An organized sightseeing tour with an expert guide is by far the easiest and most comfortable way to discover the sights and landmarks of Dubai. From the vast selection of guided tours, you can allocate precisely as much time as you want and choose exactly which sights to see. An added bonus is that you can combine tours as your please and tag on different areas, leave the minivan and go cruising on the sea for a while or end the day with a dinner at the top of Burj Khalifa or on the Dubai Creek. Honestly, you are spoiled for choice in Dubai. Here’s a couple of ideas for your sightseeing plans:
Half-day or whole day city tours
Most guided tours will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Yes, it’s that organized. From here your sightseeing trip could go to various areas. Here’s the top five Dubai sightseeing locations you shouldn’t miss:
- Jumeirah – to visit The Palm Jumeirah, the Atlantis Hotel, Souk Madinat, Jumeirah Beach, Burj Al Arab and Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque
- Dubai Creek – to visit the old souk, gold and spice souks, Dubai Museum and cross the Creek in an Abra to the Al Fahidi historic district
- Dubai Frame – to catch old Dubai on one side and modern Dubai on the other from high above
- Downtown Dubai – to visit Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the opera house and the Dubai Fountains
- Dubai Marina – to cruise around Bluewaters, The Palm, Burj Al-Arab and see the royal palaces from the sea
Wherever you choose to go, you will learn about Dubai before and now, see its architectural marvels and landmarks, take some amazing photos and get some time for souvenir shopping. If you have the time, you should plan to do sightseeing both during the day and at night. Dubai changes completely and mind-blowingly with the setting of the sun.
Dubai desert safari
Pay attention because this should be at the top of your list. Your desert safari starts by your dedicated driver picking you up at your hotel and driving you far out into the desert. From here your airconditioned 4WD car will take you dune bashing in the red sand, followed by a stop at a Bedouin camp for a lavish barbeque with Arabic flavors under the stars. Don’t miss the sunset in the desert, it’s quite something. Finally, your driver will take you home to your hotel. Depending on the desert safari package, the following experiences can be included:
- Quad bike rides
- Dune buggy rides
- Sand boarding
- Photos in kandura or abaya, traditional Arabian attires
- Camel rides
- Henna tattooing
- Shisha smoking
- Tanoura, Khaleeji or belly dance performances
Dubai from the sea
Cruising along the coast is a different and chilled way to take in the sensational views of Dubai. Avoid the crowds and sail around Dubai in a speed boat or a traditional dhow, or level up with a private yacht. You can choose morning, afternoon or sunset tours with or without dining options. We suggest that you time your cruise to catch Dubai Marina as the sun sets and all the skyscrapers are illuminated. Whizz around Bluewaters, a man-made island with the world’s largest ferris wheel, the archipelago of Palm Jumeirah, and enjoy unobstructed views of the Palm Atlantis, Burj Al-Arab, the royal palaces, and Dubai Lagoon from the sea. Other excellent cruise options, both in Dubai Marina and the Creek, include evening cruises with lavish dinners and live music.
Dubai from the air
For a different perspective, you could take to the skies. Guided tours in Dubai include city tours or scenic tours by helicopter, sea plane tours along the coast and over city of Dubai as well as hot air balloon rides over the desert.