10 Places to Visit in Dubai – Everything You Can’t Afford to Miss

Look at the world’s tallest building, ski on a snow-capped mountain in the middle of the desert, skip over an artificial island, swim with sharks in the world’s largest mall, amazed by the magnificent jewels in souks of another time and take the air aboard a dhow on a cruise of the most traditional – all in one trip. Discover the city where everything is possible and the most beautiful places to visit in Dubai during your stay.

From skyscrapers to seven-star hotels, and from souk to skiing: discover Dubai is wholly grandeur and amazing.

Best Places to Visit in Dubai

Here we have organized a rundown of the 10 unavoidable places that you cannot afford to miss every time you make a visit to Dubai. Between modernity and tradition, it has been selected for all tastes ranging from souks, malls, skyscrapers, markets, mosques etc. A selection to go to the basics and do not miss anything in a minimum of time.

1. Burj Khalifa

Dubai is the most sparkling and one of the largest city, also known as the city of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. From its 828 meters, the other towers seems to be ridiculously small. It’s really impressive when you’re in front but it’s even better to climb to the top. Go to the Building History Exhibition sections and then take the fastest elevator in the world. Hang on, because it only takes a few seconds. If this is to be avoided for those with a fragile heart, this is a great thing to do and the view will blow you away.

If you are a photography enthusiast, you can always take your camera along with a tripod to capture some of the best views of the shoreline and city panorama. Book internet tickets in advance and go for it at sunset, when you can enjoy both the breathtaking views of day and night. The view is magnificent and it seems that in clear weather one can even see the earth curved. You can always make advance reservation through their website.

2. Dubai Creek

After the tallest building in the world, opt for the contrast of a simple tower in Abra on Dubai Creek. The creek is one of the oldest and most beautiful areas of Dubai. Nothing can equal the pleasure of sailing at sunset on an Abra across the creek only for a dirham, while the call to prayer resonates between the minarets of the mosques. Close your eyes and imagine you are in the 60s, when the city was born. You can even book a private Abra for 12 dirhams per hour.

On the other side of the creek, you will be greeted by the aromas of the spices of the souk. It is a great place to buy a small burner and some incense sticks, then you can walk through the beautiful old quarter of Deira, with its peculiar alleys and street cats lean. So, do visit Dubai Creek as it is one of the recommended places to visit in Dubai.

3. The Palms

The Palms were one of the first large-scale projects that Dubai set up. In Dubai, there are three completely artificial island, including Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island and Palm Jebel Ali that lie side by side on the coast in the south of the city Dubai. Of these three palms, only Palm Jumeirah has been completed as of November 2014 and it houses dwellings, hotels and a theme park, whereas Jebel Ali is still under construction, which is being slowed down by the crisis.

To enjoy it, you can either go to the Aquaventure theme park located at the end of the palm, or take the height when flying over Dubai by seaplane or you can even observe it from the Burj Khalifa but only in clear weather.

4. Dubai Parks

Parks may not be the first thing you associate with Dubai. But remember that in Dubai, you will always find the biggest, the deepest and the dearest of all. Well it’s the same for the parks! Dubai has some of the most beautiful, quiet, cleanest and greenest parks in the world. For about 5dhs, you can to enter a place completely different from other public spaces where you can find locals (Emiratis), Arabic, European and Asian families and couples having fun, with children and babies running around. Public parks in Dubai are perfect for camping and enjoy barbeque in the fresh, open air.

5. The Malls: Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates

With its huge malls, Dubai has become a popular shopping destination! Here there are no taxes and prices are very attractive. The Dubai Mall has a wide range of attractions such as the largest underwater aquarium with an enormous glass vault that will take you to the heart of the aquarium. Another attraction is the Sega Amusement Park and the Ice Rink! The oldest Mall of Emirates also offers unique activities like skiing! Yes, you have read right, it is possible to ski in Dubai and to descend the slopes of a very cool snow. This attraction attracts many people and it’s very popular. To be able to ski in a desert land is certainly what Dubai has made more unusual.

