Dubai is always regarded as the rich’s land, be it the people or the places. This magnificent city not only has a list of filthy rich people, but some world-famous sites which are nothing less than iconic. The image of Dubai invokes a royal feeling, blended with lavish nightlife, and some must-see attractions that are going to stay with you forever. 

So, if you are planning to take a trip to Dubai or are just curious, I have made a quick list of fifteen such attractions that add glory to this chic yet glorious city. Read along to find out what attractions make this city a top option on every tourist’s list and in the wonders of everyone in the world. 

Best Places To Visit In Dubai

We commoners tend to relate Dubai mostly with oil and its reserves, but you will be surprised to know that Dubai was the third most visited city in the world in 2023. What keeps the ball rolling for this dream city is also majorly its tourism and the spending of foreign tourists. 

With an upliftment in the global business front, it started seeing more business travelers as well as international leisure travelers. So, the more it developed, the more it started seeing the influx of people. Currently, it serves as a top travel choice for any tourist who is looking for a luxurious holiday with some breathtaking attractions. 

Let us see those attractions one by one and understand how this UAE wonder has been captivating people ever since. 

1. Burj Khalifa

Topping the list of everyone’s travel destinations and tallest buildings in the world, Burj Khalifa needs no introduction. Attracting the fantasies of travelers all over, this masterpiece also has made many cinematic appearances. 

Having the credit of being the tallest building in the world, it is 2,716.5 feet tall and has more than 160 stories. It holds various records to its name, like the tallest freestanding building in the world, the highest number of stories in the world, the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world, the tallest service elevator in the world, and many others. 

Tips For Visiting: 

• Since it is the tallest building in the world, you can only imagine how magnificent the view is. So, the ideal time time to visit the Burj Khalifa is mainly during sunrise or sunset. The golden hour, along with the cityscape, is not something you should miss. 
• The peak season is November to March, and if you wish to get the ideal view, you have to plan your itinerary accordingly. It’s better to plan ahead, as it can get pretty crowded during this time.
• However, if you are looking at a cinematic experience, visiting the hotel at night (around 9 pm) is also a great idea. The nighttime panorama from the tallest building in the world or the experience of the view of a miniature Dubai is surely going to enthrall you like no other. 

Tickets/Price: 

• It is advisable to book the tickets in advance to avoid any confusion. The rates of the tickets are as follows.

2. Dubai Mall

You must be a bit surprised as to why I’m asking you to visit a mall out of all the places in the country. Adding a visit to the mall might seem like a wasted day, but not in the case of this one. The Dubai Mall is the second-largest mall in the world by total land area, and it goes beyond just being a shopping experience. 

It dropped “The” from its name in the year 2023, and it was also the same year it witnessed a footfall of 105 million visitors, a 19 percent increase from the last year. But what attracts the crowd is not a collection of elite retailers, but it’s more of a lifestyle destination. Attractions like the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo which is a 270-degree walk-through tunnel the Dubai Ice Rink is the main reason for its popularity. 

But the spectacle doesn’t end here. It has a FIFA-certified field inside the mall which is going to blow your mind away! 

Tips For Visiting: 

• Even though it is a mall, you don’t have to be a shopping enthusiast to love this one. It is more of an amusement park that offers a state-of-the-art experience. So, it is advisable that you arrive a bit early and get the best of your itinerary. 
• The upscale fashion brands, along with an array of restaurants and eateries with a view of the Burj Khalifa, will ensure that you keep visiting this place every day during your stay in Dubai.

Tickets/Price: 

Entry to the mall is free, but the particular attractions have set prices. 

3. Palm Jumeirah

A less talked about spectacle in Dubai is the Palm Jumeirah, which is a series of artificial archipelagos that offer a great view. Modeled on the structure of a palm tree, these series of islands are a beauty spot on the city’s coastline. 

The construction of the island began in the year 2001 and the first residential area handover was done in 2006. The structure of the construction is divided into three parts:  “trunk”, “fronds”, and  the “outer crescent”. A perfect example of landfill architecture, it is the home to some top luxury hotels in Dubai like Atlantis, The Palm, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel, and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, among others. 

It is an impressive feat in itself to establish a human settlement on the sea, but it’s only in Dubai where you can see luxury oozing out of such boldness. An engineering marvel, this also offers a great view of the sea and the white sand to make it your fairytale gateway. 

Tips For Visiting: 

• The summer in Dubai can be painful, and it can intensify way more when it comes to the coastal land. So, make sure you plan your itinerary accordingly. 
• You can visit the place even without a booking, but you won’t be able to explore it freely if you lack a booking. 

