35 Things to do in Dubai (2024): Best places to visit (+ map)

Looking for the best places to visit in Dubai? Check out the things to do in Dubai. The detailed overview of the things to do in Dubai also includes practical information – entrance fees, prices, opening hours and an interactive map that you can download to your mobile phone.

Dubai

Dubai is known as the “City of Gold”. Few would guess that the town originated as a small fishing village in the 18th century. Today, with 3.4 million inhabitants, it is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A city where modernity and tradition come together.

Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, which is one of the 7 emirates in the UAE. The Emirates are states ruled by an Arab Emir and together they form a single entity.

Dubai is located around the Persian Gulf in the east of the Arabian Peninsula. It lies at an altitude of 16 m just above sea level.

Dubai is a city of many highlights. Almost all the sights and attractions to visit in Dubai are special. For example, the largest garden or indoor ski area right in the desert.

Things to do in Dubai: Best places to visit

1. Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world

At 829.8 metres, the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai is the tallest building in the world. This makes it first on most people’s list of things to see in Dubai.

In addition to being the world’s tallest building, it holds many other records, from the tallest free-standing structure to the world’s highest restaurant.

☞ How to save money on Burj Khalifa: The queues at the Burj Khalifa are long and tickets are more expensive on site. By booking in advance, you skip the ticket queue and save money at the same time.

The design of the Burj Khalifa tower is based on the desert flower Hymenocallis. So is Burj Park, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the skyscraper. The building has 57 lifts and the interesting thing is that they are made in the Czech Republic.

In good visibility you can see up to 80 km away to the shores of Iran, which lies on the other side of the Persian Gulf. The elevator is one of the fastest in the world – up to 124th floor, where the main observation deck is located, will take you up in a minute. Accompanied by music and video projection.

View and tickets to Burj Khalifa

There are several types of tickets to choose from:

Tickets to 124th and 125th floors called At the Top

With the most popular At the Top ticket type, you get access to the viewpoints in 124th a 125th at 452 metres.

From the observation deck on the 124th floor, a spiral staircase leads to the observation deck on the 125th floor. A lot of visitors stay on the 124th floor and don’t come up here, so it’s less crowded.

☞ Tip: If you want to save money and time in line, book your tickets in advance. You can book your tickets in advance, so you only need to show them on your mobile phone at the venue.

You can stay up there as long as you want. If you plan your tour before sunset, you can enjoy the view of the city during the day and after dark. On the other hand, these times tend to be the most popular.

Tickets for At the Top SKY in 148th floor and entrance to the lounge

Then the even higher lookout is Sky level in 148th Floor, where you can see Dubai from 555 metres. This ticket automatically gives you access to the viewpoints in 124th a 125th floors (+ extra small snacks in the lounge in the form of coffee and dates).

Tickets to the Luxury Lounge

The last type of ticket to Burj Khalifa is ticket to the lounges on the 152nd to 154th floors with which you get a luxurious view with a minimum of tourists. There is also an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the best views of the city.

Entrance fees, opening hours and how to get to Burj Khalifa

Tip: There is a queue for tickets before entering the Burj Khalifa. If you want to save money and time in line, book your tickets in advance. Then just show them on your mobile phone at the venue.

The entrance fee varies depending on the time you book into the Burj Khalifa. The most expensive tickets are for sunset, when they also sell out the fastest. Tickets to the 124th and 125th floors will cost AED 179 (AED 259 for sunset) for anyone over 9 years old, and AED 145 for children 4-8 years old.

Tickets for Sky level at 148th floor will cost 399 AED and the outdoor terrace to the 152nd – 154th floors (including lounge access) AED 769.

• Opening hours: 7:00-23:00 – you choose the specific time when booking.
• How to get here: red metro line – Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and from there about 500 m long air-conditioned corridor to OC Dubai Mall, through which the entrance to Burj Khalifa is
• Read more about Burj Khalifa in a separate article.

2. Dubai Mall – a huge shopping mall in Dubai

To the right of the Burj Khalifa is Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in Dubai and the second largest shopping mall in the world in terms of total area. There are over 1300 shops and 300 restaurants and cafes. There are both mainstream chains and luxury boutiques.

Dubai Mall sees over 200,000 visitors a day. But Dubai Mall is not just about shopping. There are also plenty of activities, from an ice rink to a huge aquarium. Or you can admire the 24-metre Waterfall Wall, which is decorated with fibreglass sculptures of figures falling into the water.

