Top 10 Things To Do In Dubai | Sights Markets Beaches & More

 

I was lucky that during this visit I had my friend to show me around the city to get the most of my visit exploring the list of Dubai tourist places below. With an all year round sun (something we only dream about in London), what more could a girl ask for? Well, this girl wanted to know where the Malls were, after all the malls are all among lists of Dubai must-see places.

 

Having enjoyed the sun and exploring the old and new Dubai, the beautiful malls and great activities I must say, Dubai certainly has wow factor and then some! Here are my top 10 things to do  in Dubai if you happen to be seeking sun, sea and sand in the Middle East.

 

 

 

 

 

It doesn’t get any more convenient than Sheik Zayed Road. Beautifully located and overlooks Burj Khalifa in the distance. Great service with a contemporary feel to the décor.  There are other options around the area but I like the location and the fact that it was fairly central and close to Dubai Mall, World Trade Centre and Emirates Mall.

 

 

For full list of options on where to stay in Dubai, check on my guide on the best places to stay on Dubai Marina as well as a guide to the best areas to stay in Dubai. What better way to experience all the things to do in Dubai for tourists than in the comfort of a well-located hotel or apartment.

 

 

 

 

If can’t find it here then it probably doesn’t exist. I am only kidding, but that should give you an idea of how big this place is. This is something to experience!  They call it the “social and lifestyle experience” and a great addition to your Dubai activities itinerary.

 

 

 

Whether you are a novice shopper or an old hand, you have to experience the spectacular array of outlets; all 1,200 of them! Entertainment options from ski slopes, Sega, an aquarium and cinema reels. When you need a break from all that, you can feast your way around the world with restaurants and cafes serving food from world cuisines. If you are still belly-aching for more because you are some voracious tourist, then you can have more! Just step on outside for a spectacular show.

 

 

Ever seen water dance?! Well Step outside and you should be able to answer yes to that question if anyone ever asks.  Another must see in Dubai is, of course, The Dubai Fountain! Water projected as high as 500 meters and choreographed to music. When I was there the spraying was swaying to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Yes, they also had that scary laugh at the end of the song while the water turned to mist. It was definitely time to head back for some shut eye and get ready for another day of exploring.

 

 

Time to time they change the water sequence as well as the music the water dances to. So, if you are looking for must see attractions in Dubai, this is one to check out especially in the evenings as things wind down.

 

 

Built in Arabic old style architecture and features a labyrinth of little alleyways that attempt to obscure the shops and array of restaurants around the Souk.  With Lantern-lit hallways, narrow water ways and the faint smell of oils and aromatic scents with prices being negotiable, you can try and haggle yourself a bargain. 

Not as authentic as I thought it would be though, but still another beautiful place to hang out. It also offers an amazing view of the Burj Al Arab(picture at the top of this post). In addition to adding the Madinat Souk to your Dubai must-see places, is adding the Abra boat ride when you visit the souk. If you are staying at Jumeirah Beach hotel, the rides are free.

 

 

This is the ultimate in the top 1o activities to do in Dubai. I am sure you have heard of this self-proclaimed 7-star hotel ( official ratings only go up to 5 stars). Its among the top in places worth visiting in Dubai. Dominating the skyline from many angles around the city.

 

 

You couldn’t ignore it if you tried. The world’s tallest hotel with world-class service. My friend and I were booked for an afternoon tea in the Sky View Bar on the 27th Floor. We also struck luck as we were moved to the corner window side table which had views of the Palm Island and Jumeirah Beach.

You cannot come to Dubai without sipping fine tea 200 meters above sea level, quenching your thirst while the jazz music soothes the mind allowing you to dream a little whilst the sun is setting right before your eyes. The main lobby of the hotel also has a water fountain that has fantastic rhythmic synchronisation to the water.

 

 

 

This is among things not to miss in Dubai. That’s if you didn’t manage to buy yourself a gold bar from the ATM in Dubai Mall. Yes, I did spot an ATM you could bar gold bars from.  Well considering the fact that Dubai is known for cheap gold (not bad quality but cheap as in great prices compared to other countries), no wonder they can afford to have ATMs with gold bars. If you fancy yourself as a bargain hunter, also check out these cheap things to do in Dubai.

