Visiting Dubai for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do

Even as Dubai’s new attractions multiply, there are numerous classic sights you shouldn’t miss. Begin with the phenomenal views from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 2,716.5 feet (828 meters). Be sure to pre-book though: visitor slots fill quickly. Then, take a city tour that corrals other highlights—such as the Burj Al-Arab, old Dubai, and the Palm Jumeirah’s new modular-block Atlantis The Royal hotel—into one air-conditioned outing. If you prefer a more flexible sightseeing option, try a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Make time, too, for Dubai’s sandy beaches, which lace the length of the city’s shoreline.

Don’t let Dubai’s ultramodern architecture blind you to its older attractions. Earmark time to explore the Deira and Bur Dubai districts along Dubai Creek, where the city first sprang up. A private or group tour of old Dubai lets you view the sights while avoiding any long walks in the blazing sun. Tours usually include shopping at Deira’s wood-slatted Gold and Spice Souks; riding an abra boat across the creek; and exploring Dubai Museum and the Al Fahidi neighborhood, a restored historical enclave of wind towers, pearl merchants’ houses, and museums.

Dubai’s desert once cradled Bedouin culture, elements of which have been resurrected for visitors to explore. To sample Bedu traditions along with dune sports and the desert’s serene beauty, book an afternoon-evening safari. You’ll take a 4WD dune bash, ride a camel, and try sandboarding before retiring to a traditional-style camp where tribal customs, barbecue dishes, and belly dancing shows play out under the stars. Alternatively, choose a niche activity like an all-terrain vehicle expedition or wildlife tour to spot species like Arabian oryx and desert foxes among the sands.

Dubai’s futuristic skyline is best appreciated from a distance, when its totemic buildings align across a wide-angle panorama. Catch a boat trip to enjoy unobstructed views of the cityscape while you enjoy the cool sea breezes. Waterborne experiences are here in numbers, so it’s easy to find one that suits you, from powerboat rides to luxury private yacht cruises and guided Jet-Ski jaunts. If you prefer something slower, take in Dubai’s sparkling cityscape by night on a dinner cruise aboard a wooden dhow along the old city’s creek or Dubai Marina.

Dubai’s food scene reflects its place as an international tourist hotspot, its role as a home to large expat communities, and its Bedouin roots. If time permits, it’s worth sampling all these closely intertwined culinary threads. Take a food tour to sample the city’s beloved meat-filled shawarma kebabs, crumbly Indian samosas, and Emirati specialities like camel meat burgers. You can also widen your gastronomic net with a gourmet dinner at a world-class restaurant or afternoon tea in the palatial Burj Al-Arab.

Theme parks and Dubai go hand in hand, so schedule a day to enjoy the fun. Choose one of the city’s lavish water parks to stay cool in the heat. Or, let loose in the giant, indoor IMG Worlds of Adventure or the five, fun-packed parks of Dubai Parks and Resorts. For something more sedate, look to the city’s smaller and perhaps less overwhelming attractions, like the floral-art-filled Miracle Garden or Ski Dubai’s frozen indoor slopes. Whichever you opt for, book in advance to secure your visit and go for skip-the-line tickets to avoid any long waits outside.

Beyond its well-trodden sights, Dubai has some off-radar gems. Make tracks for Alserkal Avenue in the industrial Al Quoz area, which is home to modernist art galleries, coffee shops, quirky cafes, and theaters. Alternatively, take a stroll around La Mer, a beachfront destination full of street art, boutiques, and food trucks. Perhaps most unexpected is the city-edge Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, whose shimmering lagoons host flocks of wintering flamingos—a swathe of pink set against a backdrop of steely skyscrapers.

Dubai exudes luxury, so if your budget allows some serious pampering, why hold back? Book an indulgent massage or beauty treatment at one of the city’s 5-star hotels or spas. Many experiences last all day and spoil you with extra luxuries such as gold-flake-sprinkled cappuccinos. If you’re ready for a retail splurge, dive into gilded shopping centers like Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates, where designer boutiques, jewelers, fragrance emporiums, and classic department stores abound.

Museums don’t spring to mind as a Dubai drawcard, but there are numerous spaces that offer fascinating perspectives on the city. For a novel viewpoint, explore the Museum of the Future, an egg-shaped building that envisions Dubai in 50 years’ time using virtual realities and projections of upcoming technologies. For a more traditional experience, wander the recreated old houses and souks of the charming Dubai Museum or the creekside Shindagha Museum, a revamped heritage zone spotlighting the original residence of the ruling Al Maktoum family, and local culture and crafts.

Dubai’s beaches span busy public sands and private hotel havens, so there’s something for everyone. If your hotel is beach-less, the easiest-to-reach, open-to-all sands are probably those at Jumeirah Public Beach, along Jumeirah Beach Road. Alternatively, try family-friendly Kite Beach where kite surfers skim the waves and watersports rentals and cafés line the shore. Or, head for Al Sufouh, whose sands promise a peaceful escape and standout Burj Al-Arab views.

Insider tip: Consider a Dubai city tour to get your bearings on the city’s many different beaches, and whichever you head for, don’t forget the sunscreen.