Tickets/Price: 

The cost of the stay in the Hotel of Palm Jumeirah will depend on your booking. However, for a quick tour, you can book various packages. With just 100 AED you can have a quick trip of this beauty and make your trip a memorable one. 

4. The Dubai Fountain

This is a surprising name for anyone who associates Dubai just with its deserts. If you are someone who loves light shows, you are in for a ride. Located in the artificial Burj Khalifa Lake, the Dubai Fountain is a choreographed fountain system. This spectacle has 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors. 

The fountain is no ordinary one. It is 275 m (902 ft) long and shoots water up to 500 ft (152.4 m) into the air. Moreover, it flows to the tune of contemporary Arabic and world music. But it is no ordinary fountain that you see; it is a powerhouse and can spray 22,000 gallons (83,000 liters) of water into the air. 

Tips For Visiting: 

• The light show is best enjoyed after sunset. So, make sure you include the visit to the fountain after 6 pm. However, the fountain is also operational in the daytime. 
• For the evening show, there is a slot after every thirty minutes. Ensure that you reach the venue ten minutes early to get a good viewing spot. 

Tickets/Price: 

It is one of those few things in Dubai that you can enjoy for free. The fountain show is free of cost, regardless of its time slot.

5. Dubai Marina

Do you remember seeing picturesque skyscrapers every time there was a visual representation of Dubai on any platform? Well, those skyscrapers are your Dubai Marina. 

The magnificence of the skyscrapers is not limited to their height, but also their build. It is built on a 3-kilometer (2 mi) stretch of the Persian Gulf shoreline, which makes it another architectural marvel from Dubai. 

This man-made canal city will help you experience the best of both worlds: a taste of the Dubai Urban elite life with a nice view. The Marina Walk at the Dubai Marina will make you feel like you are a film protagonist going through a dramatic plot breakthrough. 

It’s a scenic location ideal for walking along if you can comprehend the beauty of what you are witnessing. This vibrant, upscale destination is where you should go to relax or seek some fun the Dubai way. 

Tips For Visiting: 

• You can go on a cruise in the Dubai Marina and take the excitement of the trip a notch above. 
• There are more than 70 restaurants you can indulge in. 
• Most importantly, you must make sure you are dressed appropriately. However, no such restrictions are required at the beach. 

Tickets/Price: 

Entry to the Dubai Marina is free, but your expenses will depend on the activities you opt for later. 

6. Jumeirah Beach And Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel in Dubai owned by the Jumeirah hotel chain on Jumeirah Beach. Being one of the tallest hotels in the world, it houses its guests in utmost luxury, backed by commendable archaeological feet.

This hotel was on an island constructed 280 m (920 ft) offshore by securing its foundation and drilling into the sand. Designed to look like a sail, it even has a helipad on the 28th floor. This one is straight out of a Pinterest mood board, where you can bask in the sun with your pillow, overlooking the sea. The Burj Al Arab, more than being lavish, is pristine and a prime example of luxury and the elite class.  

This magnificent architecture is on the coastline of Jumeirah Beach, which is an ideal place to enjoy Dubai’s skyline and mostly is known for the Burj Al Arab’s claim over it. 

 Tips For Visiting: 

• Make sure you are dressed appropriately and have prior reservations.
• There are no such restrictions that you need to follow to go to the Jumeirah beach. However, it’s a public beach, and you will find families in flocks. 

Tickets/Price: 

• The Jumeriah beach is free for the public. 
• Burj Al Arab’s superior room costs AED 561 and the deluxe room costs AED 3,955.

7. Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi Historical District

The Dubai Creek is a 9-mile inwards natural port that is mainly used for trading purposes. This 200 to 1,200-meter creek is an important site of commercial activity and is currently a tourist attraction. 

If you wish to witness the culture of Dubai, a visit to the creek is not a bad idea. You can check out the traditional boat rides or the Abra Rides, which are scenic ways to cross between Deira and Bur Dubai.

The Al Fahidi Historical District was established by the affluent Persian merchants and was initially capable of housing 60 residential units. It was set for a demolition, which was later canceled, and currently is a prime witness of how the city of Dubai has evolved during the past few decades.  

It is a perfect gateway if you wish to get away from the bling and the elite and witness the nuances of Dubai life. Apart from a nice walk and a fresh perspective on the Dubai culture, you will also be able to take souvenirs from here to commemorate your trip. 

