10 Must-Do Things in Dubai for First-Timers (An Insider’s Guide)
If you’ve never been to Dubai before, choosing which activities and attractions to put on your to-do list can be a daunting task. There are just so many must-do things in Dubai for first-timers!
Chances are your trip is going to be a relatively quick one. So, if you’re wondering which things you absolutely must have on your Dubai bucket list, here are my recommendations. This is a list of things I always recommend that family and friends do during their trips to the city and they are all crowd-pleasers.
From getting bird’s-eye views of the Palm Jumeirah from a sky-high infinity pool to riding through the desert in a vintage Land Rover to sipping cocktails while marveling at the Dubai Fountain Show and the Burj Khalifa, it’s possible to pack many of Dubai’s top attractions and activities into a short trip.
If you’re looking to tick off as many of the must-do things in Dubai for first-timers as possible, I’ve got you covered with my top 10 picks.
You might also enjoy reading:
- One Day in Dubai: Make the Most Out of Your Quick Trip!
- 3 Days in Dubai: The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (which I’m so thankful for!) at no extra cost to you.
The Top 10 Must-Do Things in Dubai for First-Timers
1. See the Burj Khalifa
No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the Burj Khalifa (aka the world’s tallest building). This 160-story feat of engineering juts into the sky at a whopping 828 meters (2,716.5 feet) and it’s unreal when you see it in person.
There are quite a few ways to experience the Burj Khalifa. You can book “At the Top” tickets to take in the insane 360-degree views from the 124th and 125th floors. Or go all out on the “SKY” tickets, which allow you to skip the line and get exclusive access to the 148th floor.
Better yet, make reservations to drink or dine at Atmosphere, a chic restaurant and lounge located on the 122nd story of the Burj Khalifa, where you can take in the same views.
But if you’re short on cash or time, you can also just take in this engineering marvel from Burj Park at the base of the building. Whether you go to the top or enjoy it from the outside, trust me when I say the Burj Khalifa will impress!
Once you’ve gotten enough neck-craning views, you’ll find tons of cool things to do within walking distance of the Burj Khalifa, too.
2. Explore Dubai Mall
The massive Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world, and if you’re not very careful, you will get lost. But it’s worth the risk because inside this gargantuan structure, you’ll find tons of must-see Dubai attractions.
Dubai Mall boasts 12 million square feet of space, 1,200+ stores, 200+ food and drink outlets, and it’s growing all the time. If you don’t know where to start, I highly recommend hunting down the 4-story Dubai Waterfall (pictured above), seeing the sea creatures (for free!) outside of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, getting your candy fix at Candylicious World, and snapping all the selfies in the kitschy Chinatown.
But that’s just scratching the surface, so check out my full guide on the best things to do in Dubai Mall!
3. Embark on a Desert Safari
A desert safari is a must on any first-timer’s Dubai bucket list. But if you want to do things the ethical and sustainable way, I highly suggest you book your trip with Platinum Heritage.
The Heritage Desert Safari is one of the most popular options. On this tour, you’ll hop in a very Instagrammable vintage Land Rover and be driven through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the flora and fauna of the Dubai desert, as well as the Bedouin history, lifestyle, and culture. You’ll also be treated to an Emirati dinner, traditional performances, and a magical desert sunset.
There are tons of other tour options too. So if you’d prefer to ride a camel, learn to train a falcon, or set sail in a hot air balloon, you’ll find the perfect eco-friendly option for you and your crew on their website!
4. Ride the Big Red Bus
Taking a ride on the hop-on, hop-off Big Red Bus is easily one of the top must-do things in Dubai for first-timers. I recommend doing this early in your trip because it’ll help you get your bearings and learn which things interest you the most.
Both the 24-hour and 48-hour passes will whisk you away to top Dubai attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. And of course, you’re free to hop off to do some exploring whenever you’d like.
It’s actually well worth the cost because it makes getting around the city a breeze – literally because this double-decker bus is open-air on top!