In front of the Dubai Mall is a large silver heart that reflects the surrounding skyscrapers or the I love Dubai sign (similar to Amsterdam). Both attractions can be reached by exiting the Waterfall Wall. If you plan to visit Burj Khalifa, the entrance is through Dubai Mall.

Opposite Dubai Mall is Souk Al Bahar, a shopping mall with more shops and restaurants. If you walk a little beyond Souk Al Bahar, you’ll be treated to one of the best views of the Burj Khalifa (see photo below).

Opening hours and how to get to Dubai Mall

Opening hours: 10:00-24:00

How to get here: red metro line – Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and from there take the 500m long air-conditioned corridor to OC Dubai Mall

3. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an aquarium right in the Dubai Mall, where you can experience the underwater world of Dubai.

You can see part of it for free on the 1st and 2nd floor. But the main experience is inside. In the 10 million litre, 48 metre long aquarium tunnel you will see 33,000 fish and aquatic animals and more than 400 sharks and rays.

You can also choose from packages where you can meet directly with otters, crocodiles or penguins. The ticket includes an underwater zoo where you will see nocturnal marine animals that live in the UAE.

Admission and opening hours Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Admission to the Dubai Aquarium varies depending on what you want to experience. Basic ticket costs 150 AED. Extended ticket complete with a glass-floored boat ride, virtual reality and a behind-the-scenes look, costs AED 199.

☞ Are you planning to visit Burj Khalifa too? Buy combined ticket to the Aquarium and Burj Khalifa for 264 AED. A single ticket to the Burj Khalifa costs a minimum of AED 179, so you’ll save significantly when you buy a combination ticket.

Opening hours: 10:00-23:00, weekend 10:00-00:00 (last entry always 45 minutes before)

How to get here: red metro line – Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and from there take the 500m long air-conditioned corridor to OC Dubai Mall

Hotels in Dubai 😴

Hotel Atana

Great value for money, quality and availability

Wyndham Dubai Deira

Cheap 4* hotel near the metro

4. Dubai Fountain

Dubai is home to some of the largest fountains in the world – the Dubai Fountain is located on the man-made Lake Burj at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. When the show starts, it’s a stunning experience with the Burj Khalifa in the background.

And now a few numbers to better give us an idea of how huge the fountain is. The Dubai Fountain covers an area of 12 hectares, is 275 metres long and 150 metres high. The light show is provided by 6,600 lights and 50 colour projectors.

Dubai Fountain was built by the same company that built the world-famous fountain in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Construction cost $217 million.

The Dubai Fountain performance takes place every half hour from 6pm to 11pm and lasts less than 5 minutes. You can enjoy music, from world hits to Arabic music. Meanwhile, every quarter of an hour there is a light show on the Burj Khalifa. During the day, you can watch performances (not with color effects) at 1:00 and 1:30 pm and 1:30 and 2:00 pm on Fridays.

The show has different programs, so even if you spend more time here, you will experience different light and music shows. The Dubai Fountain is free, but be prepared for crowds (especially on Fridays and weekends).

It’s best to come right after the show, pick the best seat and wait until the next show. You can walk around much of the lake and choose where you want to watch the show from. You can also get a good view from the bridge (for a small fee) or from one of the restaurants in Souk Al Bahar (directly opposite the Burj Khalifa).

Entrance fees, opening hours and how to get to the Dubai Fountain

Admission: free

Opening hours: daytime performances 13:00 and 13:30 (Friday 13:30 and 14:00), evening performances 18:00-23:00 – every half hour on the hour or half hour

How to get here: The Dubai Fountain is located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper and next to the Dubai Mall.

Tickets for the most popular attractions in Dubai, where long queues form:

5. Sky Views Observatory

Across the road from the Burj Khalifa is another skyscraper called Sky Views with a great view of Dubai – especially the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is right in the palm of your hand.

You can recognize Sky Views from afar – they are twin towers connected by a sky bridge. It is one of the best sightseeing places to go in Dubai.

The Sky Views observation deck is located at an altitude of 219.5 metres. It includes a 25-metre glass floor that gives you a perfect view of what’s below you. If you want even more adrenaline, you can go down the glass slide from the 53rd to the 52nd floor around the outside of the tower – this is also included in the ticket price.

Or take a walk on the outer ledge at the top of the skyscraper, where you must purchase a special ticket . The necessary equipment is available on site. It’s probably the most adrenaline-pumping activity you can do in Dubai.

☞ Tip: You can enjoy the Sky Views book at a discounted price along with the Burj Khalifa. The two skyscrapers are a few minutes’ walk from each other.

