What to see in Dubai: 19 best attractions and things to do

Tradition and innovation intertwine in modern, opulent Dubai. Not only the skyline of the world's tallest skyscrapers, but also exaggerated luxury, typical markets, impressive shopping malls, long golden beaches and desert: with all these features, Dubai presents itself as an urban oasis that reveals its uniqueness and man's desire to exceed his limits. No wonder, in fact, that one can also find ski slopes and breathtaking water parks.

Ready to be amazed? Let's discover together what to see in Dubai, what are the best attractions and things to do to experience this amazing destination at its best!

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1 - Burj Khalifa

At 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Thanks to one of the fastest panoramic lifts in the world, you can go up to the 148th floor to enjoy a breathtaking view.
The lift moves at a speed of 35km/h and during the ascent offers special light effects that give the impression of a real space flight.

The main points of interest are located on floors 124 and 125. For example, you will find Colette Miller's famous Angel Wings, the colourful wings perfect for taking a super Instagrammable selfie! Here you will also find the glass platform that simulates the floor breaking, an activity recommended only for those who are not easily impressed!

But not only viewing platforms inside the Burj Khalifa there are plenty of activities to do! In fact, the building is divided into 163 floors and 2 underground floors, covering an area of 344,000 square metres. It also houses the world's highest restaurant and the world's highest disco! And perhaps not everyone knows that there is also an Italian signature inside: the first, and very luxurious, Armani Hotel is located here!

Buy your ticket in advance: it is the most visited attraction and you risk losing hours in the queue. I strongly advise you to buy your ticket online in advance.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard 1, Downtown Dubai. Burj Khalifa Station, Metro Red Line, 15 minutes by taxi from Dubai Mosque (8 km) - Get directions

• Hours: daily 8am-11.30pm

• Ticket cost: full price from 145.00 AED (€32.50), concessions from 114.00 AED (€25.60)

2 - Dubai Mall

This is the new shopping mecca, the largest mall in the world in terms of the number of shops inside it: in fact, it houses more than 1,200 shops, from the most characteristic ones to those known all over the world thanks to franchising, up to the big luxury brands.

But that's not all: the Dubai Mall is alsohome to attractions you wouldn't expect in a shopping centre! From the ice skating rink to the large aquarium and underwater zoo, which features a huge indoor waterfall. In addition, the Dubai Mall park is home to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

Ice skate at theDubai Ice Rink: don't miss the chance to ice skate even in warm and sunny weather! Events and shows are also organised here! Info on the official website

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: Burj Khalifa metro station and then a shuttle bus. A 260-metre walk from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains, and a 15-minute taxi ride from Jumeirah Beach (9km) - Get directions

• Hours: Sun-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu-Sat 10am-00pm

• Ticket price: free

3 - Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Located inside the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest in the world, with its 10 million litres of water and some 30,000 specimens housed, including the largest school of sand tiger sharks.

The route begins with a 50-metre-long tunnel that is crossed on foot and serves to reach the immense 11-metre-high tank. From here, one enjoys a privileged position to admire the different species present, but among the various possible options for visiting the aquarium, there is also access to a protected cage that allows one to snorkel, or sailing in a glass-bottomed boat. For the more adventurous, there is the opportunity to swim with sharks!

Buy your dayticket: we recommend that you buy your day ticket online in advance, so that you secure your entry and don't lose valuable time in line.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: Burj Khalifa metro station and then a shuttle bus. A 260-metre walk from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains, and a 15-minute taxi ride from Jumeirah Beach (9km) - Get directions

• Hours: daily 10am-10pm, weekends until 00am

• Ticket cost: depending on experience, from AED 169.00 (€37.90)

4 - Dubai Fountain

Also within the vast area of the Dubai Mall and located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountains are the largest dancing fountains in the world, with jets reaching up to 150 metres in height.

Every day, at regular half-hourly intervals, especially in the evening, the show begins. It lasts only a few minutes but keeps all visitors glued in: the fountains swing in time to music and are tinged with sparkling colourful effects.

Their favourite song? Thriller, by Michael Jackson! And for those who want to get even closer to the fountains, all they have to do is walk along the Boardwalk, a floating platform more than 200 metres long.

Watch out for the crowds: the amount of people crowding the boardwalk to see the show is impressive. If you are not 2 metres tall, you'd better wait for the show to start at the end of the previous one, otherwise you won't be able to see anything! Alternatively, we recommend you enjoy a wonderful boat ride on the lake during the show to admire them up close!

