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The 25 best things to do in Dubai

With year-round hot weather and so many things to do in Dubai, the ‘city of gold’ makes for an exotic escape no matter when you choose to go.

Dubai is a showcase of startling modern Arabic architecture offering world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. It’s a city of supersized stuff. Buildings are taller and shinier, experiences are bigger and bolder, and adventures are wilder and scarier.

Almost everything has some kind of “world’s first… biggest… tallest… most expensive…” label attached to it, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Dubai isn’t shy about showing its wealth but there’s a lot of substance beneath that shiny surface if you know where to look.

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What are the best things to do in Dubai?

Dubai offers a huge range of things to do and see.  From fun free attractions to the ultimate in luxury experiences, it’s a city that caters to any budget.

While it appears modern and glamorous on its surface, it’s also a place with deep religious foundations that need to be respected by everyone who visits. Where to begin then?

In this guide we’ve laid out the KAYAK team’s favorite places to see and things to do . Need help planning your entire trip? From how to get there to where to stay, take a look at our in-depth Dubai Travel Guide .

• Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Harbour
• Chillout Lounge
• Dubai Miracle Gardens
• Illuminations
• Al Fahidi Historic District
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
• Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm
• Alserkal Avenue
• Jumeirah Mosque
• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Sandboarding
• Talise Ottoman Spa
• Desert hot-air balloon
• Museum of the Future
• Dubai Fountain
• Camel racing and riding
• Deep Dive Dubai
• XLine Dubai
• Aura Skypool
• Bedouin dune dinner
• Sky Views Dubai
• Afternoon tea on the QE2
• Atlantis The Royal

1. Climb above the clouds in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building

Topping out at 828 meters, Burj Khalifa is the ultimate example of a skyscraper and the most famed Dubai attraction. An architectural wonder, it’s spectacular to look at from ground level and mind-boggling to stare from at its top. As long as you don’t mind heights, that is.

The Sky Experience takes you up to the world’s highest observation deck with an outside terrace on the 148th floor. If the weather is cooperating, the views over the city and desert beyond can only be described as mind-boggling. Clever interactive experiences help bring them to life, only adding to the experience.

Tickets are available up to 90 days in advance and you’ll need to reserve in advance as they do sell out.

2. Walk on water at Dubai Harbour

Dubai Harbour is spectacular in its own right, but throw in some adrenaline sports and it’s undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Dubai. Head over to Nemo Watersports on Jumeirah Street at the harbor’s edge and book yourself a flyboard session.

You’ll spend half an hour learning to fly up to ten meters above the water, attached to a board powered by a water jet. It sounds crazy, and it is. Especially with the awesome spectacles of the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa looming high above you.

3. Take a break from the heat at the Chillout Lounge

Make no mistake, this city gets hot. From May to September the average temperature in Dubai is around 100°F, and it can get as hot as 108°F. If you’re not used to this kind of heat, it can take its toll, which is why there are many places tailored to help you escape the heat.

Chillout Lounge is the first ice lounge in the Middle East. Located at the Times Square Centre Dubai, it’s a wintry wonderland sculpted entirely of ice with temperatures fixed at a balmy 21°F. Wrap up in a blanket, order a signature hot chocolate, and chill out, literally. Open 10:00 to 22:00 Friday to Tuesday, it’s a great place to take the kids – book online first.

4. Get back to nature in the Dubai Miracle Gardens

Not just a city of skyscrapers and sand dunes, you’ll find a wonderland of flowers at Dubai Miracle Gardens . Here you will find more than 150 million flowers landscaped in weird and wonderful ways. A vast sculpture park of nature, it also smells as good as it looks.

It’s closed in the summer months when the temperatures peak so check online to make sure it’s open before you go.

5. Find inner peace at Illuminations

Holistic healing, personal growth, mental wellbeing – wellness tourism is getting more and more popular. Combining wellness with travel is a great way to experience new approaches and can make a refreshing change from the more full-on Dubai attractions.

Illuminations is the largest wellness platform in Dubai. It runs a huge calendar of classes, activities, events, and retreats across many different holistic healing approaches. It also holds regular free seminars and activities if you’re just curious to find out what it’s all about. Dive in and find yourself.

6. Step into the past on a tour of Al Fahidi Historic District

Dubai isn’t just a city of glass towers and modernity. Its foundations stretch back far before the Emirates were formed in 1971 and have many stories to tell. To find out more about its origins, take an atmospheric heritage tour of the Al Fahidi Historic District and Al Farooq mosque.

This excellent tour is a classic Dubai excursion through its old alleys and pathways of stone, teak and gypsum. Tours take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 09:00 and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30. Alternatively, wander unguided and revel in getting lost in its history.

7. Swim with sharks at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

You don’t have to swim with sharks of course, but at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo it’s an option! If you’re feeling brave, jump into the 10-million-liter tank and dive with the resident sand tiger sharks, reef sharks, leopard sharks, tawny nurse sharks, giant groupers and stingrays.

If you’re less excited about getting up close to so many teeth, the amazing 50-meter-long underwater tunnel is an impressive alternative.

Spy some of the 140 different aquatic species without getting a single hair wet or try some of the other experiences like snorkeling. As with all things diving, regulations and qualifications are required so check and book well in advance.

8. Dine with fish (and on them) at Michelin-starred Ossiano

Fine fish dining and fine fish views are the order of the day at Ossiano in Atlantis The Palm. This one-Michelin-star restaurant is set amid Atlantis The Palm’s vast aquarium teeming with colorful aquatic life. Those are not for eating, though.

Instead, push the boat out and try chef Grégoire’s Berger’s 10-wave tasting menu. A culinary foray into the ocean, it promises sustainably sourced ingredients and sustained taste sensations. Ossiano is unsurprisingly popular so you’ll need to book a week or two in advance unless you can be flexible with your dining times.

9. Get artsy at Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue is home to a community of contemporary art galleries, visual and performing arts organizations, designers, businesses and community spaces. Wandering through them gives great insight into the art of the region, both established and up-and-coming.

Among them, the excellent Ayyam Gallery focuses on lesser-known aspects of global art history while Green Art Gallery explores more contemporary regional art. There are plenty of great pit stops dotted around too, such as coffee specialists Nightjar and Japanese street food specialist, Susuru.

KAYAK Top Tip: If you’re an art lover, head to 18B Street to see the city’s best street art. Massive murals daubed across traditional buildings make it a photography hotspot.

10. Photograph Jumeirah Mosque at dusk

Casting a startling outline against always-blue skies, the imposing Jumeirah Mosque is the only Mosque in Dubai that’s open to non-Muslim visitors . Tourists are encouraged to come and explore the mosque and learn about Islam and Emirati culture under its “Open Doors. Open Minds” program.

Hewn from white stone and built in the Fatimid style, Jumeirah Mosque is one of Dubai’s most impressive attractions. With its protruding portals, keel-shaped arches, and highly detailed stucco decorations it’s particularly beautiful (and photogenic) as the sun sinks, skies glow and shadows lengthen.

Excellent guided tours start at 10:00 and 14:00 daily except on Fridays, which is reserved for prayer. No need to book in advance but visitors must dress appropriately – cover your knees and shoulders and women will need a head covering . Make sure to hang around after to sample the complimentary and very tasty Fuala Emirati snacks.

11. Bring home the bling at the Gold Souk

There are many things to do in Dubai that are so bling, it’s hard not to notice the city’s obsession with gold. Nowhere is that truer than the vast Gold Souk at Deira, a recently-expanded bazaar of hundreds of stalls that together make up the biggest gold market in the world.

Whether you’re there for photos or to find something special, the Gold Souk is one of most eye-catching Dubai excursions. Hop aboard a traditional abra wooden water taxi at Bur Dubai to arrive in style and bring your best bargaining skills to bag a deal.

Traders expect to barter and as the souk is regulated by the UAE government, you know that what you’re haggling for is authentic.

KAYAK top tip: Search out the display housing the Najmat Taiba (Star of Taiba). A 64kg, 21-carat gold ring, it is the world’s largest and the very definition of bling.

12. Take a tour of the first UAE National Park

Dubai may be set in the Arabian Desert, but that doesn’t mean it’s short of wildlife and natural wonders. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) was set up to preserve and showcase the region’s diverse and surprisingly abundant indigenous flora and fauna.

DDCR day tours are a great way to get familiar with Dubai beyond its skyscrapers, as they put the environment and sustainability at the heart of their agenda. On a tour of the reserves four ‘zones’ keep an eye out for Arabian gazelles and oryxes, red foxes and caracals. Book tours with an operator through the DDCR website to make sure they’re official and contributing to rather than damaging this extraordinary environment.

13. Sandboard down towering desert dunes

The Arabian Desert is one of the world’s great adventure playgrounds and plays host to some epic Dubai excursions.

Top of our list for those adventures is a sandboarding trip – make for the top of a dune, strap on your sandboard and fly down it to the valley floor. It’s snowboarding without the cold, what’s not to like?

Novice or expert, you should book a licensed adventure tour group like Arabian Adventures. They’ll know the best dunes for your experience, have all the equipment you’ll need, and most importantly, are licensed and so know how to take care of the environment.

If you’re feeling particularly bold, ask to board the eye-wateringly steep Al Badayer, AKA the Red Dune.

14. Wash away the desert at the Talise Ottoman Spa

After a hard day adventuring in the Arabian Desert, a scrub and soak in a Turkish Hammam is about as rejuvenating as it gets. The Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is one of the city’s best, having won multiple awards around the world (not to mention the heart of yours truly).

Pay it a visit and you’ll soon see why. Inspired by the region’s Ottoman heritage, the spa is laser-focused on relaxation across its 8,000 square meters. The Royal Ottoman Signature Hammam is the one to go for, followed by a soak in the huge pool and hot tubs.

Book online in advance and make sure to confirm your booking before you go.

15. Fly with falcons from your own hot air balloon

Two staple tourist activities in Dubai are a hot air balloon trip over the desert and a falconry experience. This epic excursion with Balloon Adventures Dubai combines the two. Hop in your own personal balloon with just your expert pilot, who also happens to be a falcon handler, and take to the skies.

At 4,000 feet up the world’s only in-air falconry show takes flight. Views stretch over the Arabian Desert to the Hajar Mountains and take in roaming wildlife. Oryxes and camels wander the dunes below while the world’s fastest bird puts on a unique airshow just for you.

Truly a one-off experience, you’ll need to book in advance and flights are weather dependent.

16. Widen your horizons at the Museum of the Future

Worth visiting for the extraordinary architecture alone, the Museum of the Future is a 77-meter-high ovular ring etched in giant Arabic calligraphy. Its mind-boggling shape is symbolic of the Earth, humanity, and the unknown future.

Step inside and explore the many interactive exhibits that bring the future to life. Your imagination will run wild in the digital recreation of the Amazon Rainforest. Your mind will be blown as you travel to a moon space station and gaze back at Earth. And ‘Tomorrow Today’ gives you a rare chance to get up close with the near-future technologies that will shape our lives.

For me, it’s the most exciting and progressive showcase of art and learning anywhere in the world and an absolute must-do in Dubai. Unsurprisingly, tickets sell out so book in advance.

17. Enjoy the free show at Dubai Fountain

On Burj Lake in the shade of the Burj Khalifa, another Dubai attraction lays claim to being the world’s tallest. It’s likely you’ll find yourself in the Dubai Mall (the world’s largest of course) at some point if only to enjoy the air conditioning. That will give you easy access to the Dubai Fountain and its impressive show.

The 900-foot-long fountain blasts out more than 1,000 different shapes with 22,000 gallons of water in the air at any given time. You can pay to board the boat ride across the lake but with a stroll along the new free-floating boardwalk getting you so close to the action, there’s no real need to.

18. Connect with your inner camel

The ships of the desert are ubiquitous in Middle Eastern culture, and Dubai offers lots of ways to incorporate them into your visit.

Camel racing at Al Marmoom is as entertaining as it is traditional, its roots dating back to the 7th century. It’s an amazing spectacle to see 60 camels hurtling around the track at up to 40 miles per hour, robotic jockeys on their backs, chased by trainers in 4x4s screaming encouragement from loudspeakers.

Due to the midday heat, race meets start early, usually between 06:00 and 09:00, but are well worth getting up for.

If camel racing isn’t your thing, why not ride one instead? Platinum Tours hosts ethical and sustainable adventures into the desert, many of which will have you rolling over dunes perched high for a camel’s eye view.

19. Explore an underwater city with Deep Dive Dubai

From the sublime to the ridiculous, the desert to the deepest dive pool in the world. Deep Dive Dubai is the epitome of Emirati excess – 14 million liters of water in a 60-meter-deep tower themed to look like an abandoned submerged city. Also doubling as the region’s biggest film studio, it’s as crazy as it is epic.

Novices and anyone older than ten can snorkel the surface and try diving down to 12 meters. Certified scuba divers can explore the entire city at their own pace over different dives. Freediving and scuba courses are also available. You’ll need to book in advance and show proof of any certifications.

20. Soar through the city with XLine Dubai

Feeling brave and/or stupid? Then strap yourself into XLine Dubai . Dive belly down from the top of the Jumeirah Beach Residence and whip across the Dubai skyline taking in its streets, skyscrapers, and swimming pools on your descent into Dubai Marina.

Terrifyingly long, steep and fast, you’ll hit speeds of 50 miles per hour and if you don’t fancy doing it alone, you can always go tandem. Age, size and health restrictions apply so check the website before booking.

21. Take a break and drink in the views from the Aura Skypool

While many of Dubai’s rooftop pools are open exclusively to hotel guests (such as the 77th floor Address Beach Resort infinity pool, another ‘world’s highest’ winner), Aura Skypool Lounge is open to all.

Fifty floors and 200 meters up, it’s the ultimate place to rise above the city streets and spend a serene day soaking and sunning yourself. The world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, its stunning setting casts views over the entire Dubai skyline including The Palm and Burj Al Arab. Book your slot online and don’t forget your suntan lotion.

22. Dine under the stars with a Bedouin dune dinner

Sunset in the Arabian Desert is an otherworldly experience. Once the sun has dropped past the horizon, don’t head back to the city but instead embrace the Bedouin life. For one night, at least.

A Dune Dinner Safari combines the best of all worlds. Following a 4×4 dune-bashing session in Al Maha Desert Resort in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, it’s time to eat. Head to your torchlit Bedouin camp for a barbecue feast of grilled meats, fresh salads, Arabic sweets and shisha. All served to the spectacle of belly dancing and a Tanoura Arabic folk dance show.

Yes it’s a bit touristy, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want and dinner in the sand dunes is just such an occasion.

23. Test your nerve at Sky Views Dubai

The last Dubai adrenaline adventure, I promise! This one’s worth waiting for though. Two hundred and nineteen meters above Downtown Dubai, Sky Views Dubai is a series of vertigo-inducing experiences designed to make your head spin.

Just taking the glass lift up to the 53rd floor is enough to get most hearts pumping. That’s before you take a ride in the glass slide attached to the building’s exterior that carries you down a story.

Even more intimidating is the Edge Walk, which does exactly what the name suggests – a hands and barrier-free stroll outside the building just shy of 220 meters up. Just don’t look down.

24. Take a Sunday roast or afternoon tea on the QE2

Once the world’s most famous ship, carrying the British Royal Family from port to port, the QE2 is now Dubai’s only floating hotel, moored at Port Rashid.

Step aboard and make for the Queen’s Grill. Nowadays it serves up hearty high-end British food with a side of nostalgia. Roasts are served Sundays between 12:30 and 16:00, and cream teas Fridays and Saturdays from 15:00 until 18:30. Dress smart and book in advance.

25. Check in at the crazy Atlantis The Royal Hotel

Opened at the turn of 2023 to huge fanfare, Atlantis The Royal describes itself as the “most ultra luxury experiential resort in the world”. Judging by its facilities and scale, that’s a hard claim to argue, and it’s plain to see why Dubai was the city where they chose to build it.

The truth is, our list of the 25 best things to do only scratches the surface of what the city of gold has to offer. Hopefully, though, it’s inspired you to think about booking a trip to Dubai .

Important rules to remember when visiting Dubai

Dubai is a fantastic and friendly city that’s thrown its arms open to Western tourists and non-Muslim visitors. It is also, however, a place of deep religious roots, traditions, and customs – and it’s extremely important you respect and pay close attention to them when you visit.

You’ve likely read stories of tourists breaching social etiquette while on holiday in Dubai and as a result getting in trouble with the authorities. This is most often a simple lack of awareness of the rules around how to dress and behave , so we’ve laid them out for you here.

• Dress respectfully and don’t walk around in swimsuits and bikinis.
• Do not hold hands, kiss or show public displays of affection with your other half, especially if you’re not married.
• Don’t walk in front of or stare at any Muslim when they’re praying.
• Don’t point at people, show the soles of your feet or sit with your legs crossed as it’s considered disrespectful.
• Ask permission before taking photos of local people.
• Never, ever get aggressive with anyone.

Lastly, Ramadan. The holy month of fasting doesn’t fall on fixed dates so you’ll need to check before you visit, as it comes with strictly enforced rules everyone has to follow as a sign of respect. From sunrise to sunset, you must avoid alcohol, dancing, chewing gum, smoking, and singing in public. Once the sun sets, the city opens up again.

Rules have been greatly relaxed in recent years as Dubai welcomes more and more tourists, but that’s not an excuse to ignore them. Be respectful and you’ll get to see and experience the true warmth of Arabic and Emirati culture.

How did we choose what goes in our guide to the 25 best things to do in Dubai?

Dubai’s location makes it such an easy place to reach that it’s a hugely popular place to visit. That’s greatly helped by its growing role as a transit route for many flights between Europe and Asia.

The result is that lots of the KAYAK team have spent a lot of time there, and got to know the city beyond its glossy veneer. I too have passed through several times, usually fleetingly, but for long enough to be spellbound by its wonders.

This guide is a culmination of all our experiences, researched, checked, and checked again. We hope it gives you the inspiration to dive into the wonders of the Emirates and its shining beacon of the future, Dubai.

Visiting Dubai: FAQs

Do i need a car in dubai.

Thanks to its scale and infrastructure, renting a car in Dubai gives you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. It could also save you serious money in taxi fees, transfers and guided tours.

Although traffic can get heavy, Dubai is a safe and relatively ordered place to drive. You can rent a car on an international license as long as you’re over 21. Rental prices aren’t too expensive either, especially if you book well in advance – just remember to drive on the right!

Find cars in Dubai

When is a nice time to visit Dubai?

Dubai is sunny and hot all year round. Summer months are scorching and best avoided but temperatures seldom drop below the mid-twenties at any point meaning you have almost the entire year to choose from.

How long should I spend in Dubai?

There’s an almost unlimited number of things to do in Dubai. It’s the kind of city that could keep you entertained for a lifetime. It’s also busy and brash and quite overwhelming with heat and sand and dust. I’d suggest a week for a first visit. That’s enough time to be wowed by the big city attractions, get your adrenaline fired up in the Arabian Desert, and spend a day or two beach or poolside for some R&R.

Is Dubai safe?

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world with very few incidents of personal crime. As always, you should be aware of the potential for pickpockets, especially around Jumeirah Beach, but compared to most major global cities crime is not an issue.

Does Dubai have tourist passes?

Go City has a range of Dubai passes that can save you money on attractions. They range from the ‘All Inclusive’ for experiencing as much of Dubai as possible to the ‘Explorer’ for ticking off the big attractions on your bucket list.

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Top 20 things to do in Dubai, from Museum of the Future to flamingo spotting

The emirate is packed with must-try experiences, from the world's tallest building to michelin-starred restaurants.

There are many things to do in Dubai, including visiting the Museum of the Future. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai's high-rise skyline, pristine shorelines and luxury shopping experiences have made the emirate one of the world's most sought-after tourist destinations .

It's not hard to see why.

With landmark tourist attractions including the Burj Khalifa , the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Al Arab , Dubai is also home to an ever-increasing number of luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, water parks and more.

Whether you're a long-term resident, a new arrival or are here on holiday, Dubai is filled with things to do and see.

From riding across the old creek on a traditional abra, to swimming in the world's highest infinity swimming pool , here are some of the city's must-dos.

1. Visit Museum of the Future

Dubai's Museum of the Future has welcomed one million visitors over the past year. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Since opening in February, Museum of the Future has become a popular stop in the UAE's rich cultural trail. The striking 78-metre-high structure in Downtown Dubai has seven floors that cover topics such as space travel and living, climate change and ecology, health, wellness and spirituality. Information is presented in various innovative formats — from stunning state-of-the-art exhibitions and interactive installations to robotics.

Make sure to visit the Heal Institute where you will also see a clear representation of what Dubai is set to look like 50 years from now. The digital display shows an urban landscape where skyscrapers and buildings are expertly intertwined with green spaces. Residents stroll spacious white piazzas, while the skies are home to hundreds of zooming drones.

Museum of the Future, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre; museumofthefuture.ae

2. Eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant

A melting pot of international cuisines and celebrity-chef-led restaurants, Dubai firmed up its place on the global culinary map when it welcomed its debut Michelin Guide last year. A total of 14 venues were awarded coveted Michelin stars this year, with the city now home to 11 one-starred restaurants and three two-starred venues, as well as 17 “value for money” Bib Gourmand restaurants .

Quality fare is the overarching parameter for a restaurant to make the cut, so a meal at any of these establishments is a must-have, whether you’re a resident or a visitor.

The National ’s top recommendations include tuna tartare cones at Portuguese restaurant Tasca ; blue lobster salad at Il Ristorante ; Wagyu burgers at 11 Woodfire ; veal filet mignon at Al Muntaha; and tiramisu at Torno Subito .

3. Visit Meena Bazaar

For sights, sounds and smells associated with the Indian subcontinent in Dubai, head to this bustling bazaar in Old Dubai. Most famous for its gold and jewellery shops, which do a rip-roaring trade during Dhanteras, Eid and Diwali, Meena Bazaar is chaotic, colourful and exceedingly charming all year round.

Head here for authentic Indian groceries, cheap and cheerful tailors shops that take on everything from hem alterations to copycat ensembles, famous Indo-Pakistani clothing brands and perfume, mobile and electrical shops galore.

No trip to Meena Bazaar is complete without a meal at some of Dubai’s oldest and most beloved desi restaurants — from street food at Sind Punjab and wraps and rolls at Mini Punjab, to Indian-Chinese at Kathmandu Palace Restaurant.

4. Experience the creek on an abra ride

For an antidote to modern Dubai — and a sense of what the city was like before it was transformed into a world-class metropolis — head down to the Creek. Separating Bur Dubai and Deira, this waterway served as the city’s lifeline for generations and is where Dubai’s earliest settlers put down roots. It was the site of the city’s first port and the heart of its pearl diving industry.

Today, traditional dhows continue to traverse its waters and wooden abras zip from one side to the other. These wooden boats offer one of Dubai’s most affordable experiences. The word abra means “to cross”, and every few minutes abras depart from one of four stations on either side of the creek — near the spice souk, textile market, Baniyas Square and old souk.

The 150 boats working this route can hold about 20 passengers each and the crossing only takes five minutes. Hop on board for Dh1 to get a little taste of Dubai of lore.

Several locations including Bur Dubai Abra Dock, Al Fahidi; rta.ae

5. Go horse riding in the desert

View this post on Instagram A post shared by AlJiyad Stables (@aljiyad)

Forget the dune buggies and explore Dubai’s desert on horseback instead. You’ll tap into the UAE’s age-old equestrian heritage while experiencing its dramatic landscapes in a more authentic manner. Located on Al Qudra Road, Al Jiyad Stables, home to 120 Arabian horses, is a family-run operation, founded by Ali Al Marzooqi.

Rides are available for all experience levels and take participants to explore the neighbouring Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and Al Qudra Lakes. More experienced riders can also try their hand at endurance racing.

Al Jiyad Stables, Al Qudra Road; aljiyadstables.com

6. Take in a show at Dubai Opera

Now in its sixth year, Dubai Opera remains the city’s most prestigious venue for the performing arts; and has hosted several storied shows. From the booming baritone of Sir Bryn Terfel, to the choral anthems of Les Miserables , and the soaring heights of Verdi to the graceful pirouettes of Giselle , some of the world’s most celebrated talents from across the arts have performed at Dubai Opera.

This month, visitors hungry for a little culture can feast on the State Ballet of Georgia’s Romeo & Juliet and the sounds of French-Canadian singer-songwriter Ghostly Kisses.

Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd; dubaiopera.com

7. Get dinner and a show

The appetite for dinner and a show remains undiminished in the UAE, with plenty of options to suit various artistic and culinary tastes.

Those looking for a refined evening should visit Papillon at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Running four nights a week from Wednesday to Saturday, each show comprises a series of song and dance routines reflecting the Parisian glamour and artistry of the genre. The on-stage action is paired with an elegant multi-course French and Mediterranean menu.

Music lovers should head to The Theatre at Fairmont Dubai. Also running weekly from Wednesday to Saturday, each of the two nightly shows here boast slick choreography, acrobatics and eclectic band performances of Levant folk and modern pop hits.

Papillon at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Mina Seyahi; marriott.com . The Theatre at Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre; fairmont.com

8. Hit new heights at Aura Skypool

Aura Skypool is more than just a striking backdrop for a day of Instagram stories. The pool, which loops around the 50th floor of The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, is 200 metres in the air, making it the highest 360-degree infinity pool in the world. Enjoy food and drink on a lounger or day bed, with vistas looking out over Dubai Marina, JBR, Bluewaters Island, Jumeirah Beach and Palm Jumeirah’s identifiable fronds.

Packages start from Dh150 per person indoors and Dh250 per person for the pool. Booking in advance is essential — this isn’t the kind of Dubai venue that you can just stroll into without a reservation … that is unless you’re an A-list star like Cristiano Ronaldo, who checked out the venue for himself in January. Reservations are spilt into three time slots throughout the day — morning, afternoon and evening, and prices vary depending on where you sit on the terrace.

Aura Skypool, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah; auraskypool.com

9. Immerse yourself in art at Alserkal Avenue

The vibrant creative community is home to contemporary art galleries, visual and performing art organisations, designers, artisanal spaces and a range of culinary hot spots. Alserkal Avenue has become a platform to showcase the UAE’s diverse and emerging artists and cultural practitioners along with many home-grown and creative entrepreneurs’ initiatives.

From a global standpoint, art galleries in the Avenue have been instrumental in exhibiting the work of culturally relevant and renowned artists from across the Mena region, as well as introducing contemporary and historically significant artists and exhibition to the UAE.

From art house cinema, sustainable fashion brands, contemporary art spaces, specialist coffee, gourmet chocolate and a diverse cultural programme, Alserkal Avenue is a must.

Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1; alserkal.online

10. Delve into Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

As a lover of stories and books, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library , which comprises of ten main library collections: The General Library, Young Adult Library, Children's Library, Information Centre, Map and Atlas Library, Media and Arts Library, Business Library, Emirates Library, Periodicals Library and a Special Collections Library.

Housing more than 100,000 books, the General Library specifically is one of the largest physical collections in the Mohammed bin Rashid Library. This also includes access to a wide variety of e-books, audio books and Braille books for the blind.

Lose yourself in the newly opened cultural space, The Treasures of the Library Exhibition . From first-edition books, to the complete works of William Shakespeare, unique atlases and manuscripts, some that date back to the 13th century and The Ottoman Quran, a large ottoman-era version of the Holy Quran.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Al Jaddaf, Al Khail Road, Dubai; mbrl.ae

11. Eat at Ravi’s

For cheap eats and guaranteed authentic dishes, pay a visit to Ravi's Restaurant. Something of an institution in Dubai — the decidedly casual dining spot serves a range of freshly grilled meats, rich curries, fluffy rotis and crisp-edged roghni naans.

Having created something of a following for itself, there’s now several branches of this Pakistani eatery, but the original one in Satwa attracts visitors, locals and expats for its authentic dishes and super cheap prices amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life in one of Dubai's older communities.

While the eatery is probably better-known for its meat mains, there's plenty of choice for vegetarians too. Don’t miss the paneer masala — it’s the vegetarian equivalent of Ravi's moreish butter chicken and costs a mere Dh21. Get ready to dig in with your hands.

Ravi Restaurant Satwa, Al Dhiyafah Road, Al Satwa; facebook.com/ravirestaurantsuae

12. Explore Global Village

Al Sana'a and the Khalifa Foundation pavilions will return for the 27th season. All photos: Global Village

Dubai's favourite seasonal theme park is a must-visit in the cooler months for its buzzing vibe. People young and old flood to Global Village come 4pm each evening, as the family-friendly attraction opens its doors. Expect food stalls, shops galore, fairground rides and games, plus live performances and more.

This year marks the 27th season and Global Village is all set to return in October with 27 pavilions and a brand new concept called Road of Asia, which will be a dedicated street featuring food kiosks from 13 Asian countries.

Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road; globalvillage.ae

13. Underwater adventures at Deep Dive Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai pool, at 60m at its deepest, offers divers a unique experience

Deep Dive Dubai is home to the deepest indoor pool in the world, with a depth of 60.02 metres, and the ability to hold 14 million litres of water — the equivalent of six Olympic-sized swimming pools. It also comes complete with a sunken city for swimmers and divers to explore.

The fantastical underwater city has attracted some A-list clientele, from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, who inaugurated the attraction, to Hollywood actor Will Smith , who visited within the first week.

Freediving and scuba diving experiences, along with courses, are offered to people of all abilities by international diving professionals. Experiences and courses to go into the blue start from Dh800.

Deep Dive Dubai, Nad Al Sheba; deepdivedubai.com

14. Take a walk along Jumeirah Beach

The Jumeirah Beach walking and running track stretches seven beach-adjacent kilometres. Whether you choose to walk, run or cycle, the track begins at the Jumeirah Public Beach (near the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel) and runs to the Dubai Canal — with a brief off-beach interruption near Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.

Along the track there is plenty to see and great places to stop for food including Bu Qtair Restaurant near the Fishing Harbour, busy cafes and food trucks of Kite Beach – Salt is a highlight , and the bustling Jumeirah Fish Market, where you’ll find Mena 50 Best Restaurant winner 3Fils .

You’ll encounter free libraries, where you can swap your books with new reads, Careem bike stations dotted along the stretch — in case walking the full 14km round trip doesn’t appeal, and several watersports schools and centres.

