You’ll need a reservation just to get into this hotel, so book a drink at Gilt, a day on the infinity pool terrace or afternoon tea in style. Wear your finest garb.
Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim (800 323 232).

Missing wildlife? What about the rain? Fancy a trip to the jungle? A tropical thunderstorm happens at 1pm and 5pm every day now at The Green Planet.
The Green Planet, City Walk, Al Safa Street, www.thegreenplanetdubai.com (800 637227).

For the closest experience, you can get to visiting another world, head to Deep Dive Dubai where you can fully immerse yourself in the underwater world. The world-record breaking diving facility is equipped with a 60-metre-deep pool and sunken city for divers of all levels to explore. There are freediving, snorkelling and scuba diving experiences and courses available, led by a team of international diving professionals and supported by the latest equipment, technology and facilities.
From Dhs400. Wed-Sun, noon-8pm. Nad Al Sheba, deepdivedubai.com.

An epic example of engineering ingenuity, this artificial archipelago is truly a modern wonder to behold. Take a stroll around the boardwalk and enjoy the sights. Undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable things to do in Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah.

Do you consider yourself a bit of a thrill-seeker? If so then the Sky Views Dubai observation deck at Address Sky View Hotel is one must-do to cross off your Dubai bucket list. From 220m up you can traipse across the 46m long glass walk, zip down the see-through slide and harness-up to walk along the open-air viewing area. If you’re feeling really brave you can even leap across the precipice, safe in the knowledge that your harness will do its thing. 
Dhs55 (Edge Walk Dhs699) Open daily 10am-10pm. Address Sky View Hotel, Downtown Dubai.

It’s the tallest building in the world with a staggering 160 floors and stands at 828 metres high. Take a trip to the 148th floor to see At The Top.
Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, www.burjkhalifa.ae.

If you have a penchant for top grub by the beach, surfside shopping or lazing the day away on the sands then you can’t really get wrong at La Mer.
La Mer, Jumeriah 1 (800 637 227).

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to Dubai, hop aboard a sightseeing bus to make your way around the city without driving.
Daily, call for timings. Various locations, www.bigbustours.com (04 3407709). www.citysightseeing-dubai.com (04 316 7506).

It’s time to stop and smell the roses, literally. The 72,000 sq m Miracle Garden has more than 150 million flowers for you to admire.
Al Barsha South, Dubailand, www.dubaimiraclegarden.com (04 422 8902).

The fastest indoor roller coaster in Dubai had to make it onto this list. For those who love to get their blood pumping, ‘The Storm’ is a high-octane ride with twists and turns, inclines and massive dives that are definitely not for the faint-hearted. Expect non-stop action throughout the two-and-a-quarter-minute ride that will leave you breathless and elated all at the same time.
Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Hills Estate (04 448 5033).

Right next door to the Miracle Garden is the Butterfly Garden, which is home to more than 15,000 butterflies of more than 50 different varieties, all fluttering around.
Al Barsha South, dubaibutterflygarden.com.

Do you need a trip to the pictures? For a VIP viewing experience, check out Cinemacity at Address Fountain View, right by Dubai Mall. The licensed cinema offers dine-in service with a selection of à la carte menus of Japanese fusion dishes brought directly to your super-cosy recliner seat by a butler.
Dhs60 (club class seats), Dhs100 (full reclining VIP seats with dine-in service). Cinemacity, Fountain Views, Downtown Dubai, cinemacity.ae (04 770 0111)

The Walk and neighbouring al fresco district The Beach at Dubai’s JBR were designed to make the most of strolls. People watching is quite entertaining here, plus there are loads of things to eat, especially Turkish ice cream.
The Beach, JBR, www.thebeach.ae (04 3173999).

Hop on an abra, hand over a dirham and enjoy a smooth sail across the Creek. It’s a short trip to the other side, but it’ll take you back to everything the city is really about. One of the most popular things to do in Dubai if you’re after that authentic, historic feel.
Dhs1. Dubai Creek.

There are 78 countries represented at this huge outdoor attraction as well as fairground fun, international food, shows, shops and even an oddities museum.
Global Village, Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed road, www.globalvillage.ae (04 3624114).

