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TOP 10 – Los Angeles

Best things to do in Los Angeles
Top 10 travel activities, visits and attractions

The best activities, attractions, visits and excursions in Los Angeles

You’re looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles ? The best travel activities, visits and attractions? You’re in the right place! To help you organize your trip and not miss anything, our TOP 10 gathers the best things to do and see : points of interest, tourist attractions, excursions, sightseeing tours, monuments, museums, etc.
To save time and money, we advise your to book in advance your hotel rooms, activities and touristic services (insurance, transport…). In order to help you, we’ve selected the best offers available on the net. You will find all links in this article, together with a listing of our favorite travel websites. Have a nice trip . – By Flo, Caro & the Team

In this article, you will find :

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What to do and see in Los Angeles - TOP 10 activities and visits

1. Discover LA’s beaches: Venice Beach, Santa Monica…

  • Recommended duration : 1 day
  • Free

Venice Beach and Santa Monica are definitely LA’s must-see beaches! They’re located next to one another and extend over several miles. They represent the typical Californian lifestyle we have in mind, in a very pleasant atmosphere to have a walk and relax. LA has a lot of other beaches to discover where you can surf or depart on a whale watching cruise.

Tips & Useful traveller information

It’s impossible to visit Los Angeles without spending some time at the beach! Take the opportunity to swim in the Pacific Ocean’s warm water, take some pictures in front of the famous lifeguards cabins, and have a walk along the sea.

  • Santa Monica (must-see) – Pacific Park

This is LA’s most famous beach. You absolutely have to go to the famous Pier where the Pacific Park is located. You’ll love walking above the water and enjoy the view and atmosphere (especially during sunset). The only downfall is the place very crowded by tourists, but it’s still worth the visit.

  • Venice Beach (must-see) – Broadwalk & Canals

This one’s our favorite beach in LA! Be sure to walk through the Boardwalk and discover the small shops that face the beach. You’ll love the laid-back Californian atmosphere! Venice Beach is a unique place where you’ll also see outdoor weight rooms, a large skate-park, and many places to jog, ride a bike, or roller-skate! Some people may find it “cliché”, but it’s actually a really cool place! Last but not least: don’t miss the canals, located only a few minutes from the beach! This is one of the most charming areas in LA, with a very different vibe from the rest of the city!

Venice Beach and Santa Monica are located right next to each other. The best way to discover them is to rent a bike or roller-blades and use the bike lanes along the sand (there are many renting shops by both beaches). The view and the atmosphere are amazing! You can also take the pedestrian path, but it is still a little more than 2 miles from Pacific Park to the Venice Beach canals. That’s the route we took and it’s definitely the one we recommend. If you wish to continue the ride, you can also take the 26 miles bike path. This cycling route follows the coast for about 25 miles from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance State Beach.

  • Long Beach: Aquarium & Wildlife observation cruises

You don’t really go to Long Beach for the beach, but rather for its attractions and activities! It’s where you’ll find the Aquarium of the Pacific, perfect for a family visit. It’s also where whale and dolphin-watching cruises depart from. The Californian coast is ideal to observe marine mammals. If you’ve never had the chance to see whales, we really recommend you this activity. You get to observe the animals in their natural environment, so every cruise is different. You never know what you’ll see… During our tour, we were lucky enough to see whales, sea lions and about 30 dolphins racing with our boat!

  • If you go towards the south-east: Huntington Beach & Newport Beach

If you continue on the road towards San Diego, you’ll come along other beaches that may be worth the detour. Huntington’s is a surfer’s paradise! From the pier, you can watch experienced surfers take the biggest waves, while surfing lessons are also available for beginners (these lessons are also offered at other beaches, but Huntington beach is the most famous). In Newport Beach, we especially invite you to discover the small seaside neighborhoods. The houses have a beautiful architecture and it is a really nice place to walk around.

  • If you’re going to the north-west: Malibu & El Matador

In terms of beaches, Malibu is definitely the most iconic of all! It’s not our favorite, but if you pass by heading North, you should definitely stop by! We prefered the El Matador Beach, which nature is well preserved. Located at the foot of a large cliff, it has a very romantic atmosphere, and offers a beautiful view of the landscapes that await you on the Californian coast.

Best deals to book your activities in Los Angeles

You can book the best activities online on :

  • Viator (american website – many offers and sightseeing tours)
  • Get Your guide (european website – our favorite choice with lots of good offers)
  • Tiqets (european website – great one to book tickets for museums or attractions)
  • Ceetiz (european website with a large offer of activities worldwide and many promotions)

2. Visit Hollywood and walk down the Hollywood Boulevard

  • Recommended duration : 2-3 days
  • Free : access to the Walk of Fame
  • Admission fee : Madame Tussauds & attractions ($)

Impossible to visit Los Angeles without going to Hollywood and the famous Walk Of Fame! This sidewalk, located at the two ends of Hollywood Boulevard counts over 2600 stars. Each star is associated to the name of a celebrity from the show-business (cinema, music, TV, radio or theater). The place is very touristic and you’ll find many attractions and activities linked to Hollywood and cinema.

Tips & Useful traveller information

To be honest, we were a bit disappointed by the place in itself, not very well maintained and very crowded. Nevertheless, it remains a must-see as the place is so iconic!

Looking for your favorite celebrities’ stars is actually quite fun. As foreigners, there were many names we didn’t know, but it was nice to come across worldwide famous names such as Celine Dion and Steven Spielberg. You’ll definitely be tempted to take a selfie in front of your favorite star!

In addition to the Walk of Fame, we recommend a visit to the Hollywood Museum and Madame Tussauds. At the first one, you can see many costumes and accessories used in Hollywood movies (Indiana Jones’ whip, Rocky’s gloves, Marilyn Monroe’s dresses…). In the second one, you discover the wax statues of the biggest stars, all in a pretty fun environment. There is no security cord, so you can take very cool pictures with the different statues. Accessories are even provided to increase interaction! We advise you to plan your visit at the end of the day, shortly before the last authorized entry (the guards will then leave you 1 hour to visit the place). That’s what we did and we were almost alone in the museum, which was very pleasant!

You can also see a movie at Grauman’s Chinese Theater (TCL), one of the most famous cinemas in the world! If you are not interested in any of the films on show, you can take a guided tour of the hall or admire the building from outside. The same goes for the Dolby Theatre, the famous hall where the Oscars are awarded! You can take a guided tour of the building or just see its exterior façade. Finally, you can go through the Hollywood & Highland Center, a shopping center offering a beautiful view of the famous HOLLYWOOD sign (see more details with the TOP #3).

3. See the Hollywood sign

  • Recommended duration : 1/2 day
  • Free : access to the observation points
  • Admission fee : guided walking tour or horse riding tour ($$)

This famous sign has been erected since 1923 on the southern slope of Mount Lee, a hill overlooking the Hollywood district. The sign is huge, each letter is over 43.5 feet tall, and the total length is over 345 feet, which simply makes it the largest billboard in the world!

Tips & Useful traveller information

The sign stands at an altitude of  1568 feet which makes if visible from several places in the city, but its access remains prohibited. The most famous viewpoints are the following:

  • Griffith Observatory: you can enjoy the remarkable view on LA, but it’s not really the best place to see the Hollywood sign, too far away and offers a view from the side
  • Lake Hollywood Park (our #1 choice): this nice site offers a central view on the sign. You can also get closer to the letters by parking your car by the dog park, and following the road. You then only have to walk about 10 minutes to enjoy a very clear view. If you walk about 30 minutes more, still following the road, you’ll discover what is probably the best view on the Hollywood sign! You won’t see the sign at all during those 30 minutes walk, it’ll only be at the end of the path that you’ll see it again. You can also take the Lake Hollywood Trail, a 2-hour walk around an artificial lake, but the view on the sign is farther away.
  • Hollywood & Highland Center: this shopping center has many stores and restaurants. Its architecture was thought to offer a beautiful view on the Hollywood sign, so it’s a perfect place to admire the letters (from far away). The center is located on Hollywood boulevard so it’s easily accessible.
  • During a hike: from the Griffith Park, you can take the Brush Canyon Trail. It’s about 6.2 miles (back and forth), and you get to go very close to the sign, and even walk behind it! Be careful not to break the rules and to cross the security barrier: the site is watched 24 hours a day and legal proceedings are heavy!
  • During a horseback ride: those guided group tours offer amazing views LA and the Hollywood sign

4. Visit the Universal Studios Hollywood (and/or Disneyland)

  • Recommended duration : 1 day
  • Admission fee ($$)

Universal Studios is one of the best amusement parks in the world! Not only are there amazing rides (roller coasters, 4D attractions..), but it’s where you’ll find the biggest outdoor filming studios! You’ll be able to discover the settings of famous movies and TV shows like Desperate Housewives, the War of Worlds or Jaws!

Tips & Useful traveller information

If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles with kids, we definitely recommend this visit! Like all amusement parks, Universal Studios Hollywood is divided in different sections/worlds. The two must-sees are the studio tour and the Harry Potter™ world!

You visit the studios by small train, and you ride around the different settings. You’ll discover the famous streets of Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, or see the plane crash from the War of Worlds. We’ll leave you discover, but the tour is really worth it (with a (very) big surprise at the end!). The world of Harry Potter™ is amazing with all its decorations and settings, you feel like you’re actually in the movies!

In terms of rides, there are a few good roller coasters (The Mummy ride is really cool!), but also some 4D attractions (with pyrotechnic and 3D effects). Those type of attractions are really typical to Universal, you don’t really see them in other parks. They’re quite impressive but can make you dizzy. Make sure you also watch the Waterworld show, which is worth the detour (although the movie isn’t). Among the latest attractions of the park, you can now walk through The Walking Dead inspired settings, with zombies disguised actors! This type of attraction can frighten some and bore others, but we really recommend this one for its oppressing atmosphere! 

In terms of organization, we advise you to arrive early, at the opening if possible. Start-off with the most popular rides to avoid queues (especially the ones located in the Harry Potter™ world). To hop-on the studio tour, you’ll also have to wait in line.. If you don’t want to wait, you can choose to buy an Express ticket (you are able to skip lines ONCE for each ride/show/tour) or the VIP ticket (unlimited skip-the-line + private studio tour). Just so you know, those tickets are much more expensive than the regular one, so it’s your choice to make! 

If you like amusement parks you can also go to Disneyland, which actually regroups two parks: Disneyland (the very 1st one created by Walt Disney which is similar to Orlando’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Paris, with a recent Star Wars world), and Disney California Adventure (a more unique park with its famous roller coaster and ferris wheel; it also has an amazing show in the evening, probably the most beautiful produced by Disney!). The parks are located in Anaheim, which is about 1h from Downtown LA. Small tip: you’ll pay less if you buy a combined ticket for both parks!

Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood are cheaper on the Internet than directly at the park. We therefore advise you to book in advance if you want to save money!

5. Visit the Warner Bros Studios (and/or Paramount)

  • Recommended duration : 1/2 day
  • Admission fee ($$)

For true cinema lovers, the Warner Bros studios is a must-see! These studios are in operation, so it is not uncommon to come across crews in the middle of filming during the visit. Unlike Universal Studio, there are no attractions. However, you can see the backgrounds of the Hollywood movie settings! The two visits therefore complement each other perfectly!

Tips & Useful traveller information

The only way to discover the Warner Bros studios is during a guided tour. It’s not like a park you can freely walk around, but a working place we’re only allowed to pass by! Tours last around 3h in small trains that take you through the different parts of the studios. In addition to English, many different languages are available.

Walking stops are also planned, including a stop at the legendary Friends coffee shop, the Central Perk. If possible, you can also see the sets of a TV series, sometimes even during a shoot! During our visit, we were able to see the apartments of Penny and Leonard/Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory series. At the end of the tour, you reach a small museum that you can visit freely. Various costumes and accessories are on display, including the famous sorting hat from Harry Potter™ ! If you like cinema, you’ll have a great time on this visit!

Paramount Studios offers a similar experience, but didn’t visit them. They are very well located, at the center of Hollywood. In fact, they’re the last studios still in operation in this neighborhood!

Reservation required + Limited capacity

WARNING – Visits to Warner Studios are by reservation only, at a predefined time. It is not possible to obtain tickets directly at the entrance, as the tours are almost always sold out. If you wish to make the visit, we advise you to book online.

6. Stroll around the fancy neighborhoods (Beverly Hills, Bel Air…)

  • Recommended duration : 1/2 day
  • Free : strolls on your own
  • Admission fee : guided tour of celebrity houses ($$)

Everyone knows the City of Angels is also the city of celebrities! In the most exclusive neighborhoods of the city, you’ll see magnificent villas and residences. These rich properties are mainly in Beverly Hills, Bel Air or Malibu. In Beverly Hills, you’ll find Rodeo Drive, the perfect destination for shopping lovers!

Tips & Useful traveller information

You’ve probably heard the names of those places before as each of them had their own dedicated TV series (90210 Beverly Hills with Brandon and Brenda, Baywatch with Pamela, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air with Will Smith). We particularly recommend Beverly Hills and Bel Air (as we’ve mentioned earlier, for the beach, Santa Monica and Venice Beach are nicer than Malibu).

If you want to see celebrities’ houses and find out who lives where, you can go on a guided tour. You will then tour the main residences and also pass by Mulholland Drive. You might as well be warned that most of the residences are well guarded and can therefore only be seen from a distance! If you want to avoid the overly touristy side of these tours, you can opt for a bike tour. These tours are done freely (without a guide and therefore without other tourists), with the help of a map showing the main residences.

For shopping, you will find many luxury boutiques on Rodeo Drive. This is where the shopping scenes from the film Pretty Woman and many other movies and TV shows are set. If you’re looking for bargains, you’ll find malls and outlets. The ones at Camarillo Premium Outlets (about 1 hour west of downtown Los Angeles) offer many brands at bargain prices.

7. See the city from the Griffith Park & Observatory

  • Recommended duration : 2 hrs – 1 day depending on the activities you choose
  • Free : access to the park & observatory, hikes
  • Admission fee : zoo & museums of the park ($)

The Griffith Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in the Griffith Park. Entrance is free and allows you to learn more about the cosmos. It’s its location that actually makes the particularity of the observatory: nestled on top of a hill overlooking the city, it offers an incredible view of Los Angeles! The park has also managed to preserve a wild and natural environment, so there are beautiful hiking trails.

Tips & Useful traveller information

You’ve probably already seen the Griffith Park and the observatory before! They appear in some famous movies like La La Land, Rebel Without a Cause, Transformers, Terminator, and in the GTA5 video game. We recommend a visit at the end of the day, just before sunset. You’ll then be able to enjoy the colors of the sunset above LA’s skyline. 

You can also plan an entire day to walk around the park and enjoy the many activities that are available there. There are over 50 miles of hiking trail, with some taking you close to the Hollywood sign (see our TOP #3). Make sure you carry a water bottle with you as some of the areas of the park are very dry!

You’ll find different attractions like the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens in the park. This zoo has over 1200 species of animals from all around the world, like gorillas, koalas, komodo dragons, and a variety of exotic plants! You can also visit an open-air amphitheatre and small museums. One of them is particularly interesting for Western fans: the Autry Museum of the American West. There are various exhibitions about life in the West and the Gold Rush era (paying).

8. Walk through Downtown Los Angeles

  • Recommended duration : 1/2 day
  • Free : walks and certain attractions
  • Admission fee : rooftops ($)

Although Downtown LA is less famous than other districts, you’ll find some of the best walks and attractions of the city! It’s home of the first house built in LA, a very cool observation deck, and many rooftop bars!

