Dubai – Attractions, Highlights & Tips for Your Trip

Dubai – the city of superlatives on the Arabian Peninsula – offers a blend of modern architecture, luxury, and cultural diversity.
As the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has ambitious plans for the future and leads the emirate like a business enterprise.
This is evident in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city, where people from over 100 nations live and work.

Dubai’s skyline, characterized by towering skyscrapers, international hotel chains, gigantic shopping malls, and top-notch restaurants, is a true symbol of progress and luxury.
There seems to be nothing in this city that it doesn’t offer!

To experience the full impact of the city, you must visit it yourself. To make the most of your stay, we’ve compiled the top attractions, highlights, and tips for you in this comprehensive guide.

ATTRACTIONS & HIGHLIGHTS IN DUBAI

1. BURJ KHALIFA

The Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s most famous landmark, is the world’s tallest building and one of the emirate’s most spectacular attractions. Since its opening in 2010, the tower has stood tall at 828 meters, towering over the city’s skyline and surpassing all other skyscrapers.

The building houses luxury apartments, suites, offices, and shops, as well as two observation decks accessible to tourists. The "Sky Lounge" on the 148th floor, at 555 meters, is the world’s highest public observation deck. The more famous and frequently visited "At the Top" platform is on the 124th and 125th floors at 456 meters.

Both platforms offer breathtaking views of Dubai, though each experience is slightly different. To avoid long waits, you should purchase your ticket online in advance, especially for popular times like sunrise or sunset, as these slots sell out quickly.

Tip: Visiting the “At the Top” platform at sunrise is a real highlight. The warm light of the rising sun over Dubai’s skyscrapers and desert landscapes creates a unique atmosphere.
Although you have a ticket, allow a buffer of around 20 minutes for queues at the entrance and elevators.

Plan to spend at least an hour for your visit.
Get your ticket for Burj Khalifa’s observation decks here: Ticket Burj Khalifa.

2. DUBAI FOUNTAIN

Right next to the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find another attraction: the Dubai Fountain in the man-made Burj Khalifa Lake. The impressive water shows feature fountains dancing perfectly in sync with music and light effects. Reaching a maximum height of 150 meters, they are among the tallest water fountains in the world.

The show lasts for 3 to 5 minutes and takes place every evening between 6 pm and 11 pm, every 30 minutes. The music ranges from classical to pop, making each show unique.

To secure a spot with a direct view of the fountains, it’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the next show, as the area can get very crowded.
A great alternative is to reserve a table at one of the restaurants around the lake.
Highly recommended spots include Tulum Restaurant, Thiptara, and The Tap House, all of which offer excellent views of the Dubai Fountain.
Be sure to reserve well in advance, ideally a few days, to secure a spot with this spectacular view.

3. DUBAI MALL

With over 1,200 stores, 120 restaurants and cafes, as well as a giant aquarium with 30,000 fish and an Olympic-sized ice rink, the Dubai Mall covers more than a million square meters – equivalent to 200 football fields, making it one of the largest malls in the world. It’s a paradise not just for shopaholics!

On particularly hot days, you can easily spend an entire day inside the mall.
If you also want to visit nearby attractions like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, or the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, consider planning for two visits.

Money-saving tip: If you plan to visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, it’s worth buying your ticket online in advance.
The more affordable tickets (entry-only tickets) without additional attractions like the glass-bottom boat tour are not available at the on-site counter.
You can purchase your ticket here: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Ticket.

Parking at the Dubai Mall is free. Despite the vast number of parking spaces, it can be challenging to find a spot after sunset, as both tourists and locals flock to the mall and surrounding attractions late into the night.

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to Dubai, you’ll need a plug adapter, as Type G plugs are used there. Plug types commonly used in many countries, such as Types C and F, are not compatible.
You can find the right adapter here: Dubai Travel Adapter.

4. BURJ AL ARAB

The Burj Al Arab, one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, opened in 1999 and gained worldwide fame due to its unofficial 7-star rating, though this classification doesn’t officially exist.
The 321-meter-tall building, designed in the shape of a sail, stands on an artificial island 280 meters from the mainland and is still regarded as an architectural icon of Dubai.

With its 202 exclusive suites, upscale restaurants, and a private beach, the Burj Al Arab is only accessible to hotel guests. However, if you want a glimpse inside without booking a night (which starts at around $1,200 per night), there are two options: you can enjoy an extravagant cocktail in the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor, or book a guided tour of the hotel, which must be arranged in advance. You can find the link to the tour here: Burj Al Arab Tour.

