Top Travel Tips: 9 Things Not To Miss In Dubai

Dubai Skyline Taken from the Beach at Dusk

Having thoroughly investigated the destination, Hayley from Holiday Hamster has compiled the Top 9 Things Not To Miss In Dubai.

With so many fantastic current and upcoming attractions that Dubai has to offer, I have picked out some of the things I would recommend you do while visiting this amazing city.

Things to Do in Dubai

Sight Seeing/City of Lights

Sightseeing Tour Bus Passing the Burj Khalifa

This is a great thing to do if you haven’t got much time in Dubai, as you will get to see the city’s main landmarks. And if the heat is something that would put you off being out during the day, then why not try a tour of the City of Lights, where you will get to see the city lit up at night? There are different routes to choose from on both of these city tours, but a great thing about them is that you can hop on and off at any of the stops, especially if you would like to get a closer look at some of Dubai’s top landmarks.

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aerial View of Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm, Dubai

Situated at the iconic Atlantis The Palm, this waterpark is a great day out for all to enjoy.  If you are a guest of Atlantis The Palm, then you can visit Aquaventure Waterpark for free. With different rides to suit everybody, from the Lazy River to the Water Coasters and Shark Attack, where you can ride in a one or two-person inner tube and emerge in the middle of a shark-filled lagoon, to The Leap of Faith, which is a mega slide with a near vertical drop and is definitely only for the brave!!!

For those of you with younger children, then there is the Splashes Children’s Play Area, which has plenty to keep the younger ones entertained with a day of fun-filled activities.

And for those who would like to get up close and personal with the sharks, then you can take on a Shark Safari. You don’t need to be an experienced scuba diver, and children from the age of 8 years old can take part as well.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Tourists on the The Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari, Dubai

The Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari is a definite must-do when visiting Dubai.  You ride in a Jeep on a thrilling trip through the desert, where you will stop and watch the stunning sunset and have the opportunity to take some incredible pictures of an amazing view. Then once the sun has set, you will be taken to the Bedouin-style camp where you can enjoy a feast under the stars, which includes an Arabic-style buffet and unlimited selected drinks. Whilst at the camp, you can enjoy entertainment from the Belly Dancers, ride on a camel, have traditional hand-painted henna or even enjoy some aromatic shisha. This is definitely an opportunity you should take during your time in Dubai.

Things to See in Dubai

Dubai Fountains

Dubai Fountain Show at Night

The Dubai Fountain is a must-see whilst you’re visiting the city. You can see it in the afternoon, but if you would like to experience it lit up, then you should visit the fountain in the evening when you can see it in all of its splendour with the Burj Khalifa also lit up in the background. It is the world’s largest dancing fountain and is set in Burj Lake, which is situated right outside The Dubai Mall in the heart of Downtown Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

Sun Shining Down on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai

Although you will often see this iconic building from a distance, it is recommended that you get up close to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa,  which stands at a whopping 829.8 meters tall. For an extra experience, you can purchase tickets to one of the two viewing levels, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city.

Level 148 has the world’s highest outdoor observation deck at 555 meters high, with a number of lounges where you can enjoy the breathtaking views.

Level 128 now hosts one of the newest attractions, Dubai – A Falcon’s Eye View. This allows you to view and explore the city from a different perspective.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Heart Shaped Installation at the Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai is commonly known for its deserts and dry land, but there are many different things to prove otherwise, one of them being the Dubai Miracle Garden. Here they showcase many different flowers in a huge variety of ways, with brilliant bright colours; the layouts are shaped to perfection. The garden opened in February 2013, hosting a whopping 45 million flowers, and is the largest vertical garden in the world.

You don’t just have to look at the flowers. You can visit the butterfly garden, which hosts up to 10,000 live butterfly species. You can also pick your own fruit and vegetables in the edible plants garden, that is if you fancy tasting some of the local fruit and vegetables!!

Things to Eat in Dubai

Mutton Achar Handi

Mutton Achar Handi

This is a whole-hearted meal that should be tried whilst visiting Dubai, but don’t expect a watered-down curry because Mutton Achar Handi is a full-blooded Pakistani plate with a combination of fresh green chilli and various spices that will leave you wanting more.

Milk and Honey

Milk and Honey Desert

If you are lucky enough to get a reservation at the contemporary Lebanese restaurant Qbara, then you should definitely end your meal with their signature Milk and Honey dessert, which contains Greek yoghurt, sumac wanna cotta, and a side of honey and saffron pashmak as its ingredients, you’ll be sure to enjoy this towering treat!

Pink Diamond Oysters

Inside BiCE Restaurant, Dubai

Exclusive to BiCE’s restaurant with their pink tinge and beautiful shells, this is the only place in Dubai where you can enjoy this exquisite food, and if you do eat this dish, then the shells can be cleaned for you to take home as a souvenir which will remind you of the beautiful food and restaurant!

If you would like to visit Dubai, call our Holiday Hamster team on 01422 823 219, where “Wheel Run Around For You” to plan your perfect holiday to this beautiful city.

Article Updated: 11th October 2023

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