Tips & Useful traveller information

During your walk in Downtown Los Angeles, we recommend you to see or visit the following places:

  • Olvera Street: this is where you’ll find the first house built in LA (number 10 of the street)! The shops and restaurants have a very mexican vibe!
  • Chinatown: Los Angeles’ Chinatown is very exotic. You can see many signs with Chinese names as well as very colorful buildings (red, yellow, green, pink…)
  • Grand Central Market: this covered market appeared in 1917. You’ll find a bunch of local products, a paradise for foodies! 
  • Union Station: it’s the biggest train station of LA, appears in many movies like Blade Runner, The Island, Gangster Squad… It’s a really nice building which is worth the detour!
  • The Charmed Manor: the TV series Charmed takes place in San Francisco but it was actually filmed in LA. The famous Halliwell manor can be seen directly in the streets! You can’t visit the inside of the house (all indoor scenes were filmed in studios anyway), but you can easily remember the outdoor scenes when looking at the manor from outside! It’s a really fun stop to make for Charmed fans. FYI, the manor is located at 1329 Carrol Avenue, CA 90026, Los Angeles. 
  • Walt Disney Concert Hall: this concert hall, dedicated to classical, jazz and contemporary music, has an extraordinary architecture. It is possible to visit it free of charge outside of performance hours, with a guide or audio-guide!
  • Bars / Rooftops: if you want to take a break during your walk and sip on a fresh cocktail, you’ll have plenty of cool bars and rooftops to choose from!
  • Angel’s Flight: this funicular built in 1901 was at its time the smallest railway in the world (298 feet)! For 1$, it allows you to reach Grand Avenue on the heights of Bunker Hill.

Of course, there are many other things to see in Downtown LA, many more surprises await you in this very cool district! 

9. Visit Los Angeles’ nicest museums

  • Recommended duration : 2-3 hrs
  • Free : Getty, Broad… (see below)
  • Admission fee : LACMA, NHM… ($) (see below)

Los Angeles has many quality museums, and the great thing is most of them are free! Their rich and varied collections will delight lovers of art, science, automobiles or even dinosaurs!

Tips & Useful traveller information

Here are the main themed museums of LA:

  • Petersen Automotive Museum (paying – Automotive & Cinema) : this museum dedicated to automobiles has an exterior façade with a unique architecture. Inside, you can see more than 100 models that have marked the history of the automobile and the cinema! You can see the famous Aston Martin of Skyfall (James Bond), the Batmobile of Batman Returns or a life-size model of Lightning McQueen, the car from the animated film Cars…
  • La Brea Tar Pits & Museum (entrance for the park is free / museum is paying – Natural History): This site is absolutely unique as it is the last fossil deposit still exploited in the United States! Fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed tigers and other prehistoric animals (10,000 to 40,000 years old) have already been found here. You can take a free walk in the park to see the ancient deposits and liquid tar pits. To discover the hundreds of fossils and skeletons of prehistoric animals collected on the site, admission to the museum is required. The ticket also allows you to observe the researchers in full activity (research on the excavation sites and in the laboratory). It is a very interesting visit that we recommend!
  • NHM – Natural History Museum (paying – Natural History): it’s the largest natural history museum in the West! It has one of the most beautiful dinosaur collections in the world, with about twenty entire skeletons! There are also many fossils, minerals, precious stones and naturalized animals
  • Madame Tussauds & Hollywood Museum (paying – People & Cinema): both museums exhibit wax statues of the world’s biggest stars (Madame Tussauds) and film costumes and accessories (Hollywood Museum). If you’re looking for activities to do in Los Angeles with kids, one of those museums is a good option! For more details on these museums, take a look at our top N°2 (Hollywood Boulevard)
  • The Nevercutt Museum & Collection (free – Old cars): this museum also exhibits a variety of automobiles, but is particularly interested in old models. You can find over 250 models dating from 1898 to 1997.
  • California Science Center (free – Science): access to permanent collections is free of charge. You can also participate in different interactive experiences. This is an ideal activity for family with kids!

LA is also home of beautiful art museums:

  • Getty Center (free – Art): this art museum is actually a gigantic cultural center. It’s composed of five main buildings with a modern and unique architecture built around a central courtyard. Four of these buildings display the permanent collections while the fifth is devoted to temporary exhibitions. The main collections are (magnificent) European paintings, ancient arts, manuscripts, decorative arts, photographs and drawings.
  • The Broad (free – Art): this contemporary art museum exhibits more than 2,000 pieces collected by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. We advise you to book a visit on the internet (free of charge) to avoid queuing at the entrance. When you arrive at the museum, we also recommend that you reserve your ticket for the Infinity Mirrored Room (which can only be obtained once at the museum). You’ll then have 45 seconds alone access to an incredible room filled with mirrors and LED lights (an effect that is both magnificent and indescribable). 
  • LACMA – Los Angeles County Museum of Art (paying – Art): not only is this the biggest museum of art of LA, but also of the entire West! Thousands of art pieces are exhibited in seven buildings. The collections come from all around the world (USA, Korea, Japan, China, Europe, Polynesian islands, Egypt, etc.)
  • The Getty Villa (free- Art): this rich villa exhibits the collections of greek and roman art of the Getty Museum. Entrance is free of charge but you need to book a specific time in advance.

10. Spend an evening on Sunset Boulevard

  • Recommended duration : an evening
  • Free : walks
  • Admission fee : bars and nightclubs ($)

Sunset Boulevard sounds so Californian when you say it! This huge street extends on 24 miles from the east of LA to the Pacific coast. It crosses some of Los Angeles’ iconic districts like Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Sunset Boulevard is also very well known for its nightlife, with its many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Tips & Useful traveller information

The busiest part of Sunset Boulevard is the 1,5 mile Sunset Strip. It’s been partying since the 1930s, and many bars and restaurants are regularly visited by celebrities (keep your eyes open ;)!

Here are some of the most famous bars and clubs:

  • Whisky A Go Go: this iconic bar/club is linked to the history of Rock. Many bands have performed there: Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters or The Doors for example.
  • Bar Marmont: this bar is attached to the luxury hotel of Château Marmont and is one of the best known of the city. Drinks are expensive, but it’s one of the best place to spot celebrities, if this is something you’re interested in!
  • Pearl’s Rooftop: this classy bar is actually a rooftop, offering one of the best possible views on the Sunset Strip. You can also sip on amazing cocktails!
  • Mondrian’s SkyBar: this classy lounge bar offers a nice view on the Sunset Strip AND an indoor pool!

It’s difficult to guarantee the access into these bars as they’re quite exclusive… hopefully you’ll get lucky! However, there are of course many other great bars and clubs that we recommend you to discover randomly on your evenings out!

Other things to do and see in Los Angeles (activities, excursions, attractions, visits...)

In addition to the activities listed in our TOP 10 you’re looking for other ideas of what to do in Los Angeles ? Here is a selection of other things to do and see during your stay :

  • Knott’s Berry Farm: this amusement park is located about 50 minutes from Los Angeles, next to Anaheim. It’s the perfect park from thrill seekers as there are more than 10 intense rides (roller coasters, drop towers…)
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain: this other amusement park is located at about 45 minutes from Downtown LA. It’s one of the best parks in the USA in terms of sensations as there are over 20 thrilling roller coasters!
  • Aquarium of the Pacific: this aquarium presents the ecosystem of the Pacific Ocean, with more than 11 000 fish and marine species!
  • USS Iowa: this former battleship took part in World War 2 and the Korean War. You can visit this historic ship.
  • Queen Mary: this iconic liner launched in 1934 is now moored at the docks of Long Beach. It can be visited and you can even spend a night on board!
  • Huntington Library, Art Collection & Botanical Gardens: this site is composed of a large library (including a Gutenberg Bible), a collection of artworks (mainly French, British and American art) and botanical gardens.
  • Original Farmers Market: this famous market in Los Angeles has been popular with both tourists and locals since 1934! There are many stalls with food from all over the world.
  • Whale Watching: All year round, it is possible to watch whales off the coast of Los Angeles. Observation cruises lasting a few hours depart from the ports of Long Beach, San Pedro or Newport Beach.
  • Ferry to Santa Catalina Island: there are many activities to do in Los Angeles, but when leaving the city you can find other very nice places like Santa Catalina. This very famous island is located about 35 km from the Californian coast. It can be reached with the Catalina Express ferry, boarding at the port of San Pedro, Long Beach or Dana Point.
  • Los Angeles Lakers NBA game: Seeing an NBA game in the United States is always a great experience. In Los Angeles, you can attend the games of the legendary Lakers team at the Staples Center.

Travel tips to visit Los Angeles and organize your trip (hotels, sightseeing tours...)

 Book accomodation in Los Angeles : you’ll find the greatest choice on Booking. This is the website we use for all our travels. They propose the best prices and different types of accomodations (budget hotel, luxurious hotel, appartments…).
 Book travel activities in Los Angeles : you can book the best activities online on Viator (american website – many offers and sightseeing tours), Get Your guide (european website – our favorite choice with lots of good offers), Tiqets (european website – great one to book tickets for museums or attractions) or Ceetiz (european website with a large offer of activities worldwide and many promotions)
 Book a flight to Los Angeles : you will generally find best prices on Skyscanner.
  Rent a car in Los Angeles : it is important to make a booking before departure, as prices on site are much higher than those displayed online. We advise you to use Rentalcars.

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TOP 10 – Bora Bora

Best things to do in Bora Bora
Top 10 travel activities, visits and excursions

The best activities, attractions, visits and excursions in Bora Bora

During a trip to Polynesia, we strongly recommend you to visit Bora Bora! To many people avoid this destination because they imagine it to be too crowded and touristy. Although it is indeed the most famous and developed for tourists of the islands, we’re far from a mass tourism destination.  Hotels are actually small bungalows on stilts, and the number of visitors is finally quited limited. You’ll probably find more authenticity in the other islands, but Bora Bora’s lagoon remains undoubtedly beautiful! There are also amazing things to do and see at Bora Bora. To make sure you don’t miss out on anything, this TOP 10 gathers all the unmissables: excursions on the lagoon, beaches, travel and sports activities, hiking trails…
To save time and money, make sure you book your services in advance (hotels, inter-island flights, activities, transport…). We’ve selected the best offers and listed them in this article. Have a great trip to Bora Bora 🙂 . – By Flo, Caro and The Team

In this article, you will find :

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What to do and see in Bora Bora - TOP 10 activities and excursions

1. Explore Bora Bora’s lagoon and it’s mounds during a boat tour

  • Recommended duration : 1 day
  • Admission fee ($$) – reservation highly recommended

Bora Bora’s number one asset is definitely its incredible lagoon! We’ve visited many Polynesian islands, but to us, none of their lagoons offer as many shades of blue. To discover the lagoon, the boat tour is the unmissable activity. You’ll be able to admire the summit of the island, the Mount Otemanu (2385 feet). You’ll also discover the many motus (mounds) of the island. Most of the tours offer a local polynesian lunch on one of them. Snorkeling sessions (see our Top #4) are also often included during the boat tours.

Tips & Useful traveller information – With which operator should you book?

There are many operators offering boat tours in Bora Bora. By luck, one of our friends has a local company, with a great reputation, offering this type of excursions (Moana Adventure). you can check on the Internet, they are rates 5/5 almost everywhere! We decided to book our tour through them, and we were not disappointed! The food is delicious, the Polynesian crew on board is adorable, the boat is comfortable and the program is perfect. The tour takes place in small groups, and the private mound on which we have lunch is beautiful. For all these reasons, we definitely recommend this tour, which we absolutely loved! Be careful, you’ll need to book in advance due to the limited capacity.

Price & Online Booking : Boat tour on the lagoon / Luxury boat tour on the lagoon (the one we did and loved!) / Private boat tour on the lagoon (the best option you can book, but also the most expensive) / Catamaran sunset sail 
 Where to stay in Bora Bora? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rental (less expensive than hotels) Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels and lodges on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels and bungalows on stilts (4 or 5 stars)

Good deals in Polynesia: plan your trip on your own or book through an agency

For your trip to Polynesia, you have 2 options:

  • Organize on your own (for people who are used to travelling a lot): this is what we did for our first trip, but it requires a lot of time and organization. We would recommend this option for people who are used to travelling, especially because you need to book far in advance your hotels, inter-island flights, and even some of your activities. We’ve listed the links in the articles and in the section “travel tips” to help you book the best offers.
  • Book through an agency (rare case: it’s actually not expensive!): with a good agency, you won’t pay more, and you’ll gain a lot in terms of time! In most destinations, we often recommend to book everything on your own, but it’s a bit different in Polynesia. Accommodation is limited and so are the inter-island flights. Having lived in Polynesia, we were able to look around all the different travel agencies, and we recommend the local agency Easy Tahiti (make sure you mention you’re coming from our blog to get a free tour, see more info at the end of this paragraph). To give you a sum-up, they have professional rates negotiated with the hotels, inns, flights and activities (which means they pay less than a regular client). This allows them to offer tailor-made trips, not more expensive than what you would find by booking on your own (they offer the same rates, sometimes even lower rates for certain accommodations). They can handle your flights, accommodation, hotel transfers, and activities, always guaranteeing the best price, and linking you towards the best options (and they don’t apply any service fee, the price is totally transparent). In case of any flight modification by Air Tahiti, they also manage adapting your program, and will take off any fee which can be applied by some accommodation facilities. It’s up to you to decide if and how much you need help in the organization of your trip. For the readers of our blog, we negotiated an exclusive offer: a free tour in Tahiti. By indicating the code [que-faire-a-tahiti], the agency will offer you a 4×4 tour in Papenoo Valley in Tahiti. It’s a beautiful wild site (only accessible by 4×4), but also one of our favorite activities on this island!

2. Chill at the beautiful beach of Matira on the main island

  • Recommended duration : a few hours
  • Free

Although the motus beaches are incredibly charming, Matira on the main island remains a must-see beach. With its beautiful turquoise water, its thin white sand, and little snack bars, Matira offers a paradise scenery to its visitors. Cherry on top of the cake, the beach is often ignored by the tourists which usually privilege the beaches next to their hotel (and so in the mounds). Apart from the weekends (when the locals like to go to the beach), Matira is therefore rarely crowded. Another reason to spend some relaxing time there!

Tips & Useful traveller information

Matira beach is easily accessible by the road. If you’re doing a tour of the island (see our top #6), you’ll be able to make a stop there to relax and have a swim. You’ll also find several snacks and restaurants, ideally located, offering great food at an affordable price. It’s also a great place to admire the sunset.

3. Fly over Bora Bora and the “heart-island” of Tupai in a seaplane or helicopter

  • Recommended duration : 30mn
  • Admission fee ($$) or ($$$) – reservation required

If you’re willing to go over your budget for one activity, it should definitely be this one! Among the main islands of Polynesia, two are really worth flying over: Tahiti (for its huge mountains), and of course Bora Bora. It’s from the sky that you realize best how beautiful the lagoon is. You’ll be amazed throughout the entire flight, discovering all the different shades of blue the lagoon has to offer. If your budget allows you to, you can include flying over the island of Tupai, which is famous for its heart shape! You have to fly over a certain angle to see the heart shape, but it’s really a unique experience!

Tips & Useful traveller information – Helicopter or aiplane? Which flight to choose?

If you don’t get the opportunity to book a sightseeing flight over Bora Bora, make sure you try to have a good seat on your plane to get there so you can see the island before you land. You just need to ask one of the flight attendants what side to sit on when you board, seats aren’t pre-booked so you can sit wherever you want.  

If you do decide to book a sightseeing flight, you’re probably wondering whether you should choose a helicopter or a (sea)plane. On our end, we chose to go for a seaplane (which actually turned out to be a regular small airplane of 8 seats when we did our tour). We wanted to be able to see the entire lagoon, and the airplane generally offers a more aerial view.

Most of all, we really wanted to fly over Tupai. Only helicopter flights of 30mn offer this option, at a higher price than the airplane. And since a helicopter is slower than an airplane, we rathered the second option which allowed us to fly over more territory. We don’t regret at all our choice as this island is very different and amazing… the pictures speak for themselves!

If you’re not particularly interested in Tupai, you can choose a helicopter flight of 10mn or 20mn. It’ll allow you to limit your spendings while offering you an amazing view on Bora Bora. Either way, make sure you book in advance as availability is limited!

Price & Online Booking : Helicopter scenic flight over Bora Bora (30mn) / Scenic plane flight over Bora Bora (10,20 or 30mn – the 30mn flight includes Tupai)

4. Have fun on the lagoon of Bora Bora: jet-ski, kayak, paddle board or wakeboard

  • Recommended duration : 2 or 3hrs
  • Admission fee ($$) or ($$$) – reservation strongly recommended

We already recommended the boat tour on the lagoon… but because you can’t get enough of the lagoon, we’re sure you’ll enjoy a more active experience! To go around the island and fill up with high-speed sensations on the waves of an incredibly blue water, our favorite one would be the jet-ski! If you’re looking for calm and serenity, you should rather go for the kayaking or paddle board. 

