Book the Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai for First-Time Visitors

Occupying floors 125 and 148, At The Top grants the audience access to the entire metropolis from the FIFA’s highest open-air observatory. The Dubai Fountain performance can be viewed from this place, thus the visitors will appreciate the choreography of the water from an aerial perspective. The place offers a 360-degree view of the whole Emirate and hence is ideal for photo taking to keep your vacation in memory.

Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai Sightseeing Tour

Dubai is a city with excellent connectivity, as most of the major sites and attractions are located along its main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road. The Big Bus Dubai runs along SZR to bring you all the best places to visit. If you want to see the old trading ports and souks of the city with their rich traditional culture or the modern Burj Khalifa with its iconic architecture, the hop-on, hop-off bus gives you the chance to explore the city at your own pace.

It is your chance to experience a desert city in a stunning way through the comfort of a cool cabin and an open vehicle. The buses are running every five to fifteen minutes, thus no need for you to be concerned about waiting for an excessive time. Big Bus Dubai takes care of the whole city tour and offers a mix of informative and entertaining content throughout the trip, which will be in your preferred language since there are 12 to choose from. Besides, the trip will have more than 35 stops where you can get off and enjoy the attractions.

Royal Arabian Safari and 5-star dinner at Sahara Desert Resort

An additional bucket-list activity to do in Dubai is the desert safari. From the very beginning till the end, be in awe of the desert just like the Bedouins did and still do. Take an adventurous ride on a super-luxurious Hummer H2 or Land Cruiser and let the amazing drive through nature begin.

While rolling sand dunes are passing by, feel free to consume onboard snacks and drinks. At the desert, there will be an option to take a camel ride to see the area more. Or, you can get to know the Bedouin people better by having henna done and then enjoying a five-star buffet in an Arabian castle setting.

4×4 quad bike ride in the desert

The most thrilling adventure in Dubai and the city’s ultimate showcase through the most exciting way. Leave behind the urban area and enter the desert of moving sands for a rapid driving day on an ATV. You will be provided with a helmet and your personal ATV, and then you can take the dunes with the bike! Besides, you will also go to the quad bike track on camels for the complete Arabian desert experience.

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm

Experience the excitement and chaos at the Aquaventure Waterpark on Atlantis The Palm, the Dubai’s remarkable hotel which is placed in the middle of a man-made island. It is one of the rare locations on the planet where you can slide through a water tube with sharks and rays swimming above your head.

If you want thrilling slides and fast waters, then Aquaventure Park is the perfect place for you to get your adrenaline. Besides, if your thing is nothing but relaxing on a secluded, beautiful beach, Aquaventure water park can also take care of you. This awesome park is for everybody who loves water activities!

Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm

Once you’ve had your fun at Aquaventure, the next place to visit in your ocean-themed adventure is the Lost Chambers Aquarium, located in the same resort. Traverse the 10 glass-tunneled chambers of the aquarium to see sharks, stingrays, piranhas, lobsters, seahorses, tropical fish, and many more up close.

Experience the enchanting ocean floor that is based on the legend of Atlantis, the vanished civilization of wonders and wrecks, where you can marvel. Over 20 various marine display cases are there to discover by you. Moreover, you can touch a live starfish at the aquarium’s touching tank or get acquainted with the fish varieties by the water photographers at the aquatic center.

RIB Speed Boat sightseeing tour

Xclusive Yachts, a leading company in the field of boat services in the city, provides a unique opportunity to see the amazing Dubai from the water. The RIB speed boat ride allows you to enjoy the different well-known attractions of the Emirate. The main attractions of this tour are:

• Burj Al Arab
• Atlantis The Palm
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel
• Dubai Marina
• Jumeirah Beach Residence
• Bluewater Island

Ski Dubai

Once again, Dubai made its way to the top of the record charts with the launch of the biggest indoor ski resort in the area (and naturally, it is in one of the largest shopping malls in the world). Ski Dubai boasts five slopes with different levels of difficulty and gradients suitable for skiers of all skills, starting from the complete novice to the pro. Besides, it is the venue of the very first indoor black diamond run in the world for the brave ones who choose to take on the snow’s challenges.

A ski lift carries the skiers up to the slopes, while next to it the Snow Park offers kids’ amusement with sledding tracks and toboggan hills, climbing towers, and even an ice cave. The resort’s newest attraction – the live penguin encounters – is an extra delight for the family visiting Ski Dubai.

