Things to Do in Dubai
50 curated spots from Dubai itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Gold Souk & Spice Souk
Bustling street markets; haggle for gold/spices.
2h · $Varies
Alserkal Avenue
Short taxi ride from d3; explore contemporary art galleries, concept stores, and creative warehouses.
2h 30m · Free (some exhibitions may charge)
Burj Khalifa At the Top
Ascend to 124th/125th floors; photography highlight at 8-9 AM golden hour from south terraces avoiding crowds.
1h 30m · $45
Dubai Creek Abra Ride
Traditional wooden boat crossing connecting Bur Dubai and Deira, offering authentic local transportation and waterfront views.
20m · $0.30 per person
Dubai Marina Walk
Pedestrian promenade lined with cafes and yachts, perfect for a relaxed stroll and photos of the high-rises.
1h 30m · Free
Dubai Miracle Garden
Explore the world’s largest flower garden with elaborate floral sculptures, heart-shaped arches, and airplane installations.
2h · $20-25
Jumeirah Mosque
Join a guided tour (check timings) of one of Dubai’s most beautiful mosques, open to non-Muslim visitors for educational visits.
1h 30m · $10-15 (tour fee/donation)
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Stroll the narrow alleys, admire restored wind-tower houses, and pop into small museums and cultural centers.
1h 30m · Free
Dubai Design District (d3)
Waterfront creative quarter with design shops, galleries, and cafes.
2h · Free entry
Mall of the Emirates
Explore another mega-mall, browse shops, and peek at Ski Dubai’s indoor ski slope through the glass.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Wander an atmospheric modern souk with canals and Burj Al Arab views; great for gifts and photos.
2h 30m · Free (shopping and abra rides extra)
The Dubai Mall
One of the world’s largest malls with shops, cafes, Dubai Aquarium, and great indoor photo spots.
2h 30m · Free entry (shopping/attractions extra)
Abra Ride Across Dubai Creek
Hop on a traditional wooden abra at Bur Dubai Abra Station to Deira Old Souk Abra Station (about 5–10 minutes).
30m · $1
Address Skyline Views
Rooftop lounge overlook; photo stop.
45m · $20 drink min
Ain Dubai Views
World's largest ferris wheel from promenade.
30m · Free
Ain Dubai Views from Bluewaters Island (outer view)
Walk or taxi to Bluewaters Island and enjoy views of Ain Dubai (Ferris wheel) and the open gulf from the pedestrian bridge.
1h · Free (if just walking and shooting)
Al Ain Oasis
UNESCO palm groves and falaj channels; shaded paths for photos. Early light best from east entrance. 1.5h drive from Dubai; pair with park.
1h 30m · Free
Al Ain Oasis & Park
9AM walk shaded falaj paths among 800k palms; then Wadi Park for surf wave/kayak (easy levels).
4h · $40/person (park entry+activity)
Al Fahidi Historical District (Al Bastakiya)
Explore narrow lanes, restored wind-tower houses, small museums, and art spaces in old Dubai.
2h · Mostly Free
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Al Bastakiya)
Stroll narrow lanes, wind towers, and restored courtyard houses with museums, galleries, and cafes.
1h 30m · Free
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Wander the wind-tower lanes, small museums, courtyards, and shaded alleys for heritage architecture and quiet photos.[1][3][4]
2h · Free
Al Rigga Evening Walk
Walk the busy neighborhood streets, look for small electronics and textile shops, and use the area for casual street photography.
1h 30m · Free
Al Seef Historic Walk
Creekside heritage path; quick cultural hit.
1h · $1 ferry
Alserkal Avenue Art
Industrial galleries in minimal warehouses.
1h 30m · Free
Alserkal Avenue Contemporary Art District
Explore warehouses turned galleries, design shops, and cafés; check shows at Carbon 12, Leila Heller Gallery, and local concept spaces.
2h 30m · Free (some exhibitions may charge)
At The Top – Burj Khalifa (Level 124/125)
Pre-book a late-morning or early-afternoon slot for sweeping city views and skyline photos.
1h 30m · $50-80
Atlantis, The Palm (The Avenues & Photo Stop)
Walk through the public areas of Atlantis for architecture and interior shots; optional visit to The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
1h 30m · Free to walk around (Aquarium ~$35-45)
Atlantis, The Palm Photo & Stroll
Before or after dinner, wander through Atlantis’ public areas and grab shots of the façade and interior.
45m · Free
Bur Dubai Night Stroll
Take one last slow walk through the neighborhood lanes and creek-side edges for night photography and a calmer end to the day.
1h · Free
Burj Khalifa At The Top (Level 124/125)
Visit the observation decks for panoramic city and desert views; aim for morning prime hours for clearer skies and fewer crowds.
1h 15m · $60-100Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Traditional Arabian dining experience with live Bu Tbelah performances showcasing Emirati culture and cuisine.
2h · $28-40 per person
Social House
Casual all-day spot with Burj Khalifa views; order shakshouka or Asian-inspired breakfast dishes.
1h · $20-30 per person
Bayt Al Wakeel Restaurant
Creekside terrace in a historic building; try the mixed grill and mezze while watching abras glide by.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Logma
Modern Emirati sharing plates: lamb machboos, harees, and mezze.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Time Out Market Dubai
Upscale food hall at Souk Al Bahar with multiple chefs and cuisines under one roof plus terrace fountain views.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
3Fils
Harbour-side, award-winning casual fine dining with sushi, Asian-inspired plates, and excellent desserts.
1h 15m · $45-75 per person
Al Fanar Restaurant
Traditional Emirati spot; order lamb haneeth and luqaimat; quick post-Hatta transit stop.
1h · $20-30 per person
Al Hallab Restaurant
Emirati-style foul, labneh, fresh balaleet, and Arabic coffee.
1h · $15-25 per person
Al Ustad Special Kabab
Order kebabs and rice for a classic, satisfying final-night meal.
1h · $9-15 per person
Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)
Have a leisurely Emirati breakfast platter with fresh breads, eggs, and karak tea in a shaded courtyard of a traditional wind-tower house.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Bistro des Arts
French-style breakfast overlooking the Marina promenade—croissants, eggs, and strong coffee.
1h · $20-30 per person
The Sum of Us
Specialty coffee roastery and bakery with hearty breakfast plates and pastries.
1h · $20-30 per person
Tom&Serg
Hip warehouse-style café with specialty coffee and elevated café dishes.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
1762 Stripped
Stylish café-deli with salads, sandwiches, and good coffee overlooking the lake.
1h · $18-28 per person
Abd El Wahab (Souk Madinat Jumeirah)
Lebanese restaurant with lovely canal and Burj Al Arab views from its terrace.
1h 15m · $30-45 per person
Afternoon Tea at At.mosphere
Sky-high teas with pastries and skyline views; late brunch option.
1h 30m · $60-80 per person
Al Bahou – The Grand Hall (Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate brunch or breakfast)
Spectacular hall with high ceilings serving buffet breakfast and occasional themed meals.
1h 15m · $30-45 per person
Al Bait Al Qadeem Emirati Heritage Restaurant
Enjoy traditional Emirati dishes like machbous and harees in a restored heritage house near the creek.
1h 30m · $25-35 per person
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe (Dubai Festival City Mall)
Atmospheric Emirati restaurant styled like old Dubai; try the machbous (spiced rice with meat) and luqaimat for dessert.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Al Hajarain Restaurant
Traditional Emirati cuisine including moutabel dip and exceptional lamb, chicken, and beef kabob platters in Hatta village.
1h 30m · $20-32 per person