Things to do in Dubai

A guide to the 12 best places to visit in Dubai!

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Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. A city unlike any other, Dubai has grown exponentially from a fishing village to an uber-modern entertainment and leisure hub that draws crowds from all over the world. Though most of what you see has come up in the past few decades, remnants of the past can be still be found lurking in the cultural and architectural fabric of the region. If you're planning to visit Dubai, know that there is no shortage of landmarks and attractions to experience. From the tallest building in the world, to the largest artificial archipelago ever made, you will be seeing places unlike anywhere else in the world. In this guide, we will take a look at the best places to visit in Dubai that are a must-visit on your trip to the golden city.

1

Dubai Fountain

Sightseeing

#1 of 406 things to do in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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One of the most beautiful light, water and music spectacles in the world; the Dubai Fountain is the world’s second largest choreographed fountain system. Situated in the center of Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Fountain offers a breathtaking show of choreographed water jets that shoot over 100 feet in the air and dance to the rhythms of songs from all over the world. It occupies a stunning space on the 30-acre manmade Burj Khalifa Lake and neighbours the eponymous building. The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM and with free access and front row view guaranteed, watching one of these shows is definitely going to be an unforgettable experience.

Good for

Family

Must See

Hours
6:00 PM to 11:00 PM every day

Address
Burj Khalifa Lake, 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Dubai, UAE
Get Directions

Tips

  • The fountain show is at its prettiest in the dark. The best time to visit the lake for a fountain show will be any time after 8:00 PM.
  • It doesn't matter if you miss the show. It takes place every 30 minutes. So with a little wait, you can get a front row seat for the next show.
  • Some people love to see the show from the Burj Khalifa. Though the view from the 124th floor maybe a bit too distant.

Recommended Experiences
Dubai Fountain Lake Ride
Burj Khalifa: Sunset - At the Top

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2

Burj Khalifa

Sightseeing

#2 of 406 things to do in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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The tallest building in the world needs no introduction. With a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft), the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest structure in the world since 2008, even before it was finished. Today, it stands tall in the heart of Dubai and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting the Burj Khalifa. Over 2 million people visit the Burj Khalifa every year, making their way to the highest observatory in the world - At the Top. At the Top Burj Khalifa is an observatory on the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa and offers some of the most stunning views of Dubai. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide an amazing panoramic view of the city, desert, and ocean from a height of 452 meters! You can even step out onto an open-air terrace to take in the unparalleled vistas.

Good for

Family

Must See

Hours
At the Top Burj Khalifa opens from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM

Address
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Dubai, UAE
Get Directions

Tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance online in order to prevent queuing up for hours at the ticket counter.
  • Evenings are some of the busiest periods at the Burj Khalifa. To enjoy the place in peace, head to the observatory in the morning or after 9:00 PM, when the crowd has lessened considerably .
  • Sunsets from the top of the Burj Khalifa are considered a thing of beauty, but they're also the most crowded periods. To catch a sunset from the top, make sure to visit the Burj Khalifa an hour before the sunset.

Recommended Experiences
Burj Khalifa At the Top (124th and 125th floor)
Burj Khalifa At the Top Sky (124th, 125th and 148th floor)
Burj Khalifa At the Top (124th and 125th floor) - Skip the Line

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3

Burj Al Arab

Sightseeing

#4 of 406 things to do in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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Step into a world of comfort and luxury at the Burj Al Arab - a distinctive sail-shaped silhouette on the coast of Dubai and an iconic symbol of the city. Burj Al Arab is widely regarded as the most luxurious hotel in the world and is also one of the most visited landmarks in Dubai. One of the best ways to experience the grandeur of Burj Al Arab is by going for a high tea or dinner at one of the many world-class restaurants in the hotel. Another interesting way to check out this famous building is by going for boat trips or jet ski tours in the waters around the Burj Al Arab. Built on a triangular island off the coast of Dubai, Burj Al Arab is a landmark that one should definitely check out on their visit to Dubai.

Good for

Luxury

Family

Must See

Hours
Burj Al Arab is open 24x7, throughout the year

Address
Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai , UAE
Get Directions

Tips

  • The best way to visit Burj Al Arab if you aren't staying in it is to go for a dinner or a high-tea experience at one of its many 5-star restaurants. The experience is blissful.
  • If you only want to see the building from the outside, then you can go to Jumeirah Beach, which is free, and snap pictures of yourself with the hotel in the background.
  • To add a bit of action into it, you can go for a jet ski tour or a boat tour around the Jumeirah coast which will take you past Burj Al Arab as well.

