Dubai is where travelers go for sales deals, sunlight, and family fun, vacations etc. Is is also famed for contemporary tourist attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest structure) and retail complexes that come replete with huge aquariums and indoor ski slopes.
This city offers numerous cultural attractions and things to do, as well as all the glossy beautiful modern beaches.
Take a tour around the Al Fahidi quarter, and you’ll find the Dubai of old. Then sail around Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow, and you’ll soon understand there’s more to this city than its glitzy façade.
Learn more about this cities locations to visit with our list of the top 30 attractions and activities to do in Dubai.
1. Dubai’s Famed Cityscape at Burj Khalifa
Dubai’s flagship building and primary tourist attraction is the Burj Khalifa, which at 829.8 meters is the tallest structure in the world and the most famous of the city’s points of interest.
For most tourists, a trip to the observation deck on the 124th level is a must-do while in the city. The vistas across the metropolitan skyline from this bird’s-eye viewpoint are just stunning.
The slick observation deck experience includes a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other.
Nighttime excursions are particularly popular with photographers because of Dubai’s spectacular city-lights panoramas.
Buy your Burj Khalifa “At the Top” Entrance Ticket in advance to avoid enormous line-ups, especially if you are going to visit on a weekend.
Back on the ground, wrapping around the Burj Khalifa, are the gardens of Burj Park, with paths filled with modern art sculptures.
Burj Park is where you come to view the Dubai Fountain spectacle on Burj Lake. Modeled on the famed Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, this is the world’s tallest performing fountain, with water shows flying up to 150 meters high into the air.
www.burjkhalifa.ae is the official website.
2. Visit the Dubai Aquarium’s Underwater World.
One of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, the Dubai Aquarium includes 140 kinds of aquatic life in the massive hanging tank on the ground level of the Dubai Mall.
Although there is free viewing from the mall, the highlight of a visit here is visiting the Underwater Zoo, with its three-story high, 270-degree vistas down the length of the glass-panel tubes.
As well as observing the large amount of marine life, the Dubai Aquarium provides many aquatic activities and things to do for guests who desire close-up interaction with some of the aquarium’s residents, from hand-feeding eagle rays to diving with reef and tiger sharks.
Dubai Mall is located on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Here’s the official website.
3. Relax on the JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) Beach
This long, broad ribbon of sandy white paradise is the number one beach attraction for Dubai visitors.
Some of Dubai’s most prominent beach resorts are spread out all along its length, making this one of the most popular areas to stay for travelers who wish to make hitting the beach a key part of their Dubai vacation.
The huge public parts of the beach provide great amenities, with lots of sun loungers, restaurants, lifeguards monitoring the lengths allocated for swimming, and water sports companies offering jet skiing, kayak rental, parasailing, and boat excursions.
This is a safe beach choice for families traveling with tots, as the turquoise water of the Gulf lapping the shore is shallow and peaceful.
4. Travel to the Desert
You don’t have to drive far from Dubai’s coastal skyline of skyscrapers to reach some of the UAE’s desertscapes of undulating dunes.
Both the dune fields and desert of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and the orange-hued dunes of Maleha (really in the Emirate of Sharjah) are within day-tripping distance of the city.
Desert adventure excursions may incorporate a range of activities, from sandboarding, camel rides, and 4WD safaris to traditional Arabian falconry shows and desert feasts under the stars. There are also opportunities for overnight camping beneath the stars.
The standard tour schedule, providing guests a sampling of desert life, is easily packed into even a short trip to Dubai, taking roughly six hours door to door, with a mid-afternoon departure from the city.
The Dubai Desert 4×4 Safari offers a half-day desert adventure and includes a camel ride, sandboarding instruction, a sunset BBQ, and a belly dance display.
For a less hurried tour experience, select one of the firms that operate inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where itineraries can include wildlife drives to observe the reserve’s free-roaming herds of gazelles and, if you’re fortunate, Arabian oryx.