15. Adventuring in Hatta

Make a day of it with a trip to Hatta – a Dubai exclave located about an hour-and-a-half drive towards the Hajar mountains. Opening seasonally each year — September 15 is the launch date for the coming season — there’s a host of activities to be found at Hatta Wadi Hub, where you can go zorbing, try your hand at archery, cart down a mountain, brave a suspended net bridge, hop on a zip line, rock climb and much more.

There are also biking and hiking trails of various intensity that are free and open to everyone. If you want to make a night of it, bring your own tent and set up camp in the designated area, or splurge on a stay in the park's caravan site, in a mountain chalet or a luxury airstream trailer.

Hatta Wadi Hub, off the Dubai-Hatta Road; visithatta.com

16. Get a taste of the wild at The Green Planet

Dubai might be in the desert, but that doesn't mean you can't explore the jungle. Get a taste of the wild at The Green Planet, the city's very own tropical rainforest.

More than 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds call this enclosed sanctuary at CityWalk home and visitors can get up close and personal with toucans, sloths, lemurs, anacondas and more.

Tickets start at Dh125 and include access to educational exhibits where you can learn more about the role rainforests play in the future of our planet. You can even find out what it feels like to be in a tropical downpour. The very brave can opt to go snorkelling with piranhas or visit the dome as night falls.

The Green Planet, City Walk; thegreenplanetdubai.com

17. Take a tour of Burj Al Arab

The ceiling of the Royal Suite in the Burj Al Arab is 24K gold plated. Janice Rodrigues / The National

Dubai’s landmark sail-shaped hotel is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city. In its 21-year-long history, it has been exclusively inaccessible to anyone who is not a hotel or restaurant guest, which meant most visitors had to make do with photographs of the seven-star hotel taken from nearby Kite Beach.

But in October 2021, that all changed when Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts launched Inside Burj Al Arab , an immersive, 90-minute tour of the hotel. The butler-guided experiences are curated for up to 12 visitors at a time and offer access to some of the hotel’s most exclusive spaces including the lavish Royal Suite on the 25th floor. You also stop in the newly curated Experience Suite, to partake in interactive digital experiences that traces the history of the hotel, back to the original architectural designs.

Burj Al Arab Hotel, Umm Suqeim 3

18. Thrill seeking at Sky Views Dubai

Fancy yourself as a bit of an adventurer? Then get down to Address Sky View hotel, where you can scale out over one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers.

Located on level 52 of the luxury hotel, Sky Views Dubai allows visitors to enjoy amazing views of the city with the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa almost in touching distance. A 25-metre glass walkway connects the two towers of the Address Sky View — and guests can walk between the two.

Afterwards, get ready to have some fun on a glass sky slide. Entirely transparent, it whisks visitors from the 53rd to the 52nd floor with some amazing views. If you are feeling particularly brave, head to the Edge Walk, a thrilling air-walk experience. Put on your safety equipment and get ready to step out over the edge of the building for one of the most exclusive views of Dubai.

Address Sky View, Emaar Square Area, Downtown Dubai; addresshotels.com

19. More extreme thrill seeking with Skydive Dubai

Gigi Hadid, Lewis Hamilton, Akon — these are only a few of the celebrities who have taken the plunge with Skydive Dubai. Newbies can try a tandem jump, while more experienced skydivers can do it alone.

There are two locations to pick from: the Palm Dropzone, which offers a dive over amazing views of Palm Jumeirah, or the Desert Dropzone, about 35 kilometres outside Dubai, which offers glorious vistas of rolling dunes. Skydive Dubai also offers gyrocopter flights and indoor skydiving.

Prices for a tandem jump start from Dh1,799 from January to April and Dh1,899 from October to December.

Skydive Dubai, Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina; skydivedubai.ae

20. Flamingo spotting in Ras Al Khor

It’s easy to forget that in a city as modern as Dubai, there are plenty of natural wonders on our doorstep, notably the flamingos of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary . On wetlands, located between Dubai Design District and Downtown Dubai, there is a reserve that serves as the home to tens of thousands of the distinctive pink birds.

The area is fenced off and protected by Dubai Municipality, however there are three bird hides putting nature lovers and ornithologists (budding or expert) in a prime position to watch the flamboyance from a safe distance. It’s recommended you pack a pair of binoculars to make the most of the bird watching, and remember it’s a quiet zone, so phones should be kept on silent and voices hushed throughout your visit.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, off Ras Al Khor Road; dm.gov.ae

25 best things to do in Dubai

Jun 4, 2021 • 12 min read

Whether it's in a souk or a mall, shopping in Dubai is an essential experience © Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

If you're planning to visit Dubai, you'll find a stirring mix of profound traditions and futuristic vision wrapped into starkly evocative desert splendour.

You won't be short of things to do in the sci-fi-esque land of iconic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands, city-sized malls and palatial beach resorts. Dubai embraces sunshine, innovation and cultural dynamism, and is known as a shopping haven with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. Here are some great things to do to make the most from your trip.

Burj Khalifa

Dubai is famous for its dramatic skyscrapers, and above them all looms the Burj Khalifa , shaped like a deep-space rocket and, at 828m, the world's tallest building. It's a stunning feat of architecture and engineering, and a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor (1483ft) is the most popular way to take in the amazing views it offers. You can also buy tickets for "At the Top Sky" on the 148th floor, which is the world's highest outdoor observation deck at 1820ft.

Clad in 28,000 glass panels, the Burj Khalifa also lays claim to several more superlatives, including the highest occupied floor and an elevator with the longest travel distance. On hazy days, it’s better to visit at night.

Al Fahidi Historic District

Wandering around this restored heritage area in Bur Dubai provides a tangible sense of historic Middle Eastern architecture and culture. Low-lying traditional courtyard buildings flank this quiet labyrinth of lanes in Al Fahidi Historic District , many of them featuring arabesque windows, decorative gypsum screens and wind towers.

Some contain craft shops, small heritage museums, art galleries, artsy guesthouses or cafés serving local fare, including Middle Eastern breakfasts and camel milk smoothies. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding leads guided tours of the quarter.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Covering some 2000 sq metres and touted as the largest natural flower garden in the world, there’s a sense of Alice in Wonderland–esque surrealism when entering Dubai Miracle Garden . Wander past quirky bloom-covered peacocks, clocks and castles, or alternatively, chill out in a cabana with billowing drapes and floor cushions.

Home to 100 million flowers, and adjacent to the enormous nine-dome Dubai Butterfly Garden, it is incredibly popular, attracting 55,000 visitors a week. There are food outlets on site as well as a souvenir shop and small trampoline park.

Shop 'til you drop

Shopping malls represent an integral part of the culture and lifestyle in Dubai. Not merely places for maxing out your credit cards on fashion, electronics or gourmet foods, malls are also where locals go to socialize in cafés and restaurants, to catch a movie in a state-of-the-art multiplex or to get adrenaline kicks in an indoor theme park or game arcade. The best and biggest of the bunch is Dubai Mall, which features not only 1300 stores but also a giant aquarium, an indoor ice rink and a genuine dinosaur skeleton.

Serious shoppers can check out the Dubai Shopping Festival, which lures bargain-hunters from around the world. It takes place in January each year, and there are huge discounts in the souqs and malls. The city is abuzz with activities during the festival, ranging from live concerts to fashion shows and nightly fireworks.

Mushrif National Park

One of the oldest parks in Dubai, Mushrif National Park covers more than 5 sq km of natural ghaf forest. Mushrif is located around 15km east of the city centre, and is a haven for birds, including owls, Orphean warblers, hoopoes and black redstarts. Dating from 1974, the park has plenty of manmade attractions as well, including walking trails and bicycle tracks, a large children's playground, a swimming pool and barbecue pits.

Read more: The 9 best parks in Dubai

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

On the outskirts of Sharjah , the 225 sq km Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve accounts for 5% of the Emirate of Dubai's total land. The reserve was established in 1999 and has been involved in projects to reintroduce mountain gazelles, sand gazelles and Arabian oryx.

It's possible to stay inside the reserve at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa , which was designed for superluxe ecotourism. The reserve is divided into four zones, the third of which is only open to resort guests and the fourth to a small number of desert tour operators, including Arabian Adventures , offering a less costly admission than overnighting at the resort.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

In 2016, Dubai added four theme parks to its stable of attractions, including IMG Worlds of Adventure , the world's largest indoor theme park. Housed in an air-conditioned hangar the size of 28 football fields, the park is truly impressive, with more than 20 rides and attractions split across four themed zones – Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard. You won't go hungry as there are 28 dining outlets to choose from.

Etihad Museum

Opened in 2017, the striking Etihad Museum engagingly chronicles the birth of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, spurred by the discovery of oil in the 1950s and the withdrawal of the British in 1968.

Documentary films, photographs, artifacts, timelines and interactive displays zero in on historic milestones in the years leading up to and immediately following this momentous occasion, and they pay homage to the country's seven founding fathers. Free tours of the adjacent circular Union House are available, which is where the historic signing of the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates took place.

For a dose of Arabian Nights flair, head to Dubai's historic core and plunge headlong into its charmingly chaotic warren of markets. The famed headliner is the dazzling Gold Souq . Even if you don't have a thing for bling, a walk through here will feel like you've entered a giant Aladdin's Cave. It's fun to just watch the action, especially in the evening. If you're buying, sharpen your haggling skills, no matter whether shopping for teensy earrings, an engagement ring or a dowry-worthy necklace.

White Dubai

Dazzling rooftop bars, chill beachfront lounges, classic pubs, cool karaoke joints, speakeasy-style nightclubs, live-music venues – with such variety, finding a party location to suit your mood is hardly a tall order in Dubai. One of the biggest draws for nocturnal action is White Dubai. The mega-venue with its impressive light and sound systems sits smack dab on top of the grandstand of the Meydan Racecourse.

Desert escapes

The Arabian desert, with its weathered mountains, undulating sand dunes and wide open spaces, exudes a special mystique that can easily be savored on a day trip from urbanized Dubai. There are numerous tour operators to set you up with everything from camel treks to sandboarding or overnight safaris. The best ones offer an authentic look at local culture through encounters with Bedouins and traditional meals. Alternatively, consider hiring a 4WD and staying at a desert resort, so you can appreciate the magnificent scenery on your own schedule.

Read more: Top 9 day trips from Dubai

Dubai Museum

Housed in Bur Dubai's Al Fahidi Fort, the city's oldest surviving structure, Dubai Museum, provides a well-laid-out introduction to the history of the emirate. Marvel at its turbo-evolution from simple desert settlement to futuristic metropolis in just a third of a century. Dioramas recreate traditional scenes in a market, at home and in the mosque, while other galleries focus on life at sea and in the desert. An archaeological exhibition illustrates the ancient history of the region with a display of items unearthed during excavations at local digs.

Dubai Design District

This hub for creatives lures visitors with its edgy architecture, contemporary restaurants, public art, galleries and calendar of cultural events. Visitors to Dubai Design District can tap into this laboratory of tastemakers by browsing showrooms and pop-ups, eavesdropping on bearded hipsters in sleek cafés, checking out art exhibits in building lobbies, or attending free screenings and workshops. The week-long Dubai Design Week is held there in November, with an extensive offering of talks, workshops, masterclasses and kids' activities.

Dubai Butterfly Garden

If you want to deepen your knowledge of these pretty flying insects, pop into the Dubai Butterfly Museum , located next to the Dubai Miracle Garden. Some 15,000 butterflies flutter around nine indoor domed gardens, and you can see for yourself how they begin as caterpillars and evolve into their flying adaptations. Don’t miss the Butterfly and Insect Museum, which features in-depth analysis and information about thousands of colorful butterfly species from around the world.

Museum of Illusions

It opened in 2018 and the Museum of Illusions in the Al Seef district is fast becoming a favorite for families and Instagram fans. Kids will love the 150-plus illusions, including the rooms of mirrors, distorted perspective and various other optical illusions, while parents can take memorably wacky photos. Avoid visiting at weekends if possible, as visitors are restricted by number and you may have to wait your turn.

Jumeirah Mosque

Snowy white and intricately detailed, Jumeirah is Dubai's most beautiful mosque and one of only a handful in the United Arab Emirates open to non-Muslims. It's particularly beautiful at dusk and visitors are allowed in six days a week. One-hour guided tours are operated by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding , and while modest dress is preferred, traditional clothing can be borrowed for free.

Dubai Fountain

The dancing Dubai Fountain is spectacularly set in the middle of a giant lake against the backdrop of the glittering Burj Khalifa. Water undulates as gracefully as a belly dancer, arcs like a dolphin and surges as high as 140m, all synced to stirring classical, Arabic and world music soundtracks played on speakers. There are plenty of great vantage points, including a 272m-long floating boardwalk, which takes you just 9m away from the fountain.

Other good viewing spots include some of the restaurants at Souk Al Bahar , the bridge linking Souk Al Bahar with Dubai Mall, the Dubai Mall waterfront terrace, or aboard a 25-minute Dubai Fountain Lake Ride on a traditional wooden abra boat.

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The long-running annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature brings authors and thousands of book fans together to celebrate all things reading and writing. Held over nine days in March, the festival hosts talks, discussions, panels and a special program just for children, with many activities free to attend. It offers attendees a chance to meet local and world-famous authors, attend literary debates and workshops, participate in competitions and be inspired by their literary heroes.

Global Village

The carnival-like Global Village is a bit like a ‘world fair’ for shoppers, and you'll find it on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Each of the 30-something pavilions showcases a specific nation’s culture and products. Aside from shopping, there's also lots of entertainment – from Chinese opera to Turkish whirling dervishes – as well as a funfair with dozens of rides from tame to terrifying.

Burj Al Arab

This landmark luxe hotel, with its dramatic design that mimics the billowing sail of a ship, floats on its own artificial island and has become the iconic symbol of Dubai’s boom years. The Burj Al Arab's interior is all about impact, drama and unapologetic bling, with dancing fountains, gold fittings, shiny marble and whirlpool baths your butler can fill with champagne if you so wish. If a stay exceeds your budget, you can still partake in the opulence by making reservations for cocktails, afternoon tea or dinner in the underwater restaurant.

Dubai Frame

Opened in January 2018, this 150m rectangular 'picture frame' sits in Zabeel Park , right between historic and modern Dubai, and provides grand views of both parts of the city. Galleries on the ground floor of Dubai Frame tell the story of Dubai (the past) before visitors are whisked up to a viewing platform at roof level (the present). The final stop is another gallery depicting a vision of Dubai 50 years from now (the future).

Al Qudra Lake

One for the nature lovers, Al Qudra Lake is a series of man-made lakes set amidst the rolling dunes of the Saih Al Salam desert on Dubai’s southern outskirts. Part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the surrounding area is unspoiled. Swap skyscrapers for wide open dunes and oasis-like pools where you can spot plenty of free-roaming wildlife, more than 100 species of birds and several desert plants.

This long, pristine stretch of white sand, off Jumeirah Road and next to a mosque, is superclean and has lots of activities, including kitesurfing, beach tennis, beach volleyball and kayaking. There are showers, wi-fi, toilets and changing facilities on Kite Beach , plus lots of food trucks and cafés. It offers great views of the Burj Al Arab, and gets very busy on Friday and Saturday when a seaside market with crafts and gifts sets up.

Perfume Museum

The waterfront Perfume Museum is part of the Al Shindagha Museum restoration project and is the former home of a Dubai sheikha who loved all things perfume. The old building has been restored and its interactive exhibits are based around scent, smells and fragrance. Keep your entry ticket and you’ll get free access to the nearby Dubai Creek House .

Steps from the Deira Old Souk abra station, the sound of Arabic chatter bounces around the lanes of this covered market. Dubai's famous Spice Souk is filled with intoxicating sights and smells. Its vendors work hard to unload cardamom, saffron and other aromatic herbs photogenically stored in burlap sacks alongside nuts, incense burners, henna kits, shishas and dried limes. Away from the tourist-oriented main thoroughfare, tiny shops also sell groceries and other household goods.

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55 Top Things & Places to Visit in Dubai 2024 : Discover Dubai’s Best

Whether it is the world’s tallest skyscraper, a shopping mall, a theme park, or the world’s second biggest gold market, Dubai has a variety of attractions designed to surprise you with their size. Having emerged on the world map only 50 years ago, Dubai has made quite an impact on the world today. However, Dubai has undergone a significant development in the past 50 years. In such a short period of time, there is hardly any other city in the world that has gained a reputation among world travelers like that.

It is estimated that more than 15 million people visit Dubai every year. Dubai is one of the top destinations in the world for vacationers as it provides a variety of activities for every adventurer, no matter what their taste is. Irrespective of whether you wish to roam during the day or at night, there is something for everyone. There is something for everyone in Dubai, whether you are a young couple or an older couple, a couple with kids or a single person, a luxury tourist or a backpacker on a substandard budget.

On the one hand, it offers a variety of things to do in Dubai during the daytime; on the other hand, it also offers many Places to Visit in Dubai at night as well. It is truly amazing to see high buildings at night decorated with vibrant lights after the sun goes down. It’s relatively hot during the daytime in Dubai, but it gets cool at night due to its geographical position and the fact that it’s in a desert. A cool sea breeze adds to the romantic atmosphere created by the weather.

Table of Contents

Top 11 Places to Visit in Dubai

Burj khalifa.

If you are visiting Dubai and don’t go to the Burj Khalifa, then what else would be the worst thing you could do. There are many things to do in Dubai, but visiting the world’s tallest man-made structure is always considered to be the best thing to do. If you only have 24 hours in Dubai, it is still worth planning a visit even if you don’t have a lot of time to spend there. With a height of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa holds a number of world records, such as the tallest observation deck in the world, the most floors and stories occupied, and the tallest freestanding towers in the world with the longest, tallest, and fastest elevators.

There are a number of interesting facts about Burj Khalifa, one of them being that it has been constructed with concrete equivalent to 100,000 elephants weight for the construction of Burj Khalifa. Isn’t it cool? Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s most popular and visited tourist spots, has set a record for the most visited building in history. Though it has 163 floors, tourists can see up to 148 floors, where it has the world’s highest observation deck. 149 to 154 floors have corporate suites, and 9 are maintenance floors, which are only accessed by relevant staff.

When you enter the lobby, the first thing that will attract your attention is the elevators that can change more quickly than your imagination. It is a live feed that shows the elevator’s current position. Until you complete the count, the elevator will reach its destination. You can try to defeat it.

The most spectacular views come from floor 148 when you’re standing at the feet of this iconic tower and looking down at people’s who appear like tiny insets. If you see it from above you will feel as if you are looking down on it from a bird’s eye view. It is an experience to be truly remembered and something you will never forget.

Desert Safari

There are many outdoor activities available in Dubai, which makes it an incredible destination for outdoor enthusiasts. When we talk about outdoor activities to do in Dubai, what would be a better way to make the most of your trip than to spend the evening in the world famous Arabian desert, which is well known all around the globe? An evening desert safari tour in Dubai is held late in the afternoon, and is one of the most popular tours in the city. In this tour, you will be able to see the true essence of ancient Dubai as you go through its never-ending desert and satisfy your hunger with its traditional Arabic cuisine, desserts, Arabic tea, and shisha. In addition to all of these activities, there are dune bashing, camel riding, belly dances, Egypt’s famous fire show, and Tanoura shows.

 If you cannot join this trip in the late afternoon, no worries because it can also be organized in the morning and at night. Whenever possible, make sure you do it and don’t skip it. It’s the ultimate exciting activity. The most advantageous aspect of the desert safari tour is that it is available throughout the year.

 There’s barely any tour operator in Dubai that doesn’t offer this trip. Technically, trip inclusion is almost the same. But when you do it in reality, you know the differences. On the one hand, some offer limited-time Dune bashing as they have the camp close to the highway less than five minutes’ drive, while some cannot provide international standard food. Some of the cheap safari tour operators have crowded camps, whilst others sometimes charge extravagant prices for their safari tours. All these things make safari tricky.

The tour operator I chose to travel with has been of excellent service in every aspect. From picking up to drop off, everything was done in a professional manner at a reasonable rate. I have written a detailed post on the occasion, which you can read by clicking here .

Dhow Cruise

For those of you who have never been to Dubai or have not been to any country in the Middle East, particularly Oman or the United Arab Emirates, then it may be the first time you have heard of the term “Dhow”. This is a particular type of boat which was used by ancient Arabs for crossing water. Through this, Arabs went to the sea and hunt fishes. It was used frequently.

These days it’s being used as floating restaurants. So far, there are a number of places in Dubai where such Dhow cruise packages are offered. Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina, and the Water Canal.

If you want to see old Dubai, go to Dubai Creek. And if you would like to see how modern Dubai looks, opt for the Marina cruise. The Dubai water canal is an up-to-date option for cruises.

 The cheapest is the Dubai Creek cruise. It doesn’t matter what you decide, but you should try it once in a lifetime. It is a 2-hour trip, including sightseeing, food, and entertainment shows. Those of you who are looking for a romantic place to dine are especially welcome to take advantage of this dinner tour. The Dow cruise has also been covered in detail in a piece I wrote over here . Please read it to learn more about this cruise.

The Museum of the Future

Have you ever thought about how it would be to live on the Earth in the year 2071? My head is spinning with so many incredible future predictions from the Museum of the Future, I can’t even figure out where to start! It possesses an impressive DNA library, a mixed reality Amazon rainforest, and a space for children to learn and explore. As a leading technology and science platform, it provides helpful resources! Foretelling how the moon could be converted into a renewable energy source in decades. Using cutting-edge 3D technology, visitors can understand the presentations.

With its exceptional steel frame construction and distinctive architecture, the museum has one-of-a-kind designs and is home to a variety of interactive displays that will keep you entertained the entire time you’re there. In addition to its spectacular interiors and distinctive architecture, its outer walls are covered with striking Arabic calligraphy. This is certainly one of its highlights.

Dubai Aquarium

Can you guess where the world’s largest acrylic panel is located? With a width of 32.88 m, a height of 8.3, 750 mm thick, and a weight of 245 tons, Dubai Aquarium has the world’s largest acrylic panel, making it the World’s Largest Indoor Aquarium. The building consists of two floors and has an area of 12 million square feet. Dubai Aquarium is massive and can carry 10 million liters of water. Located in the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals from more than 200 species. These animals include coral catfish, strings, Arabian scorpions, starfish, gentoo penguins, turtles, batfish, crocodiles, and clownfish. King Croc, over 5 meters long and weighing 750 kg plus, was recently added to the underwater zoo.

Entry turner, which is about 10 meters long, is a perfect place to get pictures of fish. When standing under the tunnel, you will enjoy the view when different creatures fly around overhead. The aquatic boxes are cleaned, and the creatures inside can be seen easily. To get the most out of Dubai Aquarium, book an Explore ticket that includes a transparent boat ride. Although life jackets are provided on boat rides, kids are still not allowed. Scuba diving is also offered here. Your kids will enjoy the underwater zoo located on the second floor. It has a wide variety of fishes, penguins, snakes, and other marine creatures. You can even feed the fish and the baby shark. It’s probably the most popular thing to do in Dubai with kids. The fun fact is that Dubai Aquarium is ethical, which means it brings creatures approved by international treaties such as CITES.

Even though Emaar maintains the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, it is designed by Australian-based architecture and interior design firm, Peddle Thorp. Tickets can be purchased offline with cash and credit cards. To get better discounts and deals, buy tickets online.

Enjoy with Dolphins at Dubai Dolphinarium

Dubai is a place that is known to everyone for its luxury nature, which makes it an electrifying place to visit. One such experience is the Dubai Dolphinarium. Situated in Creek Park , Dubai Dolphinarium is definitely a must-see spot to visit, particularly if you love dolphin Here not only can you see them in close proximity, but you can also watch them perform tricks, dance and even sing with them. If you are feeling daring, you can jump in and swim with them! So let your inner child out while bouncing off it. Dubai Dolphinarium is an ideal place for both kids and adults, so you should definitely try it out when you’re in Dubai.

Visit Dubai Frame

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Dubai from one of the highest points in the city! The unique attraction offers spectacular views from Old Dubai to New Dubai and everything in between. As you stand at the apex of the building, you will feel like you are from an entirely different species since your view spans 360 degrees across all four corners, making it almost impossible to ignore what we see below us – whether we’re looking at the buildings or up into lush palm trees. In addition, there are many other things for visitors, including zooming around via a glass elevator or the thrill of those glass panels on the floor. In my opinion, sunrise or sunset is the best time to visit , since the awe-inspiring sight of the sun rising and setting just beyond each horizon line is something you don’t want to miss. You can learn more about Dubai frame in this post .

Visit the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai! Located on Blue Waters Island and built by London architects,  Ain Dubai has a capacity for 1,400 passengers and 64 cabins. Standing at a height of 210 metres and a diameter of 150 meters, Ain Dubai offers stunning views of the cityscape from its air-conditioned cabins. With an amazing view of iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa or Palm Jumeirah while enjoying your meal at one of its restaurants with views that stretch 500 meters across the waterway, this must-see attraction will leave you wanting more after experiencing all it has to offer – no matter if you are traveling solo or together with family members.

Dubai Water Canal

A man-made 3.2 km and 6.4 km waterfront runs through Business Bay to the sea in Jumeirah. At its widest part, the canal measures 120 meters in width, while at its narrowest, it measures 80 meters in width and 6 meters in depth. Due to challenging factors, the 2.7 Billion AED project took three years to complete. As an added feature, it offers a 12-kilometer cycling track for riders looking to ride without being distracted by traffic as well as picturesque views. And for those wanting to cross the canal, the Business Bay Crossing (also known as the Dubai Canal Bridge) spans the width of the Business Bay district and connects with Burj Khalifa. You are bound to be impressed by the Dubai Water Canal whether you are cruising along it or simply admiring it from afar.

Dubai Fountain – The dancing water

Dubai Fountain is the world’s second tallest and biggest fountain. It is situated in the middle of the man-made 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake in front of the world’s tallest building. Each time it blasts water, it reaches 500 feet in 20 to 30 minutes Each of its five sets features a unique piece of music, including Arabic, Latin, Ragtime, Pop, and Classical. Furthermore, 6600 lights and 25 colour projectors illuminate the Dubai Fountain. The fountain re-uses lake water, making it one of the most environmentally friendly fountains on the planet.

Hop on Hop Off Bus Ride

Are you trying to find a quick and easy way to see Dubai? There is only one option: the Hop On Hop Off Dubai Bus Tour! This Hop On Hop Off Dubai bus trip allows you to avoid using Dubai’s public transportation while travelling around the city. With Dubai Hop On Hop Off bus tours, it’s easy to see all the places Dubai is known for. Simply get on the bus, unwind, and enjoy the pre-recorded commentary on the city in one of the 12 accessible languages.  Therefore, regardless of your native tongue, there is something suitable for everyone. Thus, the Hop On Hop Off bus trip is the perfect way to experience Dubai, as it takes you to all the main sights in the city. So don’t wait any longer-reserve your tour now!

Top Things to do in Dubai with Kids

There is something for everyone in Dubai, but its kid-friendly attractions really make it stand out. With so many theme parks, galleries, parks, and other leisure options available in Dubai, children have no shortage of entertainment options. Listed below are family-friendly Dubai attractions that can astonish your kids.

Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park

With more than 105 slides, The Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park is considered to be the Dubai ‘s biggest water park. The Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park features record-breaking rides, an underwater aquarium, dolphin activities, and a synthetic beach. The park has two main towers, Poseidon and Neptune, with different rides in each.

The Tower of Neptune at the Aquaventure Waterpark attributes exciting rides like Shark Attack, The Leap of Faith, and Water Coasters. There is also a kids area called Splashers with pools, fountains, and mini-waterslides. Tower of Neptune ends up in The Rapids, a long water park river with many slides and attractions. There’s also close exposure to cownose rays, dolphins, and sea lions, in addition to the opportunity to snorkel and dive in the aquarium.

The Tower of Poseidon also consists of some great rides, such as Aquaconda, Poseidon’s Revenge, Slitherine, and Zoomerango. Aquaconda is the largest water slide in the UAE, while Poseidon’s Revenge is a 60 kilometer per hour dive. Slitherine is the world’s first true “waterslide inside a water slide,” and Zoomerango is a tobogganing journey with vertical drops and abrupt plummets.

A variety of kiosks are available throughout the park offering food, drinks, souvenirs, and more. The parks also has it’s own private 1km-long white sand beach that let you try a variety of watersports. Fine dining is a must when at Aquaventure park , with celebrity restaurants such as Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street and Kitchen Bar, and Nobu Dubai.

IMG WORLD of Adventure

Viewed as  world’s largest indoor theme park,  IMG Worlds of Adventure is filled with interactive attractions, themed rides, and epic zones. Most of the rides and attractions at the IMG world are influenced by popular MARVEL and Cartoon Network characters, as well as a variety of other interactive attractions. Velociraptor is the most important attraction at the park. In addition to that, Spider-man Doc Ock’s Revenge and Thor Thunder Spin are all-time favorites. I’ve written an in-depth guide on IMG world rides here .

If you pick the ‘Ultimate Fast Track + 1 Shot Haunted House’ ticket, you’ll gain direct entry into the Haunted House.

The temperature-controlled theme park is open throughout the year, making it a great place to go for families and groups.

Day Out at Legoland Theme Park

There is no doubt that with its world-class family-friendly attractions, Dubai is the best destination in the Middle East for people of all ages. Dubai offers various theme parks and water parks to choose from. One of them is LEGOLAND. It is divided into two leisure areas: the Theme Park and the Water Park. With over 40 terrific rides, Legoland theme park family-friendly attractions, and unique play spaces for children, LEGOLAND theme park is a genuinely incredible tourist destination in Dubai for kids between 2-12 years.  Your children will appreciate observing the Burj Khalifa structure as well as creating magnificent structures out of Lego bricks in its Miniland zone. Kids can even design their own cars and race them against friends and relatives. These exciting LEGOLAND activities will certainly delight your children.

Enjoy Water Slides at Laguna Waterpark

If you’ve been looking for some adrenaline-fuelled fun afternoon in Dubai, Laguna Water Park in Dubai won’t dissatisfy. Featuring four zones, including Surf Zone and Aqua Play, this waterpark accommodates all ages, skill levels and sizes. You can slide down the four zones of slides and flumes at the Laguna water park in Dubai. With six slides and plenty of activities to select from, there are certain things for everybody.  In combination with 180-degree surf simulators in the Surf Zone and Aqua Play area, the latter area also has slides and tipping buckets, which are appropriate for kids aged 4 to 12 years. If you’re looking for something really remarkable, be sure to look into the Wave Oz 180 flow rider pool! So let your inner child out while making the most of the Laguna waterpak.

