Top Places to Visit in Dubai

Dubai is a bustling mecca of modernity and culture, renowned for its larger-than-life landmarks and esteemed for its wealthy heritage. It is a city of extremes and a place to be visited at least once in one’s lifetime. Home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the world’s largest shopping mall, and the world’s only seven-star hotel, Dubai is a city that delights in extremes.

Dubai is the second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and one of the most visited cities in the world. With an estimated population of 3.3 million people, Dubai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a global outlook. It is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, where East meets West and old meets new. It is a city of adventure and exploration, where you can find traditional souks and bustling markets, iconic skyscrapers and luxurious hotels, stunning beaches and world-class attractions.

Dubai is one of the most progressive cities in the world, having developed from a small fishing village to a thriving metropolis in under fifty years. It has achieved immense success in creating an advanced infrastructure and a thriving economy based on tourism and trade. The city has a long, fascinating history, dating back to 3000 BC when it was first settled by nomadic Bedouins. Since then, it has been ruled by many different rulers from different eras who have all left their mark on the city.

Today, Dubai is renowned for its glamorous lifestyle, luxurious hotels, and vibrant nightlife. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall; and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago in the Persian Gulf.

Table of Contents

• 1. Burj Khalifa
• 2. Desert Safari
• 3. Dubai Mall
• 4. Palm Jumeirah
• 5. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• 6. Burj Al Arab
• 7. Dubai Marina
• 8. Miracle Garden
• 9. Ski Dubai
• 10. Sheik Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding

1. Burj Khalifa

One of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Standing at 828 meters high, it is an impressive feat of engineering and architecture. The building was designed by renowned architect Adrian Smith and has a total of 163 floors which include offices, apartments, and a luxurious hotel. In addition to its sheer size, the Burj Khalifa also holds several records as the tallest building in the world, the tallest man-made structure ever built, and the building with the highest number of stories in the world.

Visitors can take a trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa to experience breathtaking views of the entire city from its observation deck on the 124th floor. There are also viewing platforms on Levels 124, 125, and 148 where visitors can admire the stunning views of Downtown Dubai and beyond. For those looking for an even more unique experience, there is also an open-air terrace on Level 148 which offers an unobstructed view of Dubai’s skyline.

2. Desert Safari

One of the most popular activities for tourists visiting Dubai is a desert safari. This adventure takes you on an unforgettable journey into the vast Arabian Desert where you can experience an array of exciting activities such as sandboarding, camel riding, dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles, and watching spectacular sunsets over the dunes. Additionally, you can savor traditional Emirati cuisine while enjoying a magical belly dancing performance around a campfire under starry night skies.

The desert safari experience typically starts in the morning or afternoon where visitors are picked up from their hotels in 4×4 vehicles for an exciting drive through sand dunes and winding trails deep into the heart of the desert. Along the way, there are plenty of photo opportunities to capture as well as plenty of thrilling activities such as sandboarding down giant sand dunes and even taking a camel ride along a deserted beach.

At night, visitors can enjoy a delicious traditional Emirati meal along with entertainment such as belly dancing performances accompanied by Arabic music around a campfire. There is also a chance to watch stunning sunsets over the sand dunes before heading back to their hotel in the late evening.

3. Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is one of the most popular attractions in Dubai. It is the largest shopping mall in the world, with more than 1200 stores spread across four floors and over 1 million square meters of retail space. The mall includes designer stores such as Prada and Burberry as well as hundreds of shops selling everything from clothing and electronics to jewelry and books. The mall also houses over 150 restaurants offering cuisines from around the world and cinemas showing Hollywood blockbusters and 3D movies.

In addition to shopping and dining options, there are also plenty of attractions inside the mall including an ice rink, an aquarium with over 30,000 aquatic animals, an indoor theme park with over 20 rides suitable for all ages, a gaming zone with virtual reality experiences, and even an indoor waterfall!

The mall is open from 10am to 10pm daily, with late night openings every Friday until midnight.

4. Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago off the coast of Dubai that consists of three islands in a palm tree-like shape. It was created using land reclamation techniques and today is home to some of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts such as Atlantis The Palm and One&Only The Palm as well as exclusive residential communities like Trump International Hotel & Tower Dubai and Anantara Residences & Spa Dubai.

The iconic landmark can be seen from outer space and it is possible to drive around it or take an aerial tour via helicopter to enjoy stunning views of this man-made marvel from above. On land, visitors can enjoy beach activities such as parasailing or jet skiing as well as a wide range of dining options offering cuisines from around the world.

5. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo located inside The Dubai Mall offers visitors an enchanting underwater experience like no other! The aquarium houses over 140 species of aquatic animals including sharks, rays, sawfish, piranhas, giant catfish, seahorses and stingrays among many others. It is home to one of the largest collection of sand tigers sharks in the world!

