10 Essential Tours to Experience the Best of Dubai

Dubai is a dazzling city that offers a unique experience for all. Whether you are an adventure seeker or a history buff, Dubai has something in store for you. It is also a shopper’s paradise, where you can buy anything from clothing to jewelry, spices, and many more things. It’s a futuristic city with skyscrapers, cultural heritage sites, technologically advanced structures and more. Home to the world’s tallest buildings, Burj Khalifa, Dubai is bound to leave you speechless from the very first day you step into the city. Here are 10 essential tours to experience the best of Dubai for people of all ages.

10 Essential Tours to Experience the Best of Dubai

Dubai City Sightseeing Tour

Dubai City has so many attractions to see that one trip may not be sufficient to cover what the entire city has to offer. A guided city tour is a must-do to cover almost every highlight of the city in a single tour. This tour will cover the main attractions in the city, including Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Dubai Frame, and more. Moreover, you may choose a full-day or half-day tour based on the time available to you. A tour with a licensed guide will help you uncover the secrets and hidden stories of the oasis in the UAE desert.

Burj Khalifa Tour

A visit to the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, is a must-have experience when you are in Dubai. Standing at a height of 828, it has the highest observation deck in the world. You can go to the observation decks at levels 124 and 148 for sweeping views of the Dubai skyline. Moreover, it also gives panoramic views of the coastline and desert of this magnificent city in the UAE. The best time to visit the observation deck at Burj Khalifa is at sunset. It is the perfect setup to capture some stunning photographs in cooler weather.

Desert Safari Adventure

A tour to Dubai is not complete without having some fun at the Arabian dunes. The Arabian Desert is so vast that you can take part in multiple fun activities. A conventional desert safari includes camel rides, dune bashing, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner under the starry evening sky. You can spend the evening enjoying scrumptious Arabian food at a Bedouin-style camp. Highlights of the evening would be live belly dancing, henna painting, and Tanoura shows.

Dhow Cruise with Dinner

Dubai dhow cruise is a relaxing experience for people of all ages. You can step back in time on a wooden dhow cruise and enjoy the evening along the Dubai Creek. This tour includes an international-style buffet dinner, Arabic music, and views of Bur Dubai and Deira. The Dhow cruise dinner consists of a three-course meal that provides you with a starter, main course, and dessert. Get ready for a night relaxing to Arabian music, Tanoura show, and other forms of live entertainment.

Dubai Frame or Sky Views Dubai Experience

Sky Views Dubai and the Dubai Frame are both must-have experiences in Dubai. They provide you with a unique view of Dubai, its history, and its future advancements. Sky Views Dubai consists of a 219.5 m high glass slide that provides unfiltered views of the city.

The Dubai Frame is an observatory, monument, and museum located in Zabeel Park. It holds the record for the largest frame in the world. Standing at a height of 150.24 m, it offers views of Old Dubai and provides historical timelines and future projections.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium are must-dos, especially for adrenaline seekers and young travellers. Located at Atlantis the Palm, this water activities-based theme park has rides for both thrill seekers and families. There is everything from river rapids to world-class water slides and access to the marine wonder of the Lost Chambers. Moreover, the aquarium has underwater tunnels and halls with aquatic life, and visitors can even take part in feeding sessions. The aquarium and waterpark is home to 65,000 amazing marine animals and 105 adventure slides and attractions.

Global Village Tour

Global Village is a seasonal tour that is there from October to April. It is a multicultural festival park that offers culture, shopping, cuisine, and entertainment from more than 90 countries across the world. A tour in the Global Village will make you feel as if you have travelled around the globe in one night. There are street performances, live concerts, and a giant Ferris wheel at the Global Village in Dubai.

Dubai Marina Yacht Cruise

Dubai Marina Yacht Cruise offers a unique experience and a different perspective of the city. You can enjoy Dubai’s dazzling skyline on a luxury yacht cruise with views of the Dubai Marina, Atlantis The Palm, and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). The Yacht Cruise tour includes gourmet meals, beverages, and live music and entertainment for guests. Furthermore, you get to choose if you want to go on a morning, an afternoon, or a sunset cruise, based on your preference.

Shopping Tour: Dubai Malls & Souks

Dubai is a haven for shoppers, offering numerous malls and souks to browse and make a purchase.  Some of the more popular malls here are the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall by Dubai Retail, Dubai Outlet Mall, and Dubai Marina Mall. From malls to conventional souks, there is something for every budget when shopping in Dubai. You can shop at the Dubai Mall for luxury brands and enjoy the fountain show. Moreover, you can head over to the Gold Souk if you want to shop for gold at bargain prices.

Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Historical District

Head over to Al Fahidi Historical District if you want to move away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Al Fahidi Fort will give you an idea of what Dubai was like back in the day. Also, it is home to the Dubai Museum. The district exhibits Emirate culture, art galleries, and wind-tower architecture. This is totally different from the modern Dubai skyline and gives you a taste of Old Dubai. You can combine this tour with a walk through the clothing, spice, and gold souks for a complete cultural immersion.

Tips for first-time visitors in Dubai

• You can use the Dubai metro to travel around the city, especially for shopping and sightseeing trips.
• Ensure to book tours that include hotel pickup.
• The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March, when the weather is ideal for travel.
• Dress modestly, especially in cultural and religious places.
• Book tickets in advance, especially to popular attractions like Burj Khalifa and Desert Safari, because they seem to sell out fast during the peak season.

Wrap-Up

Dubai is the best destination to travel if you want to experience luxury, adventure, tradition, and innovation, all in one go. It is one of the most dynamic travel destinations in the world.  You must try out the above 10 essential tours to experience the best of Dubai.