Admission and opening hours Sky Views

Admission: 80 AED – better to book for the morning or later in the evening when it’s less crowded. Get tickets here.

Opening hours: 10:00-22:00, Mondays until 22:30

How to get here: Sky Views Observatory is located next to Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station (Red Line)

6. Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi

Dubai Creek is definitely not to be missed if you are wondering what to see in Dubai. It is a natural sea water bay, which is on the preliminary list of UNESCO. It divides the city into Bur Dubai and Deira. Bur Dubai is home to the old city and all the famous sites from the Burj Khalifa to the Dubai Marina.

Around the bay is the old city of Dubai – Al Fahidi, which is also called Al Bastakiya.

There is the Al Fahidi Fortress – the oldest building in Dubai, the Grand Mosque, art galleries with street art, shops with local products, great cafes and restaurants with traditional cuisine.

Al Fahidi Historical is a labyrinth of narrow winding streets between low historic houses that take you back in time to the old Dubai when it was still a fishing village. The houses are made of teak, stone and sandalwood.

If you arrive early in the morning, you can enjoy the old town without the crowds of tourists. Most shops open around 10am. I recommend going to Arabian Tea House for date cake.

How to get here: green metro line – Sharaf DG station or several bus stops nearby

7. Al Seef Promenade

Al Fahidi Historical is continued by Al Seef promenade, where old and new architecture mix. There are plenty of shops and restaurants.

One of the best activities at Dubai Creek is a cruise on a historic wooden boat called the Abra. It serves as a water taxi and costs about 1 dirham. There is a dock right on the Al Seef promenade where you can take a ride to the other side to Deira. It only takes a few minutes to get there, but it’s worth it.

Abra connects both sides of Dubai Creek – Bur Dubai and Deira. In Deira you can go to the markets, which will be discussed later.

8. Dubai Creek Harbour

Dubai Creek Harbour is not the same as Dubai Creek. Dubai Creek Harbour is a modern and newly built neighbourhood with restaurants and street art where you can watch the sunsets.

There are amazing buildings around the promenade, from which you will have a beautiful view of the modern Dubai skyline with the Burj Khalifa in the middle. If you want to take beautiful photos of Dubai, this is one of the best places.

Families with children will also like it here, because there are huge statues of flamingos, a sign saying I love UAE, a tree with huge flowers, a playground for children, a lighthouse lit up in the evening and many other attractions.

Dubai Creek Harbour isn’t that well known yet, but it’s definitely one of the more interesting places to visit in Dubai.

How to get here: Dubai Creek Harbour is accessible by the CR9 ferry

9. Desert safari in the Dubai desert

Dubai is built in the Dubai desert, which is sometimes a little unbelievable when you walk through a city full of greenery and flowers. Dubai Desert is just another name for the official Arabian Desert, which is 5th the largest desert in the world and occupies almost the entire Arabian Peninsula.

☞ Go on a safari in the Dubai desert where you’ll experience a jeep ride on the sand dunes, henna painting, photography, camel feeding or an evening barbecue. They’ll pick you up at the hotel and bring you back. It is a perfect activity for families with children.

10. Dubai Frame – the largest frame in the world

Dubai Frame is one of the other attractions in Dubai. With a height of 150 m and a width of 96 m, it is the largest frame in the world on the edge of Zabeel Park.

Its architect, Fernando Donis, was selected by the government of Dubai Frame as the winner of the prestigious Thyssenkrupp Elevator 2009 design competition, which he won. Yet the architect claims he was denied intellectual property and design recognition.

Whatever the truth, the fact remains that Dubai Frame is one of the most beautiful places to see in Dubai.

The Dubai Frame is made of glass, steel, reinforced concrete and aluminium and features the Expo 2020 logo on its outer façade. Inside, there is a gallery that consists of 3 parts – Dubai’s past, the present and a vision of where the city will go in the future.

Afterwards, you will reach the observation deck, where you can see both modern and old Dubai. The floor of the lookout is made of glass and you can see beautifully below you. It’s not quite the adrenaline rush of the Sky Views but it’s still not for the faint of heart.

Opening hours and entrance fees at Dubai Frame

Full admission to Dubai Frame is AED 53 and reduced admission is AED 24 for children 3-12 years old. Avoid queues by booking tickets in advance – When booking, you choose the day (not the time) so you can arrive at any time and go straight to the entrance.

It is open daily from 9:00-21:00.

How to get here: red metro line MAX (formerly Al Jafiliya)

☞ Here you will find a detailed description of how to fly to Dubai and how to get from the airport to the center. We’ve compiled practical tips for getting around the city in our Dubai Transport Guide.

