Optional tours Dubai – what is worth seeing?

Dubai is a city of contrasts, blending futuristic skyscrapers with traditional architecture and desert landscapes. It’s no wonder it attracts crowds of tourists every year, all eager to explore its many charms. If you’re wondering which optional tours in Dubai are worth choosing, below you’ll find the best optional excursions in Dubai. We’ve divided them into two groups: shorter attractions (under an hour) and longer trips (full-day), so you can easily tailor your plans to your preferences.

Organized tours in Dubai – an overview

There are numerous agencies in Dubai offering group tours in Dubai, as well as more exclusive options often referred to as luxury tours in Dubai. These may include, for example, a visit to the Burj Al Arab hotel or a helicopter flight with panoramic views of the metropolis. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for guided tours of Dubai or travel independently using local transport. Regardless of which variant you choose, the local attractions let you discover the city and its surroundings from the most interesting perspectives.

The most interesting optional excursions in Dubai: recommended attractions

Short attractions (under an hour)

• Helicopter Flight Over Dubai

If you want to see Dubai from a completely different perspective, opt for a helicopter flight. This is one of the luxury tours in Dubai, during which you can admire famous landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, or Burj Al Arab from a bird’s-eye view. Flights usually take place during the day, ensuring excellent visibility and breathtaking scenery.

• Jet Ski near Burj Al Arab

For water sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, a Jet Ski ride around the Burj Al Arab area is the perfect choice. Such tours of Dubai are very popular among tourists who wish to combine sightseeing with a touch of adrenaline. Enjoying the city skyline from the water is an unforgettable experience.

• Ain Dubai – the largest observation wheel

When evening falls and the city lights up in millions of sparkling illuminations, a ride on Ain Dubai—one of the metropolis’s newest attractions—is well worth your time. This giant Ferris wheel offers views of Dubai at heights comparable to dozens of floors up, both by day and at night. Evening tours of Dubai are especially enchanting, thanks to the spectacular play of city lights.

Longer trips (half-day or full-day)

• Desert Safari

A desert safari in Dubai is undoubtedly one of the region’s most iconic activities. Safari tours in Dubai let you experience the magic of the desert—you can traverse the dunes in 4x4 vehicles (known as dune bashing), try a camel ride, and in the evening enjoy a traditional dinner at a desert camp. It’s a must for any adventure lover.

• Yacht Cruise on the Dubai Coast

If you’re looking for relaxation and a touch of luxury, choose a cruise along the Dubai coast. This organized trip allows you to admire Dubai’s modern architecture from the water, often accompanied by regional snacks and music. A cruise on the Dubai coast is an ideal idea for a get-together with friends or a romantic date in an unforgettable setting.

• All of Dubai – a sightseeing tour

For those who want to see the city in all its glory, a tour of Dubai covering its main districts and attractions is highly recommended. You’ll visit the old town (Deira, Bur Dubai), spice and gold souks, explore Downtown with the world’s tallest building—Burj Khalifa—and also see the famous artificial island, Palm Jumeirah. Many of these optional excursions in Dubai last an entire day, giving you the chance to delve deeper into local culture and history.

Practical guide: optional excursions in Dubai

• When to go?

Are optional tours in Dubai available year-round? – Yes, most attractions operate almost all 12 months of the year, but the best time for optional desert tours or city sightseeing is from October to April, when temperatures are more pleasant (on average 25–30°C). You’ll avoid the extreme heat typical of June–August.

• How to book?

Where can you reserve optional tours in Dubai? – The largest Polish travel company in Dubai is Two Continents. We offer a wide range of attractions and optional tours that let you discover both the traditional side of Dubai and experience the most luxurious ways of touring the city.

• In what language?

Are optional tours in Dubai available in various languages? – At Two Continents, our guides speak two languages: English and Polish.

• How much does it cost?

What are the prices of optional tours in Dubai? – Prices vary considerably: from a few dozen złotys for simpler group tours (e.g., boat cruises) to a few hundred złotys for exclusive, private attractions (e.g., helicopter flights or luxury yachts).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.What are the best optional excursions in Dubai?
 

The most popular choices are desert safaris, yacht cruises on the Dubai coast, and comprehensive “All of Dubai” sightseeing tours, where you’ll explore both the historic and ultra-modern parts of the city.

2.What’s worth seeing in Dubai during an optional tour?

You definitely shouldn’t miss Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, the traditional districts of Deira and Bur Dubai, and the Dubai Marina area. The most interesting optional tours in Dubai include both urban spots and desert territories outside the city limits.

3.What’s included in an optional tour in Dubai?

Usually, the price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, guide services, and—depending on the package—meals (e.g., during a safari), admission tickets (e.g., Burj Khalifa), or extra attractions (shows, camel rides, etc.).

Summary

Optional tours in Dubai are a fantastic way to explore the emirate’s diverse facets—from desert landscapes to historic neighborhoods to ultramodern skyscrapers.

Choosing optional tours in Dubai—what’s worth seeing? The answer is: as much as you can fit in! Thanks to the wide array of offerings, you can pick the best optional excursions in Dubai for either short- or long-term, group or private formats. Go for a desert safari in Dubai, cruises on the coast, visits to the city’s most famous landmarks, or helicopter tours—and you’ll remember your time in this extraordinary place for years to come. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, optional tours in Dubai around the city and surrounding areas certainly won’t disappoint!