Green Planet Indoor Rainforest

Dubai has incorporated a rainforest which is indoor basically to its list of surprises in a desert. Get deeper into a rare world, where different kinds of plants and animals live, this vertical tropical rainforest and educate yourself about the different layers, plants, and animals that live there. The rainforest, which is a place for all ages, invites children and adults to gain first-hand knowledge of the natural world.

Motiongate Dubai

In the region, Motiongate is considered the largest themed entertainment parks, joining the ranks of the three biggest and most productive Hollywood studios – Dreamworks, Lionsgate, and Columbia Pictures. Motiongate communicates with Animated stories and characters that are loved the most.

You can totally do that and even more by having a peek at the real-life movie sets and the production studio’s set up during the golden age of the film industry. Alternatively, the interactive Smurfs village, and Shrek’s fairy tale journey; you can qickly and comfortably maneuver the Green Hornet ride and the Ghostbuster’s battle, thus, gaining entrance into the action of your favorite movies.

KidZania

In case you are going to Dubai with small kids, it is a must that you add KidZania to your travel plans. This children’s club at the Dubai Mall lets kids aged four to 16 stay in a secure environment and have fun with their imagination. The little ones can engage in pretend-play activities that are just like those of the adults.

Other ideas for top things to do in Dubai

Here are some of the most popular things to do in Dubai. However, it is important to mention that a few of them might be ticketed individually and may not be accessible through the Go Dubai pass.

1. First, you would take a ride on an abra—a traditional boat made of wood that can carry approximately twenty people—(included in the Big Bus Dubai Tour). The ride will give you the best view of the city: on the water where past and present meet, at the most beautiful part of Dubai.

2. Next, the very traditional and charming Bastakiya Quarter, that is situated between the Dubai Creek and the Bur Dubai district, will be your next visit.

3. Then, it’s time to visit the Gold Souk for some explore and bargain and buy exotic herbs & spices at the Spice Souk.

4. Next, Dubai Museum, Shindagha Museum(‘Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House’) and Heritage Village will be your next stops and you will learn how Dubai was a small fishing village in the past.

5. After, it’s time for shopping; you can visit Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates, Burjuman, Deira City Center, Marina Mall, Dubai Festival City, WAFI, or Mercato Mall.

6. Finally, you will stroll along ‘The Beach’ at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), have lunch at one of the many restaurants on the beach, or sunbathe and swim at Kite Surf Beach.

7. You will have the pleasure of Beach Day access at any of the 5-star resorts situated along the coast (Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Westin Hotel) or at the hotels on Palm Island.

8. Have a meal at the lovely Souk Madinat with breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab Hotel and Arabian Sea.

9. Participate in a Friday (Champagne) Brunch at one of the luxurious hotels – a Dubai weekend ritual!

10. Get a luxury spa treatment at one of the glittering hotels or distribute your beauty treatment over several services at the beauty salon (manicure, pedicure, massage, etc.) and so on.

11. In case you play golf, play at the awards winning courses designed by Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els. You can either go to the city’s most famous course, the 18-hole Emirates Golf Club or the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

12. Sundowners can be enjoyed at the coasting of outdoor bars and clubs (Barasti bar, 360 at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, etc.) or at the beautiful rooftop bars of 5-star hotels around the city, where there is sunshine all year long.

Dazzling Dubai adventures for first-time visitors

Our highlight of Dubai for first-timers is the ending point of the list, which is the top things to do while on holiday. No matter if your trip includes children, teenagers or only adults, there is no doubt that you and your family will enjoy a great time.

FAQ

1. What are the top attractions I should book in Dubai as a first-time visitor?

Some must-visit attractions include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Desert Safari, Dubai Marina Cruise, Museum of the Future, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

2. Should I book Dubai attractions in advance?

Yes. Popular experiences like Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, and Desert Safari can sell out quickly, especially on weekends or during peak season. Booking early ensures your preferred timing and better prices.

3. What is the best time to visit Dubai attractions?

November to March is the best time due to pleasant weather—perfect for outdoor activities like desert safaris and city tours.

4. Are combo tickets available for Dubai attractions?

Yes. Many platforms offer combo deals such as Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium or Desert Safari + Dhow Cruise, helping you save money and time.

5. What should I wear when visiting Dubai attractions?

Dubai is tourist-friendly. Wear comfortable, modest clothing, especially at cultural sites. For desert safaris, opt for breathable fabrics and closed shoes.