Tips & Useful traveller information – Which operator to choose for water activities?

Once again, we indicated the operator which we used for our jet ski tour below. Everything went well and we really loved being able to go high speed on secure engines. We strongly recommend it!

For kayaking or paddle, unfortunately we did not have enough time to try them out, but rentals are usually available through hotels. For wakeboarding, you need to book in advance. Learning your way through the activity is quite fast, and you easily manage to stand-up out of the water.

Price & Online Booking : Jet-ski tour on the lagoon / Combo tour: Jet-ski + snorkeling with sharks and rays (awesome tour combining both activities, we strongly recommend!) / Stand-up paddle guided tour (you can also choose to simply rent a paddle board for a smaller budget) / Wakeboard initiation class

5. Swim with the stingrays, sharks, and tropical fish during a snorkeling session

  • Recommended duration : a few hours
  • Free : swimming on your own from the beach/coast (not very interesting)
  • Admission fee : access to the best spots by boat ($) – reservation strongly recommended

Most boat tours on the lagoon include a snorkeling session. However, if you don’t want to spend the whole day on a boat, and you’ve chosen the jet-ski tour over the boat, or if you want additional time exploring the ocean, you can book a session only dedicated to snorkeling. They are offered at a low price, and allow you to discover the incredible riches of the underwater of the lagoon. You will then be able to see amazing coral gardens (among the most beautiful we’ve seen in Polynesia). You will also be able to reach a spot where you can swim with black tip sharks (harmless) and stingrays. Sensations guaranteed! Finally, you will be able to go looking for Manta rays! No meetings can be guaranteed as we’re dealing with wildlife…

Tips & Useful traveller information – What operator to choose for snorkeling?

Although you may swim freely with your own material, you won’t be able to access the best spots. Those are indeed located too far from the coast, and thus only accessible by boat. To choose your operator, please make sure you don’t go for one that feeds the animals. This type of practice modifies the behavior of wildlife, and thus makes the animals dependent on human activity. We indicated the one we used below, which was awesome and respectful of nature.

Price & Online Booking : Snorkeling tour (coral garden, rays and sharks – 2:30-3hrs approx.) / Combo tour: Snorkeling + Jet-ski / Luxury boat tour on the lagoon including snorkeling

6. Make a tour of Bora Bora by bike, car or E-Mook (20 miles)

  • Recommended duration : 1/2 day or more
  • Admission fee: renting cost ($) – reservation required

As for all Polynesian islands, we advise you to do a complete tour of the main island. Just so you are aware, you won’t be seeing any important site, but you’ll discover another point of view of Bora. You’ll have different views on the landscapes and houses, you’ll also be closer to the locals. By going out of the main road, we were able to play around with kids who were surprised to see us on this side of the island. Authenticity is definitely there when you take the time to look for it! Last, going around the island will allow you to easily access some small hiking trails which are worth the detour (see our top #7).

Tips & Useful traveller information – Where to book a car in Bora Bora? Is it better to rent a Bike?

If you want to make a tour of the main island, you can choose to do it by bike, but you’ll need to pedal over 20 miles, including some climbs. You can also choose to rent a car, but you won’t be able to enjoy the fresh breeze and the beautiful landscapes. To meet the best compromise, we chose to go for an E-Mook, a small little electric car without doors (kind of like a golf cart). It’s the perfect option to combine utility and pleasure, making the drive an experience in itself. Whatever your choice, you can book all those activities on the link below. It’s the best rental operator of the island, offering quality vehicles and perfect service.

Price & Online Booking : Vehicle rental in Bora Bora (car, E-Mook, bike…)

7. Go on a hike in Bora Bora: American cannons or mount Popoti summit

  • Recommended duration : 1h or more for each hike
  • Free

Although Polynesian islands offer ideal landscapes and mountains for hiking, private lands, poorly maintained and marked trails make this activity complicated. Unfortunately, this is the case in Bora Bora where trails are hard to find and follow. However, there are still some little walks which are easily accessible. We recommend a walk up to one of the old American cannons you can find in the mountains around the islands. They were built during World War 2, and are today a curiosity in this paradisiacal landscape. For a more active walk, you can follow the route de la Traversière or reach the summit of Mount Popoti. You will then have an amazing view of the lagoon (also accessible during the quad ride recommended in the following top). 

Tips & Useful traveller information – How to find the departure point of the hikes?

First of all, you should know that the summit of the island, the mount Otemanu, is not accessible to hikes. It has only been climbed by some locals in difficult and dangerous conditions.

Concerning the other hikes, it’s complicated to indicate the exact departing point and the trail to follow. The easiest way is to ask your hotel or inn. Once you approach the departure point, ask confirmation to a local and follow their instructions. You shouldn’t get lost as the trails we’ve suggested follow a clear path. Beware though, there are some crossroads, so it’s best you know which direction to follow in advance!

Trails recommended by users: Wikiloc (this website gathers the walks and hikes made by other travelers, and can give you additional ideas)

8. Take a Quad ride on the heights and off-road trails of Bora Bora

  • Recommended duration : 3hrs approx.
  • Admission fee ($$) – reservation strongly recommended

You want to admire Bora Bora from its heights but you don’t feel like climbing to the top? Or you simply want to have fun riding a powerful motorized vehicle? Go for a quad ride! You will be able to take steep and wild trails into the heart of the island. In addition to the driving sensations, expect to discover beautiful panoramas!

Tips & Useful traveller information – Which operator to choose for a quad tour?

Different operators each offer different routes. Indeed, the lands crossed by the quads are private and the owners allow access only to one operator. We therefore compared the different tours, and chose the one which to us offered the best view (see link below). We did not regret our choice! Our guide was super nice, and allowed us to access a summit near the mount Popoti. The view was incredible, and only accessible through this tour. Then, we were invited in his family house for a drink in an ideal scenery. For your information, we also made the tour of the island during this ride, but without making any stops. This tour thus offered a nice overall view of Bora Bora.

Price & Online Booking : Bora Bora island quad bike tour (it’s the tour we did, the only one giving access to the viewpoint of our picture above)

9. Scuba dive in Bora Bora

  • Recommended duration : 1/2 day
  • Admission fee ($$)

There are amazing diving spots in Bora Bora. It’s definitely a great place for a first dive or even for more experienced divers. If scuba diving offers a more immersive experience underwater than snorkelling, it is also more expensive. The reason we didn’t put this activity higher in our Top 10 is simply because we found more impressive spots at the Tuamotu (especially at Rangiroa or Fakarava). If you were to dive only in one place, it should be there, but if the Tuamotu are not part of your trip and you like to dive, do not hesitate! The underwaters of Bora Bora remain beautiful and guarantee an amazing show!

Tips & Useful traveller information – Which operator to choose for scuba diving?

You can find several diving clubs in Bora Bora. We indicated an operator with great reputation below. Keep in mind that the prices are higher in Bora Bora than on the other islands. If you’re looking to do a diving training in Polynesia, we advise you to choose Rangiroa or Fakarava, where the prices are lower (but the courses are as serious!).

Price & Online Booking : First scuba dive / Exploration dive (if you already have a level 1)

10. Visit the sea turtles protection center in the amazing Le Meridien hotel

  • Recommended duration : a few hours
  • Free : for hotel clients
  • Admission fee : for external clients ($)

To end your trip to Bora Bora, we suggest a fun and instructive visit. If you like nature and you have a bit of time, you should go see the sea turtles protection center. It’s managed by the 5-star hotel Le Méridien, located on a motu. There, you’ll discover the work of the caregivers who take care of injured sea turtles to set them free. In addition to having a good time, you will do a good deed since the funds collected will be used for the development of the center and the protection of the turtles.

[The Méridien is currently under renovation and the center is not accessible].

Tips & Useful traveller information – Should you pay to visit the center?

If you’re staying at this hotel, the visit of the center and the feeding session is free (of course, donations are welcomed). Otherwise, you can also pay for the visit, which will give you access to all the other facilities of the hotel for the day (pool, beach…). For an extra fee, you can even help with some treatments and swim with the turtles!

Price & Online Booking : Sea turtles protection center (prices and booking by email indicated on this page)

Other things to do and see in Bora Bora (activities, excursions, attractions, visits...)

In addition to the activities listed in our TOP 10, you’re looking for other things to do and see in Bora Bora? Here are some other ideas:

  • Sunsets, meals and meetings: this article highlights activities specific to Bora Bora. However, like everywhere in Polynesia, make sure you take the time to admire sunrises and sunset, exchange with the locals and enjoy some delicious traditional meals.
  • Observation or swim with the whales: between July and November, Polynesia welcomes many whales in its waters. You’ll then get the chance to observe some of them off Bora Bora and maybe even get in the water to swim with them. However, whales are more numerous and more easily observable around Moorea (or in the Austral Archipelago, but it is less likely that you will go there). Therefore, we advise you to do this activity there and spend your time on other things in Bora Bora. And if you are lucky enough to come across a whale during a boat trip, it will be a great bonus! Lien
  • Skydiving: if you have the budget and you’re looking for an adrenaline shot, you should definitely go skydiving. The view is amazing and the experience unforgettable! Know that it’s also possible to skydive from Moorea at a way more interesting price. Lien
  • Fish in the lagoon: as in almost all the islands of Polynesia, you can hop on a small boat and go fishing. This experience allowing you to get in contact with locals is quite expensive though. Lien
  • Kitesurf lessons: if you want to learn kitesurf, you can do so in Bora Bora! The lagoon obviously offers a great playground but once again, this activity is a little more expensive here than on the other islands. Your choice to make! Lien

Travel tips to visit Bora Bora and organize your trip (hotels, sightseeing tours...)

 Book accomodation in Bora Bora: you’ll find the greatest choice on Booking (for hotel rooms) or Airbnb ( for appartments).
 Book travel activities in Bora Bora: you can book all the best activities online on Viator (american website – many offers and sightseeing tours), Get Your guide (european website – our favorite choice with lots of good offers), Tiqets (european website – great one to book tickets for museums or attractions) or Ceetiz (european website with a large offer of activities worldwide and many promotions)
 Book a flight to Bora Bora: you will generally find best prices on Skyscanner.
 Book and airport transfer in Bora Bora: save time by using the usefull Airport Shuttle
  Rent a car in Bora Bora: it is important to make a booking before departure, as prices on site are much higher than those displayed online. We advise you to use Rentalcars. 
   Book a travel insurance (can be important) 

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TOP 10 – Normandy Landing Sites

Visit the D-Day Landing sites of Normandy
Top 10 activities and places of interest

The best activities, visits and excursions in Normandy Landing Sites

You’re looking for the best things to do at the D-day landing sites of Normandy? The best travel activities, visits and attractions? You’re in the right place! To help you organize your trip and not miss anything, our TOP 10 gathers the best things to do and see : points of interest, tourist attractions, excursions, sightseeing tours, monuments, museums, etc.
To save time and money, we advise your to book in advance your hotel rooms, activities and touristic services (insurance, transport…). In order to help you, we’ve selected the best offers available on the net. You will find all links in this article, together with a listing of our favorite travel websites. Have a nice trip . – By Flo, Caro & The Team

In this article, you will find :

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Short introduction to Normandy D-Day landings and our TOP 10

The landing of 6 June 1944 was a vast and complex event, with sites spread along the Normandy coast. It took place on 5 beaches which were given code names: Omaha Beach and Utah Beach (American troops), Juno Beach (Canadian and British troops), Gold Beach (British troops) and Sword Beach (British and French troops). Other sites were impacted by bombing or airdrop operations. Despite heavy losses (more than 10,000 dead on the evening of the landing – exact figures unknown), the operation was a success and led to the Battle of Normandy. This name was given to the fighting that followed and led to the liberation of Normandy. This battle lasted nearly 3 months and cost the lives of more than 140,000 people (civilians, Allied soldiers and German soldiers).

→ How to use this article properly? To help you discover this historical event, we have established the top 10 of the most important sites to visit. There are a lot of places and museums to discover in Normandy. So only history lovers will absolutely want to visit them all! Therefore, we advise you to make a selection among the places presented in our TOP 10. Some sites or museums are not necessarily better than others, they simply deal with different themes. We suggest you to inform yourself in advance and then choose the attractions according to your interests.

→ We recommend you to visit at least one of the landing beaches, one or more museums, a military cemetery and a site with bunkers. You will then have a good representation of this great military operation. You will find all the details in the article. Enjoy your visit and have a good stay in Normandy!

What to do and see at Normandy's D-day landing sites - TOP 10 activities and visits

1. Remembering at Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-mer

  • Recommended duration : 1-4 hours
  • Free : Omaha Beach, American cemetary
  • Admission fee : museums, activities on the beach ($)

Omaha Beach and its huge cemetery are true symbols of the Normandy landings. The heaviest losses occurred in this beach nicknamed “Bloody Omaha”. It is a place steeped in memory, overhung by cliffs where the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer was built. More than 9,387 graves of soldiers who fell during the Battle of Normandy can be seen here. Today, the beach itself has few vestiges, but it remains a place steeped in history. You can also visit several important museums (including the Overlord Museum and Omaha Beach Memorial Museum).

Tips & Useful traveller information

The main sites to discover in Omaha Beach are the following:

  • Omaha Beach: As you walk along Omaha Beach, you will understand how its layout made landing there particularly difficult. This beach is indeed huge and flat, with a clear view for the German gunners housed in large bunkers. The bombardment was not very effective, and the American soldiers had to fight their way through the bullets and came very close to giving up. It was not until they tried so hard that they finally made it to the beach, at the cost of the lives of many young soldiers. It is estimated that 1,000 to 3,000 Americans died in Omaha and thousands more were wounded (exact figures are unknown).
     Price & Online Booking for activities in Omaha Beach: Tandem paragliding / Land sailing session / Sea Kayaking / Catamaran sailing / Stand-up paddle / Fatbike
  • American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer: this territory officially belongs to the United States. This land was indeed symbolically ceded by France to the Americans. It is a place with a heavy yet peaceful atmosphere, with a great view of the sea and Omaha Beach. Thousands of soldiers who died during the Battle of Normandy rest here in peace. Many people come here to pay their respects, as can be seen at the beginning of the film We Must Save Soldier Ryan. It is a strong and moving visit, where the lined up graves draw an almost endless path, witnessing the absurdity of such a war.
  • Overlord Museum in Colleville-sur-Mer – Theme: the Battle of Normandy + Beautiful collection of vehicles: this great museum retraces the history of the Battle of Normandy. The staging is made very carefully close to reality. You will be able to see many period pieces including more than 40 vehicles, tanks and guns.
    Price: Overload Museum
  • Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer – Theme: the landing at Omaha and Pointe du Hoc: this museum near the beach has large collections of uniforms, weapons, archival photos… It is mainly interested in the events that took place at Omaha Beach.
    Price: Omaha Beach Memorial Museum

Price & Online Booking : see links above
 Guided tours & excursions including Omaha Beach : Departing from Caen // Departing from Bayeux: Normandy Beaches Half-Day Trip from Bayeux or Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux
 Where to stay in Omaha Beach? Price for accomodation & Online booking: Vacation rentals / Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

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2. Explore the devastated area of Pointe du Hoc: cliffs, bunkers and shell holes

  • Recommended duration : 1-2 hours
  • Free

The Pointe du Hoc is undoubtedly the place that best represents the violence of the fightings. Located at the top of a hundred-feet cliff, this site was attacked by American troops. The soldiers climbed up using huge ropes, a scene immortalized in the film The Longest Day. The site was subjected to intense bombing, which can still be seen today through the huge shell holes. Trails allow you to discover them, as well as the various bunkers destroyed on this occasion. With its amazing view of the ocean, the Pointe du Hoc is both a peaceful and pleasant place for a walk, but terrible for its history and its historical remains.

Tips & Useful traveller information

The Pointe du Hoc site is located between Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. It was attacked because it possessed large pieces of heavy artillery, which could reach the allied troops landing on these two beaches.

