10 Best Tours and Day Trips in Dubai

Dubai has a lot to offer travellers, but don't forget to explore the surrounding area: fancy a trip to the desert or a stroll around Abu Dhabi?
10 Best Tours and Day Trips in Dubai

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Discover Dubai beyond its skyscrapers with the best tours and excursions. From desert safaris to cultural visits, you'll find unforgettable experiences here.

1. Complete Dubai street food tour

Palm Jumeirah| ©DJANDYW.COM AKA NOBODY
Palm Jumeirah| ©DJANDYW.COM AKA NOBODY

This Dubai Street Food Tour is designed as a photographic tour of Dubai, taking in the city's most iconic sights with camera in hand while a guide gives you the perfect background in English to understand the history behind each building and some interesting facts about life in Dubai.

But what is Dubai without its cuisine? The city's ancient souks and its food are undoubtedly one of its greatest attractions. That's why I suggest that, while you get to know the cultural richness of Dubai by strolling through its streets, you try its exquisite traditional food, tasting coffee, tea, dates, different chocolates, but also the typical falafel or shawarma.

With this complete tour you will also have tickets for the Museum of Illusions and the Dubai Museum and, to top it all off, a boat trip on Dubai Creek. Combine history, culture and gastronomy with this magnificent tour.

What you'll see on this tour

  • Gold Souk, Dubai Spice Souk and Old Souk
  • Historic districts of Al Seef and Al Fahidi (Al Bastakiya)
  • Dubai Creek
  • Dubai Museum
  • Museum of Illusions

Book the Dubai Street Food Tour

2. Dubai Night Bus Tour

Aerial view at dusk
Aerial view at dusk

If Dubai is worth visiting, it's because of its nights. The skyscrapers light up, the temperatures warm up, and the city magically transports you into the future. This night bus tour of Dubai will take you on a tour of the entire city visiting all the city's sights with a tour guide and in a small group, with pick up and drop off at your hotel - a must in my opinion!

This tour lasts about four hours and I recommend it if you want to see the city in a relaxed way and without the heat of the day, especially if you are visiting Dubai during the hottest times of the year.

What you will see on the night tour

  • Madinat Jumeirah
  • Jumeirah Beach
  • Dubai Water Canal
  • Dubai Frame
  • Dubai Garden Glow
  • Downtown Dubai
  • Burj Khalifa

Book the Dubai Night Tour

3. City tour with tickets for Dubai Frame

Dubai Monorail| ©Tim Adams
Dubai Monorail| ©Tim Adams

Among the incredible buildings you'll see in Dubai is the Dubai Frame, a huge arch-shaped monument that represents the evolution of the emirate throughout the city's recent history. With this tour with transfers included, you can discover the unique architecture of a city that went from being a fishing village to a luxury tourist destination.

But in the city of contrasts you will see, along with the modernity of the Palm Jumeirah or the Burj Al Arab, the Arab tradition and religion, very present in Dubai. On an essential tour like this one, you won't leave behind the beautiful Blue Mosque or the Old Dubai neighbourhood, the cultural focus of the city.

I recommend it if you want to get to know the evolution of the city of Dubai in a 5 or 6 hour tour through its impressive buildings.

What you'll see on the Dubai tour with Dubai Frame tickets

  • Palm Jumeirah
  • Burj Al Arab
  • Dubai Frame
  • Blue Mosque
  • Old Dubai Quarter

Book a ticketed tour of Dubai Frame

4. Tour of the historic centre of Dubai with boat ride

Places of charm
Places of charm

Dubai's ancient mosques and souks are worth a visit to marvel at the contrast of almost impossible skyscrapers and humble places. This four-hour boat tour of the historic centre of Dubai will show you an area of Dubai that is largely unknown to many. And, as the name suggests, part of the tour takes place on a traditional boat, combining three of the most interesting aspects of Dubai.

I recommend it if you're interested in exploring Dubai's old town and experiencing a boat ride among the skyscrapers.

What you'll see on the Old Town Tour

  • Jumeirah Beach
  • Jumeirah Mosque
  • Dubai Museum
  • Al Fahidi Fortress
  • Gold Souk
  • Dubai Mall

Book a tour of Dubai with a boat ride

5. Tour of Dubai and visit to the Blue Mosque

Jumeirah Beach| ©Sam valadi
Jumeirah Beach| ©Sam valadi

To go big in Dubai you have the option of taking this tour of old and modern Dubai with a visit to the Blue Mosque where you will visit all that the city has to offer, both old and new, with a tour guide. Going from tour to tour in a bus that will pick you up from your hotel, you will get an in-depth view of the city without missing a thing.

You will be able to visit the beautiful Blue Mosque, famous for its Ottoman architecture.

What you will see

  • Jumeirah Beach
  • Blue Mosque
  • Dubai Museum
  • Al Fahidi Fortress
  • Gold Souk
  • Dubai Mall
  • Madinat Souq
  • Palm Jumeirah
  • Dubai Marina

Book a ticketed tour to the Blue Mosque

6. Desert tour with quad bike ride and Bedouin dinner

Dubai Desert| ©trec_lit
Dubai Desert| ©trec_lit

If you're looking for an adrenaline-filled experience in the Dubai desert, this tour will take you speeding through the dunes on a 4x4 quad bike. After your desert adventure, you can relax in a Bedouin camp, where a traditional dinner under the stars awaits you with live music and dance performances.

