Dubai has become one of the most visited places in the world, with more and more to see in this luxury city every year. The skyscrapers rising from the desert sands are a sight to behold.
It is the most populous and the second-largest city in the United Arab Emirates. It is located on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf, on the Arabian Peninsula.
The capital of the emirate is Abu Dhabi, the country’s largest city by area.
I spent 4 days in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which you can read a detailed travelgue here!
Table of Contents
Attractions in Dubai
Burj Khalifa
The 160-floor tower, tapering upwards in steps, stands at a height of 828 meters and is the tallest building in the world. Located on the 124th floor is an enclosed observation deck, offering a fantastic view of the city and the sea.
Burj Khalifa holds several world records, such as the highest observation deck, swimming pool, entertainment venue, and the world’s fastest elevator.
Tickets for the observation deck must be purchased for a specific time, but once at the top, you can stay as long as you like. It’s advisable to reach the top just before sunset to witness the sun disappearing over the sea horizon.
Next to the building is the Dubai Mall, the world’s second-largest shopping center by total land area!
Buy tickets and find all information here!
To get there, take the red metro line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station.
Dubai Fountain
The famous „dancing” fountain in front of Burj Khalifa is the world’s largest of its kind, with only Las Vegas having a similar type.
Especially in the dark, sit on a bench along the lakeside promenade and admire the performance (e.g., to Michael Jackson, Bocelli).
Its unique design features five concentric circles. The water jets shoot up to impressive heights, and the show is visible from more than 30 kilometers away. Thanks to the thousands of WET super-shooters and over 20 colored projectors, the spectacle has become a true visual masterpiece.
There are two performances after 12 noon, but from sunset until 11 PM, the water show can be seen every half hour.
Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Hotel
The artificially created island known as Palm Jumeirah is fully developed, which becomes evident when traveling through it.
However, what attracts tourists to the „tip” of the palm is the Atlantis Hotel. It can be accessed by car through an underwater tunnel.
Along the palm’s „fronds,” thousands of luxury hotels and apartments have been built, frequented by celebrities.
The site is not just a hotel but also features a water theme park with an aquarium, slide park, dolphinarium, and many pools. It’s open to outsiders for a fee, allowing visitors to enjoy all these amenities.
To reach it, take the Monorail, whose starting station is accessible by the T1 tram to the Palm Jumeirah 1 stop.
The View at the Palm
As well as the Burj Khalifa, this is another place to visit.
Located in the middle of the Palm Island, in the Nakheel Mall area, this 240-metre-high lookout offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area.
An elevator takes you to the top level, but before you go, a short video gives you an insight into the design and construction process of the island.
All information here!
Getting there: take the Monorail to Nakheel Mall.
Dubai Marina
An artificial bay near Palm Jumeirah, you can stroll around it on a developed walkway, shaded by tall skyscrapers.
You’ll see numerous beautiful yachts and the large Dubai Marina Mall is also located here. The T1 tram circles the most picturesque part of the marina, allowing for a scenic ride.
Access: By the red metro line to Dubai Marina Mall stop; or by the T1 tram (with a metro connection at Marina Mall stop).
Burj al-Arab
The iconic sail-shaped hotel, Burj al-Arab, stands on an artificial island. It’s Dubai’s hallmark of luxury, often referred to as the world’s first seven-star hotel.
The suites, fashioned in modern Arabic style, are exclusive to guests, but parts of the hotel, including its restaurants, are open to the public.
The Al Muntaha restaurant, situated 200 meters high, offers a spectacular view of the bay. For information on reservations and restaurant visits here.
Access: By bus 8, 81, or 88 to the Burj Al Arab Hotel stop.
Dubai Frame
One of the newest attractions, resembling a giant picture frame, has quickly become one of Dubai’s most popular sites!
Its upper part features a glass floor, offering a view of the city beneath. The external elevator has glass sides, providing stunning views on the way up and down.
Often overlooked in favor of the Burj Khalifa, it’s considerably cheaper and, according to many, equally impressive.
Access: From Al Jafiliya metro station (red line) take bus F09 to the Dubai Frame stop.
Dubai Miracle Garden
A garden showcasing an array of flowers in various designs, often recommended as a must-visit.
The garden’s highlight is an Emirates airplane entirely adorned with flowers. Additionally, numerous fairytale figures are displayed, making it an excellent outing for children.
It’s closed during summer due to the heat.
Ticket prices, opening hours and all information here!
Access: By bus 105 to the Miracle Garden stop. (Note: Daily and weekly tickets are not valid on this bus; ensure you have sufficient funds on your NOL card!)
Shopping Malls
Dubai offers a multitude of malls, not just for shopping but also for experiencing unique attractions. Here are three notable ones.