It is probably one of the best preserved landing sites today. It is indeed mainly a natural area where the blockhaus (= bunkers) and shell holes are still visible. You can either follow paths or walk freely inside the holes and some bunkers. However, most of them are in ruins, destroyed by the impact of the shells. In fact, blocks of concrete weighing several tons can be found over 50 feet from their original bunker!

No modern construction has replaced these vestiges of history, so it’s without a doubt an unmissable visit during your discovery of the landing sites. Ideally, try to visit the Pointe du Hoc when the weather is nice because the whole walk takes place in the open air. You will also be able to better enjoy the sea view.

Guided tours & excursions including La Pointe du Hoc: Excursions from Caen / Departing from Bayeux: Normandy Beaches Half-Day Trip from Bayeux or Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux
 Where to stay in Pointe du Hoc? see links of Omaha Beach above, both are located close to one another

3. Visit the Memorial of Caen and enjoy its guided excursions

  • Recommended duration : 2-4 hours (without the excursions)
  • Admission fee ($) – Advanced booking recommended

With over 340,000 visitors a year, the Caen Memorial is one of the most visited museums in France outside Paris. It focuses on the history of the 20th century and its wars, with particular attention paid to the World War II and the Cold War. Through its exhibitions and the presentation of events, it is above all a wonderful space dedicated to peace. It is an essential visit during your discovery of the D-Day landing sites. The Caen Memorial also organizes exciting guided excursions in the surrounding area (obviously dedicated to the Normandy landings).

Tips & Useful traveller information

Here are a few more details to learn more about the Memorial and its excursions:

  • Caen Memorial – Theme: the history of war and peace in the 20th century: a visit to the Caen Memorial is one of the must-see activities in Normandy. The museum focuses mainly on World War II and the Cold War. It has entire sections dedicated to the Landing and the Battle of Normandy. The exhibitions are as complete as they are moving. The museum is huge, but thanks to its good signage, the visit remains easy to comprehend. Through videos, beautiful collections and explanatory panels, the events are presented in an instructive and interesting way. In particular, the chronology of WW2 stands out. From the rise of fascism to the extermination of the Jews, it is displayed on a long spiral path that symbolically forces us to sink into horror. Despite this, the museum distills notes of hope and advocates peace for the years to come.
    wp-svg-icons icon=”ticket” wrap=”i”] Price & Online Booking : Caen Memorial Museum e-ticket
  • Guided excursions offered by the Memorial: the institution offers excursions in the company of excellent guides. They allow you to visit the Caen Memorial (your choice: self-guided or guided tour) before taking you to discover Omaha Beach, the American cemetery of Colleville, the Pointe du Hoc and the artificial harbor of Arromanches (with an entrance ticket for the exciting Cinéma 360). These are the sites ranked in the top 4 of our TOP 10! If you don’t have a lot of time or if you wish to be accompanied, this is a very interesting option.
    wp-svg-icons icon=”ticket” wrap=”i”] Price & Online Booking : Excursions from Caen

Price & Online Booking : see links above; online booking and e-tickets available
 Where to stay in Caen? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rentals / Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

4. Visit Arromanches: 360 Cinema, artificial harbor, Gold Beach, D-Day Museum

  • Recommended duration : 2-4 hours
  • Free : Gold Beach, remains of the harbor
  • Admission fee : 360 cinema, museum ($)

You have to stop by Arromanches during your trip to the landing sites, it’s a must-see. This town was chosen by the allies to build an artificial harbor (called Mulberry Harbor) while waiting for the capture of the port of Cherbourg. A deep-water port was indeed essential to land the equipment necessary for the liberation of Normandy. Exciting attractions such as the 360 Cinema and the D-Day Museum are located in Arromanches. You can also see the remains of the artificial harbour and visit Gold Beach.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Here’s a short presentation of the main attractions and sites to see in Arromanches:

  • 360 Cinema – Ideal for an introduction to the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy: this site cleverly presents unpublished archive images on 9 giant circular screens. It focuses on the landing of June 6, 1944 and the days that followed until the liberation of Normandy. It receives close to 250,000 visitors a year, which isn’t surprising given the clear, concise and poignant presentation 360 Cinema offers. If possible, we recommend you to do this activity at the beginning of your itinerary in order to better understand the events.
    Price & Online Booking : 360 Cinema e-ticket
  • D-Day Museum – Theme: The Landing and its logistics + Amazing model of the artificial harbor: this museum is the oldest dedicated to the Normandy Landings. It presents various period pieces (uniforms, weapons) and archive videos. The most interesting part of the museum is its huge model of the artificial harbor. It allows you to understand the incredible logistics set up in 1944 to land tons of equipment on the Normandy coast.
    Price : Arromanches D-Day Museum
  • Remains of the artificial harbor: large concrete blocks, remains of the former artificial harbor, can be seen a few hundred feet away from the shore.
  • Gold Beach: Gold Beach now looks like any other urbanized beach on the Calvados coast. However, there are a few monuments and commemorative plaques that remind its historical importance.

Price & Online Booking : see links above: online booking available for 360 Cinema, tickets only available onsite for the museum
Guided tours & excursions including Arromanches: Excursions from Caen
Where to stay in Arromanches? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

5. Discover Utah Beach and the Museum of the Landings of Utah Beach

  • Recommended duration : 1-3 hours
  • Free : Utah Beach
  • Admission fee : museum ($)

Utah Beach is the only landing beach in the Channel Sea. Due to a navigational error, it is located about 1.2 miles from the place initially planned. This error actually had a happy outcome, since the place where the soldiers landed was poorly protected. As a result, it is on this beach that the losses were the lowest. There is an excellent museum in Utah Beach that details in 10 steps the chronological sequence of the landing.

Tips & Useful traveller information

There are many museums dedicated to D-Day and the landings in Normandy. Here are some additional information on Utah Beach museum for you to get a clear idea:

  • Utah Beach Landing Museum – Theme: the chronological stages of the landing + Authentic B-26 Bomber: this museum is one of the must-see! It presents the 10 key stages of the landing in an intelligent way, from its preparation to its final outcome. It is an exciting visit to better understand how the largest military operation in history was organized. It is also one of the few places in the world where you can see an authentic B-26 bomber plane.
    Price & Online Booking : Utah Beach Landing Museum e-ticket
  • Utah Beach: Utah Beach has remained quite wild. You can still see some traces of the landing with bunkers and some Czech hedgehogs (steel anti-tank obstacles).

Price & Online Booking for the museum: see link above, online booking available
 Guided excursion including this stop : Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux
 Where to stay near Utah Beach ? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

6. Visit the Sainte-Mère-Eglise and the Airborne Museum

  • Recommended duration : 1-3 hours
  • Free : strolls in Sainte-Mère-Eglise
  • Admission fee : Airborne Museum ($)

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (Holy Mother Church in French) was the first town officially liberated by the allied troops. On the night before the landing, large parachute drops were made over the town and its surroundings. Today, several sites in the town bear witness to this event, including the famous bell tower, where an American parachutist remained suspended all night! A great museum also pays tribute to this unprecedented operation: the Airborne Museum.

Tips & Useful traveller information

The main sites to see in Sainte-Mère-Eglise are the following:

  • Airborne Museum – Theme: the parachutings in Normandy on the day before the landing: this museum is very interesting because it presents another facet of the landing. During the night of 5 to 6 June 1944, more than 6,000 men parachuted into the centre of the Channel. Their role was to clear the roads in anticipation of the arrival of the troops landing on the beaches. Unfortunately, the drops were not very accurate and resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 soldiers. The Airborne Museum pays tribute to them and helps us understand this very complex operation. You will discover many historical objects and aircrafts. You will also be able to board a glider and an authentic C-47 aircraft. You will then relive the events of that night thanks to a realistic staging.
    Price & Online Booking : Airborne Museum e-ticket
  • Bell tower of Saint-Mère-Eglise: the main place to see in connection to the landing is the town church of course. American John Steel’s parachute got stuck to the church’s bell tower! The unfortunate man then remained suspended all night long and at the mercy of fire. This scene is also included in the film The Longest Day. After several hours, a German soldier unhooked him and took him prisoner, but he finally managed to escape a few days later.

Price & Online Booking for the museum: see link above, online booking available
 Guided excursion including this stop : Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux
 Where to stay in Sainte-Mère-Eglise? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

7. Discover Sword beach : Pegasus bridge, Grand Bunker, Commando Museum N°4…

  • Recommended duration : 1-4 hours
  • Free : Sword Beach
  • Admission fee : museums, Grand Bunker ($)

Sword Beach is the only beach where French soldiers landed. A group of 177 fusiliers (nicknamed the Commando Kiefer) joined the British troops. In the surroundings, you can’t miss out on the Pegasus Bridge, the first bridge liberated after the landings. The Atlantic Wall Museum is also an interesting site because it was built in a huge bunker of several floors! Finally, the N°4 Commando Museum is one of the only ones dedicated to the French troops who took part in the operations.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Additional information on the main tourist sites and attractions there are to visit around Sword Beach:

  • Pegasus Memorial Museum – Theme: the first hours of the landings + The historic Pegasus Bridge: the Benouville Weighbridge, nicknamed Pegasus Bridge, was the first bridge liberated after the landings. It has a unique architecture, which can be seen in the movie The Longest Day. The original bridge is no longer in use today but you can see it by visiting the Pegasus Memorial Museum in Ranville. The museum presents the battle led by the English soldiers in a very instructive way. You will also see some heavy vehicles, guns, uniforms and a life-size model of a glider of the time.
    Price: Pegasus Memorial Museum
  • Grand Bunker: Atlantic Wall Museum – Theme: the organization of the Atlantic Wall and life in a giant bunker: located in Ouistreham, this original museum is located in a former command post of the Atlantic Wall (see explanations in TOP N°8 below). In this huge 5-storey bunker, important decisions were taken concerning its organization and the coordination of defence fire. The rooms of the bunker have been entirely reconstructed and give a precise idea of life in this building (command room, armory, infirmary, radio transmission room, observation post…).
    Price: Grand Bunker: Atlantic World Museum
  • Commando Museum N°4 – Theme: the 177 Frenchmen of the Kiefer Commando: this museum focuses on the landing on Sword Beach. It is also the only museum which devotes part of its exhibitions to the French combatants who took part in the landings. François’ brother-in-law’s grandfother, Joseph Hourçourigaray, was one of them!
    Price: Commando Museum #4
  • Sword Beach: attached to Ouistreham, the closest beach to Caen, Sword Beach is now bordered by many houses. We can still see some traces of the landing, with memorials, blockhouses and “dragon teeth” (concrete obstacles designed to block tanks going forward).

Price & Online Booking : see links above, no online reservation, tickets sold only onsite
 Guided excursion including this stop : Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux
Where to stay in Ouistreham/Sword Beach? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

8. See the impressive German battery of Longues-sur-Mer

  • Recommended duration : 1 hour
  • Free

The battery at Longue-sur-Mer was a major component of the Atlantic Wall. This name was given to all the fortifications built by the Germans along the western coasts of Europe (from Norway to the south of France). The purpose of this defense system was to prevent a military landing. It was made up of bunkers, machine guns, batteries, etc. In military jargon, a battery is a set of artillery pieces (guns, mortars, howitzers, etc.). The Longue-sur-Mer battery consisted of 4 heavily protected long-range guns. Its guns and bunkers are still in good condition today and can be observed during a very interesting visit.

Tips & Useful traveller information

The Longues-sur-Mer battery stands out from the other landing sites mentioned in our article. It is indeed an extremely well-preserved place and still very close to its state at the time of World War II. Its discovery takes place in the open air and allows a better understanding of what the Atlantic Wall was. It is a fairly quick walk (there are “only” 4 bunkers and cannons) but highly recommended.

Guided tours/excursions including this stop : Departing from Bayeux: Omaha and Band Of Brothers Full Day Tour
 Where to stay in Longues sur Mer? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

9. Visit the Juno Beach Center, the beach and the Canadian Military Cemetery

  • Recommended duration : 1-3 hours
  • Free : Juno Beach, Canadian cemetery
  • Admission fee : Juno Beach Center ($)

Juno Beach was taken by Canadian and British troops. These armies suffered very heavy losses (more than 1,000 dead or missing – exact figures unknown). However, it was on the evening of June 6, 1944 that the most significant breakthrough occurred! The Juno Beach Center was built to pay tribute to the courage and success of Canadian soldiers. Nearby, the Canadian Military Cemetery also provides a place to remember these young men who came to deliver a country that was not their own.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Here is some additional information to visit the main sites around Juno Beach:

  • Juno Beach Center – Theme: Canada’s Role in the War and the D-Day Landings: this is the only Norman museum dedicated to Canada’s investment in World War II. Canada’s pivotal role is often overlooked and underestimated. Juno Beach Center pays tribute to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the war. It presents relatively few objects and is mainly interested in maps, archival images and audio documentaries. In this way, it serves as a true cultural centre. The museum is located across the street from Juno Beach and its bunkers.
    Price: Juno Beach Center
  • Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery: this place of meditation is home to the graves of more than 2,000 Canadian soldiers who fell in battle.
  • Juno Beach: Juno Beach is located across from Courseulles-sur-Mer. There are few remains of the fighting, but some bunkers and monuments can still be seen. Part of the beach has remained quite wild and enjoys an atmosphere now calm and peaceful (facing the cultural center).

Price & Online Booking for the center: see link above, no online booking, tickets only sold directly onsite
 Excursion including this stop: Departing from Bayeux: Normandy Battlefields Tour – Canadian World War II Sites
 Where to stay in Courseulles / Juno Beach? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

10. Visit Bayeux: Battle of Normandy Museum, British Cemetery, excursions/ guided tours

  • Recommended duration : 1-3 hours (without the excursions)
  • Free : British cemetery
  • Admission fee : museum ($), guided excursions ($$)

The town of Bayeux was spared by the bombings, so it still has many historic buildings. It is an ideal starting point to visit the landing sites. It is in Bayeux that some of the best guided tours dedicated to D-Day are offered. On site, you can also visit the Battle of Normandy Museum, ideal for understanding the fighting that followed the landings. Finally, you can visit the British Military Cemetery, the largest dedicated to the soldiers of the United Kingdom.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Here are the main activities to do in Bayeux in link with D-day and the landings:

  • Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum: this museum presents the events of the Battle of Normandy in chronological order. It is also interested in different subjects (De Gaulle’s resistance, civilian life…) and presents many historical objects (including some vehicles and tanks).  
  • Bayeux British Military Cemetery: with more than 4,600 graves of soldiers who fell during the fighting, this is the largest British cemetery in France. There are also graves of French, Canadian, Italian, South African and German soldiers.
  • Guided sightseeing tours & excursions to the landing sites: many guided excursions are offered from Bayeux. The town is indeed ideally located close to the most visited places (and with a direct train from Paris). The excursions are of good quality and allow you to efficiently discover the main sites. It is therefore an ideal solution if you have little time, you don’t have a car or you want to benefit from the knowledge and company of an expert guide. There are dozens of different excursions (with different sites visited, a large or small group, an English-speaking guide or not…).
    Price: Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum

This has nothing to do with the landings, but if you visit Bayeux, make sure you don’t miss out on its famous 12th century Tapestry! It’s dedicated to the conquest of England by William the Conqueror and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Price & Online Booking : see links above
 Where to stay Bayeux? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

Other things to do and see at the D-day landing sites of Normandy (activities, excursions, attractions, visits...)

In addition to the activities listed in our TOP 10 you’re looking for other ideas of what to do in the landing sites of Normandy ? Here is a selection of other things to do and see during your stay 

We’ve just presented the main sites related to the landings in Normandy. There are also many secondary sites which you could be interested in (see below). Also note that as you wander around the towns and along the Normandy coast, you will be able to see other symbols and relics of the landings (memorials, bunkers, artillery pieces). These hundreds of sites, from the most anonymous to the most famous, all have their own history and so they participate in the duty of remembrance.