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6. The Fountain Show

By far, you have understand that Dubai is the city of excess and it is therefore quite natural that the spectacle of the fountains located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa is the largest in the world. Dubai Fountain offers a marvelous music and light show. It surpassed that of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. The show lasts 3 minutes after every 20th minute from 6pm to 10pm. The fountain show is a fun to watch while eating or having a drink.

Dubai Fountain offers an amazing view of music, water and light. To enjoy thoroughly, make a prior reservation at the poolside restaurants, such as in the terrace of ‘Baker & Spice’, you will easily find a healthy brunch.

7. The Souks: Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Dubai Old Souk

In old Dubai you can find a more typical atmosphere and very different from the brand new malls in the city center. Do not miss the Gold Souk (which is the largest in the world), the Spice Souk (which is mostly filled with tourists), the Covered Souk and the Dubai Old Souk on the other side of the creek. Even though the place is crowded and filled with tourists go for a tour the atmosphere is really nice.

Also go for a short stroll in Abra which is a small traditional boat. It was used to transport goods and fish at the time. Today they are mainly used to transport tourists and locals from one bank to the other. The journey costs 1 dirham per person or 125 dirhams per hour. Renting an Abra can be a nice idea to walk around the creek.

8. Safari In the Desert

Nothing can be more adventurous than spending a night on the glowing sand of the deserts, under the starry sky, having an Arabic meal and chirping near the bonfire. A safari in the desert is an opportunity to taste the past existence of the Bedouins. There are numerous tourism operators that offer tremendous tour and nigh-stay services at Desert Safari.

You can also enjoy belly dance, henna, sunset couple photography, camel ride, dune bashing and sand boarding. But it is always better to inquire for the rates before booking. Be sure to ask at what time you will end up and be dropped off, if they plan to stop somewhere along the way, and especially what additional costs will be required and what kind of food will be offered to you.

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You will be driven in a 4×4 to an authentic camp where you can try the Shisha or perhaps taste grilled food at the barbeque. If you want more adventure, go on the desert road, watch fly falcons and dream of adventures in the desert. And upon your return to camp after sunset, you will find it magical just to sit in the dark and watch the stars, a simple pleasure far too often forgotten.

9. Aqua Park: Aquaventure or Wild Wadi

In Dubai it is very hot and spending a day at the beach or in one of the water parks of the city is the best option to cool down. Among the many parks you are recommended two in particular. The first is Aquaventure in which you can for example go down on a toboggan and arrived at the bottom of the slide, you will cross a tunnel inside a basin filled with sharks. The other park is the Wild Wadi Park which is a bit older but has nice attractions and a nice wave pool.

Wild Wadi Water Park is one of the finest waterpark situated next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al-Arab. Encumbered with adrenaline rushing rides, this place is a fun. One can enjoy the monstrous rides and enormous fun creatures. The place is one of the finest blend of technology and entertainment that could be enjoyed when having vacations in Dubai.

10. Walk to the Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina

Built in recent years, the marina of Dubai blends with the spectacular skyscrapers and next door is the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). The marina and the JBR is the city itself in the city with amazing architecture, pretty cafes and bars, perfect for watching people pass and finding luxurious hotels and some of the best restaurants in the city including the Frankie’s Italian Bar & Grill and the Twenty10.

During the day, the views are as stunning as in the evening, and many people jog around the marina for the same reason. Behind the Address Hotel you can take the ferry from Dubai, which is great for visitors and locals as it takes you to the sea and passes the famous Atlantis Hotel on the artificial archipelago of Palm Jumeirah. The ferry takes you along the coast and drops you just inside the cove at Bur Dubai, where you can enjoy the old Dubai after seeing the new Dubai.

Did we miss your favorite place to visit in Dubai? Let us know your recommendations in the comment section below!