There’s so much more to Dubai than luxurious hotels and shopping! It is full of amazing Middle Eastern food, incredible desert nature, and unique things to do. We are crazy about it and you will be too, especially with a local experience!
There’s so much more to Dubai than luxurious hotels and shopping! It is full of amazing Middle Eastern food, incredible desert nature, and unique things to do. We are crazy about it and you will be too, especially with a local experience!
Get ready to experience Dubai like never before with our epic list of top things to do! We've got the inside scoop on the coolest spots, local tips, and must-see attractions that'll blow your mind. From soaring skyscrapers to sandy beaches, spice souks to jaw-dropping desert safaris, Dubai's got it all. Buckle up and let's dive into the ultimate adventure in this dazzling city of dreams!
Explore Middle East cuisine like a local
Bring your appetite! The beauty of Dubai is that it is a mini version of the Middle East and features the delicious cuisine of the entire region. Enjoy a fantastic breakfast at Zaroob, a local Palestinian joint. Make sure to try the Manakeesh! Have a local chef make you the Gulf favorite dishes Haneeth or Mandi, a hearty delicacy of meat (lamb or chicken) and rice. Get ready for a food coma! But leave room for tea and DATES!
Did we mention the best dates in the world? You can get dates a dozen different ways: plain, stuffed with nuts or chocolates.
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Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
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The 10 Tastings of Dubai: Street Food
400 reviews
3 hours | Food tours | Dubai
Ready to taste the best food in Dubai? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Dubai.
The next day? Check out the Bu Qtair fish shop, a simple local establishment that serves incredibly delicious fresh fish and seafood.
Take a stroll in Deira, get lost in the markets
Deira (Old Dubai), the heart and the soul of the city, is the perfect getaway from the upscale luxury of Dubai.
Your host will be thrilled to walk with you through the bustling markets around Deira. You will find the winding gold, spice, and perfume souks (markets) and the beautiful textile and pashmina souk across the waterway in Bur Dubai. Don’t forget to bargain for the best deals! Your host will be happy to take you on an ‘abra, a waterbus ride around the creek where you can enjoy the contrast of old and new—skyscrapers and old markets.
Spend the day and night on Palm Jumeirah Island
Although it is touristy, the Palm Island is not to be missed, shaped like a Palm tree; this manmade island is best seen with a local who can show you its impressive design. Take a drive, bike ride, or walk around the leaves of the island, marvel at the view and stop in at a few of the luxurious hotels. Your host will explain and show you the brilliant architectural design of the island, its backstory and its hidden gems.
In the evening head to Nasimi beach, a local hangout for a night out in the town. Enjoy the experience with a local host where you can devour a delicious Mediterranean meal and a night of Dubai clubbing, which many say is the best in the world!
Experience the thrill of night crab hunting
Yes, go hunting for crabs at night! Night crab hunting is a very unique and splendid experience that you can only do with a local in Umm Al-Quwain, a short drive from Dubai. Many locals enjoy this nighttime sport and you can too! Your host will lead you on a glass bottom boat ride into the mangroves. You will look for the crabs with special underwater lights.
You will also see the fascinating wonders of the sea. Afterwards bring your appetite because you will enjoy the crab you just caught as part of a delicious dinner. It is an unforgettable experience! We highly recommend you give it a try with a local host!
Marvel at the Mosques
If you’ve never been to a mosque, it is an experience you should not miss. If you have been, then you don’t want to miss seeing the incredible mosques in Dubai. Visiting a mosque is best done with a local. It is a moving and beautiful experience; the Grand Mosque and Jumeirah Mosque will leave you stunned.
Go with one of our hosts who will keep you informed of the appropriate customs for an authentic visit and will also give you both a detailed history of each of these places of worship and an overview of some of the main rituals of Islam, the main religion in the United Arab Emirates.
Local tipIf you're planning to step inside a mosque, make sure you're dressed according to their house rules. They've got some specific guidelines, so it's better to be prepared!