  • Other sites to see around Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc:
    • German military cemetery at La Cambe (the largest military cemetery in Normandy with more than 21,000 graves of German soldiers)
    • D-Day Omaha Museum in Vierville-sur-Mer
    • Big Red One Assault Museum in Colleville-sur-Mer
    • Maisy Battery at Grancamp-Maisy
    • Ranger Museum at Grandcamp-Maisy
  • Other sites to see around Caen:
    • Many British military cemeteries : Saint-Manvieu-Norrey, Banneville-la-Campagne…
    • Musée de la Percée du Bocage in Saint-Martin-des-Besaces
    • Memorial of Falaise – The Civil War
  • Other sites to see around Bayeux, Arromanches and Gold Beach:
    • America Gold Beach Museum in Ver-sur-Mer
    • Liberator Museum – Normandy 1944 at Arromanches
    • Museum of the underwater wrecks of the landing at Commes
  • Other sites to see around Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Eglise
    • Battery of Azeville
    • Crisbecq Battery
  • Other sites to see around Sword Beach
    • Museum and site of the Merville Battery at Merville-Franceville-Plage
    • British Military Cemeteries of Ranville, Dover la Délivrande and Hermanville-sur-mer
    • Hillman Fortified Site at Colleville-Montgomery
    • Radar Museum 1944 in Dover-la-Délivrande
    • La Flamme – Memorial to the 177 Frenchmen who took part in the landings
  • Other sites to see around Juno Beach
    • Cross of Lorraine at Graye-Courseulles: this monument symbolizes the exact place where General de Gaulle landed on his return to France, a few days after the landing.
  • Other sites to see in The Channel:
    • Liberation Museum in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
    • Mausoleum of the Mont d’Huisnes – German Military Cemetery in Huisnes-sur-Mer
    • American Military Cemetery in St. James
    • Undergrounds of the Py Park at Folligny
    • Normandy Victory Museum in Carentan-les-Marais
    • D-Day Experience Museum (Dead Man’s Corner Museum) in Carentan-les-Marais

This article is ONLY dedicated to the things to do and see at Normandy’s D-Day Landing sites & beaches. However there are many other activities and attractions in the region, close to the sites we mentioned din this article.To find out all there is to visit in Normandy, check out our other articles:

Travel tips to visit Normandy's D-day landing sites and organize your trip (hotels, sightseeing tours...)

 Book accomodation in Normandy: you’ll find the greatest choice on Booking (for hotel rooms) or Airbnb ( for appartments).
 Book travel activities in Normandy: you can book all the best activities online on Viator (american website – many offers and sightseeing tours), Get Your guide (european website – our favorite choice with lots of good offers), Tiqets (european website – great one to book tickets for museums or attractions) or Ceetiz (european website with a large offer of activities worldwide and many promotions)
 Book a flight to Normandy: you will generally find best prices on Skyscanner.
 Book and airport transfer in Normandy: save time by using the usefull Airport Shuttle
  Rent a car in Normandy: it is important to make a booking before departure, as prices on site are much higher than those displayed online. We advise you to use Rentalcars. 
   Book an organized trip or tailor-made travel to visit Normandy: if you don’t want to organize everything on your own, we recommend the website Evaneos. It puts you in direct contact with a top selection of the local agencies (high quality of the service).You’ll then be able to choose among the different customized programs following the recommendations of the agency. Feel free to ask for a quote, it’s free!
  Book a travel insurance (can be important) 

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TOP 10 – Normandy

Best things to do in Normandy
Top 10 travel activities, visits and attractions

The best activities, attractions, visits and excursions in Normandy

You’re looking for the best things to do in Normandy? The best travel activities, visits and attractions ? You’re in the right place! To help you organize your stay and not miss anything, our TOP 10 gathers the best things to do and see : points of interest, tourist attractions, excursions, sightseeing tours, monuments, museums, etc.
To save time and money, we advise your to book in advance your hotel rooms, activities and touristic services (insurance, transport…). In order to help you, we’ve selected the best offers available on the net. You will find all links in this article, together with a listing of our favorite travel websites. Have a nice trip . – By Flo, Caro & The Team

In this article, you will find :

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What to do and see in Normandy - TOP 10 activities and visits

1. Visit the Mont-Saint-Michel and explore its bay

  • Recommended duration : 1-2 days
  • Free : strolls in the village
  • Admission fee : abbey, crossing of the bay ($), ULM ($$) – Reservation required

The Mont-Saint-Michel is Normandy’s most famous attraction, without a doubt! It’s even the most visited site in France! Some travelers come from across the world to discover this small town and abbey built on a huge rock. The visit will take you on an unforgettable walk along the great ramparts. There are also many activities to do around this unique monument. You will be able to cross the bay by foot (you need to follow a guide) or fly over the site by ULM airplane!

>> Check out our TOP 10 activities in Mont-Saint-Michel & the South Channel for more information !

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Mont Saint Michel Entry e-ticket / Guided crossing of the bay / Microlight/ULM flight over the Mont Saint Michel / Paragliding Sand yachting due to high demand of those activities, we strongly advise you to book in advance
 Where to stay at the Mont Saint Michel? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rentals / Find all hotels

2020 Good deal: leisure and fun activities in Normandy

This article presents the main tourist sites of Normandy. But if you have a bit of free time to have fun, know that there are many leisure activities in the region! Here is a small listing of offers to book online.

→ Prices & Booking:

2. Visit the landing beaches and D-Day landing sites of Normandy

  • Recommended duration : 1-3 days
  • Free : beaches & military cemeteries
  • Admission fee : museums ($), guided tours & excursions ($$)

On June 6, 1944, American troops landed on the beaches of Normandy with their Canadian, British and French allies. Intense fighting took place against the German soldiers in order to liberate the region and then the country. Many sites still bear witness to this event today. By visiting them, you will dive into the heart of History and pay tribute to the missing. You will be able to discover the beaches where the landing took place, various thematic museums and military cemeteries.

>> Check out our TOP 10 activities in the D-Day Landing sites for more information!

Tips & Useful traveller information

To know how to visit the landing sites, beaches and D-Day museums, we invite you to have a look at our TOP 10 of the landing sites of Normandy. The main sites are spread along the Calvados coast and the south-east of the Manche. We suggest that you at least discover Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery of Colleville, the Pointe du Hoc and a museum of your choice. You’ll find all the details and our dedicated article.

When you visit Omaha Beach, you should know that many activities are offered on this huge beach. You can try sand yachting, catamaran, fat-bike (a bicycle with huge tires adapted to the sand) or sea kayaking. Impressive paragliding flights are also offered and are very popular. We have listed the links to these activities below (booking is recommended as space is limited).

If you want to follow a guide or if you don’t have a car, you can book a guided tour. These excursions are offered from Caen and Bayeux. The routes are optimized and are accompanied by French or English-speaking guides. There are dozens of different programs… We have therefore selected below the most interesting excursions at the best prices.

Price & Online Booking for the Caen Memorial Museum and tours : see links above
Price & Online Booking for the activities in Omaha Beach: Paragliding / Land sailing / Fatbike tour / Kayaking / Catamaran sailing
 Where to stay to visit the Landing sites and beaches? Price for accomodation & Online booking : you can stay in Caen or Bayeux if you choose to book an excursion from one of those cities. If you have a car and wish to visit the Landing sites on your own, you’ll find the hotels located closest to the main sites here: Find all hotels – D-Day Landing Sites

3. See the cliffs of Etretat and have a walk in the gardens

  • Recommended duration : 1-2 days
  • Free : access to the cliffs
  • Admission fee : gardens, boat tour ($), ULM flight ($$)

You’ll be amazed by Etretat’s limestone cliffs! You can enjoy the view from the waterfront or follow the trails that lead to their peaks. You can even fly over them in a ULM airplane flight or see them on a sea trip! On site, you will also enjoy good restaurants and interesting visits. Les Jardins d’Etretat are very well known and will offer you beautiful walks to discover the plants environment.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Etretat Gardens e-tickets / Microlight/ULM flight over Etretat / Boat tour around Etretat
 Where to stay in Etretat? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rentals / Find all hotels

4. Relax in Honfleur and on the Côte Fleurie (Cabourg, Deauville...)

  • Recommended duration : 1-3 days
  • Free : strolls in the villages
  • Admission fee : biking, kayaking, side-cars… ($ or $$)

The most touristic part of Normandy is located on the coast, between the small towns of Deauville and Honfleur. Thousands of visitors come to Honfleur every year. With its cobbled streets, half-timbered facades and old basin, this city is incredibly charming! If you go west along the coast, you will find the towns and villages of the Côte Fleurie (flowery coast in French). We particularly recommend you to visit the seaside resorts of Trouville, Cabourg or Villerville. Finally, be sure to visit the unmissable Deauville (also accessible by train from Paris). With its famous seaside boards and villas, it has a very chic image.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking for activities in Deauville-Trouville : Sea kayaking / Bike tour / Side-car tour
 Where to stay in la Côte Fleurie ? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rentals / Find all hotels 

5. Discover the Cotentin region: Cité de la Mer (aquarium and marine museum) in Cherbourg, La Hague, beaches, fishing towns…

  • Recommended duration : 2-4 days
  • Free : beaches, strolls, towns
  • Admission fee : Cité de la Mer (aquarium) ($)

The Cotentin is located in the extreme north-west of Normandy. This peninsula has many sites of interest. There is the city of Cherbourg with its main attraction, the Cité de la Mer. You will see the largest aquarium in Europe and can visit a former nuclear submarine, the Redoutable. On the east coast, you’ll come across charming fishing villages, such as Barfleur (classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France) or Saint-Vast-la-Hougue (elected favorite village of the French in 2019). On the west coast, you will find great beaches on the coast of Barneville and in La Hague, with also great walks and natural sites (Nez de Jobourg, Cap de la Hague…). 

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Cité de la Mer e-ticket
 Where to stay in le Cotentin? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rentals / Find all hotels

6. Visit the house of Claude Monet in Giverny and its gardens

  • Recommended duration : 1/2 day
  • Admission fee ($)

The Claude Monet Foundation is definitely one of the must-sees in Normandy! It will delight art, history and nature lovers. It includes the gardens and the house where Claude Monet lived for more than 40 years. You will be able to visit the different rooms of his residence, such as the workshop, the reading room or the private apartments. You will also be able to walk in the amazing gardens. The artist planted thousands of flowers to create real living paintings. They then inspired some of his greatest paintings! Who knows, maybe this enchanting atmosphere will awaken the artist in you?

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Fondation Monet e-ticket
 Where to stay in Giverny? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rentals / Find all hotels 

7. Admire Bayeux’s Cathedral and Tapestry, a unique work of art from the 11th century

  • Recommended duration : 1 day
  • Free :
  • Admission fee : ($)

This small town in Calvados was spared by the bombing, so it’s very interesting to walk around there. You can see medieval architecture, small streets and beautiful buildings. Of course, you shouldn’t miss the amazing Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most beautiful buildings in Normandy. But the main reason for a stopover in Bayeux is discovering its Tapestry. This huge 11th century embroidery is a unique work of art. 220 feet long, it tells the story of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror. It has been classified “Memory of the World” by UNESCO.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Where to stay in Bayeux? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rentals / Find all hotels

8. Visit Rouen and its monuments: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Big Clock…

  • Recommended duration : 1-2 days
  • Free: Cathedral, Fine Arts Museum…

Rouen has all the assets of a big city and the charm of a small town! It has a medieval architecture and many monuments. You can admire its churches (Saint-Ouen abbey, Saint-Maclou church…) and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the largest and most beautiful in the country. In the narrow streets of the town center, you will also see the Big Clock, the half-timbered buildings and the site where Joan of Arc was put to death. You can also walk along the Seine river. Finally, don’t miss the free visit of the Fine Arts Museum of Rouen if you like impressionist art.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Guided tour of Rouen
 Where to stay in Rouen? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rentals / Find all hotels

9. Visit Caen and its Memorial in Normandy

  • Recommended duration : 1-2 days
  • Free : Castle, gardens, strolls
  • Admission fee : Memorial ($)

The city of Caen suffered significant damage following the bombing of 1944. Despite the destruction of many historic buildings, it is still worth visiting. Its main attraction is its fabulous Memorial, a huge museum dedicated to peace. This visit perfectly completes the discovery of the landing beaches in Normandy! In the city center, you can walk through the former Castle of William the Conqueror, one of the largest fortresses in Europe. You will also see beautiful abbeys, many churches and large green spaces.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Caen Memorial Museum e-ticket / Guided tour of Caen
 Where to stay in Caen? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Vacation rentals / Find all hotels

10. Discover the Chausey Islands or the Channel Islands from Granville

  • Recommended duration : 2-3 days
  • Admission fee: access by boat ($)

If you’re looking for something original to do in Normandy, why not check out one of the islands west from the region? From the beach city of Granville, you’ll be able to hop on a boat to reach the Chausey islands. You’ll love the wild environment and crystal blue water that you’ll discover. You can also go to Jersey, one of the Channel Islands (passport required). You could also be interested in The islands of Guernsey and Alderney, but departures are from Barneville or Dielette, further north. Finally, when you visit Granville, don’t miss the ramparts, the Christian Dior museum and the hiking trails along the coast!

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Return cruise to Chausey (from Granville) / Return cruises to Jersey, Guernsey, or Alderney (from Granville, Barneville, or Dielette)
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking : Hotel in Chausey (the only one available) / Hotels in Jersey / Hotels in Guernsey /  Hotels in Alderney

Other things to do and see in Normandy (activities, excursions, attractions, visits...)

In addition to the tourist sites and travel activities listed in our TOP 10, you’re looking for other ideas of things to do and see in Normandy? We’ve selected other cities and attractions which you could be interested in:

  • Le Havre: the largest city in Normandy was almost entirely destroyed during the bombings of 1944. The architect Auguste Perret then imagined its reconstruction by adopting a very avant-garde architecture. The port of Le Havre has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! We invite you to stroll there to discover astonishing buildings. Among the sites to be seen on the port and in the city, we recommend the church of Saint-Joseph, the Ocean Gate, the library, the Volcan (theatre) or the Bains des Docks (outdoor swimming pool). Also make sure you don’t miss the beautiful Hanging Gardens.
  • Pays d’Auge: this great natural region of Normandy is located all around the town of Lisieux, between the coast and the Calvados / Orne border.  It corresponds to the typical image of Normandy, with its half-timbered houses, cows and calvados. There are beautiful villages such as Pont l’Evêque, Cambremer or Beaumont en Auge.
  • Haras du Pin: this is one of the most prestigious national stud farms! Equestrian breeding has been practised there since 1715, when it was founded at the request of the king. There, you can discover the world of horses and the secrets of breeding.
  • Castles of Normandy: in addition to the Castle of Caen we mentioned above, you can visit many fortresses or palaces in Normandy. We particularly recommend the impressive Château Gaillard, the charming Château de Crèvecoeur-en-Auge, the Château Guillaume-le-Conquérant in Falaises, the Château de Balleroy or the Château de Pirou.
  • Cerza Zoo: this pretty animal park offers either a walking tour a in a small train. You can see thousands of animals living in large spaces.
  • Dieppe: this pretty seaside resort is located east of the Etretat Cliffs. The walks on the port are very pleasant. It is also one of the best places to taste delicious scallops.
  • Suisse Normande: this beautiful natural area is located on the border between the departments of Orne and Calvados, in the vicinity of Clecy. The landscape is made up of the banks of the river Orne, hills and dense vegetation, typical of the Norman bocage. The town of Clecy is also an ideal place to practice sports activities such as zip lines, paragliding or Via Ferrata (see our tab “Looking for fun activities in Normandy” at the beginning of this article)

Travel tips to visit Normandy and organize your trip (hotels, sightseeing tours...)