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: Burj Khalifa Lake, Lower Ground Waterfront Promenade, Downtown Dubai; Burj Khalifa Station, Metro Red Line, a 15-minute taxi ride from Dubai Mosque (8 km) - Get directions

• Hours: 1pm and 1:30pm, Fri 1:30pm and 2pm. Evenings 18:00-23:00, every 30 min

• Ticket price: free

5 - Legoland Dubai

Photo by Jeremy Thompson. While not large in size, Dubai's Legoland is one of the city's amusement parks that attracts both young and old. It isthe first park of its kind in the Middle East and is one of seven around the world.

Naturally, it is dedicated to all lovers of colourful bricks, who will be able to find numerous constructions inside, including replicas of the city. Those, on the other hand, who are not very fond of them or who do not know them at all, can have fun in the Waterpark area, with its slides, pools and water attractions, as well as the adrenaline-fuelled roller coaster travelling at 60 kilometres per hour, touching a height of 6 metres.
SEE ALSO: Visit Legoland Dubai: info, prices and useful tips

Buy theday pass: To avoid wasting precious time in the ticket office queue, buy the day pass online.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: on the Sheikh Zayed Road, less than half an hour by taxi from the Burj Al Arab (38 km) and only 16 km from the Jebel Ali Palm - Get directions

• Hours: summer season Sat-Wed 10am-8pm, Thu-Fri 12pm-9pm, winter season Sat-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri 10am-8pm

• Ticket price: from AED 275.00 (€61.70)

6 - Dubai Miracle Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden is a natural oasis in the desert area of Dubai and the whole of the Arab Emirates. In fact, it is the largest natural garden in the world, with over 150 million flowers, arranged to create majestic sculptures.

Inside, one can admire a life-size Emirates Airbus, an 18-metre high statue of Mickey Mouse and a floral castle, with a huge dining room inside! These are just some of the exhibits in this garden, which is actually a real amusement park, suitable for both adults and children.

Takea photo under the tunnel at the Dubai Butterfly Garden: don't miss this wonderful tunnel made in the shape of a butterfly, one of the most beautiful and Instagrammable spots in the whole garden!

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: served by bus line 105, with a dedicated stop; you can catch it from the Mall of Emirates, from which it is about 10 km (16 minutes by taxi) - Get directions

• Hours: November to May 9am to 9pm, weekends until 11pm

• Ticket price: AED 55.00 (€12.35)

7 - Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is one of the latest districts in Dubai in terms of construction and is also one of the most elegant. Certainly, it is the most suitable for social evenings and night life. Its characteristic feature, in fact, is The Walk, a promenade of about 1.6 km rich in lively clubs and fine restaurants.

In addition, it is also possible to stop for the usual shopping stop, visiting the Dubai Marina Mall, the district's shopping centre. Other landmarks include the Cayan Tower, the tallest 90°-twist tower in the world, at 306 metres high, with as many as 73 storeys for residential use.

The neighbourhood is served by two red metro line stations (which are about 1.5 km from the waterfront) and the Dubai Tram, which also provides access to the monorail to Palm Jumeirah - Get directions

Enjoy a speedboat ride: many boats depart from Dubai Marina to tour the bay and admire the city skyline. Enjoy a wonderful speedboat ride!

8 - Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island whose shape resembles that of a palm tree when viewed from above.

This district is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Dubai, such as theAtlantis The Palm or theOne &Only The Palm. Staying here is one of the most incredible experiences to have. The rooms are ultra-modern and equipped with every comfort, but above all with a beautiful view of either the sea or the city, depending on the location. Of course, the prices are also stellar, with rooms starting at €100.00 and going up to €400.00 per night.

But not only hotels: Palm Jumeirah is also synonymous with entertainment! For instance, here you can find the large Aquaventure Dubai water park or The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a huge Atlantis-themed aquarium! Alternatively, you can relax on the sand of Palm West Beach!

Already the means of transport to get there, the scenic monorail, is an attraction of the island showing the many fine streets that make it up. The cost of the ticket is AED 50.00 (€11.00) and the departure stop is about 2 km from Dubai Marina and 5 km from the Burj Al Arab - Get directions

See the island from above or from the sea: this man-made islet is an archipelago within an archipelago! The other two islands that make up Palm Island are Deira Island and Palm Jebel Ali.

9 - Aquaventure Dubai

Dubai's Aquaventure is the city's first amusement park and features 30 water slides and numerous water attractions. It is located inside the luxurious Atlantis The Palm Hotel and can also boast a 500-metre private beach where you can relax when you don't want to experience the thrill of its record-breaking slides.