5.Walk through History in Al Fahidi Quarter (Old Dubai) (Old Dubai)
The Al Fahidi Quarter (previously known, and sometimes still referred to as the Bastakia neighborhood) was built in the late 19th century to be the home of wealthy Persian merchants who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles and were lured to Dubai because of the tax-free trading and access to Dubai Creek.
Bur Dubai comprises the eastern section of Bur Dubai along the creek, and the coral and limestone houses here, many with walls topped with wind-towers, have been carefully preserved.
Wind-towers provided the dwellings here with an early kind of air conditioning—the wind captured in the towers was directed down into the houses. Persian traders undoubtedly imported this architectural detail (common in Iranian coastal buildings) from their native country to the Gulf.
Lined with characteristic Arabian architecture, the small alleyways are strongly reminiscent of a bygone, and much slower, epoch in Dubai’s past.
Inside the neighborhood, you’ll discover the Majlis Gallery, with its collection of traditional Arab pottery and furnishings (housed in a wind-tower), and the Al Serkal Cultural Foundation with a store, café, and rotating art exhibitions (placed in one of the old buildings) (located in one of the historic buildings).
6. Ski then Shop at Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates is one of the city’s most famous malls, with the spectacular (and surreal) Ski Dubai facility inside.
The indoor ski slope is complete with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a continuous temperature of -4 degrees Celsius.
There’s also a cinema complex and a family entertainment center with a whole host of rides aimed at both the big and small.
The shopping opportunities are boundless, as are the eating options, offering every conceivable world cuisine.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Official site: http://www.malloftheemirates.com
7. Snap Sunset Pics at Dubai Frame
Sitting slap-bang between Dubai’s historic districts huddled around the creek and the city’s new expansion, this gargantuan 150-meter-high picture frame is one of Dubai’s latest attractions.
Inside, a succession of galleries take you through the city’s history and discover Emirati heritage before you walk up to the Sky Deck, where there are spectacular vistas of both old and modern Dubai to be photographed on the observation platforms.
Afterwards check out Future Dubai exhibition, which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city would look like.
Address: Zabeel Park, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road
Official site: https://www.dubaiframe.ae/en
8. Take to the Water at Kite Beach & Umm Suqeim Beach
Thanks to its waves and prevailing wind, the northern area of Umm Suqeim Beach is Dubai’s finest place for kitesurfing.
The beach is home to a variety of water sports providers offering equipment hiring, as well as kitesurfing tuition, along with paddleboarding and kayak rental.
This lengthy stretch of yellow-sand beach spreads south down the coast (becoming Umm Suqeim Beach), with lots of room for sunbathers wishing to lap up a relaxing day of swimming and soaking up the sunshine on the sand and great amenities with food choices. There are nice views of the Burj Al Arab from the southern end of the beach.
While in the Jumeirah region, it’s definitely worth brushing off the sand for an hour to visit the Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef just a three-kilometer hop from the beach. Built in 1955, this was the vacation palace of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum.
The mansion, created out of gypsum and coral-block, has been renovated and keeps much of the original magnificent décor, giving you a greater sense of the rich lifestyle of Dubai’s rulers.
The Majlis Gardens contain a replica of an amazing Arab irrigation system, with numerous shade date palms.
Address: Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
9. Explore Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek splits the city into two cities, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south.
The stream has been a significant aspect in the city’s evolution, originally luring inhabitants here to fish and pearl dive.
Small communities sprung up near the stream as far back as 4,000 years ago, but the current era began in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe arrived in the region.
The creek is where you come to catch city vistas from the water, either by taking a journey on one of the numerous dhows that have been renovated as tourist cruise boats or by getting on an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry ports on the creek’s Bur Dubai and Deira banks.
