11 Must-Visit Places in Dubai: A Complete Itinerary Guide
Dubai is a city that shines like a jewel in the middle of the desert, an exotic place where modern architecture harmonizes with traditional Middle Eastern culture. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai boasts a unique geographical feature where the desert meets the coastline. It's also a great city for a layover or a stopover while traveling to Europe or Central Asia. Home to numerous landmarks, including the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the man-made Palm Jumeirah islands, Dubai offers a variety of attractions like desert safaris, shopping, and diverse culinary experiences. In this article, we've selected and recommended 11 must-visit places for anyone planning a trip to Dubai.
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| Dubai Travel |
The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, is an impressive 12 million square feet, roughly the size of 50 football pitches. Inside, you'll find an aquarium, an ice rink, over 1,200 stores, and 200 restaurants and cafes. You could easily spend an entire day here and still not see everything.
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| The Dubai Mall |
Must-Visit Attractions Inside The Dubai Mall
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Aquarium The Dubai Mall is home to one of the world's
largest aquariums. The massive main tank can be viewed for free from the
outside. While the viewing area is similar to other aquariums, if you're
looking for something special, you can try scuba diving or snorkeling inside
the aquarium. If you have a PADI scuba diving license, you can even go on a
fun dive with a guide.
The Dubai Mall Aquarium Diving Center
- Dubai Dino This enormous dinosaur fossil is located at the entrance of The Dubai Mall. It is a Diplodocus, a herbivorous dinosaur, whose fossil was discovered in the U.S. in 2008 and brought here for display. More than 90% of the fossil is authentic, making this magnificent 24.4-meter-long and 7.6-meter-high exhibit a must-see for any visitor to the mall.
- Dubai Ice Rink It's a unique experience to enjoy ice skating on a frozen rink in the middle of a hot desert country. This massive ice rink, reminiscent of the one in Lotte World, is especially popular with locals.
- Dubai Mall Waterfall One of the symbols of The Dubai Mall, this large indoor waterfall spans the height of a four-story building. The statues diving from the falls symbolize the pearl divers of Dubai's past. Take a break from shopping to admire this refreshing and artistic sight.
- The Dubai Fountain Show Located on Burj Lake in front of The Dubai Mall, the fountain show performs daily every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM. This spectacular show combines music, water, and lighting, and is a must-see during your Dubai trip. We recommend finding a spot with a view of the Burj Khalifa in the background for some truly stunning photos.
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building and a representative landmark of Dubai, a source of pride for South Korea since Samsung C&T was involved in its construction. The observation decks consist of two parts. The first is "At the Top," located on the 124th and 125th floors, which includes both indoor and outdoor terraces. The second is "Burj Khalifa SKY," located on the 148th floor, an exclusive VIP lounge observation deck that offers beverages and refreshments. Ascending to these heights, you can't help but feel a sense of awe at this man-made marvel.
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| Burj Khalifa |
I had no intention of visiting the lounge, but a booking mistake led me to the more expensive "The Lounge" package. When you book the VIP lounge, you get exclusive access to a lounge with refreshments before entry and a dedicated elevator to ascend to the observation deck. At the 148th-floor SKY Lounge, you can enjoy unlimited desserts and treats like dates while taking in the views at your leisure. The cost was well worth it. Note that if you purchase the Lounge ticket, you can also access the "At the Top" observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors. The atmosphere and views from each deck are slightly different, making it a great experience to visit both.
Burj Khalifa Visitor Information
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Observation Deck Types
- At the Top: Observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors, with a gift shop and photo zones.
- VIP The Lounge: Sky lounge on the 148th floor, offering refreshments and direct access via a dedicated elevator.
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Ticket Prices
- Standard Ticket: 124th and 125th floors, approx. 149-249 AED (approx. $40-$68 USD).
- Premium Ticket: 148th floor, approx. 399-599 AED (approx. $108-$163 USD).
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the world's largest man-made marinas and a popular destination known for its modern skyscrapers and beautiful waterfront. The approximately 7-kilometer-long Marina Walk is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll and a meal. For shopping, you can visit the Dubai Marina Mall. To truly experience the Marina, we highly recommend a yacht cruise. Sunset and dinner cruises are particularly popular. The area is also close to other attractions like Jumeirah Beach Residence and Skydive Dubai, making it easy to include in your travel plans.
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| Dubai Marina |
- Yacht Cruise: Offers various tours from breakfast to sunset, allowing you to enjoy a meal while cruising past Dubai's famous landmarks.
- Dhow Cruise: A cruise on a traditional Arabian boat where you can enjoy local cuisine, see Dubai's main landmarks, and watch a traditional Tanoura dance performance.
- Yacht Experience: A luxury yacht trip to see Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab from the water.
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island located off the coast of Dubai and is the world's most famous artificial island, covering approximately 1,400 acres. Designed in the shape of a palm tree, the island includes luxurious residential areas and villas on its fronds, which are often private. The resorts that tourists typically visit are located along the outer crescent. Staying on Palm Jumeirah would be an unforgettable experience. In the center of the island, at the Nakheel Mall, you can visit the View at The Palm observation deck for a breathtaking panoramic view of the island and the Persian Gulf.
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| Palm Jumeirah |
Places to Visit in Palm Jumeirah
- Aquaventure Waterpark: One of the world's largest waterparks, offering a variety of slides and rides.
- The Lost Chambers Aquarium: A massive aquarium where you can see approximately 65,000 marine animals.
- Palm Monorail: A dedicated monorail that connects the main attractions on Palm Jumeirah.
- Nakheel Mall: An entertainment hub with shopping, restaurants, and "The View at The Palm" observation deck.
