Places to visit in Dubai
Planning a trip to Dubai but unsure of what activities to indulge in? Look no further! Having visited Dubai twice, I’ve put together an exciting list of diverse and enjoyable activities to make your visit memorable.
Every visit to Dubai offers a unique experience and would highly recommend visiting! In this blog, discover the exciting options that Dubai has to offer for an unforgettable adventure.
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Hatta
You should definitely consider including a day trip to Hatta in your Dubai itinerary, the perfect activity; it’s just a 1.5-hour drive from the city. Starting early is advisable to avoid hiking in the peak heat to the Hatta sign, and you can find food stalls at the Hatta resort if you get hungry after the hike.
Activities at Hatta include:
• Hike trail (several routes) – free
• Mountain biking – additional cost
• Axe throwing – additional cost
• Zip wire – additional cost
Book here.
After the hike you can head over to Hatta Dam, which is only a 15min drive away. There’s a free shuttle that will take you to the Dam where you can enjoy a kayak ride on the lake. The views are unreal and I highly recommend making the visit.
Overnight cabins in the mountains offer a sweet escape from the busy city life, providing a peaceful atmosphere for anyone who’s looking for a retreat.
Creek Harbour
For the best cityscape views, visit Dubai’s Creek Harbour, especially at night for a stunning sunset and a lovely evening stroll. There’s lots of dining options, like Vietnamese Foodies, offering tasty choices. The creek is beautifully lit up at night and creates a picturesque setting, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
Burj Khalifa
Although I didn’t go up to the top of the Burj Khalifa, I viewed from the bottom near the water fountains. It’s an absolutely amazing building – both during the day and at night. If you are visiting at night you’ll get the chance to enjoy the light show.
If you want to go up to the top you can book here: getyourguide.com
Cost: 160 AED
Dubai Mall
Exploring the largest mall in Dubai can easily take up a whole day. From a full aquarium to an ice rink, there’s so much to do! The endless shops and numerous dining options, you’re spoilt for choice. I dined at Joe’s Cafe with its fantastic outdoor seating with amazing views of the Burj Khalifa and water fountain show, make it a great experience without the crowds.
Dubai water fountain show
Watching the Water fountain show is a must when visiting Dubai. The most beautiful show I have seen. It runs every 30mins in the evening from 6-11:30pm. You can either stand in the crowd to watch or you can book a table at one of the restaurants with a view of the show. I watched from Joes cafe whilst dining.
Beach club/Poolside access
Dubai offers numerous beach club options, mainly situated in the Palm area. I visited Ula Beach Club, at 150AED for the day with 50AED redeemable on food, comes highly recommended. If you prefer a pool experience, consider The First Collection Hotel in JVC, where a 100AED full-day access fee is redeemable on food and drinks – the music is great and brings the vibes.
Dubai Desert Safari Trip
Prepare yourself for the ultimate Dubai experience with a Desert Safari adventure. A must-do on your Dubai itinerary, this popular activity offers an unforgettable journey through the desert. I opted for Arabian Adventures, providing shared or private transfers (400-500 AED for two people). The package includes desert transfers, quad biking, camel rides, a 4×4 adventure, a camp dinner, and more! Capture stunning sunset moments when travelling through the sand dunes.
Secure your Desert Safari experience here.
For further details, visit here.
Dubai Marina
Explore the beauty of Dubai Marina, a residential area famed for the iconic JBR beach and towering luxury skyscrapers. Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque Dubai Marina Walk, offering numerous dining options and a pleasant atmosphere. The stunning backdrop of the Marina allows for the perfect memorable photos.
Enjoy a light lunch at Dubai Marina – dining spots
Why not try a boat ride at Dubai Marina. Book your experience here.
Global village
Spend the evening at Global Village – a must-visit on your Dubai itinerary. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this iconic attraction opens its gates from 6 pm to 3 am, offering a unique blend of cultures from 90 countries. Offering vibrant food stalls, shopping avenues, and live shows. Don’t miss the lively funfair area.
Plan your visit and discover more on TripAdvisor
Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road E 311, Dubai, with an entry fee of 25 AED.
Restaurants
• Joe’s cafe
• Cheesecake factory
• Leen’s Restaurant
• Vietnamese Foodies
• Jollof Hut at Global village
Transport
• Download Careem app: order Hala taxi
• Take metro: however the stops are very central
• Hire car and drive: be very cautious driving at night
I hope you found this helpful in planning your next trip to Dubai.
Thank you for taking the time to read! Until next time.
Kem x