The best things to do in Dubai fall into four areas: Downtown (the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain), Old Dubai (the Creek, the souks and Al Fahidi), Dubai Marina and JBR (beach and waterfront), and Palm Jumeirah. Most visitors pick one or two areas a day, because the city is spread out.
This guide shows what each area is good for, and links to a page for every kind of trip: at night, for couples, with kids, for free, on a budget, in 24 hours, in 3 days, without a car and in summer.
Downtown Dubai
This is where the Burj Khalifa stands, the world’s tallest building. The official observation decks are on level 124 and level 125 (both 360-degree decks you explore at your own pace) and level 148, called At the Top SKY, which is reached on a guided tour. Next door, Dubai Mall is free to enter, and the Dubai Fountain performs in the evenings at the edge of Burj Lake.
See Things to Do in Dubai Near Burj Khalifa for a full plan of the area.
Old Dubai
Old Dubai is on both sides of Dubai Creek. On the Bur Dubai side, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (also called Al Bastakiya) has narrow lanes, wind towers and courtyard houses, and walking through it is free. A traditional abra boat takes you across the Creek to Deira, and the Gold Souq is on the Metro Green Line. Al Seef is a heritage-style waterfront district on the Creek.
Dubai Marina and JBR
This is the beach and waterfront side of the city. JBR Beach is a public beach, and the Marina has a promenade lined with restaurants. The Dubai Tram runs mainly around the Marina and JBR, so you can get around without a taxi. See Things to Do in Dubai Near Dubai Marina.
Palm Jumeirah
The Palm has a boardwalk along its crescent with sea views, and resorts such as Atlantis The Palm.
Pick your trip
- Things to Do in Dubai at Night
- Things to Do in Dubai for Couples
- Things to Do in Dubai With Kids and Families
- Things to Do in Dubai for Free
- Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Dubai
- Things to Do in Dubai in 24 Hours or on a Layover
- Dubai in 3 Days: A Simple Itinerary
- Things to Do in Dubai Without a Car
- Things to Do in Dubai in Summer
When to go
December to March is generally the most comfortable time, with mild days and cooler evenings. Summer is very hot and humid, and July and August are the hottest months. See what to do in Dubai in summer. Global Village, a large seasonal park of pavilions, rides and shows, runs from about October to May.
Where to stay
Stay near the area you will spend most time in. Downtown is best for the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina for the beach, and Bur Dubai or Deira for Old Dubai and the Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Dubai for first-time visitors?
Downtown Dubai suits most first-time visitors because the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain are all within walking distance of each other, and the Metro stops there.
How many days do you need in Dubai?
Three days is enough to see Downtown, Old Dubai and the Marina or Palm without rushing. A short stay of one day can still cover Downtown and the Creek.
Do you need a car in Dubai?
No. The Metro has a Red Line and a Green Line, the Tram serves the Marina and JBR, and abra boats cross the Creek. See our guide to Dubai without a car.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
December to March is generally the most comfortable weather. Summer is very hot and humid.
Planning a trip to Dubai? Tell our free AI trip planner where you are going and get a day-by-day plan in seconds.
