrenaline seekers, skydiving over Palm Jumeirah with Skydive Dubai is one of the most iconic experiences in the world. You free-fall from 13,000 feet with the palm-shaped island spreading below you — book weeks in advance as slots fill fast. If you prefer your heights with a gentler pace, a hot air balloon ride at dawn over the Al Ain desert gives you sweeping views of the dunes at sunrise.
No Dubai trip is complete without a desert safari. Most operators pick you up from your hotel in the late afternoon, take you dune bashing in a 4×4, then settle into a Bedouin-style camp for dinner under the stars. In the evenings, a traditional dhow cruise along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina is a relaxed way to see the city skyline glittering from the water — dinner and soft drinks are usually included.
Where to Shop in Dubai
Everybody loves shopping; some even consider it a hobby. Whether you are a person who collects luxury items, a bargain hunter, or someone doing a regular shopping spree with friends, you will find something that suits your interest in one of the many shopping malls in Dubai. For example, look at Dubai Festival City Mall, where you can buy stuff and watch the beautiful sunset over the water, just minutes from the Dubai airport. Here you will be able to find over 350 shops, including H&M, Coach, DKNY, and many more.
If you aren’t into shopping, there is a water show at sunset outside of the mall, and the view is to die for! Some other great malls and shopping places are listed below. Each one offers an incredible view and an experience you will never forget. You will be blown away by all these shopping malls’ beautiful interiors.
The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall by total area, with over 1,200 stores across four floors. It goes far beyond retail — inside you’ll find the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and a rooftop terrace with direct views of the Burj Khalifa fountain show. Book a table at one of the waterfront restaurants for the best seat during the evening show. Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush.
Mall of the Emirates is home to Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope where you can carve turns in the middle of the desert. The mall itself draws luxury shoppers with brands like Harvey Nichols, Cartier, and Gucci — plan for a full afternoon if you want to combine shopping and skiing.
For something entirely different, make time for the Gold Souk in the Deira district. Hundreds of jewelers line narrow alleyways displaying thousands of gold, diamond, and silver pieces. Bargaining is expected — a good starting point is around 70% of the asking price. Go in the morning when it’s quieter and vendors are more open to negotiation. The Gold Souk sits right next to the Spice Souk, so it’s easy to visit both on the same trip.
The Dubai Spice Souk is not precisely a shopping mall, but it is a shopping place you most definitely should visit. You can understand by the name that it is a place for every kind of spices, tea, and herbs. For all of those mastering the art of cooking, the colorful streets and the friendly vendors will surely leave you with new ideas and ways of using the different spices to make your food taste incredible. Look out for saffron, dried limes, and za’atar blends — all available at a fraction of supermarket prices.
- The Dubai Mall — world’s largest mall; aquarium, ice rink, fountain views
- Mall of the Emirates — luxury brands and Ski Dubai under one roof
- Gold Souk, Deira — haggle for gold and jewelry in the old city
- Ibn Battuta Mall — six themed courts inspired by the explorer’s travels
- Dubai Spice Souk — saffron, dried limes, herbs at local prices
