Imagine a city where modern skyscrapers touch the sky and the desert sands hide ancient tales. Well, if there’s one such place in the world, it’s Dubai. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stand at the top of the world’s tallest Burj Khalifa? Or stroll through the biggest shopping mall on the planet? If yes, Dubai is the right destination for you.
But wait, there’s more! Along with the bustling city, there’s peace as well. You just have to know all the right places to explore. Want to know about the places you can visit in Dubai? If yes, let’s have a look at the must-visit places there.
Exploring 10 Must-Visit Places In Dubai
Once you go to a country or city, there’s nothing better to do than explore its locations. The same is the case with Dubai! So, here are the top 10 must-visit places in the city.
1. Burj Khalifa – Touching the Sky
Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa is a testament to human ambition and engineering marvel. Soaring at 828 meters, it offers panoramic views of the city. Witnessing a sunset from its observation deck is an experience of a lifetime.
2. The Dubai Mall – Shopper’s Paradise
Next to the Burj Khalifa, this Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall. It boasts more than 1,200 retail stores that shopaholics will find irresistible. Don’t forget to visit the mesmerizing Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo inside.
3. The Palm Jumeirah – Man-Made Wonder
The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial palm-shaped island, symbolizes the city’s ambition. You can stay in luxurious resorts, dine in world-class restaurants, and enjoy stunning beaches here.
4. Burj Al Arab – Luxury Redefined
The Burj Al Arab is often called the world’s only seven-star hotel. If you don’t stay here, visiting this iconic sail-shaped structure is necessary. Enjoy afternoon tea or dine in one of its extravagant restaurants.
5. Dubai Creek – A Glimpse of Tradition
Visiting Dubai Creek lets you see the city’s interesting past. Take an abra (traditional boat) ride along the creek and explore the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, home to the Dubai Museum.
6. The Dubai Fountain – Dancing Waters
Situated at the base of Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is a mesmerizing sight. It hosts a spectacular water and light show choreographed to music every evening, leaving spectators in awe.
7. Ski Dubai – Snow in the Desert
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort within the Mall of the Emirates. Here, you can enjoy snow in the desert. It’s perfect for family fun or a break from the heat.
8. Desert Safari – Thrill in the Dunes
Experience the Arabian desert with a thrilling desert safari. Dune bashing, camel riding, and a traditional Bedouin camp dinner will make this adventure unforgettable.
9. Dubai Marina – Modern Elegance
The Marina is a man-made canal city with stunning architecture, waterfront dining, and a vibrant nightlife scene. A stroll along the Marina Promenade is a delightful experience.
10. Miracle Garden – Floral Wonderland
The Miracle Garden is a breathtaking display of flowers and plants arranged in incredible designs. It’s a riot of colors and a paradise for nature lovers.
The Bottom Line
Dubai’s blend of modernity and tradition makes it a unique travel destination. The city has everything from soaring skyscrapers to cultural experiences and luxurious indulgences. These 10 must-visit places offer a glimpse of what this remarkable city offers. So, pack your bags and prepare for a journey that promises unforgettable memories. Dubai awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the top attractions and places to see in Dubai?
A. Some of the top attractions in Dubai include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Creek, Dubai Miracle Garden, Global Village, and Desert Safari.
Q. Where is Dubai located?
A. Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates, on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. It shares a border with Abu Dhabi in the south.
Q. How many days are enough to visit Dubai?
A. Most visitors spend 3-5 days in Dubai to see the major attractions. However, you can stretch your trip to a week or more by including day trips to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi etc.
Q. What is the best time to visit Dubai?
A. The best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months from November to March. Summer months tend to be extremely hot
Q. What type of clothes should you wear in Dubai?
A. Light, loose cotton clothes are ideal for Dubai. Women are advised to dress modestly when visiting mosques. Other places have relaxed dress codes.
Q. What are the top things to do in Dubai?
A. Top things to do in Dubai include visiting Burj Khalifa, shopping at Dubai Mall, Skiing at Ski Dubai, dining at Burj Al Arab, desert safari, taking an abra ride across the creek etc.
Q. How do I get around Dubai?
A. Dubai has a modern metro system, buses, trams, taxis and rental cars that make it easy to get around. Use the metro when possible to avoid traffic delays.