Day Out in Kidzania

The premier children’s entertainment and education center in Dubai, KidZania offers more than 40 real-life activities where your kids can pursue their passion. Here you will discover a hospital, a fire station, a flying simulator, a bank, a radio and TV station, a grocery store, Emirates Driving Institute, pizzeria, policemen, and many other things. The majority of activities are not open to parents, so parents should be prepared to step back. Kids can, however, be guided through their chosen activities by “Zupervisors” at the park. To put it simply, it’s definitely not for all kids. KidZania is appropriate for kids between the ages of four and fourteen. Despite the fact that most activities are not timed, most take between 20 and 25 minutes. In exchange for completing tasks, the children earn kidzania money that they can use to buy things at the store.

Top Adventures Things to do in Dubai

Skiing in dubai.

Being a desert city, Dubai is often being portrayed as a hotspot. But are you aware that it has the biggest indoor skiing center? You’ve heard, right.  With an area of 22,500 square meters, Ski Dubai is designed with a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. It is the best spot to enjoy a winter wonderland in the desert city. The ski has a variety of activities to keep you amused. From skiing and snowboarding, to experiencing the views from the chair lift or zip lining down the snow-capped hills, you will find something for everyone at Ski Dubai.  It also enables you to ride down a snow-covered mountain on a Snow Bullet.

In addition to a 3000-sqm snow park with an abundance of attractions like Ice Cave, Zorb Ball, and the famous Penguin Encounter – one of the most popular attractions at the park!  Snow clothes are offered on-site, so all you have to bring is a sense of adventure.

Ski Dubai entry fee varies with age and visit duration. Single entry two pass set you back 220 aed. If you wish to spend more time or full day opt for polar ticket that comes with multiple access for a day.

Ski Dubai is easily accessible by metro, bus, or car.

• Via Metro: The Mall of the Emirates station serves the Mall of the Emirates, where Ski Dubai is found. This metro M1 goes to the Ski Dubai location, which lies on the Redline.
• Via Bus : Grab the bus line stops 81, 93, F29. These buses stop near Mall Of The Emirates and will get you to your destination.
• Via Car : Perfectly located at the centre of New Dubai, the Mall of the Emirates is quickly accessible by car at the interchange 4 on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Adventure seekers in Dubai cannot afford to skip this tour because it is undoubtedly a challenging and exceptional experience. With both outdoor and indoor options available, skydivers can be a great choice for those looking for an adrenaline rush. What could possibly be more adrenaline-inducing than falling from a plane at a height of 13,000 feet while freefalling at a speed of 120 miles per hour?

What’s more, Dubai comes with two main locations for skydiving in Dubai. One is the Desert Campus and other is Palm Drop Zone. Both  of spots offer unique spectacular views of the city and surrounding deserts. The Desert Campus is an excellent option for both experienced skydivers and newcomers, while the PalmDrop Zone is designed for those hunting for a premium skydiving experience in Dubai.  If you’ve never done Skydiving before, opt for the Tandem skydive package because in this deal diver is attached to the trainer, making it the easiest and safest way to experience skydiving.

Just In case if you are pondering about indoor skydiving, both iFly Dubai and InFlight Dubai are superb options.

Try Hot Air Ballon

Looking for  another an exhilarating and unique experience in Dubai? Why don’t you try a hot air balloon ride! Hot air ballooning is a wonderful approach to see Dubai from a different perspective. You’ll be free to float amazingly above the city, taking in stunning views of the skyline, desert, and more. Dubai city landscape views from up above are spectacular, and you can see the city landmarks in all their beauty. The balloon rides in Dubai usually fly early in the morning, when the wind is quiet. If you’re considering about going on a hot air balloon ride in Dubai, you should definitely book in advance seats can load quickly.

Dine in the at Flying Cup

What’s a more fascinating way to have dinner in Dubai than in the Flying Cup? You feel like you are entering a world of high-class and cuisine when you dine at Flying Cup Dubai. With a diverse global menu, this restaurant is one-of-a-kind. Embark on a culinary adventure while viewing the scenery below from Flying Cup!

Take Gyrocopter Tour

Ever wanted an up close personal view of some iconic Dubai landmarks? Now is your chance with the Gyrocopter! The Gyrocopter is a unique and exciting way to see the Dubai city. You can actually get an up close personal view of some iconic landmarks, such as Burj Al Arab (the world’s most luxurious hotel) and many more. As part of your safety briefing, you will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to be in the seat of the pilot-in-command while taking off vertically.

Ride Jet Ski

It’s yet another a great water sports based activity to do in Dubai. Jet ski rides have an average speed of 130 mph and a maximum power of 180 horsepower. Currently, jet ski is being offered at two different locations. One of the two is Dubai marina which is most in-demand and other is memzar beach.  Regardless of where you ride, certainly You will observe some picturesque views of Dubai.

Taking photos with the Burj Al Arab in the background is one of the highlights of a jet ski ride at Dubai Marina. In addition, you’ll also view Jumeirah Beach Residence aka JBR, Dubai Marina Skyline, the Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis hotel and needless to say Burj Khalifa as well. However, if you wish to get most of this tour and don’t want to skip any of the well-known surrounding landmarks, consider taking a private guided jet ski tour.

Scuba Diving

Dubai is a fantastic scuba diving location. This city has a variety of professional dive centres as well as wonderful locations to explore the underwater world. There are five excellent dive sites in the UAE that are ideal for deep sea explorers and fish admirers. Deep Dive Dubai is one of these locations, and it is one of the best places to scuba dive. There are a 60-meter-deep pool and a submerged city to explore at this attraction.  Around 45 minutes away from the Palm Jumeirah is the Zainab Wreck, where barracudas and yellow snappers reside.  Martini Rock, the deepest dive spot in the UAE, is another popular scuba diving site in Dubai. It is known for its food-eating rays and dozing turtles.  Finally, the Dubai Aquarium  with 10-million-liter water is also a good spot to swim with sharks.

As a seashore city, It is obvious that water sports are one of the most trending activities in Dubai at the moment. Those of you who don’t know what a floorboard is, it’s a new extreme activity that allows the user to fly in the air over water. Even for beginners, it is quite safe. Furthermore, since you’ll be wearing a life jacket during flyboard, you won’t need to be a swimming expert.

Xline Zipline

Sensibly installed in Dubai marina, Xline Zipline has been around for a few years, but it’s already made its reputation as one of the best things to do in Dubai marina. With its one kilometre distance and two parallel ziplines, the Xline Zipline Dubai is the world’s lengthiest urban Zipline.  With the maximum speed of 80kmp, The Xline passes through several Dubai Marina skyscrapers, giving you the true sensation of an adventure tour along with spectacular views of the whole Dubai Marina.

Helicopter Ride

Who won’t take the Dubai city Helicopter ride if get the opportunity? The Dubai city helicopter ride is one of the most desired activities for all people. The stunning Dubai city views soaring high above, could be sufficient to make anyone want more! You can actually enjoy stunning Dubai city views that are otherwise inaccessible on foot or by car–and you get an incredible aerial photo opportunity too!

So, What are you waiting for?

Yellow Boat Ride

In Dubai, water trips are offered in a variety of types. Even so, the Yellow Boat boat ride is worthwhile on its own. In addition to seeing Dubai from a unique viewpoint, the Yellow boat trips provide an opportunity to experience it from a different perspective. As you boat along the coast of Dubai, you will pass the Burj al Arab, Princess Island, Dubai marina and other skyscrapers and landmarks. There is no need to worry about your safety while having fun on the yellow boat in Dubai because the crew members are trained professionals with a wealth of industry knowledge. Additionally, in accordance with Dubai government regulations , every boat is outfitted with the most recent GPS navigation and safety equipment, guaranteeing a smooth and secure water excursion.

Boat Ride at Fountain

Burj Khalifa is among the world’s most iconic attractions. And what better way to view it than on a boat ride? Enjoy a unique and magnificent experience by riding in a boat in the front of Burj Khalifa. The ride takes you on a journey through the stunning Dubai Fountain across Burj Lake. During the boat ride in Burj lake, you’ll be captivated by the fountain show and music, making it truly one of a kind experience.

When it comes to breed and speed, hardly any other horses can contest with The Arabian Horses.  Additionally, the Arabian horses are notable for their stamina, beauty, intelligence, and compassion. As a result, many who enjoy horse riding make a point of riding on Arabian horses in Dubai. If you enjoy horseback riding and have some free time, you should go horseback riding. There are numerous stables in Dubai where you may enjoy a horseback ride with your family or friends on well-trained horses.

Dubai Family-Friendly Attractions

Visit miracle garden.

Dubai is a city of superlatives, and that extends to its gardens. The Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest themed flower garden, and it’s easy to see why. With more than 150 million flowers in full bloom, this 72,000-sq-m paradise has flowered into one of the Dubai’s most picturesque spots . You won’t find a more picturesque, sweet-scented destination than the Dubai Miracle Garden. There are 60 different varieties of flowers, including petunias, geraniums and marigolds. If you thought the Dubai Frame was impressive, wait until you see the Airbus A380 flower structure in the Dubai Miracle Garden – it’s been listed as the biggest flower structure in the world. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a place to relax to take some photos, the Dubai Miracle Garden is definitely worth visiting it.  Minimum three hours are required to see the whole garden, so plan visit accordingly. If you don’t know to get there, read this detailed Dubai Miracle Garden to get all required information.

Dubai Butterfly Garden

This innovative and fresh concept will help your learn more about butterflies. Over 15,000 butterflies from 50 different categories are housed in the Dubai Butterfly Garden. Located within the Miracle Garden, the park allows visitors to explore different types of butterflies. Additionally, the attraction has an art gallery featuring works by its own artists. The garden is accessible to children, adults, locals, and tourists and maintained at a pleasant 24 degrees Celsius. Remember that children must be accompanied by parents or guardians.

Visit Dubai Garden Glow

There’s so much to do in Dubai in winter, but one of the best winter attractions is the Dubai Garden Glow. It’s a true visual treat and experience for all! The Glow Garden in Dubai has 4 attractions: an Art Park, a Magic Park, an Ice Park, and a Dinosaur Park.  Out of these attractions, most likely will blow you away is the dinosaur park. Besides, live performances are organized in the evening, which makes The Dubai Garden Glow is a great place to spend the evening with your family. There’s so much artwork in all shapes of colours – With three periods that are detailed beautifully through art displays made up 10 million lights – it really feels like some kind fairy tale come alive. You will have a blast experiencing the dawn of the dinosaurs through the three periods – Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous.

Pay a visit to Globall Village

There is no better place to spend a winter’s evening in Dubai than at the Global Village. This unique and integrated shpoing and culture destination offers visitors not only an opportunity for shopping, dining or entertainment from around the world, but also provides them over 26 different pavilions representing countries like Pakistan, India, Turkey etc. Each pavilion features its own country crafts, tradition and food products which could make your mouth watering!. Though the most items prices are competitive, sometimes costly too, particularly if the items are quite extraordinary and difficult to find in the UAE.  Visitors can find anything they desire with over 3000 shops spread across 395 acres of indoor space.

It’s almost impractical to properly check out all pavilions in a day. Thereby, plan to visit some famous pavilions. The top pavilions you should check out are Pakistan (for clothing), Turkey (food) India, China Oman, Yemen & Africa Pavilion. Annually It receives over 5 million visitors . I would recommend going early in order avoid long queues.  Global village remains opens between October through April annually. Currently, admission fee is AED 20.

The Global Village lies at Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. The closest metro station station to Global Village is the financial centre metro station. Yet, even following that you need to walk about 20 minutes at least or alternatively take a taxi that should cost you no more than 12 AED.

In case you are coming  by bus, take bus no# 103 (from Union Metro Station), 102 (from Rashidiya Metro Station), Route 104 (from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station) and Route 106 from Mall of Emirates.

The Lost Chamber Aquarium

I must say that The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai is a must-see if you are a fan of marine life. Awe-struck moments are guaranteed when you’re touring the Lost Chamber’s Aquarium in Dubai. It is believed that The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai features over 65,000 animals that offer an unforgettable experience for visitors of every age group. The enormous 11 million litre aquarium is home to a stunning collection of sharks, stingrays, lobsters, sea horses, and a range of vibrant coloured species from all over the world. In addition to that, visitors are also able to take part in an immersive experience. This allows them to explore both the underwater environment visually and physically through an immersive experience. As part of its educational program, Lost Chambers Aquarium provides a variety of exciting opportunities for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of marine life. In the Lost Chambers aquarium, scuba diving among the unique marine life of the aquarium is just one of the many things that make this a truly unique aquarium. It seems that everyone seems to enjoy the Touch tank’s distinctive feature equally. There is a pleasant and calming atmosphere within the aquarium, exactly as you’d imagine that it would be in the lost city of Atlantis.

Wild Wadi Water Park

With its extensive selection of water activities, Wild Wadi Water Park puts a stop to your summer worries. You can burn off those extra calories while having fun in 30 various coasters, slides, and attractions that are all conveniently located nearby. An example of such a ride is the Burj Surj, which lifts riders at least 50 metres into the air before dropping them into the water below. Others popular rides at Wild Wadi are the Master Blaster slide, Tantrum Alley, Jumeirah Sceirah as well as other fast paced slides. In addition to the large wave pool, there is also a Flowrider area, where kids can ride the slides, and a play area for the smaller children.

Hollywood enthusiasts will love Motiongate Dubai. It is believed that there is no other park in the entire world with rides themed after the Hunger Games than this one, which is part of Dubai Parks and Resorts. Due to the fact that the Motiongate rides are based on movies and franchises from Columbia Pictures, they offer a very unique and immersive experience.  There are many attractions to choose from, including the Zombieland Blast Off, Green Hornet, Capitol Bullet Train, Madagascar Mad Pursuit, and Dragon Gliders are just a few examples. The Capitol Bullet Train ride is not for the faint of heart as it blasts you from District 12 into the Capitol! The fastest coaster in the park, the Madagascar Mad Pursuit, can go above 80 kph! You feel as though you’re flying on the Dragon Gliders roller coaster.

Museum of Illusions

What could be more thrilling than the museum of illusions when looking for new entertainment in Dubai? You’ll be left wondering what is real due to the interesting exhibits at this special museum. Visitors can engage in 80 different exhibits, including photo opportunities where it looks like someone has walked away or appeared out of nowhere. Most likely, you’ll never figure it out that How did that happen? The Vortex Tunnel, Ames Room, Upside-Down Room, and Chair Illusion are a few of the highlights. Additionally, you will also be able to gaze upon more mind-boggling optical illusions, holograms, and visual tricks to keep you both confused and amused throughout the entire time.

Quranic Park

Those who are interested in Islamic history, most likely the Quranic Park will capture their attention. Occupying 64-acre, Quranic Park displays Islamic heritages in a very unique way. Visitors to the Quranic Park in Dubai can experience a real taste of Islamic culture with its ten attractions that include 40 sculptures , including five distinct cultures.  Furthermore, there are a number of attractions at Quranic Park that are likely to catch the attention of visitors. One of the top attractions at the Quranic Park is the CAVE OF Marvels, which showcases seven of the miracles mentioned in the Holy Quran.

With its 400,000 square feet of botanical gardens, The Greenhouse is one of the most amazing architectural wonders in the world. Split in two, the stunning lake in the centre of the greenhouse serves as a reminder of the wonder Prophet Musa (AS) experienced when he threw his miracle stick to the sea in response to God’s command. In The Orchards, you can find a wide range of trees that are indigenous to different parts of Asia and Africa. Each tree has a special charm that will keep you interested for hours on end. More information on Quranic Park you can read in this article .

Day at Bollywood Park

As the name suggests, Bollywood Park is a theme park in Dubai that’s influenced by Bollywood films.  To keep visitors occupied, the Bollywood park features a large outdoor screen where one can watch movies or shows at no cost. There are five different zones in the Bollywood park, each of which is based on a different Bollywood film. Additionally, there are many rides and attractions, as well as a Bollywood-themed hotel. The park is a wonderful place to go if you wish to experience Bollywood films in a fun and entertaining way. Aside, The park also offers a stage that enable you to see live performances. You will find a few shops and restaurants in the park, so you’re able to grab something to eat or drink while you enjoy the amusement.

It is easy to get to the Bollywood park via Dubai metro. There’s two options.

Option 1: Grab the red metro line south up to Ibn Battuta Metro station. Following that, take the bus DPR1 to Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Option 2: Take the red metro line south to the end station Jebel Ali. After that, go on a taxi to Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Update. As of May 2023, Bollywood park has been closed permanently.

Visit VR Park

Those who love VR technology should head over to VR PArk. Based in in Dubai mall, VR Park Dubai is a fantastic indoor amusement park that offers exciting VR experiences for both adults and kids. With 15 rides, including arcade games, motion simulators in addition to traditional carnival game options – there’s something in this indoor park that could meet the needs of any VR enthusiasts! What’s more, with new additions constantly being added, you’ll in no way run out fun when visiting VR park.

Dubai Marina

If you’re looking for a mesmerizing and well-engineered travel destination in Dubai, simply visit the Dubai Marina .  This man-made island with the length of more than 3 km is home to some of the most beautiful Dubai hotels, as well as a host of wonderful restaurants and shopping malls .

One of the must-visits sights on this man-made island is the Dubai marina walking route. This magnificently designed walking route is popular among locals and visitors alike for viewing spectacular views of the Dubai marina island. Dubai Marina walking route is also one of the best places in Dubai to keep you amused, whether you’re looking for  a great cup of coffee or something to shop for. If you want to go on an adventure tour and trying to find something more thrilling, there are plenty of yachts and dhow cruise terminals along the Dubai Marina walking route where you can enjoy a day out on the water.  Furthermore, You can also do jet ski, yellow boat, Zipline and fishing tour in Dubai marina. You can learn about these activities in my this post .

Check out Burj Al Arab

Dubai is a city recognized for its record – breaking architectural feats , and the Burj Al Arab   is no exception to this rule . Due to high-class structure, Burj al Arab is the beating heart of the luxury hotels, and a great place to take some amazing pictures. Globally acknowledged as the only seven start hotel, Burj Al Arab isn’t less than a palace of King and a Queen.  It’s magnificent sail architecture catches visitors’ attention from a long, No matter, it’s daytime or darkest night. If you’re tea admirers or one of those peoples who love to enjoy the high-class standard of living, you should try out afternoon tea at Burj al Arab. I understand most of you would refrain from it as Burj al Arab afternoon starting cost is 160 AED, it’s the cheapest option to visit Burj al Arab.  Otherwise, you can go inside the Burj al Arab only if you’ve reserved your stay there that is insanely expensive.  Even though it’s not at all cheap, it’s definitely worth doing at least once if you’re able to swing it. 

Jumeirah Mosque

Considered to be one of the Dubai’s most visited mosques, ‘Jumeirah Mosque’ is a breathtaking spot to visit for all religion tourists.  The primary prayer room is capable of hosting 1,200 people. In spite of the fact that it was built in 1979, Jumeirah mosque architecture seems to be magnificent and innovative because of frequent maintenance. Even you could embrace the attractive views of Jumeirah mosque from a distance. The fact is that, Jumeirah mosque views at night seem even more spectacular – so don’t overlook this amazing mosque when you’re in Dubai.  Do not forget, as a holy spot, there’s a stick dress code. You can learn more about Jumeirah mosque dress code here .

 Kite Beach

It’s easy to understand why Kite Beach is one of Dubai’s best known beaches. There’s always plenty of activities taking place on Kite beach, even if you’re tired, there’ll always be something more challenging to try. The stunning views of Dubai skyscrapers make it the perfect spot for resting. If kiting isn’t your thing, but you still wish to have fun, you may rent a sunbed or an umbrella for just 120 AED per day. With breathtaking scenery like white beach and clear sea, as well as amazing attractions within walking distance like camel rides , you could spend days taking in life under the sky in Dubai without feeling exhausted.

La Mer – The artful side of a beach

Despite the fact that Dubai is home to several beaches, none of them can compare to the La Mer beach. It’s a great place to spend your holiday time with clean waters, a large number of cafés and restaurants, security, and lifeguards.Swimming and sunbathing are best activities here. For 224 AED for a day, you may rent stools and an umbrella. Parking won’t cost you anything, though, if you paid 100 Dirhams. For 224 AED for a day, you may rent stools and an umbrella. Parking won’t cost you anything, though, if you paid 100 Dirhams.

Madinat Jumeirah Souk

If you are heading out to see nature and also wish to do some shopping in the authentic Arab market, Madinat Jumeirah Souk is the right place to go. While visiting Madinat Jumeirah, you are also most likely to take a boat ride through the canals to experience the traditional atmosphere. While Madinat Jumeirah Souk has many locations where you can take breathtaking photos, the ones that offer spectacular views of the Burj al Arab ought to be your top choice. There are many stores here that offer a wide selection of local items.

Palm Jumeirah

The stunning man-made Palm Jumeirah island, densely packed with five-star hotels and resorts, is excellent for those seeking to live the high life. The one-of-a-kind Palm Jumeirah structure is entirely built of sand, without any steel or concrete. It was built in less than six years and extends five kilometres into the Arabian Sea. As a result, it is frequently referred to as the “8th wonder of the world.” The archipelago appears to be a palm tree within a circle from above. After going through these fascinating engineering facts, It is obvious that The Palm Island is a technological and design wonder. Scuba diving, speed boating, and other adrenaline-pumping water sports are offered on The Palm Island. You should enjoy and relax at its beach since it is the ideal area to swim, eat, sip, and enjoy the beach.

Known to be one of the biggest gold market in the world, Dubai Gold market sunk nearly 10 tons of Gold every single day. Apart from it, Dubai gold Souq also holds numerous others world-record such as it has biggest ring (64-kg) and way back in 1999, this marker sellers made longest (4.2 kilometers) handmade golden chain with 22-k gold.  The Gold Souk Dubai is home to over 300 gold jewellery shops which means one can easily find everything from bracelets and earrings to necklaces and rings.  Regardless of whatever budget you’ve, there is certainly something for everyone at the Gold Souq. Usually, gold prices at gold souq dubai are reasonable. However, ensure to bargain for the best price.  If you’ve no expertise in negotiating gold price, read this in-depth post .

Dubai Textile Souk

This ancient fabrics market is now one of the most well-known attractions in Dubai. Most of the stitched, raw silk, and cotton fabrics offered here are brought from Pakistan, China, and India. A few vendors also carry a range of Indian sarees. Located in deira, Dubai textile souk is a fantastic source of learning about textiles. When you are travelling by Dubai metro, get down at the Baniyas square metro station or Al Ras metro station. Those Visitors who’re heading from bur Dubai, can also reach this area via Abra (water taxi).

Major Historical Places to visit in Dubai

The dubai museum.

Any history enthusiast must visit The Dubai Museum, which was established in 1971 by the Dubai ruler.  Indisputably, The Dubai Museum is a wonderful gold mine of civilization, spanning from 3000 BC to the present. You can observe items from bygone eras like traditional Emirati clothing and jewellery or even images carved into animal bones! You can learn about life in the UAE’s most fascinating city before oil was discovered 60 years ago by viewing the more than 50,000 objects on display. The progression of events from before the discovery of oil in the 1960s to the present can also be seen in videos that shows daily lifestyle of that time.

Al Fahidi Historical District

As soon as you enter the Al Fahidi historical district, you’ll probably feel as you’ve travelled back to a time when the United Arab Emirates didn’t show up on any maps of the world. The area hosts a variety of culture and historical places in Dubai. With construction dating back to the 1700s, the locality was home to 60 housing units In its prime . One of the most remarkable sights in the area is a fort that was constructed in 1787 from coral and shells. Before being renovated under the supervision of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, this fort served as the ruler’s base, a fortified residence, a weapons storage facility, and a prison. It’s a good area to learn about Dubai’s rich culture and history. Despite occasionally being referred to as a hidden jewel, Al Fahidi is actually one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Dubai. So if you’re looking to take a step back in Dubai history, Al Fahidi is the perfect place to visit.

The House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum

Finally, while you’re in Dubai, you should absolutely look into the HH Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum Museum. Equipped with air conditioning, lighting, music, and video, HH Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum is a historical Museum created by the Dubai Government. The original structure goes back to 1896, and it was constructed as a safe zone residence of the king of Dubai at the time. The house is situated close to al ghubaiba metro station. There is no entry fee.

Top Day Trips from Dubai

Situated on the seaside of the Arabian sea, Musandam offers you plenty of exquisite views of the dam. Even though it’s technically part of Oman, it offers easy access to all UAE residents and visitors. Musandam is regarded around the world as the Middle East’s Norway. Musandam is great for nature lovers and adventure seekers. If you decide to visit Musandam, you should bring your camera since there are some breathtaking landscapes to capture. Swimming, snorkelling, and dolphin viewing are just a few of the activities that can be done here. More on Musandam, you can read here .

Kaykak at Hatta Dam

Another popular weekend trip spot is Hatta, which is located out of the Dubai city and nearby to the Oman border. This small town is enclosed by Hajar mountains and home to many tourist attractions. It’s a great place for those UAE residents who want to watch nature closely, perform hiking, learn about UAE history and take in the lively atmosphere of the old UAE.  The attractiveness of the natural scenery is simply exceptional. Most popular spot here is Hatta dam where water is quiet and tranquil.  For adventure lovers, there is absolutely no more desirable approach to enjoy the scenery of Hatta Dam than kayaking.  During the kayak throughout the dam have fun with the peace and harmony of nature. If you aren’t into kayaking, then take an easygoing hiking around the Dam.  From the top of the mountain, you can observe the 360 views of the Hatta wadi. With public transport getting to Hatta is quite challenging. It is better to travel there by car or with a tour operator. Nowadays, many tour operators offer trips to Hatta from Dubai. One such tour operator is here .

Day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

Pack your bags and head to Abu Dhabi right away if the aforementioned options failed to convince you and you are still looking for a spectacular day trip from Dubai. No matter what your interests are, Abu Dhabi has something that will appeal to you. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the world renowned Ferrari World are just two of the amazing attractions in this stunning UAE city. It continues even in the summer, with gorgeous white sand beaches that are ideal places to soak up the vitamin D while relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying one of Forbes’ fastest-growing city rankings. This Abu Dhabi-based tour operator offers many Abu Dhabi day trips from Dubai.

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Thanks for putting an extensive list. It really covers a lot 🙂 Ain Dubai has not been operative since March 2022. It will stay inoperative until further notice. But still, Blue Water Islands offer stunning views of JBR and the sea.

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• 60 Tourist Places In Dubai: Do Not Come Back Without Visiting These Marvels!

08 Nov 2023

With thousands of hundreds of tourists visiting this Arab city every year, the entertainment city of the world, Dubai, needs no introduction! Ultra-modern architecture, exotic and lively nightlife, magnificent bird-eye views of the beautiful skylines, Dubai is synonymous with grandeur and a pompous lifestyle. This means that you would be spoiled by choices of tourist places in Dubai , on your upcoming Dubai vacation.  Dubai in UAE is popular for its nightlife scenes, beaches, high-rise buildings, grand shopping malls, luxury hotels, unique museums and zoos, and a lot more. We present to you some of the most happening Dubai tourist places that every traveler must explore. Dubai is an example of what hard work and dedication can do to a city. It has come a long way from being a port to one of the most popular tourist spots in the world. You can witness the numerous places to visit in Dubai on your next vacation. Keep reading and get to know about the amazing Dubai attractions along with photos. 

60 Best Tourists Places to visit In Dubai

From Burj Khalifa to Ferrari World, Dubai is home to various spectacular attractions that will make your trip memorable. Here is an intricate list of the most famous places to visit in Duba i that you should not miss out on your trip. Keep scrolling down and read along to know more!

• Burj Khalifa – Architectural Marvel
• Burj Al Arab – Imposing Structure
• Jumeirah Beach – Pristine Waters
• Mall Of The Emirates – A Beauty To Behold
• Dubai Mall – Opulence Exemplified
• Sheikh Saeed Al – Magnificence Overloaded
• Wild Wadi – Take A Dive
• Dubai Creek – Beauty At Its Peak  
• Deira Souks – Gold Everywhere
• Dubai Aquarium – World’s Largest Suspended Aquarium
• Global Village – Enjoy Performances From Global Artists
• Ibn Battuta Mall – Give In To Your Vanity
• Desert Safari – Hop On A Camel
• Dubai Marina – Image Of Affluence  
• Ferrari World – Indulge In Fun
• Dubai Dolphinarium – Watch Them Dance
• Ski Dubai – Put Your Talent To Good Use
• IMG Worlds of Adventure – Jump On The Carousel
• Dubai Miracle Garden – Biggest Flower Garden
• The Atlantis Palm Hotel – Stay Like A King
• The Palm Islands – Home To Luxurious Resorts
• Yas Island Waterpark – Beat The Heat
• Dubai Fountain – Watch The Dance
• Bollywood Parks Dubai – Watch Live Performances
• Dubai Underwater Zoo – Check Out Sharks
• Al Bastakia – Beautiful Ruins
• Hatta Heritage Village – Grand Old Town
• Dubai Polo And Equestrian Club – A Rejuvenating Retreat
• Saeed Al Maktoum House – Rich History
• Dubai Gold Souks – Shop Until You Drop
• Guru Nanak Darbar – Seek Blessings
• World Island – Check Out The Coast
• Kite Beach – Compete With Your Pals
• Hatta Rock Pools – Mind Blowing Canyons
• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – Littered With Forts
• Iceland Water Park – Take A Dip
• Dubai Opera – Watch A Cultural Show
• Etihad Museum – Go Back In Time
• Bur Dubai Village – Ancient Architecture
• Children’s City – Fun-Filled Break
• Grand Mosque – Historic Beauty
• Deira Clocktower – Step Back In Time
• Safa Park – Run Wild
• Hajar Foothills – Peaceful Spot
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium – Check Out Marine Animals
• Alserkal Avenue – Contemporary Gallery
• Emirates Towers – Party Hub
• Desert Camping – Camp Under The Stars
• Dolphin Bay – Feed The Mammals
• Dubai Spice Souk – Buy Spices
• Al Nassma – Eat Camel Milk Chocolates
• Dubai Coffee Museum – Luscious Coffee
• Desert Gate – Take A Ride
• Jumeirah Mosque – For A Spiritual Experience
• Dreamland Aqua Park – A Fun-Filled Place
• Dubai Frame – A Window To The Past And Future
• Kidzania Dubai  – Fun Inspired Learning
• Motiongate – Theme Park For Hollywood Buffs
• iFly Dubai – Skydiving Simplified
• Cayan Tower – A 75 Story Skyscraper

1. Burj Khalifa – Architectural Marvel

Do we need to say more? Burj Khalifa , the landmark building is on every traveler’s list of tourist places to visit in Dubai. The staggering bird-eye views from the 124th floor are an experience of a lifetime, with the desert covering one side and the turquoise blue ocean on the other. If you are in Dubai, you cannot miss visiting this place which finds its position on the list of tourist places in Dubai. Location:  1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: Daily 8:30 am-1 am Ideal for – Every single traveler! Official site

Must Read: 12 Dubai Museums That Let You Witness The Heritage & History Of The City

2. Burj Al Arab – Imposing Structure

Burj Al Arab tops the list of Dubai tourist places to visit. It is the fourth tallest hotel in the world and one of the most expensive 7-star hotels in the world which holds many feats. Burj Al Arab is beautifully lit up in the evening by choreographed lighting and offers a myriad experience of exploring the Dubai attractions. Ideal for – Photographers and the extremely affluent ones; until you can manage your savings for this one! Location:  Jumeirah St – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  12 PM – 6 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids Website

3. Jumeirah Beach – Pristine Waters

Jumeirah Beach is amongst the most popular places to visit in Dubai , ideal for all travelers. This beach is perfect for all beach bums and sunset lovers.   With a series of exotic hotels lined up throughout the road leading to the beach, world-class facilities and majestic sunset views at the beach make for a picture-perfect destination. Location:  Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  7:30 AM – 10 pm Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

Suggested Read: Top 32 Romantic Restaurants In Dubai: Dine Like The Royals!

