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Dina Essawy
Dina Essawy
Dubai is a world-class city with many attractions, many things to do, and many things to see; no wonder it has become the fourth-most visited destination worldwide.
Every New Year’s Eve, all eyes are glued to the fireworks displays exploding from Burj Khalifa. But this city also provides a unique blend of many notable attractions.
Because we don’t want you to miss these splendours, we prepared this list of the top 16 places to visit in Dubai for the best vacation.
Keep reading.
Top Things You Can Do in Dubai
1- Head to Burj Khalifa
Location: Downtown Dubai
Simply, travelling to the UAE without visiting the Burj Khalifa is like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. It could never happen, right? Watching the Burj dhow cruise creek is the most unforgettable thing that ever happened to you.
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and the most prominent landmark in the United Arab Emirates. If you want to take in the city’s beauty, you must climb to the 124th floor.
Remember to buy your Burj Khalifa entrance ticket online in advance to avoid long lines, especially on weekends. We highly recommend visiting it in the evening. The view will be spectacular.
2- Visit The Dubai Mall
Location: Right next to the Burj Khalifa
Price: Access free
You are right here, which means you’re in the Middle of the action. As a result, be prepared to hear phrases like “the most visited in the world,” “the tallest tower,” “the most beautiful garden ever,” etc.
Undoubtedly, the Dubai Mall is the most well-known mall globally. With more than 1200 shops and plenty of restaurants, you will find something that appeals to your tastes and preferences.
Remember: The Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall have only one access point, so plan accordingly. Follow the directions to the mall, which might take around 10 minutes from the Burj Khalifa metro station.
3- Marvel at The Dubai Fountain
Location: The center of Downtown
Price: Access free
Yet another excellent spot for family vacations, The Dubai Fountain features the world’s tallest fountain, 900 feet tall. You will treat your eyes and ears as the fountain performs beautiful dances and songs.
You can rest at any restaurant here, but be aware that eating out is generally quite costly. The experience is still worthwhile, though.
Don’t Forget: Arrive as early as possible to get the best positions. The show runs from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day.
4- Let’s Have Fun at Legoland Dubai
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, in front of Palm Jebel Al
Consider it a children’s attraction, but I bet even adults will fall in love with it. A whole Lego-themed park awaits you, including buildings, games, restaurants, and a playful learning experience for your children. Of course, the best part is the rides driving up and down. You’ll never get tired of playing them.
Is it time to eat yet?
Enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the excellent restaurants in the area.
Don’t Forget: A discounted bundle ticket is available if you plan to go to Dubai Parks & Resorts (including Legoland Dubai and other entertainment utilities). The ticket will give you access to Motiongate (the central park; we will discuss it further) and one other park (Bollywood or Legoland Dubai). Legoland is a must-see, especially if you’re travelling with children.
5- Have Some Fresh Air in the Miracle Garden
Location: Dubailand
You can’t compare it to any other garden in the world. As far as nature lovers are concerned, there is no doubt that the Miracle Garden is one of the best places. Every year, it draws millions of tourists.
Among the many reasons for its popularity is that it is the world’s most extensive flower garden, with over 150 million flowers. Another feature is that you’ll be able to see your favourite Disney characters, ultimately created and decked out in blooms. Just taking a whiff of this beautiful scent during your tour will do.
Isn’t that the ideal vacation ever?
Don’t Forget: The park only welcomes visitors from November to May. During this period, it’s open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
6- Don’t Miss out on Legoland Water Park
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, in front of Palm Jebel Al
Designed with amusement in mind, Legoland® Water Park is part of luxurious Dubai Parks and Resorts. This time, your kids are about to enjoy water games, including more than 20 water slides and rides. This place is one of the most iconic sights because it allows guests to build their Lego and then use it to sail and drift over the river.
Don’t forget: There are various activities for kids of all ages.
7- Wander Around Dubai Museum
Location: Bur Dubai, in Al Fahidi Fortress.
We recommend that you visit the Dubai Museum if you’re interested in learning about the history of this country and not just having fun. Built in 1787, it served as a fortress to protect Dubai Creek from attacks.
As a result, the government turned it into a museum to showcase the city’s culture and history and show the world how they turned this small city into such a unique destination. If you want to know what the city was like before this massive development, you can visit the museum to learn more.
Don’t Forget: On Fridays, the Dubai Museum will be closed.
8- Take a Walk Tour Around the Global Village
Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road E 311
Price: Around 4 USD
Once again, this city can awe you with this magnificent tourist sight: the Global Village. This village is home to 40 pavilions, demonstrating culture from every country. You can buy Egyptian souvenirs, Indian costumes, and Chinese accessories. The town is also home to events, concerts, cuisines, and shows. All of these are in a great ambience.
As we promise, we will mention places in this list that will make your trip the best.
Don’t Forget: Visit the Global Village in the evening for a magical experience when the lights are on. A shuttle bus runs every hour, so you won’t have to worry about returning to your hotel when you’re done.
9- Explore Dubai’s History in Bastakiya: The Old Town of Dubai
Location: Alongside Al Fahidi Fort
Price: Free Access
Plan to spend at least one hour exploring Bastakiya, if possible. Also, it will give you a glimpse of what life was like in this small fishing town before coming to the dazzling city of Dubai. Additionally, this experience will provide you with insight into Arabian culture. If you’d like to dine on a magical Arabian night, this is the place for you. In any case, it’s a good option for people who want a traditional vibe.
