Dubai Guide
Things to Do in Dubai
From the world's tallest building to golden desert dunes — plan your stay around Dubai's best landmarks, adventures and beaches.
Iconic Landmarks
Skylines, Beaches and the World's Tallest Building
Desert Adventures
Dune Bashing, Desert Camps & Sunset Safaris
Just outside the city, the desert offers dune bashing in 4x4s, camel rides, falconry displays and traditional Bedouin-style camps with dinner under the stars. Sunset safaris are the most popular — golden light over the dunes is a Dubai signature.
Most tours pick up from anywhere in the city, so it's an easy add-on whichever Dubai holiday home you're staying in.
More to Explore
Culture, Family Fun & Day Trips
Museum of the Future
A landmark exhibition space exploring innovation and future cities, in the heart of Downtown.
Stay near DowntownDubai Mall & Souk Al Bahar
One of the world's largest malls, plus a traditional-style souk overlooking the Burj Khalifa.
Stay near DowntownGlobal Village
A seasonal cultural park with pavilions, rides and food from around the world (Oct–Apr).
Find a nearby stayDubai Frame
A 150m viewing frame in Zabeel Park with panoramic views over old and new Dubai.
Stay near DowntownAl Fahidi Historic District
Wind-tower architecture, art galleries and the Dubai Creek abra crossing in the old town.
Find a nearby stayDubai Creek & Abra Rides
Traditional wooden boat crossings between the Gold Souk and Al Fahidi, right on the water.
Stay near Dubai CreekSki Dubai
An indoor ski slope and snow park inside Mall of the Emirates — a Dubai novelty for all ages.
Find a nearby stayAl Marmoom & Hatta
Desert conservation reserves and mountain pools for a day trip outside the city.
Find a nearby stay
Best Beaches
Dubai's Best Beaches
Dubai's coastline is one of its biggest draws for holiday rental guests. JBR Beach and Kite Beach offer free public access with water sports, beach volleyball and beachfront cafés, while Palm Jumeirah's West Beach and resort stretches add a five-star edge. Jumeirah Beach in Jumeirah 1 — running from La Mer down past Kite Beach — is another wide, walkable stretch of public sand popular with guests staying nearby.
Guests staying in JBR, Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah holiday homes are usually a short walk from the sand, and several Port de la Mer properties offer direct private beach access of their own.
Water Parks
Dubai's Water Parks — Aquaventure & Wild Wadi
Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm and Wild Wadi Waterpark in Jumeirah are Dubai's two headline water park days out, with record-breaking slides, a private beach and a lazy river.
Both are an easy drive — or in Aquaventure's case, a walk — from Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah holiday rentals.
Shopping
Where to Shop — Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates & More
The Dubai Mall sits beside the Burj Khalifa in Downtown, alongside Souk Al Bahar's traditional-style shops. Beyond Downtown, Mall of the Emirates (home to Ski Dubai), Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, City Walk, La Mer, Boxpark and Dragon Mart give guests a mall for almost every part of the city.
Guests based in Downtown, Business Bay or City Walk holiday homes can walk to most of it.
Dining
Waterfront Dining in Dubai
From casual beach cafés on JBR and Bluewaters to fine dining with Burj Khalifa or Marina skyline views, Dubai's dining scene is built around the water.
Bluewaters Island, Dubai Marina and La Mer are the easiest places to eat well within walking distance of a holiday rental.
Water Sports
Jet Skiing, Parasailing & Flyboarding in Dubai
Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah are the city's water sports hubs — jet ski tours past the Marina skyline, parasailing and flyboarding off JBR beach, plus kayaking through Dubai's calmer canal and lagoon routes.
Most operators pick up directly from the Marina or JBR waterfront, making it an easy half-day activity for guests staying nearby.
Getting Around
How to Get Around Dubai — Taxis, Metro & Tram
Dubai's RTA taxis are metered, easy to hail on the street or book through the RTA Dubai Taxi app, Careem or Uber — the simplest option straight from most holiday homes. The Dubai Metro's Red Line runs the length of Sheikh Zayed Road, linking Dubai Marina, JBR, Business Bay, Downtown (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station) and both DXB Airport terminals, typically 5am to midnight (later on Thursday and Friday nights). The Dubai Tram connects Dubai Marina and JBR to Al Sufouh, with two Metro interchange stations for onward journeys.
Rough guide from popular guest areas: Dubai Marina to Downtown is around 20–25 minutes by car or 35–40 minutes by Metro and Tram; Palm Jumeirah to Dubai Mall is about 25–30 minutes by car; Downtown to Dubai International Airport (DXB) is roughly 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by Metro; and JBR to Global Village (seasonal, Oct–Apr) runs 30–35 minutes by car.
Traffic builds during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9am and 5–8pm) and around Friday prayer times — the Metro or Tram is often the faster call along the Marina/JBR/Downtown corridor at those times.