4. Mall Of The Emirates – A Beauty To Behold

Number four on our list of the best places to visit in Dubai is the Mall of the Emirates, equipped with almost everything under one roof. Be it the cuisine from every part of the world to the numerous brands to shop or the exclusive Dubai Ski, which consists of a fantastic ski set up and a penguin enclosure – all at a temperate of -4 degrees Celsius . Mall of Emirates has to be on your list of the top tourist attractions in Dubai.

Timings: Sat-Wed 10 am-1 am Thu-Fri 10 AM -2 AM Location: Sheikh Zayed Road Ideal For: Friends, family Website

5. Dubai Mall – Opulence Exemplified

Popularly known for its shopping extravaganza festivals– ‘ Dubai shopping festival ’ and ‘Dubai Summer Surprises’, this mall is for the shopaholics who are sure to be spoilt for choices. One of the best Dubai visiting places, Dubai Mall provides entry to Burj Khalifa and also houses the famed Dubai Aquarium and is loaded with an array of entertainment options – gaming zone, ice skating rink, and multiplex. You can buy souvenirs for the people back home from this mall or shop for jewelry, the choices are endless. Dubai Mall is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Dubai. Location:  Hapur Rd, Block 1, P & T Colony, Raj Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 Timings:  9 AM – 10:30 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

Suggested Read: 31 Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi For Those Who Want Everything From One City

6. Sheikh Saeed Al – Magnificence Overloaded

Sightseeing in Dubai is incomplete without a visit to the house of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum , which houses the Dubai Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents giving a glimpse of Dubai’s history. The house is the epitome of Arabic architecture , which has a splendid design, coupled with luxurious interiors. Location:  Hapur Rd, Block 1, P & T Colony, Raj Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 Timings: Sat-Thu 8:30am-8:30pm, Fri 3-8:30pm Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

7. Wild Wadi – Take A Dive

Wild Wadi is a popular amusement park located in front of Burj Khalifa, which is packed with some fun-filled rides of more than 25 types. This is a perfect place to enjoy with your family while getting to know about the Arabian folklore, on which Wild Wadi is based. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places to visit in Dubai . Location:  Opp. Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah St – Umm SuqeimUmm Suqeim 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: November to February: 10am – 6pm March to May: 10am – 7pm June to August: 10am – 8pm September and October: 10am – 7pm Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids Official Website .

Suggested Read: A Spectacular Trip To Dubai In January That Is All You Need!

8. Dubai Creek – Beauty At Its Peak

Dubai Creek tops the list of places to visit in Dubai for couples. The creek is natural seawater, which cuts through the center of the city. Tourists could take a boat or abra to view the port on the other side. The picturesque view of the town , enriched by the history of Dubai makes it one of the most romantic tourist places in Dubai.

Location:  Dubai Creek , Dubai, United Arab Emirates Timings:  8 AM – 11 PM Ideal for: Family, Couples, Friends

9. Deira Souks – Gold Everywhere

Attention Shopaholics! Your paradise for unlimited shopping is right at the most popular tourist place in Dubai – Deira Souks. Get the essence of Dubai’s business culture. There is a market for all types of spices to souks for just gold or the textile souks – shop to your heart’s content from the wide array the city has to offer. Timings: Daily: 7 am-12 pm and 17 pm -19 pm Fri 17 pm – 19 pm Location:  Deira, near the junction of Baniyas Road and Old Baladiya Road Ideal for: Women

Suggested Read: Heads Up Shopaholics – The 25 Best Shopping Places In Dubai Are Calling You

10. Dubai Aquarium – World’s Largest Suspended Aquarium

Have you been to an underwater zoo? Yes, one exists! Visit Dubai Aquarium, is one of the popular tourist attractions in Dubai which has varied activities, including an underwater zoo , glass-bottom boat tours , cage snorkeling, and shark diving . It’s a unique mix of experience, so be sure to have some fun at this most popular Dubai tourist places !

Location: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road Timing: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10AM- Midnight Ideal For: Kids, family Official Website

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11. Global Village – Enjoy Performances From Global Artists

The global village is a destination that provides a wonderful international shopping experience as well as entertains you with some of the best performances from artists all over the world . The Global village also has food joints, serving delicious cuisine making it one of the most popular Dubai attractions.

Location:  Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road E 311 road Dubai. Timings:  9:30 AM – 7 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids Official site

suggested Read: 32 Budget International Trips For Your Holiday Which Will Cost You Less Than An iPhone!

12. Ibn Battuta Mall – Give In To Your Vanity

Ibn Battuta Mall is the largest theme based mall in the world , with over 270 shops, 50 restaurants, and 4500 sqft parking spaces! The architecture and the splendor of the Mall are awe-inspiring. Visit these popular Dubai tourist places to witness flamboyance and the Dubai culture of indulging in luxury.

Timings: 10:00 am – 12:00 am Location:  Sheikh Zayed Rd – Jebel Ali Village – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Ideal for: Family, Couples, Friends Official site

13. Desert Safari – Hop On A Camel

Image Credit: Xisdom for Pixabay While the number of places around to visit is abundant, the number of activities around in Dubai is just as riveting. The desert safari in Dubai is one of the best you could ever experience around. Exploring the deserts meshing into the abyss is definitely something you just can’t miss out on. This is one of those versatile activities that one can indulge in not just with their friends but also with the entire family without any constraints.

Location:  10th St – Al Quoz Industrial Area 4 – Dubai No 4 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: 3:30 PM till 9:30 PM every day Ideal for: Friends, Family, Solo

Suggested Read: 7 Awesome Reasons Why You Ought To Visit Dubai Parks & Resorts On Your Next Vacay In The Emirates

14. Dubai Marina – Image Of Affluence

Image Credit: Muneebfarman for Pixabay

Next on the list of the must-visit places when in Dubai includes the Dubai Marina. This place has become one of the most exotic places to visit. The place has multiplied its immense popularity and growth mainly because of the fact that it is considered one of the biggest man-made marina around in the world. Not just the Marina itself, there is an abundance of activities one can indulge in, ranging from the eateries to the various shopping plazas.

Location:  Residential district in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Timings:  10 AM – 11 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family, Solo

15. Ferrari World – Indulge In Fun

Image Credit: Pxhere

The Ferrari World is not your display of cars, rather, the complete opposite of it. Ferrari World is the biggest amusement park in the entirety of Abu Dhabi. It was founded back in 2010 and has since then attracted quite a large sum of tourists over the course of years. The place is constructed in a way to suit and cater to everyone’s needs, right from someone aged 8 till 80. Apart from riding a Ferrari, you can also indulge in shopping and stop by the quaint restaurants to gorge down some local favorites. Without a doubt, it is one of the best places to see in Dubai. 

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Timing: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM Ideal for: Family, Kids

Suggested Read: A Guide For Spending Winter In Dubai

16. Dubai Dolphinarium – Watch Them Dance

Image Credit: Cybjorg for Wikimedia Commons

The Dubai Dolphinarium, one of the most popular Dubai attractions, is located near the Creekside Park in Dubai and is considered as one of the best amusement venues including fish farms and even coral reef aquariums. This specific sightseeing spot is more than just a mandatory spot, it has been constructed with an aim to educate the visitors about the dire need regarding the conservation of dolphins around the world. Not just the dolphins, the same also does emphasize the need for protection of the endangered marine life.

Location: Riyadh Street, Inside the Creek Park Gate 1 – Dubai Dolphinarium Building – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  10 AM – 7:30 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family, Kids

17. Ski Dubai – Put Your Talent To Good Use

Image Credit: Alberto-g-rovi for Wikimedia Commons

Next, on the list of amazing places and things to do in Dubai include visiting Ski Dubai. Spread across a total area of 22,500 sq mt, Ski Dubai is one of the best indoor resorts around in Dubai. The resort is specifically dedicated to snow and skiing in Dubai . The entire place is covered in snow which gives you the feeling of enjoying the activities around in the Alps rather than Dubai. Make sure to visit the Snow Park too while you are there and for the complete feeling, sip on some hot chocolate from around the shacks available around. In Ski Dubai account for one of the best animals you will witness around in the place. The visitors are allowed to see the penguins from the barrier of glass and the show they put on is amazing on its own. The private holding area is off-limits but just viewing them is just as good of an experience while there. Apart from that, you can also swim in the ten-foot deep pool with the penguins and have the time of your life. Kids especially enjoy playing around with the penguins a lot.

Location:  Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al BarshaAl Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  10 AM – 10 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

Suggested Read: An Ultimate Post-Covid Travel Guide To Dubai: Experience Travel The New Way!

18. IMG Worlds of Adventure – Jump On The Carousel

Now that we are on a roll of mentioning all the popular amusement parks and activity areas around Dubai, it is time we discuss the IMG Worlds of Adventure. It is a very popular indoor amusement park that hosts four different adventure spots around in just one single spot. That is what exactly makes it one of the best around in the area. They host some of the most popular global brands like of Cartoon Network and even Marvel. Apart from that, you can delve into the IMG Boulevard along with the lost valley dinosaur adventure zone with amazing original concepts.

Location:  E311 – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  12 – 9 PM Ideal for: Family, Kids

19. Dubai Miracle Garden – Biggest Flower Garden

If you love flowers and nature in general, you are definitely going to be loving the Dubai Miracle Garden without a shadow of a doubt. If your itinerary doesn’t include this specific place while you are in Dubai, it is time to make a change to that. The lush greenery with the vibrant hues from the flowers is more than enough to leave you awestruck and your heart full. It is the biggest natural flower garden around in Dubai and the best part of this is the fact that the same is grown around in a desert. The place includes distinctive models of some of the most popular establishments around in Dubai. The models change shape and even have suitable lighting to make them even more beautiful.

Location:    Al Barsha South 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: 09:00 AM till 09:00 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

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20. The Atlantis Palm Hotel – Stay Like A King

It is not surprising at all when people tend to correlate Dubai with luxury. The wide range of multiple star hotels and luxurious resorts do give it that reputation. The Atlantis Palm Hotel is every person’s living dream if they can afford the expenses that do come along with it. The majestic 7-star hotel is everything luxury defines as and probably more. Often also known as the Royal Towers, the fireworks around in the hotel is something that leaves the tourists and the visitors in an awe. The hotel is also believed to host some of the most popular A-list Hollywood celebrities. This place finds its place in the list of Dubai tourist places to visit.

Location:  Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: NA Ideal for: Family, Friends

21. The Palm Islands – Home To Luxurious Resorts

Image Credit: Commander Leroy Chiao for Wikimedia Commons

If you have heard of artificial islands but never been to one, you definitely need to visit The Palm Islands . The Palm Islands is the collective of two different artificial islands situated mainly in Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali. While the island in Palm Jumeirah is complete and can be visited by the tourists, the one in Jebel Ali is still not completed yet which is why you can’t visit that yet. The islands are named so because of the shape it takes. The majority of the tourists and even the ex-pats suggest viewing the islands from either in the air or from any of the popular skyscrapers around in Dubai like that of the Observation Deck in the Burj Khalifa.

Location: Coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Timings:  open 24 hours Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

Suggested Read: Bollywood Parks Dubai: All You Need To Know Before You Plan A Visit

22. Yas Island Waterpark – Beat The Heat

The Yas Island Waterpark has been around in the construction and developmental phase since 2006. Just as the name suggests, this is one of the best themed water park in Dubai which enthralls the kids and the adults alike. There are over 40 different water slides, several rides, and a plethora of attractions around in the water park for you to try out. The water park is actually one of the best places to see in Dubai. I f you want your adrenaline peeking through the heights, try the various water rides and dunk yourself in the water pools.

Location: Abu Dhabi Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

23. Dubai Fountain – Watch The Dance

Next on the list of tourist places in Dubai is the Dubai Fountain. It is one of the most unusual places to visit in Dubai . The Dubai Fountain is the tallest and the most well-choreographed fountain in the whole entire world. The fountain reaches over to a height of 900 feet which is definitely something that makes it one of the best things to witness around in the place. It stands tall in the middle of Burj Lake and has been attracting a flock of a tourist attraction over the course of years. The combination of the nightlife with the rhythmic dance of the water in the fountain adds to the marvelous experience altogether. The work and architecture put into this single piece of the fountain will leave you shocked and gobsmacked. The entire structure contains around 6600 super lights along with twenty-five color projectors which make up for the overall experience. The songs played range from classical to contemporary.

Location:  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  6 Pm – 11 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

Suggested Read: 12 Dubai Travel Tips To Help You Make The Most Of Your Perfect Holiday

24. Bollywood Parks Dubai – Watch Live Performances

Image Credit: DPR 2016 for Wikimedia Commons

If Bollywood is something you live for, visiting Bollywood Parks in Dubai is an absolute must for you. The place is known to have everything that you would needs when it comes to the whole Bollywood scene, from rides to restaurants. It is truly one of the best Dubai tourist attractions . You can also enjoy live performances around the place and even depict some of the most entertaining activities around. The entire place is spread over an area of 1.7 million sq. ft. This Bollywood theme park in Dubai is a definite must-visit when it does come to reeling around in the realms of amazing entertainment from Bollywood.

Location:    Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  12 PM – 9 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends

25. Dubai Underwater Zoo – Check Out Sharks

Image Credit: Øyvind Kvamme-Vik for Wikimedia Commons

Next on the list of amazing places to visit around in Dubai is the Dubai Underwater zoo. It is located on the ground and level two of the famous Dubai Mall and does make up for one of the most sought-after tourist destinations around the world. It is the world’s largest suspended aquarium which holds around 10 million liters of water. The aquarium is home to over 140 species of aquatic animals and marine life which does include over 300 species of just sharks and stingrays. It also contains the infamous Sand Tiger Shark. The overall dimensions of the aquarium are around 51 meters in length and around 20 meters in width.

Location: The Dubai Mall, UAE Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:15 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family, Kids

Suggested Read: Bastakia In Old Dubai: The Ancient Foundation Of The Dazzling City Of Dizzying Heights

26. Al Bastakia – Beautiful Ruins

Image Credit: Diego Delso for Wikipedia

If culture and history is something you want to explore while in Dubai, visiting the Al Bastakia is an amazing choice to delve into. This ruin-worthy town is every cultural lover’s delight and if you are one of them, make sure to never miss out on visiting this place while you are there. The sandy lanes around the place make your experience around even adventurous and worth remembering. The modern white mosque around the place is a must-visit and if architecture and design intrigue you, it is definitely a must for you to stand and admire the designs made with gypsum, coral, and limestone. The carved wooden doors further add to the majestic feel of the place.

Location:  Bur Dubai Hamriya – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  7 AM – 8 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family, Kids

27. Hatta Heritage Village – Grand Old Town

Image Credit: Kishor108 for Wikimedia Commons

The next on the list of mystic destinations around in Dubai is the Hatta Heritage Village. If you wish to experience the traditional life around in Dubai, visiting the Hatta Heritage Village in the Al Hajar Mountains is an absolute must. The place is the classic depiction of what the overall grandeur of old town and locals reflect on the place. The amazing houses around the village were made from the old age stones and hold great significance in the raging popularity of the place around. There is a total of just 17 houses around the place and even a gigantic fortress which in itself is a sight to behold.

Location:    Sufayri – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  7:30 AM – 8:30 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends

Suggested Read: Dubai New Year: The Guide For A Celebration

28. Dubai Polo And Equestrian Club – A Rejuvenating Retreat

Image Credit: Land Rover MENA for Wikimedia Commons

The Polo and Equestrian Club in Dubai is definitely one if you wish to revel in some of the rich people’s sports. This is basically the best to visit if you have the resources and the leisure time in your hand to spare. The place does allow you to have a very relaxed and laid back time with no stress whatsoever. Not only is the environment chill and stressful free and rejuvenating, but it also does provide some of the best experiences when it comes to fitness with their plethora of outdoor activities. Some of the most popular activities include horseback riding, swimming, spa, and even enjoy the delectable dishes from the top chefs.

Location:  Al Qudra Road, Next to Dubai Studio City, 7477 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  6 AM – 12 AM Ideal for: Friends, Family

29. Saeed Al Maktoum House – Rich History

Image Credit: أمين علوان for Wikimedia Commons

Still looking for the best places to go in Dubai ? The Saeed Al Maktoum House is located around in Al Shindagha and holds importance in the representation in the history of Dubai .

It was the former residential palace of one of the most prestigious rulers of the Emirates, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum. Owing to the rich historical significance of this place, this is regarded as one of the most popular places to visit around in Dubai. Currently, the building has been converted into a museum and showcases a wide range of artifacts aligned with the Arab dynasty.

Location: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  8 AM – 8:30 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family, Kids

Suggested Read: 6 Best Cafes In Dubai For Soothing All Your Hunger Pangs Like Never Before

30. Dubai Gold Souks – Shop Until You Drop

Image Credit: Theodore Scott for Wikimedia Commons

The Dubai Gold Souks do make up for one of the major cultures and traditions around Dubai. It is believed to showcase the cultures of the Middle East and provides the feeling of luxury to the tourists as they demand it. Located around in Deira, they do make up for one of the best souk markets around in Dubai when it comes to sourcing precious gold. Simply window shopping and witnessing the pieces of gold on display around in the shops is enough to leave your mouth wide open. It is one of the best tourist places in Dubai. 

Location:  DeiraAl Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  9:30 AM – 9:30 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family, Solo

31. Guru Nanak Darbar – Seek Blessings

Image Source: Shutterstock

If you have been seeking some peace and tranquility for yourself, visiting the Guru Nanak Darbar is an absolute must-visit while in Dubai. It is the first constructed one in the area and is often an amazing place of worship for Sikh devotees. It also has a dedicated floor that caters to the community feasts which are conducted every single day and serves over 5000 people. It is located in Jabesh Ali and is considered a must-visit when you want to get rid of the impending stress and pressure of life. Location: 3806 Sheikh Zayed Rd – Jebel Ali Village – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: 04:30 AM till 09:30 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

Suggested Read: Guide To Dubai Parks And Resorts Theme Park: Water Sports, Movie Mania, And More

32. World Island – Check Out The Coast

Image Credit: Expedition 22 for Wikimedia Commons

The World Island, which was developed by renowned developers Nakheel is one of the most popular sightseeing spots Dubai. It is spread around the complete coast of Dubai and looks like an amazing rendition of the world map on the ocean. The best part is the fact that these specific islands are on sale or even rent depending on the wish of the customers. The prices of these places are beyond anyone’s realm of imagination, so that is definitely something out of topic.

Location:  United Arab Emirates Timings:  10 AM – 7 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

33. Kite Beach – Compete With Your Pals

Image Credit: Thomas Tolkien for Wikimedia Commons

Kite Beach is not just the famous Dubai tourist attraction but locals love this place just as much. It is situated in the Al Manara Road junction and the name of the beach is apt for the kind of activities you can indulge in around the place. The wide range of water sports along with kitesurfing make up for the amazing activities that the majority of the tourists indulge in the entire year around. The pristine white texture of the soft sand is definitely something that will satisfy your heart and soul. The Burj-Al-Arab can be seen clearly from there.

Location:  main street of Jumeirah, Dubai Timings:  10 AM – 7 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family, Kids

Suggested Read: Dubai Marina: The One Stop Destination For Breathtaking Panorama And Unparalleled Luxury

34. Hatta Rock Pools – Mind-Blowing Canyons

Image Credit: Alexandermcnabb for Wikimedia Commons

The Hatta Rock Pools do make up for yet another one of the amazing sightseeing spots around Dubai. It is considered one of the best visiting spots around during the weekends. The entire area is studded along with spring-fed pools and narrow canyon passages which is what makes up for the amazing beauty of the place. It is located nearby to the Hatta heritage village and if you are short on time, visit both of the places together to get everything sorted out. The rocky mountain passages along with the landscapes around make up for the overall beauty of the place around.

Location: Half an hour drive away from the ancient village of Hatta Timing: NA Ideal for: Friends, Family

35. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – Littered With Forts

Image Credit: Omar.idma for Wikimedia Commons

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is yet another one of the ideal must-visit places in Dubai. It does reflect quite a lot of historical importance and is one of the oldest buildings around Dubai. It was initiated back in 1971 and has since then reflected significant importance in the history of Dubai. The place is littered with a wide range of forts and galleries which is what showcases the rich culture of the land. The Al Faidi fort in the museum is what holds the maximum importance. There is also a room in the place which is just filled with old maps. You can also witness the plethora of archaeological findings from Al Quasis.

Location:  Sharjah – United Arab Emirates Timings:  Open 24/7 Ideal for: Friends, Family

Suggested Read: 7 Most Recommended Things to Do In UAE For A Wholesome Experience

36. Iceland Water Park – Take A Dip

Image Credit: Sb2s3 for Wikipedia

Dubai is not just known for its oil reserves and gold but also for the amazing range of water parks it had. The Iceland Water Park is one such must-visit place around that not many tourists are aware of. It is considered one of the most beautiful water parks in the entirety of Dubai. Spread over a total area of 103,000 sq ft, this definitely makes up for one of the most notable sites to visit around in Dubai. It is themed as a Penguin homeland and has a capacity of 10,000 people at one go.

Location:  Jazeera Al Hamra – Ras al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Timings:  10 AM – 6 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family, Kids

37. Dubai Opera – Watch A Cultural Show

Not many people are going to correlate Dubai with Opera music but if you wish to get a taste of it, the Dubai Opera is actually an amazing tourist place in Dubai . It is located around in downtown Dubai and does make up for being the Opera district of the place. The place is an amazing rendition of the culture that Dubai is known around the world for. The place hosts a wide range of musical shows and artful dance which makes it one of the best places around. It has also got an amazing 2000 situate multi arrange theatre.

Location:  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  10 AM – 9 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

Suggested Read:  Dubai In February: An Ultimate Guide To The Royal Land Of Sheikhs!

38. Etihad Museum – Go Back In Time

If you are a history buff, you are definitely going to be loving the Eithad Museum. The place is the perfect rendition of everything one needs to witness when it comes to the complete discourse that happened around in the United Arab Emirates. It is home to some of the rarest videos and personal items that nobody deemed would remain in existence. It does also showcase the various moment from the period from 1968 till 1974. If you wish to witness some of the highly accurate documentation and the archives from around the place, visiting the Etihad Museum is an absolute must.

Location:    1 Jumeirah St – Al Mina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  10 AM – 5 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

39. Bur Dubai Village – Ancient Architecture

Image Credit: Rye jb23 for Wikimedia Commons

Next on the list of the amazing sites around Dubai is the Bur Dubai Village. It is also often regarded as the Dubai Heritage Village and is located close to the Dubai Creek. The architecture and designs made by the local artisans are more than enough to make you reel back in time. Yet another amazing thing to do around is to visit the local artisans and get small handmade souvenirs that you possibly can gift to your loved ones. This is one of the must-visit places in Dubai if you want to learn about Dubai.

Location: 7 32 St – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: 08:00 AM till 08:00 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

Suggested Read: Kayaking In Dubai & Abu Dhabi: 4 Best Spots To Enjoy The Thrills

40. Children’s City – Fun-Filled Break

Image Credit: Vladimir Yaitskiy for Wikimedia Commons

The Children’s City is one of those spots that are adored by children of any age. The lego style buildings located in Creek Park and are packed with a plethora of interactive activities for the kids to try out. Every single one of the activity stations around is meant for children in the age group of 2-15 years of age. You can also indulge your kid in some of the educational workshops that do work around here and get your kids interested in interactive learning.

Location:  Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirate Timings: Saturday till Thursday- 09:00 AM till 08:00 PM, Friday: 03:00 PM till 09:00 PM Ideal for: Family, Kids

41. Grand Mosque – Historic Beauty

Image Credit: FritzDaCat for Wikipedia

Visiting the Grand Mosque is an absolute must when it comes to popular places around Dubai. It is one of the world’s biggest mosque and keeps its visitors hooked with the amazing architectural pieces around in the place. It has 82 vaults and the 24-carat gold overlaid fixtures simply add to the grandeur of the place. It also has the world’s largest hand tied cover which further adds to the fervor of the place. Spend some quality time by the pool staring at the mosque and you won’t regret the experience you get there.

Location:   Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday: 04:30 PM to 10:00 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

Suggested Read: The Complete Guide To Applying For Dubai Visa For Indian Tourists

42. Deira Clocktower – Step Back In Time

Image Credit: Iwona Rege for Wikimedia Commons

The Deira Clocktower is one of the most popular landmarks around Dubai. If legends are to be believed, it is said that the clock tower was built back in the 1960s by the people who resided there. Located in the eastern part of Dubai, this makes up for one of the most significant tourist spots in Dubai.

Location: Al Maktoum Rd – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: Open 24 hours Ideal for: Friends, Family

43. Safa Park – Run Wild

Image Credit: Giggel for Wikimedia Commons

Last but not least on the list of places to visit around in Dubai is Safa Park. This is known not just for its elegance and beauty but also for the kind of historical significance it beholds. The park is a 64-hectare park which was priorly an accommodation center for illegal immigrants from South Asia. Following the years, the place has been renovated quite a lot of times and has since then become quite a popular tourist destination around Dubai.

Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Safa – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: 08:00 AM till 10:00 PM Ideal for: Friends, Family

Suggested Read: 5 Experiences From Our 3 Days In Dubai Jaunt That Altered Our Worldview

44. Hajar Foothills – Peaceful Spot

Image Credit: Andries Oudshoorn for Wikimedia Commons

Yet another amazing spot around in Dubai that accounts as a must-visit place is the Hajar Foothills. Owing to the fact that around 80% of Dubai is covered in sand, having desert camping is an absolute must. Hajar Foothills is one such place that do offer a similar experience where you can camp out on the beach itself. Make sure that you don’t go around dirtying the place and have the mere decency to keep the beach clean and carry a trash bag separately and use it to discard all the unwanted items that you don’t require throughout the camping experience. Carry the camping essentials too.

Location: Sharjah, Hajar Mountains, UAE Timings: Anytime Ideal For: Family, Friends

45. The Lost Chambers Aquarium – Check Out Marine Animals

Image Credit: AwOiSoAk KaOsIoWa for Wikimedia Commons

If Atlantis is something that entices you, you are definitely going to love The Lost Chambers Aquarium. The entire place is littered with a number of tunnels and holes which makes the experience even better for you to try out. The underwater and marine life showcased there is something amazing, one that enthralls you to the peak.

Location: Atlantis, The Palm – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Ideal For: Family, Kids, Friends

Suggested Read: Dhow Cruise In Dubai: A Guide To The Best Way Of Touring The Bustling Emirate!

46. Alserkal Avenue – Contemporary Gallery

Alserkal Avenue is a hub of contemporary art galleries. The venue hosts a variety of exhibitions, talks, panel discussions, film screenings, Young Collector’s Auctions, and community-based festivals. The place is a mix of industrial business and creative spaces housing residencies for local and international artists as well.

Location: Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Timings: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm (open on all days except on Fridays) Ideal For: Friends, Family

47. Emirates Towers – Party Hub

Image Credit: Jackardsiffant for Wikimedia Commons

In the modern age of business architecture, Emirates tower contains the Emirates Office Tower and the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel . Jumeirah Towers is home to about thirteen nightclubs and dining ventures. The highlight of Emirates Tower is the atrium lobby which is one of the best places for business in Dubai. Emirates Tower should definitely be included in your itinerary for places to visit in Dubai in 7 days.

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Timings:  9 AM – 10 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

Suggested Read: Make The Best Of Your Louvre Abu Dhabi Tour Through This Guide!

48. Desert Camping – Camp Under The Stars

Dubai holds some stunning locations for desert camping. Some of the activities that can be availed while camping is quad biking, camel riding, belly dancing, and dune bashing. The best time to enjoy camping is from the middle of November until early December. The best desert camping sites in Dubai is Hajar Foothills, Umm Al Quwain, Ras al Khaimah desert, Khasab and Al Sayah Plateau, Jebel Shams.

Locations: NA Timings:  12 PM – 6 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

49. Dolphin Bay – Feed The Mammals

Dolphin Bay is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Dubai. If you are one of those adventurous people you are going to have a great time here. Here you have the chance to learn all there is to know and swim with dolphins, regardless of the experience you have as a swimmer.

Location: Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Timings: 9:30AM – 5:30PM Ideal For: Kids, Family

Suggested Read: 26 Free Things To Do In Dubai And Experience Over The Top Luxury Without Spending A Penny

50. Dubai Spice Souk – Buy Spices

Dubai Spice Souk offers a wide range of traditional spices, herbs, incense, and traditional medicinal products. It’s a heavenly place for a great selection of nuts, oils, and saffron as well. Wander among many different stalls and enjoy the different colours of spices. You can also discover many new tastes at Spice Souk.