11. Global Village – the whole world in one place

The Global Village includes 26 pavilions and brings together the culture of more than 80 countries around the world in one place. It covers an area of 1 600 thousand m². Global Village receives 6 million visitors a year.

Each pavilion is dedicated to a specific area and reflects the regional atmosphere of the country through arts, crafts, national foods, cultural entertainment and indigenous products. There are folklore performances that will draw you into the action.

Global Village also includes the Carneval theme park with more than 170 attractions and experiences. Whether you like adrenaline rides or knowledge games, you’ll find something to do. Each attraction is charged separately. Usually at theme parks, you pay one price at the door and then enjoy unlimited rides (e.g. Disneyland Paris), but if you’re only planning a few rides, it’s better to pay for each ride separately.

What else to see in Global Village?

Young children will have fun in the special Peter Rabbit™ Adventure Zone. Or there’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, which you can imagine as a magical place with the strangest artefacts and remarkable stories, interactive elements and a 4D theatre where you can feel every bump, fall or spin.

Global Village has already broken 25 Guinness World Records. For example, the largest underwater net screen with a size of 5013.4 m² and 223,000 pixels, the highest number of simultaneously waving nationalities (65 in total) or the largest picnic table with dimensions of 2,995 m by 5,501 m.

It depends on what you want to see, but expect to spend at least half a day in the Global Village.

The easiest way to get here is by taxi from Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates (half an hour drive). Nearby Global Village, you’ll find IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Miracle Garden, which we’ll talk more about.

Admission, opening hours and how to get to Global Village

Admission to Global Village varies depending on what you want to visit. There is a fee to enter the area (there is a discount if you book in advance) and then you pay separately for each attraction. Children up to 3 years of age are admitted free of charge.

Opening hours: Global Village is open from October to April – Monday to Thursday 16:00-00:00 and Friday to Sunday 16:00-01:00. Tuesday is reserved especially for women and families with children.

How to get to Global Village: Global Village is on the edge of Dubai – the easiest way to get here is by taxi, Uber or Careem app. There are also buses from major points in Dubai in high season – line 102 from Rashidiya station, line 103 from Union station, line 104 from Al Ghubaiba station and line 106 from Mall of the Emirates station.

12. The biggest Ferris wheel Ain Dubai

And here’s the next best thing. This time it is the largest Ferris wheel in the world , Ain Dubai, which measures 250 m. Just to give you an idea – Ain Dubai is twice the size of the London Eye in London and 82 metres taller than the previous record holder High Roller in Las Vegas.

Ain Dubai is located on Bluewaters Island, an artificial island 500 metres from Jumeirah Beach. It has 48 luxurious and air-conditioned cabins that can accommodate up to 1,750 people. The ride takes just over half an hour.

In the evening the Ferris wheel is beautifully lit. There are plenty of restaurants and small food stalls around the Ferris wheel and on Bluewaters Island.

Admission: Currently under reconstruction (winter 2024).

How to get here: There is a pedestrian bridge to Bluewaters Island from JBR Beach in Jumeirah; red metro line – DMCC station, T1 tram

☞ How to save money on attractions: Planning to visit more paid attractions in Dubai? See if tourist cards can save you money Dubai Pass and Dubai Explorer Pass. These include entry to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Miracle Garden, a trip to Abu Dhabi, the Museum of the Future, a desert safari, as well as Dubai’s theme and water parks.

13. Museum of the Future

Museum of the Future is one of the biggest attractions to go to in Dubai. The torus-shaped building itself immediately catches your eye at first glance.

The aim of the Museum of the Future is to bring people of all ages together to participate in shaping a common future and to see the world with new eyes. The museum is also a great place for families because they have created a section just for kids called Future Heroes.

• Admission: Full admission for all over 4 years – AED 149, children under 3 years free.
• Opening hours: 9:30-21:00 (last entry one hour before)
• How to get here: red metro line – Emirates Towers station; the museum is right in front of the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers

☞ The Museum of the Future is extremely popular and tickets sell out weeks in advance – book your time slot in advance.

14. Palm Jumeirah island in the shape of a palm leaf

Palm Jumeirah is a man-made archipelago that together forms a perfect palm leaf. It can even be seen from space (or from a plane, so watch carefully before landing).

The date palm is the national flower of the UAE. Expedia voted the Palm Jumeirah one of the architectural wonders of the world in 2015. It doesn’t really have that atmosphere when you walk through here. Palm Jumeirah is a place to see from above – we’ll tell you where in a moment.

