{"id":8936,"date":"2023-07-20T17:47:41","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T17:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/11-unique-things-first-time-trip-dubai\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T09:59:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T09:59:43","slug":"11-unique-things-first-time-trip-dubai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/11-unique-things-first-time-trip-dubai\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Best Things To Do In Dubai (For First-Time Visitors)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dubai is one of those cities that\u2019s so much more than meets the eye. Beyond the glossy building exteriors, there\u2019s a wealth of award-winning restaurants, cultural hubs and incredible souks that you have to see. Honestly, there are just so many of the best things to do in Dubai that are dotted all across the city. <\/p>\n

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For the longest time, I\u2019d always disregarded Dubai as just another city, one that\u2019s glitzy and the shiny cityscape is lacking in culture somehow. If you\u2019ve ever been to Dubai<\/a>, you might know what I mean. It can be too shiny for its own good if that makes sense? Now, this isn\u2019t bad, but for some reason, I assumed that would mean it\u2019s missing that jigsaw piece that makes up other cities like Tokyo<\/a>, London<\/a> or New York<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How wrong I was, you just need to scratch the surface to uncover a treasure-trove of culture, art and food that dreams are made of. Take a look at some of the very best things to do in Dubai. And, with all our posts, if you need any tips or advice, just pop us a message. We\u2019re always happy to help.<\/p>\n

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Best things to do in Dubai<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1.) See the historic fishing town of Al Bastakiya<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Before Dubai was, well\u2026 Dubai, the area was scattered with small fishing villages that dotted the shoreline. I\u2019m all for the glossiness of Dubai, but I equally love to see some of the older parts of the city.<\/p>\n

Take a moment from the towering city and head over to the Bastakiya Quarter, which has stood the test of time (even if this mega-metropolis of a city has grown around it).<\/p>\n

Visit some of the historic buildings, visit the smaller souks and discover some of the beautiful architecture that makes up \u2018old-Dubai\u2019, it\u2019s somewhere I loved visiting on my last visit to the city. It really is one of the best things to do in Dubai. If you really want to escape some of that midday heat, hop over to the Dubai Museum to learn more about this region. <\/p>\n

Looking for the best hotel in Dubai<\/a>? Make sure to book this Grand Atlantis Suite at Atlantis, The Palm<\/a>. Situated on The Palm, the island just off the coast of the mainland, it’s a hotel that’s not only world-class but also a destination in itself. It’s incredible and well worth splashing out for one of these luxe rooms<\/a>. You won’t want to leave! <\/p>\n

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2.) Spend a night in the desert<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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If you\u2019re anything like me, you\u2019ll be itching to explore outside of a city after a few days of city life.<\/p>\n

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One of the things that struck me with Dubai is that it\u2019s quite unique, once you leave the fringe of the city skyscrapers, you realise pretty fast that you\u2019re smack-bang in the gorgeous desert landscapes of the UAE.<\/p>\n

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There are quite a few ways to spend a night in the desert; some focus on gorgeous, luxurious Bedouin-style tents, while others focus on exploring the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.<\/p>\n

Whatever you choose, it\u2019s got to be one of my favourite ways to see the sunset and easily one of the best things to do in Dubai. <\/p>\n

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3.) Watch the sunrise over the city<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Arguably, one of the best ways to see the sunrise in Dubai<\/a> is via the age-old craft of hot air ballooning in the desert<\/a>. To be honest, I was a little nervous at the thought of hot-air ballooning due to the height, but it\u2019s one of the best experiences I\u2019ve ever had, especially at sunrise. It\u2019s well worth waking up early for and booking these advance tickets for hot air ballooning<\/a> in Dubai. Spaces fill up fast. <\/p>\n

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Best of all, you\u2019ll be back in the city in time for brunch and a little dip in the pool. I mean, it’s a holiday after all! <\/p>\n

Also, check into the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah<\/a> for one of the most iconic stays in Dubai. It’s so luxurious and one of the most prestigious properties in all of Dubai to stay at. Just make sure to choose one of these iconic duplex luxe suites<\/a>. These specific Dubai hotel rooms<\/a> even come with their own butler!  They’re incredible. Oh, and don’t miss their breakfasts – they’re immense and well worth getting up early for! <\/p>\n

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4.) Indulge in brunch<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Speaking about brunch, Dubai is quickly earning itself a reputation for world-class food, dishes and award-winning restaurants.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve started a pretty epic love affair with brunch lately, especially as it allows me a little longer in bed\u2026 and you\u2019re not judged for eating cake for breakfast! Ha!<\/p>\n

Head over to Bubbalicious for a hearty spot of brunch that will fill the hungriest of tummies!<\/p>\n

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One of the best things about brunch at Bubbalicious is that it mixes a typical style of brunch (with a few bubbles, of course) that are mixed with regional dishes from around the Middle East. It\u2019s the perfect way to fill up on some pretty yummy treats.<\/p>\n