Location: 26 34 St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: 10:00AM – 10:00PM (except Friday) Ideal For: Solo, Friends, Family

51. Al Nassma – Eat Camel Milk Chocolates

The UAE makes various things out of camel milk, such as cheese, butter, chocolates, cakes, and so on. Not all tourists know about chocolates made out of camel milk and you won’t find them sold at the malls anyway. They are more of a gourmet offering, available only at select places. The vanilla flavor is close to the actual flavor of the milk. Pick up some chocolates for your friends back home from any Al Nassma kiosk at the Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, or Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

Location:  Warehouse No. A1, Light Industrial Unit, Industrial Area – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  12 PM – 5 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

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52. Dubai Coffee Museum – Luscious Coffee

While you’re at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, make sure to visit the Dubai Coffee Museum. The coffee museum offers a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of tables and seats for you to sit down and enjoy your coffee. Plenty of coffee experts are available at the museum to explain the methods they use to make the coffee. Make sure to pick up some coffee and accessories such as latte art pens and milk jugs for your friends.

Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids Location:    Historic Neighborhood, Bastakiya, Villa 44 – Al Hisn St – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  9 AM – 5 PM

53. Desert Gate – Take A Ride

A qualified Emirati tour guide will take you to various places such as the old souks, Dubai Creek, Dubai’s first schools and more on the list of places to see in Dubai. Visitors to Dubai can enjoy an offbeat Desert Gate Tour which takes them to various parts of the city to understand Dubai’s growth. There’s also a tour of Heritage Village where you can learn about Dubai’s pearl-diving history.

Location:  oldest existing building in Dubai Timings:  12 PM – 6 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

54. Jumeirah Mosque – For A Spiritual Experience

Image Credit: Vicharam for Wikipedia

This mosque in the city of Dubai is known to be the only one which welcomes non-Muslim people. The architecture of this mosque is a treat to the eyes, as it is constructed using white stone. The building of this mosque looks stunning both day and night. At once, around 1200 people can accommodate in this mosque.

Location:  Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings: 10:00 am (onwards everyday except Fridays) Ideal for: Friends, Family, Kids

55. Dreamland Aqua Park – A Fun-Filled Place

This is one of the best places you can visit in Dubai if you are exploring the city with your family. The amusement park is known for its thrilling rides and is the best place for tourists as well as locals to beat the heat. Various rides like Twisting Dragons, Slide Five, Kamikaze, Mighty GoGround, and Pool Game will make your visit memorable.

Location:  Al Shebeakah – Umm Al Quawain – United Arab Emirates Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Ideal for: Family, Kids Official Site

Suggested Read:  Dubai In March: An Ultimate Guide To Have An Experience Like ‘Sheikhs’!

56. Dubai Frame- A Window To The Past And Future

Dubai Frame is the latest addition to the magnificent architectural marvels in Dubai, and is one of the many tourist places in Dubai . The height and breadth of this massive picture frame is 150m and 93m respectively, and it showcases the past and future of Dubai using the latest technologies, graphics, and animations. It also houses a skywalk that offers a view of old dubai, and the new advanced Dubai. This place provides a view of everything Dubai has to offer making it one of the most popular tourist places in Dubai .

Location: Zabeel Park Timings: 08.30 am to 08.30 pm Ideal for: Family, Kids

57. Kidzania Dubai  – Fun Inspired Learning

Kidzania is one of the most popular tourist places in Dubai , and is also heaven for kids. This place mixes learning with fun by making kids indulge in role-playing activities. The activities at this place are designed to help youngsters learn about adult life in an interactive way. Kids will love spending a day out at this one of most popular tourist places in Dubai , learning professional skills while having fun.

Location: The Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road Timings: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm (10.00 am to 11.00 pm from Thursday to Saturday) Ideal For:  Kids

Suggested Read:  Dubai Wildlife: Top 6 Places To Befriend The Exotic Wild In This Emirate!

58. Motiongate – Theme Park For Hollywood Buffs

Do you love Hollywood movies? If yes, then you must visit Motiongate, one of the most fun and popular tourist places in Dubai. Motiongate is a theme park that draws its inspiration from Hollywood. This place is filled with adrenaline surging rides, and you can also meet with Hollywood characters in the park and get pictures clicked with them. There are many rides in the park such as The Green Hornets High-Speed Chase, The Madagascar Mar Pursuit, and many that will ensure that you are on your toes all day long at this one of the many famous tourist places in Dubai .

Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road Timings: 02.00 pm to 10.00 pm (02.00 pm to 11.00 pm on Thursday and Friday) Ideal For:  Kids, Family, Friends

59. iFly Dubai – Skydiving Simplified

How does skydiving without having to jump from a plane in the middle of nowhere sounds? Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Well, this is what Dubai offers you at iFly – one of the absolute must-visit tourist places in Dubai . Instead of jumping out of a plane, you will be jumping in an AC tunnel from a height of 4 meters. Not only will this experience leave you comfortable, but also ecstatic. ‘Skydiving’ at iFly – one of the most exciting tourist places in Dubai will leave you in a state of trance. Location: Play Nation Area, City Centre Mirdif Timings: 10.00 am to 11.00 pm (Friday and Saturday)   12.00 pm to 11.00 pm (Thursday)   12.00 pm to 10.00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) Ideal For:  Kids, Family, Friends

Suggested Read: 11 Exquisite Coffee Shops In Dubai To Get Your Soul Caffeinated!

60. Cayan Tower – A 75 Story Skyscraper

Cayan Tower is a 75 story skyscraper in Dubai also known by the name of Infinity Tower. It is one of the best places to visit in Dubai and is the tallest twisted building in the world. These luxury apartment buildings only have limited facilities accessible to outsiders. Make sure to visit this marvelous Dubai attractions on your next trip.

Location:    1202, Al Barsha Heights, Teacom, Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Timings:  8 AM – 6 PM Ideal for: Family, Friends, Kids

Further Read: 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit UAE

Dubai is a destination where even the most placid traveler would end up having fun! And with so many interesting and entertaining tourist places in to visit in this amazing city in United Arab Emirates (UAE), you can imagine how wonderful your vacation can turn out to be. So, plan a trip to Dubai right away. Make sure to visit these tourist places in Dubai with your loved ones! For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Places In Dubai

Which are the best places to visit in Dubai for free?

Dubai is loaded with lots of wondrous places to visit with your loved ones. While there are plenty of places to explore here do not forget to check out Fashion Avenue, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Beaches, and Manmade Waterfalls as these are some of the places in Dubai that you can visit for free.

Is Dubai expensive to visit?

Dubai can be cheap or expensive depending on the kind of accommodation and activities one chooses to experience here. Dubai tour packages for 5 days and 4 nights begin at INR 18,999.

Which is the cheapest month to fly to Dubai?

September is the cheapest month to fly to Dubai. So if you are short on budget then plan your trip to Dubai in the month of September with your travel buddies.

Which is the best time to visit Dubai?

November to March is the best time to visit Dubai. Enjoy the best of Dubai during this month as you explore the wondrous places at the best time.

Which are some famous attractions near Dubai?

Some of the famous attractions near Dubai, in Abu Dhabi, are 1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 2. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

How many days are enough for Dubai?

5-6 days are perfect to explore and tour the best of Dubai with your near and dear ones. You can also plan a trip for lesser or more days.

Is Dubai good for a honeymoon?

Yes, Dubai is a great destination for a honeymoon. It has some of the most luxurious resorts and experiences to offer to couples. Plan your honeymoon here to relish a romantic time with your bae.

What can I do in Dubai for the New Year?

If you are planning to spend New Year’s in Dubai, then this is what you can do there: 1. Enjoy the fireworks 2. Go on a New Year’s Eve cruise 3. Picnic at the beach on New Year’s Eve

What are the most popular things to do in Dubai with kids?

Some of the popular things to do in Dubai with kids are visiting Dubai Fountain, the Dubai Mall, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, and Dubai Aquarium.

What can you do at night in Dubai?

Some of the best things to experience at night in Dubai are 1. Fountain show at Dubai mall 2. Safari desert tour 3. Dubai garden glows 4. Enjoy a drink in the tallest restaurant.

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Best things to do in Dubai during summer 2023

• Indoor Activities
• Outdoor Activities

A host of fascinating leisure spots lure thousands of visitors to Dubai every year. There is much to do in the city, from shopping at the glittering malls to enjoying a refreshing dip in the gorgeous pools. Travellers planning to visit the emirate in the sweltering summers won’t be disappointed, as various summer activities in Dubai keep the fun quotient high. Here’s a list of the most exciting indoor and outdoor things to do in Dubai in summer.

FUN INDOOR THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI IN SUMMER

You can indulge in a plethora of indoor activities in Dubai and have a blast with family, friends or flying solo. Here are some of the top indoor things to do in Dubai in summer!

SKATE AND GLIDE AT DUBAI ICE RINK

One of the most fun things to do in Dubai in summer 2023 is to experience the Olympic-sized Ice Rink in Dubai Mall . It offers the best in-mall entertainment and is perfect for kids and adults. You can skate your heart out, grooving to the beats helmed by the DJ at the rink. 

Dubai Ice Rink also offers skating sessions and learning programmes that you can avail yourself. It is also a great spot to host events and organise birthday parties.

• Prices : AED 110 onwards | DJ Night AED 125 onwards
• Location : The Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road – Downtown Dubai 
• Timings : Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
• Contact : +971-800-382-246-255

GO SKIING AT SKI DUBAI

Located in the Mall of the Emirates , Ski Dubai offers an experience like no other! You can enjoy the thrill of skiing on real snow amidst wintry conditions during the hot, scorching summer. 

Besides skiing, there are many other snow-based activities at Ski Dubai . You can have a snowball fight, watch penguins, ride a zip-line, catch a movie at the Snow Cinema or click selfies with the giant Zorb ball.

• Prices : Ranges from AED 180 to AED 500 depending on the activities
• Location: Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha
• Timings: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday, 09:00 am – 12:00 am
• Contact : +971-800-386

EXPERIENCE INDOOR SKYDIVING AT iFLY

Embark on an indoor skydiving adventure at iFly this summer! Nestled in City Centre Mirdif, iFly offers visitors a simulated gravity-defying VR skydiving tour. 

Once you’re fully geared up in a wind suit and protective goggles, you’re taken to a wind tunnel that moves the air up, making you soar around like you’re flying in the sky.

The experience is exhilarating and the facility takes good care of you to ensure you’re comfortable at all times. Inside the tunnel, you’re accompanied by an instructor who helps you during those pre-flight jitters.

• Prices : From AED 149 (Beginners) | AED 1,750 (Experienced flyers)
• Location : Third Floor, Play Nation Area, City Centre Mirdif, Ghoroob
• Timings : 12:00 pm – 09:00 pm | Friday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Contact :  +971-4-231-6292 | 600-599905

DISCOVER STUNNING MARINE LIFE AT DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO

Want to enjoy underwater adventures this summer? Head on over to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo . This stunning aquarium in The Dubai Mall comprises a 10-million litre tank that contains over 33,000 aquatic animals, including the deceivingly-ferocious sand tiger sharks!

You can watch 140 species of sea creatures floating overhead as you stroll through the 48-metre-long underwater aquarium tunnel. The zoo section of the facility is also enjoyably interactive. You’ll encounter many animals, including the giant King Croc, relaxing in comfortable habitats.

• Prices : From AED 169 per person
• Location : The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai 
• Timings : 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
• Contact : +971-800-38224-6255

GET UP CLOSE WITH DOLPHINS AT DUBAI DOLPHINARIUM

This summer, get ready to meet and play with dolphins at the Dubai Dolphinarium! Offering the spectacular sight of dolphins and fur seals accomplishing awesome acrobatic feats, this hub of fun is hugely popular with visitors in Dubai.

At Dubai Dolphinarium , you can see marine creatures dancing, juggling and jumping through hoops all day. Along with sea mammals, you can even explore 20 different species of animals and birds from all over the world. The facility also hosts a Dolphin & Seal Show six days a week.

• Prices : From AED 105 for adults (Dolphin & Seal Show) | AED 50 per child
• Location : Riyadh Street, Inside the Creek Park Gate 1 – Dubai Dolphinarium Building
• Timings: 10:00 am – 07:30 am | Friday: closed
• Contact : +971-4-336-9773

TRY SOME INDOOR GAMES AT GLITCH

Home to the only indoor roller glider in the city, Glitch in Al Ghurair Center is a massive entertainment park with many fun-filled activities. There are several adventure zones there that are made for kids, teens, and adults.

In addition to the action-packed activities, Glitch Duba i offers the GamePort Arcade, where you can play retro video games or test out their VR experiences that will whisk you away to a different realm.

• Prices : Vary depending on the activities
• Location : Level 2, Al Ghurair Centre, Deira
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday | Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 am

SPEND A DAY AT THE GREEN PLANET

Another interesting thing to do in Dubai in summer is to explore the stunning Green Planet in Dubai. Situated in City Walk , this indoor rainforest in Dubai is the epitome of the UAE’s vision of sustainability.

The enchanting biodome is a beautiful tropical sanctuary with fascinating flora and fauna in Dubai. You can witness over 3,000 plants and animals at this facility. 

Spread over four levels, the Green Planet features running waterfalls as well as roaming creatures. You can encounter sloths, sugar gliders, reptiles and birds during your visit. 

• Prices : From AED 120 per person (UAE Resident offer) | AED 89 (online)
• Location : City Walk, Al Wasl 
• Timings : 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
• Contact : +971-800-7699

STEP INTO A WORLD OF ADVENTURE AT ESCAPE ROOMS

Escape the hot weather and test your detective skills at escape rooms in Dubai this summer. From amateur challenges to scary and thrilling adventures, there are all kinds of escape rooms in Dubai for you to explore with your friends and family.  

Among all the escape rooms, Brain Game, Phobia , Brainscape and Escape Hunt offer some of the most adrenaline-pumping games and activities. Crack the code, solve puzzles and deal with complex challenges using the clues available in many different-themed rooms 

• Brain Game : Kanoo Group building, third floor (302), next to ADCB Metro Station, Karama
• Phobia : Jumeirah Lake Towers
• Brainscape : Burj Khalifa District – 203, Building 12
• Escape Hunt : The Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road, next to Post Office, Jumeirah 1

HAVE FUN AT INDOOR PARKS IN DUBAI

There are many indoor theme parks in Dubai that you can visit during the summer. While IMG Worlds of Adventure immerses you into the worlds of Marvel and the Cartoon Network, Dubai Parks and Resorts offers a barrel load of high-octane fun. Each park has a brilliantly eclectic mix of different rides and attractions. 

Parents who want to take their kids to indoor play areas in Dubai can consider KidZania and Mattel Play Town. KidZania offers kids an opportunity to experience practical life-based fun, whilst Mattel Play Town brings their favourite cartoon characters to life.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts : Sheikh Zayed Road
• KidZania : Dubai Mall
• Mattel Play Town : City Walk

ENJOY A SHOPPING SPREE AT MALLS IN DUBAI

Shopaholics can visit any of the popular malls in Dubai this summer. Whether it’s the mega Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, all these shopping havens have high-end stores, as well as local shops for reasonably-priced accessories. Along with shopping, you can enjoy a meal at the malls’ food courts. Many popular café and restaurant chains have outlets at these malls.

• Dubai Mall : Downtown Dubai
• Dubai Hills Mall: Dubai Hills Estate
• Mall of the Emirates : Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road Interchange 4
• Dubai Festival City Mall : Dubai Festival City
• Ibn Battuta Mall: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali Village
• City Centre Mirdif : Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Mirdif
• City Centre Deira : 8th Street, Port Saeed
• BurJuman Centre : Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Al Mankhool
• Mercato Shopping Mall : Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1
• Dubai Marina Mall : Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina
• Wafi Mall : Oud Metha Road

WATCH A MOVIE AT CINEMAS IN DUBAI

Summer is a good time to have an indoor movie experience. There are many cinemas in Dubai where you can check out the latest blockbuster with your family and friends. Popular cinema chains include Reel, Vox, Novo and Roxy Cinemas. They are spread across multiple locations in Dubai and have varying showtimes. You can look for showtimes and book tickets via their websites. 

• Lamcy Cinema : Lamcy Plaza Shopping Mall
• Cinemacity : Arabian Center in Al Mizhar
• Reel Cinemas : Multiple, including Dubai Mall
• Vox Cinemas : Mall of the Emirates, City Centre, Nakheel Mall, Mercato Mall
• Novo Cinemas : Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2, Dubai Festival City Mall
• Roxy Cinemas : The Beach, City Walk, La Mer, Boxpark

LEARN ABOUT THE EMIRATE’S DIVERSE HISTORY AT MUSEUMS IN DUBAI

Whether you are vacationing in Dubai during the summers or are a longtime resident, it’s always interesting to explore the region’s rich history by visiting museums and cultural centres. 

Founded in 1782, the old Dubai Museum is one of the iconic museums in Dubai . Shindagha Museum is another popular destination in the city, offering a glimpse into the origins of modern Dubai and the customs and traditions of its inhabitants. 

Visitors who want to step aside from the traditional museums can also visit the Museum of Illusions in Dubai. With over 80 optical illusions, it tricks your mind into a jiffy!

• Dubai Museum : Bur Dubai
• Shindahga Museum: Al Shindagha area, Bur Dubai
• Museum of Illusions : Al Seef

Additionally, you can consider some of the best indoor activities in Dubai in the summer of 2023:

• Check out the 3D Blacklight Minigolf Dubai
• Smash your stress away at Smash Room
• Break a sweat at Dubai Sports World
• Jump and Flip at Sky Zone , Bounce Trampoline Park and BOUNCE-X
• Rock away your day at Wavehouse Dubai
• Solve clues and riddles at TEPfactor
• Have fun at Air Maniax
• Learn go karting at Dubai Kartdrome, Ekart Zabeel
• Go for an action-packed day at Dubai International Bowling Centre (Dubai Bowling Centre)

INTERESTING OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI IN SUMMER

Despite the soaring temperatures, there is still plenty of outdoor fun in Dubai during summer. Here are some of the outdoor activities worth considering:

ENJOY AN ALL-DAY BEACH EXPERIENCE AT ZERO GRAVITY

Zero Gravity is one of the hottest party destinations in Dubai. It’s a great place to relax and unwind during the summer. You can enjoy great food at their Killa Grilla or even book a private BBQ party for your friends and family.

If you need to cool off (and you probably will!), you can check out their infinity pool or dip in the ocean on their luxury private beach.

If you are in a more laid-back mood, you can always chill out at The Garden or The Lounges. There are frequently hosted events at Zero Gravity , try and plan your visit around their summer brunch or one of their popular club events.

• Location : Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina
• Timings : 10:00 am – 09:00 pm |Mon: closed
• Contact : +971-04-399-0009

SOAK UP THE SUN AT BEACHES IN DUBAI

Set alongside the azure waters of the Gulf, there’s no shortage of beaches in Dubai . The emirate’s sandy beaches are all well-developed and have a host of amenities and activities to enjoy. While the days are too hot for the beaches during summers, you can always enjoy the balmy evenings there before sundown.

The public beaches offer free entry and an array of facilities. There are changing rooms, toilets, seating areas, running and cycling tracks, and a few (like Al Mamzar Beach) even have outdoor gyms. You can also visit Kite Beach in Dubai for watersports and other activities.

If you are into water adventure sports, visit North Beach, where you can experience kite surfing and paddle boarding. Sunset Beach in Jumeirah offers perfect waves to hang ten, while Kite Beach allows you to engage in competitive kiting.

DINE AT OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI

There’s no shortage of amazing outdoor restaurants in Dubai . Whether you want to dine out on a budget or satisfy your taste buds with decadent gastronomical delights, Dubai has everything you might be looking for. You can find an excellent range of cuisines from all corners of the world. 

Indulge in exquisite Thai dining at Pai Thai, experience the best French cuisine at La Cantine Du Faubourg or feast on Italian goodness at the Il Borro. No matter your choice, you will find your palate delighted with exotic food and your senses suitably entertained by your glorious surroundings.

• Fish Beach Taverna : Mina Seyahi Beach Resort
• Folly By Nick & Scott : Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Key West : Nikki Beach Resort and Spa

COOL OFF AT DUBAI’S WATERPARKS

Adrenaline junkies can head to any waterpark in Dubai for a day of fun and adventure. These parks are perfect for adults and children alike, boasting a choice of themed, pulsating slides and year-round sunshine. Away from the plethora of rip-roaring rides, you can dip in the calm pools, soak up the sun and enjoy quiet downtime at these waterparks.

Wild Wadi Waterpark, Aquaventure , Legoland and Laguna Waterpark are some of the hottest waterparks you can visit this summer. While Wild Wadi has a gentle wave pool, Aquaventure Waterpark is known for zip-lining and its shark safari!

• Wild Wadi Waterpark : Opp. Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah St – Umm Suqeim
• Aquaventure Waterpark : Atlantis The Palm

INDULGE IN WATERSPORTS IN DUBAI

Dubai is a wonderful paradise for watersports enthusiasts. With tons of beaches and unique, thrilling activities at your disposal, there’s no limit to options for cooling off in the waves.

From jet skiing to flyboarding, wakeboarding to parasailing, Dubai has everything a thrill-seeker needs to spend their summers on the waves and get their adrenaline pumping.

If you want more laid-back activities on the water, you can go kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding or kick back on a doughnut ride. There are plenty of options if you’re up for watersports in Dubai .

WHAT ARE THE BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI?

Dubai is a tourist hotspot that offers an array of leisure options. From adrenaline-fuelled adventures to experiencing wildlife, there are many things to do in Dubai. Those looking for fun on a budget can also find some great free things to do in Dubai . Souks, malls, heritage sites and museums are some places to visit in Dubai in summer for free.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES IN DUBAI?

You can find many family-friendly places in Dubai. There are numerous parks, beaches, shopping malls, outdoor amusement parks and museums in the city. 

That brings an end to our guide on the things to do in Dubai in summer. Interestingly, many of these activities occur at the city’s top cultural, historical and leisure spots. People flock from all over the world to see and experience these tourist attractions in Dubai .

Apart from Dubai, numerous tourist destinations in the UAE are spread across all seven emirates that you can explore with the family. From beaches to theme parks, the options are never-ending.

What do you like to do during summer in Dubai? Did we miss your favourite activity? Let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!

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Visit Dubai: Top 31 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in dubai: the 31 best places to visit (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Dubai during your next trip?

Great idea!

With its impressive skyscrapers and the numerous activities you can do in Dubai , you will for sure enjoy your trip to one of the trendiest destination in the world.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 31 best things to do in Dubai , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Dubai in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even 1 week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Dubai? Where to stay?

1. The Burj Khalifa

2. the dubai mall, 3. the dubai fountain, 4. deira district and its souks, 5. bur dubai, 6. atlantis hotel / the palm jumeirah / aquaventure waterpark, 7. the palm jumeirah / the pointe / the view at the palm, 8. dubai marina, 9. the burj al-arab, 10. dubai museum / al-fahidi fort, 11. dubaï garden glow, 12. dubai frame, 13. dubai aquarium and underwater zoo, 14. the walk and the beach / jumeirah beach residence, 15. the madinat jumeirah souk, 16. mall of the emirates / ski dubai, 17. global village, 18. etihad museum, 20. dubai canal walk, 21. the financial district, 22. jumeirah mosque, 23. miracle garden, 24. dubai creek park, 25. shopping in dubai, 26. img worlds of adventure, 27. dubai parks and resorts, 28. ain dubai and more activities in dubai, 29. excursion in the desert, 30. abu dhabi, visiting dubai with your family, how many days to spend in dubai, 1 day in dubai, 2 days in dubai, 3 days in dubai, 4 days in dubai, 5 days in dubai, 1 week in dubai, where to stay in dubai, where to eat in dubai, flying to dubai: airfares, tourist map of dubai, you’re traveling to dubai these articles will help you , visit dubai: all must see attractions.

The Burj Khalifa is for sure THE place to visit in Dubai!

The tallest skyscraper in the world (828 meters) has been open to the public since 2010 and has quickly become the symbol of the city.

Every day, thousands of visitors flock to the tower and take one of the fastest lift in the world up to the viewing platforms located on the 124th and 125th floors .

From there, you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama over the whole city!

And that’s not the highest point yet!

You can even go up to the 148th floor , to reach the highest viewing platform in the world (555 m high).

You should visit the Burj Khalifa in the evening , to enjoy the view over the illuminated city from the highest observation deck in the world .

To visit the Burj Khalifa , you should really book your skip the line ticket online in advance .

This will allow you to choose your visit time slot and avoid the long waiting lines to buy your tickets.

Another important advantage is that tickets are cheaper online than directly at the counter. And that’s the same for all the activities you can do in Dubai!

There are different types of tickets available (click on the orange link for information and to book):

• Ticket At The Top Burj Khalifa – Access to 124th and 125th floors.
• Ticket VIP At The Top Sky – Access to the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa + 124 and 125 floors + quick access to the security checkpoints and elevator.
• Ticket The Lounge – Access to floor 152 + 153 + 154, the lounge bar of the Burj Khalifa
• Ascent to the 124th floor + lunch or dinner at the Burj Club restaurant.

If you plan to visit the Dubai Aquarium as well , you should choose the Burj Khalifa combined ticket (access to 124 and 125) + Aquarium. It’s much cheaper than buying the 2 tickets separately!

To visit Dubai , you can also purchase the Dubai Explorer Pass .

With this pass, you have access to 3, 4, 5 or 7 tourist attractions (depending on your choice). The following activities are offered:

• Burj Khalifa
• Excursion in the desert
• Dinner cruise in the marina
• Access to the world famous Aquaventure Waterpark of Atlantis Hotel
• Ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus.

Since all these attractions are among the best things to do in Dubai, this City Pass is really the best way to save money!

For more information about this pass and the activities included, click on the button below :

In the city center , right next to the Burj Khalifa, there is the Dubai Mall .

This huge mall is the most visited shopping center in the world!

With more than 1200 shops and hundreds of restaurants, you will for sure find something that fits your taste and your budget.

And there is more:

This shopping temple also houses indoor waterfalls, an aquarium (more about it below), an ice rink , a go-kart track , a flight simulator , cinemas , arcade games and a lot more!

The Dubai Mall is open every day from 10am until midnight . Restaurants and food court until 1am.

If you want to prepare your visit, you can have a look to the official website to see all the existing shops, restaurants and attractions.

The Burj Khalifa is only accessible via the Dubai Mall on the LG level . You will need to follow the signs “At The Top Burj Khalifa”.

To get to the Dubai Mall , simply get off at the metro station of the same name . But don’t be surprised, you will have to walk about 10 minutes (inside) to reach the mall.

You need to cover your shoulders and legs in public places in Dubai. Signs of affection like kissing or holding hands aren’t allowed.

This fountain (the largest water fountain in the world) is one of Dubai’s main tourist attractions.

The fountain show takes place several times a day on the artificial lake located at the exit of Dubai Mall, at the foot of Burj Khalifa.

You must attend it during your trip to Dubai!

The best is to go there at nightfall, when the tower is illuminated. It’s simply magical to watch the ballet of water jets dancing to music.

The show takes place every 30 minutes between 18.00 and 23.00 (there are also a few during the day).

The access is free of charge.

Quick tip: To get a great viewpoint, try to be there as early as possible, as the fountain show attracts thousands of tourists!

If you want to admire the sound and light show up close , then you should take an abra (traditional boat) on the artificial lake. You need to click here to book your tickets.

One of the best places to view the Dubai fountain show is from the terrace of the Apple store located in Dubai Mall.

Near the lake, you can also visit Souk Al Bahar , another gallery with a few shops , cafés and restaurants with terraces and fountain view . It’s worth to go have a look, even if only for its beautiful interior.

Dubai isn’t just about luxury and excess: there are still traditional and authentic neighborhoods to visit!

During your stay, you should really take a stroll through Deira district , a picturesque and popular place featuring several souks :

• The Gold Souk and its large number of shops with magnificent jewellery displays. It’s the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
• The Perfume Souk , in Sikkat Al Khail street.
• The Spice Souk and its colourful stalls to stock up on curry, saffron, cinnamon and more.

To visit the Old Dubai and Deira , the best is clearly to book a guided tour!

During this 3-hour tour , your guide will show you the souks as well as Dubai Museum , which I mention a bit further down this article.

The guide is really amazing, he will teach you everything about the culture, religion, daily life and history of Dubai.

You simply need to click on the button below to book your tour of ancient Dubai :

In Dubai, Friday is a holy day (equivalent to Sunday in Europe). Some places, such as the shops in Deira, are usually closed in the morning and do not open until late afternoon.

In the souks, don’t hesitate to negotiate prices : the prices quoted are often crazy (between 20 and 50 AED for a magnet!), but can easily be reduced to something more reasonable.

Deira is the best place to change money in Dubai . The exchange offices in this part of the city offer better rates than at the airport or in the shopping malls.

Bur Dubai is the other typical district you should definitely visit in Dubai.

This neighborhood is also one of the oldest in the city. It’s located just opposite Deira, on the other side of Dubai Creek.

To get there, you will have to take an Abra , a small traditional wooden boat (1 AED per person).

The short crossing will allow you to enjoy a beautiful view and see “Dhows”, the old ships with bright colors supplying the souks with goods.

Here are the best places to visit in Bur Dubai:

• Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House: The old house of the Al Maktoum family until 1958. You will see photos and documents about the history of the city.
• Old Souk, one of the oldest in Dubai. You can find everything there: slippers, souvenirs, fabrics, traditional lamps…
• Meena Bazaar, a market where you can buy Indian goods: fabrics, spices, jewelry.
• Hindi Lane and its Indian stalls. The best place to try traditional dishes at a reasonable price.
• Sheik Mohamed Cultural Center: Here you can have lunch with an Emirati in a traditional house. The center was opened by the Sheikh to allow tourists to learn more about United Arab Emirates (UAE) traditions. Reservation is required, click here.
• Al Seef Market , where you can admire replicas of traditional houses, with restaurants and shops.
• Dubai Museum: I will tell you more about it in section 9 of this guide.

From Bur Dubai you can also take an evening cruise in the bay of Dubai .

You have 2 options. Simply click on the links below for more information and to book:

• A cruise on a traditional boat + buffet dinner + demonstration of local folk dances
• A luxury cruise with gourmet dinner .

Let’s continue this Dubai travel guide with the very famous Atlantis The Palm Hotel. It’s clearly another landmark of the city!

Located on the the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah , this luxury hotel architecture was inspired by the myth of Atlantis.

