25 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Dubai

25 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Dubai

While Dubai is referred to as the “shopping capital of the Middle East,” its allure has gained a lot in recent years with locals and tourists flocking to the city to see and experience what it has to offer. 

Some of its major attractions include Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), The Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab and Ski Dubai which just goes to show that this city is not only flashy but modern too!

Take a wander around the Al Fahidi quarter, which is now commonly referred to as the Bastakiya District, and you’ll get a glimpse of what Dubai was like back in olden times. 

And if you make it down to Dubai Creek, don’t forget to visit the Sur in Souk Madinat Jumeirah! It’s there that you’ll really understand how pretty much everything in this city has a story behind it; many of which are quite fascinating.

1. See Dubai’s Famed Cityscape at Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s famous and most remarkable building is the Burj Khalifa. At 829.8 meters (just over one mile), it is the tallest building in the world and one of the most popular points of interest for tourists due to its location on Sheikh Zayed Road, which not only sees a lot of tourists but also serves as Dubai’s main artery for both residents and visitors alike.

The Burj Khalifa observation deck experience is made up of three different narratives as part of guided tours, including a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other. 

Or you can set your own pace with one of their self-guided multimedia tour options. And nighttime visits are also popular because Dubai gets especially well-lit at night! 

As an added bonus, if you purchase any tickets to go atop this amazing tower in advance, you won’t have to wait long in line before getting up there.

Back on the ground, wrapping around the Burj Khalifa is a stunning series of spectacular water features. These include the popular Dubai Fountain, which despite appearances, doesn’t actually shoot all that high into the sky through the use of clever and skilled engineering. This super impressive site is located next to The Dubai Mall which is one of several famous shopping centers in Dubai City.

2. Sneak in Some Shopping at Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is one of the city’s premiere malls, and among the best things to see and do in Dubai. There are plenty of popular must-see attractions for out-of-towners who are looking for an afternoon of shopping or an escape from their puttering children. One highlight, for tourists and residents alike, is the opportunity to check out the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. There are also aquariums, playgrounds, skating rinks, and other activities that allow you to feel close to home even when you’re abroad.

Shopping malls brag about having the largest movie theater in town or being the best place to see live bands; but the annual Dubai Shopping Festival proclaims these very things. This festival takes place during January and February while the Dubai Summer Surprises festival is held during July and August!

3. Discover UAE history at Dubai Museum

Dubais excellent Museum of the UAE is housed in Al-Fahidi Fort and preserves the buildings original structure. Its walls are built of solid coral blocks, which have been restored extensively in the past, giving you the sense that in this museum you see a piece of history come alive. The fort has gone through extremely diverse occupations a residence of Dubai’s ruling family, a seat of government, garrison and prison.

The entrance hall at the Dubai Museum is fascinating, with an old map museum of the emirates and Dubai. One can see the sheer rate of expansion that occurred in the region after the oil boom. In one part of the hall, we find several traditional boats and a palm-leaf house with a wind tower. It is inside this building where one will find a fascinating exhibition showcasing Emirati weaponry and musical instruments.

Below the ground floor of Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is a grand Islamic museum. There are exhibits and dioramas which cover various aspects of traditional Emirati life (including pearl fishing, Bedouin desert life, and the 3,000- to 4,000-year-old graves at Al Qusais archaeological site), as well as artifacts from ancient Gulf civilizations.

4. Walk through History in Al Fahidi Quarter (Old Dubai)

The Al Fahidi Quarter is a popular neighborhood in Bur Dubai. It was built in the late 19th century to be a residential location for wealthy Persians who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles. Due to its prime location along the water, these merchants were lured to Tehran Road and other major thoroughfares of Al Fahidi due to its close proximity to Dubai Creek. 

The coral limestone buildings that have been preserved here have wind towers on top of many apartments built during this time that helped with air circulation where there was naturally little or no ventilation.

Windswept houses meant that the early inhabitants of Jumeirah were able to cool their homes in an unusual way – the winds trapped in the high-peaked wind towers were channeled down their wind corridors and into the houses below. Persian merchants likely brought this element of Iranian coastal architecture with them when they settled throughout the Persian Gulf and even today, vestiges of these traditional dwellings can be spotted throughout historic Al Nahda.

While inside the district, visitors will find the Majlis Gallery which features a collection of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture. While inside, you can also hang out at Al Serkal Cultural Foundation which offers a relaxing shop, café, and rotating art exhibitions.

5. View Traditional Architecture at Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the Ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and grandfather to the current ruler. He rebuilt Sheikh Saeed’s residence in 1919, added multiple wings to it, and surrounded it with gardens. 

The original house was built in 1896, but Sheikh Saeed’s father had it demolished because he wanted his son to be able to observe shipping activity from a more lofty location. 

