Your Ultimate Guide to Dubai Destinations to Visit: 15 Amazing Experiences Await
Dubai is a city full of surprises! It’s the fourth most visited place in the world and is known as the entertainment city. Dubai has the second-largest number of five-star hotels in the world. Whether you want adventure, shopping, or a peaceful vacation, Dubai offers something for everyone.
The best time to visit is during the winter, from November to March, when the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing all day. From the tallest building in the world to the calm beauty of its beaches, there’s always something new to explore. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for more, the top 15 Dubai destinations to visit in this guide will help you make the most of your trip which is visited by millions of people every year.
No matter what you choose to do, one thing is for sure: Dubai will leave you with unforgettable memories. So, get ready to explore, discover, and experience the magic of this amazing city!
15. Miracle Garden
This place, which has broken the Guinness World Record three times, is filled with 150 million flowers. It’s a great spot for both flower lovers and kids. As soon as you enter, you’ll see two beautiful shrub horses that mark the entrance to the garden. There are so many fun things to see, like a Smurf Village, a flower princess above her castle, and the world’s largest floral display, which is a life-sized Emirates airplane made of flowers.
Since Dubai can get really hot, it’s best to go as soon as it opens at 9 AM. You’ll only need one to two hours to enjoy everything. If you have more time, you can also visit the world’s biggest butterfly garden, which is home to 15,000 butterflies.
Review: Tourists rate it 8.5/10 for its mesmerizing seasonal displays and vibrant floral themes.
Special Feature: Located 25 km from Dubai International Airport, this is the world’s largest natural flower garden, featuring 150 million flowers arranged in stunning patterns, including a life-sized floral Emirates A380 airplane.
14. Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is the biggest mall in the world, and it’s as big as 200 football fields. It has over 1,200 stores, with every brand you can imagine, and about 200 restaurants. It’s also connected to the Burj Khalifa and right outside, there’s a famous water show.
Some amazing things you can find inside include an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, the largest indoor aquarium in the world, and a 150-million-year-old dinosaur found in Wyoming. If you don’t like crowds, you might want to stay away because the mall gets about 75 million visitors each year, and it can get really crowded.
Review: Rated 9/10 for its blend of luxury shopping and family-friendly attractions.
Special Feature: Just 10 km from Dubai International Airport, it houses over 1,200 stores, a massive indoor aquarium, and the spectacular Dubai Fountain.
13. Burj Khalifa
Since 2009, the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (about 2,717 feet) high. That’s as tall as three Eiffel Towers or two Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other. It took $1.5 billion to construct and includes 160 floors. You can take an elevator to the 154th floor, where the highest outdoor observation deck is located. Don’t worry, it’s all surrounded by glass, so you’re safe!
The size of the Burj Khalifa can be hard to imagine. When you’re standing at the bottom, you have to tilt your head way back to see the top. The building’s exterior is made up of 26,000 glass panels. You might wonder how they keep it so clean. Well, there are 120 workers who clean the glass, and it takes them three months to finish the whole building!
Right outside the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find the world’s largest water fountain show. The Dubai Fountain, designed by a company from California, puts on a water show every 30 minutes starting at 6 PM. The Burj Khalifa lights up beautifully in the background, offering a breathtaking view. On New Year’s Eve, the fountain show is even more special, with fireworks shooting from the building and a fantastic water display.
Review: Visitors give it a perfect 10/10 for its breathtaking views and iconic architecture.
Special Feature: At 828 meters, it is the tallest building in the world and a global symbol of modern engineering, located 10 km from Dubai International Airport.
12. Museum of the Future
This has to be one of the coolest buildings I’ve ever seen, and it’s easy to see why it’s called “the most beautiful building on Earth.” The meaning behind it makes it even more amazing. The building’s round shape stands for humanity, the green hill it sits on stands for the Earth, and the empty space in the middle stands for our uncertain future.Around the windows, you’ll find three Arabic quotes from Sheikh Mohammed, the Prime Minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai.These quotes show his ideas and vision for the future of the city.
The Museum of the Future opened in 2022, so it’s brand new. So I recommend booking tickets online before you visit. Even if you can’t get into the museum, you can still visit the lobby. It looks like you’re walking into the future with its all-white walls, spiral staircases, cool elevators, and a glowing ceiling with more Arabic quotes.
The best time to visit is at sunset. As it gets dark, the whole building lights up and looks beautiful, with the city glowing around it.
Review: Rated 9/10 for its innovative exhibits and futuristic design.
Special Feature: Located 15 km from Dubai International Airport, its torus-shaped structure is a cultural beacon for science and technology enthusiasts.
11. Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is the largest and most famous of three man-made islands off the coast of Dubai. Shaped like a palm tree, it stretches five kilometers into the Arabian Gulf and is so huge that you can see it from space. To build it, workers moved seven million tons of rock and dug up sand from the Persian Gulf. It cost $12 billion and took six years to finish.
The famous Atlantis Resort is at the front of the Palm. It has a big water park with lots of slides, including the world record for the most water slides. We spent a whole day there and had so much fun! If you have kids, it’s the perfect place for them to have fun. Be sure to visit the Tower of Neptune and try the Leap of Faith, which is Atlantis’ most famous slide.
If you love adventure, skydiving over the Palm is a must! It’s one of the best places to see the Palm from above, and it’s only possible by skydiving or taking a helicopter ride. Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried skydiving in Dubai – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Review: Visitors rate it 8.5/10 for its luxurious atmosphere and stunning views.
Special Feature: At 35 km from Dubai International Airport, this palm-shaped island is a hub for high-end hotels, restaurants, and private residences.
10 Rooftop Pools
Rooftop pools and bars in Dubai are all about luxury, and they do it in a big way! Dubai holds two world records: the highest infinity pool and the highest 360-degree infinity pool, called the Aura Sky Pool. We wanted to go to the Aura Sky Pool, but it was fully booked for two weeks! So, if you want to visit, be sure to book early.
If you like drinks and views of the city, check out the Level 43 Sky Lounge at the Sheraton Hotel. It has a great view of Sheikh Zayed Highway, a famous road that connects all seven Emirates in the UAE. This road has 14 lanes, and you often see fast supercars speeding down it!
Review: Rated 8/10 for providing tranquil city and ocean views.
Special Feature: Found across Dubai, 10 to 35 km from Dubai International Airport, they offer relaxation with stunning vistas, often paired with fine dining.
9. Dubai Frame
Number nine is the Dubai Frame. At first, I thought it was strange to have a giant gold picture frame in the middle of the city. I didn’t want to go, but then I learned what it meant. The Dubai Frame shows the link between the past and the present in this fast-changing city. When you’re at the top, on one side you can see old Dubai, where everything started, and on the other side, you see the modern city that’s been built in the last 40 years. When you step out of the elevator, the floor turns clear when you step on it, and you can see all the way to the ground below. It gave us an exciting rush when we stepped on it!
Review: Rated 8.5/10 for its panoramic views and symbolic design.
Special Feature: Located 20 km from Dubai International Airport, this massive frame connects the old and new parts of Dubai in a single view.
8. Dune Buggy
A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without visiting the sand dunes around the city. I went on a safari tour, which we’ll talk about later in the video, but right now it’s about dune buggies. We chose a one-hour tour that was the cheapest we could find, costing $156 for two people. This meant each of us got about 30 minutes of driving, which was enough for us. You should wake up early one morning at 7 a.m. and drove an hour to the sand dunes, which was the best decision. Not only was it cooler, but we had the whole tour to ourselves because no one else wanted to get up that early. In Dubai, it’s a rule that you need a tour guide to drive in the dunes. At first, I was disappointed because the guide started slow, but once he saw how well we drove, he let us go faster. Also, if there are no helmets with face masks available, be sure to bring sunglasses so the sand doesn’t get in your face. Zooming up and down the dunes is not only exciting but also funny because you never know what your partner will do next. There are many tour companies to choose from, with different budgets and types of dune buggies. I’ll link a few below for you.
Review: Rated 9/10 for the thrilling off-road desert experience.
Special Feature: Operated in the Arabian desert, 40 to 50 km from Dubai International Airport, these adventures are perfect for adrenaline junkies.
7. Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is a restaurant inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s popular TV show. It’s the only Hell’s Kitchen location outside the United States. The place is set up just like the show, with red and blue teams, and the chefs cook right in front of you. Our top recommendations are the burrata salad, Gordon’s famous Beef Wellington (you have to try it – it’s so good), and the best dessert we’ve ever had: sticky toffee pudding.
Review: Diners rate it 8/10 for its vibrant ambiance and exceptional food.
Special Feature: Located 15 km from Dubai International Airport, this Gordon Ramsay-inspired restaurant features live kitchen action.
6. Food Tour
Let’s face it, food is one of the best parts of travel. That’s why you can always start with a local food tour. It’s a great way to taste the best local food and meet people who teach you about the culture. You can go through the spice markets, which had colorful spices and so much gold! You can cross Dubai Creek on a traditional boat to visit Bur Dubai, where you will have huge platters of food and fresh orange juice. Visiting Dubai’s old town was a nice change from the tall buildings.
Review: Rated 9/10 for exploring Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape.
Special Feature: Spanning 10 to 30 km from Dubai International Airport, these tours offer a mix of street eats, traditional dishes, and fine dining experiences.