On the Bur Dubai side of the canal, rubbing up against the Bastakia neighborhood, the waterfront has been regenerated as the Al Seef area, with a waterfront promenade backed by traditional coral-block and limestone structures, a floating market, and stores selling crafts. It’s a fantastic area for a stroll with amazing sea views.
Farther southeast along the creek, on the Deira side immediately north of Al-Maktoum Bridge, lies the Dhow Wharfage. It’s still used by tiny traders from throughout the Gulf who sail their dhows forward to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India, and down to Africa’s horn.
This little vestige of Dubai’s ancient commerce is a fascinating area to roam about and observe cargo being loaded and unloaded on and off the dhows.
At the southeastern end of Dubai Creek, right before the creek meets with Dubai Canal, is the recently created Dubai Creek Harbor with a waterfront marina walkway, which gives superb perspectives of the city skyline.
10. Skydive over Dubai
For the ultimate sightseeing adrenaline experience while you’re in the city, tandem-skydive over Dubai from Skydive Dubai’s Palm Drop Zone.
There are bird’s-eye views of the city’s skyscraper shoreline, Dubai Marina, and the manmade islands of Palm Jumeirah, all the way down the 3,900-meter-high fall.
The entire experience takes roughly 90 minutes and includes the aircraft; an instructor you’ll be tethered to during the skydive; and a skydiving camera operator, who’ll snap images during your dive.
If you like desert dune scenery, Skydive Dubai also conducts a distinct tandem-skydiving experience in the desert, around 35 kilometers west of the city.
Skydiving in Dubai is an activity you need to schedule as long in advance as possible owing to restricted numbers and the great popularity of the event.
Official site: https://www.skydivedubai.ae/en
11. Haggle in the Souks of Deira
Deira located on the northern side of Dubai Creek and the meandering lanes here show the melting pot of diverse nations that have come to call Dubai home.
On the coast, old dhows load and unload alongside contemporary banks, hotels, and office buildings providing a backdrop.
For visitors, Deira is mainly famed for its historic souks (markets), which bustle with people at all times of the day.
Deira Gold Souk is world-renowned as the largest gold market in the world.
The Deira Spice Souk sells every possible spice, with kiosks packed with bags of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac, and thyme, as well as the aromatic oud wood, rose water, and incense.
The fish market delivers a considerably less touristic experience.
While in the neighborhood, cultural enthusiasts shouldn’t miss two of Deira’s superbly preserved architectural beauties.
Heritage House was erected in 1890 as the residence of a wealthy Iranian trader and subsequently became the property of Sheik Ahmed bin Dalmouk (a prominent pearl dealer in Dubai) (a famous pearl merchant in Dubai). Today, it’s a terrific chance to visit the interior of a conventional family house.
The Al-Ahmadiya School, founded in 1912, is the oldest school in Dubai and is now a museum of public education.
12. Tour Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque is regarded by many to be the most beautiful of Dubai’s mosques.
An identical duplicate of Cairo’s Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture.
This stone edifice is designed in the medieval Fatimid fashion, with two minarets that highlight the minute intricacies in the construction. It is particularly lovely in the evening when lighted with floodlights.
The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (which also operates a program of tours, talks, Arabic courses, and cultural feasts) organizes guided tours of the mosque meant to try to create a better understanding of the Muslim faith.
Tours begin at 10am daily, except Fridays.
Address: Jumeirah Road
13. Plan Family Time in Dubai Parks and Resorts
At Dubai Parks and Resorts, your entertainment demands are all folded together into one area. The only challenge here is deciding what you want to accomplish.
This gigantic project comprises a bunch of world-class theme parks giving something for everyone, whatever your age.
Motiongate takes its theme from Hollywood productions, with rides based around movie blockbusters; Bollywood Parks brings the world of India’s famous movie industry alive on its rides; and Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark provide younger visitors with a fun-packed day out on its interactive rides, water slides, and wave pool.
