Glitzy Dubai is the United Arab Emirates' excursion hot spot.


This city of high-rises and purchasing malls has transformed itself from a desolate tract outpost to a destination du-jour, wherein vacationers flock for sales deals, sunshine, and family amusing.

Dubai is famous for sightseeing attractions including the Burj Khalifa (the sector's tallest constructing) and shopping department stores that come complete with enormous aquariums and indoor ski slopes.

but this metropolis has many cultural highlights and activities, as well as all the glamorous modern accessories.

Take a wander across the Al Fahidi area, and you may discover the Dubai of old, then cruise alongside Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow, and you will quickly understand there is extra to this metropolis than its flashy veneer.

learn greater about the best locations to visit with our listing of the top attractions in Dubai.

Dubai


1. See Dubai's Famed Cityscape at Burj Khalifa



Burj Khalifa


Dubai's landmark constructing and essential traveller enchantment is the Burj Khalifa, which at 829.8 meters is the tallest constructing within the world and the most well-known of the metropolis's factors of hobby.


For maximum traffic, a experience to the observation deck at the 124th floor here's a should-do even as in the city. The views throughout the metropolis skyline from this hen's-eye perspective are surely awesome.


The slick remark deck experience includes a multimedia presentation on each Dubai and the constructing of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a excessive-velocity elevator whizzes you as much as the remark deck for those 360-degree perspectives out throughout the skyscrapers to the barren region on one side and the ocean on the other.


midnight visits are particularly famous with photographers because of Dubai's famous city-lights panoramas.


buy your Burj Khalifa "on the pinnacle" entrance price tag earlier to avoid lengthy line-ups, specially in case you are planning to visit on a weekend.


back on the ground, wrapping around the Burj Khalifa, are the constructing's fantastically designed gardens, with winding walkways. There are masses of water features such as the Dubai Fountain, the arena's tallest performing fountain, modeled at the well-known Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.


official web site: www.burjkhalifa.ae


2. Sneak in some shopping at Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall


Dubai Mall is the city's most useful mall and one of the metropolis's best locations to go to for an afternoon of buying and indoor activities to hold the children busy. It presents access to the Burj Khalifa, as well as the Dubai Aquarium.


there may be also an ice-skating rink, gaming area, and cinema complicated in case you're seeking out more enjoyment alternatives.


The purchasing and eating is endless, and there are almost continually unique events including live track and style suggests inside the mall. The maximum well-known of those are the annual Dubai buying competition in January and February and the Dubai summer time Surprises pageant in July and August.

region: Doha road, just off Sheikh Zayed road

official web site: http://www.thedubaimall.com/

3. find out UAE history at Dubai Museum

Dubai Museum

Dubai's excellent museum is housed inside the Al-Fahidi fortress, built in 1787 to protect Dubai Creek. The citadel's partitions are built out of traditional coral-blocks and held together with lime. The upper ground is supported by timber poles, and the ceiling is created from palm fronds, dust, and plaster.

In its history, the fortress has served as a house for the ruling own family, a seat of presidency, garrison, and prison. Restored in 1971 (and once more notably in 1995), it is now the metropolis's finest museum.

the doorway has a charming exhibition of antique maps of the Emirates and Dubai, displaying the tremendous growth that hit the location after the oil growth.

The courtyard is domestic to numerous traditional boats and a palm-leaf house with an Emirati wind-tower.

The proper-hand hall capabilities weaponry, and the left-hand corridor showcases Emirati musical devices.

under the ground ground are display halls with exhibits and dioramas masking numerous components of traditional Emirati life (which include pearl fishing and Bedouin wilderness existence), in addition to artifacts from the three,000- to 4,000-year-vintage graves at Al Qusais archaeological site.

Address: Al-Fahidi avenue, Al-Fahidi

4. stroll via records in Al Fahidi quarter (vintage Dubai)

Bastakia(antique Dubai)

The Al Fahidi area (previously regarded, and from time to time nevertheless referred to as the Bastakia neighborhood) turned into constructed inside the overdue 19th century to be the home of rich Persian merchajnts who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles and have been lured to Dubai because of the tax-unfastened buying and selling and get right of entry to to Dubai Creek.

