25 Best Places to Visit and Fun Things to Do in Dubai

Published: 26 Apr, 2023By Abhishek Gurung

Dubai is the fourth most visited place in the world and is famous for its high-rising architectural wonders and excellent collection of resorts and spas. It is a place that was once the talk of the town for its gigantic tower Burj Al Arab, only to be replaced by the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa.

This city never stops growing and is on a rapid rise, building futuristic towers as well as fascinating attractions. If you continue reading this list of tourist sites written in the following blog, you will be taken on a guided tour to some of Dubai’s best places to visit where you can find tons of fun things to do.

Certainly, it is a holiday experience taken to another level, where there exist world’s largest gardens and markets; an entertaining venue filled with cultural shows; indoor aquatic world and lots more. From beaches to spending leisure time with friends and family members, shopping different items from different countries, trying out international cuisines, exploring multicultural sides to soaking in the lively nightlife at different spots, the city perhaps has everything that one could ask for. So, start reading the blog and bookmark the places you would like to visit during your tour in Dubai.

List of Top 15 Places to Visit in Dubai with Exploring Time to Plan Your Itinerary Accordingly:

Name of the Places	Exploring Time
Dubai Miracle Garden	3 hours
Bastakiya	1-2 hours
Deira Souk	4-5 hours
Dubai Aquarium	1.5-3 hours
Global Village	4 hours
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve	5 hours
Alserkal Art District	3-4 hours
Dubai Opera	1 hour
Bur Dubai Grand Mosque	1.5-2 hours
Dubai Museum	2-3 hours
Aquaventure Waterpark	2-3 hours
Dubai Dolphinarium	1.5-2 hours
Dubai Safari Park	4-5 hours
Jumeirah Mosque	1.15 hours
Jumeirah Beach	1-2 hours

 

Dubai Miracle Garden: World’s Largest Flower Garden

Dubai’s Miracle Garden is a world-renowned botanical garden located in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city and has been recognized as the world’s largest natural flower garden by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The garden spans over 72,000 square metres and features over 45 million blooming flowers in vibrant colours and intricate designs. The flowers are arranged in unique patterns, shapes, and designs that change every year, making each visit a new and exciting experience. The garden also features numerous sculptures and structures made entirely out of flowers, including an Emirates A380 aeroplane, an enormous teddy bear, and a giant clock, all made from flowers.

Highlights: Dubai Miracle Garden remains open from October to April and closed from May to September due to high temperatures.

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM (9 AM to 11 PM on Saturdays and Sundays)

Bastakiya: The Old and Traditional Town of Dubai

Discover the other side of Dubai by visiting Bastakiya which is also known as Al Fahidi Historic District or Al Bastakiya. It is located alongside Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Creek and is an ideal spot to take a heritage walk tour sightseeing the neighbourhood of Dubai. Al Bastakiya is a unique and charming part of Dubai that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Arabian architecture and history, and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern city.

The neighbourhood was named after the Bastak region of Iran, where many of the original settlers of the area came from. It was originally a trading hub for pearl merchants and textile traders, and later became a residential area for wealthy families. In the 1980s, the Dubai government recognized the historical significance of Al Bastakiya and initiated a restoration project to preserve the old buildings and traditional architecture.

Highlights: A heritage tour through the narrow lanes, learning about the traditional Arabic architecture, exploring the most distinctive features of the buildings – ‘barjeels’ or wind towers, trying out new dishes and shopping are some of the best things to do here.

Opening Hours: 7 AM to 8 PM

Deira Souk: The Largest Gold Market in the World

The city of Dubai has a lot of souks (markets) but Deira is one ideal destination that every tourist enjoys visiting. Conveniently located close to Dubai Creek, it is said to have been established during the 1830s, in fact, when you come here, you can still witness the old architecture style and the wooden archways in the market. It is a popular tourist attraction and a hub for buying and selling spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, and traditional Arabic perfumes.

gold souk located here is the world’s largest gold market, which attracts flocks of tourists throughout the year. You can see gold shops with a variety of gold jewelleries displayed on the windows throughout the market. Besides the gold, spices and perfumes, the souk also offers a range of other goods, such as textiles, carpets, traditional Arabic clothing, and souvenirs. Visitors can also sample traditional Arabic sweets and snacks from the local street vendors.