The district’s linked Riverland Dubai eating hub means that there’s no need to leave when you’ve worn yourself with theme park pastimes, since there’s plenty of nighttime entertainment here as well.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali
Official site: www.dubaiparksandresorts.com
14. Take Afternoon Tea in the Burj al-Arab
The Burj Al-Arab is the world’s highest hotel, reaching 321 meters high on its own manmade island on the Dubai shoreline.
Designed to mimic a billowing dhow sail, the façade of the structure is lighted up by a coordinated, colorful lights show at night.
Decadent in every manner conceivable, the Burj Al-Arab is one of the most costly hotels in the world, with the most sumptuous rooms costing more than $15,000 for one night.
For those without infinite credit, the way to enjoy the over-the-top extravagance is to arrange afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar (a minimum purchase is necessary) on the 27th level.
Non-guests can also schedule supper at the underwater Al-Mahara Restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to watch aquatic life as you dine, or you can enjoy lunch at California-style fusion restaurant Scape.
Address: Jumeirah Road, Dubai
15. Fuel up on Thrills & Spills in IMG Worlds of Adventure
This theme park, in Global Village, offers immersive entertainment at its finest and features thrills and spills for both youngsters and big kids.
With one zone devoted solely to Marvel’s famed characters; another to dinosaur-themed attractions; and a zone where the Cartoon Network takes the wheel, with milder rides and activities for smaller children, there’s something here for every age.
Whether you want to assist the Avengers battle Ultron, frighten yourself silly in a haunted house, or follow Spider-Man as he swings across the city, this is utopia for families seeking for a fun-filled day out.
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai
Official site: www.imgworlds.com
16. Sneak in Some Shopping at Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is the city’s primary mall and one of the city’s greatest locations to visit for a day of shopping and indoor activities to keep the youngsters amused. It gives admission to the Burj Khalifa as well as the Dubai Aquarium.
There is also an ice-skating rink, gaming zone, and movie complex if you’re seeking for more entertainment alternatives.
The shopping and eating is unlimited, and there are virtually always special events such as live music and fashion displays within the mall. The most notable of them are the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July and August.
Location: Doha Road, close off Sheikh Zayed Road
Official site: http://www.thedubaimall.com/
17. Splash & Swim at Aquaventure Waterpark
This water park, headquartered at Atlantis, The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah — Dubai’s iconic man-made island complex — is a perfect spot to cool off after a few days of frenetic shopping and touring.
The waterslide activity here is terrific and world-class, including the Aquaconda, the world’s largest water slide; a nine-story-tall slide, suitably titled the Leap of Faith; and water coaster rides.
There’s also underwater excursions utilizing Sea TREK helmets; a separate water play area for smaller children with slides; and for when all your energy has been spent up, a 700-meter stretch of white-sand beach.
Address: Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Official site: www.atlantisthepalm.com
18. La Mer Beach
Backed by a fringe of palm trees, the length of La Mer Beach in Jumeirah is an easygoing setting for a full day of sun and water.
Water sports operators here offer Jet Ski trips, boating, fly-boarding, and kayaking for beachgoers who itch to get off the sand, but for those who simply want to sloth out between swimming, there’s plenty of sun lounger rental and a wide variety of cafés and restaurants just a hop from the sand for snacking and full meals.
La Mer is a protected harbor with peaceful water, so it’s a safe choice for both families and less-confident swimmers. Like all of Dubai’s principal beaches, it is frequently guarded by lifeguards during the day.
If the sea and sand aren’t enough, near the beach’s northeast tip, you’ll discover Laguna Waterpark, with several waterslides, a lazy river, and a surf pool.
Address: Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah
19. Experience Global Village’s Culture & Entertainment
From October through April, this amusement park delivers family-friendly entertainment based on taking tourists on a voyage around the world.
Global Village’s 26 nation pavilions, spanning from Iraq to Japan and Russia to South Korea, each give a distinct experience of that country’s culture, entertainment, and legacy. It’s a unique choice in the city for nighttime entertainment for families with tiny ones in tow.
