Dubai is the most popular Emirate city of the UAE or United Arab Emirates. Modern, luxurious and architecturally advanced, Dubai attracts millions of people from all around the world. While some are blown over by its architectural marvels, others visit the place simply for the luxury that it offers. Some people are attracted to the city's culture and heritage as well. In short, Dubai offers a complete holiday package that includes sightseeing, adventure, shopping, recreation, entertainment and great food. If you are planning a trip to Dubai in the near future, here are some of the places to visit and things to do in the Emirate city.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the pride and honour of Dubai. Standing 828 meters above the ground, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. The building is home to a luxury hotel, fine dining restaurants, residential units, corporate offices and even a mosque. It also has two observation decks, one on the 124th floor and the second on the 148th floor. Both the observation decks offer 360o view of the entire city, including the large skyscrapers, the Persian Gulf and the wide desert as well. You also get the chance to ride on the fastest elevators in the world here.

Dubai Mall

There is no dearth of shopping malls in Dubai, but if you have to choose one, it should be the Dubai Mall. Known to be one of the largest malls in the world, the Dubai Mall has more than 1200 retail stores along with some recreational and entertainment zones. The stores at the Dubai Mall sell everything from clothes to electronics. Right from local brands to international ones, you can buy everything here. Apart from this, the Dubai Mall has an aquarium and underwater zoo, a multiplex theatre, gaming zone, etc. which would keep you hooked to the place. 

Dubai Museum

No trip to a new place can be complete without knowing the history of the place. Before Dubai became a metropolis city, it was a humble fishing village and this history of the city has been preserved at the Dubai Museum. The museum is housed inside the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city. Inside you would find interesting exhibits that display everything, right from the clothes worn to the occupation practiced in the ancient times. There is also a presentation at the end that shows the exponential growth of the city in the last few decades and a peek into the city's future.

Desert Safari

Desert safari in Dubai is one experience that every tourist visiting the city swears by. Desert safari Dubai offers an incredible experience complete with adventure, entertainment and delicious food. The first and the best experience of desert safari is dune bashing, which is followed by camel riding, quad biking and sandboarding. As for entertainment, you would get to enjoy amazing performances by Tanoura and belly dancers. The desert safari ends with a delicious BBQ dinner. While this is a description of an evening desert safari, you can also opt for morning and overnight desert safaris.

Bastakiya Quarter

Not far from the Dubai Museum, on the banks of the Dubai Creek, lies the oldest neighbourhood of Dubai i.e. the Bastakiya Quarter. This is the place where the Persian merchants settled when they arrived in Dubai for trading. The architecture of the place with its sand-coloured houses, ornate doors and wind-towers make it for an interesting sight. Today, the place is filled with numerous museums, quaint cafes and art galleries where you can spend your entire day.

Dubai Souks

Along with the Dubai Museum and Bastakiya Quarter, another hidden gem in the old part of Dubai is the traditional souk. Moreover, there is not one but four in quite close proximity. In the Deira side of the Dubai Creek is the most famous Gold Souk, which has more than 300 stores that sell gold and other precious jewellery. Then there is the perfume souk, where you can buy everything from the traditional oud and attar to the latest international perfume brands. At the spice souk, you would get to buy all kinds of spices and herbs. On the other side of the Creek, i.e. in Bur Dubai, there is the textile souk, where you can not only buy different types of fabrics but also get them custom-stitched.

Dhow Cruise

Dubai is a city that celebrates world cuisine. You would find restaurants serving almost all cuisines around the world. However, for a unique dining experience, you must definitely go for the dhow cruise dinner in Dubai. The dhow cruises happen on Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina and even on the Dubai Water Canal. The dhow is a traditional boat that has been refurbished as a restaurant. During the dhow cruise, you get to see beautiful skyline of the city, devour a delicious three-course meal and enjoy entertainment programs like Tanoura dance performance and live music as well.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

If you are craving for some fun and adventure, the IMG Worlds of Adventure would be a great option for you. With the size of almost 28 football fields, the IMG Worlds of Adventure is known to be the largest indoor theme park in the world. The park has four zones, two of the most popular being Cartoon Network and Marvel, where you would be able to meet your favourite characters and at the same time enjoy thrilling rides as well. Then there is the Lost Valley, which is a dinosaur-theme zone. The fourth zone is the IMG Boulevard, where you can shop, eat and enjoy to your heart's content.  

Ski Dubai

Dubai is a land of surprises and one of the biggest ones is finding Ski Dubai, the largest indoor ski resort in the world. Ski Dubai is located inside the Mall of Emirates and is spread around an area of 22,500 square meters. The ski park has an 85-meter high indoor mountain with 5 runs, each with varying degrees of difficulty. It also has a Snow Park, where you can enjoy icy body slide, giant snowballs, toboggan runs, etc. You would also get a chance to see penguins here. Do visit the cafe here to enjoy some delicious hot chocolate! 

Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park

When the heat in the city becomes too hot to handle, head to Atlantis Aquaventure, the best water park in Dubai. This water park is located inside the premises of Hotel Atlantis the Palm, which is the pride and glory of Palm Jumeirah. Apart from the prestigious location of the water park, what makes it No.1 in the city is that it offers more than 30 thrilling rides, numerous pools and several other interesting attractions. Visitors also given access to a private beach area, where they can relax and order their favourite drinks. Moreover, you can also opt to visit the aquarium, the dolphin bay, etc. when you are here.

Conclusion

Apart from the places mentioned above, you can also visit the beaches of Dubai, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Dubai Frame, Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Garden Glow, etc. during your trip to the city. One sure thing about your Dubai holiday is that you would have a memorable time in the city, irrespective of the places you choose for your itinerary.