Recommended Experiences
Dinner at Burj Al Arab
High Tea at Burj Al Arab
Jet Ski Tour Around Burj Al Arab

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4

Dubai Creek

Sightseeing

#5 of 69 Sights & Landmarks in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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The history of Dubai and Dubai Creek are inseparable. Settled along the creek since its inception, Dubai Creek has played a pivotal role in Dubai’s past, helping it develop from a fishing village to a booming trade center, receiving trade from Europe, Asia as well as East Africa. Today, Dubai Creek is still an integral part of the city and a cruise down Dubai Creek is quite a traditional way of experiencing Dubai. A sightseeing cruise along Dubai Creek will allow you to see landmarks such as Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Village, Al Diwan or The Ruler’s Assembly, traditional gold & spice souks, Emirates N.B.D. Headquarters, Sheraton Dubai Creek and the Rolex Twin Towers.

Good for

Family

Cruises

Sightsee

Tips

  • If you wish to sail down Dubai Creek and see the landmarks that lie on its banks, then go for a sightseeing cruise of the the creek.
  • You can make your Dubai Creek cruise experience even better by opting for a dinner cruise where you will be treated with an international buffet dinner.
  • Even though morning and noon sightseeing cruises are quite popular, evening cruises are a better option since it isn't as hot.

Recommended Experiences
Dubai Creek Sightseeing Cruise
Dubai Creek Dinner Cruise
Dhow Dinner Cruise

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5

Dubai Marina

Sightseeing

#7 of 69 Sights & Landmarks in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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One of the most ambitious projects of the past few decades, Dubai Marina is a 3km long artificial canal that was built along the Persian Gulf and has one of the most developed waterfronts in the word. Its banks are lined by towering skyscrapers that form exclusive residences, hotels, malls and others. Dubai Marina is a spectacle of modern engineering and a dhow cruise is one of the best ways to experience it. These skyscrapers, brightly lit under the night sky and reflecting on the Marina, present an unforgettable sight of Dubai. Cruising in Dubai Marina, you will be able to gaze at the Dubai Yacht Club, the yacht club promenade, Dubai Marina Mall, Sheikh's Boatyard, Jumeirah Beach Residence and parts of the Palm.

Good for

Family

Cruises

Sightsee

Tips

  • Sightseeing cruises of Dubai Marina are the best way to sightsee all the major landmarks that lie on the banks of the marina.
  • Visit the Dubai Marina Mall and enjoy a delicious dinner at its many amazing waterfront restaurants.

Recommended Experiences
Dubai Marina Sightseeing Cruise
Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise

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6

Palm Jumeirah

Sightseeing

#13 of 69 Sights & Landmarks in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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An achievement unlike any other, Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago off the Jumeirah coast in Dubai. Built out of land reclaimed from the sea, Palm Jumeirah is considered to be one of the poshest locales in Dubai and is home to some of the most luxurious homes, hotels, recreational centers, restaurants and beach clubs. At this modern hub of activity in Dubai, you can enjoy the world famous Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, go for a kayak tour of the islands, or simply go for a cruise around the island. The sight of the islands, branching out into the sea are a sight to behold and truly unforgettable.

Good for

Family

Sightsee

Tips

  • Palm Jumeirah is home to numerous world-class restaurants and bars. Head down to the Palm Islands if you're looking to grab a bit or simply unwind.
  • There are numerous cruises that sail in and out of the Palm Islands. These cruises will take you around the islands and show you all its major sights. Cruises are one of the best ways to sightsee the Palm Islands.
  • This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but to get a truly bird's eye view of the Palm Islands, you can skydive from a height of 4,000 meters above the Palm. The sight of the Palm Islands is unlike any other skydiving experience in the world.

Recommended Experiences
Palm Jumeirah Jet Ski Tour
Palm Jumeirah Yellow Boat Tour
Aquaventure Waterpark

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7

Bastakiya Quarter

Sightseeing

#16 of 69 Sights & Landmarks in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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Squeezed between Dubai Creek and the Bur Dubai district, Bastakiya Quarter harks back to the days when Dubai was just a fishing village on the Persian Gulf. Saved from the extreme urbanisation that Dubai has gone through in the past few decades, the winding streets of Bastakiya are lined with old-fashion wind-towered buildings that have now been converted into galleries and restaurants. Before you finish touring Bastakiya, make sure to visit the textile souk where you'll find some of the best bolts of fabric. Finally, to experience the old ways of Dubai in its truest forms, head to the creek and go for a scenic tour in traditional abra boats.

Good for

Family

Historic Tour

Culture

Sightsee

Hours
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Address
Bur Dubai, Dubai, U.A.E.
Get Directions

Tips

  • You can easily spend a nice day in this old part of Dubai, hopping between art galleries and boutique restaurants.
  • If your intention is to sightsee, then you can opt for a city tour of Dubai which will take you to the Bastakia Quarters, amongst other attractions.
  • Bastakia lies on the left bank of Dubai Creek. Once you have explored the grounds of the quarter, you can go for a relaxing cruise in the Dubai Creek.

