Places to Visit in Dubai: 25 Top Attractions and Things to Do

Dubai has transformed from a small trading port into one of the world's most exciting cities in just a few decades. Today it offers record-breaking towers, futuristic museums, man-made islands, golden deserts, traditional souks and some of the best family attractions on the planet.

Here are the 25 best places to visit in Dubai, grouped by area, plus the top things to do in Dubai, from desert safaris to skydiving, with tips on timing and tickets.

1. Burj Khalifa. The world's tallest building, with observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148. See our Burj Khalifa tickets guide.

2. Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain. One of the world's largest malls, with an aquarium and ice rink, and the dancing fountain shows every evening.

3. Dubai Opera. A striking dhow-shaped theatre hosting concerts, ballet and musicals.

4. Museum of the Future. The silver, ring-shaped building covered in Arabic calligraphy, opened in 2022, with immersive exhibitions about space, nature and technology. Book a time slot in advance.

5. Dubai Frame. A 150-metre picture frame in Zabeel Park with a glass-floored bridge at the top, framing old Dubai on one side and the modern skyline on the other.

6. Ain Dubai. One of the world's largest observation wheels, on Bluewaters Island, which reopened at the end of 2024 after a long closure.

7. Expo City Dubai. The former Expo 2020 site, with the Al Wasl Plaza dome and the rotating Garden in the Sky.

8. Dubai Creek and abra rides. Cross the creek for a single dirham on a traditional wooden abra boat.

9. Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Glittering gold shops and fragrant spice stalls in Deira. See our Dubai shopping guide.

10. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Restored wind-tower houses, art galleries and cafés in Bur Dubai.

11. Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis. The palm-shaped island, the Atlantis resort and its Aquaventure water park.

12. Burj Al Arab. The sail-shaped hotel, best photographed from Jumeirah Beach. See our Palm Jumeirah guide.

13. Dubai Marina and JBR. A canal lined with skyscrapers, waterfront promenades and the beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence.

14. Kite Beach and La Mer. Free public beaches with cafés, play areas and views of the Burj Al Arab.

15. Global Village. A huge open-air festival park with pavilions from around 90 cultures, food stalls, shows and rides, open roughly from October to May.

16. Dubai Miracle Garden. Millions of flowers shaped into hearts, castles and even an Emirates A380, open in the cooler months.

17. Dubai Garden Glow. An illuminated evening park popular with families.

18. Ski Dubai. An indoor ski slope and snow park with penguins at Mall of the Emirates.

19. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. A giant tank with sharks and rays inside Dubai Mall.

20. La Perle. A spectacular water-based acrobatic show at Al Habtoor City.

21. Sky Views Dubai. A glass slide and edge walk high above Downtown.

22. Desert safari. Dune bashing, camel rides and a barbecue dinner with shows. See our desert safari and dhow cruise guide.

23. Skydive Dubai. Tandem skydives over Palm Jumeirah, one of the most famous drop zones in the world, for those over 18 and within weight limits.

24. Hot air balloon. A sunrise flight over the dunes, often with falcon shows and breakfast.

25. Yacht cruises, helicopter tours and jet skis. See the skyline from the water or the air, from Dubai Marina or the Palm.

• Take a Dubai city tour for an overview: Jumeirah Mosque, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek and the souks.
• Go on a dhow cruise along Dubai Creek or the Marina.
• Spend a day at a theme park or water park. See our theme parks guide.
• Visit the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali and the BAPS Hindu Mandir near Abu Dhabi.
• Enjoy Dubai's nightlife: rooftop bars, beach clubs and lounges in licensed venues, and family-friendly evenings at Global Village and the souks.
• Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Hatta or Ras Al Khaimah. See our day trips from Dubai.

Dubai's sunsets are spectacular. Favourite spots include the top of the Burj Khalifa, The View at The Palm, Kite Beach with the Burj Al Arab, the Madinat Jumeirah boardwalk, Dubai Marina's waterfront, the dunes on a desert safari, and the deck of a dhow cruise. Plan one sunset activity for each evening of your trip.

Beyond the skyscrapers, visit the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslims on guided tours, the Etihad Museum about the founding of the UAE, and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Al Fahidi for a traditional Emirati meal and an open discussion about local culture.

Dubai is spread out, so plan by area: Downtown and the Museum of the Future together, the beaches and Palm together, and old Dubai on another day. Our Dubai tour packages include a city tour, Burj Khalifa, desert safari and dhow cruise, with free days for your favourite extras. See our Dubai itinerary for day-by-day plans.