5. Jet Skiing
You can jet ski almost anywhere, but there aren’t many places with a skyline as amazing as Dubai’s. In just one hour, you can see the Burj Al-Arab, Atlantis, and the Dubai skyline, including the Burj Khalifa. You can book a one-hour session in the morning, and it will be so much fun that it didn’t feel like enough time. I recommend going at 9 a.m. because the waves are calm and it’s less crowded. Sunset sounds great, but the water gets rough and there are more people. Even though you have to jet ski with a guide in Dubai, our guide was really chill, and Ian reached 70 miles per hour on his jet ski, so it’s not too strict.
Review: Rated 9/10 for its thrilling activity and stunning coastline views.
Special Feature: Located 25 to 30 km from Dubai International Airport, this water sport provides an exciting way to explore Dubai’s skyline
4. Dubai Marina & Beaches
Dubai is known as one of the greatest cities in the world. It has amazing buildings, big deserts, and fun activities. But the best part is its beaches, right next to the Persian Gulf. When you visit Dubai, you’ll likely stay in one of two areas: downtown near the Burj Khalifa, or 25 minutes away at Dubai Marina. Imagine renting a $100 Airbnb just five minutes from the beach! You can go to JBR Beach, which is really popular, and even though it’s crowded, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset, see yachts, and check out the world’s biggest Ferris wheel (similar to the London Eye). You can also take a dinner cruise along the coast at night, which is a nice and relaxing way to see Dubai from a different angle.
Review: Rated 9/10 for its vibrant waterfront vibe and leisure options.
Special Feature: Around 30 km from Dubai International Airport, it features luxury yachts, pristine beaches, and a buzzing dining scene.
3. World’s Deepest Pool
Deep Dive Dubai is the deepest pool in the world at 60 meters (about 200 feet). But it’s not just a pool—it’s like a sunken city with rooms, caves, and even a game room where you can play foosball or chess! It’s definitely something I wanted to try, but it’s expensive, and when we were there, it was fully booked. It’s a great reason to visit Dubai again!
Review: Diving enthusiasts rate it 9/10 for its unparalleled underwater adventure.
Special Feature: Situated 20 km from Dubai International Airport, it is the deepest pool in the world at 60 meters, with themed zones.
2. Abu Dhabi
Next is Abu Dhabi, which is just an hour and a half drive from Dubai. Even though it’s not in Dubai, it’s worth a visit. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the largest Emirate, home to most of the country’s oil. Right now, you need a COVID test to visit, but most tour companies can help you with that. Once you’re there, visit the Louvre Museum, which looks amazing. The UAE paid $500 million to France for a 30-year deal to use the name. The museum has lots of cool art, but what stands out is the stunning architecture. The giant floating dome creates a beautiful “rain of light” effect. After the Louvre, you can check out other spots like the Emirates Palace (now a hotel) and the Presidential Palace. One of the main reasons to visit Abu Dhabi is the Grand Mosque, which is the ninth-largest in the world. It’s made of white marble and can hold 40,000 people. It’s so beautiful! Keep in mind that there’s a dress code, so men should cover their shoulders and knees, and women should cover most of their bodies. Be respectful while you’re there since it’s a place of worship.
Review: Rated 9/10 for its cultural landmarks and modern attractions.
Special Feature: About 140 km from Dubai International Airport, the UAE capital boasts icons like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Ferrari World.
1. Safari Tour
The best experience in Dubai is a desert safari. A safari tour lets you see what life was like for local Bedouins, the traditional desert people. Bedouins don’t live in the UAE anymore, but their traditions are still part of the culture. If you only have a short time in Dubai, book a desert safari. Here’s what you’ll do: You’ll be picked up from your hotel and drive to the desert for about an hour. First, you can try camel riding. Then, you’ll take a ride in an old Mercedes through the sand dunes, which is really fun, especially at sunset. On the way, you might see wild gazelles and the Arabian oryx, which is the national animal of the UAE. Afterward, you’ll go to a camp for a delicious Middle Eastern meal with hummus, tabbouleh, lamb, and more.It’s a fun experience you shouldn’t miss!
Review: Rated 9/10 for its immersive desert experiences.
Special Feature: Located 40 to 50 km from Dubai International Airport, these tours include dune bashing, camel rides, and Bedouin-style dinners.
Dubai is an amazing Dubai Destination to Visit for anyone looking for adventure, luxury, and fun. From the famous Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to thrilling activities like dune buggies and desert safaris, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying beautiful beaches, world-class food, or exploring incredible attractions, Dubai will give you unforgettable experiences. If you’re planning a trip, make sure Dubai is on your list—it’s the perfect Dubai Destination to Visit for a vacation full of excitement. With so many things to do and see, Dubai is truly a top Dubai Destination to Visit for travelers around the world.
