Best Tours in Dubai
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Dubai
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Encounter the captivating dolphins at the fringe of the sparkling lagoon, and learn about the intriguing anatomy of dolphins, prior to witnessing a mesmerizing spectacle of their spontaneous frolics. This ticket entitles you to an exclusive behind-the-scenes exploration with the dolphin caregivers, so you can see firsthand how they ensure the dolphins stay healthy and happy.
Experience unforgettable animal encounters and diving adventures at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Get up close and personal with amazing aquatic residents, including small-clawed Asian otters, sharks, rays, penguins, and king crocs. Bring your friends and family and choose your favorite aquatic experience from a carefully designed series of encounters. Immerse yourself in the underwater world and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Don't miss out on the chance to be a Shark Trainer or to interact with the adorable otters. Book your experience today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Experience the rush of swimming and mingling with these regal sea creatures with an Atlas Village Dolphin Swim at Aquaventure. Inject a wave of thrill into your day by snorkeling in the deeper parts of the enchanting lagoon. Listen to the bottlenose dolphins' one-of-a-kind underwater chit-chat, watch their playful camaraderie, and see the dolphins pull off their daily physical regimen with finesse! The expert team is always ready to spill the beans on all the intriguing trivia about these extraordinary animals.
Dinner in the Sky is located in Sky Dive Dubai, where a table for 22 people is suspended in the air with the help of a crane. This unique restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea as well. While you enjoy the three-course meal served here, you get to check out the amazing attractions and landmarks of the city like the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, and more. Dinner in the Sky offers two lunch sessions, an afternoon tea session, and three dinner sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. During lunch and dinner, you will be served a starter, main course, and dessert, while during the afternoon tea session, you can enjoy an array of savory and sweet snacks.
Combine two top Dubai attractions in one day and save up to 30% compared to buying individual tickets. Enjoy a 90-minute Grand Canal cruise, and see the futuristic desert city from a whole new perspective as you drift calmly along the gorgeous Grand Canal. Then, experience the cutting-edge performance art wonder of La Perle. Be enthralled as every surface becomes a screen with projections on the walls, floors and giant cyclorama. La Perle is an unforgettable experience, suitable for the whole family.
Welcome to Dubai, famous for its omnipresent modern skyscrapers yet brimming with history. This audio tour will throw you back to pre-oil times as you walk in the historic Bur Dubai and Deira districts. To begin with, you will get a glimpse of how sheiks of the past would lodge and the early development of the Emirates at the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, his former official residence in Bur Dubai. From there, you will reach the Dubai Grand Mosque of 1500 and climb the tallest minaret in the city to enjoy the stunning views of Dubai from 70 meters above the ground. Don’t miss diving into Dubai’s pearl farming past dating back to 2,500 BC in the emirate’s flagship museum, the Dubai Museum, just across the street. Strolling the Al Fahidi neighborhood, arty and quaint, you will take in the living history of the Arabian peninsula's original houses. To continue the tour in the Deira district, you will cross Dubai Creek by abra, a traditional wooden boat. Nearby the abra station, you will walk the maze of the Gold Souk streets to witness how they make up 25% of the global gold trade in Dubai’s single location. You will also discover an abundance of traditional perfumes and pungent spices at the bustling Perfume and Spice Souks. Finally, you will be invited to learn about the role of women in the development of Dubai at the low-key Women’s Museum. Join the tour and get a complete picture of Dubai with the historic lowrise buildings in the foreground!
Explore the old city of Dubai and discover how the city lived before the United Arab Emirates! This audio tour in the app with a planned route is suitable for history enthusiasts and anyone who wants to see an authentic glimpse of the beach resort. The tour begins on the waterfront near the boat model, close to the Heritage Village, which can be reached by metro (Al Ghubaiba station), and ends at the Gold Souk, near the Al Ras metro station. The walk includes a boat crossing on the water public transport (2 dirhams). During the tour, you'll learn about the ancestor of the modern air conditioner, the challenges faced by pearl divers at sea depths, why women wear black abayas, and how many times a day an Emirati resident changes clothes. You'll enjoy the tranquility and coolness of 19th-century streets, see dresses and shoes made of gold, find yourself under the arches of the most beautiful and odorous eastern bazaars. You'll encounter bargilis, barastis, majlises, shahadas, abras and many other details that make up the unique ornamentation of Arabic culture.
If you want to see the best of Dubai in one day and experience its grandeur, beauty, and uniqueness, join this self-guided audio tour that will serve you as a private tour guide. You will start your program by visiting the observation decks on the 124 & 125 levels of Burj Khalifa, an icon of Dubai representing its power, development, and ambitions. Note(!) The ticket is NOT included! The views will seem surreal and otherworldly, one-of-a-kind, and it's worth watching the cityscape from more than 400 meters above the ground. After, you will take a full day walk in Downtown Dubai. You will see some famous attractions like the Dubai Fountain, the Dubai Mall, and Souk Al Bahar. This part is the unofficial heart of the city, as it is well-connected to both Old and New Dubai. Before you get immersed in Old one, you will visit Business Bay, a business hub with a futuristic skyline and commercial spirit. From there, you will take a metro (it's easy!) to the area considered a heritage as it is the oldest area in the city. You will walk the streets of Al Shindagha and Al Fahidi historical districts by Dubai Creek and be surrounded by traditional architecture, a variety of Arabic street arts, and the atmosphere of the 19th century. After Old Dubai, you will travel to New Dubai with its famous Dubai Marina, a luxury and posh area that has it all — shopping, restaurants, beaches, residences, and entertainment.
