Things to Do in Dubai
Plan your days in Dubai, your way
Dubai works beautifully as a sampler — a bit of everything, nothing forced.
Start with one big view: the Burj Khalifa at sunset, when the desert light does half the work.
Watch the fountain show below, then wander Souk Madinat's lantern-lit waterways for dinner.
Next morning, take the one-dirham abra across Dubai Creek into the old town's spice-scented lanes.
Get pleasantly lost in Al Fahidi's wind-tower alleys, then a slow lunch of machboos and mint lemonade in a shaded courtyard.
Spend an afternoon at Kite Beach — swim, snack from a food truck, watch the kitesurfers carve.
One evening, try a desert dinner camp: dunes, dates, and stars.
Squeeze in Alserkal Avenue if art tempts, or La Mer if you'd rather stroll.
Taxis and metro make it all easy; nothing is more than half an hour away.
You'll leave with the whole picture, not just the postcard.
Top attractions and places to eat in Dubai
Global Village
A large seasonal cultural and entertainment park featuring pavilions representing countries worldwide, with shopping, food, rides and live shows.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Ski Dubai
An indoor ski resort inside Mall of the Emirates featuring real snow slopes, a chairlift, tobogganing and resident penguins.
attraction · 4.5 rating
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
An iconic sail-shaped luxury hotel on its own island, widely regarded as a symbol of Dubai and one of the world's most extravagant hotels.
attraction · 4.7 rating
Ain Dubai
The world's tallest observation wheel, located on Bluewaters Island, offering panoramic views of Dubai's skyline and coastline from enclosed cabins.
attraction · 4.7 rating
Kite Beach
A popular public beach along Jumeirah known for water sports, kitesurfing, a running track and casual food outlets, with views of the Burj Al Arab.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe - Al Fahidi, Dubai
A charming courtyard cafe in the historic Al Fahidi district known for Emirati breakfasts, teas, and traditional dishes. Travelers come for the tranquil turquoise-and-white setting and local flavors.
cafe · 4.8 rating
Aroos Damascus Restaurant
A large, long-established Syrian restaurant in Deira serving generous Levantine grills, mezze and breads. A go-to for authentic, affordable Damascene cuisine.
restaurant · 4.3 rating
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant | مطعم الخيمة التراثي
A traditional Emirati restaurant set in a restored heritage house in Al Fahidi, serving classic local dishes. Travelers visit for authentic cuisine in an atmospheric old-Dubai setting.
cafe · 4.9 rating
Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah
An Arabian-themed waterpark near the Burj Al Arab with slides, wave pools and rides, popular for family and group fun.
attraction · 4.4 rating
Al Ustad Special Kebab
A historic Iranian restaurant serving grilled kebabs and rice, decorated with decades of celebrity photos. A cherished old Dubai institution for hearty, affordable meals.
restaurant · 4.4 rating
CZN Burak Dubai
An upscale Turkish restaurant chain founded by the internet-famous chef CZN Burak, known for theatrical presentation and hearty Turkish dishes. Diners come for classic Turkish grills, kebabs, and rich desserts in a lively setting.
restaurant · 4.6 rating
Bu Qtair Restaurant
A famously simple seafood shack near Jumeirah beach serving marinated fried fish and prawns with rice. A cult-favorite spot loved for its no-frills fresh catch.
restaurant · 4.2 rating
Al Fanar
An Emirati restaurant recreating 1960s Dubai decor and serving traditional local dishes. Travelers come for authentic Emirati cuisine in a nostalgic heritage setting.
cafe · 4.6 rating
Zaroob Restaurant - Sheikh Zayed Road
A popular Levantine street-food chain known for live cooking stations, shawarma, and Arabic street classics served in a vibrant, mural-lined setting.
restaurant · 4.2 rating
Jumeirah Mosque
A grand white-stone mosque built in Fatimid style, one of the few in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors through guided cultural tours.
attraction · 4.6 rating