1. Landmark
Burj Khalifa
Spired 828-metre skyscraper with a viewing deck, a restaurant, a hotel and offices.
Step-free entrance · Accessible toilet · Good for kids
United Arab Emirates
Dubai: the group trip guide
Unapologetic ambition, desert drama, and lavish long lunches built for a crowd.
Dubai does not do understated, and that is entirely the point. Step outside the hyper-conditioned chill of the terminals and the air hits you with notes of rich oud, warm desert dust, and sea salt. It is a city of impossible verticality and fierce ambition, where glass monoliths like the Burj Khalifa pierce the sky and artificial archipelagos sweep into the Gulf with sheer confidence.
The rhythm oscillates between tranquil historic remnants and glittering excess. Mornings are best spent crossing Dubai Creek aboard a wooden abra, bartering for saffron and frankincense in Deira before the sun peaks. By twilight, the mood shifts into theatrical splendour: open-air lounges overlooking the fountains, grand feasts of smoked meats in Al Fahidi, and nights that stretch late along the water.
It rewards a group that embraces the sheer scale of the spectacle. If you are seeking quiet, rustic backwaters, you will be disappointed. But if your crowd thrives on poolside glamour, high-octane 4x4 charges across terracotta dunes, and shared dinners where nobody is asked to keep the noise down, it delivers with exceptional polish.
Who Dubai is best for
Milestone birthdays. Few cities handle large, glamorous dinner parties and late-night beach clubs with quite so much showmanship.
Winter sun escapes. When Europe is bleak and freezing, the emirate offers reliable heat, warm seas, and outdoor living without compromise.
High-octane celebrations. Ripping across the desert in four-wheel drives by day and chartering boats around the Palm by afternoon keeps momentum soaring.
Food-focused gatherings. The restaurant scene is formidable, moving easily from traditional Emirati feasts in courtyard cafes to lavish, multi-course affairs by global culinary masters.
Mixed-interest crews. Thrill-seekers can tackle giant waterparks and dune bashing while culture hounds potter through heritage quarters, keeping everyone satisfied.
What Dubai is known for
Record-breaking mega-skyscrapers. Dubai boasts engineering marvels of extreme verticality, anchored by the world-record height of the Burj Khalifa and the sail-shaped silhouette of the Burj Al Arab.
Arabian desert safaris. Excursions into the sweeping surrounding red dunes feature high-adrenaline 4x4 dune bashing, falconry displays, and traditional Bedouin-style desert camps.
Man-made palm archipelagoes. Massive offshore land reclamation projects like the Palm Jumeirah reshape the Persian Gulf coastline into world-famous palm-shaped luxury waterfront communities.
Historic gold and spice souks. Labyrinthine covered marketplaces in Deira along Dubai Creek showcase glittering window displays of pure gold jewelry and fragrant mounds of frankincense and saffron.
Extravagant entertainment malls. Colossal retail complexes like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates double as leisure wonderlands housing indoor ski slopes, massive walk-through aquariums, and Olympic ice rinks.
Burj Khalifa. The world's tallest building and the defining centerpiece of the Dubai skyline.
Burj Al Arab. An iconic sail-shaped luxury hotel recognized worldwide as a symbol of modern Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah. A world-famous palm-tree-shaped artificial archipelago extending into the Persian Gulf.
Things to do in Dubai
The best-loved places, ranked by rating and how many people have reviewed them.
Read our full guide: the best things to do in Dubai with friends
2. Park
Burj Park
This small island with lush, grass lawns has viewpoints of the Burj Khalifa & the Dubai Fountain.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
3. Monument
Dubai Frame
Unique, 150-m-tall building resembling a picture frame, with historic displays & panoramic views.
Step-free entrance · Accessible toilet · Good for kids
4. Aquarium
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Marine animal encounters & feedings, plus an underwater tunnel under a huge tank with sharks & rays.
Step-free entrance · Accessible toilet · Good for kids
5. Museum
The Museum of the Future
Step-free entrance · Accessible toilet · Good for kids
6. Water Park
Aquaventure World
World's largest water park with over 105 slides, attractions & experiences, plus a splash area for kids.
Step-free entrance · Accessible toilet · Good for kids
Where to stay in Dubai
Well-reviewed hotels. Live prices for your dates are in the planner.
Read our full guide: where to stay in Dubai with friends
1. Hotel
Rove City Walk
Laid-back hotel offering breakfast, plus a restaurant, an outdoor pool & a 24-hour gym.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
2. Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport by IHG
Upscale airport hotel with contemporary rooms, plus a bar, free transfers & rooftop meeting rooms.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
3. Hotel
Rove Expo City
Chic quarters in a contemporary hotel offering a 24/7 gym, an outdoor pool & breakfast.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
4. Hotel
Dusit Thani Dubai
Elegant quarters in a posh lodging with 3 restaurants & a Japanese bar, plus a spa & a rooftop pool.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
Accessibility and dietary needs
- 99% of the places we list have a step-free entrance.
- 80% are rated good for children.
- 100% of restaurants serve vegetarian food.
- 17 bars, clubs and live-music spots.
Based on 114 places in our guide and details listed on Google. Always check accessibility with each place before you go.
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