Highlights: Mornings are the best time to visit Deira Souk to avoid the crowds.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM (4:00 PM to 9:30 PM on Fridays)

Dubai Aquarium: The Biggest Underwater Aquatic Zoo

Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, located in the Dubai Mall in the heart of downtown Dubai. It is home to more than 33,000 marine animals, representing over 140 different species. The aquarium is not only a popular tourist attraction but also plays an important role in marine conservation and education. The aquarium is involved in various research and conservation projects, and its team of marine biologists and specialists work to raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine life.

The aquarium is divided into several zones, including the Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo, Rainforest, and Rocky Shore. The Aquarium Tunnel is the main attraction, featuring a 48-metre-long walkway that takes visitors through a transparent tunnel surrounded by water on all sides. The tunnel offers a breathtaking view of various species of fish, sharks, and rays swimming just inches away from visitors.

Highlights: Visiting VR Zoo at Dubai Aquarium will give you a special kind of thrill and adventure while coming face to face with reptiles, apes and predators on a virtual tour.

Opening Hours

• 10 AM to 11 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• 10 AM to 12 AM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Global Village: An All Night Extravaganza with Entertainment, Food and Shopping

One of Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations, Global Village is the best place to be with friends and family. As the night falls, the entire village lights up in colourful and decorative bulbs offering an exciting ambience. With a variety of different pavilions each offering a cultural attraction of varied countries, this place is certainly a must visit. It is a cultural and entertainment destination that brings together people from all over the world to experience different cultures, traditions, and cuisines.

One of the largest seasonal cultural festivals in the world, the Global Village spans over an area of 17 million square feet. It features pavilions representing more than 75 countries, each showcasing their unique cultural heritage, food, and products. Visitors can stroll through the various pavilions, interact with people from different parts of the world, and experience their traditions, art, and music. For example, you can visit the Egypt pavilion to buy some antiquities and (Jalabiya) their traditional dresses; Oman to buy Omani fashion accessories, China for their colourful floral clothes and Africa pavilion for hand-carved artefacts. You can also get exquisite carpets from Iran and ethnic clothing from India and Pakistan’s pavilions and end a perfect evening by savouring different country’s cuisine.

Highlights: Dubai’s Global Village remains open from October to April every year.

Opening Hours

• 4 PM to 12 AM on Sunday to Wednesday
• 4 PM to 1 AM on Thursday to Saturday

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: Home to the Arabian Gazelle

A bit of a city break is much needed even if you came solely for a city tour because there are a couple of nature tourist sites you just have to go explore in Dubai. One such fabulous place, a popular wildlife destination where you can find indigenous species of animals is Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Species like sand gazelles, mountain gazelles and Arabian oryx are introduced to tourists in this reserve. Covering a land of 225-sq-km, here you can get access to one of the four zones, via travel guides or tour operators, i.e. if you plan a quick day tour. However, if you decide to stay in their luxurious wildlife resort, the remaining three are accessible to the resort guests.

Highlights: Desert safari in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or DDCR starts from 9 AM to 11 PM and the price ranges between INR 2,795 and INR 11,180, depending on the timings and age.

Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Alserkal Art District: A Gathering Place for Artists and Art Lovers

One of the best places to visit in Dubai for art connoisseurs and lovers, Alserkal Art District is becoming a popular hub. Plan a visit here and visit a number of contemporary art galleries, while some are smaller start-ups, there are a few well established galleries like the Ayyam Gallery, Green Art Gallery and The Third Line. This district plays like a platform for new talents and helps in highlighting beautiful art works. In fact, Alserkal Art District also has a mishmash of restaurants and fashion boutiques opened by local designers. For certain, you can feel a livelier vibe, completely different from the other tourist spots, more artsy with a feel-good ambience.

Highlights: If you want to attend festivals in the Alserkal Art District, January is the ideal time to visit.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM

Dubai Opera: A Cultural and Light-Hearted Entertainment Venue

When we speak of entertainment, the city of Dubai is not short of it but one popular tourist attraction that can’t be missed is the Dubai Opera located in downtown Dubai. For a night activity in Dubai, this is one of the places worth visiting for music entertainment where you can find muse in their opera shows, ballet, comedy nights, concerts and even classical instrument plays. Dubai Opera is one of a kind, an astonishing architectural beauty that can seat up to 2,000 cultural aficionados. Visit anytime of the year, and find various plays performed in the different musical theatres here. There is also a rooftop eatery serving lip-smacking multiple cuisines where you can visit with your friends and family members.

