Top 10 things to do in Dubai for first time visitors
Dubai, no doubt tops one of the world’s most visited tourist destination list, and there is a reason behind it. From the tallest building in the world to pristine white beaches, from vast deserts to some of the best theme parks, Dubai has it all.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Dubai for first time visitors!
If you plan to visit Dubai, November to March is the best decision, as after September the climate becomes much better. The best way to get into Dubai is to fly Dubai airline. Flights land here from all countries. Another option is to enter Dubai via train or road.
1. Visit Burj Khalifa
No visit to Dubai is complete without visiting this man-made wonder. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and is visible from almost anywhere in Dubai. On a clear day you can see The Burj Khalifa from 95 kms away. With a total height of 829.8 meters, it has the world’s highest observation deck at a height of 555 meters.
If you buy the ticket for visiting during sunrise or sunset, you will be able to experience the views during both day & night. The view from this marvellous wonder is insta worthy. From up there you will see the giant cosmopolitan city surrounded by vast desert dunes.
Timings:
Monday: Sunday: 8:30 am – 11.00 pm
How to Reach
Visitors coming by car must leave Sheikh Zayed Road at Interchange1 and take the Financial Road to Dubai Mall. Park at the Fashion Parking Level at Dubai Mall’s parking.
Visitors travelling on Metro must take the Red Line and alight at the Burj Khalifa Metro Station. You can also take a 10 minutes’ walk to The Burj Khalifa from the Metro Station.
2. Dubai Desert Safari
If you want to escape the chaos of Dubai city, head to the desert and you will find it to be a tranquil place with sand dunes and empty deserts. Nobody said you can’t have fun in desert.
If you go for Dubai desert safari, where in you will climb aboard a 4X4 and hit the sand dunes. You can also ride camels and enjoy activities such as sand boarding, quad biking on sand, fat bikes ride.
After enjoying activities get welcomed by a lavish spread of delicious dinner under the night sky accompanied by soulful music and tanura dance. Meanwhile you can get some henna tattoos on your palm.
Timings:
Monday – Sunday: Morning 7.00 am – 10.00 am & Evening 4.00 pm – 10.00 pm
3. Shop at Traditional Souks
Often the most common answer to what to do in Dubai, is shopping. Souks are traditional Arabian shops where you get different types of products. There are spice souks, gold souks and perfume souks where you get to shop to your heart’s content. Hone your bargaining skills before you visit souks as you can bargain and get the products at some real good prices.
Souk Timings:
Monday – Sunday:10.00 am – 10.00 pm
4. Visit Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Locate in Dubai Mall; Dubai Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium with a whopping 10 million litres of water. With more than 140 species, Dubai aquarium has over 30,000 aquatic animals. The aquarium boasts of the largest collection of sand tiger sharks and rays.
The 28 meters glass tunnel allows you to see these majestic creatures swimming freely above you. With the collection of piranhas and other beautiful fishes, you will feel spellbound looking at the sight. Do not forget to visit & look at the majestic King Croc when here.
Timings:
Monday – Sunday: 10.00 am – 12.00 am
How to Reach
Visitors coming by car must leave Sheikh Zayed Road at Interchange1 and take the Financial Road to Dubai Mall. Park at the Fashion Parking Level at Dubai Mall’s parking. Visitors travelling on Metro must take the Red Line and alight at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. You can also take a 10 minutes’ walk to Dubai Mall from the Metro Station.
5. Go Wild at Wild Wadi Waterpark
Located in front of The Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Water Park Dubai has over 30 inter connected rides and attractions for the entire family. It is a liquid adventure world at Wild Wadi with a water roller coaster, a death defying slide, and watery tornedos. You will feel the adrenaline rush in your veins when sliding through these rides. Don’t worry if you are not an adrenaline junkie. There is a lazy river for the mellow types and children can splash on the vast water play ground with smaller slides, a dumping bucket and water guns. The entire park follows a vague theme about a fictional Middle Eastern river and the shipwreck of Sindbad and his friend Juha.
Timings:
Monday – Sunday: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
6. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Glide over an amazing desert away from all the glamor and glitz and experience the peace and excitement of riding a hot air balloon. Marvel at the attractions of Dubai deserts from a vantage point.
Take some exclusive insta worthy pics of the vast desert while enjoying an hour’s ride on the hot air balloon. Each basket can hold up to 24 people and there is no doubt plenty of room for you.
Location
Most of this hot air balloon rides start from the Al Ain Road near Dubai Desert Conservative Reserve
Timings
Monday – Sunday: 6.00 am – 10.00 am
7. Don’t see Majestic Dolphins at Dubai Dolphinarium
I personally don’t visit any attractions with (wildlife) animals, because I think that most of these animals are mistreated or live in horrible situations. I included this attraction in the list, because it’s very popular for most tourists, but I actually won’t recommend visiting it!
Visiting the Dubai Dolphinarium is a total entertainer and a complete family experience. Spread over 54,000 sq. ft. the Dolphinarium is home to 6 beautiful bottle-nosed dolphins, fur seals and 20 species of exotic parrots.
The air-conditioned facility ensures you are comfortable even if the sun is soaring high. The 45 minutes show up close and personal to these aquatic animals will amaze you with respect to their intelligence. The exotic parrots will leave you in awe when these birds will perform tricks and fly over your head.
Timings
Monday to Saturday – 10 am to 7:30 pm
Sundays – Closed
How to reach
The Dubai Healthcare Metro Station is the nearest metro station. It is on the Green line and ½ kilometre of walk from the attraction.
8. Experience Dubai Dhows
A beautiful way to end your day is by going on a dinner in a traditional cruise. These dhows are traditional Arabian styled ships that glide along the Dubai creek. Amazing music, glittering waters, and stunning views of the Dubai skyline at night will mesmerize you.
While onboard, pamper yourself with a lavish dinner spread inspired by Arabian cuisine under the night sky. This one-of-a-kind experience will surely make your day.
Timings
Monday – Sunday: 7.00 pm – 10.00 pm
How to Reach
Dhow cruise Dubai can be boarded from Dubai creek and Dubai marina both
9. Visit Palm Jumeirah
Head to the Palm Jumeirah and soak in the beauty of turquoise waters along the white sand beach. With cafes and restaurants lined up near the beach you will have umpteen options to satiate your hunger pangs.
Guess what? You have a lot of options in water sports from jet skiing, to water boarding, from para sailing to going on a speed boat. Just sit and relax on the white sand beach or splash on the beach when water touches your feet.
10. Go shopping at Dubai Mall
Spread over an area of 5.9 million sq. Ft., Dubai mall is the world’s largest and most-visited retail and entertainment mall in the world. With over 1300 retail outlets in different sections you will never run out of options. From the who’s who of the fashion world to the biggies in restaurant industry, they are present at Dubai mall.
Be it Bloomingdale, or brands such as SJP (Sarah Jessica Parker you can shop at Dubai Mall. And while you are at shopping do not worry if your stomach grumbles, over 200 restaurants serving world’s best delicacies will help you satiate your hunger pangs.
Timings
Monday – Sunday: 10.00 am-12.00 pm
Conclusion
Dubai for the first time can be overwhelming. After all, how often do you get to see the best of world attractions at one place? But at the same time, it is imperative to plan your itinerary intelligently so that you can see the best of the city in a limited time, and save the rest for next time onwards.
So, are you ready for your first Dubai trip? What are your expectations, let us know?
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