Best Places to Visit in Dubai 2025

Dubai is a unique destination, offering everything from towering skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls to peaceful deserts and historic districts. Popular tourist attractions in Dubai make it one of the most fun places to visit in the world. Tourists can spend time at high-end resorts, enjoy exciting desert safaris, go to huge aquariums and indoor ski slopes, or simply relax along the coastline of the Arabian Gulf. The city promises an unforgettable experience for every type of traveller.

List of Best Places and Popular Tourist Attractions in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa

It’s no coincidence to find Burj Khalifa at the top places to visit in Dubai. At 828 meters, this skyscraper is the tallest building in the world and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of downtown Dubai, this architectural wonder offers breathtaking views from observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors. Visitors can take a high-speed elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the desert, coastline, and skyline.

2. Dubai Fountain

Right below Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain presents nightly water shows synchronized to music, delivering a truly unforgettable visual experience. The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system and one of the city’s most captivating free attractions.

The Dubai fountain show features powerful jets of water soaring up to 150 meters, dancing in harmony with a blend of Arabic, classical, and contemporary music. With over 6,600 lights and 50 color projectors, each performance creates a truly magical atmosphere. You can enjoy the spectacle from multiple vantage points along the Waterfront Promenade, while dining at nearby cafés, or by taking a traditional abra boat ride across the lake for a closer look.

3. Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is one of the best places to see and a great entertainment destination.
With over 1,200 stores featuring high-end fashion brands and a wide variety of dining options, it’s among the top activities in Dubai for both shoppers and food lovers.

One of the popular places to visit inside the mall is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Tourists can also enjoy an Olympic-sized ice rink and a large cinema complex showing the latest movies. Families and children can enjoy entertainment venues like KidZania and VR Park.

4. Palm Jumeirah

A masterpiece of engineering, Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island shaped like a palm tree and is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. It’s home to luxury hotels, high-end apartments, trendy beach clubs and world-renowned resorts such as Atlantis and The Palm. The destination offers both relaxation and entertainment in a stunning beachfront setting.

Visitors can stroll along the palm-fringed promenade, dine overlooking the Arabian Gulf, or enjoy a helicopter tour for a breathtaking aerial view of the island. Water lovers can go water skiing, sky diving in Dubai or take a scenic cruise through the palm fronds.

5. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a stunning waterfront area and one of the best tourist places in Dubai, known for its elegant skyscrapers, luxurious yachts, and lively atmosphere. Surrounded by high-rise towers and trendy venues, it offers a vibrant mix of dining, shopping and entertainment along a picturesque 3-kilometer-long canal.

Relax on the Marina Promenade, enjoy a sunset cruise, or dine at one of the many waterfront cafes and restaurants. Dubai Marina Mall, ideal for casual shopping, is also located here, and the area is close to JBR Beach, where you can relax by the sea or try exciting water sports.

6. Dubai Desert Safari

Just a short drive from the city lies the vast desert landscape. It offers an exciting, cultural, and truly unforgettable adventure. The experience begins with a 4×4 drive through the desert, where skilled drivers take you on a thrilling ride over the rolling sand dunes. If you’re looking for more action, there are sandboarding, quad biking, and fat biking.

When the sun sets, the desert transforms into a peaceful setting for a traditional Bedouin-style camping. Enjoy camel rides, watch live entertainment including Tanoura dance, fire shows, and belly dancing, and savor a delicious dinner under the stars. Ancient paintings, shisha bars, and opportunities to wear traditional Emirati clothing complete the sense of cultural immersion.

A desert safari is one of the best Dubai experiences, which showcases the cultural and natural side of Dubai.

7. Old Dubai – Al Fahidi and Dubai Creek

For a glimpse into Dubai’s rich history and authentic roots, Old Dubai, centered around the historic district of Al Fahidi and the vibrant Dubai Creek, is one of the places you must visit. This area offers a striking contrast to the city’s modern skyscrapers, transporting visitors back to the days when Dubai was a small trading port.

Start by crossing the creek in a traditional abra, a wooden boat that has transported locals and visitors for decades. Still in use today, it remains an affordable and authentic way to travel. The short ride offers scenic views of the creek’s lively waterfront, lined with wooden dhows and traditional markets.

The creek divides the city into Deira and Bur Dubai, its two oldest and most culturally rich districts. On the Bur Dubai side, stroll through the narrow alleys of the Al Fahidi Historic District, where restored wind-tower houses, art galleries, and museums reveal stories of Dubai’s past. Visit the Dubai Museum in the historic Al Fahidi Fort to explore the city’s journey from a pearl-diving village to a global metropolis. Nearby, in the Deira district of Dubai, discover traditional markets such as the Gold Souk and the Dubai Spice Souk to feel authentic market life and shop for souvenirs.

8. Dubai Miracle Garden

Enter a world of color and creativity at Dubai Miracle Garden, the globe’s largest natural flower garden. Open during the cooler months, usually from November to May, this attraction features more than 150 million blooming flowers arranged in unique displays and imaginative sculptures.