Q. Is Dubai safe for tourists?
A. Yes, Dubai is very safe for tourists. Violent crime levels are extremely low and streets are well patrolled. However, standard precautions for travel should still be taken.
Q. What currency is used in Dubai?
A. The currency used in Dubai and across the UAE is the Dirham (AED)
Q. What are some family friendly activities in Dubai?
A. Dubai has many attractions suitable for families such as Wild Wadi Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Aquarium, Children’s City and numerous beaches, parks and attractions.
Q. How much is the ticket price for Burj Khalifa?
A. Tickets to Burj Khalifa’s observation deck start from 125 AED (approx $35 USD) per person. There are also options for higher floors and sky lounge access for an additional fee. Book in advance online to avoid waiting in long ticket lines.
Q. Is Burj Khalifa the tallest building on earth?
A. Yes, at 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall, Burj Khalifa holds the record for being the tallest building and man-made structure ever built.
Q. What is the altitude/height of Burj Khalifa?
A. Burj Khalifa has an architectural height of 828 meters (2,717 feet) and occupies floors 0 to 163 in the building.
Q. What is the actual elevation of Burj Khalifa?
A. Burj Khalifa’s absolute elevation from ground to tip is reported to be 2,722 feet (830.1 meters). This factors in its foundation height below ground level.
Q. How big is Burj Khalifa relative to size?
A. Burj Khalifa has a total floor area of 309,473 sq. meters covering 280 luxury resident floors and office spaces. Its facade spans 21,850 sq. meters in area.
Q. What is the exact height measurement of Burj Khalifa?
A. The precise height of Burj Khalifa was officially reported as 828 meters (2,717 feet) when measured from the sidewalk level to the structural tip. Over 200 stories make up the mega tall skyscraper.
Q. What is the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai?
A. The Mall of the Emirates is a huge shopping, entertainment, and leisure complex located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Opened in 2005, it is one of the city’s largest malls.
Q. What is The Dubai Mall?
A. The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world by total land area, located in downtown Dubai, UAE. With over 1,300 retail outlets, it attracts nearly 80 million visitors annually.
Q. Is the Mall of the Emirates the same as The Dubai Mall?
A. No, the Mall of the Emirates and The Dubai Mall are two distinct, large-scale malls located in different areas of Dubai. The Dubai Mall is much bigger.
Q. What shops are located in The Dubai Mall?
A. Some popular shops in The Dubai Mall include luxury brands like Rolex, Gucci, Armani, Louis Vutton, Fendi, etc. It also has an indoor theme park, movies, aquarium & underwater zoo.
Q. What are some top things to do at The Dubai Mall?
A. Top activities include shopping at luxury brands, visiting the Dubai Aquarium, VR Park, Dubai Ice Rink, SEGA amusement park, watching the Dubai Fountain shows, and dining at over 200 eateries.
Q. Is The Dubai Mall the biggest mall in the world?
A. Yes, with a total space of 5.9 million square feet and over 1,300 stores, The Dubai Mall ranks as the largest shopping mall on earth today by total land area.
Q. Where is the Mall of the Emirates located in Dubai?
A. The Mall of the Emirates is conveniently located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, approximately 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
Q. What is Palm Jumeirah in Dubai?
A. Palm Jumeirah is a popular man-made, palm-shaped island known for luxury resorts, hotels and homes located off the coast of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Q. What hotels are located on Palm Jumeirah?
A. Some top luxury hotels on Palm Jumeirah include Atlantis, The Palm, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Sofitel Dubai The Palm, One & Only The Palm, Rixos The Palm, Anantara The Palm and many more.
Q. What are some of the best Dubai hotels on Palm Jumeirah?
A. Top-rated Palm hotels praised for excellent service, luxury amenities and ocean/Atlantis waterpark views include Atlantis Dubai, Waldorf Astoria Dubai, Anantara The Palm Dubai, Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort.
Q. Is Palm Jumeirah an actual island?
A. Yes, Palm Jumeirah’s construction involved extensive land reclamation to form an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree, with a crescent surrounding 17 fronds full of villas, resorts, homes and hotels.
