Dubai: what's actually worth it
Before the skyline pierced the clouds, Dubai was a modest pearl-fishing village where the scent of salt and spice hung heavy in the humid air. Today, that heritage hums beneath the glass towers, creating a city that feels simultaneously futuristic and deeply rooted in tradition. You will find warmth in every interaction, as locals blend ancient hospitality with modern ambition, making you feel welcome despite the cosmopolitan rush. It is a place where old souks sit comfortably next to ultra-luxury malls, inviting you to explore layers of history while enjoying contemporary comforts.
Top things to do in Dubai
The Dubai Fountain
Fountain · ★ 4.8 (138,647 reviews)
Massive fountain with displays of water jets reaching 140 m, set to a music & light show.
Check tours & tickets →The View Palm Jumeirah
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (22,502 reviews)
Glass-framed observation deck from a high-rise overlooking the Palm Islands, with city & gulf views.
Check tours & tickets →IMG Worlds of Adventure
Amusement Center · ★ 4.3 (33,401 reviews)
Large indoor amusement park offering rides, eateries & shows with Cartoon Network & Marvel themes.
Check tours & tickets →Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (16,894 reviews)
Area of traditional-style buildings in typical materials housing arts & cultural exhibits & museums.
Check tours & tickets →Lost World Aquarium at Aquaventure World
Aquarium · ★ 4.5 (13,135 reviews)
Atlantis-themed aquarium with underwater halls & tunnels housing marine life, plus feeding sessions.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant | مطعم الخيمة التراثي
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (17,938 reviews)
Website →Social House
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (17,046 reviews)
International menu offered in a laid-back spot with a terrace & views of the Dubai Fountain.
Website →Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe - Al Fahidi, Dubai
Middle Eastern Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (19,878 reviews)
Website →FLAVORS GRILL DUBAI - MINA RASHID MARINA
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (9,558 reviews)
Website →Calicut Paragon Restaurant LLC
South Indian Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (16,976 reviews)
Casual restaurant for mainly South Indian dishes with a focus on seafood and wide vegetarian choice.
Website →Aroos Damascus Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (19,096 reviews)
Website →Parker's
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (7,641 reviews)
Website →Al Fanar
Middle Eastern Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (8,839 reviews)
Traditional Emirati cooking offered in a stylish, rustic interior evoking Dubai in the 1960s.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Get outside
Mushrif National Park
Park · ★ 4.5 (22,538 reviews)
Vast public space with a swimming pool, green areas, horse & camel rides, plus a 500-seat theater.
Love Lake
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (10,216 reviews)
The Green Planet Dubai
Zoo · ★ 4.4 (12,187 reviews)
Tropical rainforest within a bio-dome sheltering colorful birds, reptiles & sloths, plus a cafe.
Website →Al Barsha Pond Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (8,047 reviews)
Landscaped park with biking & running tracks, plus tennis courts, a boating lake & a play area.
Website →Dubai Hills Park - Emaar
Park · ★ 4.7 (1,472 reviews)
Website →After dark
O Dubai - Lounge & Club
Lounge bar · ★ 4.8 (5,761 reviews)
Website →Level 43 Sky Lounge
Lounge bar · ★ 4.6 (5,707 reviews)
Blue-lit rooftop terrace at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, with panoramic city views & a pool.
Website →Bla Bla By McGettigan's
night_club, bar · ★ 4.3 (8,283 reviews)
Japanese, Italian & American offerings crafted in an upmarket restaurant at a trendy beach club.
Website →The Penthouse Dubai | Rooftop lounge & Nightclub | Five Palm Jumeirah
Lounge bar · ★ 4.6 (3,925 reviews)
Website →More guides
Amsterdam Aruba Asheville Athens Atlanta Austin Bali Banff Bangkok Barcelona Berlin Boston Cabo San Lucas Cancún