Wander through flower castles, walk under heart-shaped arches and marvel at giant structures like the Emirates A380 aircraft, which is completely covered in flowers. The garden changes its themes, offering something new to see every year.

9. LEGOLAND Dubai

Perfect for families with young children, LEGOLAND is a theme park in Dubai designed to inspire creativity and fun. Located in Dubai Parks and Resorts, it features over 40 interactive rides, shows, and LEGO-themed attractions. Kids can build and race LEGO cars, ride dragon-themed roller coasters, or discover Miniland, where famous landmarks are recreated using millions of LEGO bricks.

The park is split into themed zones such as LEGO City, Adventure, Kingdoms, and Imagination. With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, it’s one of the best Dubai tourist places.

10. Ski Dubai

For a unique winter atmosphere in the middle of the desert, Ski Dubai offers indoor snowy fun at Mall of the Emirates. The attraction includes ski slopes, snowboarding areas, a chairlift, and a snow park with fun activities such as sledding and zip-lining.
One of the great things about it is the opportunity to meet and interact with real penguins. Families can rent warm clothing and equipment on-site, making it easy to enjoy the snow without having to pack their winter gear. Ski Dubai combines excitement, novelty, and family fun, making it a unique attraction in the city.

Other Things To Do In Dubai 2025

Dubai’s attractions and entertainment options go far beyond just 10 choices. They are diverse and make every trip truly unforgettable. Whether you’re exploring Dubai city for the first time or returning to see new sides, there are countless international places to visit.

Another must-see is the Dubai Dolphinarium, where visitors can enjoy incredible dolphin and seal shows, providing a fun and educational experience for all ages.
For movie lovers and thrill seekers, Motiongate Dubai offers a Hollywood-themed park filled with rides and attractions based on famous films.
The Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai stands out with its elegant domes and intricate carvings, especially captivating when illuminated at sunset. Built entirely of white stone in the medieval Fatimid style, it’s notable for its welcoming approach to non-Muslim visitors. Guided tours, organized by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, allow guests to see the mosque’s serene interior, learn about Emirati culture, and engage in open discussions about Islam in a respectful environment.
The mosque requires modest clothing, but traditional attire can be rented on-site.
For lovers of innovation, creators, and forward-thinkers, the Museum of the Future invites you to explore engaging exhibits that combine science, technology, and imagination. Each floor takes you on a journey, from life in space and climate solutions to robotics, artificial intelligence, the future of well-being, and the human body. Unlike traditional museums, this space is interactive and thought-provoking, encouraging guests to ask big questions about the future of humanity.
Also, visit the Dubai Frame, located in Zabeel Park. This 150-meter-high structure frames the views of old and new Dubai. Visitors begin their trip on the ground floor with an immersive museum that highlights Dubai’s rich past. Then, a high-speed elevator will take you to the top Sky Deck, where a glass-bottomed walkway connects the two vertical towers. From here, enjoy panoramic views: on one side, the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai, and on the other, the historic districts surrounding Dubai Creek.

Plan your trip to Dubai to make the most of these iconic places to visit. Every moment spent here promises a touch of Dubai magic.

Additional Tips for Visiting Dubai

Plan your trip during the cooler months. The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for enjoying both indoor and outdoor attractions.
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. The Dubai sun can be strong, even in winter. Always carry water, wear sunscreen, and consider wearing a hat and sunglasses when you go out.
Use public transportation. Dubai metro, tram, and buses are safe, efficient, and connect major attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Marina. They’re also air-conditioned, perfect for escaping the heat.
Dress modestly in public places. Although Dubai is modern and cosmopolitan, modest clothing is appreciated in shopping malls, public places, and religious sites. Swimwear is allowed on beaches and in swimming pools.
Book tickets in advance. To avoid long ticket lines and save time at popular places like the Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future, and desert safaris, booking online in advance can save you money and unnecessary stress.

FAQ – Experience The Magic of Dubai Travel

What are the best international places to visit in Dubai for tourists?

Top places you can visit when in Dubai include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, Desert Safaris and many others.

What is the best time to visit Dubai?

The best time at the Dubai is during the cooler months from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

What is one of the best things to do when visiting Dubai trip?

Dubai is known for the beauty of its skyline, with landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, and unforgettable experiences like desert safaris and Dubai Marina cruises.

Where is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo located?

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is located within the Dubai Mall, known as the Dubai premier shopping destination.

What is the best way to get to Dubai Mall?

The best way to get to Dubai Mall is by metro, as the nearest station is the Dubai Mall Station on the Red Line. From there, you can walk directly to the ground floor of the Dubai Mall through an air-conditioned walkway.

What are some of the best attractions around Dubai to visit with family?

Families can enjoy many exciting attractions, such as the Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Miracle Garden. For thrill-seekers, skydiving in Dubai offers an unforgettable trip with stunning aerial views.

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Dubai With Family 2025