Tourist Places to Visit in Dubai

A picturesque skyline, bustling malls, high-end brands and dazzling streets – Dubai has held the fancy of travellers for decades. A luxury destination, it is an ideal vacation spot for families and couples and offers one an unforgettable experience. The plethora of places to visit in Dubai ensure that travellers experience the best of Dubai and come back with interesting stories about this dazzling city.

Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s glittering skyline is its most charming highlight and among its skyscrapers, Burj Khalifa stands out as one of the best places to visit in Dubai. A 160 storey structure, Burj Khalifa is considered to be the world’s tallest structure and is a symbol for the fascinating city.

A trip to Dubai is incomplete without a visit here and we recommend that this should be the first few places you visit. There are several attractions which will keep you busy here but we do suggest heading up to the 124th floor for breathtaking views of the city. Considered to be the second-highest observation deck in the world, it offers travellers an unforgettable experience. It’s best to book your tickets well in advance since almost everyone who visits wants to catch a glimpse of these stunning views.

For those who would like to enjoy the views of the magnificent structure at night, we recommend visiting after sunset when the whole city lights up in vibrant hues. Another reason why Burj Khalifa is counted among the top places to visit in Dubai is the enthralling Dubai Fountain which is considered to be the world’s second-largest constructed fountain and is lit up by more than 6000 lights every evening. 

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Dubai owing to its historical relevance. The creek separates the city into two towns, Deira and Bur Dubai. A major port, Dubai Creek has played a vital role in the evolution of Dubai as a world-class city. Surrounded by skyscrapers, one must include this in their list of places to visit in Dubai to simply admire the skyline and the architectural brilliance of its many structures.

Counted among the most attractive Dubai tourist places, it is a must visit if you are a photographer and want to capture the fascinating views. We recommend heading here in the evening just as the sun is setting and the city is coming to life and preparing for the night. 

Bastakia 

If history, art and architecture is what you seek during a vacation, we recommend including the old city in your list of places to visit in Dubai. Taking you back in time with old buildings, vintage cafes and decade-old shops is the Bastakia Quarter which is counted among the most attractive places to see in Dubai. Also known as Al-Fahidi neighbourhood, Bastakia dates back to the 19th century and is said to have been the erstwhile colony of wealthy Persian merchants.

A world within a city, one of the most beautiful Dubai tourist places, Bastakia is situated in the eastern part of Dubai’s old district Bur Dubai. One of the most enthralling places to visit in Dubai, the best way to learn more about the area is by enrolling in insightful walking tours. Lined with coral and limestone buildings, the district offers one a peek into how life was without technology and modern amenities. With wind-towers serving as air-conditioners, people combined ideas and innovation seamlessly to fulfil their needs.

A big reason why Bastakia makes it to the list of places to visit in Dubai is that it’s remarkably different than the rest of the city. The absence of skyscrapers and malls is almost welcoming as you wander through the streets lined with cafes, tea-shops, art galleries and boutiques. We recommend that travellers should keep aside three to four hours to explore the area and should also include a visit to one of the many cafes here for a refreshing cup of tea. 

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Witnessing marine life in all its glory can be a life-changing experience. Not many of us can witness the diversity of marine life in our regular lives or travels. However, the Dubai Aquarium offers a chance to watch a multitude of marine life, from sharks to stingrays.

One of the places to visit in Dubai, the aquarium is part of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater tank. It is located in Dubai Mall and is spread across three floors. The aquarium tank measures an astonishing 11 meters in height, 51 meters in length and 20 meters in width. Owing to the massive space available, the aquarium tank houses over 140 species of marine life and more than 30,000 marine animals. The most famous and popular among visitors are sand tiger sharks and stingrays.

The Underwater Zoo is counted among the most exciting places to visit in Dubai and is located on Level 2 of Dubai Mall. It is located on the floor above the aquarium and is equally popular among children and adults. The zoo has 40 special displays or shelters for various marine life forms such as piranhas, crocodiles and penguins. The area of the zoo is divided into separate zones signifying rain forests, shores and oceans.

