by Contrasts are everywhere in Dubai. Everything from the glittering skyline, which is made up of skyscrapers so tall they defy imagination, to the cutting-edge collection of shops and restaurants, which offer every possible choice, to the opulent hotels, which are ready to welcome even the most discerning traveler in style and excess, is present in this city.
There are also the traditional abra boats that carry passengers across Dubai Creek, the souks with their maze of stalls stocked with bins overflowing with a rainbow of spices, and the desert with its rolling hills of sand etched with the footprints of Arabian oryx and gazelles. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Dubai.
Guide to Dubai's Best Tourist Attractions
1. IMG Worlds of Adventure
Indoor theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure may be found in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s the first central theme park in Dubai. There are five “epic zones” within the park. Two of the five zones feature popular international companies like Cartoon Network and Marvel, while the other three are original ideas from the IMG Group. A deal was signed between Novo Cinema and IMG Worlds of Adventure in May 2015, making Novo Cinema the fifth segment of IMG Worlds of Adventure.
Moreover 1.5 million square feet in size, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s second-largest indoor-themed entertainment attraction due to its climate control features. As it is fully air-conditioned, it is one of the best indoor activities to try in Dubai during the summer season. Here you will find roller coasters, thrill rides, and other attractions based on well-known Cartoon Network characters, Marvel Super Heroes, and animatronic dinosaurs at this location, which can accommodate more than 20,000 visitors daily. And it is also one of the best shopping spots in Dubai, with fantastic retail outlets in every zone.
Now after an entire day at this huge indoor theme park you would definitely want a place near the area. Well there are several luxury and budget hotels near IMG Worlds of Adventure where you can unwind and relax.
Location – E311, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, City of Arabia Dubai Land
Timing – Sunday to Thursday from noon to 10 pm, extended to 11 pm on the weekend
Prices – Starting from AED 345
2. The Burj Al-Arab
The Burj Al Arab may be the second most recognizable structure in Dubai, after the Burj Khalifa. And one of the city’s most beautiful hotels may be found within this distinctive sail-shaped edifice that floats in the center of the gulf. Access to the hotel’s private beach and the Arabian-themed Wild Wadi Waterpark is included in the price of each brightly decorated room, as are Hermès toiletries and butler service.
Location – Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3
Timing – Open daily from 9.30 am to 8.30 pm
Prices – Starting from AED 249
3. Dubai’s Armani Hotel
image credit: www.armanihotels.com
One of the most recognizable buildings in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is home to a five-star hotel – the Armani Hotel. The hotel occupies the first 8 floors and the 38th and 39th floors of the tallest structure in the world, providing guests with breathtaking views of the city and the Arabian Gulf below. After a day of extensive shopping at The Dubai Mall, guests can unwind in one of the hotel’s namesakes, Giorgio Armani-designed rooms.
Location – Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Timing – Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Prices – Room rates start from AED 2500
4. Platinum Heritage
This desert safari, which focuses on finding wildlife, is one of many ways to explore the stunning desert terrain outside of Dubai. Still, it is particularly respectful of the local ecosystem. Visit the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve searching for Arabian oryx and gazelles by booking a ride in a vintage Land Rover or a modern Range Rover. Layer your clothing, as the desert early in the day can be cool but warms up rapidly as the sun rises.
The Dubai desert Safari and an entire day at the IMG World of Adventures is the perfect 2 Days in Dubai Itinerary. If you are staying for a longer period, then you can try out these next activities too.
Location – Motor City, Dubai, Office 1303, Control Tower
Timing – From 7.30 am to 9.00 pm
Prices – From AED 499 to AED 699
- Platinum Heritage Conservation Desert Safari – AED 699 for adults, AED 399 for children (ages 3 to 11)
- Platinum Heritage Morning Desert Safari – AED 599 for adults, AED 349 for children (ages 3 to 11)
- Platinum Heritage Evening Desert Safari – AED 499 for adults, AED 299 for children (ages 3 to 11)
5. Burj Khalifa
The breathtaking scenic view from the top of the world’s highest tower is a treat. Experience Dubai from above at the 125th-floor observation deck or the 148th-floor outdoor terrace of the world’s tallest observation deck. After you’ve landed in Dubai, stay for the spectacular performance put on by The Dubai Fountain.
