A shiny, glamorous metropolis on the Persian Gulf, Dubai leads the way in showcasing 21st-century innovation and ambition that goes hand-in-hand with centuries-old tradition and culture. Geared towards tourism and offering unbridled luxury, the Golden City boasts the world’s tallest buildings, is home to a mind-boggling list of extravagant hotels, has created entire man-made worlds in the sea, and is a shopping and party paradise. On a trip here, your itinerary is bound to be overwhelmed with things to do and see. And, so, to make the most of your time here, we point you in the direction of well-curated and superbly planned city tours that unbox Dubai and lead you to unmissable experiences in the city. Here is our list of the best city tours in Dubai.
Why go for a Dubai city tour?
There is no doubt that Dubai has carved for itself a mighty place on the world map. In recent times, the city has realised its astonishing vision to become a star attraction in the Middle East, dazzling everyone with its cutting-edge landscape adorned with impressive skyscrapers, luxury stays, over-the-top malls, and fun-filled amusement parks.
But at its heart, Dubai has all the makings of a traditional Arabic city. Its souks are lined with shops selling everything from spice to gold. And a dhow cruise on its Creek or a night spent under the stars in a Bedouin camp in the desert can take you back to a simpler time.
Given the sheer volume of attractions concentrated in this ultra-modern city, you’ll be well advised to sign up for tours that help you knock off items on your to-do and to-see list in style. The well-designed tours ensure you get value for money and your trip to Dubai is hassle-free. Read on to find the best city tours in Dubai.
How to pick the best Dubai city tour?
Here are the top factors to consider when choosing a Dubai city tour:
Duration
You can choose between half-day and full-day tours introducing you to Dubai’s leading sights and sounds. For those of you, who don’t have too many days in the city, a whirlwind half-day tour will hit the spot while full-day tours are perfect for those who want to get to know the city intimately.
Time
Dubai dons different avatars during the day and night. During the day, you can spend time at its enchanting mosques and museums, be charmed by its colourful gardens, and be dazzled by your experiences at attractions like the Dubai Aquarium, Safari Park, and the IMG Worlds of Adventure. At night, you can take advantage of its pulsating Dubai nightlife, swing by the lit-up buildings, and tour its enchanting bazaars.
Type
For the independent traveller, there are passes that offer you the flexibility and freedom to tour the city on your terms while offering you great value for money. If you prefer to relax and hand over the planning of every tiny detail to the experts, then, sign up for guided tours.
Place
While Dubai has a lot to offer there is also plenty to discover in nearby cities like Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Musandam. When planning your holiday, you’ll be able to choose from tours that take you to the city’s top attractions and also pick from day trips that broaden the scope of your trip.
Best Dubai city tours
Here is our handpicked selection of the best Dubai city tours – from city tours to boat escapades, combo deals, and more!
- City tours
- Boat tours
- Combo tours
- Day trips
Best Dubai city tours
Visit the city’s top sites with city tours that introduce you to Dubai’s glamour and its culture.
1Dubai city tour
On this well-priced tour of the city, you’ll stop by its leading landmarks in five hours. First on the itinerary is the Dubai Museum where you get a peek into the history of the city followed by a stop by the Jumeirah Mosque, which showcases modern Islamic architecture. After these, you’ll be shown Dubai’s most famous architectural highlights – the Burj Al-Arab, the Atlantis Hotel, and, of course, the Burj Khalifa - before you head back to your hotel.
2 Dubai night bus tour
Soak in the glitter and glamour of Dubai with a night bus tour that spotlights its most mesmerising sights like the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al-Arab, and Jumeirah Mosque. This is an easy and quick way to acquaint yourself with this breathtaking metropolis.
3 Traditional Dubai city tour
Take a walk on the cultural side by exploring Dubai’s historic neighbourhoods and markets. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s history at the Dubai Museum and stop by Al Fahidi Fort – which has been around since the 18th century. A celebration of the city’s heritage like no other!
4Private motorcycle tour
Rule the streets of Dubai on a hunky motorcycle with a very special private tour of the city. Best suited for a bunch of pals who love signing up for adventure together, this glammed-up tour will see you zoom by attractions like the Dubai Frame, Ain Dubai, and Marina Harbour. You’re also guaranteed to make a splash when you motor down the city’s coolest streets, including, JBR Promenade, Jumeirah Street, and through down town Dubai.
5Hop-on hop-off bus tours
Take charge of your Dubai itinerary with the hop-on hop-off bus tours that stop at 25 major attractions in the city. This is a great way to see Dubai on a budget and the tours give you plenty of freedom to pick and choose the sights you want to explore. Route stops on these tours include the Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa), the historical district of Al Fahidi, the gold and spice souks, Dubai Creek, and Dubai Frame.