- Deep Dive Dubai: The world's deepest swimming pool, offering diving experiences for all levels, from beginners to experts.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is an iconic Dubai landmark, famously known as a 7-star luxury hotel. It's built on a man-made island and its shape is designed to resemble the sail of a dhow. While the high cost of staying there was out of my reach, the "Inside Burj Al Arab" tour allows you to explore the interior of this ultra-luxury hotel and learn about its history and architectural stories.
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| Burj Al Arab Jumeirah |
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Souk, which means 'market' in Arabic, is the name for this traditional market. Souk Madinat Jumeirah is one of Dubai's most charming souks, combining traditional Arabian style with modern conveniences. Designed with a traditional Middle Eastern architectural flair, it's famous for its luxury shopping, restaurants, and spectacular views. The market sells a wide range of goods, including traditional Arabian items, handicrafts, carpets, perfumes, lamps, and jewelry, making it a great place to buy souvenirs. You can also enjoy a fantastic view of the Burj Al Arab with the market as a backdrop.
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| Souk Madinat Jumeirah |
Desert Safari
A Dubai desert safari is a tour that offers a variety of experiences, including an endless expanse of sand dunes, golden sunsets, traditional performances, and a dinner feast. While many things stand out about a trip to Dubai, for me, who experienced the vast desert for the first time, the desert safari remains the most unique experience.
A typical Dubai desert safari program includes thrilling dune bashing in a jeep, sandboarding and photo opportunities in the desert, and a chance to experience local culture at a Bedouin camp with traditional Arabic coffee, dates, shisha (water pipe), and henna tattoos. As the sun sets, you can enjoy a delicious dinner and watch a traditional Tanoura dance performance under the desert sky.
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| Desert Safari |
When you go on a desert tour, we recommend wearing a thin long-sleeved shirt.
All tour companies offer similar programs, so we suggest booking with the one
that offers the lowest price and a convenient pickup and drop-off location.
Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates is home to around 600 shops and various entertainment options. It features an indoor ski resort, the first of its kind in the Middle East, where you can enjoy winter sports like sledding, snowboarding, and skiing.
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| Mall of the Emirates |
Old Dubai
Old Dubai, located around Dubai Creek, encompasses the city's historic district. It offers a stark contrast to modern Dubai, with its streets and shops filled with the charming atmosphere of an "Aladdin" fairytale. Centered around the Dubai Creek, there are many attractions to visit, including the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Museum, Gold Souk, and Spice Souk.
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| Old Dubai |
Places to Visit in Old Dubai
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: One of Dubai's oldest residential areas, preserving the traditional architecture of the mid-19th century. Its narrow alleyways and historic houses offer a vivid glimpse into old Dubai. You'll also find cafes and shops here.
- Dubai Museum: Located within the Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum showcases the city's history and culture. It's a great place to learn about historical topics like traditional life, maritime trade, and pearl diving.
- Dubai Creek: Dubai Creek was the city's commercial heart and a hub for pearl and sea trade in the past. You can take a ride on a traditional boat to see the surrounding area.
- Gold Souk: One of Dubai's traditional markets, where you can browse and buy a wide variety of gold jewelry and precious stones. It's a place filled with dazzling gold products.
- Spice Souk: Located near the Gold Souk, this traditional market sells a variety of spices, herbs, and fragrances. It’s a wonderful place to explore the unique spice culture of the Middle East.
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is a massive architectural landmark in Dubai, shaped like a giant picture frame. At approximately 150 meters high and 93 meters wide, it has become an iconic spot to see both the past and present of Dubai at a glance. Since its opening on January 1, 2018, it has been a key stop on Dubai city tours. From the observation deck, you can see the traditional Old Dubai area on one side and the modern skyline with the Burj Khalifa on the other. The glass floor at the top provides a thrilling experience, making you feel as if you are floating in the air.
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| Dubai Frame |
Dubai Frame Visitor Information
- Location: Inside Zabeel Park
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Admission: Purchase tickets online in advance to reduce
wait times
- Adults: approx. 50 AED (approx. $14 USD)
- Children: approx. 20 AED (approx. $5 USD)
- Recommended Time to Visit: During sunset to see the city bathed in golden light.
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Transportation:
- Take the Dubai Metro Red Line → get off at Al Jafiliya Station, then a taxi or walk.
- Main Features:
- Exhibition space showcasing Dubai's past
- Multimedia show imagining the future
- Thrill-inducing glass floor observation deck
IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world's largest indoor theme park located in Dubai, offering a variety of rides and attractions across four themed zones. There's the Marvel Zone with your favorite superheroes, the Cartoon Network Zone with family-friendly rides based on popular animations, the Lost Valley with its dinosaur-themed adventures, and **IMG Boulevard** full of food and shopping options. With something for all ages, the biggest advantage is that you can enjoy it comfortably regardless of the hot Dubai weather.
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| IMG Worlds of Adventure |
IMG Worlds of Adventure Visitor Information
- Location: 20-30 minutes from downtown Dubai
- Admission: approx. 300-400 AED (approx. $82-$109 USD) (Discounts available with advance booking)
- Main Features: Rides, restaurants, souvenir shops, and the Horror Hotel experience
Booking online in advance can help you save on admission and reduce wait times. We recommend visiting on a weekday, as it can get very crowded with locals on weekends.
We hope this guide to 11 must-visit places helps you plan your Dubai trip. The city has a relatively well-developed public transportation system, including the metro and buses, with simple routes that are easy for tourists to navigate. While a comfortable package tour is a great option, creating your own flexible itinerary will allow you to discover a different charm of the city.
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