As well as the pavilions, there are abundant food and retail opportunities on-site. Younger members of the family will appreciate the fun-fair-style Carnaval with dozens of rides, such as bumper cars, carousels, Swiss swings, and a large wheel, along with speedier rides and a roller coaster.
Address: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, Dubai
Official site: https://www.globalvillage.ae/en
20. Cruise around Madinat Jumeirah on an Abra
The development complex of Madinat Jumeirah is a dining and shopping center with a handful of five-star hotels, all built along the palm-tree-fringed banks of an artificial canal network.
All of Madinat Jumeirah has been designed to replicate traditional Gulf architecture, with wind towers and mashrabiya ornamentation.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah here provides casual shopping, with a vast selection of traditional craftwork and souvenirs from the Gulf and across the wider Middle East, but the primary reason to visit here is to step on an abra (small wooden ferry) and sail along the canal.
Abras leave daily from Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s promenade and loop around the lagoon, affording lots of picture opportunities of the beautiful gardens and traditional buildings of Madinat Jumeirah, with the majestic swooping sail of the Burj Al Arab in the background.
Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Dubai
21. Discover UAE History at Dubai Museum
Dubai’s outstanding museum is situated in the Al-Fahidi Fort, erected in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort’s walls are fashioned out of traditional coral-blocks and held together with lime. The top level is supported by wooden poles, and the ceiling is fashioned from palm fronds, clay, and plaster.
In its history, the fort has functioned as a house for the royal family, a center of administration, garrison, and jail. Restored in 1971 (and again considerably in 1995), it is currently the city’s principal museum.
The entryway contains an interesting exhibition of ancient maps of the Emirates and Dubai, depicting the tremendous development that hit the region after the oil boom.
The courtyard is home to many traditional boats and a palm-leaf house with an Emirati wind-tower.
The right-hand hall shows armament, and the left-hand hall showcases Emirati musical instruments.
Below the ground level are exhibition rooms with exhibits and dioramas representing various elements of traditional Emirati life (including pearl fishing and Bedouin desert life), as well as items from the 3,000- to 4,000-year-old burials at Al Qusais archaeological site.
Address: Al-Fahidi Street, Al-Fahidi
22. View Traditional Architecture at Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the Ruler of Dubai from 1921 until 1958 and grandfather of the present ruler. His original mansion has been rebuilt and refurbished as a museum that is a great example of Arabian architecture.
The original home was erected in 1896 by Sheikh Saeed’s father, so he could monitor marine traffic from the balconies.
It was demolished, but the current home was constructed adjacent to the original site, maintaining faithful to the original concept by integrating carved teak doors, wooden lattice screens across the windows, and gypsum ventilation screens with floral and geometric motifs.
Thirty rooms are erected around a central courtyard with wind-tower elements on top.
Inside are the displays of the Dubai Museum of Historical Images and Documents with many magnificent antique photographs of Dubai from the era between 1948 and 1953.
The maritime portion of the museum exhibits photographs of fishing, pearling, and boat construction. Throughout the structure there are many letters, maps, coins, and stamps on exhibit documenting the evolution of the Emirate.
Nearby lies the Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, restored with exhibits of traditional furnishings.
Address: Al Khaleej Road, Bur Dubai
23. Wander around Colorful Dubai Miracle Garden
This is the zaniest garden ever. Not satisfied with developing the world’s largest skyscrapers and malls, Dubai has developed the world’s largest flower garden, spanning 2,000 square meters and home to a whopping 100 million blooms.
Everything that can be covered with flowers has been, from twee English-style homes to windmills and vehicles. There’s even a floral replica of the Burj Khalifa.
Stroll the pathways and admire the riot of color and the quirky floral arrangements.
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd, Al Barsha
Official site: www.dubaimiraclegarden.com
24. Stroll Sheikh Zayed Road
Sheikh Zayed Road is the primary artery going through Dubai’s contemporary downtown commercial zone.
