Dubai

Day trips

The best art museums in Dubai offer quite a range, from esteemed historical works to multi-sensory experiences that transport you straight into the next century. Art in Dubai often aligns with the futuristic pulse of the city, whether it’s housed in the sky-scraping Burj Khalifa or sprawling across multiple city blocks, like the gallery-packed Alserkal Avenue and the neighborhood-spanning Dubai Street Museum.

As you make your way through the many things to do in Dubai, like taking a trip to the Museum of the Future, you’ll find that the city’s forward-looking mindset is increasingly driven by the power of art. Here are the things art lovers shouldn't miss.

It’s perfectly possible to spend a long weekend in Dubai and fit in a range of activities, from lounging on sun-soaked beaches like Kite Beach or Jumeirah Beach Residence to exploring the Dubai Spice Souk and even looking out over the desert from the top of the iconic Burj Khalifa. Dubai has it all, so stop off at the futuristic skyscrapers, explore all seven floors of the Museum of the Future, snap a pic by the Dubai Frame, and shop till you drop at the Dubai Mall as you cover all bases with this Dubai weekend itinerary.

A long weekend in Dubai: Know before you go

Why you should go: For skyscrapers that touch the clouds, views of the Palm, and spectacular water shows at the Dubai Fountain.

Don’t miss: Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Best way to get around: Many visitors use taxis via apps like Uber and Careem, but Dubai also has a modern transport system—the Dubai Metro serves all the major sights.

Best time to go: Dubai is best between November and March when it’s cooler, and both the indoors and the outdoors can be enjoyed.

Insider tip: Friday is a religious day in the UAE, making it the quietest day for shopping and sightseeing, though restaurants also open later.

Weekend highlights in Dubai: Friday bottomless brunches at Jumeirah Beach.

Surviving summer in Dubai is usually about finding ways to avoid the scorching desert sun, but you don’t have to hide indoors with the AC cranked up. There are plenty of ways to make the most of the summer months, and you may discover things about Dubai you didn’t know before. The city offers plenty of ways to beat the heat, from water parks and shopping festivals to nighttime desert safaris. This round-up of the best things to do in Dubai in summer is the ultimate guide to keeping cool and having fun.

Dubai’s best summer activities at a glance:

The best water park to cool off in: Don’t miss Wild Wadi Waterpark, one of Dubai’s largest water parks.

Unique events in Dubai in summer: The Dubai Summer Surprises festival is a summer-long shopping sale.

Unusual summer activity in Dubai: Try indoor skiing on real snow at Ski Dubai.

Often called the City of Gold, Dubai has a reputation for being a must-visit destination for luxury shopping and yacht rides. Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in Dubai that will allow you to visit this stunning city without breaking the bank. Watch a choreographed show at Dubai Fountain, enjoy beaches at the Palm Jumeirah, and window shop at colorful souks. With these activities, you’ll be able to experience local culture and the top things to do in Dubai on a budget.