Enjoy a day at the local Kite Beach
Seeking some rest and relaxation on a beautiful local beach? Or perhaps an active beach day filled with water sports, kite surfing and volleyball? Well, you’re in luck because Kite Beach is a local favorite and has it all! Head to Kite Beach for the day and you will find a gorgeous beach, emerald blue waters, a view of the famous “Burj al Arab,” lots of shops, and cute little cafes to stop in for a snack.
Walk around letting your toes sink in the sand, spend the day swimming, tanning or kite surfing with your host! Maybe even take a surfing lesson with your host? Or perhaps ask your guide if they can personalize your tour for one of many water sports activities? The sky's the limit!
Go ritzy at Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Craving some of the ritz and glitz Dubai has to offer but the local version? The tallest building in the world and largest mall in the world. What? Go with a local and you won’t regret it! Have a private tour of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall with one of our guides and avoid the boring touristy version. Your host will offer a fascinating tour.
They will tell you the backstories, the controversies and everything in between about the biggest and largest that the world has to offer. That way you also won’t get lost in the overwhelming experience of being in the largest mall in the world. Your host will show you the incredible aquarium and many other gems including the biggest shoe store in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, you’re in for a treat!
Enjoy a delicious traditional Bedouin meal
Dubai is well known for its Desert safaris followed by a traditional Bedouin meal. Bedouins are communities who live in the desert year round. To avoid the touristy generic tours, go with one of our local hosts for an authentic Bedouin experience. Your host will take you on an amazing ride into the heart of the desert sand dunes. You will see some falcons and admire the sunset.
The evening’s main attraction will be a delicious Bedouin prepared meal. It usually consists of grilled meats, fresh salads, rice and chicken and lamb, awesome sweets with tea and perhaps even a hookah pipe. You shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity of this experience with a local and making new friends?
Go on a Dubai nightlife tour
No visit to this tiny Emirate would be complete without a night spent out on the town. And it is well worth it! You haven’t partied until you’ve partied in Dubai! There are several unique and incredible clubs you should spend your time in: White (an outdoor club), Stereo Arcade (80s and 90s music and theme), and Cirque le Soir (bespoke circus act).
Go with your host to get the full nightlife experience, hopping from club to club, dancing with your new friends late into the night, and then in the early morning satisfy your hunger at Zaatar w Zeit on Sheikh Zayed Road for some amazing freshly baked Lebanese breakfast pies.
Get lost in Al-Bastakia
There is rich cultural history hidden in the glitz of Dubai. Visiting Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood dating back to the 1890s is one of them. Also known as the Al-Bastakia quarter located in Bur Dubai is a top thing to experience with a local. The neighborhood was initially built by Iranian merchants from Bastak, where it got its name.
Take a private walking tour with your host who will guide you through the great labyrinth of roads, old merchant houses, historic buildings, cafes and art galleries. Its bohemian flavor is a lot of fun, especially when you have a host to make sure you don’t miss any of its local hidden gems!
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Authentic things to do in Dubai
Discover Dubai with a local by your side! From strolling around the aromatic spice souks to seeing the city unfold from the top of the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find some amazing things to do in Dubai with your local host. There are such contrasting activities in Dubai that your bucket list will continue to grow as you discover more and more things to do in Dubai! Foodies will love strolling through the fragrant souks with delicious tabbouleh, dates and tahini. You may even like to try the camel burger! City buffs can visit the beautiful mosques, wander through colorful neighborhoods, catch a river cruise or visit the aquarium. Let your local host know which kinds of activities you most enjoy, and they will show you the best places to go and things to see in Dubai! If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai, you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to discover the top activities in Dubai with your local host. Having someone who knows every corner of Dubai like the back of their lets you customize your day with personalized activities. Whether you prefer to stroll through the Marina or see the city lights across the fountains at Dubai Mall, your local host will ensure you visit the best places to go in Dubai. When you’re planning activities in Dubai, you’ll agree that a 100% private Withlocals tour that can be fully customized is the best way to discover all the things to do in Dubai. Simply let your local host know the things you would love to see, and they’ll sort it all out locally for you!
The way to a city's heart it's through its food! And on this private food tour, you'll get to know Dubai through its cuisine and the tastings favorite of the locals. A local food expert is ready to give you a taste of the real Dubai satisfying your cravings for local food and city highlights.