This spacious, eight-lane motorway is surrounded with towering glass, chrome, and steel high-rises over its entire length. It’s one of the greatest on-the-ground viewing locations for Dubai’s iconic skyscraper panoramas.
Main attractions are along, or just off, the strip between the roundabout and the first intersection, and most of Dubai’s prominent malls are located along the road’s path.
The Dubai World Trade Tower includes an observation deck on its top level, which provides tourists panoramic views (a cheaper choice than the Burj Khalifa), and the Gold and Diamond Park (Sheikh Zayed Road) is a one-stop shop for jewelry aficionados, with 118 producers and 30 merchants all under one roof.
25. Explore Local Culture at the Heritage and Diving Village
Dubai’s architectural, cultural, and marine legacy is represented at the Heritage and Diving Village, including exhibitions connected to pearl diving and dhow building – two of old Dubai’s ancient economic pillars.
There are also recreations of traditional Bedouin and coastal village life, including Persian houses, a traditional coffeehouse, and a tiny souk where potters and weavers perform their arts at the booths.
Local music and dance are performed from October to April, and tourists may seek guidance from practitioners of traditional medicine.
Location: Shindagha, Bur Dubai
26. Spot Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
You don’t have to walk too far away from the towers to take in a more natural sight.
The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary contains the mangrove forests and wetlands of Dubai creek.
An major stop-off on the migratory paths, it’s a popular area to observe flamingos in winter when enormous flocks of these gorgeous pink birds wade through the lagoons, backdropped by soaring high-rises.
Various hides in ideal positions have been built up inside the park to provide bird-watchers fantastic views of the birds.
Address: Ras Al Khor Street, Dubai
Official site: http://wildlife-ae.herokuapp.com
27. Ponder Ancient Trade Routes in the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum
This museum explores the United Arab Emirates’ historic role as a trading center between Asia, Africa, and Europe long before oil became this region’s most prominent industry.
Located inside the old residence of Sheikh Hashr bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who was a member of Dubai’s ruling family, the exhibits trace this coastal area’s history as part of the global trade routes, with displays of artifacts and manuscripts.
Also on-site is the Rare Books and Manuscripts Museum and the small Armory Museum.
Address: Al Khaleej Road, Dubai
Official site www.themuseum.ae
28. Enjoy World-Class Theater at Dubai Opera
For nocturnal entertainment, look no further. Opened in mid-2016, Dubai’s classy new opera building is the centerpiece of the waterfront Opera District in downtown Dubai and is a major cultural hub and main entertainment venue.
The Dubai Opera hosts a year-round program of famous musical theater productions, concerts by world-class musicians, opera, ballet, and classical music, as well as smaller productions, comedy nights, and concerts.
The 2,000-seat theater building itself is an astonishing piece of architectural mastery and one of Dubai’s new landmarks, with its highly-contemporary glass and steel walls jutting out over the waterfront, built to resemble the curves of a traditional dhow.
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road
Official site: www.dubaiopera.com
29. Browse Cutting-Edge Art in Alserkal Avenue
Part of the old Al Quoz industrial district, Al Serkal Avenue has been regenerated to become Dubai’s main arts hub and is home to some of the city’s most important contemporary art galleries.
Established gallery names such as the Green Art Gallery, The Third Line and the Ayyam Gallery have established their home here, while a plethora of smaller gallery start-ups have also moved in.
The district’s concept of rotating collections focuses both on the work of prominent artists, as well as spotlighting fresh Middle Eastern talent.
This growing sector is also the place to come for fashion and accessory businesses by local designers, pop-up eateries, and café life, and it exhibits the lively and young bustle of a city, which is normally more renowned for its corporate face.
Address: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial district
30. Savor a Nature Break at Dubai Butterfly Garden
Escape the city’s towers for a day here. For a piece of nature, this large butterfly garden, with over 15,000 butterflies flying under the domed confines, can’t be topped.
