Things to Do in Dubai: 13 Picks With Prices in ₹

Quick answer

The best things to do in Dubai are the Burj Khalifa observation deck, an evening desert safari, Old Dubai's souks and abra crossing, the Dubai Fountain, a Marina dhow cruise and, from mid-October to May, Global Village. Families add Aquaventure or Ski Dubai. Four full days covers the highlights, with a fifth for an Abu Dhabi day trip.

13 things worth your time in Dubai

01
At the Top, Burj Khalifa
Landmark
The view from 452 m takes in Downtown, the Gulf coast and the edge of the desert. The lifts and exhibits are well run, and it is the one paid attraction most first-timers regret skipping.
1.5–2 hoursFrom about ₹4,500 (AED 189) for levels 124–125, non-prime slots
Sunset slots cost more and sell out. A 9–10 am slot in winter is cheaper and usually clearer.
02
Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain
Shopping
The fountain show runs every 30 minutes in the evening against the Burj Khalifa. The aquarium tank is visible free from the mall floor.
3–4 hoursFree; aquarium and attractions extra
Watch from the Souk Al Bahar bridge for a less crowded angle.
03
Evening desert safari
Experience
Dune drive, a short camel ride, sandboarding and a barbecue dinner with shows at a desert camp. It is the easiest way to see the desert without driving.
About 6 hours (3 pm to 9 pm)About ₹3,000–5,000 (AED 125–210) shared, with dinner
Ask for vegetarian or Jain dinner when you book. Seniors, pregnant travellers and anyone with back trouble should choose a soft safari without dune bashing.
04
Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, abra and the souks
Landmark
Wind-tower lanes in Al Fahidi, a wooden abra across the Creek, then the Spice and Gold Souks in Deira. It is the part of Dubai that still feels lived-in.
3–4 hoursAbra about ₹25–50 (AED 1–2); souks free
Bargain in the spice and textile souks. Gold is priced at the day's rate plus making charges, so compare a few shops.
05
Dubai Frame
Landmark
A 150 m picture frame in Zabeel Park with a glass-floored bridge. Old Dubai on one side, Sheikh Zayed Road towers on the other.
1–1.5 hoursAbout ₹1,200 (AED 50)
Go late afternoon and stay for sunset over the skyline.
06
Museum of the Future
Landmark
Immersive floors on space, ecology and wellbeing inside the calligraphy-covered torus building on Sheikh Zayed Road. Children usually enjoy the lower kids' floor most.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹3,600–4,100 (AED 149–169)
Tickets are timed and sell out on weekends. It was reported to be closing for an exhibition change in late 2026, so confirm it is open before planning around it.
07
Dubai Marina, JBR and a dhow dinner cruise
Experience
A walk along the Marina promenade and JBR beach, then a two-hour buffet cruise past the lit-up towers.
3–4 hoursDinner cruise about ₹2,400–4,800 (AED 100–200)
Creek cruises are cheaper and more traditional; Marina cruises have the skyline. Check that the buffet has a separate vegetarian counter.
08
Global Village
Experience
Pavilions from more than 25 countries, street food, rides and stage shows. Season 31 runs from 14 October 2026 to May 2027, evenings only.
4–5 hoursAbout ₹600–720 (AED 25–30) entry
Weekday tickets are cheaper. Arrive at the 4 pm opening for rides without queues.
09
Dubai Miracle Garden
Nature
Millions of flowers shaped into arches, castles and a full-size aircraft. A good photo stop with parents. Open roughly October/November to May.
2 hoursAbout ₹2,300–2,600 (AED 95–110)
Go in the morning; by midday it is hot and crowded.
10
Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis
Experience
One of the largest waterparks in the region, with a lazy river and serious slides. Best from October to April, when the water is pleasant rather than hot.
Full dayFrom about ₹7,200–9,000 (AED 300–375)
Book online for weekdays. Lockers and towels cost extra.
11
Ski Dubai
Experience
Real snow inside Mall of the Emirates, with penguin encounters and a snow park for children who have never seen snow.
2–3 hoursFrom about ₹5,000–8,500 (AED 210–350) depending on package
Jackets and boots are included in most packages; bring your own gloves and cap.
12
Hatta day trip
Day trip
Turquoise kayaking on Hatta Dam, a heritage village and mountain trails in the Hajar range, about 1 hour 45 minutes from the city.
Full dayAbout ₹600 (AED 25) each way by RTA express bus; kayaking extra
Go on a weekday. Kayaks and pedal boats sell out on weekends.
13
Abu Dhabi day trip
Day trip
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the BAPS Hindu Mandir and either the Louvre or Ferrari World. About 1.5–2 hours each way.
10–12 hoursAbout ₹4,500–8,000 per person on a shared tour
The BAPS Mandir is closed on Mondays and needs online registration. Dress modestly for both places of worship.

How many days do you need in Dubai?

Four full days covers the main sights at a comfortable pace: one day for Old Dubai and the Creek, one for Downtown and the Burj Khalifa, one for the desert safari plus a morning activity, and one for the Marina, JBR and the beach. Add a fifth day for Abu Dhabi. Our Dubai itineraries lay this out day by day.

What should you book ahead?

Burj Khalifa sunset slots sell out on weekends and holidays. Book online at least a week ahead in December.
Desert safari: choose an operator that confirms vegetarian dinner and child seats in writing.
Museum of the Future uses timed tickets and fills up on weekends.

Global Village and the fountain need no booking.

What can you skip?

The Palm monorail is mostly views of hotel rooftops, and luxury hotel tours are expensive for what you see. The Burj Khalifa top-level lounge costs several times the standard deck for a slightly higher view. If your budget is tight, the Dubai Frame offers a good skyline view for about a quarter of the price.

Dubai with parents and children

Dubai is one of the easiest international trips for Indian families: short flights, Indian food everywhere and a metro with lifts at every station. Keep outdoor sights for mornings and evenings, even in winter, and plan malls and indoor parks for the afternoons.

Dubai Metro's Gold Class carriage and the women-and-children section have fines for entering without the right ticket. Read the signs on the platform.

Before you book, check the weather on best time to visit Dubai, choose an area on where to stay in Dubai, see a realistic budget on Dubai trip cost, and sort the paperwork with our UAE visa guide.

Frequently asked questions

What can I do for free in Dubai?

Plenty. The Dubai Fountain shows, the Marina promenade, JBR and Kite Beach, Al Fahidi's lanes, the Spice and Gold Souks, Al Seef and window-shopping in Dubai Mall are all free. An abra across the Creek costs AED 1–2. Combine these with one or two paid attractions and the trip stays affordable.

Is a desert safari suitable for senior citizens and children?

Yes, if you choose a soft safari without dune bashing. Most operators offer a direct drive to the camp with camel rides, henna, dinner and shows. Dune bashing is rough on backs and not advised for pregnant travellers, seniors or very young children. Ask about child seats when booking.

Should I book Burj Khalifa tickets in advance?

Yes, especially for sunset slots, weekends and December. Prices vary by time slot, with sunset the most expensive, and walk-up tickets cost more when available. Booking a non-prime morning slot online, about AED 189 for levels 124–125, is the cheapest way to go up.

How many days are enough for Dubai?

Four full days covers the main highlights without rushing, five if you add an Abu Dhabi day trip. Families who want a waterpark, Ski Dubai and Global Village should allow six. Two to three days is enough only if you skip the desert or the beach.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.