The Burj Khalifa is one of the few places to stay cool in Dubai.
Location – 1, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Timing – Open daily from 8 am to 12 pm
Prices – Starting from AED 169
6. The Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is the premier mall and one of the best shopping spots in Dubai. There are more than a thousand shops, cafes, and restaurants at the Dubai Mall. It has a skating rink, a multiplex theatre, an aquarium, a VR park, and more.
Location – Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai
Timing – Open daily from 10 am to 1 am, except Wednesday (closes at midnight)
Prices – No entry fee
7. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
One of the top attractions in Dubai is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Visitors
can take a boat trip, snorkel in a cage, feed the rays, and go shark diving. They can also admire the swarms of fish, rays, crocodiles, penguins, otters, piranhas, crabs, and water rats in the enormous tank at The Dubai Mall.
Location – Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Timing – Open on weekdays from 10 am to 11 pm, weekends from 10 am to midnight
Prices – From AED 199
8. Dubai Parks and Resorts
The best theme park destination is Dubai Parks and Resorts. Legoland, Legoland Water Park, Motiongate, Riverland, and Real Madrid World are the five parks open to visitors. Legoland Water Park is one of the most frequently visited places to stay cool in Dubai.
Location – Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite Palm Jebel Ali
Timing – Open daily from 10 am to 11 pm
Prices – One Park Pass starting from AED 295
9. Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame is a massive 150 meters tall picture frame. Take a tour through the Dubai Frame galleries to learn about the history of the city and the Emirati people. Once you reach the Sky Deck, you can take in breathtaking views of the past and present of the city from the observation platforms.
Location – Zabeel Park, Zabeel 1
Timing – Open daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Prices – from AED 20
10. Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis is an iconic hotel with world-class amenities. It is among the best places to visit in Dubai with family. There is everything from scuba diving, tennis, private beaches, helicopter tours, and feeding sessions with stingrays. Guests staying in Atlantis get complimentary access to the Aquaventure water park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Location – Crescent on Palm Jumeirah Island
Timing – Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Prices – Starting AED 1275
11. The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is one of the best attractions in Dubai. It is a choreographed fountain situated near the Burj Khalifa. The fountain provides a romantic backdrop for a date night. The lighting and music enhance the atmosphere.
Location – Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Timing – Open daily from 6 pm to 11 pm
Prices – Free
12. Museum of the Future
The Dubai Museum of The Future houses ancient artefacts. It highlights the developments in industries such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainability.
Location – Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre
Timing – Open daily from 10 am to 9.30 pm, daily
Prices – Starting from AED 149
13. Dubai Miracle Garden
One of the best places to visit in Dubai is the Dubai Miracle Garden. It features beautiful displays using more than 150 million flowers. The Airbus A380, the floating woman, the heart-shaped pathway, the castles, and other exhibits are notable attractions in the Dubai Miracle Garden.
Location – Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand Area
Timing – On Weekdays from 9 am to 9 pm, extended until 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday
Prices – Starting from AED 60
14. Le Perle
La Perle is a theatrical production that narrates the tale of a young girl. This amazing spectacle features dance acts, aerial stunts, and acrobatics performed by 65 elite performers from 20 countries.
Location – Al Habtoor City, 260 Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay
Timing – Open daily from 6.30 pm to 8 pm and 9 pm to 11.30 pm
Prices – Starting from AED 209
15. The View at The Palm
Stunning 360 degree views of the Arabian Gulf are available at The View at The Palm. In 45 seconds, the lift reaches the 52nd floor. At level 52, visitors can gorge on refreshments and snacks.