Ibn Battuta Mall is located in front of Sheikh Saeed’s original residence, which only has one section left standing due to its historic value.

The Dubai Museum has 60 rooms built in a square around a courtyard. Inside are exhibits based on the period where streets of villages located on the ‘back’ of Hatta were mostly populated by expats and Emiratis who worked on boats as cleaners, gardeners, or drivers. 

The museum also contains letters, maps, and watches displaying the growth of Dubai since its early days until the 21st century. (Note: Rewriting sentences so that they don’t contain run-on is an essential skill to have.) If one wishes to see photos showing how Emirati houses were decorated and furnished many years ago back ‘in the day’, you may go to the Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House which is nearby and definitely worth your time!

6. Delve into Maritime Heritage at Dubai Creek & Al Seef District

Dubai Creek separates the city into two towns, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. The Creek has been an influential element in the city’s growth since before there even was a city. Small villages grew up along its banks as far back as 4,000 years ago. 

The modern era began in 1833 when Sheikh Maktoum bin buti al-maidani of Bani Yas tribe founded what became known as Dubai in order to serve as a center for trade for pearls and fishing on Dubai creek. 

However, he could not anticipate how popular his small trading outpost would become at this site.

The ports are a great place to visit and learn about the traditional boat builders. All kinds of cargo can be seen being loaded and unloaded on to the dhows here, after which it travels onward to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India and other ports located along Africa’s horn. It is a sight like few others in the modern world today and we are glad that you took your time to see it with us!

On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, rubbing up against the Bastakia neighborhood, the waterfront has been regenerated as Al Seef (The Safe), a historic maritime area with a waterfront promenade backed by traditional coral-block and limestone buildings.

7. Tour Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most beautiful of Dubai’s mosques. An exact copy of Cairo’s Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture. 

This stone structure was built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework. It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights.

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (which also offers Arabic classes and cultural meals) organizes guided tours of the mosque. The tours are designed to try to foster a better understanding of the Muslim faith. Tours begin Monday-Saturday at 10 am, except Fridays.

8. Haggle in the Souks of Deira

Deira is known for its place on the northern shore of Dubai Creek, where many people from all around the world visit Dubai to call it home. 

The winding streets of Deira unveil this city’s melting pot of different cultures and heritages that have come together to make this unique culture what it is today.

The Deira Spice Souk offers a plethora of both local and international spices and aromatic substances. Stalls here overflow with bags of fragrant frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac, & thyme that tourists can easily get lost in. 

The locally grown oud wood, rose water, & incense provide a tranquil vibe that is much less overbearing on the senses at this marketplace when compared to the increasingly popular Corniche (Seafood) & Bur Dubai Souks found just on the other side of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Blvd.

The Al-Ahmadiya School, established in 1912 and located within the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, is now a museum of public education.

9. Snap Sunset Pics at Dubai Frame

Between the shanty, mashrabiya-framed alleyways crammed with shops and cramped offices, and the shiny skyscrapers built within the last couple of decades, the new Dubai Museum presents a picture-perfect history of how this little patch of sand was transformed into one of the world’s leading metropolises over time.

10. Stroll Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road, also known as Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa Road in honor of the UAE’s founding father is one of the longest and most important roads in Dubai. 

Sheikh Zayed Road inscribes an arc across some of the most luxurious districts in the city.

This lavish strip is built opposite the tallest high-rises.

In Dubai, there are several landmarks that will make for awesome Instagrammable moments. The Observation Deck of the Armani Hotel on the 122nd floor of the Dubai World Trade Center, has incredible sunset views and is more affordable than other options, like going to the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building). 

Also check out Gold & Diamond Park, which offers a one-stop shop for jewelry lovers. Under one roof, find jewelers who sell anything from watches to gold bars to diamonds!

11. Explore Local Culture in the Heritage and Diving Village

The newly opened Dubai’s Historical Diving Village has recreated many elements of Gulf’s ancient past. 

The village, located on the outskirts of Dubai, offers tourists an insight into the life and culture of this historic region which laid the foundations for modern urbanized life in UAE.

12. Visit an Underwater World at Dubai Aquarium

Dubai Aquarium may not be as huge, nor as diverse in terms of variety as the sea, but it surely resembles the real thing at some point! 

I would have never imagined that they even have sharks! The day I saw them being fed was simply a magical moment. It’s often hard to imagine them living in an aquarium (that’s why we call them caged animals), but most of the sharks are kept in separate tanks – so it’s really more about splashing around and gliding through water than swimming. 

As for other species, like dolphins and penguins, you can enjoy up close encounters with these prehistoric animals – all while going with a glass-bottomed boat ride or snorkeling right next to them.

13. Take Afternoon Tea in the Burj al-Arab

The Burj Al-Arab is the world’s tallest hotel, standing 321 meters high on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline. 