 Book accomodation in Normandy: you’ll find the greatest choice on Booking (for hotel rooms) or Airbnb ( for appartments).
 Book travel activities in Normandy: you can book all the best activities online on Viator (american website – many offers and sightseeing tours), Get Your guide (european website – our favorite choice with lots of good offers), Tiqets (european website – great one to book tickets for museums or attractions) or Ceetiz (european website with a large offer of activities worldwide and many promotions)
 Book a flight to Normandy: you will generally find best prices on Skyscanner.
 Book and airport transfer in Normandy: save time by using the usefull Airport Shuttle
  Rent a car in Normandy: it is important to make a booking before departure, as prices on site are much higher than those displayed online. We advise you to use Rentalcars. 
   Book an organized trip or tailor-made travel to visit Normandy: if you don’t want to organize everything on your own, we recommend the website Evaneos. It puts you in direct contact with a top selection of the local agencies (high quality of the service).You’ll then be able to choose among the different customized programs following the recommendations of the agency. Feel free to ask for a quote, it’s free!
  Book a travel insurance (can be important) 

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TOP 10 – Dubai

Best things to do in Dubai
Top 10 travel activities, tours and attractions

The best activities, attractions, visits and excursions in Dubai

You’re looking for the best things to do in Dubai ? The best travel activities, tours and attractions ? You’re in the right place! To help you organize your trip and not miss anything, our TOP 10 gathers the best things to do and see : points of interest, tourist attractions, excursions, sightseeing tours, monuments, museums, etc.
To save time and money, we advise your to book in advance your hotel rooms, activities and touristic services (insurance, transport…). In order to help you, we’ve selected the best offers available on the net. You will find all links in this article, together with a listing of our favorite travel websites. Have a nice trip . – By Flo, Caro & The Team

In this article, you will find :

If you like this article, post a comment or follow us on Instagram 🙂

What to do and see in Dubai - TOP 10 tours & activities

1. Visit the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (must-see activity)

  • Recommended duration :
  • Free : observation from the ground
  • Admission fee : 124th floor ($), 148th floor ($$)

As the highest tower in the world (2716 feet), Burj Khalifa definitely owns its #1 position on our TOP 10 Dubai. At the foot of the building, or at one of the observation decks, discovering this unique monument is THE unmissable activity of your trip to Dubai!

Tips & Useful traveller information

To visit the tower, you have 4 options:

  • Observation from the foot of the tower (free of charge):you get dizzy simply by observing the tower from the ground! The tower can be seen from just about anywhere in Dubai, but the most impressive view is from the Dubai Fountains at the exit of the Dubai Mall.
  • Visit of the 124th floor: the main observatory is located at 1496ft high. This is the classic option, which most visitors choose. The view is impressive: the city is so small below that you would almost have the impression of being on board an airplane! An interior (glazed and air-conditioned) and exterior (without glass but with bars) platform is available. Visits are organized by time slot and are limited. We therefore strongly advise you to book your tickets as soon as possible as it is difficult to get a visit at the time of your choice once you get there. You can also book a combined ticket with the Dubai Aquarium to save money.
  • Visit of the 148th floor: this deck is more “VIP”, and is located at 1820ft high. It also has both an interior and exterior platform. It offers an even more impressive view in a quiet and airy space (the number of visitors is very limited). The access to the 124th floor is also included, but the ticket is almost 3 times more expensive… Here again, it is better to book in advance as places are very limited.
  • Enjoy a meal at the “At.Mosphere” or at the “Burj Club”: the first restaurant is located on the 122nd floor of the tower. We didn’t have the chance to eat there, but if you have the (big) budget, please feel free to drop by. The second one is a bit more affordable and is located on the 5th floor. It’s a very nice restaurant with a beautiful view of the lake and the fountain show while eating. It also has a large terrace. If you want to eat at the Burj Khalifa, we would recommend the second option!

We really recommend your to visit the Burj Khalifa to enjoy the magnificent view from the observation decks.We tested both the 124th and the 148th floors, make sure you check out our detailed experience below, it will help you determine which option suits you best 🙂

Price & Online Booking : Burj Khalifa 124th floor e-ticket / Burj Khalifa 148th floor e-ticket
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

Best deals to book your activities in Dubai

To book your activities, we recommend the following websites: Get Your Guide (German website with a large variety of offers), Ceetiz (French website which also has many offers, promotions and some exclusive offers), or Tiqets (very user-friendly user from your mobile).

Here is a selection of the best offers :

In our “Good deals” section, you’ll also find tips for booking your transport, hotel, etc. We’ve also listed the offers which you could be interested below each activity description. Have a nice trip ?

2. Go on a desert safari in the Dubai desert

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee ($$)

This is probably one of the best things to do in Dubai! You’ll ride in a 4×4 which will take you to the desert with a few accelerations and skids in the sand dunes, before letting you enjoy this beautiful natural space. Quad or buggy rides are also available.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Most excursions offer you to spend the evening in a Bedouin camp, which actually turns out to be a tourist camp (like many things in Dubai…). But the food is good (barbecue), the atmosphere is also very good and the activities are numerous (belly dancing, tea service, henna painting, hookah, camel rides, sandboarding…). It is even possible to sleep in the camp if you opt for a safari including a night in the desert! On our side, we tested the 4×4 day safari and we really enjoyed it! 

If you wish to discover the Dubai desert in a more active way, quad, buggy and camel tours are also available. We tested the quad tours and had a great time skidding on the sand dunes!

Finally, note that many tours take place in the late afternoon. This offers a good opportunity to watch a sunset in the desert (it’s always a magical moment)!

Price & Online Booking : 4×4 Dubai Desert Safari
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

3. Go on an excursion to discover the other emirates: Abu Dhabi, Sharjah…

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee ($$)

There are many different options to book an excursion from Dubai to its surroundings. In one day, you can easily travel back and forth to visit Abu Dhabi, Al Ain oasis or even the Musandam Fjords.

>> Check out our TOP 10 activities in Abu Dhabi <<
>> Check out our TOP 10 activities in the Emirates <<

Tips & Useful traveller information

If you’re staying in Dubai for more than 3 days, we suggest that you plan a day in Abu Dhabi. There you will be able to admire the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the largest mosque in the Emirates (and ninth largest in the world) and the brand new Louvre in Abu Dhabi! There is also the Ferrari World park, but we didn’t like it too much (feeling of emptiness with few attractions). Guided excursions from Dubai are offered and well organized. You can also get to Abu Dhabi by public transport, which is convenient and cheap!

If you stay more than 5 days in Dubai, we recommend the excursion to the beautiful Musandam Fjords (the fjords belong to the Sultanate of Oman, you’ll need to bring your passport to get there).

We also spent some time in Sharjah but were not particularly charmed by this emirate. We didn’t visit the other emirates (Ajman, Fujairah, Ras el Khaimah and Umm al Qaiwain), but don’t hesitate to visit them if you have the time!

Price & Online Booking : Excursion to Abu Dhabi (Louvre, Warner Bros or Ferrari World in option) / Excursion to the Musandam Fjords / All excursions from Dubai
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

4. Visit the traditional Dubai (Dubai Museum, souks…)

  • Recommended duration :
  • Free

The old center of Dubai is located on both sides of the Khor Dubai, the river that crosses the city (called the “Dubai Creek”). In this area of Dubai, there are many different souks (of spices, textile…,), narrow streets and beautiful museums (mosquée, fort, Indian temple…).

Tips & Useful traveller information

It’s really nice to walk around this area, which is very different from anything you can see in the other parts of the city.. You can visit the Dubai Museum (entry at 3 dirhams, or less than a dollar!), the museum presenting the history of the city. It is located in the Al Fahidi fort, the oldest building in Dubai, built in 1787!

To go from one side of the river to the other, we advise you to use an abra (it only costs one dirham). These small traditional boats are very unique and convivial!

5. Attend a water show: “Dubai Fountain” or “La Perle"

  • Recommended duration :
  • Free : Dubai Fountain Show
  • Admission fee : La Perle ($$)

There are 2 beautiful water shows in Dubai. Dubai Fountain allows you to enjoy different water jets “dancing” to classical, Arabic or international music compositions, all with an excellent light show. The show “La Perle” features artists and acrobats performing on a fully watered stage! These two shows are very different and therefore both deserve to be seen!

Tips & Useful traveller information

If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai in the evening, here are 2 perfect activities for you:

  • Dubai Fountain Show (free)

This first one is free, which makes it one of the must-do activities in Dubai. The Dubai Fountain Show takes place every evening at the foot of the huge Burj Khalifa tower (from 6pm to 11pm, every 30 minutes). You can see amazing water jets evolving to the rhythm of 20 different choreographies, calm or spectacular. Some projections can go up to 460 feet high! We were able to watch the last 2 shows of the day during our trip. Shows are also offered at the beginning of the afternoon, but they are less impressive (the show is conceived and thought as a night show with a very worked out play of lights). 

  • “La Perle” show (paying)

You need to pay for this second show, but it is worth the money! “La Perle” is a show directed by Franco Dragone, one of the most famous show creators in the world. It takes place in a huge 1300-seat hall, where more than 65 artists perform live. The sets are fabulous, but it’s the main stage that catches the attention: there is a huge swimming pool, modelled by different sets and used in a creative and original way. Some acts can be poetic, others spectacular (we loved the sequence with the motorbikes!), but one thing is sure: we’re not used to seeing that! If you have the budget, we definitely recommend you to book your tickets!

Price & Online Booking : La Perle
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

6. Have fun in one of Dubai’s amusement parks (Aquaventure, IMG…)

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee ($$)

Dubai aims to become the Orlando of the Middle East. There are already many amusement parks and waterparks, we could even do a TOP 10 only dedicated to them! New attractions are announced for the years to come!

Tips & Useful traveller information

Dubai’s main waterparks are the following:

  • Aquaventure: located right next to the famous Atlantis Hotel, this park with its “South American” decor offers some great attractions, including a slide with a nearly vertical fall from a height equivalent to 9 floors! It is also possible to swim with dolphins, but we have not tested this activity.
  • Wild Wadi: this park is ideally located, just in front of the Burj al Arab Hotel. It offers a superb view of this monument and offers many entertaining attractions (slides that you ride down in buoys or a long fall following the opening of a trapdoor, quiet rivers, etc.). Difficult to choose between Wild Wadi and Aquaventure: we tested both parks, and they are both really good parks!
  • Legoland Waterpark: with LEGO® inspired settings, this park is mainly for children.

Dubai’s main amusement parks are the following:

  • Ski Dubai: this artificial complex is located in the heart of the Mall of the Emirates. You can ski, sled or play games on ice and snow (like sly down inside a giant ball)! It’s a very fun place, but you still wonder what all this has to do in the middle of the desert…
  • IMG: this amusement park is the largest indoor park in the world! The structure is fully covered and air-conditioned, and offers some sensational attractions inspired by the world of Marvel, the world of dinosaurs or cartoons. There were few visitors during our visit, which allowed us to enjoy each ride several times. We particularly recommend the rollercoasters “Velociraptor” (you go from 0 to 62mph in 2.5 seconds) and “Spiderman” (a roller coaster with a swivel car).
  • Motiongate: this park presents various attractions inspired by Dreamworks, Sony Pictures and Lionsgate movies.
  • Legoland: if you’re looking for something to do with children in Dubai, this park offers settings and attractions inspired by LEGO® toys.
  • Bollywood: the first theme park inspired by Bollywood cinema. There are a few rides, but visitors come here mainly for the scenery and the many colourful shows.
  • Ferrari World (in Abu Dhabi): we didn’t like this park, where few attractions are offered and the spaces are empty. The only strong point that can be worth the detour: there is “Formula Rossa”, the fastest attraction in the world (acceleration from 0 to 150mph in less than 5 seconds).
  • Other smaller parks, designed for children, are also accessible: Wonderland, Kidzania, Green Planet, Hub Zero, etc

Price & Online Booking : Aquaventure ticket / Combo Aquaventure + The Lost Chambers / Wild Wadi ticket / Legoland Waterpark ticket / Ski Dubai pass / IMG World of Adventures ticket / Motiongate ticket / Legoland ticket / Bollywood ticket / Ferrari World Abu Dhabi ticket 
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

7. See Dubai’s legendary hotels: Burj Al Arab & Atlantis

  • Recommended duration :
  • Free : observation from the outside
  • Admission fee : meal at the Burj Al Arab ($$$)

You can’t leave Dubai without visiting the two iconic hotels of the city! The Burj Al Arab is often listed as the only 7-star hotel in the world and is famous for its unique sail-shaped design. The huge Atlantis Hotel is located at the end of the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree (amazing view from the sky!).

Tips & Useful traveller information

Access to the Burj Al Arab Hotel is limited and it is not possible to go inside the hotel without being a guest. However, there are different options to visit it:

  • Observing the hotel from the public beach of Jumeirah or the Jumeirah Madinat: we recommend this option (free of charge), as it allows you to clearly distinguish the particular shape of the hotel while being in a pleasant environment. The boat tours on the Persian Gulf also offer a beautiful view from the sea.
  • Enjoy the view from the Wild Wadi Park: this water park is located right in front of the hotel and therefore offers a beautiful view of the building.
  • Have tea or dinner in one of the hotel’s bar-restaurants: plan at least 90€ per person, a chic outfit and you should book in advance.
  • Spend a night at the hotel: plan a budget going from 1600€ to more than 3500€ per night!

To see the Atlantis hotel, here are 3 possibilities:

  • Visit the “The Lost Chambers” Aquarium and observe the hotel from the Palm Jumeirah: located inside the building, the aquarium offers unique decors, although the visit is quite short. The view from the palm, at the foot of the hotel, is impressive but not ideal because the distance is not enough (the building is huge).
  • Observe the hotel during a cruise: thanks to the distance and the environment (the sea against a background of blue sky), boat tours undoubtedly offer the most beautiful view of the Atlantis hotel.
  • Spend one night in the hotel: at least $300 for a classic room.

Price & Online Booking : Burj Al Arab Skybar Beverage / Burj Al Arab Skybar Afternoon Tea 
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

8. Spend some time in Dubai’s waters: boat tours & water sports

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee: abras ($), jet-ski, zodiac, dhow ($$), luxury yacht (“bateau mouche”) ($$$)

Take advantage of your stay in Dubai to discover the city from its waters! Beautiful boat tours are available both in the Persian Gulf and on the Khor Dubai (a part of the sea crossing the city, also called Dubai Creek). You can also choose a water sport like jet-skiing, kayaking or even flyboarding!

Tips & Useful traveller information

You can choose from different types of boats to go on a cruise in Dubai:

  • Zodiac cruise in the Persian Gulf (most popular option!): the coolest option with a great view of the monuments, including the Burj al Arab and Atlantis hotels (departures from Dubai Marina). If you are looking for something to do in Dubai with children, this is a great choice.  
  • Abra cruises on the Khor Dubai: the most authentic but also the cheapest choice! For only 1 dirham (a few dollar cents), you will board a small boat used by the locals and can cross the Khor Dubai in the old Dubai (crossing from 5 to 10mn). At this price, be sure not to miss out on the abra cruise!
  • Cruise (with or without dinner) on a yacht or “bateau mouche”: the most luxurious (and therefore the most expensive) option. The yachts usually depart from the Dubai Marina, while the “bateau mouche” departs from Old Dubai. 
  • Dinner dhow cruise: the most entertaining cruise. The tours take place aboard traditional boats (the dhows), and generally offer an all-you-can-eat buffet and shows on board. These cruises are offered on the Khor Dubai or at the Dubai Marina.  

On the watersports side, there’s also a lot of options you can choose from:

  • Jet-skiing: you can take jet-ski tours on the Persian Gulf, and enjoy a beautiful view of the Burj Al Arab Hotel.
  • Extreme Seabreacher tour: this really unique activity is worth the detour! The Seabreacher is a kind of mini submarine which reproduces the swimming of a dolphin. It’s a rather difficult concept to explain, but imagine speed peaks, jumps out of the water and mini dives, and you’ll have an idea of what awaits you! Of course, it is a pilot who takes care of controlling the craft but the sensations are still exhilarating.  
  • Flyboard & Jet-pack: if you have the budget and have never tried one of these activities, we really invite you to do it! These two equipments allow you to rise several meters above the sea thanks to a high pressure water propulsion system. The Flyboard offers foot propulsion while the jet-pack is worn on the back. We have a preference for the flyboard, which made us feel like we were in the shoes of Iron Man!  
  • Paddle, kayak, banana boat, etc.: As in all seaside towns, Dubai offers the typical beach activities. You can, for example, take a kayak or paddleboard tour or be towed by a boat by hanging on to large buoys.