5.) Explore the souks for spices and gold<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Once a thriving melting pot of local trade, the souks of Dubai are still a great place to explore. Popular amongst visitors, they do get a little busy, but that shouldn\u2019t stop you visiting (just embrace the crowds and enjoy it).<\/p>\n

On the other hand, if you want to avoid most of the visitors, arrive in the early morning, a time when the souks traditionally thrived (as it kept locals out of the midday heat).<\/p>\n

As you\u2019ve probably guessed, I\u2019m not a morning person, but I\u2019d definitely aim to head here as early as possible. Grab yourself some regional spices, peruse the gold souks and even try your hand at bartering with local owners, which is a skill in itself!<\/p>\n

6.) Try your hand at falconry<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Falcon handling is the art of \u2018handling\u2019 the falcons that are so very popular in Dubai and have a history in the culture of the region.<\/p>\n

Book yourself an excursion, learn more about how these gorgeous birds live and try your hand at guiding a Falcon in the desert landscape. Falconry, by the way, is an important part of the history here and is even classed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Item to protect and help raise awareness of falconry.<\/p>\n

7.) See the old fishing boats at Bur Dubai Abra Dock<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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After spending the afternoon in the glitz of the city, head over to Bur Dubai Abra Dock, where you can walk the boardwalk and experience some of the older trades that once sustained the region. I loved spotting them on my last visit. <\/p>\n

Nowadays, only a few of the boats still operate as fishing vessels, but they\u2019re all still around for us to enjoy.<\/p>\n

For a relaxing coast tour of the city, hop on board and enjoy the ocean views, just don\u2019t forget to pack your sunscreen for this one! It might be one of the best things to do in Dubai, but it’ll still burn you like crazy if you don’t cover up! <\/p>\n

8.) Wander through the Dubai Miracle Garden<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Dubai\u2019s Miracle Garden is a uniquely designed garden that sits pretty within the city itself.<\/p>\n

Cultivated and crafted to show some of the most beautiful gardens in the UAE. Make sure you visit early in the day and discover some of the gorgeous gardens that are truly works of art.<\/p>\n

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I\u2019m itching to get back to Dubai just to see the Miracle Garden, especially after heading over to the Cloud Forest in Singapore (which, as you can guess, I totally loved).<\/p>\n

Read more: What it’s like to visit Petra in Jordan<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

9.) Take in the views from the Burj Khalifa<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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You can\u2019t go on a Dubai holiday without getting to the top of the world\u2019s tallest building. The views from up here<\/a> are just incredible and, still, the highest in the world! <\/p>\n

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Although there\u2019s no bad time to visit the top of the Burj Khalifa<\/a>, it\u2019s extra special around twilight when you can watch the city transform into a glittering jewel.<\/p>\n

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My biggest tip here is to buy these fast-track tickets before you arrive<\/a>, which will mean you skip that dreaded queuing<\/a>, which is extra-long around sunset. Plus, these tickets get you straight to floors 124 and 125<\/a> in a matter of minutes! It’s such a help, especially when you don’t want to waste time during your holiday in Dubai. It really is one of the best things to do in Dubai. <\/p>\n

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10.) Dubai Restaurants<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Arguably one of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai, Chutney\u2019s has earned itself the reputation as the<\/em> restaurant that can\u2019t be missed in the city. Steering clear of a nosebleed, high-priced dishes, Chutney\u2019s focuses on yummy food that\u2019ll leave your pockets with enough change for a gelato! Don\u2019t forget to try their yummy black lentil dish that\u2019s just too good to miss. It’s less fine dining, but still really good food.<\/p>\n

That being said, if you want fine dining Indian food in Dubai, get yourself over to Tresind Studio<\/a>. It’s a Michelin Starred resturant within the stunning St Regis Hotel<\/a> and is just divine. Honestly, it’s worth staying here, too! These Canal View Suites<\/a> are just beautiful and some of the best rooms in the city. <\/p>\n

Also, for a tasty restaurant in Dubai, make sure to stop off at 11 Woodfire<\/a>. This place is something of a local icon in the city, where everything is cooked using open fires (in a luxe, Dubai setting, naturally). It’s such a yummy spot! Don’t miss their bone marrow or charred pumpkin chicken. So tasty! <\/p>\n

Read more: What it’s like to visit Petra in Jordan<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

11.) Visit the Third Line Gallery<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Dubai<\/a> is quickly becoming known as one of the best cities in the world to experience and see all types of art. Galleries, museums and cultural hubs are springing up across the city. Make sure to hop over to the Third Line Gallery, which showcases thematic collections that change every few months.<\/p>\n

The focus on contemporary Middle-Eastern artists makes this an eclectic mix of cultures, pieces and interpretations for us all to enjoy.<\/p>\n

Read more: What it’s like to visit Petra in Jordan<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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The Best Way To Visit Petra In Jordan<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n