Al Fahidi occupies the japanese portion of Bur Dubai along the creek, and the coral and limestone homes right here, many with walls topped with wind-towers, had been excellently preserve

Wind-towers supplied the houses here with an early shape of aircon - the wind trapped inside the towers was funneled down into the houses. Persian merchants probable transplanted this architectural element (common in Iranian coastal homes) from their domestic united states of america to the Gul

coated with distinct Arabian structure, the narrow lanes are particularly evocative of a bygone, and lots slower, age in Dubai's record

inside the district, you'll locate the Majlis Gallery, with its series of conventional Arab ceramics and furniture (housed in a wind-tower) and the Al Serkal Cultural foundation, with a shop, café, and rotating art exhibitions (placed in one of the historical buildings

5. View conventional architecture at Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum residenc 

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum residenc

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum became the Ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and grandfather to the present day ruler. His former residence has been rebuilt and restored as a museum that is a first-class example of Arabian architectur

The authentic residence was constructed in 1896 by means of Sheikh Saeed's father, so he should have a look at delivery activity from the balconie

It became demolished, however the cutting-edge house turned into rebuilt next to the original web page, staying real to the unique version by incorporating carved teak doors, timber lattice screens throughout the home windows, and gypsum air flow displays with floral and geometric design


Thirty rooms are constructed round a vital courtyard with wind-tower details on pinnacl

interior are the well-knownshows of the Dubai Museum of ancient snap shots and documents, with many awesome antique snap shots of Dubai from the length between 1948 and 195

The marine wing of the museum has pix of fishing, pearling, and boat building. at some point of the building there are many letters, maps, coins, and stamps on display showing the improvement of the Emirat

nearby is the Sheikh Obaid bin Thani residence, restored with shows of conventional interiors.

6. Delve into Maritime background at Dubai Creek & Al Seef Distri

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek separates the town into  cities, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the sout

The creek has been an influential detail in the town's boom, first attracting settlers here to fish and pearl div

Small villages grew up along the creek as a ways back as 4,000 years ago, while the modern technology started out in the 1830s while the Bani Yas tribe settled inside the locatio

The Dhow Wharfage is positioned alongside Dubai Creek's financial institution, north of Al-Maktoum Bridge. nevertheless used by small buyers from throughout the Gulf, some of the dhows anchored right here are properly over one hundred years vintag


you can visit right here, looking shipment being loaded and unloaded on and stale the dhows. Dhow people frequently invite site visitors onto the vessels for a excursion, wherein you could benefit perception into the life of those traditional sailor

a number of the dhows right here tour onward to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India, and right down to Africa's horn. This tiny remnant of Dubai's conventional financial system is still a bustling and captivating vicinity to wander aroun

at the Bur Dubai aspect of the creek, rubbing up in opposition to the Bastakia neighborhood, the waterfront has been regenerated as the Al Seef district, with a waterfront prom backed by way of traditional coral-block and limestone buildings, a floatingmarketplace, and stores selling crafts. it's a exquisite region for a walk with great water perspectives.

To journey throughout the creek, you can both take a journey on one of the many dhows which have been restored as tourist cruise boats or take an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry points on the creek's Bur Dubai and Deira bank


7. excursion Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most stunning of Dubai's mosque


An genuine replica of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque, that is 8 times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a pleasant example of Islamic architectur.

This stone shape is constructed inside the medieval Fatimid subculture, with  minarets that show the subtle info in the stonework. it's miles in particular appealing inside the evening when lit with floodlight


The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural expertise (which also runs a program of tours, lectures, Arabic instructions, and cultural meals) organizes guided excursions of the mosque designed to attempt to foster a higher information of the Muslim religio.


tours begin at 10am daily, besides Friday.

