1. Climb to top of the world at Burj Khalifa
No Dubai trip is complete without seeing the tallest building in the world. Being 828 meters high, Burj Khalifa has two observation decks ready to show you the world from above: At the Top (452 meters) and At The Top Sky (555 meters).
I would suggest going there early in the morning so you can catch the sunrise or in the late afternoon, during sunset, so you can see it both by day and by night when the city turns on the lights.
PS: If you want to dine in style, try world’s tallest restaurant – Atmosphere at the 122nd floor.
2. Prepare to be amazed by the magical Dubai Fountain
Right next to the iconic Burj Khakifa, you will find the largest choreographed fountain in the world. And you should definitely take the time to see one or two shows while visiting the city. The dancing fountain performs daily, every half hour between 6 pm and 11 pm.
Tip: For the best view, you can choose to eat at one of the restaurants in Dubai Mall that are situated at level 2 or 3 facing the fountain. I promise it is going to be worth it!
PS: Apple Store has an amazing view as well, but it can get quite crowded.
3. Go shopping at the largest mall in the world: Dubai Mall
Since we are talking about Downtown Dubai, you should definitely pay a visit to Dubai Mall. Even if you are not the biggest shopping fan, the largest mall in the world deserves to be seen. It is equivalent in size to more than 50 soccer fields!
Here you can find some of the best restaurants, every shop you can think of, both prêt-a-porter and haute couture, an Olympic-sized ice rink, a huge aquarium and underwater zoo and a massive indoor cinema.
4. Eat your way through the city
Dubai is the perfect place for foodies since you can find amazing restaurants everywhere. Whether you like Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese or any other specific you can think if, Dubai is the place for you. I have a few recommendations for you, but the list is endless: Italian: Luigia or Roberto’s, Chinese: PF Chang, Burgers: Black Tap, Indian: Bombay Bungalow, Libanese: Baabel or Al Falamanki etc.
PS: Gonna publish a new article soon with the best restaurants I have been to in Dubai.
5. Spend the day on a luxurious yacht
Everyone needs some spoiling from time to time and Dubai is the perfect place for that. Whether you choose it for a party with friends or just enjoy a chill day on the boat, you will certainly have the best memories. We decided to spend our engagement party with friends and it was so much fun!
You can take a tour and see Dubai Marina, JBR, Atlantis the Palm, Burj Al Arab from the sea.
6. Enjoy the sandy beaches
Dubai has both public and private beaches at your disposal. If you decide to visit a beach club and also have some fun, my favorite ones are in Dubai Marina and JBR as I love the view there: Azure Beach (also try their burgers and sushi), Zero Gravity (be sure to check their parties) or Drift Beach located at One&Only Royal Mirage.
If you want to check other locations too, try Cove Beach in the new Bluewaters Island, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Five on Palm Jumeirah or White Beach at Atlantis.
7. Visit Dubai Marina and JBR both by day and by night
Welcome to my favorite part of Dubai. The buildings here are just crazy beautiful and I love walking around at night because the skyscrapers are so impressive with the lights on.
As a plus, you have some many restaurants and bars to choose from that you will never get bored.
On our last visit, we decided to stay there and I was so in love with the view that I spent hours on the balcony.
8. Go brunching
If you are looking to have a great time while also enjoying the best meals, than brunching is the best way to do it. Be sure to check in advance because the majority of restaurants have offers for weekends and everything is included.
Our best experience was at Asia Asia Pier 7 in Dubai Marina where we enjoyed Japanese and Chinese dishes till we were no longer able to move. Sushi was great and I had the best Chinese dumplings ever. Should I also mention how delicious the Sangria was?
9. Take pictures with camels on the beach
Yes, you heard that right! You can find camels on the beach in Dubai Marina and for a small fee you can take pictures with them. It is a service that the state provides for its visitors. I do not encourage riding them, but you can feed them and take pictures with the skyscrapers in the back.
You can obviously choose to spend a day in the desert and you can see camels there as well, but we decided to skip this activity since we have done it multiples times in other countries.
10. Feed your adrenaline and go skydiving
This is by far the best memory I have from Dubai. I am a little biased because it was also the way my husband proposed to me, but when the adrenaline kicks in, you feel like you the power to conquer the world.
It was my second time skydiving, but I think Dubai offers the coolest view from above since you are actually jumping over the Palm Jumeirah.
You may be afraid right now, but you will have a lifetime experience!
This is my Top 10 Mandatory Things to Do in Dubai, but I can probably find at least other 10 activities that are worth doing like:
– visiting the Miracle Garden and Global Village
– enjoying a desert safari experience
– taking a boat ride in Old Dubai
– seeing sunset at Dubai Creek harbor
– visiting the Gold Souk
– spending the day at Burj Al Arab, the only 7 stars hotel in the world
– staying at the famous Atlantis the Palm and visiting their amazing aquarium
– having fun at one of the aqua parks
– taking a gondola ride at Madinat Jumeirah
And the list can go on and on and on! I hope I have convinced you to give it a try and I wish you a magical time exploring!
