8 Things You Must Do In Dubai

Dubai is a quintessential vacation spot for travelers in the US, UK and beyond. Located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is one of the most modern cities in the Middle East, with towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping and a booming nightlife scene. If you haven’t considered visiting Dubai before, you will after reading what this flourishing city has in store for you and your loved ones on your next holiday. Don’t be mislead that it has to be expensive either, there are budget accommodation options and you can find cheap flights to Dubai here – don’t forget to take notes on all the must-see sites during your stay!

1. Burj Khalifa

At the heart of Dubai lies Burj Khalifa. Burj Khalifa is more than just another skyscraper: it clocks in as the world’s tallest building, with over 200 stories and 160 levels. For less than 70 USD, you can purchase a ticket to the top floor observation deck, which provides breathtaking views of the city through manual and digital telescopes. This is one of the man made wonders of the world you won’t want to forget to cross off your bucket list!

2. Dubai Fountains

If you’re a fan of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas, Nevada, you will love the Dubai Fountains. Created by the same architect, these fountains shoot up as high as a 50-story building. These well-lit fountains perform intricate choreography to lively music as observers watch the dancing spray. Visit at night to witness their full effect – the show occurs every 30 minutes between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

3. The Dubai Mall

Calling the Dubai Mall a mere shopping mall does not do this shopper’s paradise justice! With over 1,200 retail stores and hundreds of food and beverage retailers, one might guess that this mall attracts visitors from all over the world. However, the destination is also prime for families with young children, as the mall also boasts an underwater aquarium, ice skating rink, indoor playground and massive movieplex.

4. Dubai Creek

For travelers interested in world history, there is no better site in the UAE than Dubai Creek. Located at the heart of the city, the Creek marks the site where Dubai’s original Bani Yas tribe settled hundreds of years ago. Today, the region is home to the Dubai Museum, an interactive exploration of Dubai’s rich history, as well as many historic trade routes home to the region’s luxurious gold, spice and textile industry.

5. Dubai Marina

The world’s largest man-made marina, Dubai Marina, is a photographer’s paradise. With stunning views of the ocean and cityscape, you won’t want to leave. Stroll along the Dubai Marina Walk to see all the beautiful city has to offer, or set sail from the Dubai Marina Yacht Club for an opulent view from the marina’s cerulean waters.

6. Aquaventure Waterpark

If you have ever dreamed of floating high above the city in a water tube, then Aquaventure Waterpark is the place to finally make those dreams come true! Located at Dubai’s extraordinary hotel, Atlantis The Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark offers one of the world’s only opportunities to zip through an underwater tunnel with views of some of the most dangerous sea creatures alive. Whether relaxation or thrill-seeking are more your speed, Aquaventure Waterpark has something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for family travel in Dubai.

7. Green Planet Indoor Rainforest

Though you might be surprised to find a rainforest in the desert, Dubai’s Green Planet Indoor Rainforest delivers on its promise to show visitors the exotic flora and fauna of the natural rainforest. This vertical rainforest aims to educate families about the natural world, while still offering an exciting experience. As the plants and animals who call it home can attest, Green Planet Indoor Rainforest is unlike anything you will find outside Dubai!

8. The Gold Souk

One of Dubai’s characterizing qualities is its plentiful of cheap gold products – but as TIME Magazine writes, “you’ll have to haggle for it.” Enter the Gold Souk, a dazzling marketplace for precious metals and jewels that attracts locals and tourists alike. Because the government strictly regulates the marketplace, you can be assured that you will walk away with nothing less than genuine gold after your time in the Souk.