Things To Do in Dubai

Burj Khalifa Tickets

At the Top on levels 124 and 125 is the most booked ticket in Dubai, with a timed entry slot and outdoor terrace views of the city and the Gulf. Level 148, the Sky level, adds a higher lounge with refreshments and a shorter queue. Sunset slots sell out first; book a week ahead for a specific time. The Burj Lake ride at the base is the cheap seat for the fountain show, an abra crossing the lake while the jets go off.

Desert Safaris

The evening desert safari is Dubai's signature trip: hotel pickup mid-afternoon, dune bashing in a 4x4, a camel ride, sandboarding and sunset photos, then a barbecue buffet with belly dance and fire shows at a Bedouin camp. The Al Khayma camp version is the most reviewed activity in the city. Add the quad bike if you want to drive the dunes yourself.

Marina Cruises

The one-hour luxury yacht tour from Dubai Marina passes Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island and the Palm with breakfast or barbecue on board, and it is the highest-rated boat trip in the city. Evening sailings catch the marina towers lit up.

Old Dubai and the Frame

The Dubai Frame is the gold picture frame between the old town and the new skyline, with a glass walkway 150 meters up. The guided old town tour adds the Frame entry to a walk through Al Fahidi, the Creek by abra, the gold and spice souks and the Blue Mosque. Miracle Garden, open from November to May, is the flower park with the Emirates A380 covered in blooms.

Heat and Timing

November to March is the comfortable season. In summer, keep daytime for the Burj Khalifa, the aquarium and the malls, and do the desert and the marina after five. Most tickets and safaris cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.