8. Haggle inside the Souks of Deira

                                 Deira

Deira lies on the northern financial institution of Dubai Creek, and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of various nationalities that have come to call Dubai domesti


at the shore, historic dhows load and dump with current banks, accommodations, and office buildings as a backdro


For vacationers, Deira is maximum famous for its conventional souks (markets), which bustle with customers always of the da


Deira Gold Souk is international-famend as the largest gold bazaar within the worl


The Deira Spice Souk sells each imaginable spice, with stalls overflowing with baggage of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac, and thyme, in addition to the aromatic oud wooden, rose water, and incens


The fish market offers a much much less touristy revel i


at the same time as in the district, tradition lovers shouldn't miss two of Deira's finely restored architectural gem stone


background residence become built in 1890 as the home of a rich Iranian merchant and later became the house of Sheik Ahmed bin Dalmouk (a famous pearl merchant in Dubai). nowadays, it is a tremendous hazard to look the interior of a conventional family domesti


The Al-Ahmadiya faculty, built in 1912, is the oldest faculty in Dubai and is now a museum of public trainin


9. Snap sundown photos at Dubai.

Dubai frame 


Sitting slap-bang among Dubai's older neighborhoods clustered across the creek and the city's current sprawl, this ginormous one hundred fifty-meter-excessive photograph frame is one of Dubai's modern day points of interes


inside, a sequence of galleries whisk you thru the metropolis's records and discover Emirati background earlier than you tour up to the Sky Deck, where there are extraordinary panoramas of each old and new Dubai to be snapped at the viewing system


Afterwards take a look at out future Dubai gallery, which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city will look lik


address: Zabeel Park, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed road.

10. stroll Sheikh Zayed 

 Aerial view of the Sheikh Zayed avenue at nightfall

Sheikh Zayed road is the main thoroughfare going for walks via Dubai's modern-day downtown business district

This wide, eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome, and metallic high-rises alongside its whole period. it is one of the first-class on-the-ground vantage points for Dubai's famed skyscraper view

main attractions are alongside, or just off, the strip between the roundabout and the primary intersection, and most of Dubai's well-known department stores are placed alongside the road's cours

The Dubai global trade Tower has an statement deck on its top ground, which offers traffic panoramic views (a less expensive alternative than the Burj Khalifa), and the Gold and Diamond Park (Sheikh Zayed avenue) is a one-stop store for rings fanatics, with 118 manufacturers and 30 outlets all beneath one roof.

11. explore nearby lifestyle within the heritage and Diving Village.

historical past and Diving Village

Dubai's architectural, cultural, and maritime history is showcased on the background and Diving Village, with presentations related to pearl diving and dhow constructing - of vintage Dubai's ancient economic mainstays.

There also are recreations of conventional Bedouin and coastal village life, with Persian houses, a conventional coffeehouse, and a small souk in which potters and weavers practice their handicrafts at the stalls.

local music and dance are accomplished from October to April, and visitors can get recommendation from practitioners of conventional medication.

area: Shindagha, Bur Dubai

12. visit an Underwater world at Dubai Aquarium


Dubai Aquarium

one of the town's top tourist sights, the Dubai Aquarium homes one hundred forty species of sea life within the huge suspended tank on the floor floor of the Dubai Mall.

as well as unfastened viewing from the mall, if you enter the Underwater Zoo, you could stroll thru the aquarium tunnels.

one of a kind sports help you get a closer take a look at the sea life. Glass bottom boat excursions (on pinnacle of the tank) are specially popular.

Cage snorkeling and shark diving sports also are on provide.

deal with: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed roadl http://www.thedubaiaquarium.com

13. Take Afternoon Tea inside the Burj al-Arab

Burj al-Arab | Kunal Mukherjee / picture changed

The Burj Al-Arab is the world's tallest motel, standing 321 meters excessive on its personal synthetic island on the Dubai coastline.


Designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail, the outdoors of the building is lit up by way of a choreographed, coloured lighting show at night time.

Decadent in every manner viable, the Burj Al-Arab is one of the most high-priced resorts within the global, with the maximum costly suites costing greater than $15,000 for one night time.

