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Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Destination Guide

Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Best things to do in Dubai

49 curated attractions in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

November - April

Average temp

29°C/84°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Dubai

Dubai is a city that grew from a small fishing village into a sprawling metropolis in just a few decades, marked by its ambitious skyscrapers and extravagant developments. At the heart of this transformation is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, which casts a long shadow over everything else, including the Dubai Fountain that dances nearby. The city's rapid development has attracted a mix of professionals and tourists, each vying for a slice of the luxury lifestyle. Dubai Marina and the Madinat Jumeirah showcase this opulence, while the spice souk offers a more traditional experience, albeit one that won't involve a yacht. Visitors come for the unique blend of modern attractions and cultural heritage, exemplified by the Lost Chambers Aquarium and the historic Al Fahidi Fort, all set against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf.

Who it's for

Ideal for those who enjoy luxury shopping, dining, and high-end hotels. If you're looking for historical depth, quietness, or a relaxed pace, you'll likely find Dubai overwhelming. The sheer scale can be daunting, so if you prefer smaller, quaint cities, this one might not be your cup of tea.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The metro connects key areas efficiently, and the Palm Jumeirah Monorail gives a scenic view
  • Expect around thirty minutes to travel from Dubai International Airport to the city centre by taxi
  • Walking between attractions can be long; plan for the heat and distances involved
  • Rideshare apps operate well and can save time compared to taxis
Al Fahidi Fort

Al Fahidi Fort

Forts & citadels
Quad biking adventures

Quad biking adventures

Adventure parks
Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
House of Hype

House of Hype

Shopping
Aura Skypool

Aura Skypool

Entertainment
The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain

Fountains, statues & public art
Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm

Seaside resorts & beach clubs
Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah

Islands
Dubai Desert Safari

Dubai Desert Safari

Deserts & dunes
The View at The Palm

The View at The Palm

Luxury and Exclusive Attractions
Dubai Creek and Abra Ride

Dubai Creek and Abra Ride

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera

Theatres & opera houses
The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis

The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis

Aquariums
Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah

Seaside resorts & beach clubs
The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall

Malls & department stores
The Walk at JBR

The Walk at JBR

Streets & neighbourhoods
The Pointe

The Pointe

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Al Fahidi Historic District

Al Fahidi Historic District

Old towns & historic quarters
Kite Beach

Kite Beach

Beaches
Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah Beach

Beaches
Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden

Botanical gardens
Global Village

Global Village

Theme parks
Dubai Water Canal

Dubai Water Canal

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Chaos Karts UAE

Chaos Karts UAE

Sports and Recreation Venues
Etihad Museum

Etihad Museum

History museums
Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque

Mosques
Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark

Water parks
Jameel Arts Centre

Jameel Arts Centre

Art museums & galleries
The World of Riverland

The World of Riverland

Theme parks
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Aquariums
Burj Park

Burj Park

City parks
Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai

Ski resorts
Skyviews Observatory

Skyviews Observatory

Architecture
Dubai Safari Park

Dubai Safari Park

Wildlife sanctuaries
Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue

Art museums & galleries
Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Theme parks
Dubai Dolphinarium

Dubai Dolphinarium

Aquariums
Dubai Gold Souk

Dubai Gold Souk

Local & craft markets
Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Water Park

Water parks
Dubai Butterfly Garden

Dubai Butterfly Garden

Botanical gardens
The Green Planet

The Green Planet

Wildlife sanctuaries
Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort

Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort

History museums
Dubai Spice Souk

Dubai Spice Souk

Local & craft markets
IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Theme parks
At The Top, Burj Khalifa

At The Top, Burj Khalifa

Observation decks & city views
Al Nasr Leisureland

Al Nasr Leisureland

Entertainment

Where to eat in Dubai

The places worth planning a meal around.

Museum of The Future

Museum of The Future

Modern International · $$$

★ 4.4 · 54,640 reviews

Arabian Tea House

Arabian Tea House

Emirati · $$

★ 4.8 · 19,988 reviews

Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant

Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant

Iraqi · $$

★ 4.5 · 9,373 reviews

Atmosphere at Burj Khalifa

Atmosphere at Burj Khalifa

$$$$

★ 4.5 · 4,649 reviews

Nobu Dubai

Nobu Dubai

Japanese-Peruvian · $$$$

★ 4.5 · 2,898 reviews

Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams

Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams

Middle Eastern · $$$

★ 4.6 · 2,153 reviews

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