Recommended Experiences
Old and Modern Dubai City Tour
Dubai Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

8

Meena Bazaar

Sightseeing

#18 of 69 Sights & Landmarks in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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Meena Bazaar is another attraction in Dubai that will take you back in time. Famous for its traditional markets and shops, Meena Bazaar has been an iconic part of the city for the past 50 years. Situated in Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar is home to shops that cater to every customers need - right from clothing and jewellery to gadgets, perfumes, footwear, dry fruits, etc. Nestled in a tightly packed area, be ready to be greeted by blaring horns, shops decorated with lights, traditional eateries and thousands of customers bargaining for the right prices.

Good for

Shopping

Must See

Hours
Saturday to Thursday: 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Address
Bur Dubai, Dubai, U.A.E.
Get Directions

Tips

  • Be prepared to bargain if you're looking to get the best deal while shopping at Meena Bazaar. Quoting half the price and walking away if dissatisfied is a good way to start.
  • The crowded streets of Meena Bazaar may get overwhelming for first timers. Visit early in the day to avoid the large crowd of shopper s

9

Jumeirah Beach

Sightseeing

#29 of 406 things to do in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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Jumeirah Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Dubai. Located north of the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach provides just the perfect location to take a photograph with the iconic hotel in the background. Also known as the Sunset Beach, its wide sandy stretch provides just the perfect location to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life as the waves crash onto the sandy shore and the sun sets in the Persian Gulf. Lined with restaurants and beach clubs almost all the way, you can easily find a beautiful spot along the beach to stop and catch a drink or two. Known for its swells during the winters, Jumeirah Beach is also the most accessible surfing spot in Dubai.

Good for

Family

Relax

Beach Fun

Address
Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Get Directions

Recommended Experiences
120 minutes Jet Ski tour - Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach Yellow Boat Tour

10

Dubai Water Canal

Sightseeing

#74 of 406 things to do in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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The Dubai Water Canal is another extremely popular waterway in Dubai. Connecting the Dubai Creek to the Persian Gulf, Dubai Water Canal is flanked by quite a few important Dubai landmarks that one can sightsee on a cruise down the Dubai Water Canal. Some of the landmarks that lie on the banks of Dubai Water Canal are Festival City Mall, Ras Al Khor Sanctuary, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Road Waterfall Bridge and JW Marriott Hotel and St Regis Hotel.

Good for

Family

Cruises

Sightsee

Recommended Experiences
Dubai Water Canal Dinner Cruise
Dubai Water Canal Abra ride

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11

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Sightseeing

#32 of 406 things to do in Dubai on TripAdvisor

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Built to resemble a traditional marketplace, Souk Madinat Jumeirah combines the atmosphere of a traditional Emirati souk with ultra modern boutiques and shopping centers. One of the most popular shopping destinations in Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is an atmospheric hotspot that offers breathtaking sights, exclusive entertainment shows and abra boat rides as well. Souk Madinat also has over 25 restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. This combination of entertainment, recreation, dining and shopping experiences makes Souk Madinat Jumeirah one of the leading attractions in Dubai.

Good for

Culture

Shopping

Must See

Hours
Souk Madinat is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Address
Jumeirah Road, Dubai, UAE
Get Directions

12

Dubai Sightseeing Tour

Sightseeing

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Sightseeing options in Dubai are abundant - from the tallest building in the world and traditional marketplaces to artificial islands and dancing fountains. However, it might get overwhelming for first-timers to the city to experience it all without spilling it into multiple days. Thankfully, there are a number of city tours in Dubai; by road, by boat and by helicopters; that will take you around the city and show you all its major highlights. Check out some of these tours in the Recommended section below.

Good for

Culture

Sightseeing

Must See

Recommended Experiences
Dubai Helicopter Tour
Dubai City Tour
Dubai Marina Sightseeing Cruise

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13

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Sightseeing

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The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a treasure trove of experience. Via twenty galleries, journey through twelve chronological chapters as you travel through centuries of world civilization. The Louvre Abu Dhabi also has a dedicated section for children, where they can use interactive aids to understand the many layers of history. Within the museum grounds, architect Nouvel has brilliantly designed a café, as well as a an open plaza. As part of the Saadiyat Island Cultural Hub, this ‘Universal Museum’ is set to be the beginning of so much more than a single attraction. With upcoming neighbors, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the inauguration of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the birth of a new cultural hub.

Good for

Culture

Sightseeing

Must See

Recommended Experiences
Louvre Abu Dhabi Admission Tickets

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