Dubai, the City of Gold, never ceases to surprise its visitors. From its extravagant attractions, pulsating nightlife, and luxury shopping to desert safari and stunning architecture, this city perfectly caters to a diverse range of preferences and interests, and most importantly, to every age group. So, be it a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a business meeting, Dubai must be an add-on to your bucket list.
Ideal Time to Visit
The most ideal time to tour Dubai is definitely the winter months spanning November to March particularly for the pleasant weather that will help you enjoy every bit of Dubai without any stress.
If you plan to celebrate the New Year in Dubai and be part of the winter festivals, plan a trip somewhere between the end of December and mid-February. In fact, exploring Dubai during public holidays in Dubai such as New Year, is just perfect as you can discover the city’s cultural sites, enjoy special performances and events, indulge in Dubai’s diverse culinary scene, and also visit the popular Dubai attractions.
Top Places to Visit in Dubai (With Location & Entry Fees)
Places to visit in Dubai abound, thereby leaving you spoilt for choice. Let’s uncover the most appealing out of the endless list:
1. Miracle Garden :
Located in the hub of Dubai, this botanical garden is sure to wow you. The Miracle Garden is among the most visited attractions and has garnered recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest natural flower garden in the world. It spans more than 72,000 square meters and has 150 million plus blooming flowers in intricate designs and vibrant hues. The key highlights of this garden are the structures and sculptures made of flowers, of which the most interesting include a giant clock, a big teddy bear, and an Emirates A380 airplane.
Location- Street 3 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings- Mon-Fri: 9 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun: 9 am-11 pm
Price- AED 30 (12 years +), AED 80 (3-12 years)
2. Burj Khalifa :
Your trip to Dubai will be incomplete if you do not visit Burj Khalifa, which stands tall at an unbelievable 829.8 meters. The best things to do in Burj Khalifa include visiting the observation deck At the Top on the 124th floor, which provides panoramic views of the city, the lovely gardens that surround Burj Khalifa at the ground level, watching the Dubai Fountain show, dining at At.mosphere, exploring the Dubai Mall, and much more. For best results and to avoid standing in the queue, book Burj Khalifa Dubai tickets online.
Location- 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings-8.30 am – 11 pm (Observation Decks)
Price- Starting at AED 179 (adults) and AED 145 kids (3-8 years)
3. La Perle Show :
If you are a cultural enthusiast thinking about what to explore in Dubai, then do not miss the La Perle Show for the ultimate cultural entertainment. The key highlights of this live show are the spectacular aquatic stunts, aerial displays, and acrobatic feats. There are different seat options available: VIP, platinum, gold, silver, and bronze.
Location-Al Habtoor City, central Dubai, UAE
Timings-Tue-Fri: 7pm-9pm, Sat: 4pm-7pm
Price- AED 1600 (VIP), AED 800 (Gold), AED 600 (Silver), AED 350 (Bronze)
4. Dubai Creek :
A contemporary and historic part of Dubai, the Dubai Creek segregates Bur Dubai and Deira. It provides an insight into the traditional setting of the city with a dhow wharf that is century-old and acts as the small trader’s lifeline. Distinguished structures comprise the National Bank, Deira Twin Towers, and the adjacent Dubai Creek Park to unwind.
Location-Center of Dubai, UAE
Timings-24/7
Price- Entry is free, price of activities vary
5. Dubai Marina :
Situated in the center of the city, Dubai Marina is among the leading Dubai tourist places owing to its wide dining options, upscale shopping, picturesque marinas, and spectacular skyscrapers. It is home to diverse recreational, commercial, and residential spaces, thereby making it a center of day and night activities. Besides, the marina promenade, the beaches, the stunning views, and the modern architecture are also worth admiring.
Location- Heart of New Dubai, UAE
Timings- 9 pm-10:30 pm (for tours)
Price per Person- AED 120 to AED 200
6.Dubai Coffee Museum :
If you are a coffee aficionado, then do not, at any cost, miss the Dubai Coffee Museum. This institution honors the creation and legacy in the true sense of the UAE’s coffee culture. It displays all things coffee, including science, art, and culture, with the help of exhibitions. It is here where you can learn about the creation of coffee, right from the Ethiopian roots up to the current day’s global consumption.
Location- Bastakiya, Villa 44 – Al Hisn St – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings- 9am-5pm
Price- Free
7. Dubai Safari :
Just as Burj Khalifa is a must-see in Dubai, similarly is the desert safari. You can pick from different packages and options as per your needs. Most safaris comprise sporting activities like camel rides, sandboarding, dune buggies, and quad biking. Besides, the other alluring features here include marveling at the golden sand dunes, enjoying Arabic coffee, watching belly dancing and Tanura shows, henna painting, and enjoying Arabic coffee and cuisine. And if you are thinking of what things to do in Dubai at night, then stargazing is the perfect activity. Spotting shooting stars and constellations will be an experience that is absolutely out of the box. Besides, you can enjoy Bedouin-style desert camping and watch the trained falcons that soar through the night sky.
