If there is any city in the world that effortlessly combines tradition with futuristic modernity, it's Dubai. From towering skyscrapers to exotic souks selling spices and gold, this desert city of the Middle East has something to offer everyone. If you want a list of top things to do in Dubai, we've got you covered. And with the all-new Dubai Pass in hand (look at it as your second passport), exploring this magical city has just got a lot easier - this convenient pre-paid card gives you cashless entry to more than 30 attractions across the city. Plus it not only saves you money, but gives you the freedom to customize your own experience by notifying you of popular things to do in Dubai.

We've rounded up the top 7 Dubai attractions, so you can start making the most out of your Dubai Pass...

GET A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW AT BURJ KHALIFA

Kick start your Dubai tour with a birdseye view of the city from the 148^th floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa – a modern architectural wonder, made out of glass and steel. The experience of watching over the city from the tower has often been compared to similar experiences from the top of the Rockefeller Centre or the Empire State Building in New York. The popularity of the Burj Khalifa means that endless queues are almost guaranteed (unless you fish out extra Dirhams for the fast-track admission), yet with the Dubai Pass, you can whizz through the serpentine queue straight to the top floor, where you'll be greeted by surreal views of the shimmering city. If you're up for an adventure, don’t forget to try out the virtual reality experience at this floor, where an interactive screen lets you hover over important landmarks of the city.

DHOW RIDE

Fancy a romantic river cruise? Nothing quite beats a Dhow ride through Dubai Creek, especially after sunset. This traditional Arabian boat is masterfully designed and built out of wood by local fishing communities. The authentic boats have been crowned as one of the luxury cruises available across the Persain Gulf, particularly for their authenticity.  A popular way to see more of the city, you'll pass the old districts of Deira and Bur Dubai, landmark buildings including the National bank of Dubai and the Chamber of Commerce building, all of which are beautifully lit up under the night sky. 

MAKE A SPLASH AT AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK

If you’re travelling with little ones, making a splash at the Aquaventure Waterpark needs to be on the cards. With individual entry costing up to $81.75, the Dubai Pass is the best way to save both money and time. The waterpark is filled with adrenaline-pumping rides, dolphin and sea lion bays and giant aquariums filled with colourful creatures of the underwater world. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, you might want to take up one-to-one scuba-diving or snorkelling lessons, too. For gourmands, there is a plethora of restaurants serving everything from juicy burgers to exotic Japanese fare. Ladies can enjoy a pampering session at the Shuiqi Spa, while their kids are watched over at the Kid’s Club of the park - bliss.

EXPERIENCE THE CHILL AT SKI DUBAI

If you want to experience Alpine weather under the scorching heat of the Middle-Eastern sun, then try out the adventure rides at Ski Dubai – world’s largest indoor snow park with real snow! As with most of the attractions, entry to the park is costly, but with the Dubai Pass, the entry is absolutely free. Soar down the artificial mountain slopes or make snowballs in the snow cavern. Even better, watch the march of the King Penguins during specific hours of the day. There are training sessions for snowboarding and skiing provided too, if you need to touch up on your skills.

SPEND A NIGHT IN THE DESERT

No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the iconic desert safari. With a selection of three packages to choose from, rolling down the sand dunes in ginormous SUVs (sand bashing, as it is called by the tourists) makes for a fun-filled family activity. Again, the Dubai Pass enables you to cut short the waiting time and hop on board ASAP. Once you've set off, you'll reach a base camp where you'll be greeted with traditional food and drink, including tasty, kebab platters. There are also henna sessions for women and belly dancing for guests to get involved in for a taste of the city's local culture - which also make for some intersting photographs! Those who choose the overnight safari, get to spend a night on the sand watched over by millions of twinkling stars.

BEDAZZLED BY LE PERLE

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Imagine a live show involving a cast of 65 performing artists engaged in eye-popping aerial, acrobatic and aquatic acts - that’s La Perle for you. An interactive theatrical experience set to rival similar shows in Paris and Las Vegas, La Perle is a brainchild of the world-famous theatre artiste Franco Dragone, featuring death-defying stunts sure to wow the audience time and time again. A show of this status is expensive, particularly with VIP tickets reaching up to a thousand Dirhams, while you can book online with a discount of up to 50% with the pass - of course.

HISTORY AT THE MUSEUMS

If you're curious to know how a band of nomadic Bedouins built one of the most glamorous cities in the world, be sure to visit either the Dubai Museum or the Etihad Museum, both of which will transport you back in time. Included as part of your Dubai City Pass itinerary, history lovers can visit these museums and learn how the seven Emirates came together and how the discovery of oil reserves changed the fortunes of the nation forever. Filled with intruiging historical objects, both the museums are a must-visit if you want to step back in time.