Location – Level 52, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah
Timing – On weekdays from 9 am to 10 pm, on weekends from 9 am to midnight
Prices – Starting from AED 100
16. Kite Beach
Kite Beach is a hotspot for thrilling activities in Dubai. Adventure seekers can go kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and more. At the beach, they can unwind after a long day or play beach volleyball.
Location – Umm Suqueim, just off Jumeirah Beach Road
Timing – Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Prices – Free
17. Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai offers some of the best indoor activities in Dubai. Visitors can build a snowman. They can enjoy sledging, snowboarding, zorbing, skiing, and tobogganing. They can explore the ice cave, take a chairlift ride, or have hot chocolate at Avalanche Cafe.
Location – Mall of Emirates
Timing – On weekdays from 10 am to 11 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 12 am
Prices – Starting from AED 230
18. Dubai Museum
The Al Fahidi Fort is home to the Dubai Museum. Limestone and coral blocks are used to build the fort’s walls. The ceiling is made of plaster, soil, and palm fronds. An interesting display of historical maps of Dubai and the Emirates is at the entrance. The exhibits in the display halls include weapons, clothing, utensils, and musical instruments.
Location – Al Fahidi Street, Al Fahidi
Timing – Open on weekdays from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm and on weekends from 2.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Prices – AED 3 for Adults and AED 1 for children under 6.
19. The Green Planet
The Green Planet is an indoor biodome in Dubai. It houses more than three thousand plants and animals. Visitors can explore the various levels of the rainforest. It is a wonderful place to learn about the habitat of birds, bats, monkeys, piranhas, and more.
Location – City Walk, Al Wasl
Timing – On Weekdays from 11 am to 6 pm and on weekends from 10 am to 6 pm
Prices – Starting from AED 155
20. Global Village
Global Village is a seasonal attraction. There are 27 pavilions representing more than 90 nations. With over 195 rides and 125 arcade games, the Carnaval is a popular area for adults and children.
Location – Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Timing – Open daily from 4 pm to 2 am
Prices – Starting from AED 25. Free entry for children under three and senior citizens above 65.
21. Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park is a wildlife reserve with over three thousand animals. Explore the themed areas, such as the Arabian, Asian, and African sections. Dubai Safari Park offers exciting things to do for kids, including animal encounters, a petting zoo, and educational programs.
Location – Al Warqa 5
Timing – Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Prices – Starting from AED 160
22. Skydive Dubai
A popular place to go skydiving in Dubai is Skydive Dubai. This adventure offers stunning views over the city from thousands of feet in the air. The Palm Dropzone and the Desert Dropzone are the two drop zones that participants can select from.
Location – Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina
Timing –
- At the Palm, Dubai – Daily from 10 am to sunset
- At Desert Campus – Tuesdays to Sundays from 8 am to 4 pm
Prices – Starting from AED 1899
23. Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah is a shopping and dining district. The area is designed to resemble traditional Gulf architecture. At the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, guests can purchase handcrafted goods and souvenirs. Get on an abra and ride down the canal to capture amazing photographs.
Location – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Sufouh 1
Timing – The shops are open between 10 am to 11 pm, and the restaurants are open from 8 am to 2 am
Prices – Free
24. Dubai Opera
One of the best places to visit in Dubai is the Dubai Miracle Garden. It features beautiful displays using more than 150 million flowers. The Airbus A380, the floating woman, the heart-shaped pathway, the castles, and other exhibits are notable attractions in the Dubai Miracle Garden.
Location – Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand Area
Timing – On Weekdays from 9 am to 9 pm, extended until 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday
Prices – Starting from AED 60
25. Comptoir 102
When you sit down on the shady patio of this organic cafe, you might be fooled into believing you’re in California or Tulum. Invigorate yourself with a chai latte prepared from homemade almond milk while you munch on avocado crostini, a halloumi salad, or gluten-free buckwheat pancakes. Visit the adjoining concept store to browse bohemian dresses, one-of-a-kind glasses, jewelry, and more after you finish your meal.
Location: It is located at 102 Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai.