Highlights: There is no dress code to visit Dubai Opera. However, you need to dress formally while coming to watch a show.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM        When we speak of entertainment, the city of Dubai is not short of it but one popular tourist attraction that can’t be missed is the Dubai Opera located in downtown Dubai. For a night activity in Dubai, this is one of the places worth visiting for music entertainment where you can find muse in their opera shows, ballet, comedy nights, concerts and even classical instrument plays. Dubai Opera is one of a kind, an astonishing architectural beauty that can seat up to 2000 cultural aficionados. Come anytime of the year, and find various plays performed in the different musical theater here. There is also a rooftop eatery serving lip-smacking multiple cuisines.

Bur Dubai Grand Mosque: Architectural Marvel of Dubai

You may find a blend of nationalities in Dubai with a mix of pilgrimage places to visit but one most popular shrine in Dubai is none other than the Grand Mosque. This architectural marvel comes under the eight biggest mosques in the world and the biggest in UAE, it was here the first ever function of the memorial service of Sheikh Zayed, the former president of UAE was held. It is unlikely that the visitors would not adore this place, even from afar, this prestigious treasure of Dubai glows in bright royal blue light at night. And it is probably one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the world. The corridors of the mosque are surrounded by the biggest lights in the world with 24 carat gold glazed on the pillars designed like a leaf facing earthward.

Highlights: Both males and females are advised to wear fully covered dress to enter the mosque. Women should wear loose dresses and long sleeves.

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM (4:30 PM to 10 PM on Fridays)

Dubai Museum: Home to the Historical Artifacts and Legendary Artworks

The oldest structure in the city, Al Fahidi Fort is probably one of the go-to-destinations in Dubai and if you happen to be a history buff, Dubai Museum, which is conveniently located inside the premises is the perfect place to visit for you. Here, you can learn about the evolution of Dubai right from being a tiny deserted fishing village to becoming one of the futuristic states. Inside, there are images and artefacts of the Bedouin life and the importance of the sea before the discovery of oil. There are also a number of archaeological findings displayed in the Dubai Museum which you will surely want to explore. In short, this is the best place for educational tours with your children and even elders with a keen interest in Arabian nomadic life.

Highlights: The entry fee of Dubai Museum costs around INR 66 for adults and INR 22 for children.

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM (2:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Fridays

Aquaventure Waterpark: World’s Largest Waterpark for Unlimited Fun

Aquaventure Waterpark is an excellent destination for those seeking a fun and adventurous day out. With its wide range of attractions, stunning location, and unique marine life experiences, it is no wonder that it is one of the most popular and the largest water parks in the world. The waterpark is situated on the grounds of the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort, which is located on the man-made Palm Jumeirah Island. It covers an area of 17 hectares and features numerous attractions suitable for all age groups.

The waterpark also offers a number of activities that are perfect for families, including a playground area, a water fortress, and the Splashers Island, which features smaller slides and water activities for younger children. One of the main attractions of Aquaventure Waterpark is the Tower of Poseidon, which includes several water slides such as the Leap of Faith, a nearly vertical drop that sends riders through a clear acrylic tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays. Another popular ride is the Aquaconda, the world’s largest waterslide, which can accommodate up to six people at a time.

Highlights: Ticket prices for a Day Pass for adults start at around INR 6,500 and for children, INR 5,500.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 6 PM

Dubai Dolphinarium: Meet and Play with Dolphins in Dubai

Dubai Dolphinarium is an excellent family-friendly attraction that offers an entertaining and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, the dolphin and other marine animal shows are sure to leave you amazed and inspired. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Dubai. The state-of-the-art facility is located in Creek Park, which is one of the largest parks in Dubai and is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views.

The highlight of the Dubai Dolphinarium is, of course, the dolphins. Visitors can enjoy watching these intelligent and playful creatures perform amazing stunts, acrobatics, and other incredible feats. The shows are highly interactive, and visitors are encouraged to participate in various activities, such as feeding the dolphins and interacting with them up close. Apart from that, people can also explore the Exotic Bird Show where they can spot around 20 different species of birds from all around the world.

Highlights: The entry fee for tourists to enter the Dubai Dolphinarium is around INR 120.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 7:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Dubai Safari Park: Get Close to Your Favourite Animals

Dubai Safari Park is a popular tourist destination located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is a vast wildlife reserve and conservation centre that features a diverse range of animal species, including rare and endangered animals. The park covers an area of over 119 hectares and is divided into different sections based on the type of animals and their habitats.

The park has four main sections: African, Asian, Arabian, and Safari Village. The African section features a variety of animals such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and hippos. The Asian section is home to tigers, elephants, and primates like orangutans and gibbons. The Arabian section showcases the unique flora and fauna of the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula, including the Arabian Oryx, gazelles, and falcons. The Safari Village is a petting zoo where visitors can interact with domesticated animals such as goats, rabbits, and sheep.