For the ones with out limitless credit score, the manner to experience the over-the-top opulence is to move for dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara restaurant, in which ground-to-ceiling glass panels in the eating room partitions let you view sea life even as you consume, or you could experience lunch at California-fashion fusion eating place Scape.

For the remaining panoramic views over the city, ebook afternoon tea on the Skyview Bar (a minimal spend is needed) at the twenty seventh floor.address: Jumeirah avenue, Dubai

14. soak up the sun at Jumeirah seaside


Jumeirah seaside

This strip of sandy white bliss is the number one beach destination for Dubai traffic.

lodges are strung out all along its length, with this being one of the maximum famous places to stay for travelers.

The beach has excellent centers, with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants, and water sports activities operators offering jet snowboarding.

even as within the region, brush aside the sand for an hour and go to the Majlis Ghorfat Um Al-Sheef, only a quick hop from the seaside. built in 1955, this was the summer season house of the past due Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum.

The residence, comprised of gypsum and coral-block, has been restored and keeps an awful lot of the unique stunning decor, giving you a better knowledge of the opulent life-style of Dubai's rulers.

The Majlis Gardens characteristic a duplicate of an outstanding Arab irrigation gadget and plenty of shady date hands.

Jumeirah beach road, Dubai

15. Spot Flamingos at Ras Al Khor wildlife Sanctuary

Flamingos on the Ras Al Khor wildlife Sanctuary

You don't have to move too a ways faraway from the skyscrapers to absorb a more herbal vista.

The Ras Al Khor flora and fauna Sanctuary contains the mangrove forests and wetlands of Dubai creek.

An important prevent-off on the migration routes, it's a top place to identify flamingos in wintry weather whilst massive flocks of these majestic purple birds wade through the lagoons, backdropped via hovering excessive-rises.

various hides in top spots have been set up inside the park to permit hen-watchers excellent perspectives of the birdlife.


cope with: Ras Al Khor avenue, Dubail legitimatesite: http://wildlife-ae.herokuapp.com


16. ponder historical trade Routes inside the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum

This museum explores the United Arab Emirates' historical function as a trading middle among Asia, Africa, and Europe long earlier than oil have become this place's most prominent industry.

located inside the old house of Sheikh Hashr bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who became a member of Dubai's ruling family, the famous hint this coastal place's history as a part of the worldwide trade routes, with presentations of artifacts and manuscripts.

additionally on-web page is the rare Books and Manuscripts Museum and the small Armory Museum.

address: Al Khaleej street, Dubaireliable web site www.themuseum.ae


17. Ski then shop at Mall of the Emirates


Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates is one of the city's maximum famous malls, with the brilliant (and surreal) Ski Dubai facility inner.

The indoor ski slope is whole with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a continuous temperature of -4 degrees Celsius.

there may be also a cinema complex and a own family enjoyment center with an entire host of rides geared toward both the large and small.

The buying possibilities are boundless, as are the consuming options, imparting every doable global cuisine.

cope with: Sheikh Zayed road, Dubail legitimatesite: http://www.malloftheemirates.com

18. gasoline up on Thrills & Spills in IMG Worlds of journey

This subject matter park, close to global Village, is immersive amusement at its finest and has thrills and spills for both kids and large kids.

With one area dedicated absolutely to surprise's iconic characters; another to dinosaur-themed rides; and a quarter where the cool animated film community takes the helm, with gentler rides and sports for more youthful youngsters, there is something right here for every age.

whether you want to assist the Avengers battle Ultron, scare your self silly in a haunted house, or be a part of Spider-guy as he swings via the town, that is heaven for families seeking out a amusing-stuffed day trip.

cope with: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed street, Dubaireliable website online: www.imgworlds.com


19. enjoy world elegance Theater at Dubai Opera


Dubai Opera

For nighttime sights, look no further. Opened in mid-2016, Dubai's elegant new opera building is the centerpiece of the waterfront Opera District in downtown Dubai and set to grow to be the town's fundamental cultural hub and major enjoyment venue.