Most popular among the dwellers of the zoo is the Archer Fish. The fish is known to shoot down insects using a jet of water with stunning accuracy. One can also enjoy a ride in a glass-bottom boat and feed the fish here. Said to be a treat for adventure buffs and among the best places to visit in Dubai, the aquarium offers a plethora of unique experiences. With preliminary packages, one can opt for activities such as the enthralling VR Zoo, cage snorkelling and speciality dives.

Visitors can also admire these majestic sea creatures through a 48-meter long tunnel that runs along with the aquarium. The aquarium also has a number of educators and guides on board. These educators help one to know more about the fascinating life of marine creatures. The aquarium is open seven days a week and between Sunday and Wednesday, the timings are from 10 am to 10 pm and from Thursday to Saturday, the timings are from 10 am to 12 pm. The aquarium is among the most attractive places to visit in Dubai for people of all ages and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the stunning creatures of the sea.

IMG Worlds Of Wonder

IMG Worlds of Wonder is a recent addition to the list of places to visit in Dubai. The attraction has caught the fancy of travellers and has gradually become one of the best places to visit in Dubai, more so if you are travelling with family. A mega indoor park, it was established in 2016.

Situated on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, the one-of-its-kind theme park offers travellers a memorable experience. Divided into five zones, it’s primarily a cartoon-theme park and is home to a number of adventure rides, games, entertainment options and of course food.

From Frozen, Marvel, Disney to Cars, DC, superhero movies – almost every popular movie franchise calls this sprawling entertainment complex home. We recommend keeping aside at least four to five hours for the entertainment hub since once you are inside, you’ll be taken in by the infectious energy of the place.

There are loads of live shows and cultural performances that take place here and are a must-visit for the sheer grandeur and magnitude. World of Wonder has numerous shops in case you want to take back interesting souvenirs for friends back home. Superhero t-shirts, merchandise including posters, cups, stationery are some of the most popular things to buy.

Global Village

Global Village is one of the best places to visit in Dubai, especially if you are travelling with family. A complete tourist destination, it offers travellers everything from shopping, entertainment, food to leisure and cultural programs.

Considered to be the region’s first tourist destination of this nature, Global Village is a great way to spend time in Dubai. Since the village witnesses hundreds of tourists everyday, we recommend heading here a little before ticket counters open so you don’t miss out on some of its best attractions.

There are more than 30 stalls representing a different country and each stall is a great way to learn more about other cultures. Global Village is also a preferred option for those who have been waiting to complete their shopping owing to the huge variety of things available.

We definitely recommend heading here during winter since the weather is far more pleasant and travellers can have a good time. Global Village also has a dedicated area for children where they can enjoy rides, play games or learn more owing to the several cultural performances that take place here.

Miracle Garden

A great way to spend time in the city is by visiting one of the biggest natural gardens in the world. Aptly known as Miracle Garden, it is one of the best places to visit in Dubai especially if you are a nature lover. Launched in 2013, the vast flower garden is one of its kind and is home to over 45 million flowers. The garden is definitely recommended as one of the top places to visit in Dubai if you are travelling with the family since there are tons of things to keep little ones busy.

What makes the flower garden one of the most delightful places to visit in Dubai is the innovative use of flowers. From human figures, animals, faces, architectural marvels to houses, pathways, lights poles – everything is covered in different varieties of flowers. A kaleidoscope of colours, Miracle Garden is even more beautiful in the evening when the whole garden is lit up in soft lighting. 

Jumeirah beach

Counted among the best places to visit in Dubai is the stunning Jumeirah Beach. One of the most popular places to stay in the city, it is a perfect beach resort in dubai and is ideal for family vacations. Dotted with restaurants, hotels, resorts and shopping streets, Jumeirah beach offers one an action-packed experience.

One of the best places to visit in Dubai for adventure lovers, the beach offers jet skiing, surfing and short cruises and is a must-try. If you are travelling with little ones, we recommend heading to the nearby Wild Wadi Water Park. With a plethora of rides and water slides, the park ensures that children have a memorable time here.

