At Azora Property, we believe the best way to choose where to live or invest is to know how a city feels day to day. Dubai is far more than malls and skyscrapers. In one week you can drift over golden dunes at sunrise, cross the creek on a one-dirham boat, dine at a Michelin-level table and end the day at a beach club.
This guide covers 24 of the best things to do in Dubai, with prices and tips. Along the way, we show you which neighbourhoods sit closest to each experience, what living there is like, and the key property facts every buyer and investor should know.
Skyline Views and Iconic Landmarks
1. At The Top, Burj Khalifa
The observation decks on levels 124 and 125 sit about 456 metres up, reached by a lift moving at 10 metres per second. Book a 5pm slot to see the city by day, at golden hour and after dark. The SKY ticket adds level 148 and lounge access.
2. The View at The Palm
Level 52 of The Palm Tower, 240 metres high, shows the whole palm-shaped island. Standard entry is AED 158; the AED 275 fast-track adds the quieter level 54. Arrive 30 minutes before golden hour.
3. Sky Views Observatory
This Downtown deck sits 220 metres up with a glass walkway. Entry is AED 80, the glass slide is AED 25 extra, and the outdoor Edge Walk costs AED 499.
4. Helicopter Tour
A shared 17-minute flight passes Atlantis, the Palm, Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa. Bring your passport; bags and selfie sticks are not allowed.
5. The Dubai Balloon
This tethered balloon at Atlantis, The Palm is the only balloon ride inside the city. It rises gently without drifting, so it suits nervous flyers.
6. Aura Skypool
At 200 metres, Aura is billed as the world's highest infinity pool, with 360-degree views. Book the 6am to 9am sunrise session in advance.
7. Dinner in the Sky
Dine 50 metres up at Skydive Dubai over the Marina skyline. Pick a sunset slot, wear trousers and secure shoes, and use a phone strap.
Living nearby - Downtown Dubai and Business Bay: Home to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Sky Views, Downtown is one of Dubai's most in-demand freehold addresses. Apartments here attract strong short-let demand from tourists, while Business Bay next door offers similar access at a lower entry price.
8. Heritage Desert Safari
If you book one tour, make it this. The 7-hour trip (AED 695) begins with a 60-minute drive in a vintage Land Rover to spot camels, oryx and gazelles. A sunset falcon show follows, and the evening ends with a four-course Emirati dinner at a torchlit Bedouin camp with Yola dancing, henna and shisha. Hotel transfers are included, and an overnight option adds a stone-dwelling stay and breakfast.
9. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
The luxury flight starts with a pre-dawn Land Rover pickup, Arabian coffee and a drone show. A falcon joins you over the dunes at sunrise, and breakfast is designed by a Michelin-starred chef. A cheaper flight, around half the price, skips the extras.
10. Quad Biking and Sandboarding
No licence is needed to ride the red dunes. Wear dark clothes and a scarf over your head and mouth. For sandboarding, keep your knees bent and stay low.
11. Sunrise Horse Riding
Al Jiyad Stables, founded in 1989 with more than 120 Arabian horses, rides through the Al Marmoom conservation area to Al Qudra Lakes, where oryx gather at dawn.
It suits beginners, and winter group rides cost AED 100.
12. Jet Skiing in Dubai Marina
Guided rides pass superyachts with Burj Al Arab in view, from about £55 for two people for 30 minutes. Safety gear, lockers, photos and an ice cream are included.
13. Beach Clubs
Kyma Beach feels like a Greek island, GiGi Rigolatto channels the Italian Riviera, and adults-only Casablanca Beach Club at Atlantis has two pools. Twiggy, Nikki Beach and SAN Beach are also popular.
Loungers cost AED 200 to 500, often half redeemable on food and drinks. Some clubs close from mid-June to early September.
Living nearby - Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah: These waterfront communities put beach clubs, jet skis and the tram on your doorstep. The Marina and JBR suit buyers who want walkable city-beach living and steady rental demand.
Palm Jumeirah offers resort-style villas and apartments, many with private beach access, and remains one of Dubai's most sought-after luxury addresses.
14. Old Dubai
Walk through Al Seef and Al Fahidi, past spice, textile and gold stalls, then cross Dubai Creek on an abra for just AED 1, a fare that has barely changed in decades. Stop at Arabian Tea House for a generous Arabic breakfast.
15. Alserkal Avenue
Converted warehouses in Al Quoz house free contemporary galleries, concept stores, cafes and a cinema. Exhibitions change often, so there is always something new.
16. Museum of the Future
A simulated rocket trip takes you to 2071 before themed floors on space, climate and wellness. Tickets are AED 149. It is closed for renovation and due to reopen before 22 February 2027.
17. ARTE Museum
Immersive digital art rooms with scents and soundscapes, a sketchbook room that animates your drawings and an interactive tea bar. Allow two hours; tickets start around £31.
18. AYA Universe
Light tunnels and sensory zones in Wafi City Mall, including a celestial ball pit. Entry is AED 135.
19. House of Hype
This Dubai Mall playground has more than 100 games, secret rooms and restaurants for AED 119. Scan your wristband to earn points and win prizes.
20. The Lost Chambers Aquarium
More than 65,000 marine animals live in the tunnels and tanks at Atlantis, The Palm. Entry is AED 75 and free for hotel guests.
21. Dubai Miracle Garden
More than 150 million flowers cover 72,000 square metres, including a flower-covered Emirates A380. It reopens every 1 October; entry is AED 100. Arrive at 9am.
22. Global Village
Pavilions from more than 90 countries and over 200 food outlets, open October to May from AED 25. The season opens in mid-October with fireworks over Dragon Lake.
23. La Perle by Dragone
At Al Habtoor City, the stage floods in seconds and divers leap from 18 metres. Tickets run from about £45 to £67 for splash-zone Gold seats.
24. Fine Dining
Book Jara at The Lana for Basque cuisine, enjoy sundowners at ONDA and Italian at Pierchic, or try Studio Frantzén for Nordic-Asian tasting menus.
Living nearby - Dubai Creek and Old Dubai: The creekside is where Dubai's heritage meets new waterfront communities. Projects around Dubai Creek Harbour and Al Jaddaf offer modern apartments with skyline views, often at a lower price per square foot than Downtown, while staying minutes from the souks and the airport.
Why Dubai's Lifestyle Drives Its Property Market
The experiences above are a big part of why Dubai welcomes millions of visitors every year and why so many of them decide to stay. Year-round sunshine, world-class attractions and a safe, well-connected city keep demand for homes high, from short-term holiday lets to long-term family rentals. For buyers, that lifestyle translates into real value.
Quick Travel and Living Tips
The best time to visit or view property is November to April, when temperatures sit between 20 and 30°C. Most international flights land at Dubai International (DXB), and the Metro, tram, taxis, Careem and Uber make getting around easy.
The currency is the UAE dirham, where 1 AED is about $0.27 or £0.21. Three to five days is enough to see the highlights and tour a few neighbourhoods.
Find Your Place in Dubai with Azora Property!
Whether you dream of waking up to Burj Khalifa views, walking to the beach from the Marina or owning a villa on the Palm, Azora Property can help you find the right home or investment.
Our team guides you through every step, from choosing the area to completing the purchase and applying for your Golden Visa. Contact Azora Property today to book a free consultation.