Things to Do in Dubai
50 curated spots from Dubai itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Gold Souk & Spice Souk
Browse dazzling gold displays, spice mounds, and textiles; enjoy people-watching and casual photography in the bustling alleyways.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Alserkal Avenue
Cluster of contemporary art galleries, concept stores, and cafes in converted warehouses.
2h · Free
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 Marina Walk
Walk or sit along the marina’s promenade, lined with yachts and high-rises; stop for coffee or photos at sunset.
1h 30m · Free
Dubai Miracle Garden
Heart-shaped arches and floral sculptures; afternoon light best for minimal flower compositions; no tripods.
2h · $20/person
Jumeirah Mosque
Join a guided tour (usually late morning/afternoon; check times) to learn about Islamic culture in a beautiful mosque open to non-Muslims.
1h 30m · $10-20
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Maze of narrow lanes with restored traditional courtyard homes, museums, and galleries showcasing UAE heritage and art.
2h · Free to explore, museums $5-8 each
Dubai Creek Abra Ride
Cross the Creek on a traditional wooden abra between Bur Dubai and Deira.
30m · $1-2
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
Explore high-end boutiques, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo from the outside, and indoor photo spots like the waterfall wall.
2h · Free (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 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
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 · $60-100Burj Khalifa At The Top (Levels 124/125)
Ride the high-speed elevator for panoramic views of the city, desert, and sea; book a sunset slot if possible.
1h 30m · $45-80 depending on time
Burj Khalifa Level 124 & 125
Ascend for 360° views; photo ops at golden hour.
1h 30m · $50
Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
Ascend the world's tallest building to experience panoramic views of Dubai's skyline, desert, and coastline.
1h 30m · $22 per personRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Social House
Casual all-day spot with Burj Khalifa views; order shakshouka or Asian-inspired breakfast dishes.
1h · $20-30 per person
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Atmospheric courtyard and majlis-style seating serving Emirati specialties; order lamb ouzi, machboos, and luqaimat for dessert.
1h 30m · $30-55 per person
Bayt Al Wakeel Restaurant
Creekside heritage building serving Emirati and Gulf dishes; sit on the wooden terrace over the water and order grilled hammour and mezze.
1h 15m · $30-50 per person
Logma
Modern Emirati sharing plates: lamb machboos, harees, and mezze.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
3Fils
Award-winning casual fine dining with Asian-inspired small plates and harbor views.
1h 30m · $40-70 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
Lebanese mezze brunch with skyline views.
1h 15m · $40-60 per person
Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)
Charming courtyard cafe in a heritage house; order the traditional Emirati breakfast tray and mint lemonade.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Time Out Market Dubai
Curated food hall with Emirati pop-ups.
1h · $40-60 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
Al Ijaza Cafeteria
Casual Dubai institution for shawarmas, juices, and quick local-style snacks.
45m · $8-15 per person
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant – Al Seef
Traditional Emirati dishes in a heritage-style setting overlooking the Creek; go for lamb ouzi and luqaimat.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Al Muntaha at Burj Al Arab
Michelin-starred French-influenced fine dining on the 27th floor of the iconic sail-shaped hotel with luxury ingredients like caviar and truffles.
2h · $95-150 per person