This luxury accommodation looks more like a dhow sail than a building and has been described as “more like floating on air than actually touching it.”

If you’re on a budget but want to experience the lavish style of Beverly Hills, there are two restaurants that you can try for both lunch and dinner. California-style fusion restaurant Scape is great for lunch because of how well the food is presented and its close proximity to other attractions in Beverly Hills. 

And Al Mahara restaurant will give you an underwater dining experience with floor-to-ceiling glass windows which will let you see sea life swimming by while enjoying your meal.

14. Soak up the Sun at Jumeirah Beach

This one of the most popular beach destinations in Dubai and the perfect place to stay if you’re a visitor to Dubai.

If you happen to be in Dubai and have an hour to spare while you’re on the beach, why not pick up a broom and sweep off the sand? It’ll feel refreshing! While you’re at it, visit The Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef, which is just a short hop from where you stand. 

When it was built in 1955, this was the summer residence of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum. He was the ruler of Dubai from 1958 to 1990. Because he passed away just four years after its completion he never had much of a chance to enjoy it during his lifetime.

15. Spot Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Don’t always have a cab at the curb, in this city your closest wilderness hideaway may be literally on your doorstep. 

Five minutes’ drive (or a leisurely 20-minute walk) from Downtown Dubai’s cluster of skyscrapers is Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot rare birds migrating from far and wide in search of warmer climes. 

Completely uninhabited by humans, it’s here that you’ll find what we think might be one of the most captivating animal encounters on Earth – flamingos!

16. Ponder Ancient Trade Routes in the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum

This museum has a beautiful location inside of what used to be the residence of Sheikh Hashr bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who was a member of Dubai’s ruling family in the area for many years before Dubai broke away as an independent emirate. 

The exhibits trace this coastal area’s history as part of the global trade routes, and displays artifacts and manuscripts that were often shipped via boats discovered on many nearby shores. In fact there were even periods where those ships became permanently stationed in Dubai because it was such an important trading port at that time.

17. Ski then Shop at Mall of the Emirates

A popular mall in Dubai, Mall of the Emirates offers expats a plethora of shopping opportunities for both luxury and leisure items. 

You will be able to find everything you might need from food to clothing, without ever having to leave the mall itself due to it being an all-encompassing exhibition of modern society’s needs.

18. Fuel up on Thrills & Spills in IMG Worlds of Adventure

This amazing theme park near Global Village and the iFly Dubai features two zones. 

Here guests can get lost in another world in the Marvel zone, battle Ultron by helping out the Avengers, or join Spiderman as he swings around the city! 

No matter which zone you pick it’s one not to miss with fun for all ages.

19. Enjoy World Class Theater at Dubai Opera

For nighttime entertainment, you’re sure not to be disappointed with Dubai. The city opened a new opera building in the middle of 2016 making it one of the state-of-the-art summits of the waterfront Opera District in downtown Dubai and is set to become their most major cultural hub and main entertainment venue.

Dubai is filled with architectural wonders. The 2,000-seat theater building itself really is a marvel. You can see its curved form from a distance jutting out over the waterfront and looking like it was taken directly from the inside of a traditional Arabian dhow boat and placed here in Dubai for all to see.

20. Take to the Water at Kite Beach

Dubai’s Kite Beach is a perfect family destination because it has something for everyone. 

The shoreline is just as much fun for swimmers, sun bathers and kite surfers who take full advantage of the steady trade winds that blow almost constantly and the shallow waters that extend far beyond the horizon. 

Equipment rentals are available on the beach along with lessons in sailing and paddle boarding, an opportunity to try something new even on days when you’d rather stay in your bathing suit!

21. Browse Cutting-Edge Art in the Alserkal Art District

Al Quoz is located in the center of Dubai. The goal was to create a space that contained all the elements needed to maintain quality and consistency in a gallery. 

This district is usually filled with artists that had the high potential to become successful, specifically in their business. They were not only known in Dubai but also internationally, as well. Fine art galleries, art studios such and public art are also among this district’s popular attractions. 

Additionally, this place includes educational zones for Art History, Ceramic Arts and photography studies.

This emerging district is also the place to come for fashion and accessory boutiques by local designers, pop-up restaurants, and cafes serving roasted coffee. It showcases the energetic stylings of a young city that is usually more noted for its corporate face.

22. Plan Family Time at Dubai Parks and Resorts

If the entertainment options of Dubai seem scarce to you, we’re here to tell you that there’s a solution on the way. Located in Dubai, in a place where countless multinational corporations are headquartered and offices of large multinational banks are located, a massive project is being rolled out. 

Dubbed as Dubai Parks and Resorts , this project is meant to bring some top quality entertainment right into the heart of Dubai at one location where families, kids and couples will be able to come together to enjoy tons of thrilling rides. So what do you need to do? Just visit the parks!