If a view from a distance suffices, you can take a boat tour with a view of the Burj (link: private boat tour with views of Ain and Burj Al Arab) or opt for one of the free alternatives.
You could view it from Souk Madinat (a kind of shopping center) or from the Jumeirah Public Beach, about two kilometers away.

5. DUBAI MARINA

The Dubai Marina is one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, with a unique skyline of skyscrapers arranged around a four-kilometer artificial canal.
The area also features a large marina and several small boat docks, perfect for a stroll along the beautiful curved Dubai Marina Walk.

This seven-kilometer walkway is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and small shops, as well as the popular Dubai Marina Mall.
The marina is most beautiful in the early morning when the temperatures are still pleasant or in the evening when the illuminated skyscrapers reflect on the water.
This unique atmosphere makes it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.

A must-do is a boat trip from the marina, past Bluewaters Island, out into the open sea, and all the way to Palm Jumeirah. The view during the whole ride is absolutely incredible!
You can book your ticket for the Dubai Marina boat ride here.

For thrill-seekers looking for more action and adventure, a ride on the world’s longest urban zipline might be the perfect option.
From a height of 170 meters, you’ll fly at up to 80 km/h for about a kilometer across the Dubai Marina.
You can get your ticket here: Ticket Dubai Marina Zipline.

6. BLUEWATERS ISLAND

Just a short walk from Dubai Marina lies Bluewaters Island, an artificial island in the Persian Gulf completed in 2018.
The island’s standout feature is Ain Dubai, the largest Ferris wheel in the world. With a height of 260 meters, it offers breathtaking views from its 48 air-conditioned cabins.

A ride on Ain Dubai provides a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the stunning Dubai Marina skyline, Jumeirah Beach, and the iconic Burj Al Arab, majestically visible on the left.

Note: Ain Dubai is currently closed for maintenance. However, the surrounding area of Bluewaters Island is still worth exploring, offering a variety of restaurants, shops, and leisure activities.

Bluewaters Island has much more to offer beyond Ain Dubai. The artificial island is home to luxurious apartments, the 5-star Caesars Palace Hotel, numerous high-end restaurants, and a modern shopping area. Additionally, Madame Tussauds Dubai is located here, and we recommend booking tickets in advance.
Get your ticket here: Madame Tussauds Dubai Ticket.

A highlight of Bluewaters Island is the Boardwalk Bluewaters Island, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll.
It leads from Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) beach over a modern bridge to the island, offering a scenic promenade lined with restaurants and shops.
From here, you’ll have an impressive view of Dubai’s skyline, especially breathtaking at sunset or early evening when the city lights start to sparkle.
This romantic atmosphere draws many visitors, making the boardwalk a popular meeting place.

7. PALM JUMEIRAH

One of the world’s largest man-made islands, the Palm Jumeirah, took seven years to build and was officially opened in 2008.
This 560-hectare palm-shaped island is home to numerous high-end hotels like Atlantis The Palm, One&Only, Fairmont, and Waldorf Astoria, as well as many villas and luxury apartments, attracting both tourists and locals alike. Today, around 10,000 residents live on the island.

For a spectacular 360-degree view of the Palm and Dubai’s skyline, head to the The View at The Palm observation deck at 240 meters in height, located on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower. We highly recommend booking your ticket online in advance to avoid long waits.

The ticket prices vary depending on the time of day (sunset tickets are significantly more expensive).
Get your ticket for the The View at the Palm observation deck here.

For shopping or dining options, the Nakheel Mall, connected to the Palm Tower, is an ideal spot to explore after your visit to The View.

Tip: On the left side of the Palm, you’ll find the Palm Jumeirah Walk, a long pedestrian promenade with numerous free parking spots.
Bring comfortable shoes, pack some water, and end your day with a relaxing stroll along this promenade, enjoying views of Dubai’s skyline and the Persian Gulf.
During our visit, the entire promenade was pleasantly quiet, providing an ideal location to enjoy the sunset away from the bustling city.

8. MALL OF THE EMIRATES

Shopping is one of the most popular activities in Dubai, and besides the world’s largest mall, the Dubai Mall, there are several other massive shopping malls, including the famous Mall of the Emirates, which opened in 2005. With over 630 stores, numerous international restaurants and cafes, a large cinema, a children’s play area, and two luxury hotels, you can easily spend a half or even a whole day here, especially on hot days.