Phone: +971 4 385 4555
26. Brasserie 2.0
Dubai is home to numerous five-star dining establishments, but nothing says “grand” like an extravagant brunch spread. And this one is perfect, with a juice and smoothie bar and more than ten live cooking stations (think seafood on the outside grill and paella) for customers to enjoy in the garden. Make a reservation for Friday’s brunch service.
Location: Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, located at Al Mamsha Street in Dubai Marina.
Phone: +97 143 165 550
Top Things to Consider Before Traveling to Dubai
While there are many advantages to visiting a contemporary city like Dubai, there are also some rules that visitors must obey.
- Dressing modestly is encouraged, and while you might see people in all sorts of outfits, it’s best to at least cover your shoulders and knees out of respect (think a t-shirt and a midi skirt or jeans for women).
- Visitors to mosques outside the city, for instance the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in neighboring Abu Dhabi, require even more modest attire..
- Public displays of affection and public intoxication, both prevalent in the United States, are frowned upon or even prohibited in Dubai (you can drink in certain places like licensed hotel bars, restaurants, and clubs).
- Even for women traveling alone, Dubai is a very safe city thanks to the city’s tourist police force.
- Nonetheless, as a large metropolitan area, tourists in Dubai should exercise common sense and take the usual precautions.
- The Mall of the Emirates provides free use of portable chargers if your phone dies while you are there.
Best Season to Visit Dubai
Even though temperatures in Dubai rarely drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, December is one of the coolest months to visit. Those who prefer to travel light will be pleased to learn that the desert’s early mornings and evenings are noticeably more relaxed and that air conditioning is widely available in Dubai.
The Dubai Shopping Festival, held annually in January, is another reason to visit the city during the winter. The festival features fantastic sales, live performances, and free giveaways.
Top Ways to Get Around Dubai: Transportation Options
The Dubai Metro is considerably hip than your typical subway system, with its automated and stylish cars (the Red Line is the longest driverless metro line at more than 32 miles), free WiFi, and gender-specific carriages for women and children.
The Dubai Metro is the best mode of transport to both see the city and travel around quickly and easily; there are roughly 30 stops, and much of the track runs beneath the city’s famous skyscrapers, such as the Burj Khalifa.
Visitors can buy one-way, round-trip, or day passes or use the cashless smart card Nol.
More than 1,500 buses serve 87% of Dubai’s metropolitan regions, with 35 routes linking to the city’s metro.
A vast taxi system transports visitors across Dubai. Getting a taxi is a breeze at busy shopping centers and the seaside. Those who want to travel with a female driver can use the city’s “Ladies and Families” taxi service.
Transportation apps like Uber and Careem make it easy to reserve a taxi in any part of town.
The Gold Souk, Textile Souk, and Spice Souk of Dubai are located in the Deira district, which may be reached from the Bur Dubai district by taking the Abra, a traditional wooden boat. Tourists can take a trip for just AED 1 (INR 20), or they can lease the boat privately for AED 120 (INR 2,427) per hour.
Conclusion
Plan your visit to Dubai in January. Visitors can grab incredible deals and discounts at the Dubai Shopping Festival.
FAQs
1) How accessible are the main attractions in Dubai for those with disabilities?
The main attractions in Dubai provide facilities for visitors with disabilities. Ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs are available at the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Metro stations.
2) What are the best attractions for adventure seekers in Dubai?
Adventure seekers can go zip lining at Dubai Marina, dune bashing in the desert, and
skydiving at Palm Jumeirah.
3) Are there any free attractions in Dubai?
Dubai has a number of free attractions. These include the Dubai Fountain show, the Al Seef heritage district, and many public spots that provide breathtaking views of Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab.
4) Which Dubai attractions are ideal for families?
Families with kids can enjoy Attractions like Dubai Dolphinarium, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Desert Safari, LEGOLAND Dubai, and Dubai Safari Park.
5) How to avoid long queues at the popular attractions in Dubai?
Think about buying tickets online to avoid standing in the queue. Purchase your tickets well in advance. Go to popular destinations later in the evening or early in the morning.
