Top things to do in Dubai
The top 3 according to 178 votes from people: The Dubai Fountain · Burj Khalifa – At the Top · Desert safari. (Updated Aug 9, 2025.)
Record-breaking skyscrapers, old souks and desert adventures: the Dubai experiences that rank highest on TripAdvisor, U.S. News and travel blogs.
Top 15
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1
The Dubai Fountain
Free choreographed fountain show on Burj Lake every evening, with jets up to 140 m.
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2
Burj Khalifa – At the Top
Observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148 of the world's tallest building (828 m).
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3
Desert safari
Dune bashing, sandboarding and a Bedouin-style camp dinner in the desert outside the city.
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4
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, with an ice rink and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
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5
Gold Souk and Spice Souk
Traditional markets in Deira, reached by a 1-dirham abra boat across Dubai Creek.
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6
Museum of the Future
Torus-shaped museum covered in Arabic calligraphy, opened in 2022 on Sheikh Zayed Road.
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7
Aquaventure Waterpark
Record-breaking waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, with slides through shark lagoons.
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8
Dubai Miracle Garden
Seasonal garden of over 150 million flowers, open roughly November to May.
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9
Dubai Frame
150 m picture-frame building in Zabeel Park with a glass-floored bridge between old and new Dubai.
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10
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Old wind-tower houses, galleries and the Dubai Museum area along Dubai Creek.
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11
Burj Al Arab
Sail-shaped hotel on its own island; tours and afternoon tea let non-guests inside.
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12
Palm Jumeirah and The View at The Palm
Palm-shaped artificial island with a 240 m-high observation deck.
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13
Dubai Marina and JBR
Skyscraper-lined marina walk and The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence.
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14
Kite Beach
Free public beach with views of the Burj Al Arab, popular for kitesurfing and running.
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15
Global Village
Winter-season fairground with pavilions from around 90 cultures, food and shows.
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16
Jumeirah Mosque
One of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslims, with guided cultural tours.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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Comments (3)
Burj Khalifa at sunset, book the slot early.
Desert safari with dune bashing and dinner under the stars, a must.
The Museum of the Future is beautiful from outside, inside is hit or miss.