It’s a terrific chance for kids to enjoy close-up views of butterflies as they regularly settle on visitors’ shoulders and hands.
There’s a museum here, too, with plenty of information about butterfly types, their habitats, and life cycle.
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd, Al Barsha
As well as Dubai’s oversupply of theme parks, a stay in the city may encompass lots more active things to do.
There are several desert trips which venture out beyond the towers if you want the kids to taste more natural sights. Many of the trips incorporate sandboarding or camel riding.
To stay to the coast, the beaches and resorts offer kayak hiring, as well as a bundle of other water activities to have the youngsters working off some energy in the sea.
And for those who appreciate the total weirdness of having some snow-fun among the heat, the indoor ski run at Mall of the Emirates can’t be beaten.
Where to Stay in Dubai for Sightseeing
For convenient access to Dubai’s biggest tourist attractions, the ideal area to stay is Downtown Dubai.
Prime attractions nearby include the renowned Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure; Dubai Mall; and the Dubai Fountain. You’ll also find plenty of stores, restaurants, and art galleries in this busy neighborhood.
If you’re wanting some sun, beach, and water, Jumeira and Dubai Marina sit just 15 minutes by vehicle from Burj Khalifa and are also popular locations for travelers.
Below are some highly rated hotels in handy and central places for seeing the city:
Luxury Hotels:
The Palace Downtown Dubai is a five-star resort situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, mixing classic Arabic design characteristics with contemporary conveniences, all overlooking Burj Khalifa Lake. There’s a pool, spa, and restaurants on-site.
Armani Hotel offers rooms decked out in elegant grandeur. It’s located in the Burj Khalifa, providing a stay in the top location in Downtown Dubai, with a pool and spa on-site.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is Dubai’s most famous resort, built on its own constructed island, with magnificent interiors, world-class restaurants, and suite-style suites that overlook the seas of the Gulf.
Mid-Range Hotels:
Ramada Downtown Dubai is at a top-notch position in Downtown Dubai, adjoining the Dubai Opera. There’s superb in-house facilities, including a pool, restaurants, and gym, and the big, modern rooms all come with balconies.
Manzil Downtown is a sophisticated, contemporary boutique hotel alternative with a spacious outdoor pool area and white-on-white rooms that blend current Arabesque design characteristics into its interiors. It’s in a handy, central position in Downtown Dubai.
Sofitel Dubai on Jumeirah Beach sits on Dubai’s The Walk promenade, in Jumeirah therefore it’s a favorite choice for visitors who prefer a waterfront setting. There’s a spacious pool area, private beach and plenty of resort services. It’s about a 12-minute drive to the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai from here.
Budget Hotels:
XVA Art Hotel offers contemporary boutique-hotel style within a traditional Dubai building, right in the heart of the historic Al Fahidi (Old Dubai) district.
Ibis Al Rigga is a great budget choice thanks to its central Deira position, close to Dubai Creek and the city’s major historic tourist attractions, as well as its well-equipped, small rooms and in-house facilities, including two restaurants and a gym.
Ibis Mall of the Emirates, next door to the namesake mall with Ski Dubai, is a popular option with both business and leisure travelers thanks to its modern, good-value rooms and solid facilities, including two on-site restaurants.
Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Dubai
See the Sights: Dubai City Half Day Private Sightseeing Tour is one of the most convenient ways to see the city’s sights. This guided tour takes you to the main attractions, including Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Museum, Deira Gold Souq, and more.
Soar over the City: Helicopter Flight over Dubai offers incredible views across the city and desert surroundings on a 15-minute or 25-minute helicopter ride. There is no better way to see the famous Palm Jumeirah or the manmade archipelago created in the shape of a world map, known as The World, than from the air.
Top 30 Tourist Attractions and Activities in Dubai