This man made island in the shape of a palm tree (visible from space!), is mainly home to luxury villas and upscale hotels .

Even if you are not staying at Atlantis Hotel , you can access shops and restaurants in the lobby and enjoy the following attractions:

• Aquaventure Waterpark : Dubai’s most famous water park, where you can take some of the world’s best water slides and slide through a shark infested tunnel.
• Lost Chambers Aquarium and its thousands of animals: Sharks, rays, piranhas…
• Dolphin Bay, a lagoon where you can swim with the dolphins. Booking your “encounter with dolphins” automatically grants you access to the Aquaventure Waterpark on the same day. Buy your tickets here in advance to get the best price!

If you only want to visit the Aquaventure Waterpark and Lost Chambers Aquarium , you should buy this ticket in advance :

The Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the attractions that are included in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

To get to Atlantis Hotel and Aquaventure Park:

• Take the subway to DAMAAC Properties station
• Then take the tram to the Palm Jumeirah station
• Follow the signs to reach the monorail – 5 minutes on foot
• Take the monorail – 30 AED (round trip). There is a monorail every 15 minutes between 9:00 and 22:00.

If you want to stay at Atlantis The Palm Hotel during your trip to Dubai, you can check here for availability and prices.

To get a great view over the Atlantis hotel , you should go to the small beach at “The Pointe”, a shopping center with shops and restaurants on the waterfront .

The surroundings are very beautiful and the place is quiet.

The Pointe is also famous for hosting the largest musical fountain show in the world, with water jets reaching 105 meters high!

Just like the fountains of the Burj Khalifa, the sound and light show takes place every evening from 6pm. It’s really a must-see in Dubai at night!

You can get there by taxi (less than 10 minutes from Atlantis Hotel) or, when the station will be ready, with the monorail.

In Palm Jumeirah , you should also go to the brand new tourist attraction of Dubai: “The View at The Palm Observatory”. Located on the 52nd floor, a t 204 meters high , you will enjoy an extraordinary 360° panorama over the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai’s skyline!

As always in Dubai, it’s best to book your ticket for “The View at The Palm” in advance to avoid hours of waiting. You just have to click on the button below to book:

Access to The View is through level 2 of Nakheel Mall.

And if that’s not enough, on the 50th floor of The Palm, at 200 meters high , you can also swim in the world’s highest infinity pool! (It actually dethroned the famous Marina Bay Sands pool in Singapore ).

To take a dip and enjoy the sumptuous view of Dubai from the AURA Skypool , you must make a reservation on the official website .

You’re going to Dubai?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Dubai 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Dubai on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Dubai.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Dubai, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Dubai!

Let’s continue our visit of the city with a walk in Dubai Marina district.

There, you can take a walk on a pedestrian promenade along the waterfront and admire the yachts and buildings.

You will pass by Dubai Marina Mall , a big shopping center featuring brands stores such as Levi’s, H&M, Guess or Balmain.

A great way to discover the Marina is to opt for a cruise on a luxury yacht. A VIP moment you will never forget! Simply click here to book your VIP boat trip .

This boat tour is also included in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

During your visit to Dubai Marina, you should definitely try the Xline, the longest urban zip line in the world !

You will start 170m above the ground, from the top of a building and then fly amidst buildings and over Dubai Marina at more than 70 km/h.

I really loved it, adrenaline rush guaranteed 😁!

Of course, photos and the video of your heroic deed are included in the price: A superb souvenir of your flight among the skyscrapers in Dubai!

If you want to do something extraordinary and unique in Dubai, this is undoubtedly the right activity for you.

To book your zip line over Dubai Marina and enjoy an extraordinary experience, simply click on the button below:

If the ticket isn’t available, you can also check on this other website (click here).

The Burj al-Arab, in Dubai, is one of the few 7* hotels in the world .

Of course, staying in a luxury suite with sea view is pretty expensive ( Click here to see the rates )!

But even if this hotel isn’t for everyone’s budget, I have good news: You can enter the most luxurious hotel in the world for a few hours by reserving a lunch, a snack or dinner at the Burj al-Arab restaurant .

Here are the different options available (click on the links for more info and to book):

• Snack and tea at the SkyView Bar on the 27th floor – Enjoy the view with pastries and cakes.
• Lunch or dinner at the Al Yam ball – The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Burj Al Arab and offers a breathtaking view over the Persian Gulf.
• Access to the SkyView Bar + 2 free drinks
• Lunch or dinner at the Al Mahara Aquarium Restaurant – Enjoy the unique experience of tasting the dishes of an award winning chef in the middle of an aquarium!

To admire the architecture of the Burj al-Arab , you can also opt for a boat tour. The tour will also pass by the other emblematic hotel of Dubai: the Atlantis The Palm Hotel .

Book your speedboat tour around the Burj al-Arab and Palm Jumeirah by clicking on the button below:

Dubai Museum is located in Bur Dubai, in Al Fahidi Fortress .

It traces the entire history of Dubai , from the first tribes who lived there through the economic boom in the 1960s, to the future plans for the coming years.

There, you will discover former fishing boats, objects from the nomads’ daily life , weapons and archaeological remains .

The museum is very interesting and allows you do get a good grasp of how the city looked like before its impressive development.

The entrance fee to the museum is 3 AED . It’s open every day except Friday morning.

You’re looking for things to do in Dubai in the evening?

Then I would recommend you to go take a walk in Dubai Garden Glow .

This park features hundreds of sculptures coming to life every evening during light shows with musical backgrounds .

It’s really impressive to see!

The entrance to the Garden Glow costs 65 AED and includes access to:

• Dinosaur Park, a park with several animated dinosaurs that move and growl. Kids will love it! It’s best to visit this park 1 hour before dusk and then go to the Garden Glow.

For another 30 AED, you will also be able to go to Magic Park , a place where you can take funny pictures, thanks to the optical illusions of the 3D decors.

There is also an ice park with a few ice sculptures, but the entrance fee (45 AED) is in my opinion a bit expensive for what it is.

Dubai Garden Glow is open every day from 4pm to 11pm.

The Dubai frame , one of Dubai’s newest tourist attractions, is already very popular!

You can go to the top of this huge 150 meters high photo frame and enjoy a panoramic view over the 2 parts of the city: Dubai Old Town on one side and Downtown Dubai (the Burj Khalifa) on the other.

To make things even more exciting, part of the floor is made of glass . You can see everything that’s happening under your feet!

Tickets for the Dubai Frame needs to be booked directly here :

The aquarium is located in Dubai Mall .

You can admire one side of the shark aquarium for free in the shopping mall and need to pay for the rest of the visit.

As the tickets are sold cheaper on the Internet than on site, you should buy your tickets in advance by clicking on the link below:

• Tickets for Dubai aquarium and the underwater zoo

And if you also plan to visit the Burj Khalifa, you can save even more money by purchasing a combined ticket:

When entering the aquarium, you will first go through a tunnel filled with sharks and other fishes. Then, you will go to the underwater zoo located on the second floor to discover different species of fishes, seahorses and jellyfishes.

The highlight of the visit is the star of the zoo: King Croc, one of the largest living crocodiles in the world with 5 meters long for 750 kg.

Where can you go to the beach in Dubai?

If you want to spend some time at the beach or have a swim, you should go to the public beach called “The Beach ” (original, right? 🤪). Here you can rent deck chairs and umbrellas for the day and enjoy the sun and nautical activities .

Along the entire promenade called “ The Walk” , you can take a stroll along the sea or enjoy the many restaurants with terraces and chic boutiques.

To reach The Walk and The Beach , take the subway to DAMAC and then the tram to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).

If you like to go to the beach, either for sunbathing or swimming, you can also go to one of the following beaches of Dubai:

• Sunset Beach and its breathtaking view of the Burj Al-Arab.
• Kite Beach , very popular among kite surfers.
• Black Palace Beach, located near the Al Sufouh Road and much less known.
• Al Mamzar Beach, north of the city, bordered by a large park with a playground, picnic areas, swimming pools and a skate park.

Let’s now head to another beautiful place to visit in Dubai: Madinat Jumeirah souk .

This large shopping area is especially worth a look for its traditional architecture and oriental atmosphere.

With its canals and restaurants on the waterfront, the place is quiet and really beautiful. If you feel like it, you can even go on a boat tour on an abra.

From the outdoor areas of the souk, there are several beautiful viewpoints over the Burj Al Arab.

From Madinat Jumeirah souk, you can enjoy beautiful views over the Burj Al Arab.

In Madinat Jumeirah, there are also several luxury hotels: some parts of the souk are therefore only accessible to guests.

A great wait to discover the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, is to opt for a guided tour with pickup directly at your hotel!

It lasts 5 hours and also includes a visit to the old town of Dubai and an Abra boat tour.

Book your guided visit of the Old and New Dubai by clicking here.

In addition to the Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates is another shopping mall you should visit during your stay in Dubai.

This is actually where Ski Dubai , the famous indoor skiing area is located!

Yes, in Dubai, you can even enjoy a ski or snowboard ride when it’s 40 degrees outside.

You simply need to book your ticket for Ski Dubai by clicking here, all equipment and clothing is provided.

And if you don’t want to ski, you can simply enjoy shopping or try one of the dozens of restaurants.

If you are traveling to Dubai with your children , you should take them to “ Magic Planet “, an indoor amusement park with arcade games.

If you’re going to visit Dubai in winter, you will be able to discover the Global Village .

Located outside the city, the Global village features reconstructions of world-famous monuments (the Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum of Rome or the Taj Mahal) and dozens of pavilions, each dedicated to a different country : Thailand , China , Japan , United States , Egypt and a lot more!

In each pavilion you will find dozens of stands with local specialties: Food , clothes and objects.

The Global Village is pretty big, so plan at least 3 hours for your visit .

Practical information about the Global Village:

• Open only from the beginning of November to the beginning of April – Daily from 16.00 to midnight
• Entrance fee: 15 AED for a single ticket or 100 AED for the Wunderpass with 4 activities (fair, motorcycle show…)
• On Mondays, it’s open for families with children and women only
• There is a small fountain show every evening at 20h and 22h
• To get there: Take the Metro to Mall of the Emirates station and then bus 106 (20 AED round trip, 1/2 hour bus ride).

You should visit the Global Village in the evening , it’s much more beautiful and impressive when the lights are on!

Be careful for the return trip, there is only one bus per hour.

Let’s continue this list of the best things to do in Dubai with Etihad Museum, dedicated to the foundation of the United Arab Emirates .

Thanks to several films, testimonies and interactive terminals , you can discover the entire process that led to the creation of the Union Treaty and learn more about the 7 sheikhs founders of the nation.

If you’re interested in history, it’s a very good complement to the visit to Dubai Museum.

Plan about 1 hour for your visit. The entrance fee is 25 AED .

To get to the Etihad Museum, take the subway to World Trade Center station and then a taxi.

La Mer is another nice place to walk next to the sea in Dubai.

There, you can find many restaurants as well as a long promenade and several beaches . You can also rent deck chairs for 100 AED/person.

La Mer also features a water park: Laguna Waterpark, with several slides , a wave pool etc.. An excellent idea if you are visiting Dubai with your children!

Click here to get your tickets for the laguna Water Park (cheaper than on site).

The Dubai Canal Walk is, as its name suggests, a very pleasant walk alongside the canal.

The walk starts near Business Bay subway station and allows you to follow the Dubai Canal for about 3 km. You can walk on both sides of the canal, crossing by one of the 3 very beautifully designed bridges along the way.

Although the place is still under construction, it already offers a wonderful panorama over skyscrapers and the Burj Khalifa tower .

Tip: you should do this walk at night! Undoubtedly one of the best free viewpoints on Dubai’s skyline .

On the canal, you can also enjoy a diner cruise and Abra tours .

The boats pass under an artificial waterfall , whose “curtain” opens automatically to let the boats pass!

The financial district and its skyscrapers are one of the iconic places of Dubai.

The DIFC (Dubai International Financial Center) not only houses offices, but also restaurants, luxury hotels (Fairmont, Radisson), art galleries and more.

Here are the best points of interest:

• Jumeirah Emirates Tower, 2 skyscrapers over 300 meters high
• Gate Building, a 60-meter arch housing the Dubai Stock Exchange
• Gate Avenue, a new shopping center
• World Trade Center, Dubai’s first skyscrapers
• Galleries of the DIFC , with renowned art galleries.

Jumeirah Mosque is one of Dubai’s main attractions for good reason: it’s the only mosque in the city that is open to non-Muslims .

Guided tours are organized daily (except Fridays) at 10.00 and 14.00 . You should be there half an hour before to make sure you get a seat. The tour lasts about 1h15.

You will of course need to be properly dressed: Arms and legs must be covered (that applies to everyone), and women should cover their hair as well.

You can visit the inside of the mosque and learn more about the rites and the 5 pillars of Islam . Photos are allowed.

More than 150 million flowers are waiting for you at Dubai Miracle Garden !

You know it, in Dubai, when they do something, they are really pushing it it far. So you can imagine that the Miracle Garden is much more than just a garden.

During your visit, you will be able to admire impressive structures representing Disney characters and even a replica of an A380 completely covered with flowers .

The Miracle Garden is listed several times in the Guinness Book of Records, notably as the largest flower garden in the world.

The park is only open from November to May, every day from 9am until 9pm (10pm on weekends).

To get there: Take the subway to the Mall of Emirates + bus 105 (20 min. ride). The entrance ticket costs 55 AED and needs to be purchased online by clicking here!

If you prefer, you can opt for package “entrance ticket + pick up at your hotel” by clicking on the button below. This ticket also gives access to the Butterfly Garden , which includes a dozen domes with thousands of butterflies .

Combined Miracle Garden + Global Village tickets (section 16 of this article) are also available:

During your holidays in Dubai, you can also take a walk in Dubai Creek park , one of the largest parks of the city.

This huge park , located directly on the waterfront , is very popular among locals on weekends. They come here to picnic with their families, and children can play in the many playgrounds available .

The entrance fee to the park is 5 AED.

There are 2 more attractions in the park (not free):

• The Children’s City: It includes a planetarium and several areas dedicated to the universe and the mysteries of the human body.
• Dubai Dolphinarium , where you can swim with dolphins.

Can you imagine going to Dubai without doing a bit (or a lot!) of shopping during your stay?

Here are the best addresses in the city to go shopping :

• Dubai Mall, Dubai’s largest and most popular shopping center
• Mall of the Emirates and its hundreds of shops
• The Walk promenade and The Beach at JBR
• Souks of Deïra
• Old Souk and Al-Seef market in Bur Dubai
• City Walk, a pedestrian-only zone with chic and trendy shops
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Outlet Village , where you can find the biggest Italian and American brands.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the second largest indoor amusement park in the world, just behind Warner Bros Park in Abu Dhabi .

In the park, you can for example ride a roller coaster , visit a haunted house or watch a 4D movie.

It’s divided into 5 zones:

• Marvel and its attractions featuring Hulk, Thor and other heroes!
• Lost Valley , dedicated to the world of dinosaurs
• Cartoon network
• IMG-Boulevard, with its restaurants and shops
• Novo Cinemas, a cinema equipped with the latest technologies.

The park is open daily from 11 am . More information about the prices and schedules can be found on the official website.

The entrance to IMG Worlds of adventure is included in the Dubai Explorer Pass ( click here for more info )

In Dubai, you can also visit an other amusement park: Dubai Parks and Resorts .

This leisure complex includes several theme parks and a hotel :

• Motiongate Dubai and its movie-themed attractions: Hotel Transylvania, Underworld, Zombieland, Kung Fu Panda or even the Smurfs!
• Bollywood Parks Dubai and its various environments inspired by Indian films.
• Legoland Dubai , dedicated to Lego bricks! You can even see a miniature representation of Dubai made with Lego.
• Legoland Waterpark, a water park with slides and wave pools.
• Riverland Dubai, an area with shops and restaurants. Accessible free of charge even without an entrance ticket.
• Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts : an hotel inspired by Polynesian themes. You can book your stay at Lapita by clicking here.

There are several options for 1 day, with tickets granting you access to 1 park, 2 parks or all of them.

If you plan to spend 1 day there, you should in my opinion choose the “2 parks” bundle ticket. It includes access to Motiongate (the main park) + 1 other park (choose between Bollywood and Legoland Dubai).

2 parks are easily doable in a day and it’s a great way to save money!

Book your Dubai Parks and Resorts Pass for 2 parks here:

And if you just want to go to 1 park, click on the link of your choice:

• Ticket for Motiongate Dubai
• Ticket for Bollywood parks
• Admission ticket for Legoland

You’re looking for even more activities in Dubai ?

Here they are!

Here are the best activities to enjoy in Dubai (click on the links for more information and to book):

• The Green Planet, a biodome that recreates a tropical forest with its animals and plants.
• Tandem parachuting over Palm Jumeirah – Amazing!
• Helicopter flight above the main attractions of Dubai (Atlantis, the Burj Al Arab).
• Seaplane , scenic flight over Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
• A Jet-ski tour , to discover the main sights of Dubai from the sea: the marina, JBR and Atlantis Hotel.
• Dinner in the Sky , 50 meters above the ground
• Flyboard, a new trendy activity
• Introduction to scuba diving
• Parasailing
• Simulated freefall in a wind tunnel
• Horse riding in Dubai National Park.

And for those who are not afraid of heights, I highly recommend you to try one of the new tourist attractions in Dubai: Ain Dubai . It’s nothing less than the biggest Ferris wheel in the world!

The cabins go up to 250 meters high , so you can enjoy a fantastic view over the whole city during 40 minutes.

Book your ticket for the Dubai Ferris wheel by clicking on the button below:

For one of your evenings in Dubai, you can also go to “La Perle by Dragone ” show!

This is the most popular show in the city: the staging, the performances of the artists, the light shows and special effects: everything is outstanding!

You should really book your tickets as early as possible as there are only 2 shows a day :

The 3 best places to visit around Dubai

Now that you know everything about the best things to do in the city, it’s time to discover the 3 best places to visit around Dubai.

You can get there with organized day trips from Dubai or by public transport.

The most popular excursion around Dubai is an excursion into the desert .

Suggested day program:

• Pick up at your hotel and drive to the desert
• Jeep tour in the dunes
• Sandboard rides
• A camel ride
• Lunch or dinner (barbecue) in a Bedouin camp, with shows and entertainment: henna skin tattoo, belly dance.

To be sure that you are booking with a serious and reliable agency , you should book your desert tour in advance by clicking on the button below.

It’s clearly the best excursion into the desert: It’s so great that they will give you a full refund if you don’t enjoy your time!

And if you prefer a bit more action, you can opt for one of the 2 following tours:

• Excursion in the desert + Quad bike tour in the dunes
• Excursion in the desert + Buggy tour in the dunes

Both of them are really awesome, so choose the one that you prefer!

The excursion into the desert is one of the attractions that are included in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

If you prefer to admire the desert from above, you can also opt for a hot air balloon tour .

This will give you the opportunity to fly over the desert for an hour and admire the sunrise over the dunes! A magical and unforgettable show , completed by a falconry demonstration .

After your flight, you will also enjoy a gourmet breakfast with smoked salmon, caviar and fresh fruit.

This hot air baloon flight needs to be booked here in advance:

Abu Dhabi is the most famous city near Dubai.

You should really visit it during your trip, as it’s only 1h30 away from Dubai by car or by bus.

If you want to rent a car, you should check all car rental agencies rates on Booking.com Cars (click here). It’s the best way to get the best price!

Here are the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi :

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: this masterpiece of architecture is the symbol of the city, you need to visit it!
• Louvre Abu Dhabi, a modern museum with works from antiquity to the 21st century. The modern architecture of the building is also worth a look.
• Fortress Qasr Al Hosn : now converted into a museum about the city’s history
• Emirates Palace, the 7* hotel in Abu Dhabi. You can visit the inside free of charge.
• La Corniche, a long seafront promenade with beaches.
• Qasr Al Watan, also called the “Presidential Palace”: a magnificent palace both inside and outside, everything is covered with gilding and mosaics.
• Yas Island , where the Warner Bros amusement park and Ferrari World are located.

In order to organize your stay in the capital of the UAE , you should read my detailed article: The 17 best things to do in Abu Dhabi

If you don’t have much time to visit Abu Dhabi, the best is clearly to opt for an organized day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai!

Depending on your interests, you can choose one of the following:

• Great Mosque + La Corniche + Emirates Palace + Ethihad Towers + Marina Mall + Qasr Al Watan – My favorite to get a good overview of the city!
• Visit the Great Mosque and the Louvre Museum from Dubai – This tour allows you to explore 2 of Abu Dhabi’s must-see attractions in one day.
• Mosque visit only (1/2 day)
• In the morning excursion to the mosque + in the afternoon excursion to Ferrari World or Warner Bros .

Near Dubai, you can also visit the City of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey by car or by bus takes about 2 hours .

In Al Ain, you can visit:

• Palace of Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the UAE. Today it’s a museum.
• Camel and dromedary market , held every day except Mondays.
• The oasis, for a walk among the palm trees.
• Al Ain National Museum, dedicated to local traditions.
• Al Jahili Fort
• Jebel Hafeet mountain , which offers a magnificent view over Al Ain.

To book your trip to Al Ain, simply click on the button below:

If you’re planning to visit Dubai with your family , here is the list of the best things to do with children:

• Visit to the Burj Khalifa combined with a visit to the aquarium and underwater zoo Book your tickets here!
• Kidzania (tickets for sale here!) in the Dubai Mall
• The Aquaventure Waterpark of Atlantis Hotel
• Dubai Garden Glow and its wonderful and colorful lit sculptures
• Discover and enjoy the beaches of Dubai
• Global Village, the perfect place for a great family evening!
• Laguna Waterpark
• Miracle Garden and its millions of flowers
• Dubai Creekside Park, one of the few places where your children can enjoy a bit of nature!
• IMG Worlds of Aventure
• Dubai Parks and Resorts
• Green Planet

As you have certainly noticed when reading this travel guide, there are many places to visit in Dubai!

You should thus plan at least 3 days to discover the city.

In my opinion, a one-week stay is really ideal to have enough time to see everything, enjoy the activities and even explore the surroundings.

In order to help you plan your stay, I will now give you optimized itineraries to visit Dubai in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days or a week.

Don’t forget that you can save money with the Dubai Explorer Pass!

It includes access to 3, 4, 5 or 7 tourist attractions.

To get more information about the activities included, click here:

If you only have one day to visit Dubai, then you should focus on the 2 main parts of the city :

• Visit Deira and the souks
• Cross the bay of Dubai on an Abra (traditional boat)
• Walk in Bur Dubai district
• Shopping at Dubai Mall
• Fountain show
• Go to the top of the Burj Khalifa

To get an overview of the city in 1 day , you can also take the Hop on Hop off bus. The tickets need to be booked here!

Another option can be to hire a driver for the day: he will take care of driving you everywhere.

It’s a great alternative if you don’t want to waste time on public transport!

You can book your private tour of Dubai by clicking here.

If you only plan a 1 day stopover in Dubai , then you should book the following guided tour . It’s specially designed to allow you to explore the city in a few hours .

You will be picked up and dropped off directly at the airport!

Simply click here to book your private tour of Dubai with pick up and drop off at the airport.

If you plan to spend a 2 days in Dubai , you should follow this itinerary:

• Visit Deïra and the souks
• Cross the bay of Dubai on an Abra
• Stroll through Bur Dubai district
• Visit the Dubai Museum, dedicated to the history of the city
• Go to the top of the Dubai Frame : it offers a magnificent view over the whole city!
• Visit Dubai Garden Glow , an enchanting garden with many illuminated sculptures.
• Visit Etihad Museum to learn everything about the history of the UAE
• Pass by Jumeirah Mosque
• Discover La Mer: take a dip, have lunch on a terrace, enjoy the good weather and the warmth of Dubai!
• In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Mall , the best shopping place in Dubai!
• Visit the Aquarium and the underwater zoo
• Attend the fountain show
• Go to the top of Burj Khalifa and enjoy the magnificent panorama from the viewing platforms at night!

For more info about this itinerary, you should read my detailed guide: 2 days in Dubai

You plan to stay 3 days in Dubai?

For the 2 first days, you can follow the program I mentioned above . And for your third day in the city, you will have 2 options :

1) Spend 1 day in Palm Jumeirah to discover the Atlantis Hotel, the Lost Chambers aquarium and the Aquaventure Park (book here) . Don’t forget to go to The Pointe in the afternoon to admire the view!

In the evening, you should see La Perle , the most famous show in Dubai.

2) Explore Dubai Marina district

• Start the day with a walk along The Walk . You can also go for a swim or relax by the sea.
• Go to the Marina and head to Dubai Marina Mall
• In search of thrills? Then you should really try the amazing Dubai Zip Line , starting from the roof of a skyscraper!
• And if you prefer a more relaxing activity, you should instead opt for a cruise through the marina .
• Go to the Mall of the Emirates
• Visit the Global Village and its pavilions from all over the world
• Attend the spectacular La Perle show .

To organize your 3-day trip to Dubai, you should read my detailed article: 3 Days in Dubai.

For a 4-day stay in Dubai , you can do the 3 days itinerary I mentioned above and add an excursion into the desert for your 4th day!

4WD vehicle tour in the dunes, sandboard , camel ride , dinner in a Bedouin camp and animations: you will have a wonderful day!

You’re planning to spend 4 days in Dubai? You should thus read my detailed itinerary: How to visit Dubai in 4 days.

If you are lucky enough to travel to Dubai for 5 days , you can add for your 5th day:

1) Spend the day at an amusement park: IMG Worlds of Adventure or Dubai Parks and Resorts .

2) Visit Dubai’s points of interests you haven’t seen yet:

• Stroll through the blooming avenues of Dubai Miracle Garden
• Do some shopping or, why not, ski in the Mall of the Emirates .
• Go to the Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Admire the view over the Burj Al Arab
• Spend the rest of the day at one of the nearby beaches.

You can have a look at my detailed 5-day itinerary by clicking here : 5 days in Dubai .

If you also want to explore the interior of Burj Al Arab , don’t forget to book your lunch , snack or dinner . It’s the only way to get inside in if you’re not staying overnight.

You’re gonna spend one week in Dubai?

Then you can add the following:

• 1 day in Abu Dhabi
• 1 day in Al Ain

And if you don’t want to leave Dubai , you can enjoy the city a bit more and do amazing activities:

• Do the Canal Walk or opt for a dinner cruise on the canal
• Discover the skyscrapers of the financial district
• Relax in Creekside Park
• You want to see the city from above? Then opt for a helicopter flight or Seaplane Tour !
• Enjoy a dinner cruise in Deira on a tradional boat.

The best way to easily plan your 7-day stay in Dubai is to read my detailed article: How to spend one week in Dubai.

There are hundreds of hotels in Dubai, and choosing the best for your stay can be a bit complicated.

In order to help you out, I have selected for you the best hotels in Dubai for each district, depending on your budget. I have also made a special list of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai.

As always, to get the best prices, you should book your hotel as early as possible!

The best hotels in Downtown Dubai (near the Burj Khalifa)

• DoubleTree of Hilton Dubai – Business Bay: Located 1.5 km from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Very spacious and comfortable room, well decorated and equipped from 110€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free shuttle to the Dubai Mall, good breakfast, comfort, tranquility. This my favorite hotel in Dubai for its exceptional value for money!
• Rove Downtown: Only 600 meters from the Dubai Mall. Bright and clean double room with view on Burj Khalifa, from 150€, breakfast for 15€. Strong points: Access to the Dubai Mall on foot, helpful staff, free shuttle service to the beach, Dubai Museum or Madinat Souk.
• Taj Dubai: Located 800 meters from Burj Khalifa. Modern and luxurious room with bay window overlooking the city and marble bathroom starting at 220€ per night, breakfast at 32€. Strong points: The magnificent view from the roof, the Indian decoration, the large swimming pool. An excellent hotel in Dubai city center, perfect for a romantic stay!
• Palace Downtown: Located on the lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, this 5-star hotel offers magnificent rooms with balcony, with an exceptional view of the Burj Khalifa. From 380€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: the exceptional location, the beautiful surroundings, the very attentive and helpful staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Downtown Dubai!

The best hotels in old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai)

• Golden Sands Hotel Apartments : Located in Bur Dubai, 1.5 km from the Dubai Museum. Apartment equipped with kitchenette and washing machine, from 80€ per night, breakfast from 11€. Strong points: Cleanliness, the heated swimming pool, the comfortable apartments
• Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai: Located in Deira district. Warm and spacious room from 115€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: the pleasant staff, the view, the good breakfast. It’s my favourite in Old Dubai for its excellent value for money!
• Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Residences: Located next to Creekside Park. Very spacious, super comfortable and very well equipped rooms starting at 130€ per night, breakfast at 33€. Strong points: 5 minutes walk from the metro, the warm welcome, the quiet location, the spa.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek : 5* hotel located in Deira bay. Double room with balcony overlooking the bay from 150€, breakfast at 29€. Strong points: The proximity of the metro and the shops, the beautiful swimming pool, the comfortable bed and the amazing view. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Old Dubai!

Dubai’s best beach hotels

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: Located 300 meters from the beach. Rooms and apartments with sea view from 125€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: The view, the comfortable beds, the location near the beach and the harbor.
• Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach – Dubai: Located along “The Walk”. Rooms with balcony overlooking the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah from 175€, breakfast at 24€. Strong points: the exceptional view, the proximity of the tram and metro, restaurants and shops at the foot of the hotel.
• Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach: Located 150 meters from the beach. Contemporary room with balcony and sea view from 230€, breakfast at 22€. Strong points: the infinity pool, the very good breakfast, the spa, the ideal location to enjoy the sea.
• Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments: Located on the port promenade. Elegant and bright double room from 290€, breakfast at 42€. Strong points: Comfort, access to the private beach, the quality of the food.

