The Ultimate Guide to Dubai: Luxury, Adventure & Hidden Gems in the Heart of the UAE
Curated By
Amanda Schneider
Curator’s statement
Dubai is a city of contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside traditional markets, and luxury meets adventure at every turn. Whether you’re here for world-class shopping, breathtaking views or thrilling desert experiences, Dubai offers something for every traveler. In this guide, we’ll show you how to experience Dubai’s top attractions and hidden gems, and how to enjoy VIP perks and exclusive experiences.
The Fora Difference
Book with Amanda to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Dubai
Unlock perks by contacting Amanda to book your trip.
Things to do in Dubai
Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and a visit to its 148th-floor observation deck is a must for breathtaking views of the city, desert and coastline.
Insider tip: Book a VIP experience to skip the lines and enjoy exclusive access to a private lounge.
Desert safari adventure
Experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding and traditional Bedouin-style dining in the desert.
Insider tip: Go for a sunset safari for the best views and a more relaxed, atmospheric experience with a traditional Arabic feast and live entertainment.
Dubai marina & yacht cruise
Dubai Marina offers a beautiful waterside promenade, upscale dining and a chance to book a private yacht tour.
Insider tip: For a unique experience, charter a luxury yacht at sunset for a glamorous view of the skyline and Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai Mall & The Dubai Aquarium
One of the world’s largest shopping malls, Dubai Mall is a paradise for shopping, dining and entertainment. The Dubai Aquarium, located inside the mall, houses thousands of marine creatures.
Insider tip: Skip the lines and book an exclusive tour of the aquarium’s behind-the-scenes areas.
Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain, located outside the Dubai Mall, is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system and a spectacle not to be missed.
Insider tip: Get VIP access to a private seating area for the best view of the show with fewer crowds.
Atlantis The Palm Aquaventure Waterpark
Atlantis The Palm’s water park is one of the best in the world, with thrilling slides, a lazy river and an exclusive shark lagoon.
Insider tip: Book a VIP experience for front-of-line access to rides and exclusive areas, ensuring you don’t waste time in queues.
Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera offers world-class performances, including opera, ballet and live concerts. Its stunning architecture and acoustics make it an unforgettable experience.
Insider tip: Reserve a seat in the VIP section for a premium experience with access to exclusive lounges and benefits.
The Dubai Frame
This architectural marvel offers stunning panoramic views of both the old and new Dubai from its glass bridge.
Insider tip: Visit during the golden hour for spectacular lighting and an ideal photo op of the city skyline.
Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates
Experience snow and skiing in the middle of the desert! Ski Dubai offers skiing, snowboarding and encounters with penguins.
Insider tip: Upgrade to the VIP ski pass for private access to ski slopes and priority entry to the snow park.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Escape the hustle of the modern city by visiting the historic Al Fahidi Neighborhood, one of the oldest traditional quarters in Dubai.
Insider tip: Take a guided walking tour to discover the hidden gems of this area, including museums, art galleries and authentic souks.
Places to eat & drink in Dubai
At.mosphere – Burj Khalifa
Located on the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest building, At.mosphere offers breathtaking views paired with exquisite fine dining. It’s perfect for special occasions.
Insider tip: Reserve a window-side table for a truly memorable dining experience. Make sure to book well in advance as this restaurant is very popular.
Nobu – Atlantis The Palm
This iconic Japanese restaurant is famous for its signature dishes like the black cod miso and sushi. Nobu offers a fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with Peruvian influences.
Insider tip: If you want a VIP experience, book a private room or dine in the lounge area for a more intimate setting.
Pierchic – Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah
Set on a pier over the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic is known for its fresh seafood and romantic atmosphere. It’s one of Dubai’s most exclusive dining spots.
Insider tip: Book a sunset dinner to enjoy both the view and the ambiance. It’s a fantastic spot for a special celebration or romantic evening.
