10 Must-Try Experiences for First-Time Visitors to Dubai

Dubai Explorer March 29, 2025 first time visitors to dubai, visitors to dubai

Hello there, traveller! You ready to start your adventurous journey? Then here’s a guide for you to refer to and discover our selected top experiences. Dubai’s unforgettable experiences await you at Thrillark whether you love adventure, are an avid traveler, are here for the culture, or are you a first time visitors to Dubai.

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The 10 Must-Try Experiences in Dubai

Here is the list of 10 must try experiences especially if you are a first time visitors to Dubai.

1. Burj Khalifa

Touch the Sky at the World’s Tallest Building

Think about literally touching the sky at the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Seeing the golden hour during the sunset that just transforms the Dubai skyline into a breathtaking view with the unbeatable 360 mesmerizing Dubai landscape with the lights and shadows falling.

Here’s a pro tip for you: book the exclusive at the top sky lounge on level 148 to skip the typical crowds and lines, but if you want to have something more special, pair your visit with the most magical Dubai Fountain show at the center of downtown Dubai.

2. Desert Safari:

Dune Bashing, Camel Rides & Arabian Nights

You know Dubai as the land of luxury, futuristic skyscrapers, and thrilling experiences, but that’s not the real Dubai; the tranquil deserts, dunes, camel rides, and Arabian nights—that’s the real Dubai. The real Dubai is adventures beyond the skyscrapers.

So get ready!! Start with the thrilling sandboarding and quad biking, and once the rush wears off, go for the evening safari with a BBQ dinner, belly dancing, fire dancing, and much more entertainment. Don’t forget your sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and a sense of adventure but, mainly, your sunscreen!!

3. Dubai Mall & The Dubai Fountain Show

Believe us when we say Dubai Mall is not only known for its luxury stores, like Cartier, Harry Winston, Giorgio Armani, etc. You know shopping isn’t the only thing that’s going to happen! Entertainment like the Dubai Aquarium, walk through a glass tunnel full of sharks, or you can challenge yourself at the VR Park Dubai.

4. Dhow Cruise Dinner

Dubai Marina vs. Dubai Creek

Okay, let’s think about it after enjoying Dubai’s finest! Now! Let’s enjoy Dubai’s dining with a skyline at night on a traditional wooden boat. while being entertained by live performances and a delicious buffet. Choose between the modern luxury of Dubai Marina or choose a traditional, cultural experience.

5. Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

After being in awe at the marvelous engineering wonder, the Palm Jumeirah, that looks over the panoramic view of the plans, then take a leap of faith at the Atlantis Aquaventure, which holds the most thrilling rides that will test your courage, but if you want more fun, swim with the dolphins at the Dolphin Bay.

6. Explore Old Dubai

Gold Souk, Spice Souk & Al Fahidi

Now let’s explore the soul of Old Dubai! An alleyway that’s glittering with the shine of gold for some good rate at the Gold Souk. Then breathe in the spicy smell of the aromatic spices that are sold at the spice souk. And lastly, the Al Fahidi, where for 1 AED, you get to go back in time riding an Abra (traditional boat) across the Dubai Creek.

7. Indulge in Dubai’s Famous Luxury Brunch

Brunch is usually seen as a simple event, but at Saffron Atlantis Dubai is where brunch takes brunch into a whole new level of luxury. A party-style buffet with a 100-dish buffet, which is a culinary feast. But if you are looking for a much more budget-friendly option, explore the more delectable food scene at Al Seef.

8. Ski Dubai: Snow in the Desert

Wait, wait!! Skiing in Dubai?? Inside a mall? Told you Dubai provides the best experiences that you can’t even imagine; now it’s not only skiing and snowboarding, but also slopes covered in snow that you can slide down! But that’s not all; adorable penguins to play with all try the zorb ball rolling.

Now don’t worry about the winter gear; gloves and boots and all will be provided to you.

9. Visit Global Village (Seasonal but Unmissable)

A place where the world meets, A world where more than 90 cultures come together to celebrate wonder. A world where new and exciting can be found around every corner, where colors, flavors, and experiences blend into one magnificent cultural melting pot. Countries like Egypt, India, Turkey, Pakistan and Japan explore and indulge in delicious treats like Turkish kunafa or Thai mango sticky rice while experiencing a global celebration.

Do keep in mind that Global Village Dubai is open from October to April.

10. Sky Views Dubai: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

Any slide that’s up to 219 meters high can be scary, but you know what gives the ultimate adrenaline rush challenge? Get ready to glide down a transparent glass slide. Or try the hands-free walk in the Edge Walk; it’s more thrilling and less crowded than the Burj Khalifa, but the panoramic views of the city below are simply breathtaking.

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Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Dubai

The following are the a few essential tips for the first time visitors to Dubai.

Best time to visit:

November–March: Perfect time for your Dubai journey, with pleasantly cooler temperatures making it easy to roam around the great outdoors.

How to get around:

Nol Card for metro/bus: Your ticket to ease in using public transportation. This prepay card can be used in all metro and bus networks with ease.

Taxis (cheaper than Uber): Relatively cheap and sometimes cheaper than ride-sharing apps.
Tip: Always take official Dubai taxis for reliability and reasonable prices.

Walking: Not an option in summer! Avoid during the summer! Temperatures may rise well over 40°C, making walking perilous and unbearable.

Dress code:

Modest in public, relaxed in tourist areas.

Money-saving hacks:

Use the Entertainer app for discounts. Your money-saving friend. Provides 2-for-1 deals on restaurants, attractions, and activities.

Free attractions:

Dubai Fountain, Al Seef, JBR Beach.

Final Words

Your Dubai journey will be a once-in-a-lifetime mix of contemporary wonder and deep-rooted cultural adventure. From the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the ancient Al Fahidi neighborhood, from the high-end malls to the local souks, Dubai has it all for all travelers. Book your Dubai experiences now on thrillark and make your trip unforgettable.

Save this guide for your next trip, and forward it to fellow travel buffs who are fantasizing about the wonder of Dubai. Which Dubai experience are you most excited about? Drop a comment!