Price & Online Booking : Zodiac boat tour / Dinner Dhow Cruise / Dinner yacht cruise / Jet-ski / Other watersports
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

9. Visit Dubai’s malls: aquarium, attractions & shopping

  • Recommended duration :
  • Free : access to the malls
  • Admission fee : personal spendings and attractions ($$)

Dubai is a real paradise for shopping lovers! Even if you haven’t planned to leave with your suitcases full of clothes (the prices aren’t necessarily cheaper than elsewhere, but the choice is large), it’s interesting to visit the largest malls in the city, which are luxurious, gigantic and extravagant at the same time. It is also home to some of the best attractions and activities in Dubai.

Tips & Useful traveller information

There are almost 100 shopping centers in Dubai. Each has its own particularity, but here are the main ones:

  • Dubai Mall: located right next to the Burj Khalifa, it’s the largest shopping mall in the world, with more than 1000 shops. One of the most famous attractions in Dubai is the giant Aquarium, which can be seen for free (you can buy a ticket to “walk through” the aquarium in an underwater tunnel and enjoy the impressive view)! You can also visit an “underwater zoo” (you have to buy a ticket for the aquarium tunnel to get there) and see huge “waterfalls” and an Olympic skating rink.
  • Mall of the Emirates: this huge mall is where Ski Dubai is located, an attraction where you can ski on a large artificial slope and take part in various games on the snow!
  • City Walk: located between the Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah beach, this open-air street offers many shops and a pleasant walk.
  • Deira City Center: this mall is not very well known but we really enjoyed for the shopping part. Indeed, its reasonable size and good organization makes it easier to find you way and be more efficient.
  • There are many other malls that may be worth the detour: Mercato Mall (Renaissance-inspired decorations), Wafi Mall (decorations inspired by Ancient Egypt), Dubai Outlet Mall (factory outlets with discounted prices), etc.

Price & Online Booking : Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo ticket / Ski Dubai pass 
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

10. Fly over Dubai: helicopter, seaplane, skydive or zipline

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee ($$ or $$$)

Among all the things to do in Dubai, flying over the city is for sure the most unforgettable! Thanks to its unique architecture and its size, Dubai offers many sites to admire from a helicopter or a seaplane. The Palm Jumeirah is much more impressive from the sky, especially during a skydive! If you like adrenaline, zip lining through the buildings is also a great idea!

Tips & Useful traveller information

If you’re into free or cheap activities, this one is not for you! For thrill seekers or skyview lovers, you will need to pay the price… But the experience is definitely worth your money! There are 4 different options you can choose from:

  • Helicopter flight: classic and simple! You can fly for 12, 15 or 25 min. Of course, shorter flights are cheaper, and they still allow you to discover Dubai’s main sites from the sky (Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa…). Longer flights offer a full tour of the city, allowing you to better understanding its immensity and extravaganza. 
  • Seaplane flight: this one is more original, longer, but a bit more expensive. The view is amazing and the flight is very pleasant (without turbulence). This is a really unique experience, which can easily become the best highlight of your trip to Dubai! To learn more on the sensations and the details of this activity, you can check out our experience feedback below.
  • Skydive: this one takes place right above the Palm Jumeirah, one of the most impressive sites of Dubai to be seen from the sky. This is probably one of the best places in the world to skydive, but the price is quite expensive.
  • Giant zipline: the biggest urban zipline is in Dubai! From a 557-feet high skyscraper, you’ll launch yourself in the “superman” position at almost 50mph! The zip line, 0,62 miles long, runs through the Marina buildings, the most modern district of Dubai. It is a recent attraction in Dubai and already extremely popular!

If you are on a tight budget, you can just watch Dubai from one of the observation decks at the Burj Khalifa, but the view will not be as beautiful and the sensations will be very different. Also keep in mind that all these activities are in high demand and have limited capacity. Remember to book in advance!

Price & Online Booking : Helicopter flight / Seaplane flight / Skydiving / Zip line across the Marina 
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Find all hotels Our selection : Best hotels on a budget (1, 2 or 3 stars) / Best luxurious hotels (4 or 5 stars)

Other things to do and see in Dubai (activities, excursions, tours, attractions...)

In addition to the activities listed in our TOP 10, you’re looking for things to do in Dubai? Here is a selection of other attractions and activities that are either free or cheap:

  • Jumeirah Beach: Dubai’s main beach
  • Jumeirah Mosquée: this mosquée, often described as the prettiest in Dubai, opens its doors to non-muslims so you can visit it (except on Fridays)
  • Heritage & Diving Village: a tourist area recreating the life of the old Bedouin villages and presenting the ancient economic activities of the town, pearl fishing and the construction of dhows (wooden boats).
  • Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: a center dedicated to the understanding of Islam and the culture of the Emirates
  • Dubai Marina: an area described as the “new Dubai”, where it is pleasant to walk along the seafront and of course you can have a look at many boats there.
  • Madinat Jumeirah: a luxury hotel complex where it is possible to walk around. The decor (rather kitsch we have to say) is supposed to reproduce an ancient Arab citadel. The atmosphere is great and the walk is very pleasant.

Travel tips to visit Dubai and organize your trip (hotels, sightseeing tours...)

We tried to give you many travel ideas to find out what to do in Dubai. Here are some additional travel tips and good deals to help you organize your trip.

 Book accomodation in Dubai: you’ll find the greatest choice on Booking (for hotel rooms) or Airbnb ( for appartments).
 Book travel activities in Dubai: you can book all the best activities online on Viator (american website – many offers and sightseeing tours), Get Your guide (european website – our favorite choice with lots of good offers), Tiqets (european website – great one to book tickets for museums or attractions) or Ceetiz (european website with a large offer of activities worldwide and many promotions)
  Book tickets for Hop on Hop off Buses : with Big Bus Tours, you can enjoy live and audio guides and stop right next to the greatest tourist attractions.
 Book a flight to Dubai: you will generally find best prices on Skyscanner.
 Book and airport transfer in Dubai: save time by using the usefull Airport Shuttle
  Rent a car in Dubai: it is important to make a booking before departure, as prices on site are much higher than those displayed online. We advise you to use Rentalcars.

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TOP 10 activities in Abu Dhabi

TOP 10 activities in Normandy

How to visit the Landing Sites in Normandy – TOP 10

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TOP 10 – Abu Dhabi

Best things to do in Abu Dhabi
Top 10 travel activities, visits and attractions

The best activities, attractions, visits and excursions in Abu Dhabi

You’re looking for the best things to do in Abu Dhabi ? The best travel activities, visits, tours and attractions ? You’re in the right place! To help you organize your trip and not miss anything, our TOP 10 gathers the best things to do and see : points of interest, tourist attractions, excursions, sightseeing tours, monuments, museums, etc.
To save time and money, we advise your to book in advance your hotel rooms, activities and touristic services (insurance, transport…). In order to help you, we’ve selected the best offers available on the internet. You will find all links in this article, together with a listing of our favorite travel websites. Have a nice trip . – By Flo, Caro & The Team

In this article, you will find :

If you like this article, post a comment or follow us on Instagram 🙂

What to do and see in Abu Dhabi - TOP 10 activities and visits

1. Visit the Cheick Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

  • Recommended duration : 1 to 2 hours
  • Free

Abu Dhabi is a more cultural city than its neighbor Dubai and is home of the most beautiful monuments of the Emirates. The most famous one is the Cheick Zayed Mosque, undoubtedly one of the largest and prettiest mosques in the world! Composed of huge domes, arches and columns painted in a bright white, it presents an architecture of exception. The entry is free, even for non-Muslims.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Be careful, to visit the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi, you will need to behave and dress appropriately: shoulders uncovered, no shorts or skirts, veil or scarf for women. Adapted outfits can be loaned free of charge on site upon presentation of an identity card (abaya and veil for women, traditional dress for men).

Best deals to book your activities in Abu Dhabi

We strongly recommend that you use one of the following websites to book your activities in Abu Dhabi:

  • Get Your Guide  This website offers many activities all around the world with availabilities up to last-minute
  • Tiqets  This one is specialized in skip-the-line tickets for attractions and museums. It’s very user-friendly and easy to use on your mobile.
  • Ceetiz  This site also offers a large variety of activities around the world with many promotions and exclusive offers
  • Viator  This last website probably has the largest offer but isn’t very user-friendly (you can easily get lost)

Why book in advance? By booking your activities, you’ll save time thanks to skip-the-lines and you’ll be able to better organize your trip. You will also save money by avoiding currency change fees and benefit from the best prices online!

Among the 4 websites above, we selected the best offers and listed them in this article.

2. Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi

  • Recommended duration : 2 to 3 hours
  • Admission fee ($)

The Louvre opened in 2017 and quickly became one of the city’s main attractions. Born from a partnership with various French museums (including the Louvre of course), this museum is not a copy of the Parisian one, but defines itself as an independent and universal museum. The collections are presented in an original way, in a refined and elegant style. It contains works from all over the world, a mixture of different eras and civilizations. On top of that, the architecture of the place is amazing and deserves the visit on its own!

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Louvre Museum E-Ticket (skip-the-line)

3. Walk down the Corniche, from the Heritage Village to the Fish Market

  • Recommended duration :
  • Free : walks, souks, mall
  • Admission fee : Heritage Village, personal spendings ($)

If you like to walk, you shouldn’t miss out on this beautiful walk by the water! ! The Corniche is a pedestrian and cycling path that runs along the Persian Gulf for nearly 8 km. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views and short breaks at the beach. At the south-western end, we recommend you to join the Marina to visit the Marina Mall and the Heritage Village (a reproduction of a traditional Emirati village). At the northeast end, you can stroll to Port Zayed to discover the charming Mina Fish Market, the Carpet Souk, the Fruit and Vegetable Souk or the Dhows Port.

4. Visit Yas Islands: Yas Marina, Ferrari World, Warner Bros, the Mall…

  • Recommended duration :
  • Free : beach & mall
  • Admission fee : Formula 1 circuit ($), amusement parks ($$)

There are so many things to see on Yas Island! You can visit Yas Marina, a famous Formula 1 circuit, where you can even try driving your own kart or enjoy a tour with a professional pilot. Yas Island is also home of 3 amazing amusement parks: Ferrari World (with the fastest roller coaster in the world), Warner Bros (dedicated to cinema) and Waterworld (a huge waterpark). Finally, you can relax at Yas Beach or shop at the Yas Mall, one of the biggest shopping centers in Abu Dhabi.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Yas Marina Formula 1 guided tour / Ferrari World Abu Dhabi ticket / Yas Waterworld ticket (waterpark) / Warner Bros ticket / Yas Marina Circuit Kartzone / Other activities at Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit

5. Go on a desert safari around Abu Dhabi

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee: transportation or guided excursions ($$)

One of the other unmissable activities in Abu Dhabi is definitely the desert safari! There are different options to explore the desert: 4×4, quad or camel tours, or by enjoying a meal in a traditional Bedouin camp! This is a really fun activity we highly recommend! If you have your own car, you can also ride to the Liwa desert, a wild space located at 2h30 from Abu Dhabi which offers beautiful sand dunes.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : 4×4 Abu Dhabi desert safari with bbq dinner & activities (best offer) / Abu Dhabi quad biking desert safari / Abu Dhabi camel ride desert safari

6. Visit Abu Dhabi’s palaces: Emirates Palace, Presidential Palace…

  • Recommended duration :
  • Free : observation from the outside
  • Admission fee : visiting the palaces ($ or $$)

It’s impossible to visit Abu Dhabi without going to see at least one of its many palaces! The most extravagant is the Emirates Palace, a huge luxury hotel that you can visit by stopping for a tea time. Nearby, you will find the Presidential Palace, the seat of Emirati power. Only a part of the palace is open to visitors: the Qasr Al Watan. This visit is worth the detour to admire the architecture while learning about the political organization of the Emirates. Finally, you can visit the Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest palace (and even building) of the city, built in 1761! 

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Tickets for Emirates Palace: Coffee & Cake

7. Admire Abu Dhabi from the sky: Etihad Tower or seaplane

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee: Etihad Tower ($) or seaplane ($$$)

With its huge palaces, pleasant seafront and beautiful skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi’s architecture is definitely worth the detour! To discover it in its entirety, there is nothing better than to admire it from the sky! To do so, we advise you to visit the observation deck of the Etihad Tower, which offers an unobstructed view of the entire Corniche and the sumptuous palaces. If you have a larger budget, you can also choose to go on a seaplane flight for an experience that will blow your mind!

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Etihad Tower e-tickets / Seaplane flight

8. Go on an excursion to Dubai and in the other Emirates

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee: transportation or guided excursion ($)

Although Abu Dhabi is definitely worth the travel on its own, it would be a shame not to discover the other Emirates during your trip! We of course suggest that you visit Dubai, a must-see, or the charming oasis of Al Ain, located in Abu Dhabi Emirate, at only 2h north.

 >> See our TOP 10 Dubai <<

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Excursion to Dubai (Burj Khalifa in option) from Abu Dhabi

9. Discover Abu Dhabi’s natural environment: the mangrove, falcons…

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee: kayak, zoo, falcons ($)

Although the city is located in the desert, Abu Dhabi is full of unexpected natural riches. You can for example enjoy a pleasant kayak tour in the Manrgoves National Park located right next to the city. You’ll discover a lush forest where many fish, flamingos, turtles and even dolphins and dugongs live! You can also see the animals of the region by visiting sites such as the Falcon Hospital or the Emirates Park Zoo.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : Kayaking in the mangroves/ Ticket to the Falcons hospital with transport

10. Take a boat or jet-ski tour on the waters of the Persian Gulf

  • Recommended duration :
  • Admission fee ($$)

Most of Abu Dhabi’s main monuments are located on the waterfront. To discover them from a different point of view, we invite you to hop on a boat or on a jet-ski! Tours by zodiac, dhow (traditional boats) or jet-ski are offered on the Persian Gulf. These tours offer superb views of Abu Dhabi and allow you to take a refreshing break from the heat and bustle of the city!

Tips & Useful traveller information

Price & Online Booking : 1-hour sightseeing speedboat tour / 1-hour jet-ski rental

Other things to do and see in Abu Dhabi (activities, excursions, attractions, visits...)

In addition to the activities listed in our TOP 10, you’re looking for other things to do in Abu Dhabi? Here is a selection of other sightseeing tours, attractions and travel activities which you could be interested in:

  • Capital Gate: 525 feet high, this skyscraper is quite simply the most leaning tower in the world, in front of the Tower of Pisa! Placed on the seaside, it offers the opportunity to take a nice picture.
  • Saadiyat Public Beach: along with the Corniche Beach, Saadiyat Beach is probably the most popular beach in Abu Dhabi. Don’t hesitate to go there for some relaxing and refreshing time.
  • Masdar: this city under construction is located right next to Abu Dhabi. It aims to become the first “eco-city” with zero carbon and zero waste. Many technologies are being implemented to use only renewable energy and make Masdar a model of urban development. However, the development of the city has lagged behind and the whole is now rather empty. Nevertheless, the project remains praiseworthy and worthy of interest!
  • Women’s Handicraft Center: this small museum allows local women artisans to present their works and creations (embroidery, oils, outfits…). It’s a nice place to bring back nice souvenirs.
  • Other Souks in Abu Dhabi: in addition to the souks already mentioned (fish market, carpet souk and fruit and vegetable souk), you can visit the Gold Souk if you are looking for jewellery. If you reach the city of Al Ain in the north of the emirate, you are also encouraged not to miss the Old Souk of Al Ain and the Souk of Al Zafarana, two places with a very authentic atmosphere.
  • Other malls in Abu Dhabi: In addition to the malls we mentioned above (Marina Mall and Yas Mall), there are other smaller but well-organised shopping malls in Abu Dhabi. You may particularly like the Abu Dhabi Mall and Al Wahda Mall.
  • Sir Bani Yas Island: located 2.5 hours west of Abu Dhabi, this island is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, a huge protected area where thousands of free-living animals (oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, etc.) live. To visit it, you need to take a ferry, and it is then possible to make safaris there in 4×4 or to spend a night in one of the hotels of the island.

Travel tips to visit Abu Dhabi and organize your trip (hotels, sightseeing tours...)