Skiing in the desert? You heard that right! The Mall of the Emirates is home to a huge indoor ski slope with five different runs, multiple ski lifts, a snow park, and a ski school.
You can rent all necessary equipment, including clothing, with your ticket.

Whether skiing in a desert country is necessary is up to you, but remember that the hall is kept at a constant -7°C day and night, making its energy consumption quite substantial.

9. DUBAI CREEK & THE SOUKS

The Dubai Creek is an inlet that divides the city into two parts: Bur Dubai, the historic quarter, lies to the southwest, while Deira stands on the opposite side.
This area has a rich history, as it was where Bedouins originally settled, whose descendants are now among Dubai’s wealthiest and most influential citizens.

Despite its changes over the years, the Creek has retained its appeal. Thousands of locals and tourists visit daily to experience its special atmosphere.
A popular way to cross the Creek is by taking a ride on a traditional wooden boat called an Abra.
For only a few dirhams, you can enjoy the ride to Deira and watch the bustling surroundings. Tickets for Abras are available directly at the waterfront.

Along the Creek, you’ll find many restaurants, bars, and cafes that offer ideal spots to enjoy a refreshing drink or snack while taking in the water views.
Here, you can observe the vibrant life along the Creek and experience Dubai’s unique blend of traditional and modern culture.

Behind the Creek in the narrow alleys are the Souks, Dubai’s traditional Arab markets.
Although Dubai’s souks differ significantly from the traditional bazaars found in Morocco or Turkey, a visit is still worthwhile.
A walk through the alleys filled with merchants, lively crowds, various scents, and a wide range of goods offers a unique experience.
If you decide to make a purchase, remember: bargaining is customary and expected here.

10. MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE

For a journey into the future, the Museum of the Future is the place to be! Opened in 2022, the museum impresses from afar with its unique architecture resembling an asymmetrical ring of steel and glass. Inside, you’ll find a comprehensive and highly modern exhibition showing how humanity and technology could develop by 2071.
Plan to spend at least an hour for your visit. The museum is open daily, and to avoid long waits, it’s best to buy tickets online in advance.
Get your ticket here: Ticket Museum of the Future.

11. DUBAI FRAME

Just a few minutes by car from the Museum of the Future, you’ll find the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park, the world’s largest golden picture frame standing at 150 meters tall.

Those wanting to experience the frame from the inside should not be afraid of heights. You’ll ascend in a glass elevator to the top observation deck, where a spectacular view and a glass floor that spans the entire frame await you – an adrenaline rush guaranteed!

The Dubai Frame is open daily. To avoid long queues, it’s recommended to purchase your ticket online in advance. Get your ticket here: Ticket Dubai Frame.

12. DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN

In Dubai, there’s nothing you can’t find! The next attraction is equally extraordinary: the Dubai Miracle Garden, a spectacular floral garden created in the middle of the desert with over 50 million brightly blooming plants. Covering an area of 72,000 square meters, it showcases a mesmerizing variety of flower-adorned sculptures from November to May, including buildings, figures, animals, a giant teddy bear, and even a life-sized Airbus A380 completely covered in flowers.
A sophisticated irrigation system ensures that the plants thrive sustainably and efficiently, even in the extreme desert temperatures.
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Tip: Visit the Miracle Garden right when it opens to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Since the garden has limited shaded areas, don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.

Plan to spend at least an hour for your visit. The Miracle Garden is open daily from November to May. To avoid long queues, buy your ticket online in advance.
Get your ticket here: Ticket Dubai Miracle Garden.

13. DUBAI’S DESERT

A trip to Dubai’s desert is, in our opinion, an absolute must for any Dubai visit. Choose from popular desert areas like Al Qudra, Al Badayer, Sweihan, or Rub' al Khali.
Al Badayer, about 40 minutes from the city, is the closest.

It’s particularly popular for its impressive, towering sand dunes. Thrill-seekers can ride dune buggies, quads, or sandboards or enjoy camel rides from sunrise to sunset.
Afterward, you can relax with a water pipe, dried dates, and traditional music in one of the desert camps.
Desert tours range from two to six hours. You can book different tour options here: Dubai Desert Safari Ticket.

We were more interested in tranquility than adventure, so we ventured out to Al Badayer on our own in a rental car.
Admittedly, finding a quiet spot along the highway amidst all the desert camps and fast-moving desert vehicles isn’t easy, but we managed!
Armed with a picnic blanket, some snacks, and drinks, we enjoyed a magnificent sunset surrounded by towering dunes – it’s not only beautiful but also free!