 Tips For Visiting: 

• The ideal way to explore the Al Fahidi Historical District is via foot and capture the glory of the place. 
• You can take a boat ride to see Souk.
• It gets very hot during summer, so make sure you keep this in mind before adding Al Fahidi to your list. 

Tickets/ Price: 

• Dubai Creek Park charges AED 5 per adult. 

• The entrance to Al Fahidi Historical District is free, and the charges will depend on the activities you splurge on. 

8. Desert Safari

The Dubai desert safari is so popular that people tend to relate the trip to Dubai as synonymous with the safari itself. It is, in every sense, a true heroic experience because apart from the scenic view, you will be able to get your adrenaline pumping in no time. 

It mostly includes rides through the desert, whether at night or day and ensures an enthralling experience regardless. You can either choose to so spend your time star gazing or opt for a quick morning ride as per your schedule. The evening safari also includes an entertainment lineup. 

Imagine being surrounded by a sea of sand all around and all you see are stars twinkling and some good food, I think there is nothing more perfect to call it a day in Dubai. However, if you are someone who prefers to just unwind on the trip or is traveling with elder family members, you can just opt for the dinner and enjoy the view in its truest sense. 

 Tips For Visiting: 

• You have to book in advance and decide your package for the safari ride to ensure you do not face any issues.
• However, apart from the logistical issues, staying hydrated is the real challenge with this one. 
• Don’t forget to try Dune bashing and Sandboarding. 

Tickets/Price: 

The pricing of your desert safari will depend on your package and the agent you pick to book it. 

9. The Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is exactly what you think it is, but goes beyond just being a frame and is also an observatory. It is created out of glass, steel, and aluminum, and uses the ‘golden rectangle’ with side ratios of 1:1.618. 

The masterstroke of the Dubai Frame lies in its positioning. You won’t be able to believe the way the Dubai Frame is designed: you can see both the new and the old city of Dubai from each side. It is like a constant reminder or a link between the city’s past and the future. 

But the glory of The Dubai frame doesn’t end here, it was selected as the winner of the 2009 ThyssenKrupp Elevator International Award (an international architecture competition).

 Tips For Visiting: 

• It is connected to the major attractions in the city, and you can enjoy a scenic sunset along with the city’s skyline here too. 
• The elevator might have a wait time depending on the crowd, so make sure you reach there early if you wish to click pictures in the golden hour. 

Tickets/Price: 

The pricing of the ticket is as follows: 

• Adults – AED 50 
• Children (3-12 years) – AED 20 
• Infant (under 3 years) – Free

10. Ski Dubai

If you think Dubai only has to offer you the desert experience, you are in for a treat. The Ski Dubai, an indoor ski area, maintains a temperature of −1 to 2°C (30 to 36°F) throughout the year. One of the major attractions of the Mall of Emirates, it is now one of the most loved tourist destinations. 

Winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Themed Entertainment Association, Ski Dubai ensures that you witness the best of winter in a summer land. But, if you are wondering what is so special about this snow park than the ones back home, the answer is that our ski parks don’t have penguins! 

It promises a full winter wonderland experience with the snow sports and the penguins. You’re going to remember this one for quite a while!

 Tips For Visiting: 

• The place tends to get overcrowded during the weekends. 
• Make sure you carry protective clothing in case the ones provided by them don’t serve the purpose. 
• Ski Dubai is a bit on the expensive side as compared to the experience it provides. 

Tickets/Price: 

• There are multiple packages available for you to experience the Ski Dubai experience. However, the premium package is 450 AED.

11. Global Village 

Imagine an arena for sports and replace it with entertainment, that’s what Global Village is all about. The village has four dedicated sections, namely for events and concerts, carnivals, food, and shopping. 

The cultural influx of the global village is huge and there is a lineup of 500 retail and commercial outlets. You can find as many as 93 cultures and 27 international pavilions with more than 200 food outlets, 170+ Carnival rides, and arcade games for family and friends.

 Tips For Visiting: 

• For the 2024 season, it will open on October 16, 2024, and will run till May 11, 2025.
• There is a display of fireworks on Thursdays and Fridays at 9 pm.
• Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends. 

Tickets/Price: 

• The ticket price ranges from 22 AED to 27 AED. 

12. Dubai Opera

Apart from architectural wonders, Dubai also offers comfort to your cultural taste buds. It is a 2,000-seat, multi-format, performing arts center in the Opera District in Downtown Dubai. 

