As a tourist in Dubai you want to make the most of your time. A day sightseeing tour will take you to all the best places to go in Dubai. But which are the best Dubai tours to book if you want to experience the top 10 things to do in Dubai?
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is a city playground for the adventurous and those looking for safaris, wildlife, water activities and much more! Dubai excursions include the famous Burj Khalifa, Dubai marina, air balloon rides and dune bashing.
When you are in Dubai, visiting places on a tour ensures you see the best of Dubai.
We suggest booking a minimum of one Dubai tour, especially if you are on a stopover in Dubai. These locally vetted tours give you an authentic experience and add to your travel memories. Plus they are great fun!
If you want to tour places in Dubai such as the desert, the old city and souks, this post is for you.
Our list includes personal favourites and best selling tours through Get Your Guide, who we highly recommend.
BEST DUBAI TOURS AND DUBAI EXCURSIONS
1. DUBAI TOURS FOR BURJ KHALIFA
Probably the top Dubai place for tourists is the famous and iconic Burj Khalifa. One of the top things to do in Dubai is to ascend 125 floors of the world’s tallest building. From the observation deck the panoramic 360 degree views over Dubai and the Arabian Gulf are fantastic.
With several Burj Khalifa ticket options available including combo tickets, this is certainly an attraction to book in advance. Choose from these great tour ticket options:
- Burj Khalifa Level 124 and 125 Entry Ticket – The cheapest and most popular option gives you access to the 124th and 125th floors. You select your time with sunset being more expensive. For the best experience, and to see Dubai by both day and night, book a ticket for around 90 minutes before sunset. It’s the busiest time, so reserve the time slot well in advance. If you don’t mind a very early rise, sunrise attracts a much smaller crowd.
- Dubai Burj Khalifa Tickets & Tour: Level 124, 125 and 148 – The expensive premium price does mean you skip the security and elevator lines. Plus, you get access to the 148th floor and fewer crowds, and can stand on the outdoor terrace! Select the sunset option and – watch the the synchronized Dubai Fountain Show!
If you want to combine activities, check out these popular tours:
- Dubai Aquarium & Burj Khalifa Levels 124/125 Combo Ticket – Combining two great sights to see in Dubai with this combo ticket. Discover marine life from around the world in the unique tunnels of the underwater zoo. Then take the elevator to the 124th and 125th floors of Burj Khalifa.
- Magical Dubai 8-Hour Tour with Burj Khalifa Experience – A full-day tour exploring the sites of old Dubai and the modern attractions of the city.
The Burj khalifa is one of Dubai’s best iconic architectural buildings and extremely popular.
2. DUBAI CITY TOURS
Dubai city tours are a great way of covering all the places to see in Dubai in a timely manner. Short on time and not sure what to see in Dubai, a sightseeing tour can cover Dubai’s top 10 sights.
A city tour provides an overview of the city and although attractions can be visited independently, it can prove time consuming.
A Dubai city trip showcases the ultra modern side of Dubai such as Dubai Mall plus the more authentic side of the traditional Souks.
Several sightseeing tours in Dubai are available, from bus tours, hop-on hop-off buses and private tours, to Dubai guided tours. The choice is yours. Here are some of the best Dubai city tour packages:
- Dubai: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – 24, 48 or 72 Hours – Your ticket provides unlimited hop-on hop-off access along 2 sightseeing routes. The open-top red buses showcase all the main city sights such as Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, the Dubai Frame, The Walk at JBR the Beach, and much more.
- Dubai: Guided Walking Tour with Creek, Souks, & Street Food – Discover old Dubai on a guided walking tour around the Al Fahidi historical district. Learn more about its history, try its authentic street food, explore the souks, and cruise Dubai creek on an abra.
- Dubai: Old and Modern Dubai City Tour with Blue Mosque Visit – This guided tour shows you both sides of Dubai and the architectural beauty of the Blue Mosque.
3. DUBAI FOOD TOURS
Fancy sampling local food and traditional dishes? How about combining sightseeing in Dubai with a Marina cruise. Or sample the best Dubai traditional dishes while learning the insights of local culture?
- Ethnic Emirati Dining Experience – Visiting a traditional Emirati house you can experience culture through cuisine. Choose from a traditional breakfast to a 4-course dinner.
- Cultural Lunch at The Sheikh Mohammed Center – Learn about Arabic culture as well as Islam and its impact on local culture. Try traditional Emirati dishes at a cultural lunch and ask any questions you like.
- Dhow Dinner Cruise – A great way to see Dubai Marina illuminated as you enjoy an international buffet.
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals
4. DESERT SAFARI TOURS
If you are looking for adventure then a Dubai desert safari tour ticks all the boxes. From the modern shiny side of Dubai, head out into the sand dunes of the desert. Your Dubai sightseeing is incomplete without a trip into the stillness and beauty of the desert.