Visitors can admire these majestic creatures from behind thick glass walls or take a journey on a glass bottom boat for a closer encounter with these amazing creatures as they swim around you! There are also interactive educational displays throughout the aquarium which allow visitors to learn more about different species of aquatic life and how they interact with each other in their natural environment.

6. Burj Al Arab

One of the most recognizable buildings in Dubai is Burj Al Arab – arguably one of most luxurious hotels in the world! Standing at 321 meters tall, it is one of only seven seven-star hotels in existence and it overlooks Jumeirah beach with stunning views over Dubai Marina skyline.

The hotel offers an array of amenities including nine restaurants offering cuisine from around the world as well as luxurious spa facilities where guests can enjoy soothing massage treatments and pampering rituals using natural ingredients derived from local herbs and spices. Guests can also relax by one of four swimming pools or enjoy thrilling water sports activities such as jet skiing or wakeboarding at Jumeirah Beach nearby.

7. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a man-made waterfront development located along two miles (3 km) of Jumeirah Beach coastline which features luxury apartments, exclusive villas, high-end hotels, entertainment hubs and waterfront restaurants offering stunning views over its canal-like streetscape which are illuminated at night for a truly romantic atmosphere!

It is home to iconic attractions such as The Beach Mall which offers shopping options for everyone from designer boutiques to high street brands as well as an array of cafes and restaurants serving cuisines from around the world! Visitors can explore its pedestrianized area on foot or take a leisurely ride on one of its traditional wooden boats called “abra’ which offer unique views over this man-made marvel!

8. Miracle Garden

Miracle Garden is a stunning 18-acre park located close to Dubai Marina which features 45 million blooming flowers in vibrant shades arranged into mesmerizing shapes such as heart-shaped gardens and flowery sculptures! Visitors can explore pathways lined with fragrant flowers while admiring this oasis-like paradise!

In addition to flowers arranged into beautiful shapes such as stars, hearts and animals there are also plenty of other attractions such as children’s play areas, cafes serving refreshments and snacks as well as live entertainment performances! The park can be visited between October to May each year!

9. Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai located inside Mall Of The Emirates is an indoor ski resort offering snow sports adventures all year round! Visitors can take part in activities such as skiing or snowboarding on real snow or simply enjoy tobogganing down slopes on their snow tubes!

The resort features five ski runs ranging from beginner to advanced levels alongside a dedicated freestyle zone with jumps and rails for snowboarders! It also houses penguin encounters where visitors can get up close with these adorable creatures! Additionally there are plenty of cafes serving refreshments throughout this winter wonderland!

10. Sheik Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding

Sheik Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) located inside Burj Al Arab offers visitors an insight into traditional Emirati culture through interactive workshops and guided walking tours! Visitors can learn about Islamic faith through Q&A sessions with Imams or explore local souks while learning about various aspects of Emirati culture such as henna designs!

SMCCU also offers cooking classes and cultural talks about topics such as Islamic architecture or traditional Emirati cuisine! Visitors can also attend guided tours around Jumeirah Mosque or enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine at one of SMCCU’s restaurants!

Popular Tours in Dubai

Dubai City Tour: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Take in all that Dubai has to offer with this convenient hop-on hop-off bus tour which allows you to explore top attractions including Burj Khalifa, Miracle Garden and more at your own pace! This immersive tour conveniently stops at 18 stops across all major tourist attractions in Dubai including Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Park, Palm Jumeirah Monorail Station and more! Spend your day exploring top attractions or hopping off at different stops around town for shopping or dining experiences! This tour also includes audio commentary available in multiple languages so you can learn more about each attraction you pass by! Explore this tour today!

Dubai Desert Safari Tour with BBQ Dinner & Camel Ride

Experience an unforgettable adventure into the Arabian Desert with this exciting desert safari tour which includes thrilling activities such as dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles followed by a delicious BBQ dinner with entertainment such as belly dancing performances! This tour also includes camel riding along deserted beaches where you can admire stunning sunsets over sand dunes before heading back to your hotel in late evening! Book this tour today for an unforgettable experience!

Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai with Grand Mosque & Heritage Village Visit

Explore Abu Dhabi – home to some of UAE’s top attractions – on this full day city tour from Dubai which includes visits to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of UAE’s most iconic landmarks – Heritage Village – where you can learn about traditional Emirati lifestyle – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – theme park filled with thrilling roller coasters – Louvre Abu Dhabi – art museum exploring 5000 years of human creativity – plus much more! Take this tour today for an immersive day trip experience like no other!

From experiencing magnificent heights at Burj Khalifa to exploring desert dunes on a desert safari tour or admiring marine life at The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – there are plenty of places to visit in Dubai that will leave you with unforgettable memories! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or luxurious experiences or simply want to explore traditional Emirati culture – there’s something for everyone here! So if you’re looking for something new and exciting – head to Dubai today for your next holiday destination!