Highlights: There are several live shows to experience in Dubai Safari Park, such as Birds Show, Amazing Creatures of The World, Birds of Prey Show, Giraffe Feeding, Birds Feeding and Goat Feeding. 

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM          

Jumeirah Mosque: Place to Learn about Islam and Emirati Culture

Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Located in the upmarket Jumeirah district, the mosque is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and photographed mosques in the world. The mosque is a prime example of Islamic architecture, with its intricate design and stunning white façade.

Jumeirah Mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, and tours are conducted daily, except on Fridays. The mosque offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about Islam and the Emirati culture. Visitors are guided through the mosque by knowledgeable volunteers who provide insights into Islamic beliefs, practices, and traditions. The tour also includes a visit to the mosque’s ablution area and an opportunity to ask questions about the mosque and Islam. Jumeirah Mosque is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about Islamic culture and architecture while in Dubai.

Highlights: There is no entry fee to visit Jumeirah Mosque. However, a guided tour costs around INR 550 per tourist. Moreover, males and females need to be dressed modestly and females are requested to bring their head scarf.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM (Closed on Fridays)

Jumeirah Beach

With its clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach is an ideal destination for tourists seeking a luxurious beach vacation. The beach is well-maintained, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and beach volleyball. The beach is also surrounded by numerous high-end hotels and resorts, providing visitors with a wide range of accommodation options.

Jumeirah Beach is not just about the beach, it also offers visitors a chance to experience Dubai’s rich culture and history. The nearby Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslims, offers guided tours to visitors who want to learn more about Islamic culture and customs. In addition, the Dubai Marina, located just a short distance away, provides visitors with a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. With its beautiful beach and cultural attractions, Jumeirah Beach is a must-visit destination for tourists travelling to Dubai.

Highlights: There are lots of facilities available for tourists on Jumeirah Beach. Apart from water activities you can also indulge in trying out snacks and meals at different food shops. There are also well-maintained public toilets and changing rooms available for visitors on the beach.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 10 PM (Closed on Thursdays and Fridays)

Top 10 Things Not to Miss During Your Vacation to Dubai

Dubai has much more to offer than just its famous sights. Check out these must-do activities for an unforgettable travel experience.

Get a bird’s eye view of Dubai by taking a Helicopter Tour

Sure, there is a skydiving option and an observation deck in Burj Khalifa but nothing is more joyful than a helicopter tour ride around the city. You don’t need an entire day, just a 30 minutes circuit will do, where the areal tour will take you around the beautiful The Palm Jumeirah and the popular Burj Al Arab, The World islands and of course across the beastie structure of Burj Khalifa.

Go mall hopping in Dubai

If you have covered all the tourist places in Dubai, it’s time to uncover the shopping centres in the city’s biggest and largest markets and malls in Dubai. One of the most favourite of the tourists, Dubai Mall is certainly a delight, with international big brands like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Armani, Chanel, Burberry and more, all you’d want to do is shop as soon as you enter the gates to shoppers heaven. In fact, this city has a wide range of shopping destinations and while the rich people’s playground are the malls such as Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates, the travellers and common people can linger longer at the Dubai Outlet Mall. For an alternative shopping experience, you can visit the Mercato Mall in Jumeirah as it offers a sight and ambience of the European Renaissance-era of France, Italy and Spain.

Skydive Indoors at iFly Dubai in Mirdif City Centre

Skydiving can be heart racing outdoor sport for many and perhaps only the hardcore adventurists can really gather their guts and jump from 3657.6 metres above. However, if you want to start from something small and less terrifying, visit iFly Dubai in Mirdif City Centre. This is one of the largest indoor adventure places in UAE that is equipped with an acrylic glass tunnel, about 10-metre fitted with a double vertical wind tunnel making the experience worth every penny. In addition, along with adults and youth venturers, even children who are as young as three can enjoy this activity. Here, you will often see a lot of enthusiastic people in line waiting for their turn, I suggest visiting during a weekday.

Have a fun day out at the Dubai Camel Safari in The Arabian Desert

When you visit Dubai, one best thing to do is to head for the desert and have the Arabian Camel Safari experience. This activity brings out the authenticity of visiting UAE and living life Arabian style including camel riding in the desert, which is certainly one of the best things to do in Dubai. Besides, a slow and soothing camel bumpy ride, you can also dash the dunes in the 4×4 wheels, a challenging and thrilling outdoor sport indeed. Perhaps, camel riding can be a great experience for children since we don’t do it everyday, ultimately making it a brilliant memory during your holidays in Dubai. In order to check out more on the safari packages you can either council with our brother site or your hotel in Dubai.

