From the world’s tallest building to the largest mall on the planet, Dubai continues to break records – and attract visitors from around the world.
The sprawling desert metropolis is known for its luxury hotels and bumper shopping opportunities, but it offers a far wider scope of activities than its reputation suggests.
Beyond the jaw-dropping architecture, soaring skyscrapers and the blue waters of the Persian Gulf, the emirate also possesses several well-preserved local sites of cultural significance, from the Jumeirah Mosque to Alserkal Avenue.
After ticking off the Burj Khalifa, it’s time to ditch the glossy buildings and explore historic districts, get active with watersports on the Gulf or have dinner in the desert.
So whether you’ve already booked your trip or are still caught in two minds, fear not; we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best things to do in Dubai.
Best things to do in Dubai 2025
1. Visit the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain and Marina
The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is a modern symbol of Dubai and one of its most visited sites. Standing at 830 metres tall, anyone can visit the observation deck, named ‘At The Top’, on the 124th floor of the building (and at a height of 452 metres) for a panoramic view of the city and its marina.
At the foot of the building lies the Burj Khalifa lake, a 30-acre artificial lake that is mostly known as the home of the Dubai Fountain. This 270-metre-tall fountain is the tallest performing fountain in the world, with light shows consisting of over 6,000 lights dancing to different songs, ranging from classical Arab to contemporary world pop. These two structures are perhaps the highlights of the Dubai Marina, a man-made marina with a waterside promenade, its mall and dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants.
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2. Discover the city’s Old Town
Away from the malls and skyscrapers, you’ll find Dubai’s characterful ‘Old Town’. Traditional buildings, local markets and cultural centres are the draw here, with several of the city’s best districts contained within…
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