Q. What is Five Palm Jumeirah?
A. Five Palm Jumeirah is an iconic luxury beachfront hotel with 160 rooms & suites located on Palm Jumeirah island offering gorgeous Arabian Gulf views, multiple pools, lounges and renowned dining outlets like Maiden Shanghai.
Q. Can you live on Palm Jumeirah island?
A. Yes, Palm Jumeirah has many spectacular villas, apartments and townhouses available to purchase or rent long-term for luxury island living with unparalleled amenities and the very best views overlooking Dubai’s coastline.
Q. Where do celebrities stay on Palm Jumeirah?
A. Many celebrities flock to the elite hotels on Palm Jumeirah like Atlantis or One&Only during visits to Dubai. The Signature Villa at Atlantis with its own pool, spa and cinema is ultra exclusive.
Q. What is the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai?
A. The Burj Al Arab is an iconic luxury hotel in Dubai shaped like a sail located on an artificial island, characterized by its remarkable architecture, Royal Suite, and exceptional service as one of the most expensive hotels globally.
Q. How much does a room at the Burj Al Arab cost?
A. Rooms at the Burj Al Arab start at around $1,000 USD per night, while the most expensive Royal Suite can run over $28,000 USD per night during peak seasons or events.
Q. Why is staying at the Burj Al Arab so expensive?
A. As the world’s only official 7-star hotel with all suites on private floors, exceptional dining, discreet check-ins, and pure excess, the service, amenities and sheer luxury explain the extraordinary prices to stay at the iconic Burj property.
Q. How much would it cost to book the priciest suite at Burj Al Arab?
A. The most expensive Royal Suite at Burj Al Arab comes with its own elevator, cinema and rotating beds, costing a mammoth $28,000+ USD per night at peak travel season making it one of the most expensive hotel rooms on the planet.
Q. Is Burj Al Arab considered a 7-star hotel?
A. Yes, Burj Al Arab exclusively refers to itself as the world’s first and only official 7-star hotel property according to its management, a rating that has become globally synonymous with over-the-top opulent service and amenities one can experience on property.
Q. What is Dubai Creek Harbour?
A. Dubai Creek Harbour is a spacious waterfront development being built along Ras Al Khor creek featuring luxury residential, retail & recreational areas, including the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower landmark structure.
Q. Where do Dhow cruise tours operate from in Dubai?
A. Many dhow dinner cruise providers offer evening sightseeing trips from Dubai Marina, Deira Creek, and the inland waterways between numerous hotels/attractions within the city.
Q. What will be located inside the Dubai Creek Tower?
A. Still under construction within Dubai Creek Harbour, the epic Dubai Creek Tower structure will stand at 1300m+ ft tall becoming the world’s tallest building when completed around 2023-2025, featuring observation decks, vertical gardens, restaurants and more.
Q. Where is Creek Park located in Dubai?
A. Spanning 80 hectares adjacent to Dubai Creek, Creek Park is a huge leisure complex near Garhoud loaded with gardens, play areas, bicycle tracks, cafes and Dubai creek access crossing into Bur Dubai traditional neighborhoods.
Q. Who is developing Dubai Creek Harbour?
A. Dubai Creek Harbour is being developed by Emaar Properties, responsible for Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and various iconic masterplanned communities across the United Arab Emirates.
Q. Are there hotels close to Dubai Creek?
A. Yes, hotels neighboring Dubai Creek include Hilton Dubai Creek, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Sheraton Dubai Creek, Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Radisson Blu Deira Creek among other conveniently located options.
Q. What is the Dubai Fountain?
A. The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system set on the 30-acre Burj Lake performing daily shows with water jets spraying up to 500 ft in the air accompanied by various musical themes.
Q. Where is the Pointe fountain located?
A. The Pointe fountain is another large dancing fountain located at The Pointe dining and entertainment complex on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, known for its evening shows by the waterfront.
Q. Is there a walkway around the Dubai Fountain?
A. Yes, the Dubai Fountain has a nicely paved 950 ft boardwalk loop allowing visitors to walk around and getDifferent angles facing the Burj Khalifa or massive fountain stages across the lake.
Q. How can I get Dubai Fountain show tickets?
A. The fountain shows at Dubai Fountain and Pointe fountain are free daily events that do not require tickets for public viewing from their outskirts. Premium paid seating applies at some restaurants.