For those who are in the mood to shop, we recommend heading to the Madinat Jumeirah which is a hotel as well as a shopping complex. Home to big brands and old shops, the shopping complex is a great place to complete your shopping lists. 

Kite Beach

The pristine beaches in the city are some of the top places to visit in Dubai. Offering panoramic views of the blue skies and the azure blue waters, Kite beach is a great way to spend time in the city. A favourite with locals and tourists, it’s mostly visited by adventure enthusiasts who are in the mood to try kite-surfing and paddle boating. 

There are a number of authorised operators here who can help you with a basic training session before you head into the waters. For those who aren’t interested in water sports, the beach is home to several restaurants and cafes which serve excellent local cuisine and are a must-try. One can also indulge in a game of volleyball or football on the beach to get their fair share of adventure. 

Desert Safari and Camp

One of the most exciting ways to add adventure to your Dubai trip is the adrenaline-pumping desert safari. In fact, some travellers keep aside at least two days for a camping trip and a desert safari in their itinerary so they can fully make use of their time.

The base for the safari and the camp is one of the most exciting places to visit in Dubai and a must for first-timers. Taking you through sand dunes, the topsy-turvy safari is not as smooth as it may look from the outside. One must remember that the safari is not recommended for little children and for those who suffer from motion sickness.

After the whirlwind experience in the desert, one can head to the campsite where one can indulge in delicious food and enjoy the cultural performances Dubai is popular for. We recommend booking your desert safari and campsites in advance, especially if you are travelling during the peak season.

Dubai Mall

Shopping and Dubai have been synonymous for a long time now. It is one of the most favourite shopping destinations for travellers from South East and Middle East Asia. Among the best places to visit in Dubai for shoppers, Dubai Mall is the first choice.

The mall is located in the upmarket Downtown area of Dubai. The mall is spread across an area of 5.9 million square feet and is the world's largest and most visited entertainment and retail attraction. With more than 1,300 retail outlets,  300 food and beverage outlets and two massive departmental stores, Dubai Mall promises an action-packed experience. 

In fact, the plethora of things to do here make it one of the most exciting places to visit in Dubai. One can visit the majestic Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo or happily get lost in a maze of amazing retail stores. The mall has sections or avenues dedicated to fashion, food, jewellery and entertainment. One of the biggest attractions for visitors is the Souk, an area dedicated to jewellery, handicrafts, accessories and traditional Arab attire. The mall also houses other attractions such as edutainment for kids at KidZania, a massive cinema complex and ice rink.

One can spend an entire day at the mall and still feel that a lot is left to cover. The mall generally opens at 10 am, however various outlets have different opening and closing times, and it is advisable to check before planning your visit.

Deira

Shopping is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai. In fact, shopping buffs plan their entire itinerary around the best places to visit in Dubai for shopping. So if shopping is on your mind or you need to complete that pending shopping list, we recommend heading to Deira.

Situated close to the Dubai Creek, Deira is home to some of the most renowned markets, also known as souks. Bustling with energy, the area is a favourite with both locals and tourists. Deira Gold Souk which is the world’s largest gold market is situated here and is one of the most popular attractions in Dubai.

At the same time, Deira Spice Souk is said to be the most well-stocked spice markets in the world and travellers will be surprised with the array of things available. A vibrant, chaotic and unforgettable experience, the Spice Market in Dubai certainly needs to be on the list of popular places to visit in Dubai. The market is also home to several textile and apparel shops which are a huge draw for locals. Travellers often take back thyme, sumac and saffron owing to the great quality and reasonable prices.

Another reason why Deira is one of the most popular places to visit in Dubai is due to its close proximity to Heritage House. An architectural gem, it was once the home of a wealthy Iranian merchant. Today Heritage House offers a glimpse into traditional homes and intricate architecture. Exploring the house won’t take more than thirty minutes and we highly recommend a visit here.

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