Zuma – Gate Village, DIFC
Zuma is a contemporary Japanese izakaya-style restaurant offering sushi, sashimi and robata grill dishes. The trendy, chic vibe makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Insider tip: Try to book a spot at the sushi bar for a more interactive dining experience with the chefs.
La Petite Maison – Gate Village, DIFC
This French-Mediterranean restaurant serves delicious dishes like grilled fish, risotto and their famous foie gras. It’s known for its quality ingredients and chic ambiance.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the dessert selection, particularly the soufflé — it’s one of their signature offerings.
Ravi Restaurant – Satwa
For an authentic taste of Pakistani and Indian cuisine, Ravi’s is a local favorite offering deliciously flavorful dishes at an affordable price. It’s perfect for a casual, yet unforgettable, meal.
Insider tip: Go during lunch for a less crowded experience. Their lamb kebabs and chicken tikka are must-tries!
The Ivy – Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Offering British-style dishes with a global twist, The Ivy is a classy spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Known for its high-end décor and exceptional service, it’s perfect for business meetings or a lavish brunch.
Insider tip: Try their afternoon tea for a classic, upscale experience in the heart of Dubai.
Al Hadheerah – Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
Located in the desert, Al Hadheerah offers a traditional Arabian experience with live music, falconry displays and a wide range of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes served in a buffet style.
Insider tip: Visit during the cooler months for an unforgettable outdoor dining experience under the stars.
The Croft – Dubai Marina
A modern European restaurant with a cozy vibe, The Croft specializes in simple yet delicious dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. It’s a more relaxed and intimate dining experience.
Insider tip: For a casual but refined experience, try their brunch, which is consistently well-rated for both the quality and variety of food.
WHITE Dubai – Meydan Racecourse
WHITE is one of Dubai’s most popular nightlife spots, offering a mix of music, cocktails and high-end cuisine. The chic atmosphere and stunning views make it a perfect place to enjoy the night.
Insider tip: If you’re celebrating a special occasion, book one of the VIP tables for exclusive bottle service and a front-row seat to the DJ booth and stunning light displays.
Need to know
Dress code considerations
While Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, it’s important to be respectful of local culture when it comes to dressing. In public areas, such as malls and markets, it’s advised to wear modest clothing — covering shoulders and knees is usually the best practice. When visiting religious or cultural sites, such as mosques, a more conservative dress code may be required, including headscarves for women.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Dubai is between November and March when the weather is more temperate. The summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F), which might limit outdoor activities.
Transportation tips
Dubai has an efficient public transportation system, including the metro, buses and taxis. For a more luxurious experience, consider using private chauffeurs or renting a car. However, be mindful that parking in high-traffic areas, such as malls or beaches, can be limited and expensive.
Shopping & souks
While Dubai is known for its luxury malls like the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, don’t miss a trip to the traditional souks (markets) in Old Dubai, such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. These markets provide a more authentic experience where you can haggle for unique items and local goods.
Tipping etiquette
Tipping is appreciated in Dubai, especially in restaurants, with a standard 10 to 15 percent being typical. However, many high-end restaurants already include service charges, so it’s worth checking the bill before adding any additional tips. Tipping for good service in taxis, valet parking, and hotel staff is also customary.
Culture & etiquette
Dubai is a blend of traditional Arab culture and modern international influences, making it a truly unique destination. While most residents are welcoming and tolerant, it’s important to respect Islamic traditions. Avoid public displays of affection, and be mindful of local customs regarding alcohol consumption (which is available in licensed venues like hotels and bars but not in public areas).
Experience Dubai’s luxury
Dubai is synonymous with luxury, and whether you’re indulging in a lavish brunch at one of its five-star hotels or enjoying a helicopter tour over the Palm Jumeirah, there's no shortage of opulent experiences. Consider splurging on a few exclusive experiences to truly feel the essence of what makes Dubai so unique.
Travel Advisor
Amanda Schneider
Get in touch with Amanda
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Amanda within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Dubai page.