An Expert Guide to the Very Best Things to Do in Dubai
Find everything from architectural marvels to luxury days out
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Dubai is a miracle of our own making. This futuristic city is an ode to our imaginations, and a celebration of spending, pleasure, and innovation. As a playground to the elite, this much-visited city has been designed to entertain - Dubai wants to be the best of the best. So expect the world's tallest building, the largest indoor theme park, and, sometime soon, the world's first rotating tower. Here, towering hotels and expansive malls make way for the desert. But this city has more than one side - there's the old and the new. Visiting Dubai means having your cake and eating it too - there's history, culture, technological wonders, and architectural gems. Visit the spice souk, ride on a wooden Abra boat, and reach dizzying heights in a swimming pool all in one day. Want more recommendations on what to do in The City of Gold? Check out this list of carefully curated activities by us experts here at Plum Guide. These are our favourite things to do in Dubai.
Walk through Al Fahidi
A panoramic view of historical buildings in Al Fahidi, Dubai, UAE
Dubai isn't just made of glass, despite popular opinion. Venture into Al Fahidi, and you'll find traditional buildings crafted from stone, palm wood, gypsum, and teak. This heritage quarter was built in the early 1900s, and has been painstakingly restored. Yes, it is modern by the world's standards, but in Dubai, 100 years is positively ancient. And if you wander the twisted alleys and pathways, you might stumble upon a short section of the old city wall - dating from 1800. This district is a must for those who also crave culture, and not just a good shopping spree. You'll find art galleries and museums between the courtyard cafes and craft shops. We recommend visiting XVA Art Gallery and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding - undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Dubai.
The View Engulfed Me, Plum Guide home in Dubai, UAE
Ride an Abra on Dubai Creek
Once you've had your cultural fill at Al Fahidi, make a beeline for Dubai Creek. Here you can ride an abra, or a traditional wooden boat. This is a must if you're planning on spending any time in Old Dubai, and is a chance to see Al Seef - Dubai's elegant waterfront district. Here, old meets new, and modern architectural gems meet historical beauties. Dubai is all about living fast and flashy - why not slow down for a day and opt for more traditional travel? This mode of transport is used by tourists and locals alike. See what Dubai looks like to those who live there. Take the ten-minute water taxi from one side of the creek to another, and visit the city's iconic souks. This will be your most authentic experience in Dubai - we promise.
Shop at Dubai Spice Souk
Hankering after a more authentic shopping experience than a visit to the mall? Make a beeline for Dubai's Spice Souk, and enjoy a taster of what buying and selling have traditionally looked like in Dubai. This experience will be a feast for the senses - wander the alleyways, and take in the sights and smells. Persian dried limes, saffron, barberries, rose hips, and traditional Middle Eastern spice mixes sit next to incense burners and shishas. Don't be afraid to chat with the vendors, and get advice on how to use the spices. You might pick up a tip or two for your next dinner party. We recommend picking up some saffron - it's more affordable here than elsewhere in Dubai. And yes, you can haggle.
Sunset over the Desert, Plum Guide home in Dubai, UAE
Visit The Dubai Mall
The entrance to The Dubai Mall lit up at night, Dubai, UAE
The bigger, the better in Dubai. This phrase comes into its own when it comes to shopping. You can choose from over 60 malls, and there are more on the way. The Dubai Mall is one of the largest in the world, welcoming over 100 million visitors a year. But tourists don't just flock here for the shops and the air conditioning - this complex is also home to a cinema, an aquarium, and an ice rink. You could spend all week here visiting more than 1300 outlets. For those with more cash to spare, head to Fashion Avenue, where you'll find 150 luxury shopping and dining experiences - firm favourites are Bloomingdale's and Galeries Lafayette. Take a picture of the iconic indoor fountain while loaded with shopping bags, before finishing your day by walking through the aquarium tunnel.
Climb to the top of the Burj Khalifa
A view of the Dubai skyline with the Burj Khalifa at night, Dubai, UAE
The Burj Khalifa symbolises the spirit of Dubai - it's the world's tallest building, and an incredible feat of engineering. Hopefully you're not afraid of heights, as this skyscraper has an eye-watering 163 floors. Take the high-speed elevators to the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors - once here, enjoy a bird's eye view of the city below. There are even high-powered viewfinders, so you can spy on competing developments. There's a restaurant for those that can stomach being that high up, too - the food might not be the best in the city, but the views are. Be warned, this experience is more refined than just a fun day out - reservations are essential, minimum spending applies, a dress code is in effect, and no children under 10 are allowed.
The Green & The Great, Plum Guide home in Dubai, UAE
Go diving at Deep Dive Dubai
Dubai is a playground of pleasure, and is full of exhilarating activities to get your heart thumping - none more so that Deep Dive Dubai, a one-of-a-kind experience. This is the world's deepest pool, with a staggering depth of 60 metres. Some can boast of diving amongst coral reefs, but can many claim to have explored an underground city? Those with diving certificates can explore sunken city apartments, and play underwater pool in an arcade - there's also an option for free diving. The pool is equipped with 56 cameras, state-of-the-art lighting, and sound systems that create a variety of underwater moods. But the best thing? Your dive will never be cancelled due to bad weather conditions. You can get underwater 365 days a year, and explore in a pleasant 30 degrees.
Speed down the Xline Dubai
This is a city that reaches dizzying heights when it comes to architecture and adventure. If you're looking to experience the skyscrapers in a totally unique way, opt for this hair-raising experience. See Dubai above as you race down the world's longest and fastest urban zipline. It's a whopping 1km long, and you can reach an eye-watering average speed of 80km/h. If you dare keep your eyes open, you will get to see the marina sparkling down below - you really will have the best seat in the house. Look out for five-star yachts and sleek high-rise towers. This will be the closest you will ever get to flying with the birds.
White Lotus, Plum Guide home in Dubai, UAE
Swim in the AURA Sky Pool
If you've got a head for heights, why not swim in the planet's highest 360-degree infinity pool? The photo opportunities on offer at this unforgettable location will have your Instagram followers spinning with jealousy. Suspended 200 metres in the air, this chic pool offers incredible views of the iconic Dubai skyline, Palm Jumeirah, and the glistening horizon of the Arabian Gulf. But there's just as much fun to have outside the water. Start your day with a swim, before enjoying a laid-back poolside lunch on one of the sun beds. The lounge is designed to bring the outdoors in - it really feels like you're touching the sky when you're this high up.
Fly high with a balloon adventure
A view of hot air balloons flying in Dubai, UAE
It would be remiss of you not to venture into Dubai's surrounding desert when holidaying here. This otherworldly landscape is the stuff of fiction, featuring endless golden dunes and spectacular sunrises. We think the most awe inspiring way to see this area is from the air - join the pilots in the sky on a balloon adventure. Lucky enough to have a significant other? This adventure will be an unbeatable romantic gesture. Not only will you be able to catch a brilliant sunset, but you might even get a glimpse of the native wildlife - look out for oryx and camels below. If you want to make this experience even more unique, you can book an in-flight falcon show.
Fountains Beyond Fountains, Plum Guide home in Dubai, UAE
Visit Jumeirah Mosque
A close up view of the Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai, UAE
Rounding off this guide to the best things to do in Dubai, we have the Jumeirah Mosque - enjoy a glimpse into the culture of this region, from the only mosque in Dubai that's open to non-Muslim visitors. Make the most of its 'open doors, open minds' policy, and book one of the 75-minute guided tours. This experience will allow you to learn more about the Emirati way of life and religion. It's hardly surprising that this is one of the most photographed landmarks in Dubai - it was built entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, and is best snapped at dusk.
