UAE

Top 28 Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai is a city which has eluded definition. Dubai is a constantly evolving city. It is always in a race against itself and the world. Over the years Dubai has been called “City of Gold”, “Shopping Center of the World”, “City of Superlatives” and new titles are added to this list with each achievement. As of 2020, Dubai is the host for EXPO2020, which has been dubbed as “World’s Greatest Show”, and it is not a hyperbole. If you are planning to visit Dubai, always search for best places to visit in Dubai today. Dubai evolves rapidly and the list of must see places in Dubai keeps getting longer. You can visit Dubai every 5 years and still find new places to visit in Dubai and new things to do in Dubai in each visit. Dubai is like the Pokemon of cities.

Dubai travel and tourism is one of the core focuses of the Dubai government and tourists are very well cared for and respected. It is also the most progressive cities with a culture that reflects aspects of the west as well as the middle-east. Once you reach Dubai, it won’t be difficult to find top places to visit in Dubai or Dubai tourist attractions, the whole city is a tourist attraction within itself. Dubai is a collection of some of modern era’s greatest achievements. The best places to visit in Dubai also happen to be the best places in the world. It is one of the only tourist destinations in the world where you can experience the modern marvels, serene beaches, water-sports, amusements parks, historic monuments, man-made islands, desert safari, concerts, sports, night life, middle-eastern heritage, international cuisine and incredibly exhaustive shopping variety all in one city. Dubai is the be all end all of tourist destinations and travel experiences.

The Best 28 Tourist Places to Visit in Dubai in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

This museum of sorts gives you an insight into the culture of the UAE and also the middle east. It is one of the best places to visit in Dubai to learn about the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the people pre-modernization. You would need about 2 hours to explore it.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

2. Al Bastakiya (Al Fahidi Historical District)

Also known as Al Fahidi district, this is the historical part of Dubai. The area has many old buildings and narrow streets. You get a view into history of Dubai when you explore this place during Dubai travel. You would need about 2 hours to explore this area.

Al Bastakiya

3. Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort

Also known as Al Fahidi Museum, it is built inside a fort which dates back to 1787. This is the prime museum telling about the history of Dubai. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum when you visit Dubai.

Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort

4. Grand Mosque

This mosque is one of the most beautiful works of architecture you would come across during Dubai trip. The mosque was built firs tin 1850 and was later rebuilt in the 20th century. It will require 30 to 45 minutes to explore.

Grand Mosque

5. Hindi Lane

Part of the textile souq, this lane is named after Indian community who trades, lives and worships here. It is an interesting Dubai tourist places to explore and shop. You will also find a variety of interesting Indian street food items. You would need an hour or so during Dubai city tour for this market.

Hindi Lane

6. Dubai Spice Souq

Dubai evolved as a major trading port between East and West. Spices from both sides were brought and traded in this market. This market has great historical, cultural and economical significance among Dubai tourist attractions. You would need about an hour for this market.

Dubai Spice Souq

7. Dubai Gold Souq

The Gold Souq market is one of the most amazing places to go in Dubai. Regardless of your interest in gold or jewellery, this market is quite fascinating. Gold is seen as a rare and valuable commodity, but here you will see them available and displayed like common grocery. You will need an hour or so for this market which among must visit places in Dubai.

Dubai Gold Souq

Day 2

1. Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

The tallest building in the world it is definitely one of the top places to visit in Dubai. The observation of this building is 829 meters high. The building has been featured in many films, documentaries and music videos. It is a major highlight of Dubai sightseeing tours. You will need about 2 hours or so for this experience.

Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

2. Dubai Mall

This is the largest mall in the world and also has the world’s largest candy story. The mall is spread over 1,124,000 square meters and has more than twelve hundred stores. It is among Dubai best places to visit. You would need about 3 to 4 hours to tour this mall.