Al Shindagha Museum tells the story of the rich cultural heritage of Dubai, the nation's proud past and Emirati traditions. A world-class heritage museum committed to education, exploration and celebration of culture. Set along the historical area of Al Shindagha, it has witnessed the dramatic development of the emirate. Today, the carefully curated 21 Houses feature interactive technology installations with a regular offering of public and educational programming for families, students and private groups. It reveals the cross-cultural aspects of the UAE providing guests with a tangible and intangible understanding of the museum. Among these Houses is The Al Maktoum Residence, one of the most prominent heritage sites that explores the erstwhile royal residence of H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, former Ruler of Dubai. The creek's remarkable transformation turns Al Shindagha Museum into the regional culture and traditional center making it Dubai's largest heritage museum.
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About Dubai
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Insider tips for visiting Dubai
Ольга Сафронова is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2022 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Dubai on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Dubai.
When I’m in Dubai on my own, I always head to Al Fahidi at golden hour and then take the old abra across Dubai Creek for 1 dirham. For solo travelers, this is one of the most rewarding things to do in Dubai because you get history, people-watching, and a real sense of the city without feeling awkward alone. I usually wander the lanes, stop for karak, then cross to the spice and textile souks before dinner by the water in Al Seef. If you’re deciding what to see in Dubai, these are the attractions in Dubai that feel most personal. Even among flashy tours in Dubai, this old-core route is my favorite.
When friends ask me what to eat when they visit Dubai, I tell them to skip the hotel buffets and go for Emirati and long-loved local staples. I always look for machboos, a fragrant rice dish with dried lime, and luqaimat, warm dumplings drizzled with date syrup. In Dubai, I also crave regag bread with egg and cheese at a neighborhood café, plus a strong cup of karak. If you visit Dubai, eating in Al Khawaneej or around Satwa gives you a more honest taste of the city. In my travel guide Dubai notes, this is one of the best things to do in Dubai because food tells you how Dubai really lives.
When I want to feel the real texture of Dubai, I split my time between Al Fahidi, Jumeirah, and Satwa. Al Fahidi is one of my favorite attractions in Dubai for quiet courtyards, wind towers, and the short abra ride across the creek. In Jumeirah, I like the older villa streets near Jumeirah Beach Road, where independent cafés and mosques give you a softer side of Dubai. Satwa is where I go for late-night shawarma, tailoring shops, and everyday city life. If you’re choosing what to see in Dubai, these areas show more character than polished towers. Even with so many tours in Dubai, I find neighborhoods tell the story best.
In my travel guide Dubai notes, I usually suggest four to five days. That gives you time to see both sides of Dubai without rushing: one day around the creek and Al Fahidi, one for Jumeirah and the beach, one for modern Dubai, and one slower evening for desert light or a long dinner. If you only visit Dubai for two days, you’ll catch the highlights but miss the rhythm of the city, especially after sunset when Dubai feels more local. For me, the best things to do in Dubai are spread out, so a few extra days make the experience smoother and far more memorable.
When I want a romantic side of Dubai, I recommend a slow evening that starts with an abra ride on Dubai Creek just before sunset, then a walk through Al Seef when the lanterns come on. For couples, this is one of my favorite things to do in Dubai because it feels intimate without trying too hard. I usually pair it with dinner in a courtyard restaurant in Al Fahidi, where the wind towers and low light make Dubai feel surprisingly gentle. If you’re deciding what to see in Dubai, these older waterfront corners are some of the most memorable attractions in Dubai, far more personal than flashy tours in Dubai.
When I want shopping with character in Dubai, I usually choose three areas: Deira, Satwa, and Jumeirah. Deira is where I go for gold, spices, perfume oils, and small fabric shops tucked behind the main souks. Satwa is excellent for tailoring, abayas, shoe repairs, and the kind of practical stores locals actually use. In Jumeirah, I browse independent concept shops and homegrown fashion brands along Jumeirah Beach Road. If you visit Dubai, these neighborhoods show a more layered side of retail than the big malls. In my travel guide Dubai notes, exploring them is one of the most revealing things to do in Dubai, especially if you want to understand how Dubai shops day to day.
When I want to show the quieter side of Dubai, I take people to the Creek at sunrise, when the abras are full of workers and the city feels honest and unpolished. Another favorite is Alserkal Avenue on a weekday afternoon, when you can drift through galleries and coffee roasters without the weekend crowd. In Dubai, I also love the fishing harbor near Jumeirah 1 for a seafood lunch and a view of everyday coastal life. These are the attractions in Dubai that locals return to. If you’re deciding what to see in Dubai, I’d choose places like these over packaged tours in Dubai, because they reveal how Dubai really breathes.
In my travel guide Dubai notes, I always suggest late November through March. That’s when I can actually enjoy Dubai outdoors: morning walks along Jumeirah, dinners by the creek, and desert sunsets without the heavy summer heat. January is especially good if you like clear evenings, but I personally love late February, when Dubai feels lively yet a little less hectic. If you visit Dubai in summer, plan your days around early mornings and after dark, because the heat changes how you experience the city. For me, the best things to do in Dubai are the ones that let you be outside, and winter makes that easy.