Palm Jumeirah is just one part of a development project that includes 3 artificial islands:

• Palm Jumeirah
• Deira Island
• Palm Jebel Ali

While Deira Island and Palm Jebel Ali are not yet completed, Palm Jumeirah is already finished (although more and more projects are still being built here). Palm Jumeirah is home to tens of thousands of people and a popular leisure and recreation area, with many luxury hotels including the famous Atlantis hotel, The Palm.

You’ll also find other attractions and points of interest worth visiting in Dubai (we’ll talk more about them later). Of the Palm Islands, Palm Jumeirah is the smallest and cost USD 1.5 billion to build.

How to get to Palm Jumeirah?

Palm Jumeirah is easily accessible by taxi or you can use the monorail which serves only the island of Palm Jumeirah. The station is located on the Palm Jumeirah Monorail or OC Nakheel Mall. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Palm Jumeirah Monorail Station can be reached by bus no. 8, by tram or the red metro line (Al Khail station and from there a 20-minute walk). You can also rent bikes or take the free shuttle bus to Palm Jumeirah.

15. Pointe Promenade

The Pointe is the boardwalk on Palm Jumeirah. This is a new neighbourhood with lots of restaurants and shops, farmers markets and events. It is located directly opposite the Atlantis Hotel, which has a great view. And an even better view from here is of the Palm Fountain, which rivals the more famous Dubai Fountain.

The Palm Fountain consists of 2 giant floating platforms covering 14,000 m² of seawater. It is enormous and thanks to its size it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest fountain in the world. During the show, the fountain reaches a height of up to 105 m and performs a light and music show using 3,000 LEDs.

Performances run weekdays from 18:00-23:00 every 30 minutes and weekends 18:00-00:00. The Pointe can be reached by free shuttle buses that serve the area to Palm Jumeirah and the surrounding area. You can also use taxis like anywhere else in Dubai.

16. Aquaventure Waterpark – the largest water park

Aquaventure Waterpark is the largest water theme park in the Middle East. Located in the Atlantis resort, The Pam at Palm Jumeirah.

Here you can enjoy fun on more than 105 slides, attractions and experiences. There is something for everyone – children and adults alike. There are rope slides, water slides and paddling pools for children. You can relax on the sandy beach right by the sea or have a snack in one of the restaurants.

It’s best to arrive early in the morning and go to the most popular attractions, as there are queues later (especially in high season and from Friday to Sunday). The biggest adrenaline rush is at the Swirl Jump attraction, where you ride almost vertically through a lagoon full of sharks from a height of several metres.

There are also queues for tickets, so it is better to order tickets in advance. Admission to the park is free for hotel guests or birthday celebrants with one companion.

Ask for aqua socks on entry, which you will receive free of charge. The ground is hot, so they’ll definitely come in handy.

Admission and opening hours Atlantis Aquaventure

Tickets can be purchased separately to the water park or at in combination with The Lost Chambers Aquarium (see our other tip on what to see in Dubai).

Admission: 249-299 AED for the whole day; 279-349 AED combined with The Lost Chambers Aquarium; children under 1.2m tall free. Click here for tickets.

Opening hours: 9:15-18:00

How to get here: There are no buses, metro or tram to Palm Jumeirah. One option is a taxi, which is cheap in Dubai and regulated by the city. Another option is the 5.4 km long Palm Monorail, which connects the entire island of Palm Jumeirah

17. Lost Chambers Aquarium

The Lost Chambers Aquarium is another attraction at the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah. It is located on the other side of the water park.

Together with the Dubai Mall Aquarium, these are the 2 largest aquariums in Dubai. This one is a hair bigger and also better (although both are spectacular), but on the other hand, it’s again a little less accessible.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium has a volume of 11,000 litres and is home to 65,000 animals, including sharks and rays. The whole theme of the aquarium is based on the sinking Atlantis. They were the first to meet the standards of the AZA and WAZA, committing to providing the best environment for aquatic animals. If you download the Ocean Tales app and scan a fish or aquatic creature in an aquarium, you can learn more about them.

Tickets can be purchased separately to the aquarium or at in combination with Aquaventure Waterpark (see previous tip on what to visit in Dubai).

• Admission: Full admission for all over 8 years 115 AED, children 3-7 years 90 AED, children under 3 years free. Click here for tickets.
• Opening hours: 10:00-21:00
• How to get here: Taxi to Atlantis Hotel or monorail from Palm Jumeirah Monorail or OC Nakheel Mall

18. View at the Palm

The View at the Palm offers the best views of the Palm Jumeirah. The observation deck is located at a height of 240 m – on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, the tallest skyscraper on Palm Jumeirah. The elevator will take you up in 45 seconds. There is a restaurant on the 51st floor and a hotel on the other floors.