Dubai Mall

3. Dubai Fountains

These are the world’s largest dancing fountain in the world. The fountains work their magic every few hours. The show looks especially beautiful during the night. It is definitely among must see places in Dubai. You can take a boat ride to enjoy the show up close and even ride a zip-line through the fountain. It is one of the best things to do in Dubai. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for these fountains.

Dubai Fountains

4. Dubai Ice Rink

This Ice-Rink is part of the Dubai Mall and stretches to Olympic size. The rink is primarily popular for skating and also holds many events. You will need about 2 hours for enjoying activities here.

Dubai Ice Rink

5. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

This aquarium is part of the the Dubai Mall. You just have to walk towards the middle of the mall to see the aquarium. It is free to look at, but a walk from under the aquarium is chargeable. You can also take a dive inside the aquarium. It is one of the best parts of Dubai travel and would require about 2 hours for this aquarium.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

6. Emirates Towers

These two towers are popular architectural monuments and a highlight for Dubai sightseeing tours. The towers are best seen from a distance, but if you want you can explore the shopping mall on the bottom floors for this building. You would need 30 to 45 minutes from Dubai travel for these towers.

Emirates Towers

7. Dubai Creek Park

This is one of the finest parks in the city and offers several fun things to do in Dubai. The park has walking paths, fishing ponds, sports grounds, picnic areas and more. It also holds weekend flea markets and many other events. You would need about an hour for this park.

Dubai Creek Park

8. Dubai Museum of the Future

This museum exhibits several futuristic technologies and explores the possibilities that might open up in the future. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Dubai. Besides exhibits, the museum also offers up several experiences which seem quite futuristic. You would need about 2 hours for this museum.

Dubai Museum of the Future

Day 3

1. Aquaventure

This incredible variant and wonderful waterpark is among best things to do in Dubai for families. The park has several themes sections with a wide variety of rides, entertainment activities and dining options. You can easily spend a couple of hours or more here when you visit Dubai to have fun.

Aquaventure

2. The Lost Chambers Aquarium

This aquarium has more than 65,000 marine fauna. There is a tunnel underneath so that you can see the marine life from underneath. It is a mjor highlight of Dubai trip. You would need about 2 to 3 hours for the lost chambers aquarium.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

3. Dolphin Bay at Atlantis the Palm

One of the top Dubai tourist places, this resort is home to several dolphins. You can watch the dolphins and even get to interact with them You would need about 2 hours to explore this place.

Dolphin Bay at Atlantis the Palm

4. Burj Al Arab

This luxury 7 star hotel is one of the best known hotels in the world and the 3rd tallest hotel in the world. You would need an hour or so to explore it.

Burj Al Arab

5. Ain Dubai

Ain Dubai is one of the biggest observation wheel in the world and also the tallest. You can a cabin and get amazing views of the ocean as well as Jumeirah side of the city. You would need at least an hour for this experience.

Ain Dubai

6. Mall of The Emirates

Another large mall to explore during Dubai city tour, this mall has more than 700 stores along side food venues, entertainment options and more. You would need 2 to 3 hours for this mall.

Mall of The Emirates

Day 4

1. Global Village

This venue is only open between November and April. It is basically an amalgamation of culture and monuments from around the world. There are segments dedicated to different countries and communities. It is one of the most incredible Dubai tourist attractions and will require at least 3 to 4 hours of time to explore.

Global Village

2. Heritage and Diving Village

This village is a recreation of an ancient Emirati village. The adjoining Diving village showcases pearl diving trade and practices of the region’s past. These places give great insight into the history and culture of ancient Dubai. You would need about 2 hours for these places.

Heritage and Diving Village

3. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House

Sheikh Saed al Maktoum was the former ruler of Dubai and the grandfather of current ruler Sheikh Mohamad al Maktoum. This house served as his residence and now as a museum dedicated to his life and work. You would need about an hour to explore it.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House

4. Al Ahmadiya School

This historic school highlights the history and evolution of education and educational practices in Dubai. You would need an hour for this museum.