The most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai

• Atlantis The Palm, Dubai : One of the emblematic hotels of the city, located in Palm Jumeirah. Room from 300€, breakfast from 42€. Strong points: Includes access to Aquaventure Park and The Lost Chambers aquarium, private beach, swimming pools.
• Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites – Ultra All Inclusive: Also located in Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel offers all inclusive rooms (all meals included) from 452€. Strong points: the quality of the meals, the setting, the amazing rooms.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai: Located directly on the beach of JBR Walk. Elegantly furnished rooms with balcony and sea view from 500€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: 6 swimming pools, a private beach, the spa, the very helpful staff.
• Armani Hotel Dubai: Located in the Burj Khalifa Tower! Rooms decorated by the fashion designer Giorgio Armani, starting at 550€ per night, breakfast at 41€. Strong points: the privilege of sleeping in the Burj Khalifa, the refinement of the place, the view.
• Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah: Located in Palm Jumeirah. Luxury suite with living room and dining room starting at 750€, breakfast included. Strong points: The private beach, the huge swimming pool and the beautiful gardens.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: THE luxury hotel, one of the rare 7* hotels in the world! The “smallest” suite is 170m² and prices start at 1290€, breakfast at 74€. I can assure you that your stay in Dubai will be truly exceptional and unforgettable!

You didn’t find your dream hotel in this selection?

You should thus have a look at my article about the best hotels in Dubai by clicking on the following link: Where to stay in Dubai?

In every shopping mall or touristic place in Dubai, you will find dozens of restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world .

The hardest thing will be to choose one!

If you feel like dining on a terrace with a beautiful view , you should go to Madinat Al Jumeirah souk and eat in one of the restaurants along the canals.

La Mer or The Walk and The Beach are also great locations to enjoy a meal close to the sea.

As restaurants are quite expensive in Dubai, if you want to spend less money, you can also eat in the food courts of the shopping malls.

You will find the classic Mc Donald’s, KFC, Burger King etc.. as well as small fast foods offering Chinese or Indian cuisine for example.

The old districts of Dubai (Deira/ Bur Dubai) are also an excellent choice to enjoy “real” traditional cuisine at low prices!

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to Dubai, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

To help you get a better idea of the city, I have created a tourist map of Dubai that lists all the tourist attractions I mention in this guide. You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the upper left button with a small arrow.

And you, what do you plan to do in Dubai?

Discover all my articles about Dubai : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Dubai are listed there.

• Dubai: The 30 best places to visit – All best things to do and activities!
• 2 days in Dubai – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Dubai – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Dubai – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Dubai – How to spend 5 days in Dubai
• 1 Week in Dubai – The best itinerary to visit Dubai in 7 days!
• Burj Khalifa: The definitive guide to all tickets + Tips
• Dubai Aquarium: discover one of Dubai’s must see attraction
• Dubai Mall: How to plan your visit of this huge shopping center!
• Dubai Old Town: 10 best things to do
• Dubai Fountain Show: all my tips to enjoy it to the fullest!
• Palm Jumeirah: the 15 best things to do!
• TOP Activities in Dubai – The 30 best activities and excursions to do in Dubai!
• Dubai Zipline – Price, info and reservations for the best experience in town!
• The best desert safaris in Dubai – my 7 favorites! (4WD, quad, buggy and more)
• Where to stay in Dubai? The guide to the best hotels by district, for all budgets
• Dubai Pass: The best way to save time and money in Dubai!

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

One week in Dubai: The best 7 days itinerary

5 Days in Dubai: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

4 Days in Dubai: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

Discussion 3 comments.

Thank you so much for making this list. It was very helpful!

Thanks Manith!

I’m glad that my article about the best things to do in Dubaï helps you to plan your trip.

Enjoy your stay in Dubaï.

Dubai is spectacular! I made a solo trip to this city and had a great time. Though I haven’t visited all the places or did all the things, the three days and four nights I spent there were fabulous.

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Ultimate Top 10 Things to do in Dubai in 2024

After living in the UAE for a decade, we have discovered A LOT of things to do in Dubai.  We’ve made countless road trips across the UAE, taken our visitors up and down towering skyscrapers, bumped across desert dunes, enjoyed delectable dining bites and thrilling theme park rides while being enthralled by traditional Emirati experiences – but how do you pick out a top 10 for Dubai?

Some of Dubai’s highlights are undeniably expensive but worth it; Others are cheesy but irresistible for the bragging rights to the Insta moment. And many of Dubai’s most incredible attractions are completely free !

So if you booked your flights and sorted your Dubai visa , it’s time to narrow down your Dubai bucket list. Whilst we have a huge list of 150+ things you can see and do in Dubai here , we’ve selected the top 10 experiences you must try in Dubai. 

How long will I need in Dubai?

If you really want to “see the city” and experience the many different sides of Dubai, we think you need at least three days. However, if you only have a day or two on a stopover, that’s OK too; there’s plenty you can squeeze in – we show you exactly how to fit in all of Dubai’s attractions to suit your interests and available time over on our itineraries page .

You may also want to check in on our best time to visit Dubai guide , where we include month-by-month guides to help you narrow down your ‘must-see’ list for Dubai or these specialised guides:

• Dubai with Family: 80+ Fabulous things to do with kids in Dubai
• Dubai In Summe: 60+ coolest indoor things to see and do in Dubai
• Dubai at Night: Best things to do in Dubai after dark

Top 10 recommended experiences in Dubai

1. the dubai fountains & dubai mall.

Let’s start with something free and easy. The Dubai Fountains are an evening choreographed show at the foot of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Each fountain show only lasts for around 5 minutes, but there’s plenty to see and do in the immediate vicinity – not least of which is take a browse through the world’s largest shopping mall or dine at one of the dozens of restaurants overlooking the fountains.

Not just retail theory, you will find many spectacular sites inside Dubai Mall , from the world’s largest suspended aquarium tank (which is free to view) at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo to the waterfall wall, giant ice skating rink, Kidzania for the kiddos and PlayDXB (Virtual reality theme park) for your tweens+.

Especially in the summer peak, you can easily spend a day or two stopover in Dubai just around Dubai Mall and the Downtown Dubai area, including Dubai Opera and the thrilling new Sky Views Observatory.

Click here to find exact fountain timings and our tips on the best viewing spots.

2. A day at Atlantis the Palm

If you are looking for an all-in-one package that accentuates Dubai’s luxurious and extravagant side, then Atlantis the Palm pretty much sums it up. Sitting in prime position at the peak of Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis is a luxury 5-star hotel attached to Aquaventure , one of the largest water parks in the world.

You can simply visit the water park for the outdoor thrills and spills or stay overnight at the hotel for an adventure inclusive of water park action and the impressive Lost Chambers aquarium.

If a trip to the waterpark is not within budget, you can always enjoy a walk along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk or take in the views from The Pointe , opposite Atlantis.

3. A trip up the world’s tallest tower

We honestly cringed a little at adding this one.  Should we or shouldn’t we recommend this experience?

Even at its cheapest, you’re looking at around $30USD to just make it to the lower observation deck levels (still at an awe-inspiring 456 meters above the ground, mind you!). 

In an honest review – the queues can be long, the observation deck can be crowded, and the Dubai haze and fog can wreak havoc with the views (or make them spectacular, depending on what you’ve come for!)

But there really is only one record-breaking tallest tower in the world.  And on a good day, those views really are spectacular. Our top tip would be if you only have a day in Dubai, don’t spend it queuing up to get to At The Top. However, if time and budget permit – go for it!

This is one part of your Dubai trip you will really want to have planned out in advance, as pre-booked tickets are much cheaper and guarantee your spot rather than trying your luck on the day.

We have a detailed guide here on all your options for visiting the Burj Khalifa.

If you don’t fancy the price tag or the queues, here are our top alternative suggestions on how to take in spectacular views of Dubai.

4. A day trip to Abu Dhabi and the Grand Mosque

Undeniably one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and symbolic of modern Islamic UAE. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can be found in neighbouring capital city Abu Dhabi, about 150kms west of Dubai.

Don’t limit your Abu Dhabi trip to just the Grand Mosque, however. There really is a different vibe to Abu Dhabi, and we’d strongly encourage that an overnight trip is needed in Abu Dhabi to fit it all in, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr al Watan, the UAE’s presidential palace ( check out this free shuttle service you could use !).

If you are on a tight timetable, it is possible to spend a half-day checking out just the Grand Mosque. The mosque itself is free to enter; you would only need to pay for transport from Dubai. You can learn more about how to take a day trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque here .

If time does not permit a visit to Abu Dhabi, but you are still interested in experiencing a mosque and learning more about Islamic culture, then pop over to this guide to Dubai’s Mosques open to the public .

5. Explore Dubai Museum and the Al Faihidi Historical Neighbourhood

Please note: As of summer 2022, the Dubai Museum remains closed for renovations, but the surrounding areas are still open and very much worth exploring on foot.

You mustn’t leave Dubai complaining that it’s all shopping malls and concrete if you haven’t at least tried to dig beneath the surface.  The Dubai Museum and Fahidi Fort are great places to start but do continue to explore the surrounding area further on foot.

The past decade has seen a huge transformation of this small area of the city ( formerly known as Bastakiya ). Recognising that the city’s historical roots mustn’t get lost beneath the skyscrapers, this is a truly different side of Dubai. It is filled with museums, cafes, and galleries in the small winding alleyways.

We have a complete guide to Dubai’s many museums and historical sites of interest here if you would like to expand your search of the cultural side of Dubai.

We also strongly recommend visiting the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding ( SMCCU ). They can help you with cultural tours, mosque visits, traditional meal experiences, and much more – found at House 26 Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Musallah Street .

6. Wander the old souks

In complete contrast to modern Dubai and the shopping malls and skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai, you will find the Old Souks on the Deira side of Dubai.

For a true taste of Dubai, jump on a boat from Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood or the connecting precinct Al Seef over Dubai Creek to Deira. There are many different transport options, including cruises if you’d like to see more of the hustle and bustle along the creek banks or take a traditional abra for just 1 AED.

On the Deira side of Dubai, you will find the traditional Gold and Spice Souks and the Perfume Souk. Crossing back to Bur Dubai, you can explore the Textile Souk. All are still authentic trading markets.

Those wanting a more modern Arabian souk experience, head to Souk Madinat , further west in the Jumeirah area of the city. Not quite the same bargain hunting but nonetheless spectacular views and a wonderful shopping vibe, quite different to the malls.

See our pick of the top souvenirs you should pick up in Dubai here!

7. Enjoy the Beach

A large reason many tourists come to Dubai is to enjoy the year-round warm weather and sunshine. There are plenty of beachfront areas to explore around Dubai, but if you’re on a tight schedule, you may want to start with JBR – the Beach . 

The area has been designed with the tourist in mind, with perfectly manicured beach frontage offering water sports, camel rides, and everything in between!

Other beaches you may want to try include Jumeirah Beach for ‘that’ iconic photo of the Burj Al Arab (note current construction work somewhat obscured those views at present) , or try the much newer La Mer beachfront area if you enjoy fun and funky vibes and instagrammable beach huts along with plentiful dining options by the water.

You can see our complete guide to Dubai’s best beaches here or if you are looking for a fun addition to your Dubai holiday, check out these top private beach clubs for partying & relaxation .

8. Hit the desert dunes

A fabulous reminder of where you actually are, it doesn’t take long to head beyond the city’s immediate vicinity to one of the many Dubai desert safari camps . 

There are many variations on the desert safari available these days, including morning camel treks, falconry displays, and traditional desert camps if you want a full overnight experience.

Most desert safaris typically offer a hotel pick-up service mid-afternoon, followed by a spectacular dune-bashing journey into a camp where a traditional Bedouin dinner is served. Expect your experience to be accompanied by desert sports such as quad bikes, sandboarding, and dune buggy rides .

You’ll undoubtedly come away with henna hand painting and some incredible desert memories from shisha smoking to traditional Emirati “Al Ayala” and belly dancing shows! Adrenaline junkies are well-taken care of too, with many operators additionally offering dune buggies to sandboarding with their desert safari.

A morning desert safari is a great idea when the days are heating up or if you’re on a tight schedule.

If you’re looking for some camel experiences closer to the city, you don’t necessarily need to go on a full desert trek. We explain your camel riding (even camel cuddling!) options here.

9. Enjoy traditional Emirati Cuisine

Dubai is renowned for having a huge variety of international cuisine, but don’t leave without trying a traditional Emirati meal. Be it through the SMCCU cultural program or seeking out hidden gems across the city that offer Middle Eastern specialities through to those offering more traditional Bedouin-style dishes.

You can find our complete guide to Emirati food and where to find the best traditional restaurants in Dubai here.

10. A day trip to the Musandam Peninsula

If time in your Dubai itinerary permits for an extra day trip , this is a MUST!

You would be doing yourself an injustice to get as far as Dubai and not visit the most tranquil and beautiful corner of the Arabian Peninsula. And it’s literally a corner! Jutting into the Strait of Hormuz, it’s actually an Omani enclave.

We could also compromise and say a visit to the Hajar Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, or Hatta will also give you a great taster of the country’s rugged beauty. But honestly, Musandam is in a league of its own when it comes to peaceful, raw beauty. 

You will need a full extra day on your Dubai itinerary as there is a border crossing involved and plenty of winding roads, but the reward as you float on a traditional dhow boat, watching dolphins play amongst the dramatic khors, is simply unmissable.

Find a reliable company for your Musandam day trip here .

Remember, this is only an introduction to what there is to see and do in Dubai. Your full Dubai itinerary will depend on whether you are a first-time or repeat visitor, along with your tastes and interests.

What more is there to do in Dubai?

There is plenty more to explore in Dubai whether you are family travellers , culturally curious, or simply want to enjoy some time in the sun (I know we are all of these!). Make sure you check out our guide to the best time to visit , so there are no surprises with the heat and religious events and pop over to check out these individual attraction reviews .

Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai

• Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai , a handy guide on what to pack , and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
• Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai .
• Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
• Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance !!!
• Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai , or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

Take me back to the Dubai Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links . Dubai Travel Planner

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The 23 Best Places to Go in 2023

By CNT Editors

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2023—find more travel inspiration here .

In any given year, the exercise of assembling a definitive list of the best places to travel is both exciting and daunting. After all, we’re never short on inspiring places and experiences we hope to cross off. And so, every fall, when we convene to start the process of creating this list, we do so with great care, enlisting our extensively traveled network of writers from around the world—and for the first time this year, editors from other  Condé Nast Traveler markets—to pitch, endorse, defend, and eventually align on the places we believe that you, as our readers, will most want to travel to over the next 12 months.

Our 23 best places to travel in 2023 is a mix of old favorites worth visiting anew, and lesser-trammeled, even once-forbidden, regions ready to welcome travelers—yet they are all unified by highly anticipated new offerings and evolutions. There’s something here for every kind of traveler, whether you seek extraordinary excursions through ancient rainforests, a blossoming terroir-driven culinary scene, or dazzling cultural calendars packed with world-class music and rare art exhibits. We also believe that there’s more that binds than separates these places: an opportunity for richer engagement with local communities, slower travel, and more meaningful—and joyful—human connection. What could better speak to what we hope for in the year ahead?

Here are the 23 destinations—vetted by  Condé Nast Traveler editors from the U.S. U.K. , Spain , and India —to plan your 2023 travels around. Let them guide your next adventure. —Arati Menon and Megan Spurrell

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Places to Go in 2023

Auckland, new zealand.

Go for: Cultural and sporting events, new hotels, improved flight connectivity

Auckland will be one of nine cities to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. 

In June 2023, Qantas will begin running non-stop flights from New York City to Auckland. 

Widely praised for its containment of COVID-19, New Zealand held out until September of this year to finally eliminate travel restrictions introduced during the pandemic. Needless to say, the island nation is mightily gearing up for the throngs of foreign visitors anticipated in the coming year, especially in the city of Auckland .

Air connectivity with the U.S. has never been stronger. Nonstop flights are currently running from six American cities; the world’s fourth-longest leg, Air New Zealand’s nearly-17-hour flagship from New York City, debuted in September. Australian carrier Qantas has also announced its own direct flight to New York City, coming in June 2023.

Meanwhile, Auckland’s jam-packed events calendar seems to be making up for lost time. After a three-year hiatus, the popular Lantern Festival will be held in February 2023 to celebrate Chinese New Year. Pasifika , the largest Pacific Island cultural festival in the world, is returning in March 2023 after a two-year pause. And, in July, the quadrennial FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will swing down under to nine host cities across New Zealand and Australia, with Auckland’s games held in Eden Park.

Aside from Auckland’s newest attractions that outsiders have yet to experience—like the $350M eco-sensitive Te Wānanga waterfront development on Quay Street—three years’ worth of flashy hotel openings also await. There’s the Park Hyatt , QT Auckland , the charming Hotel Fitzroy , and Hotel Britomart , New Zealand’s only 5-Green-Star certified hotel. Stays in the city pair perfectly with newcomers in Auckland’s rural periphery, like the Scandi-inspired Parohe Island Retreat and golf-centric Te Arai . Should you journey further into Aotearoa, new multi-day tours by luxury rail operator Great Journeys depart from Auckland Rail Station. From the looks of it, 2023 will—finally—give Auckland its time to shine. —Paul Jebara

British Columbia, Canada

Go for: New Indigenous-led experiences and wilderness lodges

The newly opened Klahoose Wilderness Resort invites guests to learn about Klahoose First Nation Culture—and experience fantastic wildlife viewing—in British Columbia's remote Desolation Sound. 

The province of British Columbia is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, from the Rockies to the storm-battered islands of Haida Gwaii , and new Indigenous-led experiences are connecting travelers to the cultures most closely tied to the land. At Haida-owned and -operated Haida House —which launched its new longhouse-style oceanfront cabins in May 2022—guests will explore Haida Gwaii while learning about the Haida worldview of Yah’guudang, meaning “respect for all living things and the interdependence that binds us.” Haida House guests will visit the islands’ ancestral village sites—including The Village of Queen Charlotte, which was recently restored to its Indigenous name of Daajing Giids, in an unprecedented move.

Further east, in the interior Chilcotin region of B.C., Indigenous-owned and -operated Nemiah Valley Lodge will open for its first full season next June. The lodge marks the first tourism venture on Tsilhqot’in title lands after a landmark ruling awarded the First Nation rights to their traditional territory. In 2023, they’re adding a sweat lodge experience and kayaking on Chilko Lake—Canada’s highest-elevation freshwater lake—led by Tsilhqot’in cultural ambassadors from the local Xeni Gwet’in community.

Back on the coast, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is also new on the scene, with a focus on Klahoose First Nation culture and wildlife viewing in remote Desolation Sound. There’s also Tofino Wilderness Resort  in Quait Bay on Vancouver Island , which will open under Ahousaht First Nation ownership in 2023. But Indigenous culture will also make its mark in the bustling heart of British Columbia: Salmon n’ Bannock , Vancouver’s only Indigenous restaurant, is opening Salmon n’ Bannock on the Fly at the Vancouver airport, the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport—and a welcome way to bookend a trip to the region. —Chloe Berge

Central California Coast, U.S.A.

Go for: New wine country stays, standout tasting rooms and restaurants

New accommodations like The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, are making the central California coast one of the state's hippest food-and-wine-focused getaways—and there's even more to come in 2023. 

A patchwork of laid-back beach towns , trail-laced redwood forests, and vineyards producing standout Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, the Central Coast has been on our radar for a while now. Yet, all at once, it seems the region’s lesser-known destinations are taking on cooler second lives. In the Santa Ynez Valley , cowboy towns like Los Alamos and Los Olivos float on the same intriguing whispers that Joshua Tree did a decade ago (known, but not too known). The valley has emerged as the hippest new getaway for Angelinos, with its mix of funky tasting rooms like disco ball-decorated Future Perfect Wines , casually chic restaurants such as seafood tavern Bar Le Côte , and new accommodations, most notably the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern . Auberge Resorts Collection recently resurrected the latter, a beloved 19 th century landmark with a cabana-lined pool, a spa curated by New York City’s cult outfit The Well , and four restaurants, including a smokehouse that juxtaposes open-fire cooking and Shanghainese flavors. One hour north, Paso Robles , has finally shed its serious oenophiles-only image. Tin City , an approachable collection of wineries and breweries set within an industrial market, feels reminiscent of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone , and boasts San Luis Obispo County’s only Michelin-decorated restaurant, Six Test Kitchen . Next year, the revival whizzes at Nomada Group will reopen two historic hotels—Farmhouse Motel, a 1940s spot downtown, and River Lodge, set at the entrance of Route 46 minutes from top wineries. They’ve even made the unassuming frontier town of Pozo, 30 minutes from downtown, Insta-cool by recently reviving the Saloon , where Willie Nelson once played, and adding airstreams and glamping tents as crash pads. —Jen Murphy

Go for: One-of-a-kind archaeological museums, waterfront resorts, cruises

The much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, pegged to be the world's largest archaeological museum, is set to finally open in 2023 with all objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

A far more hopeful period is afoot in Egypt after a decade of upheaval catalyzed by the Arab Spring. This year marked the centennial of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb—and in November 2022, Egypt hosted the United Nations Climate Summit, COP 27.

Long-laid plans will finally come to fruition in the year ahead, with many high-profile projects, including the much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, set to open at last. Pegged to be the world’s largest archaeological museum, the space—slated for a 2023 opening—will contain priceless items, including all objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Further touristic draws, Egyptology-wise, stem from the exciting return of certain artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art , as well as the relocation of the nation’s vast collection of royal mummies to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo .

Grander transformations are afoot, with new infrastructure—and a new capital—rapidly taking shape. A development not without its controversies, Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, to the east of Cairo, will replace the current one as the country's governmental center, boasting Africa’s tallest tower and the 22-mile-long Green River Park, designed to look like the Nile River . On that note: Viking River Cruises have expanded their fleet yet again, with the Viking Aton due to launch in August 2023, sailing their popular  Pharaohs & Pyramids  itinerary. Meanwhile, the opening of eco-resort The Chedi El Gouna on the Red Sea is penciled in for December 2022—yet another reason for a multi-stop journey through Egypt. —Gilly Hopper

Galilee, Israel

Go for: Charming boutique hotels, vineyards, improved connectivity

Pereh Mountain Resort is one of several new boutique hotels to have recently opened in this part of Israel, drawing international tourists to the rural food and wine destination. 

Perched atop a hill and surrounded by olive groves and orchards, the Pereh Mountain Resort underscores why Galilee has earned its nickname as the Tuscany of Israel. 

For decades, food and wine aficionados from Tel Aviv have been making the windy drive north to Israel’s Galilee region, where the landscape unfolds into lush green hills and valleys. For locals, this fertile corner filled with fruit farms, organic dairies, and family-run wineries, has long been revered as Israel’s own Tuscany.

And now, international tourists are discovering the region’s bounty as well: A flurry of new boutique hotels have opened over the past year, including the Pereh Mountain Resort , perched atop a hill and surrounded by olive groves and orchards; and the Galei Kinneret , reborn with a kitchen led by celebrity chef Assaf Granit. At The Farmhouse , which also opened in 2021, guests sleep among vineyards, and after Watsu pool therapy and jeep tours, are invited to pair local wines with artisanal cheeses and local produce. Tiberias, the Galilee’s largest city, is also set for a facelift with a new promenade along the same shores where Jesus is said to have walked on water—and new direct flights to Israel from Atlanta (Delta; starting in May) and Miami (American; beginning in October) will make access in 2023 easier than ever. —Debra Kamin

Go for: City hotspots, island getaways, and dazzling safari lodges

Take advantage of new openings in Nairobi and the Lamu archipelago, then check in to Angama Amboseli, a new lodge in Amboseli National Park opening in November 2023. 

​​ Kenya has long been a big draw for safari travelers, but there’s much more to see beyond the Masai Mara—and there are compelling new reasons to crisscross the country. While Nairobi was often relegated to one-night layovers en route to the bush, innovative new hotel concepts like The Social House Nairobi , which opened just before the pandemic, are beckoning visitors to linger awhile. The 83 sleek rooms are brimming with local products, like Kenyan coffee and toiletries, and the four restaurants and café are hot spots for Nairobi’s creative set to converge. Nairobi’s restaurant scene is also thriving, with creative kitchens like the farm-to-table Cultiva , the brainchild of Ecuadorian chef Ariel Moscardi, who fell in love with Nairobi during a short visit; he’s now at work on an experimental chef’s-table offshoot called Aya set to open next year. Plus, on the heels of opening her home to guests as the art-filled Eden Nairobi in 2021, designer Anna Trzebinski has now set her sights on the coast. She’s taken over three apartments in the beguiling island archipelago of Lamu , filled them with furniture and decor she designed, and will unveil them as Jannah Shela in 2023. With gorgeous indoor-outdoor spaces and a rooftop bar with the best views in Lamu, this is a chic hideaway for a new wave of travelers—both Kenyan and international. For those who can’t get enough of Angama Mara ’s dazzling details, the November 2023 opening of Angama Amboseli brings its contemporary African design to Amboseli National Park further south, where 10 tented suites come with sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro . — Sarah Khan

Loire Valley, France

Go for: New hotels and restaurants in historic châteaux, luxury train journeys

Gatronomic getaways like Fleur de Loire, opened last July, are proving that the Loire Valley has more to offer than historical châteaux (though there are plenty of those). 

Fleur de Loire from Michelin-star chef Christophe Hay has two restaurants, a pastry shop, and a 2.5-acre garden from which his ingredients are sourced. 

The Loire Valley has always banked on its abundance of royal châteaux and lush landscapes to draw in travelers. But it wasn’t until very recently, thanks to the initiative of hoteliers, creatives, and chefs, that the region sought to go beyond its picturesque historical marvels to establish new reasons to visit.

That effort began in 2020, with the gastronomic and nature-inspired getaways offered at Loire Valley Lodges and Les Sources de Cheverny , and has shown no signs of stopping. Raising the bar in a big way has been Fleur de Loire , double Michelin-star chef Christophe Hay’s fine-dining-led hotel in Blois, overlooking the Loire River, which opened last July. Hay restored a former 17th-century hospice to set up two restaurants, a pastry shop, a Sisley spa, 44 elegantly appointed rooms, and a 2.5-acre garden which supplies all of the produce for his cooking.

Yet there is also novelty for those who can’t shake the urge to sleep within the majestic confines of a castle. The Château Louise de La Vallière is a new 5-star Relais & Châteaux offering in forestland tucked between Tours and Amboise, open as of October 2022. Occupying a 16th-century château set within a 47-acre park that served as the first holiday residence of Louise de la Vallière, the first official mistress of Louis XIV, the 20-room property has been restored and redesigned by Jacques Garcia to its centuries-old glory: it approximates the style and customs of the era, down to the period dress sported by staff, in addition to original paintings, tapestries, decorative pieces, and even mealtime rituals.

It makes for a suitable home base to visit the Royal Château of Amboise in 2023 when the Saint-Hubert chapel, the resting place of Leonardo De Vinci, reopens after nearly two years of renovations. The Château will also host a new, year-long exhibition dedicated to Louis XI on the 600th anniversary of his birth.

But the newest way to make a stopover arrives next summer with the inaugural Le Grand Tour experience from Puy du Fou. The six-day luxury train journey spans a more than 2,000-mile tour of France in a Belle Epoque carriage, bringing guests to Chenonceau for a night, with private visits to the namesake château. —Lindsey Tramuta

Marrakech, Morocco

Go for: New riads in the city, desert stays, art and design exhibits

In addition to buzzy new hotel openings in central Marrakech, the Burning Man–inspired Habitas Agafay has just begun welcoming visitors to the Agafay Desert, a mere 45-minute drive from the city's medina. 

Marrakech has a dizzying energy that pulls you in, spins you around, and leaves you wanting more. All good reasons to make sure you have a soothing home for the night—and you will, thanks to a handful of exciting openings. Dreamy riad El Fenn has just added ten new rooms in the hotel’s signature style, mixing intricate artisanal details, bold colors, and striking contemporary art. On the other side of the medina, two new spots are coming this spring. Firstly, Rosemary , a bijou new riad with a calming courtyard and sunny rooftop, from Laurence Leenaert, the designer behind the LRNCE brand of ceramics and textiles. In the leafy Hivernage neighborhood, home to some of the city’s best nightlife, a new Nobu hotel will breathe new life into the former Pearl Hotel. Out in the Agafay Desert, a 45-minute drive from the medina, Habitas has just opened the Burning Man–inspired Caravan Agafay . Don’t go expecting rolling Sahara-style dunes—the stone desert here looks more lunar than sandy—but do expect boho tents, swimming pools, moon gazing, and plenty more. 

Marrakech itself continues to be a magnet for artists and designers: The new Monde des Arts de la Parure showcases 3,000 pieces of jewelry, ornaments, and textiles from more than 50 countries in a three-story wood-and-brick space lit by a dramatic octagonal skylight. At the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL), Malagasy artist Joël Andrianomearisoa’s “Our Land Just Like A Dream” explores traditional Moroccan creative knowledge, filling the museum’s spaces with works made exclusively in Marrakech through July 2023. —Nicola Chilton

Melides, Portugal

Go for: Lesser-known beaches, design-forward stays

The Manuel Aires Mateus-designed Pa.te.os has just opened in Melides, with four discreet houses that blend into 80 acres of Mediterranean landscape. 

Comporta’s lesser-known sister has been quietly simmering for some time now, but 2023 is set to become the year Melides emerges as the Portuguese beach spot to know. Its alluring landscape of white-sand beaches, pine forests, and rice fields will soon welcome exciting new properties, including Christian Louboutin’s much-awaited Vermelho this coming spring. The designer discovered the charm of Melides early—he’s been visiting for 10 years to design his winter collections, even naming one of his shoe lines Melides—and the boutique property will celebrate Portuguese artisanship and design traditions.

And there are others: Spatia —the Comporta resort frequented by travelers looking for minimalist design and quiet respite—will open a second hotel in Melides in 2023, while Umay’s otherworldly villas, inspired by the geometry of seashells, will follow in 2024. Also new to the area is the recently opened Pa. te .os , consisting of four discreet houses on 80 hectares of land, designed by famed Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus to blend into the Mediterranean landscape.

Hotels aside, other 2022 openings like the Melides Pottery Museum, which celebrates Portugal’s rich ceramic history, and beach-front restaurants like À Toa on Praia de Melides , add to the excitement around this buzzy destination. —Abigail Malbon

Memphis, Tennessee

Go for: New public spaces, restaurants and hotels that highlight the city's heritage

The Memphian Hotel is an eye-catching marker of the city's hotel boom—it's just one of eight new properties opened in 2022. 

The Memphian Hotel shines a light on the city's heritage through design and cuisine, much like the city's coolest new restaurants.

Nashville claims a lot of national buzz, but the city of Memphis has been quietly reshaping itself to be the hottest destination in Tennessee. Over the past decade, its downtown has invested billions in revitalization projects—and now, visitors can begin reaping the benefits.