The View at the Palm is a great and cheaper alternative to the Burj Khalifa. It may not be the highest in the city, but the views of Palm Island are breathtaking, especially in the evening. Palm Jumeirah is a place that has the greatest charm from above.

On the 50th floor is the AURA Skypool Dubai infinity pool with 360° views, the highest infinity pool in the world. Prices start at AED 275.

Admission and opening hours The View at the Palm

Admission: Full admission AED 100 between 9:00-16:00 and after 19:30 (children 4-12 years AED 69). Increased entrance fee AED 158 between 16:30-19:00 (children 4-12 years AED 111). Children up to 4 years of age are admitted free of charge.

To skip the on-site line , reserve tickets in advance.

Opening hours: 9:00-20:30

How to get here: Taxi to Nakheel Mall, Monorail or shuttle bus. The entrance is through Nakheel Mall

19. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a promenade just off the Palm Jumeriah, which is the perfect image of how we all imagine Dubai. Ultramodern, full of skyscrapers, expensive hotels and luxury yachts.

You can walk or rent a bike around the man-made canal. There are up to 8 km of trails with water features and playgrounds.

You can take a boat directly on the artificial canal. Dubai Marina also includes public beaches, a floating water park and a water world for smaller children. There are plenty of restaurants and bars, so the Dubai Marina has the best atmosphere in the evening. Everything is lit up beautifully, including the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, which is right across the street on the artificial island of Bluewaters.

Among all those skyscrapers, the Al Rahim Mosque literally stands out. Dubai Marina also includes the Dubai Marina Mall.

How to get to Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina can be reached by the Red Line Metro – Sobha Realty or DMCC station. Both stations are connected to the tram that runs directly along Dubai Marina to the Palm Jumeirah.

There is also a water bus that runs every 15 minutes from 10:00-22:00.

20. Jumeirah Mosque

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most beautiful places in Dubai, a must-see on your itinerary. It was built in the 1970s on the site of the original mosque, but looking at it you would guess it was much older.

The exterior of the Jumeirah Mosque is made up of pink sandstone and marble. It is decorated and topped with 3 domes, which are bordered by 2 minarets.

The interior walls are decorated with ornament and Arabic script, and the floor is covered with a large piece carpet that is embroidered with intricate floral patterns.

As one of the few mosques in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque offers public tours to tourists. It aims to remove barriers between people of different nationalities and raise awareness of local culture. The tour also includes a tasting of Emirati Fuala snacks and coffee/tea.

Please note: Modest clothing is required to enter the mosque – covered legs and arms and a headscarf over the hair for women.

• Admission: 40 AED
• Opening hours: Tours daily except Fridays at 10:00 and 14:00; you must arrive for registration about 30 minutes before
• How to get here: taxi or buses 8, 9, 88, C10

Hotels in Dubai 😴

Hotel Leva

Central hotel near Burj Khalifa and metro station

Hotel Rove

Great hotel by the beach and with free transfer

21. City Walk and Green Planet

City Walk is a shopping mall with a promenade located in the heart of Dubai between Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai. Ideal place for an evening stroll or shopping, where there are also lots of activities for children.

It is open daily 10:00-00:00 and the restaurant is open until 1 am.

Next door is The Green Planet, a giant greenhouse with a tropical rainforest where you have the opportunity to see more than 3,000 animals and plants. Here you can touch a snake, feed a sloth or admire the artificial waterfalls.

You take the elevator up to the ground floor and then one floor below, where the nocturnal animals are. The Green Planet building itself is worth seeing.

• Admission: 155 AED, reduced admission 135 AED for children 2-10 years – tickets are cheaper online; Get tickets here.
• Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
• How to get here: red metro line – Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and from there 20 minutes on foot or buses 7, 14, 28, 81

22. Dubai Miracle Garden – the largest garden in the world

Dubai is home to the largest garden in the world, covering 72,000 m². Yes, in Dubai, which is right in the desert. As incredible as it sounds, the Dubai Miracle Garden will make you feel like you’ve arrived at the most colourful and green place in the world.

Flowers everywhere (mostly petunias or sunflower fields), which are arranged in various installations. There are 150 million flowers. 500,000 live plants were used on the Emirates A380 model alone.

