25 Best Things to Do in Dubai: A Local Guide for Tourists and Residents

Dubai is the kind of city where you can explore traditional souks in the morning, admire futuristic skyscrapers in the afternoon and sail beneath a glittering skyline in the evening.

For first-time visitors, the choices can feel overwhelming. Should you visit Burj Khalifa? Explore Old Dubai? Take a desert safari? Go on a yacht? Enjoy a dhow dinner cruise?

The good news is that you don’t have to choose just one type of experience.

Here are 25 of the best things to do in Dubai, from famous attractions to unforgettable experiences on the water and in the desert.

1. Take in the View from Burj Khalifa

No first trip to Dubai feels complete without seeing Burj Khalifa.

Its observation decks offer spectacular views across Downtown Dubai, the coastline and the surrounding desert. For great photographs, consider visiting later in the afternoon and watching the city transform as evening arrives.

2. Explore Old Dubai

Dubai isn’t only about skyscrapers.

Head towards Bur Dubai and Dubai Creek to discover a different side of the city. Traditional buildings, souks, small shops and historic waterways offer a glimpse into Dubai’s past.

After exploring the area, you can continue your experience on the water with a traditional dhow cruise in Bur Dubai.

3. Visit Al Seef

Al Seef is a beautiful waterfront destination where heritage-inspired architecture meets modern restaurants, shops and cafés.

It is a great place for walking, dining and photography, particularly later in the day when the waterfront atmosphere comes alive.

If you are looking for more places to experience Dubai from the water, explore the Dubai yacht and cruise experiences from Tour UAE With Rawan.

4. Take a Traditional Dhow Cruise

A dhow cruise is one of the best ways to combine sightseeing, dining and entertainment.

Traditional wooden dhows have an important connection to the region’s maritime history. Today, they offer visitors a memorable way to experience Dubai’s waterways.

Our Traditional Dhow Cruise in Bur Dubai offers a 90-minute cruise with an international buffet and onboard entertainment.

5. See Dubai Marina from the Water

Dubai Marina looks impressive from the promenade, but it becomes even more spectacular from the water.

Cruising through the area gives you views of the towers, waterfront developments and famous landmarks around the Marina.

You can explore available Dubai Marina yacht cruises and choose an experience that suits your plans.

6. Take a Yacht Cruise

If you want to experience Dubai from a different perspective, step aboard a yacht.

A yacht cruise lets you relax, enjoy the sea breeze and photograph the skyline away from the traffic and crowds.

Tour UAE With Rawan offers a range of yacht cruises in Dubai, including experiences from Marina Harbour and Al Jaddaf.

7. Watch the Sunset from a Yacht

Dubai sunsets are beautiful from land, but seeing the sky change colours while sailing on the water is a completely different experience.

A sunset or evening cruise can be perfect for couples, families and groups celebrating a special occasion.

For a popular evening option, take a look at the 5-Star Luxury Yacht Experience at Marina Harbour.

8. Go on a Desert Safari

Leave the city behind and head into the Arabian Desert.

A desert safari can combine adventure, scenery, traditional activities, dinner and entertainment in one memorable experience.

Explore our Dubai Desert Safari experiences to choose between options with or without pickup.

9. Try Dune Bashing

For adventure lovers, dune bashing is one of Dubai’s classic experiences.

Travel across the rolling desert dunes in a 4×4 and experience a side of Dubai that feels completely different from the city.

If you prefer the convenience of transportation, consider a Dubai Desert Safari with Land Cruiser 4×4 pickup.

10. Ride a Camel

Camel rides offer a slower and more traditional way to experience the desert.

They are especially popular with visitors who want memorable photographs against the backdrop of the Arabian dunes.

11. Try Sandboarding

If you’ve never tried sandboarding, Dubai’s desert gives you the opportunity to slide down the dunes and experience the landscape in a fun and different way.

12. Visit Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall combines shopping, dining and entertainment in the heart of Downtown Dubai.

It can easily be combined with a visit to Burj Khalifa and other Downtown attractions.

13. Explore Downtown Dubai at Night

Downtown Dubai becomes especially impressive after sunset.

The illuminated Burj Khalifa, restaurants and surrounding skyline make it one of the most popular areas for an evening in the city.

14. Visit the Gold Souk

For a completely different atmosphere, visit Dubai’s traditional Gold Souk.

The area is known for its jewellery shops and provides another glimpse into Dubai’s historic trading culture.

15. Take an Abra Across Dubai Creek

A traditional abra ride is one of the simplest ways to experience Dubai Creek.

For visitors interested in spending more time on the water, you can turn your Creek experience into an evening out with a Bur Dubai dhow dinner cruise.

16. Spend Time at Dubai’s Beaches

Dubai’s coastline offers plenty of opportunities to relax, swim and enjoy the sunshine.

You can also combine a beach day with an evening yacht cruise for a completely different view of the city.

17. Explore Dubai Marina Walk

Dubai Marina Walk is ideal for a relaxed stroll, a meal or simply watching the boats pass by.

But if you really want to experience the Marina, don’t just look at the water from the promenade.

Get onto it.

Explore the available Marina Harbour cruises and private yachts.

18. Visit JBR

JBR combines beach life, restaurants, shopping and a lively waterfront atmosphere.

It is easy to combine a visit to JBR with an evening cruise departing from the Marina area.

19. Discover Al Jaddaf from the Water

Al Jaddaf offers another excellent way to experience Dubai’s waterways.

From the water, you can enjoy views around Dubai Creek and landmarks in the surrounding area.

Explore Al Jaddaf yacht cruises for another side of Dubai beyond Marina and Downtown.

20. Enjoy Dinner on the Water

Why have an ordinary dinner when the city can be your backdrop?

A dinner cruise combines food, sightseeing and entertainment into one experience.

You can browse both dhow cruises in Dubai and yacht cruises to find the experience that best suits your evening.

21. Take Photos of Dubai’s Skyline

Dubai is one of the world’s most photogenic cities.

From Downtown to Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek, there is no shortage of incredible backdrops.

Some of the best angles, however, can only be seen from the water.

22. Have a Romantic Evening

A sunset yacht trip, evening dinner cruise or waterfront walk can make a memorable date night in Dubai.

For couples looking for something more intimate, explore the private yacht options at Marina Harbour.

23. Plan a Family Day Out

Families can combine different Dubai experiences depending on their interests.

A morning of sightseeing followed by an evening cruise or desert safari can create a full day of activities without spending the entire day travelling between attractions.

24. Experience Dubai After Dark

Dubai changes dramatically after sunset.

The skyline lights up, the temperature becomes more comfortable and the waterfront takes on a completely different atmosphere.

An evening Dubai yacht cruise or dhow cruise is a great way to experience the city at night.

25. See Dubai from Three Different Perspectives

If you really want to experience Dubai, don’t see it from only one angle.

Explore the city from the streets.

Sail across its waterways.

Then leave the skyscrapers behind and discover the desert.

That is what makes Dubai such a fascinating destination.

Explore Dubai with Tour UAE With Rawan

At Tour UAE With Rawan, we help tourists and residents experience different sides of Dubai.

From private yachts and yacht cruises to traditional dhow cruises and Dubai Desert Safaris, there is an experience for couples, families, friends and groups.

Whether you’re visiting Dubai for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, there is always another side of the city to discover.

See Dubai. Sail Dubai. Experience Dubai with Rawan.