14. DUBAI’S BEST BEACHES

Dubai offers plenty of beaches, but most are part of private hotel facilities or beach clubs. For those looking for a day at a public beach, here’s a quick list of our favorite public beaches in the city:

• La Mer: A top spot for a fantastic beach day, La Mer is not just a beach but a modern beach district with a lovely promenade lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and a children’s playground. Changing rooms, toilets, and showers are also available. In the evening, the entire area is beautifully lit.
• Kite Beach: Known for sports activities, Kite Beach has everything from kitesurfing and windsurfing to banana boats, donut boats, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. On land, you’ll find a jogging track, skate park, fitness equipment, trampolines, volleyball courts, and playgrounds. Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, and showers.
• Umm SuqeimBeach: With fewer activities, this quiet beach offers a peaceful day by the water with a view of the Burj Al Arab, especially beautiful at sunset.
• Al Sufouh Beach: Our favorite! This undeveloped stretch of beach, located between the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, offers crystal-clear water and tranquility. You won’t find water sports, sun loungers, or facilities, making it an ideal spot for peaceful relaxation. A large parking area is conveniently located nearby.
• JBR & Marina Beach: Likely the most famous public beaches in Dubai, these stretches of sand offer activities for all ages, lined with numerous cafes and restaurants along the promenade. The high-rise JBR Residence towers behind the promenade create a cosmopolitan beach setting. Sunbed rentals are available but pricey. Changing rooms, toilets, and showers are provided.

Tip: A beach tent is a must-have on any beach trip! Compact and lightweight, a beach tent provides sun protection and helps save on rental costs.

15. A DAY TRIP TO ABU DHABI

If you have the time, don’t miss a day trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Just about an hour’s drive from Dubai, Abu Dhabi offers plenty of attractions, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque (the city’s landmark), Emirates Palace (a 7-star hotel that can be visited for free), the Yas Island entertainment area (home to Ferrari World, the famous race track, and a massive mall), the Louvre Abu Dhabi (a museum with works from ancient to modern times), and the long, modern La Corniche beach promenade.

ADDITIONAL TIPS & INFORMATION ABOUT DUBAI

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN DUBAI?

Dubai is ideal for combining a city trip with a beach vacation, so we recommend giving yourself ample time and perhaps exploring beyond Dubai, as the UAE has much more to offer. Generally, we suggest:

• 2 to 3 nights for visiting the most popular and important attractions.
• 4 to 7 nights for exploring top sights in Dubai and spending some relaxing hours on the beach.
• 7+ nights if you want to visit attractions outside the city, like the desert, or take a day trip to neighboring Abu Dhabi.

IS DUBAI TOURISTIC?

Our answer: a clear YES. Originally, the emirate amassed its wealth through oil, but today tourism plays an increasingly central role alongside "black gold".
The fact that Dubai is highly touristic is particularly evident in the long queues at attractions, the often crowded shopping malls, and busy beaches.

If you'd like to enjoy the city’s attractions with fewer tourists, plan to get up early. However, this doesn’t necessarily apply to visiting the Burj Khalifa, as it’s already busy at sunrise.

FOOD & DRINK IN DUBAI

Dubai is a cultural melting pot, which is why you’ll find a wide range of Arabic and international cuisines throughout the city.

A typical dish is Shawarma: a flatbread filled with meat, grilled vegetables, and tahini (sesame paste), as well as Falafel: deep-fried balls made from beans.
Popular sides include hummus, fattoush, or tabbouleh (various salads) and rice.

For something sweet, you’ll often find dates, pastries with honey and nuts, and pudding-like creams.

An average meal at a restaurant costs around $20 to $30 per person – slightly more expensive than in many other countries. Prices can go much higher, especially in Dubai.
Don’t forget to add a tip of 10-15% to the bill. For more budget-friendly options, try the food courts in malls, Old Dubai, or one of the many Indian or Pakistani restaurants.
For even more savings, consider booking an apartment where you can prepare some meals.
Supermarkets in Dubai offer a wide variety of products, including some familiar brands from Western countries.

Good to know: During Ramadan, people fast from sunrise to sunset. During this period, eating or drinking in public is frowned upon, as is smoking or chewing gum.
Be considerate as a tourist. Additionally, many restaurants close during Ramadan, although hotels serving Western tourists typically offer food and drinks throughout the day.

The consumption of alcohol is also permitted for tourists over 21 in Dubai.
In tourist hubs like Dubai Marina, you’ll find bars, clubs, and hotels that serve alcoholic beverages, though prices are high.
While alcohol isn’t available in supermarkets, licensed liquor stores can supply it. However, drinking alcohol in public spaces (outside of hotels, bars, clubs) is prohibited.