5. Stroll Along the Dubai Marina
Walking along the Dubai Marina is another one of the must-do things in Dubai for first-timers. As you’re walking along the 7-kilometer Marina Walk you can easily tick off all of the best things to do in Dubai Marina.
Go ziplining across the marina with XLine Dubai Marina, take endless photos from the viewpoint on Al Sayorah Bridge, shop and dine at Marina Mall, or embark on a dinner cruise, just to name a few things.
6. Get High at The View Palm Jumeirah
If you’re interested in taking in one of the most iconic views in Dubai, you’ll want to make reservations for The View Palm Jumeirah. The General Admission Tickets will give you access to the 52nd-floor viewing deck of the famous Palm Tower.
For an even better view, though, the Fast Track + Next Level Tickets allow you to skip the line and take in the views from the 54th floor sans the glass windows.
Or for an experience that’s even more unique…
7. Take in Palm Jumeirah Views from AURA SKYPOOL
The iconic AURA SKYPOOL is also located in The Palm. This is the “World’s Highest 360° Infinity Pool.” And it’s an even better alternative to The View Palm Jumeirah if you want to experience a quintessential Dubai pool day.
But trust me, you’re going to want to snag your time slot well in advance because they do book up quickly. You can make reservations through their website 60 days ahead of your visit.
Whether you want to visit for sunrise, during the daytime, or after dark, the select time slots allow you to stay for either 3 or 4 hours. Or, you can always go big with the Full Day Pool Experience!
If you’re feeling parched or peckish during your visit, you can have everything from champagne, cocktails, and mocktails to Pan-Asian fare brought right to your lounger (for an extra fee, of course).
8. Get Charmed in Old Dubai
Old Dubai often gets overshadowed by the glitz and glam of “New Dubai,” but this is one of my favorite parts of the city. Must-see areas of Old Dubai include Al Seef, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, and Deira, which are all located near each other.
If you really want to get to know the culture and history of Dubai, it’s well worth spending some time in Old Dubai. You can take in the hustle and bustle of the Gold and Spice souks in Deira, ride a traditional abra (wooden boat) across Dubai Creek, learn about UAE history and culture at Al Fahidi Fort (Dubai Museum) and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, and relish in the old-world-style architecture in Al Seef.
For more ideas, check out my guide to the best things to do in Old Dubai.
9. Watch the Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain Show is one of the most touristy things to do in Dubai for newbies. But I always argue that it’s a must. Plus, I have a few tips on how you can escape the crowds!
The Dubai Fountain Show takes place on Burj Lake at the base of the Burj Khalifa every half hour each evening from 6 pm to 11 pm, and it’s completely free to attend. As you’ll see, hordes of people turn up to see the show. If you want to get an up-close view, you’ll want to snag your spot just as one show is ending and wait for the next show to begin.
Or, if you plan ahead, you can get awesome views while sipping boozy beverages from the terrace at Time Out Market or the floating deck at The Taphouse (Souk Al Bahar). Another option is to book tickets to ride a traditional abra (boat) around Burj Lake during the show for AED 69 (USD $19), or enjoy the show from just 9 meters (30 feet) away by reserving a spot on the new Floating Dubai Fountain Boardwalk for just AED 20 (USD $5.50)!
10. See the Ain Dubai
The Ain Dubai is another one of the most famous attractions in Dubai. Yet another one of Dubai’s many engineering marvels, the Ain Dubai stands proud as the world’s tallest observation wheel, towering at nearly twice the size of the London Eye.
This massive structure is 250 meters (820 feet) tall and boasts 48 temperature-controlled cabins that can carry a total of 1,750 passengers at one time. One full rotation takes roughly 38 minutes, and the views of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah from the top are simply unbeatable.
But before you get too excited about riding on the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, you should know that the Ain Dubai is temporarily closed. But rumor has it it may be operational again soon.
Even so, taking in views of the Ain Dubai is still one of the must-do things in Dubai for first-timers. So, if you want to see this marvel in person, make your way to JBR and take a stroll over the pedestrian bridge to Bluewaters Island. It’s well worth timing your visit to see the Ain Dubai during the evening when its LED display is all lit up!