Q. What are Dubai Fountain timings and schedules?
A. Dubai Fountain performs shows starting afternoon until 11 PM nightly, playing songs like Michael Jackson’s Thriller, with more frequent performances after 6:00 PM.
Q. When does the Pointe fountain show happen?
A. The Pointe schedules most of its dancing fountain shows in the evening around 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM for visitors dining waterside.
Q. Can you take a boat ride on Dubai Fountain lake?
A. Yes, 30-45 minute lazy boat tours on the Burj Lake are available during daytime hours, floating across the giant Dubai Fountain foundations underneath the Burj Khalifa without interfering with the evening performances.
Q. What is Ski Dubai?
A. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with 5 ski slopes inside the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is a unique experience to ski & snowboard in the desert.
Q. Where is Ski Dubai located?
A. Ski Dubai is conveniently located inside Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, one of the world’s largest shopping malls.
Q. How much are regular Ski Dubai tickets?
A. Day Snow Park tickets start at $70 USD for 2 hours, $85 for 3 hours. Premium packages from $175+ allow all-day access to snow features, lifts, ski pass, gear.
Q. Does Ski Dubai offer discount passes?
A. Yes, Ski Dubai has combo tickets that bundle both Snow Park & sky slope tickets for regular or all-day access at lower rates plus winter seasonal deals online.
Q. What ski packages or offers are available?
A. Ski Dubai frequently runs promotions like 2-For-1 lift passes, 25% family discounts, winter women’s nights, adding more value like penguin encounters or Ski Cafe meals deals.
Q. How much is a ski or snowboard session at Ski Dubai?
A. A typical 2-3 hour Ski Dubai ticket costs $70-$100 depending on advance purchase discounts. Full ski or snowboard equipment rentals cost extra, around $25 for 3 hours.
Q. Does Mall of the Emirates have real snow?
A. Yes, Ski Dubai contains over 6,000 tons of real snow set a constant -1 degrees Celsuis year-round for downhill skiing and snow play at the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort.
Q. What is included with an evening desert safari experience?
A. A typical evening Dubai desert safari includes dune bashing by 4×4 vehicle, camel riding, sandboarding, henna & costumes, barbecue dinner buffet, tanoura dancing show, and star gazing over desert vistas.
Q. What are the main Dubai desert safari providers?
A. Top tour operators for desert safaris in Dubai include Platinum Heritage, Arabian Adventures, Rayna Tours, Desert Safari Dubai, Lama Desert Tours & Safaris.
Q. How much do Dubai desert safaris cost?
A. Prices range between $30-$100 USD per person depending on add-ons. Average is $50-$60 for an action packed evening of 4×4 dune bashing, dinner, entertainment at a desert camp.
Q. When is the best time to book a Dubai desert safari?
A. Book 1-2 days in advance for good availability and discounts online. Morning or overnight options require more notice. Avoid booking same-day due to limited spots.
Q. What is the difference between morning and evening safaris?
A. Morning safaris allow seeing desert wildlife before intense midday heat. Evening safaris happen around sunset when dunes and entertainment light up after dark. Overnight camps extend stargazing.
Q. What should you wear for the desert experience?
A. Wear lightweight cottons, layers if visiting during colder months, sneakers or strapped sandals to easily remove sand, and bring hats, sunglasses, mosquito repellent. Adapt to each activity.
Q. What is included with VIP or premium Dubai desert safaris?
A. Upgraded desert safaris provide opportunities like vintage Land Rover rides, private camps, falconry interactions, lavish buffets with alcohol, niche cultural shows from countries like Egypt or India.
Q. Where is Dubai Marina located?
A. Dubai Marina is a modern waterfront district situated in southern Dubai, United Arab Emirates along an extensive man-made marina on the Persian Gulf coastline.
Q. What kind of area is Dubai Marina?
A. Dubai Marina is a popular expat residential, leisure and business hub known for its high-rise towers, swanky apartment buildings, dining promenades, luxury yachts and vibrant nightlife scene.
Q. What is located at the Dubai Marina address?
A. The Dubai Marina Address Hotel is a 5-star resort located within Dubai Marina facing Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel & Bluewaters Island featuring luxury rooms, 5 pools, marina access, spa services.