At Dubai Miracle Garden, you can walk through the Smurf Village, the Umbrella Tunnel or the Heart Tunnel of Flowers.

The Dubai Miracle Garden is the least crowded right after opening. It will take you about an hour to visit, so you can visit the Global Village a short walk away, where bus 105 stops, or you can take a taxi here.

Admission: 95 AED, children 3-12 years 80 AED; Click here for tickets.

Opening hours: from the end of September to the end of April open Monday to Friday 9:00-21:00, Saturday to Sunday 9:00-23:00

How to get here: from the Mall of the Emirates, which can be reached by the red metro line, take bus 105 from platform 5, which will take you to the Dubai Miracle Garden

23. Year-round skiing in Ski Dubai

Does the World’s Largest Garden Dubai Miracle Garden sound incredible to you? Let alone Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor ski resort, located in the Mall of the Emirates. Here you can ski all year round and you don’t need much to do so, because they will rent you everything on the spot (it feels like -4°C here, so extra layers will come in handy).

You can ski down the 85-metre high mountain and choose from 5 slopes of different difficulty levels (including black). Next to this is the Snow Park with toboggan runs, an ice slide, climbing towers, an ice cave and giant snowballs. You can also book a penguin encounter here.

The Mall of the Emirates is also a great place to shop, as it is the second largest shopping mall in the city.

• Admission: Full admission starts at AED 220. Get your tickets here.
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00-23:00, Friday to Sunday 10:00-24:00
• How to get here: red metro line – Mall of the Emirates station

24. Ibn Battuta Mall – the most beautiful shopping centre

Ibn Battuta Mall is a shopping mall off the main Sheikh Zaed Road, where you can just stroll and enjoy. The shopping centre is thematically divided by region (e.g. Persia, China).

It was named after the most famous Arab traveller Ibn Battuta from 14th century, who in his book The Rihlah documented more than 120,000 kilometres of his travels in all Muslim countries, China and Sumatra.

• Opening hours: Open daily 10:00-22:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00-24:00
• How to get here: red metro line – Ibn Battuta station

25. Traditional Souk Market

Souks are markets that are intrinsically linked to Dubai’s history and tradition. There are several popular markets in the city, each focusing on something different. The most popular markets include:

• Dubai Spice Souk – market with spices, oils, incense and herbs
• Dubai Gold Souk – gold, jewellery and pearl market
• Both markets are located in the Deira area on the other side of the bay.

A more modern equivalent of traditional markets is Souk Al Bahar opposite the Burj Khalifa, which is made up of shops selling Arabic clothing and boutiques selling modern fashion, as well as perfumeries, traditional carpet shops, jewellers and restaurants.

Souk are perfectly safe, but it is still better to follow a few rules:

• Bargain. Locals count on it and it’s a fun part of the deal.
• The vendors are mostly Pakistani and speak English.
• Move along the main route and don’t go into the alleyways where locals may lure you into their apartments to sell you something else.
• Be prepared for this to be quite an intense experience. There’s a lively atmosphere and everyone will talk to you. If you prefer to see everything in peace, just politely decline.
• For women: cover your knees and shoulders to avoid attracting a lot of attention from the local men.

26. Madinat Jumeirah holiday area

Madinat Jumeirah can be imagined as a 40-hectare resort area inspired by ancient Arabia. It is located between the hotels, but is also open to the public.

An artificial canal runs through the entire area, in the middle of which is the Madinat Jumeirah Souk and more than 40 restaurants and bars.

27. Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Outdoor Water Park is located next to Madinat Jumeirah. It’s a place with plenty of slides, water attractions and activities to keep you entertained for the whole day.

• Admission: 295 AED, for children under 1.1 m 245 AED. Tickets can be booked here.
• Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
• How to get here: Take the red metro line to the Mall of the Emirates and take bus No. 81 to Wild Wadi Park

Dubai – the best beaches

Many beaches in Dubai are private and belong to a specific hotel. This does not mean that you cannot visit them for a fee, even if you are not staying at the hotel. Still, there are plenty of public beaches that are well maintained and offer great services. This is our list for the best beaches in Dubai:

La Mer beach

La Mer beach is popular with locals and in our opinion it is one of the best beaches in Dubai. It’s the right atmosphere here. The beach is public, but sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for a fee. There are shops and stylish restaurants and cafés nearby.

Jumeirah Public Beach

Jumeirah Beach has good access to the water and fine white sand. It is large enough and not crowded. There are public toilets and several restaurants and snack bars.

The beach can be reached by bus or taxi. The nearest metro station is Equiti Metro Station 2 (Red Line), where you can catch a bus that goes directly to Jumeirah Beach.