Dubai Opera has a flat floor capacity of 1,800 sq m (19,000 sq ft) and can be hired for weddings, gala dinners, fashion shows, and exhibitions. The opera is designed to resemble a dhow, a traditional sailing vessel.

Tips For Visiting: 

• It would add a layer to your experience if you visit the opera during sunset, as it highlights the dhow structure. 
• Seats in the middle offer the best sound quality. 
• You must carry your tickets for this one. 
• Try to adhere to the said dress code to maintain the cultural sanctity. 

Tickets/Price: 

• The pricing will depend on your seating and the show of your choice. However, it usually ranges from AED 430-530.

13. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis

If your adrenaline craves a bit more fun after the desert safari, Aquaventure Waterpark can be your next destination. The park encompasses an area of 42 acres and has the world’s largest kid’s zone. It is also the world’s largest waterpark with a home to 105 slides, and some of them have a deep plunge of 27.5 meters high. 

The major attraction of this place is the “Aquaconda”, which is a 9-story tall slide, that places up to 6 people at once. But what takes the cake is its setting. You will find yourself stepping into a tropical paradise with lush vegetation, white sandy beaches, and stunning turquoise waters.

However, the park is not limited to just adventure sports and even lets you interact with numerous aquatic exhibits, including Shark Lagoon, Ray Bay, and many others. The Dig, or the aquarium, is one of the sections in the park that has over 50,000 marine animals and is set with the tone of the lost city of Atlantis.

The park is situated in the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, which offers luxury accommodations and deserves a visit in itself.

 Tips For Visiting: 

• It is advisable to buy tickets online to avoid the rush. 

• An ideal visit to the park is mostly on a weekday since the park is busy otherwise. 

Tickets/ Price: 

• There are provisions for a super pass that comes with added advantages. The basic pass is AED 345 for adults and AED 295 for children up to 7 years old. 

Conclusion

I am guessing by this time you already know the names of the places you wish to visit in Dubai and have your itinerary planned in your head. The thing is, for a country like Dubai, there is no mediocre or less attractive tourist spot. If you are on a time crunch, it is evident that you will miss out on one or the other. 

So, instead of fearing that you miss out on something major, it’s calming to focus on the places you have decided to visit and work logistically in favor of your itinerary. However, make sure that you go ahead with all the bookings as instructed to avoid further hassle.  

But apart from these basic checkpoints, enjoy your visit to this grand city and consider it to be a privilege that you can witness something as glorious as Dubai. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. Which places should I not miss in Dubai?

Any place in Dubai is worth a spot in your itinerary, but some deserve a special mention. This includes the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, Dubai Miracle Garden, and many others. 

2. How can I visit the Burj Khalifa?

Visiting the tallest building in the world is easy. All you have to do is get the tickets in advance to ensure you are well-prepared. To reach the Khalifa, you can take the bus, taxi, or train. If you go to the Dubai Mall’s first floor, you can go for the Burj Khalifa lift.

3. What can I do at the Dubai Mall besides shopping?

The Dubai Mall is not only a shopping destination but is more of an amusement park experience. The place has multiple attractions that ensure you visit more than twice. This includes the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, along with the Dubai Ice Rink.

4. Why is Palm Jumeirah considered a famous attraction?

This landfill architecture has a lot to offer rather than just being an architectural marvel. You will be able to get a hint of Dubai life with its luxury resorts, and beautiful beaches along with a unique shape which is a photographic marvel.

5. What is the best time to see the Dubai Fountain show?

The frequency of the show is every thirty minutes, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on it due to lack of slots. The best time to enjoy the fountain show is most definitely during the evening time, starting from 6 PM, so that you can capture the lights in the most impactful way. 

6. Where can I enjoy scenic waterfront views in Dubai?

Various properties in Dubai have a scenic waterfront, which adds an extra star to its glory. Some of them are Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, among many others. 

7. What are the best beaches to visit in Dubai?

Dubai’s waterfall is its jewel and if you are planning to visit the city to witness its magnificent beaches, you must go to Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, and Al Mamzar Beach Park.

8. What cultural experiences can I have at Dubai Creek?

The Dubai Creek is a witness to Dubai’s rich legacy and weaves the tale of its deep-rooted culture. To understand the city from a cultural perspective, you can go for the Abra ride, visit the Al Shindagha Museum, or take a glimpse of Dubai’s old way of life at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. 

9. Is the desert safari in Dubai worth it?

The desert safari in Dubai is going to be the highlight of your trip and you shouldn’t miss it at any cost.