Take a Sweet Sail on Abra

Forget expensive boat ride in Dubai and take the real Arabian Abra Ride as a local transport means. This is a major and a popular means of transport that can seat around 20 passengers travelling between Deira and Bur Dubai. Fun part is, you get to sit facing the sides of the boat that gives an inescapable sight of the skyscrapers. Lets just say, it offers a rather relaxing smooth and cheap city sightseeing tour.

Splash Splash in the amusement park of Wild Wadi

Scream-inducing joy rides are all that you will see while you visit one of the best amusement parks in Dubai, Wild Wadi. Located in Jumeirah, this splendid tourist site is often thumbed with family vacationers and the best part is, all the rides in the park is made suitable for different genre of visitors, I bet, you will be completely exhausted while you near the day’s end. If you are not one of them who prefer to float at the Lazy River, Wild Wadi has more than 30 rides and some of which you can ride on are 20-meter tandem slides that induce at a whooping speed of 80 km/h to make a drop at Jumeirah Sceirah, you might just have to hold your heart tight. Riptide Flowriders, Wipeout and Tantrum Alley are also some must-try, in fact, there are more rides being built, by the time you visit, you might just have even more things to try.

Walk the sandy shore of Jumeirah Beach

Go down the Dubai Marina Coastline and find a popular place where people gather to unwind and drink a cooler or two at Jumeirah Beach. This is a one-stop beach destination in Dubai which is the favourite of them all (the tourist). Attractions here are at its best, with excellent beach facilities that offer a mix variety of restaurants and a long row of sun loungers, you can also indulge in some water-sports activities like jet skiing, water skiing, paragliding and surfing. Come here and spend hours sun toasting your body under the winter sun with a view of the golden soothing sunset and the beautiful Burj Al Arab. there are also a wide range of exclusive spa resorts and hotels near the beach, check-in at one of these luxurious Dubai accommodations and enjoy a convenient in and out trips from your hotel to the white sandy beach.

Witness the dancing fountain light show at The Dubai Fountain

Get a visual treat seeing the dancing fountains located below the Burj Khalifa tower. The Dubai Fountain, offers such a spectacular sight you have to literally sigh wow out loud to really appreciate it. Dubai Fountain has a variety of daily performances where the colourful water jets off to a couple of Arabian and English music (around 35 songs) in a synchronized manner. It can shoot up to 140 metres i.e. levitating up to 45-storey high building. The Dubai Fountain is probably Dubai’s top tourist attractions you simply cannot miss while here.

P.S.: You can also take a lake ride for a better and uninterrupted clicks.

Visit the Burj Al Arab for an afternoon tea

So what if you cannot spend a night in one of the luxurious hotels in Dubai, Burj Al Arab, you can at least visit for an afternoon tea in their exquisite restaurants and cafes. There happens to be two perfect cafes at Burj Al Arab, which are best for tea time breaks with a view and mouth-watering quick bites. Go up to the 27th floor to Skyview Bar for an experience of your life. Visit on fridays for a perfect selection of coffee and tea along with snacks like pastries, sandwiches and cakes. Besides, getting an uninterrupted view of the Palm Jumeirah, is all you can ask for. The other afternoon tea spots is Sahn Eddar located on the base of the hotel with a delightful view of the world’s tallest atrium.

Explore Sheikh Zayed Road From the Subway or the Observation Deck

A strong positive energy may be felt while crossing this route, even if you take a metro ride, the towering steel high-rises on both sides will give a permanent impact, you simply won’t be able to forget its beauty. This eight-lane highway that runs through the downtown business district is a major vantage point in Dubai and if you want a view from above, head straight to the observation deck of the Dubai World Trade Tower, it is slightly cheaper than the Burj Khalifa. Another best part about this road is that, you will find a lot of Dubai’s famous malls here.

From the above mentioned list of the places to visit and things to do in Dubai, this fabulous place will certainly appeal any holidayers but sadly it is not a budget destination, if you are looking for one. However, in Dubai, you may not overthink on where to spend money because they are just so gorgeous, it would be unacceptable to simply walk off from the shimmering shops in the malls or fancy restaurants. So, call us at +91-9212553106 if you need our help to plan your Dubai trip, you can also send us an email at info@tourmyindia.com to know about our best international holiday deals and Dubai travel packages.

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