Top 15 Best Places to Visit In Dubai

Dubai offers a variety of spectacular attractions for visitors. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a long-time resident, there’s always something new and exciting to explore. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 15 must-visit places in Dubai, each offering unique experiences that capture the essence of this lively city. 

Burj Khalifa

Standing tall at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is an iconic symbol of Dubai’s architectural prowess and ambition. As the world’s tallest building, it offers amazing panoramic views of the city and beyond from its observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors. The experience starts from the ground level with a multimedia presentation about Dubai’s history and the construction of this incredible structure. 

• Price:  Start from 224 AED per person
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Open Hours 24 Hours)
• Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
• Contact:  04 888 8888

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall, located next to the Burj Khalifa, offers an extraordinary experience with over 1,200 retail stores, 200 food and beverage outlets, and a wide range of attractions. Highlights include the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, featuring a 10-million-liter tank with thousands of aquatic animals, and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink. For those interested in virtual reality, the VR Park provides a variety of fascinating experiences. Additionally, the mall is home to the Dubai Fountain, an impressive water, light, and music show that enchants visitors every evening. 

• Price: Free
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (10 AM – 12 AM);  Friday, Saturday, Sunday (10 AM – 01 AM)
• Location: Downtown Dubai – Dubai
• Contact: 800 382246255

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab, often described as the world’s only seven-star hotel, is a symbol of luxury in Dubai. Shaped like a billowing sail, this iconic structure stands on an artificial island and is connected to the mainland by a private bridge. The hotel is renowned for its luxurious suites, exceptional service, and exclusive amenities, including a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars, a private helipad, and some of the finest dining establishments in the world. 

• Price: Start from 100 AED per person
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (10 AM – 07 PM)
• Location: Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai
• Contact:  04 301 7777

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Located within the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. This impressive attraction houses over 140 species of marine life, including sharks, rays, and a diverse variety of fish, all within a 10-million-liter tank. The aquarium offers several ways to explore its aquatic wonders: visitors can walk through the 48-meter-long tunnel for a 270-degree view, or take a glass-bottom boat ride for a unique perspective from above.

The Underwater Zoo, situated above the main tank, features various exhibits such as the Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean, each highlighting different aquatic environments and their inhabitants. 

• Price: 199 AED per person
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (10 AM – 11:15 PM)
• Location: Downtown Dubai – Dubai
• Contact:  800 382246255

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina, an artificial canal city, is one of the most lively and sought-after districts in Dubai. The area is a hub of activity, featuring a mix of high-end restaurants, trendy cafes, and luxury boutiques.

A highlight of Dubai Marina is the range of leisure activities available. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing yacht cruise, start an exciting jet ski ride, or take a sunset dhow cruise to soak in the breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. The Marina Beach is also a perfect spot for sunbathing and water sports. Additionally, the Marina Mall offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, along with entertainment facilities including a cinema and an indoor play area for children.

To fully experience what Dubai Marina has to offer, take a look at our guide for Dubai Marina. 

• Price: Free
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Open 24 Hours)
• Location: Dubai Marina – Dubai
• Contact: +971 4 317 3999 (Dubai Marina Mall)

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle offerings. The island is home to a variety of high-end hotels, including the famous Atlantis, The Palm, which features the Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on Palm Jumeirah. The Boardwalk offers amazing views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf, making it a perfect spot for a stroll or a jog. For those who want to relax, the island features private beaches and beach clubs, such as the popular Club Vista Mare, where visitors can enjoy gourmet dining and water sports. Palm Jumeirah also offers a lively nightlife atmosphere with multiple bars and lounges providing live entertainment and spectacular views. 

So, before you visit and explore this destination, consider reviewing our complete guide for Palm Jumeirah.

• Price: Free
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Open 24 Hours)
• Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Contact: +971 4 390 3333

Global Village

Global Village is a cultural and entertainment destination in Dubai that offers a unique experience by bringing together diverse cultures from around the world. Open seasonally from October to April, this vast spot features pavilions representing over 90 countries, each showcasing their traditional crafts, foods, and entertainment.

Visitors can explore a vast range of international cuisines, from street food to gourmet dishes, and shop for unique handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs from different parts of the globe. The Global Village also hosts a wide variety of live performances, including cultural shows, concerts, and stunt performances, providing entertainment for all ages.

In addition to cultural experiences, Global Village offers exciting rides and attractions in its carnival area, with everything from roller coasters to family-friendly rides. The spot also features a variety of games and activities for children, making it an ideal destination for families.

• Price: Start from 22 AED per person
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (4 PM – 12 AM)
• Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Contact: 04 362 4114 

Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera is a world-class performing arts spot located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, near the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. Designed to resemble a traditional dhow, this architectural masterpiece hosts a wide range of performances, including opera, ballet, theater, concerts, and more. The spot’s versatile design allows it to transform from a traditional theater to a concert hall or even a flat-floor space, accommodating various events and performances. With its modern acoustics and cutting-edge technology, Dubai Opera offers an unparalleled experience for both performers and audiences.