From the public beach of Jumeirah used to be the best view of the 7* hotel Burj Al Arab. However, this is no longer the case, as the Marsa Al Arab Hotel is now in front of it, blocking the view. Still, the views are worth it.

Kite beach

Kite beach is a long beach with white sand and beautifully clear water. Kite Beach is a popular beach for kitesurfing or other water sports, but it is also popular with families with children, as there is a playground. A promenade with a softened surface runs around the beach, which is ideal for running.

JBR public beach

JBR beach is located in Dubai Marina and is extremely popular. It’s already hard to find a free place around noon, so it’s better to come as early as possible. Apart from that, the beach has beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. There are restaurants and various attractions around. JBR beach is 1.7 km long. From the beach you will have a great view of the artificial island of Blue Water with the Russian round Ain Dubai.

The beach can be reached by the red metro line – Sobha Realty station and from there it is about a quarter of an hour walk. Directly Dubai Marina has its own tram line that connects you to all important points within Dubai Marina all the way to Palm Jumeirah. The tram is part of Dubai’s public transport system.

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Sufouh beach

Is it even possible to find a relatively untouched beach in Dubai? Yes, Sufouh beach is proof of that. There are no extra services (not even toilets), but if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet on a little-visited beach, this is the perfect place. From the beach you will have a view of the Burj Al Arab Hotel on your right.

You can get here by tram from Palm Jumeirah. Nearby is the Palm Jumeirah archipelago or Dubai Marina.

Al Mamzar beach

Al Mamzar beach is located in the Deira area. It is large, with fine sand and a gradual entrance to the sea. A great choice for families with smaller children too. There is a park next to the beach with several smaller beaches, picnic areas and playgrounds. If you’re looking for a place to spend the day, Al Mamzar beach and the surrounding area is ideal.

Where to stay in Dubai?

• Hotel Atana – pleasant 4* hotel at a great price and with good access to the city centre, Dubai Marina and the beach
• Hotel Rove – stylish hotel at a great price right by the beach and with free transfer to the centre
• Hotel Leva – modern accommodation in the city centre (including kitchenette) and steps from Burj Khalifa and metro station
• Royal Central Hotel and Resort The Palm – luxury 5* hotel right on the beach on Palm Jumeirah at an unbeatable price for the location and service
• Wyndham Dubai Deira – cheap accommodation in a 4* hotel in Deira and just a few steps from the metro

Hotel Atana

Great value for money, quality and availability

Wyndham Dubai Deira

Cheap 4* hotel near the metro

Hotel Leva

Central hotel near Burj Khalifa and metro station

Hotel Rove

Great hotel by the beach and with free transfer

How to save in Dubai?

Dubai cherishes the label of a luxury and shopping destination. If you want to enjoy it to the full, a holiday here can get quite expensive. Here are a few tips to help you save money, not just on admission:

• It is generally recommended to buy tickets in advance in Dubai. Not only are they sometimes significantly cheaper, but you don’t have to wait in line for tickets.
• Tickets to the viewpoint at Burj Khalifa are AED 73 more expensive at sunset between 16:00-18:00. Visit the Burj Khalifa during the day or in the evening when the city lights up beautifully.
• Thanks combined ticket to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall Aquarium, you’ll get a major treat.
• You can also experience beautiful views from Sky Views with a 219.5 metre glass sky walkway, and the ticket is half the price of the Burj Khalifa.
• Get Dubai Pass or Dubai Explorer Pass which gives you access to more than 45 attractions in the city for one price. More information can be found in separate article.
• Paying in a traditional abra boat is a great and inexpensive experience that will only cost you about 1 dirham.
• Dubai’s public beaches are clean with perfectly white sand and crystal clear water. In addition, beaches like Kite and JBR provide great services that make you feel like you’re on a private beach.

Best Things to do in Dubai – map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of things to do in Dubai. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the Dubai travel guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

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These were our tips on things to do in Dubai. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

More information about Dubai

DUBAI: Find practical information and tips in our Dubai travel guide. In the next article we share some interesting facts about Dubai.

We have created a separate guide for visiting Burj Khalifa (entrance fees, opening hours, how to get there, attractions).

Here you will find a detailed description of how to fly to Dubai and how to get from the airport to the center. We’ve compiled practical tips for getting around the city in our Dubai Transport Guide.

HOW TO SAVE IN DUBAI: Dubai Pass is one of the ways to save money on sights and attractions in Dubai.

Summary Best Things to do in Dubai