 Book accomodation in Abu Dhabi : you’ll find the greatest choice on Booking (for hotel rooms) or Airbnb ( for appartments).
 Book travel activities in Abu Dhabi : you can book all the best activities online on Viator (american website – many offers and sightseeing tours), Get Your guide (european website – our favorite choice with lots of good offers), Tiqets (european website – great one to book tickets for museums or attractions) or Ceetiz (european website with a large offer of activities worldwide and many promotions)
  Book tickets for Hop on Hop off Buses : with Big Bus Tours, you can enjoy live and audio guides and stop right next to the greatest tourist attractions.
 Book a flight to Abu Dhabi : you will generally find best prices on Skyscanner.
 Book and airport transfer in XXX : save time by using the usefull Airport Shuttle
  Rent a car in Abu Dhabi : it is important to make a booking before departure, as prices on site are much higher than those displayed online. We advise you to use Rentalcars. 
   Book an organized trip or tailor-made travel to visit Abu Dhabi : if you don’t want to organize everything on your own, we recommend the website Evaneos. It puts you in direct contact with a top selection of the local agencies (high quality of the service).You’ll then be able to choose among the different customized programs following the recommendations of the agency. Feel free to ask for a quote, it’s free!
  Book a travel insurance (can be important) 

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TOP 10 – United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Best things to do in United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Top 10 travel activities, visits and attractions

The best activities, attractions, visits and excursions in the UAE

You’re looking for the best things to do in the United Arab Emirates? The best travel activities, visits and attractions in UAE? You’re in the right place! To help you organize your trip and not miss anything, our TOP 10 gathers the best things to do and see : points of interest, tourist attractions, excursions, sightseeing tours, monuments, museums, etc.
To save time and money, we advise your to book in advance your hotel rooms, activities and touristic services (insurance, transport…). In order to help you, we’ve selected the best offers available on the internet. You will find all links in this article, together with a listing of our favorite travel websites. Have a nice trip . – By Flo, Caro & The Team

In this article, you will find :

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What to do and see in UAE - TOP 10 activities and visits

1. Visit Dubai and its incredible attractions

  • Recommended duration : 3 or 4 days
  • Free : walks in Dubai
  • Admission fee : attractions, activities ($ or $$)

Dubai is both an emirate and a city. Along with Abu Dhabi, it is often the only place of interest for travellers visiting the UAE. It is an absolutely incredible and overwhelming city. Built from almost nothing, it has become in just a few years one of the world’s largest tourist destinations. Dubai is the home of the highest tower in the world, many luxury hotels and attractions, each one more extravagant than the other. We invite you to spend a few days there to see it with your own eyes!

>> Check out our TOP 10 Dubai <<

Tips & Useful traveller information

There are dozens of things to do and see in Dubai. For example, you can visit the Burj Khalifa (the highest tower in the world), take a walk in the old town or take a helicopter flight. Instead of listing everything here, we recommend you to have a look at our TOP 10 activities in Dubai

Price & Online Booking : Burj Khalifa tickets at the best price / Dubai multi-attraction pass / Helicopter flight over Dubai  All activities in Dubai
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Dubai

Travel tips & best deals for your trip to the UAE

By booking several services (activities, hotels, transportation…) in advance, you will pay less and will be able to better organize your trip to the Emirates. We have therefore selected the best websites and the best offers. We also give you advice on travel insurance, organized trips and multi-attraction passes. In addition to the links indicated in our texts, you will find all these travel tips at the end of this article.

2. Visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE

  • Recommended duration : 1 to 3 days
  • Free : The Great Mosque + walks
  • Admission fee : attractions and activities ($ or $$)

Just like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is both a city and an emirate. The emirate is huge and represents most of the country, but we’ll be focusing on the city and its monuments here. In recent years, the capital of the UAE has become increasingly popular for travelers. It is quite different from Dubai and is more cultural tourism oriented. Two of the country’s most beautiful attractions are found in Abu Dhabi: the magnificent Cheick Zayed Mosque and the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi. The city is an unmissable stopover during a stay in the UAE.

>> Check out our TOP 10 Abu Dhabi <<

Tips & Useful traveller information

There are a variety of things to do in the city of Abu Dhabi. In addition to the Great Mosque and the Louvre Museum, you will be able to walk along the Corniche (a landscaped promenade by the sea), enjoy the attractions of Yas Island (Ferrari World and Warner Bros. parks, Formula 1 circuit…) or admire the magnificent palaces.

To find out more, check out our TOP 10 activities in Abu Dhabi!

Price & Online Booking: Excursion to Abu Dhabi from Dubai / Louvre Abu Dhabi e-ticket / Ferrari World Abu Dhabi ticket  All activities in Abu Dhabi
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai & Abu Dhabi Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Abu Dhabi

3. Go on a safari in one of the Emirates’ deserts

  • Recommended duration : 1 or 2 days
  • Admission fee: excursion / transport ($$)

There are beautiful deserts in the UAE. If you only plan to stay in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the easiest way is to book a 4×4 safari in the deserts that are close to these cities. Your driver will take you to the sand dunes and you can spend an evening in a Bedouin camp. If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to the Liwa desert in the south of the country. It is part of the Rub al-Khali, the largest sand desert in the world.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Desert safaris from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well organized. They’re tourist activities with other travellers, but you have a good time. Different options and add-ons are available for these tours, such an evening or night in the desert, a quad ride or a camel ride.

If you want to discover the Liwa Desert, probably the most beautiful desert in the country, you will have to go to Moreeb Dune. This huge sand dune is located about 2.5 hours from Abu Dhabi and can be reached by asphalt roads.

Price & Online Booking : Dubai desert safaris / Abu Dhabi desert safaris
 Attraction Pass including this activity : Dubai & Abu Dhabi Explorer Pass
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Liwa

4. Cross the Emirates border to discover the Musandam Fjords

  • Recommended duration : 1 or 2 days
  • Free : walks
  • Admission fee : excursions or cruises ($$)

We’re cheating a little on this activity since we’re suggesting that you get out of the country! However, this visit is a great classic and fits perfectly into a road-trip or a stay in the UAE. Indeed, part of the Sultanate of Oman is landlocked in the country: the magnificent fjords of Musandam which are mainly explored by dhow (traditional boat). We therefore advise you to spend a day there before going back to the Emirates.

Tips & Useful traveller information

If you are staying in Dubai, you can easily book day trips to explore the Musandam Fjords and back. At the fjords, you can enjoy a short dhow cruise and swim in the warm waters. This is one of our favorite excursions in the Emirates!

If you have your own vehicle, we advise you to go to the city of Khasab. It is ideally located and has tourist facilities. There, you can go on a boat tour in the fjords.

And if you have plenty of time, why not head to the mainland of Oman and spend a week in the sultanate? There’s a lot to see in this beautiful country!

Price & Online Booking : Oman Musandam Fjords cruise from Dubai / Musandam Fjords cruise from Khasab
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Musandam

5. Ride the world's largest zipline in the mountains of Ras al-Kaimah

  • Recommended duration : 1 day
  • Admission fee ($)

Since 2018, the world’s largest zipline is located in the Emirates, but not in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. It is actually located in the small emirate of Ras al-Kaimah in the north-east of the country. It is 2.8 km long and offers a huge dose of adrenaline, and going down headfirst! It takes place on the Jebel Jais mountain, at an altitude of more than 1,600 metres. Other ziplines and treetop trails allow you to enjoy this unique adventure site.

Tips & Useful traveller information

The adventure site is called Toroverde Adventure Park. As mentioned above, it is home to the longest zipline in the world (Jebel Jais Flight) as well as other more classic ziplines and treetop adventure  trails. At the same time, you’ll enjoy impressive views of the mountains and the valley. New activities are added regularly to the park to make it the N°1 adventure park in the UAE!

In addition to the zipline, you will find some attractions in the city of Ras al-Kaimah. You will be able to visit the fish market, the Mohammed bin Salim Mosque or the small Fort Dhayah which offers a beautiful view of the region. Nothing extraordinary, but it will keep you busy if you pass by!

Finally, consider visiting the small ghost town of Al Jazirah Alhamra Old Town if you have time (see “Other sites to visit / activities to do in the UAE”).

Price & Online Booking : Toroverde Adventure Park (giant zipline) All activities in Ras Al Khaimah
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah

6. See the city of Al-Ain and its beautiful oasis

  • Recommended duration : 1 to 3 days
  • Free : oasis, strolls, mountains
  • Admission fee : Zoo, Adventure Park… ($$)

Al-Ain is a small town located in the southeast of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. If you are on a road-trip in the UAE, this is a must-see stop. Al-Ain is a very different from the cities on the coast, with no skyscrapers or large modern buildings. The buildings are of traditional architecture, and there are plenty of green spaces. The most famous is its large oasis of date palms, a great place to have a walk and chill out.

Tips & Useful traveller information

If you like traditional Arab cities, you should like Al-Ain! It is undoubtedly one of the most charming and authentic cities in the UAE. You will find more locals here than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where the population is largely made up of foreigners.

Among the different activities to do in Al-Ain, we obviously recommend you to take a walk in the oasis. This site has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011! You will be able to stroll there in the shade, in the middle of thousands of palm trees and a hundred different species of plants.

You can also visit Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Zoo (the largest in the country) or go kayaking and rafting at Wadi Adventure Park. Finally, don’t miss the discovery of the Jebel Hafeet mountain. From its summit at 13,444 feet, you will have a magnificent panorama. At its base, you will also find more than 500 tombs more than 5,000 years old!

Price & Online Booking : Excursion to Al Ain from Dubai / Al Ain Zoo skip-the-line ticket All activities in Al Ain
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Al Ain

7. Explore the Emirate of Fujairah: beaches and diving at Al-Aqah, ancient mosque, forts…

  • Recommended duration : 1 or 2 days
  • Free : beaches and walks
  • Admission fee : diving excursions ($$)

This traditional and little-known emirate has many riches! There are beautiful beaches as well as the best diving sites in the UAE (snorkeling and scuba diving). You can also visit the Al Bidiyah Mosque, the oldest in the country (15th century). Finally, there are some beautiful forts that will interest history fans.

Tips & Useful traveller information

The coast of Fujairah is bordered by the Gulf of Oman, itself attached to the Indian Ocean. The water is warm, clear and generally more beautiful than on the west coast (Dubai, Abu Dhabi…). To relax on the beach, we advise you to go to the public beaches of Dibba Beach or Al Aqah. On those beaches, you’ll find diving excursions (either with mask and snorkel or with a tank). Thanks to the region’s ideal climate, this activity is possible all year round.

On the historical side, in addition to the Al Bidiyah Mosque, we invite you to visit the Al Bithnah Fort and the Fujairah Fort.

Price & Online Booking : Excursion to Fujairah from Dubai (with snorkelling)  All activities in Fujairah
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Fujairah

8. Visit the Emirate of Sharjah and its nice museums

  • Recommended duration : 1 or 2 days
  • Free : walks in Sharjah
  • Admission fee : museums ($)

The Emirate of Sharjah is located right next to Dubai, so some visitors come to stay there to enjoy a calmer atmosphere. Nevertheless, the city remains highly developed with large skyscrapers and modern buildings. People come here mainly to visit its museums, which are the most famous in the UAE.

Tips & Useful traveller information

While visiting Sharjah, don’t miss the MUCIVI, the Museum of Islamic Civilizations! Its collections present Islamic and Arab art and culture from the 7th to the 19th century. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful in the whole country! The Museum of Arts of Sharjah is also very famous.

You can also visit the Heritage Area (which includes several traditional museums), the Maritime Museum, the city fort, the central market (Blue Souk) or the Souk Al-Jubail. Finally we advise you to take a walk on the island of Al Noor, a beautiful park by the sea. You can also visit the Mosque of the same name (or Al Nor Mosque in Tromsø), one of the only ones in the country accessible to non-Muslims.

Overall, you’ll find less impressive attractions in Sharjah than in Dubai, but they will teach you more about the culture and history of the UAE.

Price & Online Booking : Excursion to Sharjah from Dubai / Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour in Sharjah All activities in Sharjah
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Sharjah

9. Discover two very authentic emirates: Ajman and Umm al-Qaïwain

  • Recommended duration : 1 or 2 days
  • Free

These two emirates are located right next to each other. They have maintained their traditional appearance and have not experienced any development comparable to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Tourist infrastructures are poorly developed there, but it can be interesting to spend a day there to discover life in the Emirates before oil and tourism.

Tips & Useful traveller information

Among the sites to visit in Umm al-Qaiwain, we recommend the old fort of Al Ali dating from the 18th century. You can also go and have fun at the Dreamland Aqua Park, a small water park with fewer tourists than in Dubai.

In Ajman, you will especially enjoy strolling along the seafront to see the many dhows being built and renovated. This traditional boat is widely used in the Emirates, and most of them are maintained on the docks and shipyards of Ajman. You will also find a nice beach, ideal for relaxing during your trip to the UAE.

Price & Online Booking : All activities in Umm Al Quwain / All activities in Ajman
 Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Ajman

10. Admire the wildlife of the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island

  • Recommended duration : 2 days
  • Admission fee ($$)

This is a rather special attraction, located on a small island in the west of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In this immense space, thousands of animals live in the wild. You can see oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and even cheetahs. This place is truly exotic and can be explored in a 4×4, just like on a real African safari!

Tips & Useful traveller information

To visit the island of Sir Bani Yas, you have to make a ferry crossing from the Jebel Dana pier. Once there, you will find tour offices for a safari in the park. You will then be able to observe the thousands of animals living in total freedom in an immense wild space!

We advise you to book at least one night in a hotel so that you have time to enjoy your stay on the island. The accommodations are mainly luxury hotels and are therefore quite expensive. The advantage is that you will be able to enjoy the swimming pools and a beautiful environment.

Note on the tickets: Safaris must be booked directly at the park. No advance booking online is available for now.

Where to stay ? Price for accomodation & Online booking :  Hotels in Sir Bani Yas Island

Other things to do and see in UAE (activities, excursions, attractions, visits...)

In addition to the activities listed in our TOP 10 you’re looking for other ideas of what to do in United Arab Emirates (UAE) ? Here is a selection of other things to do and see during your stay :

  • Discover all the emirates through day trips: if you don’t have the time, money or will to take a road trip to the emirates by renting your own car, there are day trips that allow you to discover all the emirates from Dubai. We have selected the most interesting ones and indicated them in our article. You can also find all the excursions from Dubai on another site.
  • Al Jazirah Alhamra Old Town (in the emirate of Ras al Khaimah): a strange and very interesting site for history lovers. It is an ancient fishing village that has now become a ghost town. Its inhabitants began its construction in the 14th century before abandoning it in 1968. It offers an interesting testimony of life in the Emirates before the oil era. There are old coral stone houses, wind towers, mosques…
  • Hatta Water Dam (at the eastern end of the emirate of Dubai): this dam built in the mountains in the east of the country has resulted in the formation of a beautiful lake. It’s a beautiful viewpoint especially since it is unfortunately not possible to walk around the lake. For leisure enthusiasts, you can still rent a kayak or pedal boat to explore the lake.
  • Mleiha Archeological Center (in the emirate of Sharjah): this site allows you to learn more about the history and geology of the area around Mleiha. This small town in the southeast of the emirate of Sharjah is located at the gates of a beautiful desert of rocks and sand.
  • Camel races: these races take place from October to April all over the Emirates. Although it’s a traditional activity, we are not particularly fond of these events. The camels are ridden by small motorised robots. These small remotely controlled machines give them orders by means of small strokes of whips or by pulling the reins.

Travel tips to visit UAE and organize your trip (hotels, sightseeing tours...)

 Book accomodation in the Emirates : you’ll find the greatest choice on Booking (for hotel rooms) or Airbnb ( for appartments).
 Book travel activities in the UAE : you can book all the best activities online on Viator (american website – many offers and sightseeing tours), Get Your guide (european website – our favorite choice with lots of good offers), Tiqets (european website – great one to book tickets for museums or attractions) or Ceetiz (european website with a large offer of activities worldwide and many promotions)
  Book tickets for Hop on Hop off Buses : with Big Bus Tours, you can enjoy live and audio guides and stop right next to the greatest tourist attractions.
 Book a flight to the Emirates : you will generally find best prices on Skyscanner.
 Book and airport transfer in the UAE : save time by using the usefull Airport Shuttle
  Rent a car in the UAE : it is important to make a booking before departure, as prices on site are much higher than those displayed online. We advise you to use Rentalcars.
  Book a travel insurance (very important) 

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