Al Ahmadiya School

Day 5

1. Wild Wadi

This outdoor water-park is based on several Arabian adventure stories such as Sindbad the Sailor and Juha. It is among must visit places in Dubai for families. You can easily spend half a day or so enjoying the variety of rides and experiences.

Wild Wadi

2. Ski Dubai

This indoor skiing venue replicates mountain slopes. You can come here for fun things to do in Dubai like skiing, snowboarding or even just to build a snowman. You can easily spend a couple of hours for Ski Dubai.

Ski Dubai

3. Madinat Jumeirah

This resort complex is themed like ancient Arabia. There are wind towers, canals, waterways, souq markets, camp-like sitting areas and so on. There is a lot to see and a lot to explore. You would need at least two to three hours to explore this place.

Madinat Jumeirah

If you are looking for more Dubai best places to visit, check out the section below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of attractions and activities for you to explore.

Things to do in Dubai

Historical Places, Monuments & Museums to Visit in Dubai

  1. Burj Khalifa
  2. Etihad Museum
  3. Dubai Frame
  4. Alserkal Cultural Foundation
  5. Dubai Historical District
  6. Dubai Museum of the Future
  7. Al Ahmadiya School & Heritage House
  8. Hatta Heritage Village
  9. Philately House
  10. Burj Nahar
  11. Jumaa & Obaid Bin Thani House
  12. Union House
  13. Jumeirah Archeological Site
  14. Majlis Ghorfat Um Al Sheif
  15. Saruq Al Hadid Museum
  16. Bayt Al Khanyar Museum
  17. Museum of the Future
  18. Dubai Police Museum
  19. Naif Museum
  20. Al Shindagha Museum
  21. Al Shindagha Historical District
  22. Pearl Museum
  23. Dubai Moving Image Museum
  24. Women’s Museum
  25. Jumeriah Mosque
  26. Al Boom Tourist Village
  27. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House
  28. Dubai Museum
  29. Al Fahidi Museum

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Dubai

  1. The Dubai Fountain
  2. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
  3. Abra Boat Ride
  4. Dhow Cruise
  5. Ain Dubai
  6. Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience
  7. IMG Worlds of Adventure
  8. Dubai Parks & Resorts
  9. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
  10. Wild Wadi Waterpark
  11. Laguna Waterpark
  12. Dubai Garden Glow
  13. Riverland Dubai
  14.  VR Park
  15. Bollywood Parks Dubai
  16. Hub Zero
  17. LEGOLAND Dubai
  18. LEGOLAND Waterpark
  19. Motiongate Dubai
  20. AquaFun Dubai
  21. Dolphin Bay
  22. Global Village
  23. Wire World Dubai
  24. Wonderland Theme Park Dubai
  25. Al Nasr Leisureland
  26. Magic Planet Dubai
  27. Cheeky Monkeys Playland
  28. TEPfactor Dubai
  29. Splash & Party Dubai
  30. Green Planet Dubai
  31. La Perle by Dragone
  32. Al Nasr LeisureLand
  33. Madinat Theatre
  34. Guerlain Spa
  35. The Spa in Palace Downtown
  36. Amara Spa
  37. Talise Spa
  38. Saray Spa
  39. Anantara Spa
  40. Talise Ottoman Spa
  41. Anjana Spa
  42. One & Only Spa
  43. The Spa in Palazzo Versace
  44. Bulgari Spa
  45. Timeless Spa
  46. Armani Spa
  47. The Burj Club
  48. Da La Mer Spa
  49. Falcon & Heritage Sports Centre

