Booking.com - Best things to do in Dubai 2024 | Attractions & activities

If you're looking for exciting things to do in Dubai and want to book activities through Booking.com, the platform offers a range of experiences, tours, and tickets to help you explore the best that this vibrant city has to offer. Here’s a list of popular activities in Dubai that you can book directly on Booking.com:

1. Burj Khalifa: At the Top Observation Deck

• Why Do It: No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take the high-speed elevator to the 124th and 148th floors for panoramic views of the city, desert, and sea.
• Highlights:
  • Stunning views from the world’s highest observation deck
  • Virtual reality experiences at the observation deck
  • Sky Lounge on the 148th floor
• Best For: First-time visitors, photography lovers, and anyone wanting to experience Dubai from the sky.

2. Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Entertainment

• Why Do It: The Dubai Desert Safari is one of the most iconic experiences in the city, offering an unforgettable adventure into the Arabian Desert. Enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars with live entertainment.
• Highlights:
  • Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles
  • Camel rides and sandboarding
  • Traditional Arabian BBQ dinner with belly dance performances
• Best For: Adventurers, families, and anyone seeking a unique cultural experience.

3. Dubai Dolphinarium

• Why Do It: The Dubai Dolphinarium offers an amazing opportunity to watch dolphins and seals perform in live shows. This indoor facility is ideal for families and animal lovers.
• Highlights:
  • Live dolphin and seal shows
  • Opportunity to interact with dolphins
  • Aqua park for water fun
• Best For: Families with children, animal lovers, and those seeking entertainment.

4. Dubai Marina Cruise

• Why Do It: Take a relaxing cruise along the Dubai Marina for stunning views of the city’s skyline, luxury yachts, and iconic landmarks. Some cruises also offer dinner and entertainment on board.
• Highlights:
  • Luxury yacht cruises with dinner and drinks
  • Views of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and the Burj Al Arab
  • Sunset cruises for a beautiful view of the city as the sun sets
• Best For: Couples, families, and anyone looking for a romantic or relaxing experience.

5. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

• Why Do It: Located inside the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. It features thousands of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and a variety of fish.
• Highlights:
  • Walk-through tunnel for 270-degree views of marine life
  • Glass boat rides over the aquarium
  • Cage diving with sharks (for thrill-seekers)
• Best For: Families, marine life enthusiasts, and anyone visiting Dubai Mall.

6. Dubai Fountain Show & Boat Ride

• Why Do It: Watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain Show set against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa. The fountain's synchronized water and light display is set to music and is one of Dubai’s most popular attractions.
• Highlights:
  • Musical water shows every evening
  • Option to take a boat ride on the artificial lake for a closer view of the fountain
  • Views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
• Best For: Families, couples, and those who want to experience the best free show in Dubai.

7. Ski Dubai (Indoor Skiing & Snowboarding)

• Why Do It: Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates, is an indoor ski resort with real snow, offering a unique experience in the desert city. It’s perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or just playing in the snow.
• Highlights:
  • Skiing and snowboarding on indoor slopes
  • Penguin encounters for a chance to meet the resident penguins
  • Snow play area with tobogganing and snowball fights
• Best For: Ski enthusiasts, families, and those seeking a winter escape.

8. Dubai Miracle Garden

• Why Do It: Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden, featuring stunning floral displays in unique and artistic designs. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
• Highlights:
  • Over 50 million flowers in bloom
  • Floral sculptures and themed gardens
  • Butterfly garden with over 15,000 butterflies
• Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, and families.

9. Dubai Frame

• Why Do It: The Dubai Frame is an architectural landmark offering a unique view of the city. It is designed to look like a giant picture frame, with panoramic views from the top of the old and new parts of Dubai.
• Highlights:
  • Panoramic views from the top of the Frame
  • Glass walkway with views of old Dubai below
  • Interactive exhibits explaining Dubai’s past, present, and future
• Best For: Sightseers, history enthusiasts, and architecture lovers.

10. Global Village

• Why Do It: Global Village is a cultural, entertainment, and shopping hub that brings together different cultures from around the world in one place. It’s a seasonal event (usually running from October to April) offering international food, shopping, and live shows.
• Highlights:
  • Pavilions representing countries from around the world
  • Cultural performances and street food
  • Amusement park rides and live entertainment
• Best For: Families, culture lovers, and shoppers.

11. Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort

• Why Do It: Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, is the best place to learn about Dubai’s history, culture, and heritage. It offers insight into how the city transformed from a small fishing village to the modern metropolis it is today.
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on Dubai’s history, traditional life, and culture
  • Interactive displays and audio guides
  • Located in a beautiful historic fort
• Best For: History buffs, culture enthusiasts, and first-time visitors.

12. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert

• Why Do It: For a unique and exhilarating experience, book a hot air balloon ride over the Dubai desert. It’s one of the best ways to see the vast dunes and get an unforgettable aerial view of the Arabian landscape.
• Highlights:
  • Aerial views of the desert and nearby mountains
  • Opportunity to spot wildlife like camels and oryx
  • Sunrise flights for magical desert views
• Best For: Adventure seekers, couples, and those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

13. Dubai Opera

• Why Do It: The Dubai Opera is a world-class performance venue located in Downtown Dubai. It hosts a variety of shows, including ballets, operas, musicals, and concerts, making it a must-visit for culture lovers.
• Highlights:
  • Live performances ranging from opera to contemporary shows
  • Stunning architecture and acoustics
  • Restaurant and bars offering a sophisticated pre-show experience
• Best For: Art and culture enthusiasts, opera lovers, and those seeking entertainment in a luxurious setting.

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