Ever fancied jumping out of a plane at speeds of 120mph over a man-made island? Well why not? Skydiving in Dubai is one of the most exciting things to do for the brave. Don’t look down (gulp).
Dhs1,699 (tandem skydive). Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, www.skydivedubai.ae

Dubai’s 1.5-million-square-foot IMG Worlds of Adventure is the biggest indoor theme park on the planet, and it’s home to some pretty epic rides. See how we got on when we visited at youtube.com/timeoutgcc.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubailand, www.imgworlds.com (04 403 8888).

Wild Wadi’s main attraction, Jumeirah Sceirah tower has two 32 metre-high tandem slides which will see you plummet at a speed of 80km/h. Or pay a visit to Aquaventure to try the Leap of Faith slide, which hurtles you through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks.
Jumeirah Beach Road (04 348 4444); Atlantis The Palm (04 426 0000).

Fancy racing your mates on a rooftop overlooking Burj Khalifa? You can now do just that, as EKart Zabeel has an outdoor track in Downtown Dubai for the winter. One of the must-do things to do in Dubai for any petrolhead.
The Dubai Mall Zabeel, Downtown Dubai, www.ekartzabeel.ae.

Gather your courage and slip into the deep blue sea (kind of) to swim with sharks at this cool attraction in the massive shopping mall. Clearly one of the most memorable things to do in Dubai, an experience you’ll never forget.
Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, www.thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382246255).

Just because you’re in the desert doesn’t mean that you won’t see snow. Granted you won’t see it outside – but you’ll get plenty of it at Ski Dubai. Learn to ski, chill out (literally) with the penguins or sip a hot chocolate at the snow cinema. Among the best things to do in Dubai if you want a few hours away from the sun.
Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Barsha, www.skidxb.com (800386).

This cool vantage point at Zabeel Park allows visitors with a head for heights to see the city’s past, present and future in a one-hour tour with unique views of ‘old’ and ‘new’ Dubai from a 150-metre-high sky glass bridge. Don’t forget your camera phone as you’ll want to capture the super views.
Zabeel Park, www.thedubaiframe.com (800900).

XLine zip line offers thrill seekers the chance to zoom over the glistening waters of Dubai Marina at speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour at an incline of 16 degrees, headfirst in true Superman-style. It’s one of the most thrilling ways to see the city, while getting your adrenaline fix, too.
Dubai Marina, www.xdubai.com/xline.

Acrobatics, water stunts, motorbikes and more – this is a live theatre spectacle that must be seen at least once. What’s more to want at one of the coolest things to do in Dubai?
La Perle by Dragone, Al Habtoor City, www.laperle.com (04 4370001).

Get ready to cook yourself a feast after you pick up the freshest catch at this traditional fish market in Deira.
Deira, www.waterfrontmarket.ae.

If you’re in the market for gold rings, chains, blocks or even tie pins it is an essential visit. Even if you’re not haggling or investing, it is a sight that defies Instagram filters.
Gold Souk, Deira.

If you have a few hours to meander, drift, saunter and stroll there is no finer place than at Dubai’s greatest community market, Ripe Market. Here you can shop and pick up some bargains.
Open Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 10am-7pm. Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, www.ripeme.com (055 5431282).

Indie spot Cinema Akil shows a variety of films and you should absolutely order a cup of chai from Project Chaiwala to sip while you watch.
Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, www.cinemaakil.com (058 524 6362).

Dubai’s artiest area is Al Quoz, and there are loads of exhibitions to check out. Dubai’s artsy hub also has workshops, plus, there are loads of cool coffee shops to check out. We recommend Nightjar, one of Time Out Market Dubai’s superstar vendors, too.
Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, www.alserkalavenue.ae (04 3333464).

Have a spare DHS3 in your pocket? Inside the walls of Dubai’s Al Fahidi Fort in Old Dubai is a brilliant tribute to Dubai’s past. The historic building is home to a wide variety of life-size dioramas that depict Emirati life from a bygone era.
Al Fahidi Historical District, Bur Dubai (04 353 1862).

Learn about the UAE as you wander through Old Dubai on a heritage tour. Then relax with a Q&A over dates and a coffee. Among the best things to do in Dubai, particularly if history is your thing.
Sat, 9am. Sun, Thu & Thu 10.30am. 90 minutes. Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, www.cultures.ae.

You’re in the desert – why not explore it properly? It is one of the most enjoyable things to do in