The 17 things to do in Dubai

Visit Dubai: what are the best things to do and see in the city of demeasure?

Dubai. The only evocation of this name is enough to tell us what we can expect: an oasis of high-end hotels, world-renowned restaurants and frankly bizarre attractions, all in the middle of the desert. Dubai is not a city to rest on its laurels, the Emirati locomotive constantly going forward (and towards the sky), there is always something new to see.

Also Dubai is a city that offers a lot of outdoor activities, sports activities and, as amazing as it may seem, in relation to nature. A crossroads between the East and the West, she embodies the Arab dream and enjoys an ever-growing reputation on the world’s tourism scene. So what to do in Dubai, where to start in this insatiable city?

Here is our guide of the best things to do and to visit in Dubai, to enlighten you a little for a first stay in this surprising city.

1. Burj Khalifa

We're not here anymore. As a symbol of the observation platforms, Burj Khalifa hosts his 124th floor “At The Top”: a spectacular viewpoint, very popular by visitors (think about ticket cut to avoid long queues). A true prowess of engineering, this tower that gives the impression of piercing the sky was elected highest building in the world (for now) with 828 meters high (or more than 2.5 times the Eiffel Tower). Completed in just six years, it illustrates Dubai’s desire to reach new summits!

2. Deïra, old town

What if we started with an authentic and typical print, often taped in the shade? Direction Deïra The old town of Dubai.

Here, forget the skyscrapers and other traces of modernity: Deïra offers you a face with miles and a scent and flavors! From spice stands to local specialties, taste the gastronomy of the country while enjoying the good business of the souk and its joyful brouha. The Dubai Museum will offer you a cultural parenthesis on the history of this small fishing village which became the first town of the United Arab Emirates.

3. Gold Market

Visiting Dubai without passing through its riches to speak is thus unthinkable. Beyond hotels, shops and attractions, the city hosts the largest gold market in the world!

Always in Deïra, enjoy your walk to discover this unique and especially authentic place where passionate, curious, local and tourists market opulence with a merchandise between 18 and 22 carats. This same commodity, which is scrupulously approved by the State prior to its sale, in order to authenticate the purchases.

If gold has the hand placed, precious stones, silver but also diamond have made a place on the market stalls, skilling it a little more abundance.

4. A safari in the desert

Aventuriers dans l’âme, ne recherche que faire à Dubai durant voter séjour ! As a gateway to the desert, the city has a few sporting activities to be experienced over the dunes.

By car or on camel’s back, enjoy a safari to discover the desert landscapes, dinner in the middle of nowhere, sleep in the beautiful star or meet the Bedouins. You can also enjoy a barbecue in the sand or try sandboarding, desert surfing.

Enjoy this moment to enjoy the absolute silence of the desert, facing the sunset. Guaranteed change!

5. A ski session

Yes, you read well: it is possible to skiing in Dubai In the middle of the desert. To do this, you have to go to Ski Dubai, a ski resort covered in a 4,000m2 dome located inside the vast Mall of the Emirates shopping centre.

Ski Dubai has its own ski school, its ski lifts and equipment rentals, and is home to 5 ski slopes. Then why not take a first ski lesson if you're a beginner ( admit it would be unusual)? Luge or snowboard lovers, you can especially enjoy yourself as if you were there (because in the end you are there?). At the end of your session, enjoy a hot chocolate in the coffee bar of the station.

6. Dubai Mall

If his ski resort is enough to look full of it, Dubai Mall reserves much more to its visitors. A flagship symbol of the city, the shopping centre is no other than the largest center in the world.

And for cause, it hosts no less than a dozen shopping centers in its 1 million m2 , or 1200 shops ! Among the must-sees and in addition to its luxurious shops, you will find the largest aquarium in the world, a 22-room cinema, the hotel The Adress Dubai Mall , as well as an Olympic ice rink.

Without a doubt, if you pass the doors of this place for the least unique in the world, you will not have time to get bored. The question is, where are you going to start?

7. The beach and the Burj Al Arab

Go spend time at the beach next to the Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world that was built to look like a veil that stands.

Here you can take the famous photo of you, standing on the sand, with the skyscraper in the background. From the top of its 321 meters, it became one of Dubai’s iconic symbols.

8. A boat ride

And since we are at the edge of the water, let’s stay there. In one of the flagship cities of demeasure, going on a water trip seems logical. Take advantage of this to navigate the Persian Gulf!

