10 Best Places to See in Dubai

Dubai is an eclectic Arabian city that has almost everything to fill just any Dubai holiday or trip. From the record-breaking sights and iconic engineering marvels to the quaint quarters and scenic desert landscapes that are still untouched by time, Dubai draws in all types of visitors with its vibrant energy, quirky charm, and sheer diversity of attractions. But if you don’t know what to include in your Dubai travel program, this list picks out the 10 best places to see in Dubai.

10 Best Places to See in Dubai

1. The View at The Palm

The man-made island of Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, with its jaw-dropping palm tree-like design. Come catch the views of the entire of this phenomenal sight by taking to the View at the Palm. Located within Palm Towers, it is the region’s first-of-its-kind observation deck that is exclusively designed for those who wish to delight in this view without splashing out a fortune. There is also an interactive museum that gives you an overview of the island’s origin and history.

2. Palm Fountain

Those who have already been to Dubai know the grandeur of the Dubai Fountain (outside of the Dubai Mall). With its water performance in seamless sync of music, light, and colors, Palm Fountain is more or less like Dubai Fountain but is bigger and more opulent than the latter. Not to mention, it is the world’s largest fountain show and the region’s only colored fountain. It’s located at the Pointe, on Palm Jumeirah.

3. Burj Khalifa

Standing mightily in Downtown Dubai’s heart, Burj Khalifa needs no introduction. It is the world’s tallest building and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. But if you wish to see it up close and in detail, make a tour of its observation deck on the 124^th or 148^th level or both. They greet you with the most exquisite views of Dubai’s cityscape, ocean, desert, and more. Apart from these, you get to enjoy one of the fastest elevator rides and even watch a multimedia display of Dubai’s history during your Burj Khalifa visit.

4. The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall, sitting right next to Burj Khalifa, is so vastly splendid that you can easily spend your whole Dubai vacation without ever leaving this giant mall. Yes, don’t expect this place to be compact; it is super expansive with endless things to see and do. Pre-planning is, therefore, a must to visit here. For those who don’t know, it is home to the massive Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the largest of its kind VR Park, the kid-exclusive KidZania Dubai, and the region’s first-of-its-kind Dubai Ice Rink, among others. For those who are revisiting here, the mall has some brand-new attractions by way of Ekart Zabeel and Infinity Des Lumières – the GCC’s first digital art gallery.

5. Dubai’s Desert

A short distance (some 40 minutes drive) from the city center is the sprawling desert landscape. It is supremely isolated and appears barren at first glance. Take a desert safari to experience the real essence and thrill of being in Dubai’s desert. Choose from morning, evening, or overnight desert safari; depending on your choice, it includes a 4X4 dune bash, camel ride, Shisha smoking, BBQ dining, and traditional performances such as Belly Dance and Tanura show.

6. Ain Dubai

This is one of Dubai’s brand-new attractions which you should definitely include in your Dubai checklist. It is a Ferris wheel, but not any ordinary one. Built at over 250 meters, it is the world’s largest and highest observation wheel with 48 fully enclosed and air-conditioned cabins. A revolution on Ain Dubai lasts for 38 minutes and this feasts you with compelling views over Bluewaters Island, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Palm Jumeirah, and beyond. Take your Ain Dubai experience to the next level by choosing a premium cabin or adding a dining session onboard.

7. Madame Tussauds Dubai

Pair your Ain Dubai experience with a visit to Madame Tussauds Dubai which is adjacent to it on Bluewaters Island.  It is the first of its kind in the Arabian world. There are seven themed zones that represent the real-like wax models of your beloved figures from movies, music, politics, and sports, among others. With no barriers to distance you from these celebs, come here with your fully recharged phone or camera and return with loads of snaps with your favorite personalities from the Middle East as well as different parts of the world.

8. Inside Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab opened in the late 1990s. It continues to be the ultimate symbol of luxurious accommodation in the region. But don’t worry if you can’t imagine a stay in this billow-shaped, all-suite hotel. With the dedicated Inside Burj Al Arab Tour, you can now enjoy a detailed look at some of its most exclusive sections whose access till recently was only reserved for its premium guests. This 90-minute tour is a butler-guided experience that starts off with a buggy ride that rides you through the bridge road that connects the mainland to the private island where this hotel is located.

Following this, you get to enter the hotel, stand in its atrium (which is the largest of its kind), and most of all, see the Royal Suite – one of the world’s most expensive suites. Moreover, check out the immersive Experience Suite and have some relaxing moments at UMA Lounge.

9. Dhow Cruise

If you can’t afford to visit the city’s sky-high observation decks, a dhow cruise (along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina) is a feasible yet cost-effective alternative to get your sightseeing fix. Be sure to opt for an evening cruise with dinner; it allows you to see Dubai’s illuminated skyline from the water as you relish scrumptious food onboard a traditional wooden dhow.

10. Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden is not a year-round attraction, but it is hard to compile a list like this without adding this floral wonderland. Open only during winter months (from October to March / April), it is the world’s largest natural garden, with over 150 million flowers in over 72,000 square meters of space. From the Hilltop Garden, Lake Park, and Sunflower Field to the exuberant Umbrella Tunnel and Floating Lady, you could spend your hours getting lost in its refreshing colors, fragrance, and endless beauty.

Whether you visiting here for the first time or just moved in or are a regular here, Dubai promises to cater to every age group, ability, and preference. So visit Dubai; you can rest assured that you will never be bored in this energetic and full-of-life city. There are so many things to do in Dubai!

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