Dubai is a city that caters to all interests, so researching the places to visit in Dubai beforehand will ensure you have a fantastic trip.
With so many places to visit in Dubai, it can be overwhelming to decide what to see first! To help you have an amazing vacation, we’ve curated a list of must-visit attractions. Let’s get straight to it!
Quick Jumplinks
The 10 Best Places To Visit In Dubai
Dubai Mall
| 📍 Location | Downtown Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s the ultimate family entertainment center |
First on our list of places to visit in Dubai is Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall with over 1,200 fantastic stores. It’s located next to the world’s tallest building, the stunning Burj Khalifa. Shop at high-end stores including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Louboutin.
Dubai Mall is also home to a range of must-visit restaurants — most of them are included in our list of the best restaurants in Dubai!
You can also explore the fascinating aquatic world at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. See more than 400 sharks and rays, come face-to-face with a croc, and get an exclusive tour of the otters’ home.
Best Hotels Near Dubai Mall
Burj Al Arab
| 📍 Location | Umm Suqeim 3. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Buses 8, 81, and 88 will get you there |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s the world’s most luxurious hotel |
Second on our list of places to visit in Dubai and one of the most iconic landmarks is Burj Al Arab, a breathtaking 5-star hotel located on an artificial island, connected to the mainland by a bridge.
You can explore Burj Al Arab’s luxurious interiors and discover never-before-seen design elements, enjoy a range of photo opportunities, enter the Royal Suite and relive history, and relish good food in one of the restaurants on-site.
To take a piece of this memorable experience home with you, visit the Burj Al Arab Boutique for a variety of souvenirs, products, and merchandise.
Discover Burj Al Arab
Dubai Miracle Garden
| 📍 Location | Street 3 – Al Barsha South. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Red Line to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s the world’s largest natural flower garden |
With more than 50 million flowers and 250 million plants, Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden. If you’re in search of unique places to visit in Dubai, then this is it. Some of the highlights of this beautiful garden include Floating Lady (the newest attraction), Sunflower Field, Lake Park, Heart Tunnel, Floral Castle, Teddy Bear, and Emirates A380.
Please note that Dubai Miracle Garden remains closed during the summer season. Book the tickets in advance to avoid the hassle of waiting in line.
Burj Khalifa
| 📍 Location | Downtown Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s the world’s tallest building and the views are spectacular |
Burj Khalifa is a famous skyscraper and the world’s tallest building (828 metres/2,716.5 ft) situated in Downtown Dubai. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Dubai. It also has an elevator with the longest travel distance in the world, the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, and the highest restaurant in the world called At.mosphere.
The base of the skyscraper is surrounded by a range of shopping and dining opportunities including Dubai Mall, a range of tourist attractions, and Dubai Fountain — the world’s tallest performing fountain.
Things To Do At Burj Khalifa
Dubai Parks And Resorts
| 📍 Location | Sheikh Zayed Rd. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Red Line to Ibn Battuta Metro Station, then take the RTA Shuttle Bus to Dubai Parks and Resorts |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s chock full of action-packed rides and endless family entertainment |
Renowned for being the Middle East’s largest integrated theme park destination, Dubai Parks And Resorts offers 100+ thrilling rides, fun live shows, and is home to MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai, and LEGOLAND® Water Park. If you’re vacationing with your family, then this is one of the more ideal places to visit in Dubai, perfect for a family day out!
Hotels Near Dubai Parks And Resorts
Dubai Dolphinarium
| 📍 Location | Inside Creek Park Gate 1 – Umm Hurair 2. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Red Line to Burjuman Metro Station |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s where you can get up close and swim with dolphins |
Dubai Dolphinarium is the first fully air-conditioned indoor dolphinarium in the Middle East, popular for its Dolphin & Seal Show and Creek Park Bird Show, the only exotic bird show in this region. There’s also the UAE’s only mirror maze, a 5D cinema, a trampoline park, and virtual reality games.
