Top 10 things to do on your first visit to Dubai

Dubai is the most visited place on the planet. This destination is known to attract people from all over the globe due to it’s rising skyscrapers and the number of touristy places. The futuristic towers in Dubai will fascinate you as they can be seen scattered all over the city. From the biggest indoor aquatic adventure world to the thrilling desert safari, there is no dearth of places to visit in Dubai. Out of all the amazing sightseeing, here’s a list of 10 incredible things to do on your first visit to Dubai.

Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.

Albert Einstein

1. Dubai Miracle Garden: If you say what’s in a garden, you haven’t seen the Dubai Miracle Garden. The garden, a visual treat to the eyes, boasts of a 109 million flowers. The colours and the bubbly scent of the flowers will attract you instantly. You will be astonished at the huge tap from wherein an illusion of flowers pouring out is crafted.
2. Bastakiya: This is an old and traditional town of Dubai, aka Al Fahidi Historic District or Al Bastakia. You can take a heritage walk around the town and at the same time be away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The architectural wonders are the old houses with huge wooden doors. If you wish to see the cultural and old side of Dubai, this is the place to be.
3. Deira Souk: This is the largest gold market in the world that is thronged by tourists all time of the year. The plethora of gold ornaments displayed in the shops will make you wish you owned them all. If you’re not on a budget, you can shop for some gold jewelry.
   
4. Dubai Aquarium: This is the largest aquarium in the world, or even called as the aquatic zoo. You will find around 140 species of aquatic animals as you walk through the 48m long underwater tunnel. To explore the adventurous side in you, opt for cage snorkeling and shark diving activities. You can also try the glass bottom boat tours for an added thrilling experience.
5. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: To explore the wildlife in Dubai, this is the best place. Species like sand gazelles, mountain gazelles and Arabian oryx are introduced to tourists in this reserve. These indigenous species are conserved here, which you will love watching, especially with your kids.
6. Dubai Opera: This is the place where you will witness a host of cultural and entertainment activities. Located in downtown Dubai, you can find muse in their opera shows, ballet, comedy nights, concerts and even classical instrument plays. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop eatery where you will get lip smacking cuisines.
7. Bur Dubai Grand Mosque: This architectural marvel comes under the eight biggest mosque in the world and the biggest in UAE, which is why it should top your list of sightseeing places. Visit the mosque during the night time when it glows in blue, a spectacular sight which you don’t want to miss.
8. Helicopter ride: How about exploring the whole of Dubai at once? Take a bird’s eye view of Dubai through a splendid helicopter ride. The 30 minute circuit ride will take you around the beautiful The Palm Jumeirah and the popular Burj Al Arab, The World islands and of course across the beastie structure of Burj Khalifa.
9. Mall hopping: While this is the most clichéd thing to do but the malls in Dubai are larger than life. Some of them are so huge that you might get tired exploring the mall but won’t finish exploring it in a day. All big brands are available here to shop from.
10. Go sky diving: Bring out the hardcore adventourist in you by visiting the iFly Dubai in Mirdif City Centre. It is equipped with an acrylic glass tunnel, about 10-metre fitted with a double vertical wind tunnel making the experience worth every penny. It is wise to visit this place during the weekday.