10+ Things You Must Experience in Dubai

Stay at the Burj Al Arab

One of the only 7–star hotels in the entire world, this place exudes luxury. You cannot miss the hotel as it is shaped like a sailboat. Fun fact: each floor has its own concierge and smell — that’s right, a different smell. It smells amazing in there.

Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden

Open only during the winter months when the heat won’t kill the flowers. The within the garden houses, cars, and famous landscapes are sculptured out of millions of flowers.

Go to the top of the Burj Khalifa

While this may sound scary, the view from the top is quite spectacular. Purchase a ticket in advance because they do sell out. I would recommend going around 5pm so you can see the daylight, sunset and night time views. It is a bit pricey, about $100USD but worth every penny.

Go on a desert sunset safari and see camels

This is such a different vibe from the concrete jungle that is the city. It’s dusty, it’s hot and it’s beautiful. When you see the camels and their silhouettes against the sunset you will feel like you are living inside the movie Aladdin. These tours typically offer henna and falconry as well.

Visit the Dubai Aquarium in the largest mall in the world

You can get lost in this mall but the aquarium is quite large and hard to miss. You can see from the outside the workers who get in to feed the many animals or even take your hand at putting on a suit waist deep and getting in to feed the stingrays.

Hit up the Marina to see the tallest block of residential buildings

The marina will blow you away with the large yachts and even larger residential buildings.

Dine among the fish at Al Mahara

A luxury dining experience in the Burj Al Arab. You do need a reservation to even enter the hotel, so book in advance. The chef, Nathan Outlaw, is a two-time Michelin Star recipient.

Spend a day at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Located on the palm crescent, this is where you go to be a kid for a day. Grab your inner tube, SPF and get ready to ride the rapids and waterslides until your body prunes.

Ride an Abra across the Dubai Creek

One the best experiences in my opinion. The cost is 1 dirham to ride this wooden boat across the creek and there are several of them leaving every minute connecting the souks.

Visit the Spice Souk

This souk is located with the gold souks and reminiscent of old Dubai. You won’t see the sky high buildings and luxe of the city here.