The most striking feature of the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, a ski resort behind a glass wall! It has five slopes, with the longest being 400 meters. Equipment can be rented on-site. There’s also a children’s entertainment center, Magic Planet. It’s accessible via the red metro line.
Dubai Mall is situated next to the Burj Khalifa, this mall is the world’s largest shopping, entertainment, and leisure destination. It houses The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an Olympic-sized ice rink, the educational and entertaining Kidzania, and a vast cinema complex. Several entrances lead to the musical fountain, making it an ideal afternoon outing.
Dubai Festival City Mall is located along the banks of the Dubai Creek, near the international airport. Its unique appeal lies in the evening views from the waterside promenade towards the Burj Khalifa amidst skyscrapers. To get there, take the green metro line to Creek terminal, then cross over by abra from Al Jaddaf Marine station (CR 6 line). The fare is just 2 dirhams.
Bluewaters Island
The latest sensation near Dubai Marina, this small island is accessible by car and on foot.
Home to hotels, shops, and restaurants, its major attraction will be the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. It operates day and night, completing a rotation in about 38 minutes.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
The world’s largest indoor theme park.
Spanning 1.5 million square meters, the park is divided into four themed areas: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley, IMG Boulvard. It also features a 12-screen cinema and 28 restaurants.
Find all information here!
Museum of the Future
One of Dubai’s newest museums already signals the future with its exterior.
The building is a massive, undistorted toroid-shaped structure, with its outer surface adorned with Arabic inscriptions that speak of hope and optimism for the future. It can safely be said that it is one of the most futuristic buildings in the world.
The exhibitions cover many topics, including education, healthcare, environmental protection, urban planning, and space exploration. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and other advanced technologies are often used to engage visitors more deeply in the world of the future.
All information here!
Access: Red metro line to Emirates Towers station.
Museums
Once the Al-Fahidi Fort, now operates as Dubai Museum. It showcases the city’s past, depicting its transformation from a small town. The nearest metro station on the green line is Al Fahidi.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, located on the banks of Dubai Creek, was the palace of the current ruling family and now functions as a museum. It represents the pre-boom era. Near Al Ghubaiba metro station (green line).
Find all museum information here!
Bazaars
Exploring the bazaars is a must-do in Dubai. Feel free to bargain!
The Gold, Spice, and Perfume Souks are located side by side along the Creek in Deira. Combine these three locations for hours of exploration. The nearest metro station is Al Ras (green line).
The Textile Souk is on the opposite bank in Bur Dubai Souk. Famous for textiles, a wide variety is available. The nearest metro station is Al Ghubaiba (green line).
Wild Wadi Waterpark
This popular waterpark, located next to the Burj al-Arab, is unique for its medieval Arabian architectural style.
It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with kids, though be prepared that it’s not a cheap outing!
Prices, opening hours, and all information can be found here.
Jumeirah Mosque
Mosques are quintessential structures in the Arab world, and Dubai has many, with the Jumeirah Mosque being particularly noteworthy.
Built in 1998, it’s a blend of traditional and modern Islamic architecture.
Tourists are allowed to enter, but be mindful of the rules! Long trousers are mandatory, and women must wear long tops and cover their hair.
Access: By bus numbers 8, 9, C10, X28, and 88 to the Palm Strip Center / Jumeirah, Grand Masjid stop.
Boating
A popular activity is traveling by boat, offering great views along the way.
There are several routes, and I would highlight the one marked FR1. This route operates between Dubai Marina and Al Ghubaiba (the old town area). I recommend taking the boat heading to Marina, as sailing into the bay at the end provides a wonderful experience of the city’s skyline.
All information here!
Beaches
Due to the climate, the sea water is warm in summer, but can feel somewhat cool for us during winter months. Bikinis are allowed, but avoid wearing „skimpy” swimwear!
One of the most famous is JBR Beach (Marina Beach), located behind the Dubai Marina. This is a long stretch of beach where I personally sunbathed, offering a great view of the Atlantis Hotel.
Another is Jumeirah Public Beach, also known as Sunset Beach. Its unique feature is its proximity to the Burj al-Arab, making it popular for its views.
Religion
Being in an Arab country where Islam is the predominant religion, there are a few things to be mindful of. Even though Dubai is one of the most Westernized cities, it’s important to respect the main cultural norms.
Men should avoid walking around in loose tank tops, and women should steer clear of provocative attire. While there are no sanctions for this, it might attract disapproving glances.
On the beach, bikinis are fine, but again, avoid wearing „skimpy” swimwear.
Particularly during Ramadan (which falls at different times each year for us), the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. During this period, do not eat or drink in public!