Things to do in Dubai: Attractions and places to visit

1. Burj Khalifa – At the Top

Burj Khalifa is with 828 meters the highest building of the world and the absolute landmark of Dubai. Once you are in the city of superlatives, you should definitely enjoy the view from Burj Khalifa. The impressive building is one of the most famous sights in Dubai and is visited daily by thousands of holidaymakers. Tickets for the Burj Khalifa are available in different categories and price ranges.

We strongly recommend booking online in advance, as there may be long queues at the ticket counters on many days and there are often no more access roads available. Even though the “At the Top / Sky” ticket allows access to the 148th floor and includes some extras, we think the normal “At the Top” tickets for the viewing platform on the 124th and 125th floors are sufficient. Here the whole city lies at your feet!

2. Desert Tour in Dubai

Of course, a desert safari is not to be missed at the most important sightseeings in Dubai. Again, there are different options and price ranges, but essentially the processes are very similar. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to a Bedouin camp in the desert, where you will have the opportunity to ride a camel or a small quad bike tour. Meanwhile, the tire pressure in the off-road vehicle is released and shortly afterwards the rapid ride through the dunes starts.

A desert safari at the gates of the metropolis Dubai is an unforgettable experience, but not for the faint hearted. After the adrenaline kick we return to the Bedouin camp, where a delicious barbeque buffet as well as a fire and belly dance show are waiting for you. VIP tours usually include a place service, particularly comfortable seats and drinks. Recently, Selfdrive Safaris have also been offered, in which you yourself sit behind the wheel of an off-roader.

3. Dubai Fountain

Below the world-famous Burj Khalifa, the fountains (“Dubai Fountain”) enchant you every evening with one of the many free sights in Dubai. The impressive play of colours and water is tuned to various romantic and traditional Arabic songs and the choreography of the fountains shooting high in front of the gigantic building is unique in the world. The model was the famous Las Vegas fountains, which were naturally surpassed in Dubai.

The show already takes place twice every lunchtime, but the special romantic atmosphere in the evening is especially recommendable. About 15 minutes before the start, secure a spot directly by the water to enjoy the best view. The fountains of Dubai take place every evening between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. every half hour. If you want to get closer, book a boat trip on the lake or a place on the new floating Boardwalk for an extra charge.

4. Burj al Arab

Burj al Arab is one of the most famous buildings in Dubai next to Burj Khalifa. It is a 321 meter high luxury hotel and one of the most important sights of the city. The Burj al Arab was built in the shape of a sail and houses one of the most luxurious 6-star hotels in the world. It is located on an artificial island and is actually only for hotel guests to visit. You will find a good photo spot on the public beach in front of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Ask your taxi driver about Umm Suqeim Beach (Sunset Beach), where you will find a popular beach with the imposing Burj Al Arab in the background. Or you can book an official visit to the luxury hotel, where you can book an expensive tea time or a cocktail in the bar of the Burj Al Arab. Since a reservation in advance is absolutely necessary, we recommend that you book an official tour, which usually also includes the hotel transfer.

5. Helicopter flight Dubai

A very special perspective on the sights in Dubai is provided by the view from a helicopter high above the rooftops of the city. The mostly 10 to 25 minute tours reveal exclusive views of the palm island The Palm Jumeirah, the unique skyline of Dubai and the mentioned luxury hotel Burj Al Arab. Of course, Burj Khalifa as the tallest building cannot be overlooked and is almost omnipresent.

The helicopter tours, in which you experience Dubai like a rock star from a bird’s eye view, usually start near the famous Atlantis The Palm Resort or a helipad near Jumeirah Beach. From here you have from the first second on interesting views of the beaches at the Persian Gulf and the many spectacular buildings. The longer tours also include a flight over the old Dubai Creek and other highlights like the World Islands.

6. Atlantis The Palm with Water Park & Aquarium

The great Atlantis The Palm Resort is another of the many landmarks of Dubai, after all there is no commercial that does not show the impressive luxury resort on the famous Palm Island. Especially families with children love the hotel and book their holidays directly there, if the budget allows. Atlantis The Palm is not only a hotel resort, but also home to several important sights in Dubai.

In addition to several pools and a great sandy beach, the hotel also has its own shopping street. Here is the Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can admire the replicated ruins of Atlantis and up to 70,000 marine animals including large sharks. On hot days the Aquaventure Water Park is the top address for young and old on the Palm Island. The countless slides, lagoons and adventure pools make boredom a foreign word.

7. Dubai Marina and speedboat tour

The Dubai Marina is not only one of the most expensive residential areas, but also for tourists a very exciting nightlife mile. There are great restaurants and cafés during the day, stylish bars and clubs with good music in the evening. Couples love an extensive stroll through the marina, which can also be ideally combined with the neighbouring “The Walk” on Jumeirah Beach, where there are other restaurants and numerous boutiques.

A special recommendation is a boat trip to the sights of Dubai. Because exploring from the water is a particularly exciting way to experience the fascinating backdrop of the city. Directly in the heart of the Dubai Marina, boat tours are offered by several providers, one of our absolute favourites is the company The Yellow Boats Dubai. First we go relaxed through the high skyscrapers of the marina, shortly thereafter full throttle out to the open sea with many photo stops!

8. Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates

Shopping is a matter of course in Dubai, even though many products are not cheaper than in Germany. But the sheer endless selection of luxury shops and shops, even in the lower price ranges, make a shopping spree in the Emirates extremely exciting for many visitors. In addition, there are often very good sales offers and numerous brands that have still not found their way to Germany.

The best place to go shopping is of course the gigantic shopping centre of the Dubai Mall directly below the Burj Khalifa. Here you will find more than 1200 shops on several floors, one of the largest cinemas in the world, a real ice rink, a huge aquarium and much more. But also the Mall of the Emirates, where the bizarre sight Ski Dubai with a ski slope is at home, has a great offer of shops and is worth a visit.

9. Gold and Spice Souks

Even though Dubai, with its glittering facades and world record buildings, stands like no other city for modernity and technical progress, Deira, Dubai’s second oldest quarter, still has the old flair of 1001 nights to marvel at. The spice and gold market in Deira is one of the most visited sightseeings of the metropolis, whereby we have to admit that the visit is meanwhile not unreservedly recommendable.

Many merchants have now started to throw around German phrases (“cheaper cheaper, “Aldi Aldi”), thus destroying the real charm of the souks. Moreover, the Gold Souk is not a classic market place, but rather a shopping street with various gold shops. So there is a little bit of the oriental magic of a real market missing, but the best thing is for you to get your own personal picture of it during a visit.

10. Excursion to Abu Dhabi

For a long time we discussed in the editorial office whether we should include a day trip to Abu Dhabi. Dubai itself is so rich in sights that it would easily be enough for a TOP20 list. Nevertheless, we finally decided in favour of Abu Dhabi, as the capital city once again presents a completely different impression of the Emirates. And the list of attractions in Abu Dhabi is long, so don’t miss a tour:

From Ferrari World to the Formula 1 circuit on Yas Island to the legendary Emirates Palace. From the view of the elegant Etihad Towers to the paradisiacal Saadiyat Beach to the newly opened Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. From the Corniche to the Falcon Hospital to the impressive Sheikh-Zayed Mosque. If you have enough time and desire for further great experiences, take the chance and also explore the neighboring council. You won’t regret it!

Best time to visit Dubai

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Dubai:

January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Dubai.