{"id":120003,"date":"2024-04-13T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-13T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/news\/must-see-dubai\/"},"modified":"2024-05-31T14:49:01","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T18:49:01","slug":"must-see-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/destination\/must-see-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"United Arab Emirates: must-do activities in Dubai"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”The birth of Dubai and its expansion” el_id=”the_birth_of_dubai_and_its_expansion”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

Dubai has a rich cultural heritage. The first people to set foot and settle in Dubai were nomadic shepherds in 2500 BC, who began to make a living from agriculture and camel breeding. From the 12th century onwards, the pearl trade developed alongside fishing, followed by gold, spices and textiles. This gave rise to the souks you can visit in Dubai.<\/p>\n

To learn more about Dubai’s heritage, there’s no better place than the Dubai Museum<\/a>, housed in Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai’s historic old quarter.<\/p>\n

Now home to over 3 million inhabitants, the city has gradually expanded to create distinct neighborhoods that combine the traditional and the modern.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”115598″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

In this article, I won’t talk about restaurants, caf\u00e9s, clubs or hotels in particular: there’s something for every taste and budget! I assure you.<\/p>\n

Here’s a tour of the city’s main districts and must-see sights, as well as activities to suit your travel profile for an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”118065″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”By neighbourhood” el_id=”by_neighbourhood”][vc_custom_heading text=”Bur Dubai” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” el_id=”bur_dubai”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

A first visit should start in the historic Al Fahidi district, located along Dubai Creek, to understand the city’s past, discover its heritage, traditions and the culture of its people. Stroll through the narrow streets of the traditional old town of Al Bastakiya, then cross the Crique on board an abra, a traditional Arab boat, to reach the northern part of Dubai, Deira.<\/p>\n

Discover the souk of spices and gold. Take note of the signs indicating the price of gold if you want to buy jewelry, you’ll have to negotiate<\/strong>. Ignore the flapjacks who sell fakes. For a full immersion experience, visit the Heritage House (free) to see how a home of yesteryear was organized, or the Al Shindagha Museum<\/a> to understand the history of the city and the perfume trade within the Emirates.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”117935,117937,117933,117931,117927,117929″][vc_custom_heading text=”Al Seef” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” el_id=”al_seef”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

Al Seef is a modern representation of the ancient city. The walk is well laid out and pleasant under the stretched canvases, where you can take a break from the heat. It’s possible to hop on a boat for a cruise on Dubai Creek or simply browse the pretty stores and enjoy the views over the creek. Looking for a fun activity for just an hour? You can have fun at the Museum of Illusions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”118059,118061,118063″][vc_custom_heading text=”Dubai Zabeel Area” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” el_id=”dubai_zabeel_area”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

The Dubai <\/strong>Frame was designed by architect Fernando Donis to bridge the gap between old and new Dubai. So, when you look at one side of the frame, you see the more historic area of Dubai, while on the other side you see impressive modern skyscrapers. The Dubai Frame tour is quick (30-45 minutes), but I really enjoyed it, especially the 4-minute film on the future of the city at the end of the tour. Magnificent and impressive! Get your tickets<\/a> in advance to make sure you can visit.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”115415″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”115417″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_single_image image=”115421″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Dubai Downtown” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” el_id=”dubai_downtown”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

Let’s move on to the best-known district, home to the famous Burj Khalifa. If you’ve come from far away, you’ll want to admire it from all angles, so impressive is this skyscraper!<\/p>\n

On a first visit, a visit to At The Top<\/a> is almost essential, to get a panoramic view of the city from the top of the 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa or the 148th floor. For a different experience, a lounge at levels 152,153 and 154 allows you to have brunch or tea in the clouds or an evening drink under the stars.<\/p>\n

Continue with some window shopping in the Dubai Mall. You’ll also find a host of activities: a haunted house, an aquarium and underwater zoo, virtual reality activities, go-karting, ice skating, and a flight simulator aboard an Emirates A380<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Finally, take an evening stroll outside along the artificial lake, where 24 fountain shows take place every 30 minutes between 6pm and 11pm. Climb aboard a boat for an even more unique experience, or take a seat at one of the nearby restaurants to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”115397″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”117923″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”117939″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”115427″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text] The DIFC<\/a> district (Dubai’s financial district) is a new district. Stores, caf\u00e9s, restaurants and galleries can all be found here, but above all the Museum of the Future<\/a>, where you can discover futuristic concepts. The structure is a masterpiece of engineering and well worth a look. You won’t be able to miss it anyway. A place of learning, experience and challenge for adults and children alike.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”117943″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Umm Suqueim and Madinah Jumeirah” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” el_id=”umm_suqueim_and_madinah_jumeirah”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]I love this area because it offers magnificent views of the Burj Al<\/a> Arab. It is close to the shops, the Marina and the Jumeirah palm tree. And the beach is big and public. Caf\u00e9s and restaurants also offer a simple, summery and relaxing atmosphere for the whole family.<\/p>\n

Dubai has a number of amusement parks for families, including the Wild Wadi water park<\/a>, outdoor games on the beach and a skate park<\/em>. Others will enjoy kite surfing, kayaking or running. A few minutes away, take a stroll to the Madinat Jumeirah<\/a>, another neighborhood built in the style of traditional bazaars. We’re going back in time here!<\/p>\n

At the end of the day, let yourself be seduced by a memorable sunset on the beach.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”117917″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Dubai Marina” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” el_id=”dubai_marina”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]The Marina impressed me with its multiple skyscrapers built around an artificial canal. The walk along the riverbank is a pleasant one, but I suggest you take it in the evening when it’s cooler. Why not have dinner on one of the pleasure boats that will take you on a tour of the Marina in the middle of these tours?[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]There are shopping malls (The Beach and Marina Mall), a long sandy beach, restaurants and caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n

The beach isn’t what won me over the most. Nothing special in itself. It’s busy with tourists, but offers great views of the Bluewaters. Find a place away from buildings. Several water activities such as sailing or water skiing are possible. Otherwise, licking on his towel is perfectly respectable. A classic seaside atmosphere.<\/p>\n

If your heart’s set on it, I suggest you cross the Marina on the XLine<\/a>, the world’s longest and fastest urban zip-line (from age 12).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”115479″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”117985,115594,115592″][vc_custom_heading text=”Bluewaters” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” el_id=”bluewaters”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]Stroll through the new Bluewaters district and climb to the top of the world’s largest Ferris wheel, the Dubai Eye. You will have a breathtaking view of the Marina and JBR as well as the Jumeirah palm tree. The shops and the wheel opened in the year 2020.<\/p>\n

There are a few caf\u00e9s, restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, a grocery store, etc. It’s a place that hasn’t yet been discovered by tourists.[\/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”117983,115596,115473,115471,118053″][vc_custom_heading text=”The Palm” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” el_id=”the_palm”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]Over the years, Dubai has built 3 artificial archipelagos in the shape of palm trees:<\/p>\n