Want to see the best of Dubai? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Historic Dubai!
Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Dubai, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Dubai.
Embark on a Desert day trip outside of Dubai where many treasures, insights, and stories are waiting. Let a local host show you around and experience the Arabian Desert from a local perspective. Give yourself the gift of a Dubai Desert day trip with a local - it’s a must-do!
Welcome to Dubai! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Dubai to start your city trip on the right foot.
How do you imagine the perfect day trip from Dubai? Now you can make it a reality! Hire a local guide and set off on a fully personalized journey beyond the city limits. Explore the stunning surroundings by car, and you get to decide where and when to stop. From famous landmarks to hidden treasures in the countryside, the choice is yours!
As the sun sets, Dubai lights up, the heat of the day fades, and the tourist crowds start to thin out. This is the time to enjoy the city at its atmospheric best on a private tour with a local! Take in glittering highlights and the local ambiance that only the evening brings out in Dubai.
Did you know that the Dubai tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!
Discover your ideal Dubai tour with this personalized shore excursion! With pick-up directly from the cruise terminal or airport, you’ll have the flexibility to explore Dubai at your own pace. A local guide will take you around the city, letting you choose where to stop—whether it’s iconic landmarks or hidden gems. The day is yours to shape!
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Best Things to do in Dubai in 2026 - Withlocals
Travelers love our locals
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
5.0
Great tour in old town dubai!
"We had a great tour with a friend of Ikram (German speaking). The tour was really good and we learned a lot about old Dubai. I would totally recommend a booking with Ikram. "
"Ikram was super helpful and accommodating with our 3hr customised tour of Dubai. So many wonderful stories and interesting facts about this amazing city. My two young kids absolutely loved it with the perfect amount of stops for some local food and picture taking opportunities also.
Thank you so much. We look forward to enjoying more tours with you over the coming week."
"Sandy was a terrific guide on our 3 hr walking tour of Dubai. It was our first visit and we learned so much from him along the way about the history of the city and the UAE. He was informative and also great company on our walk. "
"Ikram is a local expert who helped explain the geography, building, culture and spirit of Dubai extremely well and better than expected. Great communication the day before our tour, then easy customization of our day and where we wanted to go. We enjoyed our visit to Dubai with a local tour early in our week visit - no doubt will help us check out other areas in Dubai."
"Ikram was a life saver . Due to a confusion, we had one day without a guide and were desperate to get one . Withkocals and Ikram stepped up and we had a fantastic time . Kind , atttentive , informed , he made the day of sightseeing, a pleasure "
"We had an absolutely incredible time on our city tour with Suqlain! If you are looking for more than just the typical tourist stops, this is the tour for you.
Suqlain was a fantastic guide—not only was he professional and friendly, but he was also deeply informative. He shared fascinating stories and historical insights that really brought the city’s heritage to life."
FedericoAbout local Suqlain ADubai, December 27, 2025
5.0
Christmas Day in the Souk
"A brilliant, fun and informative way to experience Dubai. Suqlain was a natural guide and knew everyone and everything. Definitely recommend his tour."
JasonAbout local Suqlain ADubai, December 26, 2025
5.0
An Enjoyable Morning in Old Dubai
"We really enjoyed our time with Sandy, we liked the fact the tastings were interspersed with time to look around the various souks. We never felt rushed and enjoyed some great food in very unique locations. I’d absolutely recommend this for first timers to Dubai "
"Today we had a great tour with our tour guide Ikram.
We already have been in Dubai once, but wanted to experience more and dig a bit deeper into the city. So our tour guide adapted the tour to our needs. He picked us up at our cruise ship and showed us old Dubai with its souks, traditional houses and the Creek and explained us a lot of the history and the “birth” of Dubai and the VAE 🇦🇪.
After that, we went to new Dubai (after a short stop at the kings palace) and all the “crazy” highlights the city has to offer.
We also tasted a small snack called shuwarma. It tasted wonderful. 🤤
And not to forget our comfy transportation and its good driver.
All in all, our host made this tour really memorable and if you ever come to Dubai, we recommend you to book this tour with Ikram 🤩
PS: he is also a very good photographer ☺️"