But how to do it? Wanderlix advises you two options:

A cruise in abra

Here’s one of Dubai’s least “superfluous” visits: a tower in abra (taxi boat) on Dubai Creek. Your traditional boat will take you to the old town divided into two quarters (Bur Dubai and Deïra) where you will discover a totally different atmosphere of modern Dubai, especially through various landmarks and landmarks such as the Women’s Museum.

The visit will continue to the palace of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum through the World Trade Centre from Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque or the Museum of the Arts of Islam.

An experience rich in discoveries that will make you, among other things, discover the history of the city through time.

Rent a boat

The other possibility is more independent. Indeed, renting a boat in Dubai among individuals, you will be masters of your program. No hours, no constraints!

In addition, the opportunity would be perfect for exploring Abu Dhabi , the other megapolis of the United Arab Emirates.

9. The Jumeirah Mosque

Non-Muslims are rarely allowed to see inside a mosque, but at the Jumeirah Mosque, the Open Doors project. Open Minds » (open doors, open minds) allows you to visit it.

The ideal is to join a guided tour as you can not only discover the vast interior of this boldly-style architectural marvel, but you can also ask what you want from the guide, whether it is about local culture or Islam itself.

10. The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is actually a set of fountains located in Lake Burj Khalifa. These are the largest dancing fountains on the planet, measuring 275 meters long and projecting water at 275 meters high (150 meters before).

There are shows every day at the beginning of the afternoon and every 30 minutes from 6pm to 10pm but also boat rides on the lake from which you can admire the show of the famous fountains!

11. The parks of the city

In Dubai, there are many green parks where you can walk and relax. If you want to run, or walk, parks like Dubai Creek Park, Zabeel Park, Safa Park, or Al Mamzar Beach Park are good choices. Excellent for picnicing and meeting people of all nationalities, these places are animated because very popular with visitors and locals.

It is also pleasant to stroll along the Jumeirah Beach Residence (sector in which you can also book your accommodation ) and the Dubai Marina, with many cafes and restaurants where to sit.

12. Dubai Marina

Want to visit Dubai under her best day? Enjoyed by locals like visitors, the Dubai Marina unveils the little more modern side of the city. Considered as the "New Dubai" , the neighborhood has built many buildings in its midst in which there are numerous hotels, shopping centres and supermarkets.

Reputed dynamic and lively, Dubai Marina is a must-see place in Dubai: we love walking, eating, partying or simply watching her light game once the night has fallen. Strong sensation enthusiasts can book a jet ski session there while others will live fiercely on board a yacht during a luxury cruise.

And if you like urban panoramas, go up to the 52nd floor of the Hotel Dubai Marriott Harbour: in addition to hosting ideal suites for an unforgettable stay , the latter houses the bar-restaurant "The Observatory" which promises a breathtaking view of Dubai Marina!

13. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre

The purpose of this centre is to increase awareness and understanding among the different cultures that exist in Dubai. Created under the same project as the Jumeirah Mosque “open doors, open minds”, this intercultural centre tries to break down barriers between people of different nationalities by raising public awareness of the culture, customs and religion of the United Arab Emirates.

In general, we go there for a cultural lunch to discover the traditional local cuisine: a privileged moment in which the exchange brings to meetings and intercultural communication.

14. Amusement parks

To delight young and old, Dubai obviously has lots of leisure parks and other activities full of strong sensations:

– “ Wild Wadi Water Park or " Aquaventure A huge water park in which rivers, waves and rapids call for adrenaline and fun. The lovers of the dolphins will even be able to offer an exceptional moment by swimming with the mammals.

– “ Children’s City Chidren’s City is ideal for children between the ages of 2 and 15 years. Educative and playful, the park houses learning spaces such as a planetarium, a nature center and a space reserved for the discovery of the human body.

– “ Motiongate Dubai » : what to do in Dubai in passionate about the dark rooms you are? Go for a movie adventure at Montiongate Dubai, 25 minutes from Dubai Marina. Featuring three cinema studios (Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and Lionsgate), the amusement park immerses you in the backstage of the big screen through 27 rides and 15 multimedia experiences! To extend the experience, you can enjoy the show in the Hollywood theatre. Ready? Action!

– “ Legoland » : passionate about iconic bricks, and if you dive into the world of your dreams? Direction Legoland, the amusement park at 15,000 buildings made of over 60 million LEGO bricks. On the program, a lot of attractions, 6 different universes and the visit of the LEGO factory. Small anecdote: you can pass your LEGOLAND permit in the park’s official driving school!