Dubai Frame
| 📍 Location | Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Al Kifaf. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Red Line to Burjuman Metro Station |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s an iconic structure that frames both Old and New Dubai |
Dubai Frame at Zabeel Park is a spectacular sculpture that offers panoramic views of Old and New Dubai. Walk on the transparent glass bridge, the “Sky Walk”, that connects the two towers and get a unique perspective of the city’s landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness one of the most iconic places to visit in Dubai.
Picture-Perfect Hotels Near Dubai Frame
Dubai Gold Souk
| 📍 Location | Deira – Al Ras. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Green Line to Al Ras Metro station |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s the best place for competitive gold prices |
One of the oldest traditional markets in the Emirates, Dubai Gold Souk is the gold standard when considering places to visit in Dubai. It consists of 380+ retailers, allowing you to hunt for gold, silver, diamond-encrusted ornaments, strings of pearls, and many other shiny and precious souveniers.
Aside from middle eastern influences on the jewelry, you’ll find designs inspired by several international countries as well. The Gold Souk represents the unique wealth that the Middle East is prominent for and presents a window through which you can get a glimpse of the way the Emiratis lived in the past.
Sensational Hotels Near Gold Souk
Palm Jumeirah
| 📍 Location | The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Red Line to Al Khail Metro Station |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s the most famous man-made island on the planet |
Palm Jumeirah is a series of artificial archipelagos shaped like a palm tree. It’s home to a range of fine-dining restaurants and luxurious resorts. Cruise around the island in a speedboat or yacht, join a guided kayak tour, ride the Palm Monorail, or admire the boats from the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk.
Palm Jumeirah is by no means an ordinary island. It is a marvel of modern engineering and a testament to Dubai’s ambitious spirit. The city’s constantly evolving landscape means there are always new places to visit in Dubai, so be sure to check for the latest additions before your trip.
The Best Hotels In Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Garden Glow
| 📍 Location | Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B. Get Directions |
| 🚉 Getting There | Take the Red Line to Max Metro Station 2 |
| 🧐 Why You Should Visit | It’s a visual feast and the largest glow park on Earth |
The family-oriented themed garden is definitely one of the cool places to visit in Dubai. It consists of Glow Park, Dinosaur Park, Ice Park, Magic Park, and Art Park. See more than 120 animatronic dinosaurs, beautiful ice sculptures, fascinating optical illusions, and thousands of recyclable items in the eco-friendly park. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a must, but don’t forget to factor in how much time you have when deciding on the places to visit in Dubai.
Things To Do In Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good places to visit in Dubai?
Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Frame, Burj Al Arab, and the Gold Souk are some of the best places to visit in Dubai.
Where can I go shopping in Dubai?
- Dubai Mall: The world’s largest shopping mall, home to a variety of luxury brands, department stores, and entertainment options.
- Mall of the Emirates: Another popular shopping mall in Dubai, featuring an indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai.
Are there any good beaches in Dubai?
Yes, there are plenty of stunning beaches in Dubai. Jumeirah Beach with its fine sand and clear waters and Kite Beach with its wide range of water sport activities are certainly worth a visit.
What are some fun places to visit in Dubai with kids?
- Wild Wadi Water Park: A water park with a variety of slides, pools, and rides for all ages.
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Home to a diverse collection of marine life, including sharks, rays, and fish.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure: A theme park featuring rides and attractions based on popular cartoon and comic book characters.
What are some cultural places to visit in Dubai?
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: A traditional Emirati neighborhood with restored wind towers, courtyards, and museums.
- Dubai Museum: Located in Al Fahidi Fort, the museum tells the story of Dubai’s history and culture.
- Jumeirah Mosque: A beautiful example of Islamic architecture, open to visitors of all faiths.
What are some good options for desert adventures in Dubai?
- Desert Safari: A thrilling adventure that includes dune bashing, camel riding, and a traditional barbecue dinner in a desert camp.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Soar over the desert dunes and enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian landscape.