Location-Multiple locations
Timings-Morning, Evening, Overnight (timings subjected to change)
Price-It depends on the type of Safari, starting from AED 60
8. The Dubai Mall :
When in Dubai, shopping is a must, don’t you agree? There is a plethora of the best shopping malls in Dubai, of which The Dubai Mall tops the list, providing a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. The world’s largest mall features a host of brands for all that you require, such as shoes, clothing, accessories, makeup, home items, and more. You can also dine at some of the best restaurants in Dubai Mall during your visit, and there are plenty of them in this shopping mall.
Location- Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Timings- Fri-Sun: 10 am-1 am, Mon-Thu: 10 am-12 am
Price- Free entry
9. Souks :
After exploring the malls, find some time to navigate Dubai’s famous souks, which are basically open-air marketplaces in Deira and Bur Dubai. Buy gold at Gold Souk, Arabian perfumes at Perfume Market, and aromatic spices at Spice Souk. This is not the end; there is also a textile souk in Bur Dubai that sells vibrant and beautiful fabrics.
Location-Dubai, UAE
Timings-10 am onwards
Price-It varies as per the product
10. Burj Park :
This lush-green architectural wonder is just ideal for some leisure. It hosts multiple concerts, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year, from live music performances to food festivals, thereby appealing to tourists and locals. Some of the best things to do at Burj Park Dubai include an abra ride on Burj Lake, a picnic with family, sunset photography, jogging and yoga, enjoying Italian cuisine at GIA, or visiting the Dubai Opera nearby.
Location-Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Timings-24/7
Price- Free entry, price of activities vary
11. Dubai Dolphinarium :
This is one of Dubai’s leading amusement venues that is absolutely family-friendly. It has been specially created to educate people about dolphins across the globe. The performance of seals and Dolphins is the key highlight of Dubai Dolphinarium, where they juggle, dance, play basketball, and paint. You can also swim with these cute creatures and also capture a selfie.
Location- Riyadh Street, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE
Timings- 9am-7pm, Tuesday closed
Price- AED 25 onwards
12. IMG World of Adventure :
This is the world’s biggest indoor amusement park, spanning across 1.5 million sq ft. Its key attractions are its themed zones: the Lost Valley-Dinosaur Adventure zone, IMG Boulevard, Cartoon Network, and Marvel. Owing to its immersive themed settings, unique entertainment, and diverse rides and attractions, it is a favorite among thrill-seekers and families alike.
Location- E311, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Dubai – UAE
Timings-Sat-Wed: 12pm-8pm, Thu-Fri: 12pm-9pm
Price per Person- Starting AED 152
13. Play DXB :
This is a highly famed VR-themed park in the Dubai Mall that provides myriad virtual reality experiences covering multiple themes like horror, sports, adventures, and others. Owing to the interactive attractions and advanced VR technology, visitors can enjoy a thrilling and immersive experience. From family-friendly to kid-friendly rides, this park has something to cater to every age group.
Location- Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Timings- Sun-Thurs: 10 am-11 pm, Fri-Sat: 10 am-12 am
Price- Entry is free; prices of rides vary
14. Motiongate :
This is a leading Hollywood-inspired Dubai theme park. It features entertainment as well as attractions revolving around renowned Hollywood films. Some thrilling rides here comprise Madagascar Mad Pursuit, Green Hornet: High-Speed Chase, and Ghostbusters Battle for New York. You can also meet and greet characters like The Smurfs, Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek. Lastly, you can also dine in one of the park’s themed cafés or restaurants.
Location- Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road
Timings-Sat- Wed: 2 pm-10 pm, Thur-Fri: 2 pm-11 pm
Price- Starting AED 213
15. The Green Planet :
This indoor tropical rainforest is a biodome in Dubai that aims in recreating a rainforest’s ecosystem, enabling visitors to experience flora and fauna up close. The Green Planet features diverse plant species like exotic flowers, vines, and trees, and animals like reptiles, insects, and birds. The best part is that it provides guided tours, educational programs, and interactive exhibits to engage people of every age.
Location-City Walk, Dubai, UAE
Timings- 10am-6pm
Price- Starts at AED 70
Summation
Apart from these, there are several other places to explore in Dubai, such as Dubai Frame, The Global Village, Ski Dubai, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Museum, Kite Beach, Dubai Garden Glow, and the list goes on. So, what are you waiting for? Add these places to your itinerary and augment your vacation experience in a land of gold, towering skyscrapers, and deserts.
FAQs
Q1. Which is Dubai’s most visited place?
Q2. What are some popular tourist spots in Dubai?
- The Dubai Mall
- The Dubai Fountain
- The Green Planet
- Dubai Marina
- Burj Khalifa
Q3. What are Dubai’s must-see beaches?
Q4. What are some unique experiences that Dubai offers?
- Indoor Skiing
- Skydiving
- Seaplane tours
- Hot air ballooning
- Dubai Autodrome
- Sandboarding
Q5. Name some good gardens and parks in Dubai
- Dubai Butterfly Garden
- Dubai Miracle Garden
- Zabeel Park
- Mushrif Park
- Jumeirah Beach Park