• Price: 75 AED per person
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (10 AM – 09 PM)
• Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
• Contact:  04 440 8888

Dubai Desert

The Dubai Desert offers a bold and striking difference to the city’s lively urban landscape, providing visitors with a unique and memorable experience of the Arabian wilderness. The vast expanse of golden dunes and the beauty of the desert are best explored through a variety of exciting activities and tours.

One of the most popular experiences is a desert safari, where visitors can enjoy dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles, camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking. These safaris often include cultural experiences such as henna painting, falconry displays, and traditional Arabian music and dance performances.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers guided nature walks and wildlife tours, where visitors can observe native flora and fauna. The reserve also provides stargazing opportunities, with the clear desert skies offering spectacular views of the night sky.

• Price: Start from AED 285 per person
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (03:30 AM – 09:30 PM)
• Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 4 303 4888 (Arabian Adventures)

Museum Of the Future

The Museum of the Future, located on Sheikh Zayed Road, is one of Dubai’s most innovative and visually striking landmarks. Dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies and futuristic concepts, the museum offers a fascinating experience that explores the possibilities of the coming decades.

Housed in an eye-catching building with an elliptical shape and covered in Arabic calligraphy, the Museum of the Future is designed to be a living laboratory, featuring interactive exhibits and advanced simulations. The museum also serves as a platform for inventors, designers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate and develop new ideas that can shape the future. Regular workshops, talks, and events are held, fostering a dynamic environment of innovation and creativity.

• Price: Start from 149 AED per person
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (09 AM – 07 PM)
• Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2 – Dubai
• Contact: +971 4 516 8825

Kite Beach

Kite Beach is one of Dubai’s most popular and lively coastal destinations, known for its wide range of recreational activities and spectacular views of the Burj Al Arab.

The beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering excellent conditions for kite surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There are also plenty of facilities for beach volleyball, soccer, and other beach games, making it a perfect spot for sports lovers.

Kite Beach also features a well-maintained jogging and cycling track, shaded picnic areas, and a variety of food trucks and cafes serving delicious snacks and refreshing beverages. The beach also has a dedicated children’s play area, ensuring fun for the whole family.

• Price: Free
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Open 24 hours)
• Location: 2c St, off Jumeirah Rd, behind Saga World mall. Umm Suqeim 1
• Contact: 04 219 0999

Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden is a floral wonderland and one of the most extraordinary attractions in the city. Located in the district of Dubailand, this vast garden spans 72,000 square meters and features over 150 million flowers arranged in stunning patterns and designs.

The garden is renowned for its creative floral installations, including heart-shaped arches, life-sized castles, and even an Airbus A380 plane covered entirely in flowers. Each season, the garden transforms with new themes and displays, offering a fresh and enchanting experience for visitors.

Dubai Miracle Garden also features a Butterfly Garden, home to thousands of butterflies in a climate-controlled environment. Visitors can walk through the domes and observe these beautiful creatures up close.

• Price: 95 AED per person
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (09 AM – 09 PM); Saturday, Sunday (09 AM – 11 PM);
• Location: Street 3 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South – Dubai
• Contact:  04 422 8902

Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame is a remarkable architectural landmark that offers a unique perspective on the city’s past, present, and future. Standing 150 meters tall in Zabeel Park, this gigantic picture frame provides stunning panoramic views of both old and new Dubai.

Visitors start their journey at the ground level with a museum that showcases Dubai’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays offer fascinating insights into the city’s rich history and rapid development. At the top, there is also a café where you can relax and enjoy the views while enjoying refreshments. The Dubai Frame beautifully encapsulates the city’s essence, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Dubai.

• Price: Start from 50 AED per person
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (09 AM – 09 PM)
• Location: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai
• Contact:  +971 4 352 2101

Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa and adjacent to The Dubai Mall, is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. 

The fountain’s performances are scheduled throughout the day and evening, with each show offering a unique combination of water movements synchronized to a diverse selection of music, ranging from classical to contemporary and regional tunes.

Visitors can enjoy the show from various points around the lake promenade or the terraces of nearby restaurants and cafes. For a closer view, traditional abra boat rides on the lake provide an intimate and memorable way to witness the fountain’s beauty.

• Price: Free
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (06 PM – 11 PM)
• Location: Downtown Dubai – Dubai
• Contact:  04 888 8888

Bur Dubai Souk Market

The Bur Dubai Souk Market, also known as the Old Souk, is a lively traditional market located along the Dubai Creek. It offers a glimpse into Dubai’s rich heritage and animated trading culture. This historical market is renowned for its variety of textiles, spices, and souvenirs, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the authentic charm of old Dubai.

Located close to the Dubai Museum and the historic Al Fahidi Fort, the Bur Dubai Souk Market is ideally situated for those looking to explore the historical heart of Dubai. It provides an enriching experience that combines shopping with a deep dive into the city’s cultural roots.

• Price: Free
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (10 AM – 10:30 PM)
• Location: 2 34th St – Bur Dubai – Al Fahidi – Dubai
• Contact: +9714 353 0530

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