Among the special features of this park is undoubtedly the pool populated by sharks, which can be accessed through guided tours, and a slide ending with a transparent tube that allows you to admire, at full speed, the sharks themselves!
You can also meet dolphins at Dolphin Bay, where you will be assigned a time to meet dolphins together with a marine mammal specialist! It is a place suitable for young people and families alike, as the entertainment options are varied and numerous.

Buythe combined ticket to save money: we recommend that you buy admission to the Aquatic Park and The Lost Chambers, a wonderful Atlantis-themed aquarium!

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: at the Atlantis The Palm hotel, Crescent Road, The Palm. 17 minutes by taxi from Dubai Marina or by Palm Jumeirah monorail; 18 minutes by taxi from Burj Al Arab (approx. 13 km) - Get directions

• Hours: daily from 10am until sunset

• Ticket price: from 320.00 ED (€71.80)

10 - Burj Al Arab

One of the most visited attractions in Dubai and among the symbols of the city, with its unmistakable sail shape, the Burj Al Arab is the tallest hotel in the world.

Among its records is that of being considered perhaps the only 7-star hotel (although this classification does not actually exist) due to the vastness of its elegant suites, refined lounge bars and restaurants flanked by enormous aquariums and comfortable spas. The hotel also has its own heliport, a service that has pleased the likes of Tiger Woods and Roger Federer, who have landed directly on its rooftop!

Admire it from the beach or by speedboat: tea for two inside can cost up to €140.00. If you want to take a nice picture with the famous Vela behind you, but also cheaply, we recommend you go to the public beach right at the foot of the building or take a motorboat tour passing right under the hotel.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: by taxi or metro (Mall of the Emirates station) and walk across the bridge; 7 minutes' walk from Wild Wadi Waterpark (550 metres) - Get directions

• Hours: only accessible if guests or with a reservation at the bar

• Ticket cost: accessible only if guests or with a reservation at the bar

11 - Mall of Emirates and Ski Dubai

Photo by John Karwoski. The Mall of Emirates is not only a shopping mall with four floors and 235,000 square metres of floor space, it is also and above all the place where, in defiance of all climatic conventions, you can ski in the desert. Yes, because inside the Mall, the largest indoor ski slope, SKI Dubai, has been built, which of course has broken all other records.

Here, you can not only ski, but also have fun at the Snow Park (with tubes and giant ball trails) or meet the penguins. The most frequently purchased pass is the Snow Classic Ski Dubai, which allows unlimited access to all activities at SKI Dubai.

It is also possible to meet the penguins here: if you have always wanted to meet these adorable little animals, then your dreams can come true here! The activity must be booked in advance!

A tip for souvenirs: the supermarket in the Mall of the Emirates has very low prices compared to the souvenir shops... of course it doesn't have that many things, but if you need to buy the classic Burj Khalifa or sand bottles, you can find them here and they cost a lot less!

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: Al Barsha area. By car, taxi, metro ( Mall of Emirates station on 1st floor) and by bus(Big Bus Company); 8 minutes by taxi from Burj Al Arab (4 km) - Get directions

• Hours: Sun-Wed 10am to 00am, Thu-Sat 10am to 1am

• Ticket price: Free

12 - Dubai Mosque

Not only super modern and futuristic attractions, Dubai also has vestiges of its past and culture. A clear symbol is the Jumeirah Mosque, the only mosque that can be visited by non-Muslims and women and whose silhouette stands out against the city skyline, making it stand out even from afar.

The characteristic feature of this mosque, moreover, is the white stone it is made of, which paints the building many shades of pink at sunset. Inside, on the other hand, blue and green prevail, in a setting that can accommodate up to 1,200 people.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: by bus F11, 9 or 32C. Bus 8, 88, X28 connect Jumeirah Beach in less than 30 minutes and the Burj Al Arab in 43 minutes - get directions

• Hours: guided tours daily at 10am and 2pm

• Ticket price: AED 20.00 (€4.60)

13 - Al Fahidi Quarter / Al Bastakia

The Al Fahidi district is one of the oldest parts of the city and a very important cultural site for understanding Dubai's history and traditions. It lies close to the Dubai Creek and, within it, one can retrace the salient stages of the city's birth and growth: first of all, one can admire the Al Fahidi Fort, built in the late 19th century to protect the city and of which an ancient tower still stands today.

Inside the Fort is housed the Museum, a must-see place for those who want to learn more about the city's traditions and the customs of the entire Emirate. Finally, all around, it is possible to stop at some typical restaurants, to taste the flavours that have always characterised Dubai.

Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: green metro, Al Ghubaiba stop; 900 metres from the Heritage Village (11 minutes on foot) - Get directions

• Hours: daily 8:30am-8:30pm, Fri from 4:30am

• Ticket price: AED 3.00 (€0.70)

14 - Heritage Village

The Heritage Village is an open-air museum in Dubai that aims to make visitors relive the life that took place in the city before its explosion in luxury and modernity.

It was built in 1997, in the Al Shindagha district, and since then it has been possible to take a closer look at old houses, handicrafts or old fishing boats. Those who wish can also ride a camel or watch the reproduction of ancient traditions, such as weaving, folk cooking or the pearl trade.

Practical information: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: along the banks of the Creek in Old Dubai, served by the green metro line, Al Ghubaiba stop (1 km walk); 20-minute walk to the Gold Market - Get directions

• Hours: Wed-Thu 8am-10pm, Fri 3pm-10pm

• Ticket price: free

15 - Gold Souk - Gold Market

Photo by Stefano Brivio. Also in the heart of Old Dubai is one of the city's most characteristic attractions, the Gold Market, which welcomes visitors with a nice explanatory sign.

Almost impossible to find elsewhere, this long, busy street features a long avenue lined with goldsmiths and jewellers' shops left and right. Only rarely is it possible to spot even a small kebab vendor or other small shops. Glittering, on the other hand, are the rich shop windows displaying precious yellow gold jewellery that contribute to making Dubai known all over the world as the city of gold. By the way, the price of gold here is about 20-30% lower, but it also depends on your haggling skills.

To get there, take the green metro at Creek Metro Station, then walk to the Deira district. The Dubai Creek Towers are 2 km away (also on the green line) - get directions.

Discover theancient tradition of the Suqs with a guide: discover Dubai's earliest history, from the coffee museum to the gold and spice souks, to an Abra ride in Khor Dubai.

16 - Spice Market

Right next to the gold souk is another wonderful market, the Spice Souk, also called the Traditional Spice Market. Get ready, because here you can take a real journey into the aromas and flavours of Dubai! Truly an incredible experience!

The market consists of numerous stalls, on which countless baskets full of colourful spices are arranged, and the merchants will be able to advise you on which ones to use in certain recipes! Spices can be bought either by weight or in small bags, but here too the rule is one: haggle! But here you can also find unique products: first of all, the famous saffron, sold directly in stigmas, very valuable and also quite expensive! But just dip a couple of stigmas in boiling water to get the aroma.

The spice souk is located next to the gold souk, to get there you have to take the green metro at Creek Metro Station, then walk to the Deira district - Get directions

Buy the best saffron: the trick to recognising the best saffron is to examine the length of the stigmas and their colour, in fact the redder the better, and there should be absolutely no colour variation. Beware of costs and don't get cheated, haggle over the price and be prepared!

17 - Dubai Creek

The Dubai Creek is a canal that ideally divides the city into 2 parts, Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south, between typical neighbourhoods, mosques and ultra-modern buildings.

This canal is a natural inlet of salt water coming directly from the Persian Gulf and, in its vicinity, numerous activities are possible: first of all, the various typical markets, including the spice and fish market, where one can stroll and shop like a real local. Moreover, right along the river one can admire two other representative, though lesser-known, buildings of the city, the Deira Twin Towers and the Dubai Creek Tower.

It can be reached by taking the Green Line of the metro to the Creek stop; the Gold Market is located along its banks - Get directions

Be prepared to haggle in the souks: when you want to buy something among Dubai's souks, remember that haggling over price is part of the culture of the Arabs!

18 - Al Mazmar Beach Park

Al Mazmar Beach Park is a large beach away from the centre of Dubai, 10 km north of Deira and close to the Emirate of Sharjah. Because of this remote location, it is probably most popular with families.

In addition to hundreds of metres of beach, there are also three swimming pools, a playground, an amphitheatre where entertainment shows are regularly held, a barbecue area and a picnic area, which make for a carefree day out, thanks also to the shelter offered by the more than 1,500 palm trees. There is also a cycle track, for those who can't do without their two wheels!