– “ Green Planet » : a tour of the world of tropical fauna and flora, is it tempting you? For this, go to Green Planet. With its own ecosystem, the so-called educational facility houses an enchanting world where 3,000 species and animals live in harmony. From birds to bats to snakes and monkeys, Green Planet invites petis etgrands to come to discover the wonders of the Earth by inculcating the passage, the need to preserve them.

15. The overflights of Dubai

Dubai seen from the sky, this is the unmissable trend to visit the city. The possibilities are multiple and the show guaranteed.

- Helicopter : Among the most famous overflights, the helicopter is one of the pioneers. Seen from the sky and in full privacy, enjoy a privileged moment that will leave your head in the clouds.

- Hot air balloon : in Dubai everything is possible, everything is possible. So if you’ve always dreamed of boarding a hot air balloon, why not enjoy an unusual safari? From the air, enjoy an incredible panorama of the Dubai desert! At your landing, a gourmet breakfast will be waiting for you before taking the road on a Land Rover towards the Dubai Nature Reserve.

- By seaplane : another trend and not the least, the flight by seaplane. From the waters of Dubai, enjoy an installation with an individual window on board a plane that will take you over the most beautiful sites in the city. A unique panorama for an experience that is just as much.

16. Al Quoz

Rather discreet, often in the shadow of extravagance, the artistic heritage of Dubai deserves the detour. To discover it, go to Al Quoz, the cultural and artistic district par excellence that seduces design lovers like contemporary enthusiasts.

In real life, the neighbourhood highlights art galleries where young shoots and undisputed talents express their work. In addition to the exhibitions, Al Quoz also hosts cultural events, concept-stores, bars and other organic and vegan restaurants. Or how to visit Dubai from another angle!

17. Abu Dhabi

If you're wondering what to do in Dubai to get out of its classics, direction Abu Dhabi. Not less known but equally interesting, the capital of the United Arab Emirates also reserves its wealth and wealth. essentials . The time of a trip from Dubai, go to the discovery of this queen city of oil that fascinates every traveler who crosses its doors.

Beyond its economic reputation, Abu Dhabi houses La Grande Mosque (or Sheikh Zayed Mosque) at 1000 columns and 80 domes. The result of a titanic work, La Grande Mosque has since 2007 joined Abu Dhabi’s must-sees, redundant new skin to its tourism. And for cause, we often compare its grandeur with Mecca! From Dubai, there are excursions to Abu Dhabi to visit La Grande Mosque: think in all cases to bring a covered and adapted outfit to the site.

While Abu Dhabi hosts the Hotel Emirates Palace, the most expensive hotel in the world it is possible to visit, the Dubai competitor offers beautiful walks along its famous Corniche. You will also be able to award a cultural parenthesis to the Heritage Village, an outdoor museum that tells the history of the premises before the discovery of the oil or dive into the world of the famous red car to Ferrari World .

How do I go to Dubai?

From France, several companies offer flights to Dubai. With or without stopovers, you then land at Dubai International Airport, one of the largest in the world through which more than 70 million passengers travel there every year! Dubai being a popular destination, you will find a flight at the best price on our partner's website Ulysses .

How to move to Dubai?

Once at the airport, you have a choice of options to reach downtown Dubai, which is about 20 minutes’ drive away.

• Metro

Terminals 1 and 3 of the airport have a metro station each serving the red line. Once in the row, the journey is direct to the city centre! So you can go down to Dubai Mall or Emirates Towers without changing the line. Very popular means of transport, the metro is synonymous with practicality during a stay in Dubai with a passage every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and up to 2 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.

• The car

If public transport doesn’t drink you and you’re looking for autonomy to enjoy Dubai and its surroundings, you can rent a car upon arrival at the airport. From the luxurious Dubaiote model to the more family sedan, you have a choice relative to desires!

Also know that, apart from the freedom of movement offered by car rental, it turns out to be a means of economic transport: in Dubai, the price of gasoline is derisory and most parking spaces are free.

• Private transfer

Last option and not least taken, private transfer. From the airport, you can opt for a taxi that will take you straight to the place of your choice: convenient for a stress-free stay!

Where to stay in Dubai?

Accommodation in Dubai is a little more expensive. Youth hostels are not really legion but some offer nights ranging from 25 to 40 euros per person. If you want to make savings, you can stay in a hostel in the nearby town of Sharjah (see Sharjah hotels ), but you will have to take the transport every day, which can be tiring.

Otherwise, Dubai has more than a thousand hotels, and thanks to this competition, it is still possible to find good deals in world-class hotels. To find your accommodation at the best price, take a look at this Compare hotels who, in view of the offer and good plans, will find shoe to vote foot.