Don’t Forget: Dubai’s Old Town is the ideal destination for anyone seeking tranquillity and elegance.
10- Make Time to Visit Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House
Location: Al Khaleej Road, Al Fahidi
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House, which belonged to the UAE’s longest-serving ruler from 1912 to 1958, has been converted into a museum after extensive renovations. It represents the Arabian art of architecture. It also has a unique location overlooking Dubai Creek, as Sheikh Saeed’s father wanted to watch ship traffic from his veranda.
This house offers plenty of time to explore the original moodle of royal palaces in the early 1900s.
Don’t Forget: You will explore more than thirty rooms with a central yard and a spellbinding view of the creek, so get ready to snap away.
11- Roam Around Deira district
Location: On the bank of the Dubai Creek
Price: Free Access
When shopping in this Arabian city, you can never have enough. As you move through the city, you’ll encounter new experiences and places to explore. The Deira district is a must-visit because you’ll see the city’s other side, the traditional side. The Deira district gives you special access to the world’s most extensive collection of golden jewellery and perfumes.
Don’t Forget: If you’re a shopaholic, expect to spend at least two hours here. Also, the souk will be nearly closed on Friday morning.
12- Go Shopping at Bur Dubai
Location: On the western side of the Dubai Creek
Price: Free Access, but the sea trip will cost less than 5 cents. Another excellent option for anyone who wants to learn more about the awe-inspiring history of this Middle Eastern country is to tour a heritage site, Bur Dubai.
During your tour of this district, you can drift on the creek in a stunning boat called an Abra. Al Seef Market, Meena Bazaar, and Hindi Lane are just a few of the fascinating attractions in this area. So, it will be straightforward to combine all these in one day.
Don’t Forget: The entire area can be explored in over three hours. On the way back, we recommend taking an evening cruise in Dubai’s Bay for more entertainment.
13- Take Amazing Photos with Dubai Frame
Location: Bur Dubai
The epic structure illustrates how the desert transitions into a city of luxury, splendour, and the Future. Again, Bur Dubai never fails to awe us as it contains one of the world’s most giant picture frames, the Dubai Frame. It becomes an essential meeting point between rich heritage and promising present, Old and New Dubai. You can have even more fun by finding yourself on a glass floor, which allows you to see everything that’s going on beneath your feet.
Don’t Forget: You must dress modestly, as Dubai Frame policy requires that you wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees at all times.
14- Explore Motiongate Dubai Theme Park
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Against Palm Jebel Ali
Are you an animation type?
Okay, let me tell you the top three film studios in the world are showing up here: DreamWorks Animation, Columbia, and Lionsgate. Just think about how much enjoyment you’ll have in this place. Studio Central, Smurfs Village, Sony Picture Studios, DreamWorks, and Lionsgate Films are just a few of the five main zones you can explore.
As the saying goes, it’s a wonderland for everyone.
Don’t Forget: If you’ve had your fill of Motiongate Dubai Theme Park’s spectacular shows and imaginative storytelling, you can now descend to the food court for a quick bite to eat before continuing your enchanted adventure.
15- Know More About Spectacular Creatures at Dubai Aquarium
Location: The Dubai Mall
It’s a fantastic experience for everyone to walk through the sea and see the different marine life. Did you know that the UAE capital is home to the world’s largest aquarium? You’re sure to take the plunge, aren’t you?
Hold your breath as soon as you step foot in the Dubai Aquarium because you are about to see the ocean’s wonders up close. The aquarium is where the UAE leaders honed their innovative skills before constructing this spectacular structure. More than 140 aquatic species, including fish, seahorses, jellyfish, and sharks, can be found in the aquarium.
Don’t Forget: Purchasing your ticket online before visiting Dubai Aquarium may result in savings over purchasing it at the facility.
16- Pay a Visit to Jumeirah Mosque
Location: Jumeirah
Price: Free Access
The Jumeirah Mosque will round out this list of must-see religious tourist destinations. Only a handful are open to non-Muslims, which makes it unique. It will allow tourists of various religious backgrounds to get closer to Muslim rituals and learn more about their customs and worship practices.
In addition, if you have any questions, a staff member under the “Open doors. Open minds” banner will be happy to help you find answers. While there, you can get Emirati snacks and hot drinks at the mosque, including Arabian coffee.
Must-Knows for Dubai Travel
Dubai is an ever-dynamic city with something new to explore and experience on every visit. But when you plan a Dubai trip, be familiar with its latest travel guidelines. GCC nationals can make a visa-free entry into Dubai or the UAE, while citizens of over 80 countries can enter the country with a visa on arrival. All other visitors not included in these categories must obtain a Dubai visa before travelling to Dubai. Subject to the purpose, frequency, and the intended number of days’ stay, you can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry Dubai visa valid for 30 or 60 days.
Don’t Forget: Jumeirah Mosque is open every day except Fridays. Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code. Arms and legs should be covered, and women should wear a hijab as well.
We are looking for a guide to help you plan your next Dubai vacation? Look no further. Our ultimate guide will be beneficial to you. Don’t forget to check our latest post to learn more about the recent trends in travelling.
Enjoy Exploring!