Enjoy VIPrelaxation: not only for families, but also for those who want to treat themselves to VIP treatment, with the rental of a private, air-conditioned chalet.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: about 15 minutes from the Deira district and its Corniche, it is advisable to reach the beach by taxi as it is far from the centre - Get directions

• Hours: daily 8am-10pm

• Ticket price: AED 5.00 (€1.10) / Pools AED 10.00 (€2.20)

19 - La Mer Beach

A beautiful beach in a scenic setting as it stands between Pearl Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bay, with views of the skyline on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other.
The area is also packed with restaurants, fast food outlets, the beach is very wide and well-equipped! There are toilets everywhere, showers, dressing rooms, even a water park and children's play areas! The most popular play area is Hawa Hawa, with inflatables and a Japanese style. The water park is called Laguna Waterpark, and there is even a surfing gym in addition to the inevitable slides.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: bus 81 from Mall of the Emirate - Get directions

• Hours: daily

• Ticket price: free

Other attractions to visit

As we have repeatedly said, Dubai is the city par excellence of large buildings and shopping malls: in addition to those mentioned, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, just a few steps away from the Burj Al Arab, which resembles a typical Arabian souk, is not to be missed. Among the neighbourhoods not to be missed, visit Bur Dubai, where you will find the Dubai Frame, the new rectangular building that promises to become one of the symbols of the city, since it offers an innovative view of the skyline (from AED 50.00/€11.20).

The Global Village also opens every year, usually from October-November to March-April. It is a kind of giant fair involving tourism, shopping, gastronomy, culture. It is a series of pavilions from all nations covering an area of more than one million square metres, with street food shows, events, and a giant amusement park. It opens at 4pm (as it is open-air), tickets cost AED 20 (€5.00) and Monday is family day.

If you love amusement parks, the ones we have told you about are not enough and you can add the Wild Wadi Water Park, with rides and water slides (from AED 199.00/€45.00).

Furthermore, among the other activities to do in Dubai, there is no doubt that of relaxing on one of the long golden beaches, such as the one at Jumeirah, or the public beaches, which offer the possibility of renting sun beds and umbrellas. Finally, to take a break from the hectic atmosphere that characterises Dubai, you can visit Creek Park, the public park located by the banks of the river, full of natural wonders and various attractions.

10 things to do in Dubai

View from a helicopter flight

Taste Camel Milk Chocolate

Lunch at the Arabian Tea House

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1. Desert Safari with Bedouin Dinner: No visit to Dubai would be complete without a desert excursion, including sandboarding, camel ride, 4x4 over the dunes and dinner under the stars! Info and costs here

2. Scenic helicopter flight: admire the beauty of Dubai and its man-made islands from the other side, thanks to a wonderful helicopter flight! Info and costs here

3. Sunset cruise: enjoy a romantic sunset cruise, including dinner, to admire Dubai from a different perspective! Info and costs here

4. Admiring the city at night: get on the bus and enjoy all the lights of the city at night, a unique and wonderful spectacle. Info and costs here

5. Diving at Jumeirah: if you love the ocean you definitely can't miss a few hours of diving, admiring the marine life. Info and costs here

6. Buying multicoloured camel milk chocolates: you can find this special low-fat chocolate in the souks. It is sold in small, colourful pieces and, as well as beautiful to the eye, they are also delicious to the taste

7. Lunchat the Arabian Tea House: enjoy a traditional lunch in a truly unique location! This is one of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai as well as one of the best known

8. River tour by abra: This is Dubai's typical boat, which travels on the Creek for just one dirham. It will allow you to see Dubai from a different perspective

9. Excursion toAbu Dhabi: an excursion not to be missed, to discover one of the largest mosques in the world and the marvellous city of Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE. Info and excursion costs here

10. Snorkelling in Fujairah: this is a location on the opposite coast, overlooking the Gulf of Oman, an ideal place to snorkel and discover the marine life that populates it! Info and excursion costs here

Plan your stay in Dubai: tips, flights and hotels

Dubai is served by direct flights from Rome, Milan, Venice and Bologna. On average, the flight takes 6 hours and the cost rarely falls below €300.00(compare flights). The best time to visit is between October and April, especially the Christmas and New Year periods.
Beware of going in summer, the heat is unbearable...

Accommodation is available for all budgets. Yes, you can even find exceptional 4-star hotels for €50 per night, especially in the Al Barsha and Jumeirah Beach area(compare accommodation on booking).
The city is huge, getting around on foot is unthinkable. The best way is undoubtedly by taxi, but remember to haggle. For a first approach we recommend a guided taxi tour, which will take you around the main sights to identify landmarks and get to know the city better. Alternatively, there's the evergreen tourist bus.
Dubai also offers an excellent nightlife, but especially inside the hotels, where bars can more easily serve alcohol, albeit exclusively to foreign tourists. In order to enter such establishments, one must be at least 21 years of age, which can be proved with proof of identity.