Dubai is a real gem on the shores of the Persian Gulf, this city is like a magic casket full of wonders and mysteries. Here ultra-modern skyscrapers are juxtaposed with the traditional way of life, and the city offers a huge number of attractions and entertainment for travelers. Let’s take a look at the main places and attractions that are definitely worth visiting in Dubai. We have compiled the top 10 places to visit in Dubai for you.
1. Burj Khalifa Tower
The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa Tower is the symbol of Dubai. Just imagine the height of the building is 828 meters! Climbing to the observation deck on the 124th or 148th floor, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city and the desert. We recommend visiting at sunset, when the city is especially beautiful framed by many thousands of lights and when you can still get a bird’s eye view of the singing fountain show. The approximate cost of climbing to the observation decks from 169 to 533 dirhams.
2. Dubai Mall.
Located next to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the world. Here you can find over 1,200 stores, an aquarium and underwater zoo, and even an ice skating rink! A great place for shopping and entertainment for the whole family.
3. Singing Fountains
In the evening, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the real magic begins, a stunning water extravaganza – a show of singing fountains. Crystal splashes of water soaring to an incredible height of up to 70 meters, light and music merge to create a mesmerizing spectacle. The show takes place every half an hour from 18:00 to 23:00 and is free to watch from the waterfront, but if you want to see the show from the most interesting points, you can use the paid viewing platforms of the Burj Khalifa Tower (from 169 to 533 dirhams), a special platform Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (~25 dirhams) or the board of a traditional Arab boat – abra, which comes as close as possible to the water jets of the fountain (~20 dirhams).
4. Dubai Miracle Garden.
Dubai Miracle Garden (Garden of Miracles or Flower Park) is one of the most striking attractions in Dubai. The flower park laid out in the middle of the sands delights not so much with its size (although its area is 7 hectares!) as with the riot of colors, realistic floral installations and modern engineering solutions. The garden is divided into several thematic zones, in each of them you can see floral figures and compositions, 3 of which are included in the Guinness Book of Records. All objects are connected by paths, the total length of which is more than four kilometers. The entrance ticket to the garden costs ~ 99 dirhams
What to see in the garden:
♦ Emirates A380 in life-size – this is the main composition of the park and the world’s largest flower installation, which uses more than 5 million inflorescences, and the structure weighs more than 100 tons!
♦ Flower Clock. The 15-meter composition is located on a small hill next to a pond and fountains. The clock itself is real and always shows the correct time
♦ Disney Zone. In 2018, a figure of Mickey Mouse with a height of 18 meters and a weight of 35 tons appeared. It was immediately entered into the Book of Records as “the world’s tallest topiary”.Later, other figures of Disney characters (Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, etc.) were installed, which in 2019 were also honored with a place in the Guinness Book of Records
♦ Smurf Village. This is the newest zone, opened in the park of flowers in Dubai in 2022. Favored by children (and adults) around the world, the blue characters and their mushroom-shaped houses are seamlessly integrated into the landscape design. In the evening time spectacular shows with the participation of cartoon characters are organized
5. Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina area is famous for its skyscrapers, luxury yachts and several kilometers long promenade. In Dubai Marina you can enjoy a boat ride, visit restaurants with cuisines to suit all tastes or just stroll around enjoying the good weather, the view of the bay and the city.
6. Gold and spices market
For a taste of old Dubai, head to the Deira district for traditional Arab markets. The Gold Souk gold market will offer you a huge amount of jewelry, sometimes just amazing, and at the Spice Souk Dubai you can buy all kinds of spicy herbs, dried fruits and sweets, but it is almost mandatory to buy the “king of spices” – the local saffron!
7. Aquarium Aquarium of the Dubai mall
The Aquarium of the Dubai mall is another highlight of Dubai. You can admire the aquarium for free, but you will have to do it at a short distance, to pass to the observation panel and walk through the underwater tunnel you need to buy an entrance ticket (from 199 dirhams). By the way, the aquarium is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the tank with the largest panoramic observation panel, its dimensions – 9 meters in height, 33 meters in width, the thickness of acrylic glass 75 cm. Inside the aquarium is equipped with a tunnel 48 meters long, which allows a 270° view of the life of the aquarium’s inhabitants.
8. Aquaventure Waterpark
Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai (Aquaventure) is located at the terminus of the famous Palm Jumeirah Island, on the grounds of Atlantis The Palm Hotel. It is considered the largest in the Middle East and one of the best in the world. In 2022, Aquaventure in Dubai entered the Guinness Book of Records as the water park with the largest number of water slides in the world. The central place is occupied by two towers – “Neptune” and “Poseidon” in the form of pyramids. This is where the most extreme water slides begin. The “Fearless Odyssey” is considered to be the highest water slide in the world and is an attraction for those who like to shake their nerves. The “Waves of Delight” ride will take you on a whirlwind ride down the longest family water track with a length of almost 450 meters. “Aquaconda lives up to its name – it wriggles like a snake and has prepared many unexpected surprises for you. You will rush on inflatable rafts through the water tunnel from a height of 25 meters. You will be thrown from side to side and lifted on the walls for almost 5 meters. The cost of adult ticket is ~ 345 dirhams, and children’s ticket is ~ 295 dirhams.
9. Dubai Parks and Resorts
For a family vacation, the Dubai Parks and Resorts amusement park complex is ideal. With theme parks such as Motiongate, Bollywood Parks and Legoland, there is something for kids and adults alike. Entrance to one park (Bollywood Parks Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water park) ~ AED 330, entrance to two parks ~ AED 355.
10. Safari
One of the most exciting and exhilarating excursions available from Dubai is the desert jeep safari. A breathtaking ride on an off-road vehicle, camel rides, sandboarding on sand dunes, dinner under the stars and traditional oriental dances await you. This is not a complete list of places to visit in Dubai. This city is a real treasure trove of wonders and unique entertainment! Let’s name the most reckless and popular with thrill-seekers:
- Skydiving over the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah
- Balloon flights over Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
- Walking at a height of 219.5 meters on the edge of the roof of the Address Hotel (Sky View Sky Views Dubai attraction)
- Flight at a height of 170 meters on a ziplane XLine Dubai Marina
- Diving to a depth of 60 meters in the diving center “Deep Dive Dubai”
- Skiing in the heart of the desert in the snow park Ski Dubai
- Surfing on artificial waves in the indoor park Wild Wadi
Do not like extreme? There are many more “quiet” but no less interesting activities for you in Dubai! Whether you are looking for shopping, beach vacations or extreme sports, modern wonders of the world or historical sights, you are sure to find it for yourself when visiting Dubai and other Gulf cities.
If you want to have a great vacation and get as many impressions as possible, not only to have time to see the sights of Dubai, but also to get to know other locations in the UAE and other Gulf countries – a cruise will be your perfect choice! For the Winter 2024-25 season, you can choose cruise itineraries from Dubai to different Gulf countries on MSC Euribia and Costa Smeralda liners. It is very convenient that the liners make a long stay for 2 or 3 days in Dubai and you will have an opportunity to visit the most interesting sights of the city without the need to spend extra money on hotel booking, because the liner will be for you a comfortable hotel on the water with all-inclusive meals.
