Dubai is an artfully designed experience that unites top architectural masterpieces with thrilling adventures, luxurious amenities , and groundbreaking innovations.
The city welcomes every visitor who plans to stay temporarily or long-term without fail. Furthermore, the city offers indoor ski slopes and futuristic malls, together with peaceful beaches and desert experiences that satisfy all visitor preferences.
Here we will introduce 10 activities that are a must if you come to Dubai:
1. Burj Khalifa: The Tallest Marvel on Earth
The starting point for your Dubai journey begins at the world’s tallest skyscraper. From its height of 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa provides observation decks at Levels 124, 125, and 148, which provide breathtaking views of the entire city and its surroundings.
How to get there:
- The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station is within a 5-minute walking distance through the climate-controlled bridge.
- Schedule your visit at sunset to witness the city transition from daylight to its dazzling nighttime illumination.
2. Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain
The Burj Khalifa building shares a location with Dubai Mall, an independent tourist destination. The Dubai Mall combines the Dubai Aquarium with a large ice rink and an endless selection of stores and dining establishments. Outside, you can find the Dubai Fountain, which performs a nightly water show at the fountain entrance.
How to get there:
- It is 5 minutes away from the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station metro station.
- Visitors can observe the fountain displays every 30 minutes between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM daily.
3. Ski Dubai: Snow in the Desert
Inside Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai offers a real snow experience with skiing, snowboarding, and penguin interactions. This winter wonderland at Mall of the Emirates brings a genuine Dubai surprise to visitors who want to escape the heat or enjoy a holiday atmosphere during December.
How to get there:
- The Mall of the Emirates Station provides direct indoor access to the mall, which takes approximately 5 minutes to walk.
- The December holiday season brings a “Winter Wonderland” experience, with Santa’s village and snowman-building areas for children.
4. The Green Planet: Dubai’s Indoor Rainforest
The biodome at City Walk provides a complete rainforest environment that supports more than 3,000 different plant and animal species. The attraction is an educational destination that welcomes families and nature enthusiasts.
How to get there:
- Reach the location by driving 10–12 minutes from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station or by taking a taxi.
- Early morning visits provide the best opportunity to witness animal feeding events and educational presentations.
5. Wild Wadi Waterpark: A Splash of Family Fun
Wild Wadi is situated near the famous Burj Al Arab as a themed waterpark that offers thirty water attractions, two wave pools, and a peaceful watercourse. The outdoor setting provides a delightful escape from the heat for visitors who prefer family activities.
How to get there:
- Reach the location by taxi or car since it takes 10 to 15 minutes from the Mall of the Emirates. No direct metro.
- Online reservations frequently include promotions together with package deals that include hotel stays.
6. Atlantis, The Palm: The Aquatic Wonderland
The apex of Palm Jumeirah is home to Atlantis, which includes Aquaventure Waterpark alongside Dolphin Bay and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Visitors can spend their entire day at this location in an upscale environment.
How to get there:
- Travellers should use the Palm Monorail to access this location, boarding at Gateway Station, where parking is available.
- The closest metro stop is Dubai Internet City, but visitors need to take a 10-15 minute taxi to reach the monorail.
- Who It’s For: Families, couples, and luxury seekers.
7. Dubai Creek & Al Seef: Where Old Meets New
Experience Dubai’s historical past by visiting Dubai Creek. Visitors can experience Dubai’s cultural heritage by taking a traditional abra boat while visiting the Al Fahidi Historical District and browsing the conventional gold and spice markets.
How to get there:
- The adjacent Al Seef combines traditional charm with contemporary cafes and art galleries.
- Travellers can reach the creek through a 5-minute walk starting from the Al Ghubaiba Station.
- The best time to walk along the Al Seef waterfront occurs during sunset while you eat dinner there.
8. The View at The Palm: Elevated Skyline Experience
From its position on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, The View provides visitors with 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Gulf, and the Dubai skyline.
How to get there:
- The Palm Monorail provides access to this location through Nakheel Mall Station.
- Dubai Internet City Station is the starting point for a taxi journey that lasts 10 to 12 minutes to reach this destination.
- Sunset hours provide photographers with the perfect opportunity to capture their images.
9. JBR & The Beach: Laid-back Coastal Vibes
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) presents a lively beachfront promenade with food establishments, shopping areas, aquatic recreational activities, and outdoor screening facilities. Local residents join tourists in spending time at this location.
How to get there:
- Travellers can reach The Beach by walking across the pedestrian bridge from DMCC Station or Jumeirah Lakes Towers, which requires a 10-minute journey by car.
- The swimming area opens in the morning before transforming into a dining and observation spot during evening hours.
10. Desert Safari: The Iconic Arabian Adventure
A desert safari provides the ultimate Arabian adventure by removing you from city life. The safari experience includes dune bashing and camel riding, sandboarding, and traditional barbecue meals during performances under starlight.
How to get there:
- The majority of safari tour operators offer hotel pickup service directly to their customers. Not metro-accessible.
- The best time to experience the desert lies during sunset or nighttime when you stay overnight.
Bonus Stop: Ibn Battuta Mall
The themed mall built by Ibn Battuta Mall uses his travels to create international zones such as China, India, Persia, and other destinations. The mall operates with fewer visitors than the Dubai Mall, yet retains its charm.
How to get there:
- Travellers can find the Ibn Battuta Station by taking the metro to access the mall directly.
- The mall provides convenient shopping for souvenirs, and it offers a more relaxed atmosphere for movie screenings.
Essential Travel Tips for Your Dubai Trip
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended, especially for families and longer stays.
- The World Health Organisation recommends all necessary vaccinations, together with following the UAE travel advisory guidance.
- Most major areas in Dubai can be accessed through the Dubai Metro system. Tour transport or taxi services will be needed when visiting Palm Jumeirah, as well as Old Dubai , or for safari trips, so consider that part of your expenses.
- Public areas and religious sites require visitors to show modest attire.
- Local Laws: Be aware of laws around behaviour, alcohol, and photography.
FAQs:
Which attractions can tourists visit that are within walking distance of metro stations?
Yes! Tourists can easily access several major attractions within a short walk from metro stations. These include:
- Burj Khalifa – via Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station
- Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain – via the same station
- Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates) – via Mall of the Emirates Station
- Ibn Battuta Mall – directly connected to Ibn Battuta Metro Station.
Which attractions are not directly metro-connected but still easy to reach?
Atlantis (The Palm), JBR & The Beach, and The Green Planet attractions require short taxi rides or Palm Monorail from nearby metro stations. The attractions can be reached within 10–15 minutes from the metro stations, even though they do not have direct walking access.
Are the desert safaris and cultural districts accessible through the metro system?
The desert safari does not have direct access to the metro since tours provide hotel pickup and drop-off services.
Dubai Creek & Al Seef are accessible through Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, which is just a 5-minute walk from the Creek.