With a wealth of activities to do on the sand from dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding and camel rides to an authentic Bedouin culture experience.
Which is the best desert safari to choose? That depends on your budget, the experience you are after and whether you want an evening desert safari.
- Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari, & BBQ at Al Khayma – By far the most popular and highly rated desert safari. Dune bashing in a 4WD, sandboarding, short camel ride, belly dance show, falcon display and a buffet BBQ. It does feel slightly touristy, but hey when in Rome and all that!
- Dubai: Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Al Khayma Camp – Explore Dubai’s desert terrains with a range of fun optional activities such as a quad bike ride.
- Half-Day Desert Safari, Camel Ride & Quad Bike Option – Great choice for those short on time.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert- If your budget allows, you can head for the sky on a unique balloon expedition over the heart of the Arabian Desert.
- From Dubai: Heritage Dinner Desert Safari – Take a wildlife drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
TIP : If you intend to stay around Abu Dhabi, we strongly recommend an overnight stay at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Enjoy the stillness and beauty of the desert on one of the many activities. There’s nothing quite like the changing colours of the sand dunes!
5. WATER ACTIVITIES
For great skyline views and a taste of adventure, get out onto or into the water on one of these exciting Dubai tours.
- Dubai JetSki: Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, and Atlantis – Cruise along the Dubai coastline driving a jet ski. During the ride, admire some of Dubai’s best and iconic buildings such as the Burj Khalifa JBR, Burj Al Arab, and the great Atlantis, the Palm.
- Dubai: 1.5-Hour Self-Drive Boat Trip – Cruise along Dubai’s coastline in your own boat.
- Dubai: The Lost Chambers Aquarium Ultimate Atlantis Snorkel – Snorkel at the Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai.
6. CAMEL RIDE TOURS
Camels are a symbol of Emirati heritage and remain an important part of the country’s traditions and cultural practices. They are revered by locals and well cared for. You can’t beat riding through the sand dunes atop these magnificent animals.
If you are looking for a Dubai excursion that focuses on giving you more time with the camel, check these out:
- From Dubai: Desert Day Trip with Camel Ride, Dancers, & BBQ – Explore the Arabian desert on a sunset camel trek.
- From Dubai: Sunset Camel Safari, Stargazing, BBQ at Al Khayma – Take part in a camel safari in the Al Marmoom Desert Reserve and enjoy an authentic Bedouin breakfast in a traditional Bedouin village.
- Dubai: 7-Hour Evening Camel Safari Tour with BBQ Dinner
7. TOURS TO ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi is just a 90 minutes drive from Dubai and makes a great day trip. The most popular Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai include a visit to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I can’t emphasize just how beautiful this mosque is and really should be on your “must-see” list.
Choose from one of these top-rated tours from Dubai:
- Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour – A popular top rated tour. This full day guided tour visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with the world’s largest hand-woven carpet and stunning crystal chandeliers. You enjoy the views from the Observation Deck of Etihad Towers and explore Abu Dhabi’s history.
- Abu Dhabi Full-Day Trip With Louvre And Mosque – Visit two of Abu Dhabi’s star attractions experiencing art and architecture. Marvel at the mix of old and modern Islamic architecture at the mosque. Admire works of art the Louvre Museum.
- Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque 5-Hour Tour from Dubai – Ideal if time is short, as you still get to tour this magnificent mosque.
8. UNIQUE DUBAI TOURS
Are you looking for something a little bit more unique or high-end? Check out these great options:
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- 5-Hour Tour with a Professional Photographer Guide
- Helicopter Flight from The Palm to The Burj Khalifa
- Parasailing Adventure & Boat Tour of JBR Beach
- Atlantis & Burj Al Arab 3-Hour Cruise on Luxury Yacht
GetYourGuide tours and activities are locally vetted and curated by experts. Book in advance so you don’t miss out on unforgettable experiences and memories. Offering an easy cancellation policy and helpful customer service, we highly recommend them. Prices are per person unless stated otherwise
These are are choice of the best Dubai tours that you can include in your Dubai Itinerary. Including one or more of these tours in Dubai really help you to explore and understand the many sides of this alluring city.
From shiny modern skyscrapers to Dubai Creek and its historical souks and mosques, there really is an attraction for every age.
MORE READING
Here are more of our articles about Dubai to help with your planning. With an excellent climate, world-class architecture and plenty of exciting things to do, it’s a fantastic United Arab Emirates destination.
How To Use Dubai Public Transport
What Are The Dos And Don’ts In Dubai?
Free Things To Do In Dubai To Save Money
Dubai And Abu Dhabi Itinerary For First Timers
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our DESTINATIONS page!
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