An upgraded Tom Lee Park will open downtown in 2023, and in time for Memphis in May , a month-long festival celebrating the city’s culture with the famed Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The $60 million transformation will add new pavilions, meditative paths, riverfront seating, sound gardens, and the Canopy Walk connecting the park to downtown—all a fitting tribute to the park’s heroic namesake, a Black Memphian who, nearly a century ago, rescued passengers from a sinking steamboat on the Mississippi River. Next up: The Walk on Union , said to be the largest new mixed-use development in the Southeast, will play host to retail businesses, green spaces, and two new Hilton hotels as it opens in phases over the next few years.

Memphis is experiencing a hotel boom, with eight new properties in 2022 and more on the way. Recently opened are the funky  The Memphian and Hyatt's first  Caption concept, both of which shine a light on the city’s heritage through design and cuisine, much like the latest crop of Memphis restaurants. Barbecue still reigns, but the city’s trendiest spots are lightening things up: Raw Girls now has two brick-and-mortar smoothie and juice bars, Food Network star chef Tamra Patterson will open a new vegetarian spot in 2023, and craft cocktail bar Cameo , opened this year, serves up sophisticated mocktails. —Kelsey Ogletree

Mendoza, Argentina

Go for: Women-led food experiences, new lodges on iconic vineyards

At the foot of the majestic Andes, a crop of stylish new restaurants and hotels—many spearheaded by women—are giving travelers a new reason to raise a glass in Argentina's wine capital. 

Toasting with Malbec in front of the majestic Andes is how people celebrate in Mendoza , and a slew of stylish restaurant and hotel openings—many of which are spearheaded by women—provides ever more reason to raise a glass in Argentina’s Great Wine Capital (it is just 90 minutes by plane from Buenos Aires , after all).

Mendoza’s new bodega wining and dining experiences are many. There’s chef Patricia Courtois’s 5 Suelos at Durigutti Family Winemakers (opened April 2022), sommelier Camila Cerezo Pawlak’s Ruda restaurant in Tupungato Winelands (January 2022), and Catena Zapata’s opulent Angélica named for the family matriarch (November 2022).

Zonda at Bodega Lagarde—an organic, B-Corp certified winery that marks its 125th anniversary in 2023—stands out, however, for showcasing the best of Mendoza, from fantastic vintages down to its hard-carved teaspoons. Owner Sofia Pescarmona shares her family’s terroir with guests, who gather herbs and veggies and get a little messy making empanadas during Zonda’s immersive garden-to-table experience. Efforts are rewarded with a nine-course regional tasting menu paired with Lagarde wines, including the refreshing Proyecto Hermanas White Blend that Sofia makes with sister Lucila.

Plus, the latest venture of Susana Balbo—Argentina’s trailblazing female oenologist who helms her namesake winery—saw her lovingly refurbish a mansion with daughter Ana Lovaglio, unveiling it as the seven-suite SB Winemaker’s Lodge & Spa in April 2022; chef Flavia Amad Di Leo runs both the bodega and the hotel’s restaurants. Invigorated by in-room massages and asado by the pool, adventurous guests can then hire the lodge’s VisionAir seaplane, Argentina’s only such aircraft, and explore hidden corners of the world’s eighth-largest country. —Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Mustang, Nepal

Go for: Luxury mountain retreats, rare experiences in a remote destination

From design virtuoso Bill Bensley, the all-inclusive Shinta Mani, set in the remote, once-forbidden region of Mustang, is arguably Asia's most anticipated hotel opening of 2023. 

For decades, Nepal has been the Himalayan destination of choice for backpackers and trekkers drawn to its deep-rooted spirituality, endless adventure offerings, and those sky-piercing peaks. This hasn’t been the case for many luxury-minded travelers, though, who often chose neighboring Bhutan for its superior clutch of upscale mountain lodges. That will change in 2023 as Nepal unveils a wave of first-rate boutique accommodations and experiences.

Much of this shift is courtesy the recent update of Mountain Lodges of Nepal , a family-owned collection of deluxe accommodations scattered around the ultra-scenic Annapurna and Everest regions. By the end of 2023, they will introduce 15 premium, intimate lodges—a mixture of refurbished sites and new builds combining tradition (stone walls and colorful cultural motifs) with modernity (like dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass windows)—while offering multi-day treks, wild honey hunting, and helicopter rides to a Mount Everest-facing Champagne breakfast.

Come 2023, the 29-suite Shinta Mani Mustang, a Bensley Collection , arguably Asia’s most anticipated hotel opening, will open in the remote, once-forbidden ancient kingdom region of Mustang. Spearheaded by design virtuoso Bill Bensley, the all-inclusive mountain retreat brings together Tibetan design (incorporating upcycled materials), traditional wellness programs, unique experiences—like guided explorations of the mysterious, ancient “sky caves”—and unparalleled access to one of the Himalaya’s last frontiers. —Travis Levius

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Go for: Old-meets-new food and drink experiences, eco-stays

Ancestral earthen oven cooking known as pachamanca is offered to guests at El Albergue Ollantaytambo, part of the region's growing effort to showcase Andean food and drink traditions to a wider audience. 

The 100-year-old El Albergue Ollantaytambo also functions as a quintessential home base for travelers in the Sacred Valley, proving the village of Ollantaytambo is more than a pit stop en route to Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo is best known for its archeological site, a hillside Incan fortress that draws travelers off the train to Machu Picchu. But of late, the village has also become a terroir-driven culinary epicenter in the Sacred Valley, with local entrepreneurs placing a new era of the Andean food and drink traditions on the world stage. Taste herbaceous high-elevation rums, or infuse your own, at Destilería Andina ; sip Andean coffee, or roast souvenir beans, at Cafe Mayu ; and sample craft beer flavored with local fruit at Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado . Old and new continue to meet, through farm-to-table fare paired with creative cocktails at Chuncho ; meanwhile, tradition takes precedence with ancestral earthen oven pachamanca cooking in El Albergue Ollantaytambo ’s farm tour meals. And look for Destilería Andina’s new location with a full-service bar, opening in mid-2023, near Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado.

Don’t make the mistake of hopping on the train after a meal, either—unique hotels further the case for staying the night. The 100-year-old El Albergue Ollantaytambo is a classic home base, but you can also pamper yourself at the Qolqas Eco Lodge (spa included), or sleep perched in a mountainside capsule with valley views at Skylodge Adventure Suites . The latter opened in 2013, but the brand’s new Starlodge Adventure Suites and onsen are 2022 additions.

Plan your trip around cultural moments for the full experience: The Señor de Choquekillka festival, 50 days after Easter, honors the village’s patron saint with food, music, and dance; locals celebrate the winter solstice in June; and the entire village revels during Ollantaytambo’s anniversary every October. —Nico Vera

Queensland, Australia

Go for: Indigenous-led experiences, swanky new hotels

Queensland has returned thousands of acres to Indigenous groups over the last two years, a shift that has yielded special new experiences for travelers. 

New Indigenous-owned and -run experiences include moonlit spearfishing in Daintree National Park, alongside Eastern Kuku Yalanji guides, and Torres Strait Islander-led day trips from Cairns.

Australia is making an effort to return land to its native people, and Queensland has been leading the way, with thousands of acres going back to Indigenous groups over the last two years. For travelers, this shift is yielding new experiences guided by the insight of the original stewards of the land.

The ancient rainforest of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Daintree National Park was part of a parcel returned in 2021, and now the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people are managing the national park alongside the state government. At the newly opened Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre , an ecotourism hub operated by mostly Indigenous staff, visitors walk the land with traditional custodians as guides; Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours include night walking, crabbing, and spearfishing under the moon; and on Walkabout Cultural Adventures , Indigenous plants and medicines are highlighted on guided rainforest excursions.

Further north, lands near the Torres Strait Islands—there are at least 274 in the strait between Australia and New Guinea—were returned to Torres Strait Islanders of Aboriginal, Melanesian, and Australian background last year. Now, local Indigenous entrepreneurs have launched companies like Strait Experience , which offers a first-of-its-kind day trip to the islands from Cairns, making the destination more accessible than ever.

Bookend your adventures with a night in any of the chic hotels and resorts set to call Queensland home in 2023, including the Mondrian Gold Coast and the Ritz-Carlton Brisbane, part of the Queens’ Wharf project that is transforming the river’s edge. These join a new luxury hotel faction including The Langham Gold Coast and Dorsett Gold Coast , both of which opened last summer.

Lastly, don’t skip a visit to Queensland’s capital: Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host eight games in July and August for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Good thing getting to Queensland is easier than ever, thanks to three weekly nonstop flights between San Francisco and Brisbane, added by United Airlines in October 2022. —Devorah Lev-Tov

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Go for: Landmark art and architecture events, atmospheric new hotels

The Sharjah Biennial opens in February to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with works from more than 150 artists from 70 countries (above, an installation at the 2017 event, by Joe Namy).

While it might seem like Dubai continues to monopolize much of the U.A.E.’s glitz and buzz, neighboring Sharjah has been quietly asserting itself as the cultural capital of the Emirates. On the heels of striking new galleries from the Sharjah Arts Foundation and architectural marvels like the Foster + Partners–designed House of Wisdom library, the Sharjah Biennial opens in February, on its 30th anniversary, with works from more than 150 artists from 70 countries. Also on deck is the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, curated by Nigerian architect Tosin Oshinowo in collaboration with visionaries like India’s Rahul Mehrotra and Brazil’s Paulo Tavares. The most atmospheric place to stay in Sharjah is the Chedi Al Bait , a tangle of 53 rooms and eight suites spread across a series of ocher courtyards in the historic district. This year, it gets a refresh with the addition of a 12-room boutique wing built in a 100-year-old family home. There are plush new ways to explore the less-explored emirate’s natural splendors as well. Lux Resorts and Hotels, known for its swanky digs in Mauritius , the Maldives , and China , is making its Middle Eastern debut with two new retreats in Sharjah coming in 2023: Lux Al Jabal is a beach escape overlooking an untouched stretch of the Gulf of Oman, while Lux Al Bridi will be a safari camp brimming with wildlife in the sprawling Al Bridi Nature Reserve. —Sarah Khan

Srinagar, India

Go for: New infrastructure for easier road tripping, elevated nature retreats

Srinagar, an alluring and once hard-to-visit destination in the Kashmir Valley, is opening up to travelers in a big way in 2023, with new roadways making it easier than ever to get in and around. 

In the heart of the Kashmir Valley, the gem of Srinagar—with its winding waterways and colorful houseboats—is equally alluring and challenging to plan a visit to. Yet the destination seems to be shifting gears, with the government greenlighting development projects that will benefit travelers.

Srinagar has some vibrant new openings:  Karan Mahal , a swanky, intimate stay in the historic residence of Kashmir’s former rulers and amid nearly 60 acres of orchards and woods, launched last year, while  Qayaam Gah , a stylish, Sufi-inspired nature retreat in the Zabarwan Hills, with unfettered bird’s-eye views of Dal Lake, opened this summer. Additionally, Indian Hotels Company Limited (also behind the Taj Hotels) will bring its affordable brand, Ginger Hotels , to Srinagar in the first half of 2023.

The capital is also about to get a boost in accessibility, with a spate of highways and tunnels planned to open in 2023 that will, among other connections, make it easier to drive from Kashmir—across breathtaking landscapes—to neighboring Ladakh, even in winter. Other side trips that will be easier to reach, thanks to the new infrastructure: Sonamarg (which translates to “golden meadow”), a stunning hill station that is poised for substantial tourism development in the years to come, and Pahalgam, an idyllic getaway that has long drawn travelers to its pastoral charms. The latter will see, in early 2023, the opening of  Shepherd’s Barn , a cottage stay by Ramneek Kaur (whose family owns the Bollywood-favorite  Pahalgam Hotel ), which will add rooms to an existing program of craft tours and local activities under the auspices of the Shepherd Crafts Cultural Centre. With so much change underfoot, there is no better time to experience the area— and before everyone else starts to do the same. —Saumya Ancheri

Go for: The performing arts center, two years' worth of hotel and restaurant openings

After a decade of construction, the Taipei Performing Arts Center has finally opened—just as the country has begun welcoming international visitors again. 

Elegant towering teahouses, otherworldly landscapes, and culinary excellence have long tempted travelers to Taiwan . Now, after more than two years, the island nation has reopened its borders to international visitors—and there’s quite a bit to catch up on.

One decade of construction later, the Taipei Performing Arts Center is finally open, with three performance spaces housed within sleek geometric buildings. A few kilometers south, the stylish Hotel Resonance Taipei recently unbolted its doors with 175 fresh guest rooms, offering sweeping city views and sleek modern interiors. Just before borders closed, the Taipei location of The Place hotel—equal parts polished and relaxing, with a teahouse in its lobby—opened in Nangang, and a design-forward branch of the Kimpton set down roots in the Da’An District. There’s even more to come, with the Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen slated to open in 2023 in the bustling Ximending, which was just named one of the “51 Coolest Neighborhoods In The World” by Time Out. Plan your meals around any of the five restaurants that earned Michelin stars in 2022: Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature, Holt, Yu Kapo, Paris 1930 de Hideki Takayama, and Sushiyoshi.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, has been attracting travelers who hop on the high-speed rail, headed for one of the 44 restaurants that earned Tainan its addition to the 2022 Michelin Guide . Also making it worth the trip: Anping Tree House, an abandoned warehouse that has been swallowed by banyan trees; the colorful and artsy Shennong Street; and when you’re ready for a nap, Mao House , a chic bed and breakfast that stands in stark contrast to its architecturally staid neighbors. —Ella Quittner

Turks and Caicos

Go for: Easier access to remote islands, cruise upgrades, sleek resorts

Big-deal infrastructure enhancements are making it easier to reach Turks and Caicos’ less frequented outer islands, changing what it means to have an exclusive experience in the archipelago.

The exquisite white sands and blue waters of Grace Bay Beach have long been the coveted endgame for visitors to Turks and Caicos . Lately, though, a wave of new hotels and developments in more remote parts of the island chain are changing what it means to have an exclusive experience here. 

Leading the way, the 46-unit Rock House opened this past May, with its sleek Mediterranean style (a departure from the archipelago’s traditional colonial aesthetic), private plunge pools, and sustainability efforts that preserve native foliage and limestone. But Rock House’s real magic is undeniably in its location: a clifftop perch above a secluded beach on Grace Bay’s north shore, where you can while away your days snorkeling in a protected marine sanctuary. More properties slated to come in 2023 include the 31-acre South Bank Turks & Caicos , a residential resort and marina, opening in March, at the top of Long Bay Beach with 18 waterfront villas and a five-acre swimming lagoon. The Strand Turks & Caicos will follow later in 2023, 20 minutes south of Grace Bay, with oceanfront residences and what feels like its own peninsula on Cooper Jack Bay.

Big-deal infrastructure enhancements are also making it easier to reach Turks and Caicos’ less frequented outer islands. On Grand Turks, a $25 million dock extension is set to welcome larger cruise ships in 2023. And on tiny South Caicos, a significant upgrade to the single-runway South Caicos Airport is scheduled for completion in June, meaning improved access to the least populated of the islands—like the uber-luxe Sailrock Resort , a favorite of celebs like Justin Bieber and Regina King. —Nina Kokotas Hahn

Go for: A revived cultural calendar, dazzling new hotels

In 2023, Vienna will welcome the return of the Viennese ball season after a two-year hiatus. 

Vienna has long been a European capital of groundbreaking art and music, and in 2023 the city has several landmark anniversaries on its cultural calendar.

After a two-year hiatus, the 2023 Viennese ball season promises lush nights of live orchestral music and dancing in black-tie. Two of the year’s sparkliest, the Vienna Opera Ball and the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, are also marking their 65th and 80th anniversaries, respectively. The latter is returning  on January 19 with performances by the legendary orchestra. Meanwhile, the Opera Ball, to be held  on February 16 , will host dancing “Under the Sign of Solidarity”—the night’s theme—in collaboration with  Österreich hilft Österreich (Austria Helps Austria) to fundraise for those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Belvedere, home to Gustav Klimt’s famous  The Kiss , is celebrating 300 years since its completion with a year-long exhibition, “ The Belvedere: 300 Years a Place of Art ,” paying homage to the museum’s impact on Viennese art history. Also not to be missed in 2023: “ Klimt. Inspired by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse… ,” a collaborative exhibit by the Belvedere and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, showcasing the prominent artists who influenced the master of Viennese Modernism.

Kick your feet up at Vienna’s chic new hotels. The  Rosewood Vienna , which opened in 2022, will welcome its first full year of guests with the new Asaya Spa. Then, in late 2023, The Hoxton is set to open a 196-room hotel featuring an events auditorium (a first for the hotel brand) honoring Vienna’s legacy as a hub for live entertainment and culture. —Matt Ortile

Go for: Locavore food experiences, forest hotels and saunas

In lush Wales, a foodie renaissance is taking place—drawing travelers to terroir-driven restaurants, distilleries, and revived pubs in untrammeled areas. 

A Welsh foodie renaissance has, admittedly, taken a while to arrive. But a new generation of chefs are digging into their terroir and emerging with handfuls of truffles, scallops, and cheeses, from James Sommerin’s Home restaurant in Penarth, to SY23 in seaside Aberystwyth, headed by Great British Menu finalist Nathan Davies. There’s also been the rise of hard-to-reach destination restaurants determinedly doing their own thing, such as Annwn in deepest Pembrokeshire, where Matt Powell forages most of his ingredients from the shoreline (the project is currently on hold as it relocates), and Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir in the Dyfi Valley , which was just awarded a second Michelin star. Ward’s empire will grow in 2023 with the opening of eight-seat Gwen—named after his mother—with sourdough pizzas on the menu. Paternoster Farm , meanwhile, set in a former Pembroke cowshed, is doing wondrous things with Porthilly oysters, Welsh Mountain lamb, and sea beet—with its Five Mile Feasts, a special menu, gathering up all sorts of local treasures. 

In Cardigan, the Albion Aberteifi —certainly the coolest hotel to arrive in Wales in years—is set to open a Scandi-Japanese restaurant on the river bank in 2023, along with a woodland onsen and spa. Wales seems to be turning into a hub for the UK’s thriving outdoor sauna scene: Snowdonia-based Heartwood Saunas is launching a new forest project this December, where groups of up to 10 can use a wood-fired sauna before jumping in the pools of the River Dulas (or head to the yoga deck), all while surrounded by old oak trees and natural pools. In Carmarthenshire, the seven-mile stretch of Pendine Sands is enjoying a revival. Caban hotel is opening in the spring alongside the Museum of Speed , which celebrates the many land-speed records made on the beach—including one by actor Idris Elba in a Bentley Continental GT. Reducing the speed a notch, a new slow-travel route of roads and walking paths, The Wild Drovers’ Way , unfurls over 180 miles from the foothills of the Cambrians into the Brecon Beacons—a lovely way to appreciate some of Wales’ rural highlights.

If you need somewhere to toast all this, you could head to Swansea, where Penderyn will open its new whisky-distillery experience in March, while in Cardiff, the St Fagans Museum of National History has been rebuilding the iconic Vulcan pub (beloved of Manic Street Preachers) on its grounds, set to open in 2024. Lechyd da! —Rick Jordan

Western Japan

Go for: Expedition cruises in the Seto Inland Sea, new onsen experiences

Luxury small ship company Ponant will launch a first-ever expedition cruise from Osaka in 2023, exploring old feudal towns and traditional fishing villages on Japan's oldest sea route. 

New luxury openings and a world’s-first expedition cruise are among a plethora of reasons to head for western Japan in 2023. In the Seto Inland Sea, which separates Japan’s main island of Honshu from the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu, luxury small-ship company Ponant has announced a first-ever expedition cruise from Osaka in 2023, which will sail along Japan’s oldest sea route. Exploring old feudal towns and traditional fishing villages on the coast of Honshu, as well as Inland Sea islands such as Inujima—once a copper mining hub and now one of the famous contemporary “Art Islands”—the 264-guest Le Soléal will chart a seven-night course towards the Sea of Japan, starting in May 2023. Also in the Seto Inland Sea, in a forest on Awaji Island, wellness retreat Zenbo Seinei just opened its doors. Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Shigeru Ban, it features a 21-meter-long gallery for zazen meditation and a restaurant celebrating Japan’s culture of fermented foods.

On Kyushu island , the new Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen now conveniently connects cosmopolitan Nagasaki to Japan’s vast bullet train network. Good thing, as there’s a new Ritz-Carlton coming in the summer of 2023 to the vibrant, gateway city of Fukuoka ; and in the hot-spring town of Yufuin, Kengo Kuma—the architect behind the Japan National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 games—has completed a new gallery at Comico Art Museum to house works by Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, and Hiroshi Sugimoto, among others, as well as two exclusive-use “Art Houses” with private onsen baths. Nearby, Kuma has also created the gorgeous KAI Yufuin , a contemporary onsen ryokan with views of Mount Yufu and enveloped in rice terraces whose beauty changes with the seasons. —Kate Crockett

Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Go for: Design-forward boutique hotels amid the region's jungle and waterways

The Yucatán Peninsula is already an easy-to-love destination—its food heritage just one of the reasons to visit—but a boom of design-forward stays are upping the ante. 

Just outside of Mérida, above, travelers will find the new Galopina, a five-bedroom, family-run guesthouse from Mexican owners Elisa Navarrete and Guillaume Galopin.

With a boom of design-forward stays opening their doors—in an already easy-to-love destination marked by verdant jungle and brilliant waterways—the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico’s southeastern bounds is poised to be one of the most enticing areas to visit this year.

The 22-bungalow Boca de Agua is set to open in April in Bacalar , with suites designed by architect Frida Escobedo, who was recently tapped for the forthcoming contemporary art wing at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City . North of Bacalar, tucked within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is Casa Chablé , which will open in December 2022 with 10 rooms and bungalows. Guests take a 40-minute boat ride through lush mangrove forests, to arrive at the resort’s 12 acres of tropical jungle fronted by white-sand beaches. Plus, situated in the tranquil Xpu-ha cove, between the two bustling towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, the ultra-luxurious boutique property Hotel Esencia opened in November as one of the most refined offerings in Riviera Maya: the Esencia Mansion, a four-bedroom private hideaway with its own speakeasy, cinema, and rooftop infinity pool. And just outside of Mérida is the new Galopina , a five-bedroom, family-run guesthouse from Mexican owners Elisa Navarrete and Guillaume Galopin. After a stint in Paris , they returned to their home country and created their dream homestead in the jungle with miles of trails, organic gardens, and guest rooms offering meditative terraces. In May 2023, Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , will reopen on the Riviera Maya with 10 new waterfront suites, a culinary program overseen by chef Daniel Camacho, and a new look that will showcase Mayan culture and design with work by local artisans. —Michaela Trimble

Zamora, Spain

Go for: Romanesque architecture, dazzling lakes, and improved access from Madrid

Zamora, which is known for having the most Romanesque architecture in Europe, is becoming a European World Heritage Site in 2023—perfect timing, as a new high-speed train from Madrid makes it easier to reach than ever. 

Few know—even in Spain —that Zamora is the city with the most Romanesque architecture in Europe, but it was reason enough for UNESCO to make Zamora a European World Heritage Site for 2023. Additionally, its proximity to Madrid —an hour away thanks to a new high-speed AVE train, inaugurated just a year ago—put this underrated town high on our must-visit list.

But there is more to Zamora, such as its enormous modernist legacy and its Lagunas de Villafáfila, a collection of lakes that are home to thousands of migratory birds each season. There’s even more to see, scattered throughout the province: Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and just a few miles away, Puebla de Sanabria is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Towards the east you will find Toro, the epicenter of bold red wines—and home to critically acclaimed winery Numanthia that’s credited with putting the wine region on the map. Not far away, in the heart of Tierra de Campos, snag a table at Lera , which got its Michelin star in 2022, and is a favorite among wild game enthusiasts.

Finally, to the south, Arribes del Duero shows that Zamora province has it all—even fjords. Beautiful crags and cliffs mark the border with Portugal in a natural park that has become a center for viticulture and attracts reputed international winemakers. Olive, citrus, and other fruit trees, artisanal ceramics, and stunning natural beauty turn this secluded corner into a Mediterranean paradise. Consider the luxurious Hacienda Zorita Natural Reserve , and the Castillo de Buen Amor (refurbished in 2021) in Salamanca, just a 30-minute drive away, the perfect setting for your quaint Zamora escape. —David Moralejo

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• BEST OF THE WORLD

25 breathtaking places and experiences for 2023

Looking for your next adventure? You’ll find it on our annual list of the world’s best destinations for travelers.

Travel inspiration is everywhere you look. The question is where to go next. Here’s our annual list of superlative destinations for the year ahead—places filled with wonder, rewarding to travelers of all ages, and supportive of local communities and ecosystems. Reported by our global editors and framed by five categories ( Community , Nature , Culture , Family , and Adventure ), these 25 destinations for 2023 are under the radar, ahead of the curve, and ready for you to start exploring.

Community: Where conservation benefits everyone

Discover Karpathos, Greece, a surprising and sublime spot in the Dodecanese Islands , where women-led ventures are leading the charge in sustainable tourism. Spend a long weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin , a vibrant Great Lakes city that celebrates its cultural community as much as its breweries. Experience how long-held traditions and contemporary perspectives intersect, with Indigenous tourism outfitters in Alberta, Canada . Board a new high-speed train that makes lesser known regions of Laos accessible to tourists and brings economic opportunities to locals. Head to Ghana to explore Black heritage and hang out with a fashion-forward crowd in the capital, Accra. ( Learn more about how these Best of the World destinations support their communities. )

Nature: Escapes to wild, beautiful places

Marvel at the biodiversity of Botswana —as well as the programs to rehabilitate endangered species, create wildlife corridors, and develop community-owned tourism projects. Linger in the   Scottish Highlands , where a rewilding movement is aiming to restore the original landscape and native flora and fauna. In Slovenia , a longtime leader in sustainable tourism, set off on new gastrotourism biking routes that visit farms, vineyards, cheesemakers, and other food producers. Big Bend National Park   brings to life the frontier legend of Texas—but the landscape will also surprise you. In the Azores ,   applaud   award-winning sustainability programs that conserve the natural wonders of this volcanic archipelago known for whale watching and thermal springs.   ( Delve into our best destinations for nature lovers. )

Culture: Places where history and heritage rule

Visit King Tut’s new home in Egypt at Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum and see Luxor’s Avenue of the Sphinxes. Tap into the creative energy of Asia’s top film festival and sip craft beer in Busan, South Korea , the nation’s second largest city. Make a pilgrimage through history along Italy’s Appian Way , Europe’s ancient “superhighway.” Explore culture and history—with a side of Low Country cuisine—at the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Caroli na . See one of the world’s largest assemblages of stone statues at Longmen Grottoes , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Henan Province, China.   ( Here’s how to visit these Best of the World destinations .)

Family: Inspiring journeys for all ages

In Switzerland , ride the rails to quaint Alpine towns for chocolate, hiking, and skiing. Help save the turtles in Trinidad & Tobago , one of the most important leatherback turtle rookeries in the world. In San Francisco, California ,   gather around a campfire with Golden Gate views at Presidio Tunnel Tops and hike the urban Crosstown Trail.   Go birdwatching in the avian paradise that is Colombia , the enchanted land of Disney’s Encanto.   Visit the playing grounds of a storied soccer team in Manchester, England —and be inspired by the city’s art scene as well.   ( Explore more of these family-friendly destinations .)

Adventure: Adrenaline-pumping outdoor excursions  

Trek to Choquequirao, Peru ,   an isolated Inca site that’s under the radar—but soon to be more accessible. In New Zealand , the country that invented bungee jumping, rekindle your sense of adventure post-pandemic. Get your adrenaline rush in less visited areas of the popular adventure state of Utah . In Austria , hike the cross-country Bergsteigerdörfer network of mountaineering villages to sample local culture. Finally, add Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico , to your itinerary. Its protected waters, supported by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative, hold one of the largest aggregations of sharks and manta rays in the world.   ( Dive deeper into these adventure trips. )

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Welcome to a sun-soaked metropolis like no other

Plan your dream wedding in an unforgettable destination

Discover the city's insiders, influencers and innovators

Every district in Dubai tells its own unique story

Admire the city's traditional arts, crafts and cultural gems

Get more out of your holiday with these guides

Escape to the hills and explore nature

Answer the call of the wild and experience desert thrills

Uncover the city’s rich heritage and vibrant arts scene

Embark on thrilling new adventures for all ages

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What do you travel for? Find inspiration with our itineraries

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Get tickets to the best concerts featuring A-list artists at world-class venues

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• Dubai sightseeing & attractions passes

Dubai sightseeing & attractions passes

Unlock huge savings with pre-paid access to top sights, tours and activities. Choose from the available attraction passes below.

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What is a dubai pass, how to use a dubai city pass, option 1: dubai pass, option 2: go dubai pass, common dubai pass questions.

A Dubai pass, also known as a Dubai city pass or an attractions pass, is a great way of seeing Dubai’s sights for less.

See all the sights with a Dubai pass

Using your Dubai attractions pass is as simple as opening a mobile app.

Experience all that's possible in Dubai for less, with the Dubai Pass.

Choose your Dubai Pass

Take your pick from these incredible options

Dubai Flexi Attractions Pass

Save up to 40% on more than 30 Dubai experiences. Choose three, five or seven top Dubai attractions.

Dubai Select Attractions Pass

Save up to 50% on selected attractions with seven days to use your pass.

Dubai Unlimited Attractions Pass

Save up to 60% on 30+ attractions, with three or five-day passes to fit your schedule.

Dubai Theme Park Pass

Save up to 40% on Dubai's best theme parks, with multiple options to suit you.

Dubai Stopover Pass

Save up to 50% on two to four top experiences, to use over 36 hours during your Dubai stopover.

Enjoy even more flexible savings with the Go Dubai Pass.

Choose your Go Dubai Pass

Select which pass is perfect for you

All-Inclusive Pass

Visit as many attractions as you like with 2 to 7-day passes, valid over two weeks.

Explorer Pass

Enjoy access to 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions, with 60 days to use your pass.

Find the answers to some of the most frequent questions about Dubai attraction passes here.

Is it worth it to buy a Dubai pass?

How much is a pass in Dubai?

Is a Dubai unlimited pass worth it?

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What is included in the Dubai Explorer Pass?

How to use the Dubai Explorer Pass?

What is the difference between the Explorer Pass and the All-Inclusive Pass?

How do I book with City Pass?

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