12 Best Things To Do in Dubai

Dubai is a city and Emirate located in the United Arab Emirates. It's known for it's futuristic architecture and skyscrapers. It's a very spread apart city with many resorts, malls, restaurants from around the world and all kinds of themed attractions and activities. I went there during April, when the weather was starting to get warm, but it was still bearable. Here is a list of 12 things you have to do while there.

1. Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is the main mall in Dubai, located in downtown at the base of the Burj Khalifa. It is the biggest Mall in the world, with about 1,124,000 square meters and 1200 stores. You will most likely get lost a lot, I did...a bunch. You can find an aquarium, ice skating rink, waterfalls, a movie theater, all kinds of brands and restaurants. It can get pretty busy, I would advize going in the morning during the week. You can check out my article on the Malls of Dubai, if you want more insights on the different malls.

2. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa, a skyscraper known as the tallest building in the world, with a total height of 829.8 meters and 168 floors. You can purchase tickets for the view point online HERE. The entrance is inside the Dubai Mall, where you'll take an elevator to the 124th floor. There are 2 floors accessible for tourists, and they have some fun professional photo ops available (for a price of course). If you are still in downtown at night time you can also watch the fountain show that happens at 9pm at the bottom of the Burj.

3. Global Village

If you are fervent of social media, you've probably heard of Global Village. It's an entertainment park, with country-themed markets and attractions. Note that they are only open from October through April. They have discounts if you buy your ticket online so be sure to check their website before you go. It opens later in the afternoon, I would suggest you go early as it can get very crowded at night.

4. Aquaventure Waterpark

Located on the Palm Jumeirah, the Atlantis is a hotel that hosts multiple attractions. Including the Aquaventure Waterpark and the Los Chamber Aquarium. You can get there by taking the Monorail. You can find discounted tickets for all of these on Groupon.

5. Sandboard in the Dessert

Go spend an afternoon in the desert, there are all kinds of activities you can do. Like camel back riding, sand-boarding, quad, pic-nic, etc. I went on this tour from Viator for a Safari around the red Dunes Desert and Sand-boarding. It was pretty amazing, one of the highlight of my trip!

PS.: Make sure to wear closed shoes, because that sun can burn and I'm speaking from experience!!

6. Gold Souk

If you like Souks and jewelry you have to head down the Gold Souk and the new Extension. Located in the old part of Dubai, where you can find more authentic and typical buildings. The old Souk and the new one are not linked but they are separated by just a few streets. You can walk around both, have breakfast at Maranello Café, and take a boat ride around Dubai Creek.

7. La Mer

La Mer is a public beach that also has an outside mall with restaurants and cafes. You can enjoy a day at the beach and go around the mall for a snack or meal. If you are only going there for the mall, note that a big part of the units are still unused and a lot of them are closed. If you go, make sure to go to the west side of the mall, which is more lively.

8. West Beach

Located on one of the Palm Jumeirah, West Beach is a board walk with restaurants, bars, beach clubs and hotels. It feels like you're in Miami. You can book a sun bed for the whole afternoon and enjoy the beach, or join a pool party at one of the hotels like the Five.

9. Museum of the Future

In the heart of Dubai, the Museum of The Future, serves as a gateway to tomorrow, you can explore the possibilities of emerging technologies for a sustainable future. It's very easy to access, as it has it's own metro stop so you can enter directly inside the museum. It gets fully booked a month in advance so make sure you plan well if you want to go. It can get pretty crowded, so avoid weekends and holiday if you can.

10. Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden takes horticultural creativity to another level. You'll find yourself wandering through whimsical tunnels, strolling beneath flower-covered archs, and discover larger-than-life floral sculptures. Every corner of the garden is transporting you to a Disney cartoon. I got my tickets from Headout.

11. Expo 2020

Expo City is located at the end of the metro line (station Expo 2020). It's a convention center that was built for the expo of 2020. There are a few entertainment activities, you can check their website for more info. One of them being Al Wasl Plaza, a huge dome structure they light up at night to display cool light projections.

12. Fountain show

If you are in downtown at night, you have to stop by the Dubai Fountain Show, it was one of my favorite moment. It takes place daily and is free-to-watch, you can check the show times here. You can see it from the waterfront promenade, neighboring restaurants, or from the traditional boats.

Good to know & tips...

🐪🐪🐪