Dubai, often referred to as the “City of the Future,” rises from the middle of the desert like a mirage of futuristic architecture, excessive luxury, and spectacular progress. The tourist attractions in Dubai are unique and designed to break many world records. Located in the United Arab Emirates, this fascinating city has become a symbol of opulence and human ambition, surpassing the limits of imagination. With the tallest skyscrapers, stunning artificial islands, and ultra-modern facilities, Dubai redefines the concept of a metropolis, transforming into a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation.
From the iconic urban landscape dominated by the Burj Khalifa to the golden beaches of the Persian Gulf and traditional markets, Dubai offers a diversity of experiences for everyone who visits. Beyond its modern façade and extravagant attractions, the city maintains a strong connection to Arab traditions and culture, creating a continuous symbiosis between past and future.
In a previous article, I shared how carefully I planned my vacation in Dubai to ensure I visited as many attractions as possible while still having time to relax and enjoy my stay. I loved everything I saw and wished I had 2-3 more days to experience even more. For this reason, I suggest allocating about a week for a vacation in Dubai.
Dubai Attractions – What You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Burj Khalifa
It’s impossible to start with anything other than Dubai’s most famous tourist attraction, which is also the tallest building in the world. The Burj Khalifa is featured in every guide to places to visit in Dubai. With a total of 163 floors and a height of 828 meters, tourists can go up to the 154th floor. Ticket prices vary depending on the floors you wish to visit and the time of day. After 4 PM, prices increase during the “prime hours,” allowing you to escape the daytime heat and enjoy the sunset.
How much does it cost to visit the Burj Khalifa?
We paid 234 AED for access to the 124th and 125th floors during the 4:00–6:30 PM time slot. This price also included free tickets to Expo 2020 and Sky Views, likely part of a promotional offer at the time. You can find tickets here.
How to get to the Burj Khalifa?
The easiest and fastest way is by metro. Burj Khalifa is located at the Dubai Mall metro station, with direct access from the mall. Be prepared for a very long walkway to the mall entrance. Alternatively, you can take a shortcut through the underground parking area to reach the Burj Khalifa entrance.
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2. Dubai Aquarium
Located in Dubai Mall, the famous Dubai Aquarium might not be a must-see for everyone, as it didn’t particularly impress me. However, if you’d like to visit, buy tickets online to avoid long queues at the ticket counters.
How much does it cost to visit the Dubai Aquarium?
We paid 120 AED per person for tickets, purchased online right before entering. There are various packages available, with options like a simple aquarium and underwater zoo visit, or additional experiences like penguin encounters and boat rides. Tickets here.
How to get to the Dubai Aquarium?
The aquarium is inside Dubai Mall, a floor below the underwater zoo. If traveling by metro, alight at the Dubai Mall station. Note that you’ll need to exit and re-enter if you visit both the aquarium and zoo, which may mean waiting in line twice.
Accommodation in Dubai:
3. Sky Views
Sky Views was one of the most thrilling experiences for me. Despite some difficulty finding the location, it was absolutely worth it. Sky Views offers panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, as well as unique experiences like walking on a glass floor and the “Glass Sky Slide,” a transparent slide connecting the 53rd and 52nd floors.
How much does it cost to visit Sky Views?
Tickets cost 85 AED at the entrance or around €20 if booked online.
How to get to Sky Views?
The key is not to leave Dubai Mall but to continue through the long passageway connected to the Dubai Mall metro station until you reach the Sky Views exit.
4. The View At The Palm
The View at The Palm was one of my favorite places in Dubai. Aside from the panoramic views from the 52nd or 54th floors, the experience includes an interactive journey through the history of Palm Jumeirah, detailing its creation and fascinating facts.
How much does it cost to visit The View At The Palm?
General admission to the 52nd floor costs 110 AED or 185 AED during prime hours. Tickets to the 54th floor, offering unobstructed views without glass barriers, are priced higher. Tickets here.
How to get to The View At The Palm?
Access is through Nakheel Mall. There is no direct metro to the location, but you can take a tram to Palm Gateway and a monorail to Nakheel Mall.
5. Dubai Fountains
The Dubai Fountains, the largest in the world, are a must-see. Shows start at 6 PM and run every 30 minutes until 11 PM. It’s best to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
How much does it cost to visit the Dubai Fountains?
The show is free, making it a must-add to your itinerary.
How to get to the Dubai Fountains?
They are accessible from the ground floor of Dubai Mall.
6. Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is a district known for its promenade, Dubai Marina Walk, as well as Dubai Marina Mall and Jumeirah Beach. Visiting after dark is particularly magical, with stunning views that far surpass Instagram photos.
How to get to Dubai Marina?
By metro, get off at either DMCC or Sobha Realty stations, then walk 15-20 minutes to the promenade.
7. Mall of Emirates
This mall stands out for its indoor ski slope, creating a miniature snowy mountain experience in the middle of the desert.
How to get to Mall of the Emirates?
Take the metro to the Mall of the Emirates station, which provides direct access to the mall.
8. Dubai Frame
Holding the record for the largest frame structure in the world, Dubai Frame offers a journey through Dubai’s past, present, and future, along with panoramic views from its 48th floor.
How much does it cost to visit Dubai Frame?
Tickets are 50 AED, with access available from 9 AM to 9 PM. Tickets here.
How to get to Dubai Frame?
Take the metro to Al Jafiliya station and walk 15-20 minutes.
9. Global Village
Global Village is a cultural destination showcasing 80 countries through exhibitions, performances, food, souvenirs, and more.
How much does it cost to visit Global Village?
Entry costs 25-35 AED, with tickets available online. Tickets here.
How to get to Global Village?
Four buses serve this destination, departing from Rashidiya, Ittihad, Al Ghubaiba, and Mall of the Emirates stations.
10. Dubai Miracle Garden
Hosting 50 million flowers and 250 million plants, Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden, inaugurated on Valentine’s Day in 2013.
How much does it cost to visit Dubai Miracle Garden?
Tickets cost 100 AED and can be purchased online. Tickets here.
How to get to Dubai Miracle Garden?
Take Bus 105 from Mall of the Emirates station.
With its diverse landscapes, extravagant shopping malls, traditional bazaars, and captivating theme parks, Dubai remains a dream destination for many travelers. The city offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
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Happy exploring! 🥰
