Dubai was everything I expected and more. As a travel blogger who’s been to over 40 cities, I can confidently say that Dubai is one of the most exciting and futuristic places I have visited. From sky-high buildings to desert thrills, every corner of the city felt like a movie scene.
If you’re planning a trip, here are 15 must-do experiences in Dubai that I personally explored and absolutely loved.
1. Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a dreamland of over 150 million blooming flowers arranged in mind-blowing designs. I was greeted by giant horse-shaped topiaries at the gate, it felt like stepping into a fairy tale.
Arrive early when it opens at 9 a.m. to beat the heat and the crowd. Spend 1–2 hours, and if you have extra time, pop into the nearby Butterfly Garden that houses over 15,000 butterflies.
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2. Dubai Mall
I’ve never seen a mall like this in my life, it’s literally the biggest in the world. With 1,200 stores, a giant aquarium, and even a 150-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, the Dubai Mall blew my mind.
“It’s not just a mall, it’s an indoor city.”
It connects to the Burj Khalifa and the famous fountain show, so you can easily spend an entire day here.
3. Burj Khalifa
Of course, I went up the tallest building in the world. At 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is jaw-dropping. The 154th-floor outdoor deck gave me the best views of the Dubai skyline and the fountain show below.
At night, the building lights up with the city. It’s magical, especially during the water shows every 30 minutes from 6 p.m.
4. Museum of the Future
This is hands down one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen. Shaped like a hollow oval with Arabic script wrapping the exterior, the Museum of the Future symbolizes humanity, the Earth, and the unknown future.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits on space, AI, and sustainability. If you want to enter, book tickets early, they sell out fast!
5. Palm Jumeirah
Yes, I visited the man-made island shaped like a palm tree. It stretches 5 km into the sea and is so big you can see it from space. I spent a day at Atlantis water park and rode the legendary Leap of Faith slide, pure adrenaline!
Want the best view? Try skydiving over the island or book a helicopter tour.
6. Rooftop Pools
Dubai’s skyline is best enjoyed from a rooftop pool. I had my eye on Aura Sky Pool, the world’s highest 360° infinity pool, but it was fully booked, so plan early.
If you want drinks with a view, Level 43 Sky Lounge is a great option overlooking the busy Sheikh Zayed Highway.
7. Dubai Frame
At first, I thought a giant golden picture frame was strange. But standing at the top, I realized it’s a bridge between old and new Dubai. One side shows historic neighborhoods, the other reveals the city’s futuristic skyline.
Walking on the glass floor was a thrill on its own. It turns transparent under your feet!
8. Dune Buggying
No trip to Dubai is complete without dune buggying. I booked a budget-friendly tour at $156 for two people and had the desert all to myself at 7 a.m. The early start also saved me from the heat.
Tip: Bring sunglasses. The sand kicks up fast when you hit top speed!
9. Hell’s Kitchen Dubai
As a Gordon Ramsay fan, eating at Hell’s Kitchen was a bucket-list moment. From the red and blue kitchen stations to the famous Beef Wellington, everything was spot on.
Don’t miss the sticky toffee pudding. It might be the best dessert I’ve ever had.
10. Dubai Food Tour
One of my best experiences was joining a food tour in Deira, Dubai’s Old Town. Our guide Sandy took us through bustling alleys filled with spices, stories, and delicious Emirati dishes.
- Try chicken machboos
- Don’t skip the date syrup
- End with Arabic coffee and sweets
These tours connect you with the city in the most flavorful way possible.
Dubai surprised me in every way. It’s fast-paced, luxurious, and full of surprises. Whether you’re into architecture, adventure, shopping, or culture, Dubai has something special for you.
Ready to plan your own trip? Feel free to drop questions in the comments or share your own Dubai adventures!