Motiongate is the dreamland for anyone who’s a movie buff, as this Star War-themed park offers opportunities to immerse one’s self into an adventurous world embodied by film classics. The themed hotels of each attraction ensure that there are plenty of options to stay close to your favorite films come nightfall and make it worth the long day. 

Guests can enjoy their visit at Bollywood Parks, which offers them with quite a traditional Arab hospitality, yet in a theme park filled with Indian style special effects. Legoland Waterpark fills up the whole family with joys and thrills for a fun-filled day of no regrets!

23. Splash About at Aquaventure Waterpark

This water park, located at Atlantis, the Palm on the Palm Jumeirah – Dubai’s famous man-made island development – will surely put your retail and sightseeing adventures to rest. 

The waterslide action here is exciting and world class, with the Aquaconda, a 600-meter long slide that has been dubbed the longest water slide in the world! 

There’s even a Leap of Faith that plunges nine stories high along with many free-fall type rides. Visitors can also go for underwater safaris using Sea TREK stabilized submarine helmets used to explore their already amazing underwater surroundings. For when all your energy has been used up, there’s a 700-meter stretch of white sand for you to relax on.

24. Wander Through Colorful Dubai Miracle Garden

Not content with constructing the world’s largest buildings and malls, Dubai has come up with an even bigger and better idea! They’ve created a flower garden that spans 2,000 square meters (2.5 acres) and is home to over 100 million flowers in all shapes and sizes. 

Everything that can be covered in flowers has been – from twee English-style cottages to windmills, trucks, miniature skyscrapers, as well as a flower version of the Burj Khalifa!

25. Savor a Nature Break in Dubai Butterfly Garden

If you want to dip your toes into nature for a few hours while still staying within the limits of Seoul, check out butterfly Valley. 

It’s close enough to the city that public transit will take you there (you can also grab a taxi if that is easier). 

For around $12 you not only get admission to a museum and a sanctuary with thousands of butterflies flitting freely about, but free entry to an on-site zoo as well! 

Children will have a great time at this family-friendly attraction and it has plenty of picnic areas where you can grab some bites to eat before making your way back into the city proper.

Best Things to Do with Kids in Dubai

It’s hard to know where to start when trying to plan activities for a trip to Dubai because there is so much on offer! 

There are plenty of theme parks in the city (like Legoland and Wild Wadi) that families with children might enjoy visiting. 

If you want to head out into more natural surroundings, many tours take groups further out into Dubai’s desert landscape where visitors can sandboard or even try camel riding. 

For those of us who prefer sporting seaside adventures, there are also kayak hire spots along the coast offering paddle boarding and other water sports that will get everyone swimming or splashing around. 

Alternatively, if you love having fun while half-in/half-out of water, you can’t beat having a bit of snow play indoors at Mall of the Emirates!

Where to Stay in Dubai for Sightseeing

If you want to visit Dubai’s top tourist attractions while staying in a cosmopolitan location, then one of the best options is Downtown Dubai. 

The city’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, as well as the world-renowned Dubai Mall are both nestled within this precinct. 

There are also plenty of restaurants and art galleries for visitors to enjoy after seeing these must see attractions or taking pictures with their friends at the iconic Dubai Fountain. 

Jumeirah Beach can easily be reached from any location in Downtown Dubai by means of a taxi or ride on the tram that travels through Sheikh Zayed Road to Abu Dhabi Highway.

Luxury Hotels:

As a hospitality addict, when I am in Dubai, I like to stay at Starhotels. These are brands for which I have an affinity and each one is special in its own way. On my first trip to Dubai, was staying at the Hilton Jumeirah Lakes Towers. It was there that these magnificent views of the fountains on the Burj Khalifa captured my heart and left me with memories that will live on forever.

Mid-Range Hotels:

The Ramada Downtown Dubai, located in a top-notch location in Downtown Dubai and close to the Dubai Opera, is an ideal choice for those seeking plenty of facilities. 

Hotel guests can enjoy the pool and restaurants and rooms are tastefully decorated with modern Arabesque design features.

Sofitel Dubai on Jumeirah Beach sits on Dubai’s The Walk promenade, close to the beach and the Burj Al Arab. We highly recommend the hotel for those who want a location right by the waterfront and plenty of fun things to do without even having to leave the resort.

Budget Hotels:

XVA Art Hotel  is a small structure built within the walls of an old Dubai building that was about to become a pile of rubble had it not been for its transformation into a trendy boutique hotel. 

Because there is another structure, this time much larger, that stands next door to the XVA, it’s often confused. 

This makes Ibis Mall of the Emirates a popular choice for travelers in this area because even though it is part of the Ibis chain and like other ibis hotels is more utilitarian than artistic; it offers excellent value especially when compared with the less-than-tasteful surroundings.