 

 

You just can’t haggle at the ATM, so instead, you head for the Gold Souk in Khalid Bin Waleed Road. Here you will find window displays with more gold than should be allowed. I now understand why people get gold teeth! Well, I guess at that point you have so much gold that you don’t even know what to do with it.  So instead you just throw a few bars in your mouth and chew on that for a while.

 

 

This is among top Dubai attractions and activities, if only for the experience alone. Before heading out to dinner on the boat we spent some time around the creek and took the abra(wooden boats) to cross over to Deira. If you want to see the old Dubai then head to Dubai Creek as it connects Deira and Bur Dubai creating a mix of new and old. The souks are also within walking distance.

 

 

After mingling it was time to clean up and head for dinner on the boat, which circled around the creek to give you a glimpse of the towering Skyscrapers that litter the skyline. The food was absolutely fantastic with light entertainment on board.

 

 

 

Can you hear me?! That was my friend mattering those words as my ears hadn’t popped yet. That’s what happens when you ascend 124 floors in 60 seconds flat! Burj Khalifa has some 200+ floors and more than any other building in the world.

 

 

It’s recommended you book in advance to avoid the queues. That is for the timed ticket, or you can pay a little more and go up whenever you decide to turn up.You cannot come to Dubai and not visit the world’s tallest structure. Yes, our very own Shard here in London tried to reach the heights but fall short a few floors.

 

 

 

 

The observatory deck on the 124th floor, on a good day offers ant-like views of little cars moving about on the ground. With car lights turning into long lines forming the roadway gives you an idea of just how high up you are in the air.

This is another one in top things to do in Dubai and things not to miss in Dubai. The journey is not for the faint-hearted or those spotting dentures as you are more likely to spit those bad boys out. We were picked up from the hotel and driven to the desert. Arriving at the Desert we changed to a 4×4 for an adventurous ride in the sand dunes.

 

 

It seemed like the driver got a kick out of the ladies screaming for mercy that he decided on another extra ride in the dunes just for the fun of it. My head said “Lets do that again!” while my stomach whispered, “I swear to God if you get in that car I will show everyone what you had for breakfast!”

 

This was one of the highlights of my trip to Dubai. Also Playing dress up(see picture below) in the desert, getting an owl to sit on my hand, watching a belly dancer balance a sword on her head, music and great food among other things.

Playing dress up in the desert

 

This is one of those places to add to your night activities in Dubai. Also, the best place to watch the sun set while enjoying the early evening breeze at theOne and Only Mirage. We enjoyed a cozy and quiet Moroccan tea session on the rooftop terrace beautifully decorated with embroidered cushions, candle lights. The place is laid back, allowing you to just chill out and unwind and stay in the moment.

 

 

1. Recover at…A Ladies Only Spa.

It was time to chill out after all of that. Dubai in all of its luxury you won’t fail to find a spot to pumper yourself. That goes for the guys too. Among the cool places to are Dubai spas. My friend booked us into a ladies only spa were be had the Arabic hammam(Moroccan baths).

 

 

A place where you get a good scrub down(AND I mean a REALLY good scrub down). Nails done, massages, it was now time to have some henna done. I had 2 people, one working and doodling away with henna on my hands and the other drawing some fancy designs on my feet. So relaxing I almost fell asleep.

We are at 1, the countdown over. It was time to return home. Chilled and relaxed. The perfect ending to my week in Dubai.

 

 

If you also happen to have a transit stop over for a couple of  hours in Dubai then heard for Dubai Mall or even Burj Khalifa for quick exploring. The journey from the airport to Burj Khalifa station is about 30 minutes so a round trip of about an hour and factor in some time to look around too then back to the airport.

There is more to see and do in Dubai, Dubai helicopter tours or sky diving over the Palm Island, there is an adventure to be hard for all. I would love to do a skydive near the Palm or the World Islands, but want to see Oman first before heading back to Dubai.