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to Dubai, you’ll need a plug adapter, as Type G plugs are used there. Plug types commonly used in many countries, such as Types C and F, are not compatible.
You can find the right adapter here: Dubai Travel Adapter.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI

Dubai is a year-round destination, so the best travel time depends on your personal preferences.
The months from November to April are ideal for combining city sightseeing with a beach vacation.
Temperatures during this period range between 25°C and 33°C.
During Christmas and New Year, many Europeans head to Dubai for a warm break, though flight and accommodation prices rise noticeably during this time.

From May to October, daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C with high humidity. This weather is less suitable for sightseeing, as it’s too hot to explore the city extensively.
During our stay in March, we experienced very warm days with temperatures between 35°C and 40°C.
We visited outdoor attractions in the mornings and spent afternoons at the beach or in air-conditioned malls.

GETTING TO DUBAI

Airlines like Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways offer regular flights to Dubai. Use skyscanner.com to find and compare flights.
Flight times to Dubai vary depending on your departure location. For example, flights from Europe typically take around 6-8 hours, while flights from North America may take 12-16 hours.

Travelers can enter Dubai with a valid passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
No visa is required for most tourists staying up to 90 days, depending on your nationality.

For extended stays or specific entry requirements, consult your local government’s foreign affairs website or the UAE embassy in your country.

TRANSPORTATION IN DUBAI

In a sprawling city like Dubai, it’s best to get around by metro, rental car, taxi, or Uber. Distances between attractions are often significant, and the high daytime temperatures make walking or biking less appealing.

GETTING AROUND DUBAI

If you value flexibility and spontaneity, consider renting a car to explore the emirate independently.
For us, a rental car was the best way to get around during our stay in Dubai.
We booked the vehicle in advance through rentalcars.com, and prices for a rental, including full insurance and four-wheel drive, averaged around $32 per day.

Traffic regulations are similar to those in Western countries, and Dubai has right-hand traffic. Driving felt familiar to us, though Dubai has more speed cameras and wider roads, sometimes with four or five lanes.

Tip: When booking accommodation, check if it offers free parking for guests, as parking fees are common throughout the city, even in the suburbs.
‍Our accommodation offered free parking for guests.

BY METRO

Dubai boasts the world’s largest driverless metro network, consisting of two lines – red and green – connecting Dubai International Airport (DXB) with the city’s busiest districts.

The metro is equipped with comfortable seats and air conditioning and features three travel classes: Gold (first class), Silver (second class), and additional cars for women and children.
Gold Class is roomier with leather seating. You can purchase tickets at metro stations or opt for a Gold Class seat when buying your ticket.

Ticket prices are reasonable and based on different zones, with single-ride fares within one zone starting at about 3 AED (around $0.75).
For frequent metro use, consider the Nol Card, a rechargeable travel card usable for metro, bus, and taxi rides. You can recharge it at any metro station or ticket counter.

The Dubai Metro operates seven days a week with regular service intervals. Additional details and schedules are available at rta.ae.

BY TAXI OR UBER

Taxis and Ubers are widely available and easily accessible in Dubai. You can flag a taxi or order one by phone, while Uber is bookable via the app.

Tip: Planning a day at a beach club/bar, JBR, or Marina Beach? Consider using a taxi or Uber, as day parking fees in these areas can be higher than the cost of round-trip rides.

CURRENCY & PAYMENT METHODS

The official currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).

For currency exchange, it’s generally better to wait until you arrive in Dubai, as local exchange offices often offer more favorable rates compared to banks in your home country.

Most major credit cards work at Dubai ATMs (Emirates NBD, First Gulf Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank), located at the airport, in malls, supermarkets, or along main roads.
Before you travel, confirm with your bank whether your card works in Dubai and what fees might apply.

While most transactions in Dubai are payable by card, it’s still advisable to carry some cash, as tipping and market purchases often require cash.

CHOOSING ACCOMMODATION IN DUBAI

Dubai has a vast selection of hotels and accommodations for every budget.
From low-budget hotels to luxury all-inclusive resorts and self-catering apartments listed on platforms like Airbnb and booking.com, there’s something for everyone.

During our trip, we stayed at Millennium Place Barsha Heights Hotel for 9 nights and can highly recommend it for its fantastic location, amenities, and comfort.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Brilliant Activities in Dubai
• Discover the best accommodations
• The Best Travel Guides for Dubai

Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.