Best Boat tours
Surrounded by the Persian Gulf and Dubai Creek, boat tours are popular with tourists looking to experience the city from its waters. On your tour, you can surge through the waters of the Dubai Marina and keep yours peeled for the city’s seaside attractions, including, the exclusive Jumeriah Palm and Al-Arab Burj.
6 Love Boats: 45 minutes marina tour
Set sail on the waters of the Persian Gulf and be swept away by Dubai’s most dizzying sights including the Jumeirah Palm, the Atlantis, and Ain Dubai. The compact boats are perfect for a group of friends or if you are travelling with your family and are looking for a more exclusive boat tour.
7 Yellow boat tour: 60 minutes on the Dubai Marina
Join fellow travellers for an hour-long cruise along the waters of the twinkling Marina at sunset. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the city’s ultra-modern architectural towers like the Twisted Tower, the Princess Tower, Address Hotel, Al Fattan Towers, and the Jumeirah Beach Residence.
8 90-minute speedboat tour
Zip through the waters surrounding Dubai’s impressive beachfront on a fun speedboat tour that lasts for 90 minutes. During the guided tour, you will cruise the waters and make quick stops at Palm Jumeirah, Al Arab Burj, The Harbour Project, the Dubai Eye, and The Atlantis.
Dubai city combo tours
Tour Dubai for a steal! With combo tours you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s leading attractions without taxing your pocket.
9 Burj Khalifa + Old Dubai
The old and new come together with this combo tour that serves you a generous dose of the true essence of Dubai. Travelling back in time, you can start your tour with a ride in a traditional water taxi, known as abra, across Dubai Creek to reach the old-world spice and gold souks before setting your sights on the new-age buildings that crowd the city’s skyline. The tour ends with a soaring experience at Burj Khalifa.
10 Wild Wadi Water Park + Burj Al-Arab
Tailor made for families and those who are young at heart, you can spend a day creating a splash at the Wild Wadi Water Park – which offers more than 30 exciting water-themed rides. Water slides, gravity-defying roller coasters, surfing simulators, and high-pressure jets are all part of the experience here. Once you’ve beaten the heat at the water park, you can step into a world of luxury with a tour of Burj Al Arab – giving you a sneak peek into one of the most expensive hotels in Dubai.
11 Burj Khalifa + Evening desert safari
Two of the most sought-after Dubai experiences for a discounted price. It doesn’t get much better than that! Scale new heights at the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest structure – and be treated to unparalleled views of the city from its observation decks and viewing lounges. When you have wrapped up this conquest, gear up to conquer the golden sands of the desert with an evening safari.
Best day trips
Why limit yourself to Dubai when you can get a slice of Abu Dhabi too? Take a relaxed day trip to the equally dazzling city of Abu Dhabi that’s a short road trip from the Golden City.
12 Abu Dhabi City Tour with Ferrari World
Set out to Abu Dhabi to immerse yourself in a day filled with beauty and excitement. First, enjoy a serene moment at the city’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a breathtaking marble structure that exudes opulence. Then, get your motor running at Ferrari World and tour the packed Yas Island Theme Park before heading back to Dubai.
13 Abu Dhabi City Tour with Louvre Museum & Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Discover Abu Dhabi’s cultural side with a day trip that takes you to the steps of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques. Looking straight out of a storybook, the extravagant mosque has been fashioned out of snow-white marble and features 82 domes, gold chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. Then, stop by the Louvre Abu Dhabi to feast your eyes on artworks by Da Vinci, Van Gogh and Picasso.
Know before you go on a Dubai city tour
Here are some handy tips that may help you make the most of your Dubai city tour:
Make bookings in advance
Dubai is the most visited city in the Middle East and the experiences it offers are especially popular with tourists. Make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment or the hassle of queuing up at ticket counters at the city’s various attractions.
Consider the weather
The weather in Dubai is usually hot so make sure your wardrobe in Dubai has plenty of light cottons and linens. Keep yourself hydrated when you are out and about and don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen.
Dress code
While this is no strict dress code to adhere to, we recommend you dress modestly and you are expected to be properly covered up when visiting religious sites.
Public behaviour
Drinking and smoking in public places is strictly forbidden and attracts fines. You’ll also be well advised to avoid public displays of affection as it is generally frowned upon. These rules are applicable when you are on tours too.
Make use of the audio guides
If the tour you have chosen is equipped with an audio guide, make good use of it as they usually are a comprehensive source of information and are available in multiple languages.