Shopping in Dubai

  1. The Dubai Mall
  2. Ibn Batuta Mall
  3. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
  4. Mall of the Emirates
  5. Perfume Souk
  6. Sabka Spice Souk
  7. Al Sabka Souk
  8. Deira Souk
  9. Souk Al Wasl
  10. Dukkan Al Manzil Souk
  11. Gold Souk
  12. Naif Souk
  13. Wafi Mall
  14. Abaya Mall
  15. Level Shoes
  16. Dubai Festival City Mall
  17. Box Park
  18. Le BHV Marias
  19. Al Ain Center
  20. Abraj Shopping Centre
  21. Abu Hail Centre
  22. Al Barsha Mall
  23. Al Dukan
  24. Al Ghazal Comples
  25. Al Mamzar Centre
  26. Al Maydan Centre
  27. Al Mulla Plaza
  28. Al Quoz Mall
  29. Beach Park Plaza
  30. Dubai Garden Centre
  31. Dubai Duty Free
  32. Etihad Mall
  33. Falcon City Mall
  34. Nakheel Mall
  35. Saga World
  36. Dubai Textile Souk
  37. Outlet Village
  38. Bur Juman Souk
  39. City Centre Deira
  40. Mercato Shopping Mall
  41. Dragon Mart
  42. Outlet Mall
  43. City Centre Mirdiff
  44. The Village Mall
  45. Al Fahidi Souk
  46. Dubai Design District
  47. The One
  48. Times Square Centre

Beaches in Dubai

  1. Kite Beach
  2. La Mer
  3. SummerSalt Beach Club
  4. Sunset Beach
  5. Al Mamzar Beach
  6. Palm Jumeriah Beach
  7. Jumeirah Beach
  8. Al Mamzar Beach Park
  9. Black Palace Beach

Offbeat Places & Adventure Things to Do in Dubai

  1. Desert Safari
  2. The Lost Chamber Aquarium

Sightseeing in Dubai

  1. Palm Jumeirah
  2. Dubai Creek
  3. Burj Al Arab
  4. Jumeirah Beach Residence
  5. Dubai Marina
  6. Dubai Canal
  7. Madinat Jumeirah
  8. Dubai Opera
  9. City Walk

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Dubai

  1. MAKE Art Cafe
  2. Emporio Armani Cafe
  3. The Lighthouse
  4. Comptoir 102
  5. Bidi Bondi
  6. Marina Beach Bar
  7. Ocean Blue Lounge
  8. Royal Island Beach Club
  9. Barasti Club
  10. XL Beach Club
  11. Jetty Lounge
  12. Arabian Tea House
  13. Life n One
  14. The Lounge, Burj Khalifa
  15. 40 Kong
  16. Cook Hall
  17. Mazmi Coffee & More
  18. Ramasuke Dubai
  19. Tania’s Teahouse
  20. Zeta
  21. Namu Restaurant & Lounge
  22. Salt
  23. Khan Murjan
  24. Din Tai Fung
  25. Folly by Nick & Scott
  26. Fish Beach Taverna
  27. Ibn Al Bahr
  28. Muchachas Mexican Cantina
  29. Neo Lounge
  30. City Grill
  31. The Tap House
  32. Seven Sands
  33. Al Fanar
  34. Al Hadheerah
  35. Al Qasr
  36. Tanor Lahm
  37. Bait Al Wakeel

How to Reach Dubai?

By Air

Dubai International Airport is the largest and busiest airport of the Middle – East and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. You are most likely to find a direct flight from your country to Dubai International Airport or at least a one stop flight. You second best option is the Al Maktoum International Airport. Besides these 2 airports you can also touch down on Sharjah International Airport, located in the Emirate of Sharjah. It is the closest Airport to the city of Dubai. You can then travel to Dubai by hiring a cab or a bus or a car. And finally you have the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is quite long, so this Airport would be suitable if you wish to travel both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

By Road

The Road connectivity across UAE is excellent, and as Dubai is the Rome of UAE, all roads do lead to Dubai. You have various options of reaching Dubai from almost any city in the UAE. You can travel by intercity cab or catch an intercity bus as well.
Dubai has only one international roadway connection, which connects Dubai to Al Wajajah in Oman. If you travel to Oman, you can reach to Dubai via road.

By Water

Dubai hosts various cruises coming from South East Asia, Europe and Middle Eastern countries. You may hop on to these cruise tours which have Dubai as a stop of cruises which end in Dubai.


Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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