Q. What hotels are located in Dubai Marina?
A. Top luxury hotels in Dubai Marina include Intercontinental Dubai Marina, Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, Ja Ocean View Hotel, Le Royal Meridian Resort, Grosvenor House and more.
Q. Does Dubai Marina have public beaches?
A. Yes, Dubai Marina Beach is a popular stretch of sandy free public beach near Marina Walk offering views of luxury yachts and boats with paid access beach clubs too.
Q. Where do people live in Dubai Marina?
A. Dubai Marina residences include trendy high rise apartments and villas inside various communities like Marina Promenade, Marina Quays, Marina Pearl, Marina Heights, Marina Terrace, Park Island and more ultramodern vertical neighborhoods.
Q. What is the view from Dubai Marina hotels?
A. Many Dubai Marina hotels positioned along the waterfront have gorgeous views overlooking the yacht-filled marina, Dubai Eye Ferris Wheel, Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai and scenes of dancing fountains with cityscapes lining the Persian Gulf.
Q. What is Dubai’s Miracle Garden?
A. Dubai Miracle Garden is a massive flower garden located in Dubailand spanning over 72,000 square meters that features stunning floral displays and structures. It holds several Guinness World Records.
Q. Where is Dubai Miracle Garden located?
A. Dubai Miracle Garden is conveniently located just off the Dubai-Al Ain Road in Dubailand, about a 30 minute drive from downtown Dubai and major attractions.
Q. What are the main attractions at Miracle Garden?
A. Top sights at Miracle Garden include the floral Emirates A380 model, the heart-shaped floral archway, topiaries shaped as hearts, stars, igloos and animals, flower beds in colorful mosaic patterns, and more.
Q. How much are tickets to Miracle Garden Dubai?
A. Entry tickets to Miracle Garden cost around 50 AED ($14 USD) for adults and 40 AED ($11 USD) for kids ages 3-12. Free entry for children under 3.
Q. Are there any tips for visiting Miracle Garden Dubai?
A. Useful tips include avoiding peak times and weekends, prepurchasing tickets online, dressing lightly and wearing hats/sunscreen, carrying water, and coordinating evening visits with the Dubai Frame’s illuminated garden.
Q. How long do the flowers bloom at Miracle Garden?
A. The cooled conservatories allow Miracle Garden’s flowers to bloom year-round. However, floral displays are changed seasonally to showcase different patterns, structures and themes depending on the time of year.
Q. When should you visit Dubai’s Miracle Garden?
A. The best times to visit are November-April when weather is ideal, but coolers allow enjoying Miracle Garden during hotter months too. Shows, festivals and special events also happen periodically.
Q. What should I not miss in Dubai?
A. Don’t miss seeing the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountains, a desert safari, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, and Bastakiya historic district.
Q. Which is the most visited place in Dubai?
A. The Dubai Mall is the most visited place with over 80 million visitors a year attracted to its 1200+ retail outlets and attractions like the Dubai Aquarium, VR Park and indoor theme park.
Q. What are 5 new attractions in Dubai?
A. Top new Dubai attractions include Ain Dubai, Museum of the Future, Deep Dive Dubai, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and the recently opened Coca Cola Arena hosting concerts & events.
Q. What must be seen in Dubai?
A. Iconic must-see attractions are the Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, Dubai Fountains shows, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Miracle Garden, luxury hotel icons like Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm.
Q. What is Dubai famous for?
A. Dubai is most famous for over-the-top luxury experiences, modern architectural marvels, shopping, world’s tallest skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa, extravagant attractions, and fusion of modern culture with traditional Arabian heritage.
Q. What are the special places to go in Dubai?
A. Special places in Dubai include historical sites like Dubai Creek, Bastakiya, & souks, Burj Al Arab hotel, Palm Jumeirah, Global Village multicultural theme park, and hot air balloon rides over epic sand dunes.
Q. What is the most special thing in Dubai?
A. The iconic Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest building at 2,722 ft high, especially when lit up at night is the most instantly recognizable and photographed landmark symbolizing the heights of Dubai’s achievements.
Q. What are the don’ts in Dubai?
A. Key Dubai don’ts are: no public displays of affection, no rude gestures, no drinking & drunkenness in public, no illegal drugs, no taking unauthorized photos, and dressing modestly when entering mosques or other religious sites. Respect local culture.