The Dubai Opera hosts a year-spherical software of well-known musical theater productions, concert events by using international-magnificence musicians, opera, ballet, and classical tune, in addition to smaller productions, comedy nights, and concerts.

the 2,000-seat theater building itself is an fantastic piece of architectural mastery and one in all Dubai's new landmarks, with its incredibly-present day glass and metallic walls jutting out over the waterfront, built to resemble the curves of a traditional dhow.

20. Take to the Water at Kite beach

Kite seaside

This lengthy stretch of white-sand seashore, south of Jumeirah beach, is not just a top destination for sunbathers trying to lap up a lazy day of swimming and soaking up the rays on the sand.


Kite seaside is renowned as Dubai's ultimate destination for kitesurfers and is domestic to an array of water sports operators.

that is where you come to get out on the water kitesurfing or try your hand at arise paddleboarding, with system lease and instructions all without difficulty arranged on the beach.


21. Browse contemporary artwork in the Alserkal artwork District

Alserkal art Districts.

part of the old Al Quoz commercial district, centered on Alserkal road, has been regenerated to emerge as Dubai's foremost arts hub and is domestic to some of the metropolis's most crucial cutting-edge art galleries.


hooked up gallery names including the inexperienced artwork Gallery, The 0.33 Line, and the Ayyam Gallery have made their domestic here, even as a number of smaller gallery begin-usahave additionally moved in.


The district's program of rotating collections focuses both on the paintings of important artists, as well as highlighting new center jap talent.


This rising district is likewise the area to come back for style and accessory boutiques by nearby designers, pop-up eating places, and café lifestyles, and it showcases the active and youthful buzz of a town, that's generally more noted for its corporate face.


22. Plan own family Time at Dubai Parks and lodges


vintage house at the river in Dubai Riverland motel


At Dubai Parks and accommodations, your enjoyment wishes are all rolled collectively into one vicinity. The only trouble here is choosing what you need to do.


This substantial undertaking includes a swag of global-elegance theme parks imparting something for everyone, whatever your age.


Motiongate takes its subject from Hollywood productions, with rides based totally round movie blockbusters; Bollywood Parks brings the arena of India's famous movie enterprise alive on its rides; and Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark offer younger traffic with a a laugh-packed day out on its interactive rides, water slides, and wave pool.


The district's attached Riverland Dubai dining hub means that there may be no need to leave after you've exhausted yourself with theme park pastimes, as there is masses of night amusement right here as well.

deal with: Sheikh Zayed avenue, Jebel Alirespectable site: www.dubaiparksandresorts.com


23. Splash approximately at Aquaventure Waterpark.

Aquaventure Waterpark


This water park, based at Atlantis, The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah - Dubai's famous man-made island development - is a great place to chill off after a few days of worrying purchasing and sightseeing.


The waterslide motion right here is notable and global-elegance, with the Aquaconda, the arena's longest water slide; a nine-story-tall slide, aptly named the bounce of religion; and water coaster rides.


there is additionally underwater safaris the use of Sea TREK helmets; a dedicated water play location for smaller kids with slides; and for when all of your power has been used up, a seven-hundred-meter sweep of white-sand seaside.


24. Wander via colourful Dubai Miracle lawn


lovely plant life blooming on the Dubai Miracle lawn


that is the zaniest lawn ever.


not content material with building the sector's largest buildings and malls, Dubai has created the world's biggest flower garden, spanning 2,000 square meters and domestic to a reputed 100 million vegetation.


the entirety that may be covered with flora has been, from twee English-fashion cottages to windmills and trucks. there is even a flower model of the Burj Khalifa.

walk the walkways and enjoy the rebellion of color and the wacky floral arrangements.


25. take pleasure in a Nature destroy in Dubai Butterfly garden


Dubai Butterfly lawn


escape the city's skyscrapers for an afternoon here. For a slice of nature, this massive butterfly garden, with around 15,000 butterflies flitting under the domed enclosures, can not be beaten.


it's a terrific risk for kids to get close-up views of butterflies as they regularly land on site visitors' shoulders and hands.


there is a museum right here, too, with lots of records on butterfly varieties, their habitats, and existence cycle.