Visitors from across the globe enjoy a unique vacation experience in Dubai. The “city of gold” is well-known for its harmonious fusion of contemporary wonders and rich past. So, if you’re also a first time traveller and you’re looking to visit some new and exciting tourist places in Dubai then you’ve come to the right place. Check out the list below and get blown by the variety of experiences that this city has to offer.

Top 20 Things to Do for First Time Visitors

Here is a list of all the places you can explore and visit on your first time in Dubai. Make sure you ask your travel agency in Dubai to incorporate this in your Dubai city tour.

1. Abra Ride

Abras, or traditional boats, depart from 4 locations along Dubai Creek every few minutes starting at 6:00 AM. You can board one of these boats. One route connects Bur Dubai Abra Station, which is located west of the Textile Souk, with Deira Old Souk Abra Station, which is close to the Spice Souk. It costs not more than AED 1 to travel in one of these traditional boats.

2. Burj Khalifa

Situated in Dubai, the world's tallest structure and the most popular tourist places in Dubai, the famed Burj Khalifa, has an observation deck called "At the Top" Burj Khalifa. It provides guests with an amazing panoramic view of Dubai and its surroundings, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. 

3. Dubai Fountain

Situated in the stunning Burj Complex, Dubai Fountain is the largest choreographed water fountain globally. This dancing fountain erupts to the sounds of popular Arabic, classical, and other international music, reaching heights of up to 150 metres.

4. Alserkal Avenue

Approximately 40 warehouses once used as an industrial area in the heart of Dubai, have been transformed into galleries, dancing studios, artisanal cafés, and other establishments. The community has fostered a creative culture and has emerged as one of the major sites for the arts in the area. 

5. AYA Universe

It is a huge 40,000 square feet, this immersive space is located in the WAFI City Mall’s atrium. It is indeed a futuristic and vibrant space. You experience many sound effects, lighting and technology spaces which are divided into 12 different zones. You should surely visit here on your Dubai city tour.

6. Global Village

Dubai's Global Village is a distinctive and well-liked hub for culture and entertainment. It's a large, outdoor theme park and market that unites cultures from all over the world, giving guests access to a worldwide experience in one place. Every year, it opens from October to April.

7. Miracle Garden

Situated in Dubai's Dubai Land neighbourhood, Dubai Miracle Garden is a stunning botanical garden with the recognition of the largest botanical garden of the world. It is a well-known destination in Dubai because of its exquisite display of vibrant flowers, distinctive floral arrangements, and creative landscaping. It is only accessible from October through April each year.

8. AURA Skypool

Relax in the tallest 360-degree swimming pool in the world while taking in views of famous buildings like the Burj Al Arab and Ain Dubai. AURA Skypool, 200 metres above the ground, is one of the ideal tourist places in Dubai for a memorable swim. Additionally, guests at the Palm Jumeirah location may unwind in the stylish lounge area while savouring mouth watering shared dishes and Pan-Asian tastes.

9. Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame, situated in Zabeel Park, is the biggest frame structure in the world and was inspired by the World Expo 2020 emblem. The glass bridge walkway and the galleries with their multimedia representations and projections. Through the frame, a panoramic vista of old and modern Dubai is visible, spanning from Deira's Old Town to the Dubai Marina. Ask your travel agency in Dubai for the best deals of Dubai Frame.

10. The View, Palm Jumeirah

Enjoy a 360-degree view of the Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and more from your 240-metre perch on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower. Easily identify tourist places in Dubai in this stunning city including an upscale club and an outdoor patio. 

11. The Museum of the Future 

By fusing traditional art forms with technology, the Museum of the Future, one of the futuristic tourist places in Dubai, creates a bridge between the present and the future. This most recent architectural wonder, which spans seven stories, was introduced to Dubai in February 2022 and has since been a tourist favourite.

12.  Madinat Jumeirah

The opulent 5-star resort known as Madinat Jumeirah is located in Dubai. A private beach, many dining options, ballrooms, an amphitheatre, fitness centres, a kids' club, theatre rooms, and a turtle sanctuary are all features of one of the biggest resorts in the Emirates. 

13. The Walk at JBR

The Walk in JBR, close to Dubai Marina, is a lovely boulevard with swaying palms on both sides that welcomes customers with a variety of stores and eateries. The Walk is a section of arcaded doors and plazas that is over a mile long.

14. The Outlet Village

Several of the top luxury fashion and lifestyle brands in the world are housed under one roof at The Outlet Village, a shopping centre offering incredible savings. Along with offering a variety of things, the village has more than 100 establishments that sell anything from home goods to shoes.

15. Dubai Garden Glow

The first-ever glow-in-the-dark park is located at Dubai Garden Glow. Located in Zabeel Park, this location is renowned for its remarkable light architectural projects that draw inspiration from art pieces seen throughout. Every year, from October to April, it is open.

16. Dubai Perfume Souk

This is one of the unique things to do in Dubai. A wide variety of perfumes, essential oils, and scents from both domestic and foreign companies are available in this traditional market. From contemporary designer fragrances to classic Arabic perfumes, visitors may sample a variety of odours. Scented oils, distinctive perfume bottles, and a wide variety of incense make the souk a memorable experience for your senses.

17. Jumeirah Mosque 

The mosque in Dubai is the sole establishment that welcomes non-Muslims. When illuminated at night, the intricate architecture and design are even more magnificent. In the UAE, it is also one of the mosques that is most frequently photographed and one of the most beautiful mosques.

18. Green Planet

If you’re looking for natural places to include in your Dubai city tour then this is certainly the best place. Green Planet is a biodome and indoor rainforest experience situated in Dubai. Encompassing 60,000 square feet (5,574 square metres), Green Planet is home to over 3,000 flora and fauna, along with the largest artificial tree in the world. 

19. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

The largest library in the area, the library is a landmark exclusive to Dubai and reflects the city's combined cultural wisdom, educational achievements, and ongoing academic and research endeavours. In addition to taking in the stunning building and seeing all 9 floors of the library, guests may find a completely digitised laboratory and several speciality collections within.

20. Dubai Opera

Situated in the Downtown area, Dubai Opera presents an alluring program of performing arts featuring Broadway and London's West End. The striking exteriors, which are modelled like Arabian dhow ships and have views of The Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, are inspired by Arabian dhow ships, and the stage space can be quickly transformed into three various event platforms, including a theatre, hall, or concert hall. 

Closure

To sum up, these were the top 20 things to do in Dubai. Make sure you ask your travel agency in Dubai to incorporate this in your next trip. So, these are the places that a first timer can visit in Dubai. From traditional to modern, there are all the options available.