During the tour you will also have the opportunity to ride a camel and get a henna tattoo, immersing yourself in the Arabian culture.

Experience the thrill of quad biking in the dunes and enjoy Bedouin hospitality afterwards is a perfect plan for those who want an authentic Dubai experience.

What you will see

  • Quad biking in the desert dunes
  • Camel ride in a Bedouin camp
  • Traditional Arabian dinner under the stars
  • Belly dancing and live music show
  • Opportunity to get a henna tattoo

Book the desert excursion with quad biking and dinner

7. Excursion to the red dunes with safari, camel ride and dinner

Dubai Desert| ©Enrico Strocchi
Dubai Desert| ©Enrico Strocchi

If you prefer a more traditional experience in the Dubai desert, this tour will take you through the stunning red dunes in a 4x4 vehicle, followed by a camel ride to feel like a real Bedouin.

The day continues at an Arabian camp, where you can relax and enjoy a barbecue buffet dinner while watching a belly dance and tanoura show.

This tour is ideal for those who want to combine adventure and tradition in one experience.

What you will see

  • 4WD safari through the red dunes of Dubai
  • Camel ride in the desert
  • Buffet dinner with barbecue in an Arabian camp
  • Belly dance and tanoura show
  • Possibility to try traditional shisha

Book desert excursion with safari and dinner

8. Excursion to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

Sheik Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi| ©Like My Travel
Sheik Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi| ©Like My Travel

If you're travelling to Dubai, you can't miss the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. On this day trip you will visit some of the most emblematic places in the city, such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the most impressive in the world, and the Heritage Village, where you will learn about the history and traditions of the country.

You can also walk along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, a spectacular waterfront promenade overlooking the Persian Gulf, and discover the imposing Presidential Palace.

This tour is perfect for those who want to see another side of the UAE without worrying about transport.

What you will see

  • Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.
  • Heritage Village, to learn about the history of the Emirates
  • Abu Dhabi Corniche, overlooking the Persian Gulf
  • Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
  • Date market, where you can sample local produce

Book the Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai

9. Abu Dhabi tour with entrance to Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Louvre

Louvre Museum| ©gerla photo-works
Louvre Museum| ©gerla photo-works

For art and architecture lovers, this tour combines the best of Abu Dhabi in one day. As well as visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, with its stunning white marble design and gold detailing, you can explore the famous Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, an architectural gem that houses works of art from around the world.

This tour is ideal if you are interested in the history, art and culture of the UAE, with the convenience of a direct transfer from Dubai.

What you will see

  • Sheikh Zayed Mosque, with its white marble architecture
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and its international art collection
  • Abu Dhabi Corniche, with its spectacular waterfront promenade
  • Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
  • Date Market, an ideal place to sample local produce

Book the Abu Dhabi tour with tickets to the Mosque and Louvre

10. Snorkelling tour in Fujairah

View from a Dubai Yacht| ©Gabby Canonizado
View from a Dubai Yacht| ©Gabby Canonizado

If you love the sea, one of the best excursions you can do from Dubai is this snorkelling adventure in Fujairah. Just an hour from the city, the emirate of Fujairah is famous for its crystal clear waters and incredible marine life.

During the tour, you'll swim among colourful tropical fish and explore the coral reefs off the coast of Fujairah. It's an ideal experience for beginners and experienced snorkellers alike.

If you're looking for a refreshing getaway away from the desert, this is a great way to enjoy the Arabian Sea.

What you will see

  • Fujairah's coral reefs, ideal for snorkelling
  • Swimming among tropical fish and marine life in the Gulf of Oman
  • White sandy beaches on the Fujairah coastline
  • Crystal clear waters perfect for exploring with mask and fins
  • Relax on a boat equipped with drinks and snacks

Book a snorkelling tour in Fujairah

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What can I see on a tour of Dubai?

    Dubai's modernisation mixed with its fusion of cultures makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and as you would expect there are a number of tours that explore this mix. Most tours will take you to some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa, while other tours will take you to the city's cultural attractions.

  • What are the best places to visit on excursions outside Dubai?

    Some of the best options include Abu Dhabi, home to the impressive Sheikh Zayed Mosque; the Dubai desert for a dune safari; and Hatta, a mountain oasis with spectacular scenery and outdoor activities.

  • What is the best time of year to go sightseeing in Dubai?

    The best time is from November to March, when temperatures are more pleasant and outdoor activities are more enjoyable.

  • Do tours and excursions need to be booked in advance?

    Yes, especially in high season, as many tours and excursions are limited and can sell out quickly.

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 27445 Reviews
  • C
    C. S.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The dune bashing with the Suv was very interesting and fun. Sand boarding is interesting but it would be better if they had someone to teach you how to ride the sandboard standing up instead of just sitting down on it and going downhill (which by the way could mean eating a lot of sand at the end if you catch up too much speed). The camel ride is a two minute ride nothing longer and will be taken in one of the breaks from the show. The bbq and show is interesting but I didn't like the fact that it's a bit on fast forward.(You barely get the chance to eat something that something else is starting)
  • L
    L. E.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Great trip out to the desert. Our guide Wahab was awesome and made everyone feel very welcome. The whole experience was fabulous.
  • E
    E. C.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Highly recommend
  • S
    S.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour was an interesting experience, I really enjoyed discovering Sharjah. I was impressed by the detail of the local architecture.
  • E
    E.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Stunning private tour. Expert guidance, captivating history and stunning architecture - it's totally worth it!