Top Things To Do & Places To Visit In Dubai – Best Of Dubai

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Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the World. Being highly progressive it is a different city every time you visit. From sparkling skyscrapers, distinctive arts, expansive deserts, stunning landscapes, breath taking beaches, thrilling adventure activities, variety of dine ins, beautiful parks, theme parks, luxurious experiences and ongoing entertainment events, Dubai sets the standards in all categories. It can be rightly said that Dubai has become a favorite destination for many major events and celebrities. Here’s a list of best things to do and the most essential places to visit in Dubai.

Savings Tips :

• Dubai has an efficient rapid transit rail network, the Dubai Metro, that makes commutation to major tourist spots very easy and reliable. Use the metro services to save both your time and money.
• Save money by purchasing a Dubai Explorer Pass which offers discounted admission at selected attractions in Dubai including many of the ones below.

Burj Khalifa :

Standing at the height of 829.8 meters (2722 feet), Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the World. This iconic structure has Observation Decks at the 124th and 148th floor showcasing incredible panoramic views of the city. The glass walls at these observation decks allow you to take a fascinating picturesque tour of the Dubai’s skyline. Sunset is the most worthy duration to catch the glimpses of the amazing illuminating transition of Dubai from the Burj Khalifa. Visiting Burj Khalifa should be on top in your Dubai itinerary.

Opening Hours :

The Observation Deck at the Burj Khalifa is open from 8:30 AM to 11 PM. The last entry is 45 minutes prior to closing.

Entrance Fees :

Level 124th and 125th : AED 135 (USD 37) per person

Level 124th, 125th and 148th : AED 525 (USD 143) per person

Nearest Metro Station :

Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station.

Savings Tips :

• To avoid the long waiting queues, make sure you purchase the tickets for the observation deck ‘At the top‘ in advance. If purchased from the ticket counter for the same day visiting, the tickets may get expensive or the slots will get filled.
• Get an access to the 124th, 125th and 148th floors featuring an outdoor terrace, luxury lounges and get served with Arabic Coffee and Dates by booking your tickets here.
• Reserve your tickets here, if you are looking forward to viewing sunset from the tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa.
• If you fantasize a special dine featuring Dubai’s amazing views and the mesmerizing Fountains at the 124th level of Burj Khalifa, make your reservations here.
• You can also book a combo of At the top Burj Khalifa and Museum of the future here.

Dubai Mall :

Dubai Mall is the world’s biggest shopping mall. It had also been declared as the most visited building in the year 2011, attracting over 54 million visitors each year. The Dubai Mall comprises of about 1200 shopping stores, a huge Ice Skating Rink, Dubai Fountains, numerous restaurants, cafes, world’s largest sweet shop ‘Candylicious’, an exotic Aquarium, Kidzania, Dinosaur fossil, 22 screen cinema and much more. There are so many activities within the mall to keep you entertained making it a must visit in Dubai. Dubai Mall is one of the best places to visit in Dubai especially for shopaholics.

Opening Hours :

10 AM to 12 AM everyday

Nearest Metro Station :

Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa Metro Station

The Dubai Fountain :

The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed water fountain show. It’s wonderful and mesmerizing to see the fountains shoot up high in the air and dance on the musical tunes. The fountains also have a perfectly synchronized and coordinated light effect during the evenings. You can view these fountains by getting a good place at the lake promenade or reserve a place at one of the restaurants surrounding the Dubai Fountains. You can also take a 30 minute ride in a traditional Abra (boat) at the lake and view the illuminated Dubai Fountains.

Show Timings :

The Dubai Fountain show takes place from 6 PM to 11 PM with an interval of 30 minutes between each show.

Entrance Fees :

Free

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo :

Take a trip to one of the largest aquariums in the world, the Dubai Aquarium. Located centrally at the Dubai Mall, this enormous aquarium is a home to 140 different aquatic species, more than 300 rays and sharks. It also has world’s largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks. You can feed the fishes and also take a glass bottom boat ride that gives you an up close views of about 33000 marine species swimming below your boat.

Opening Hours :

Sunday – Wednesday : 10 AM to 11 PM

Thursday – Saturday : 10 AM to 12 AM

Entrance Fees :

Aquarium Tunnel and Underwater Zoo : AED 120 (USD 33) per person. Book your tickets here to avoid the huge queues.

Explorer Experience including Aquarium Tunnel Underwater Zoo, Glass Bottom Boat Ride  : AED 175 (USD 48) per person. Book your tickets here to avoid the long waiting queues.

Burj Al Arab :

Dubai’s most famous landmark, Burj Al Arab is an extremely luxurious and the third tallest hotel in the world. Visitors who have reservations at any restaurant within the hotel or the ones who have arrived to stay there are allowed to enter the hotel. The restaurants in Burj Al Arab provide world class dining experiences. The Al Mahara restaurant in Burj Al Arab is surrounded by a large aquarium and is accessible through a simulated submarine voyage. Doesn’t that sound dreamy? The SkyView Bar at the 27th floor is also a famous restaurant that offers luxury dining while overlooking the gorgeous views of the city’s coastline.

Savings Tips :

Here are some great deals if you are looking for dine in at the restaurants in Burj Al Arab;

• Lunch at Burj Al Arab with amazing views of the Arabian Gulf.
• Dinner at Burj Al Arab with amazing views of the Arabian Gulf.
• Experience a culinary tour at all the major restaurants at Burj Al Arab course by course with round trip hotel transfers. 

Nearest Metro Station :

There is no direct metro to Burj Al Arab. The closest station is the Mall Of The Emirates Station from where you can hire a cab to reach Burj Al Arab.

Jumeirah Beach :

When you are in Dubai, the beaches are gonna be the highlights of your entire trip. One of the best and picturesque beaches in Dubai is, The Jumeirah Beach. The soft sands, clear waters and a stunning view of the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel makes it a must visit place in Dubai. You can also indulge in some adventurous and thrilling beach activities such as parasailing, scuba diving, jet blading, speed boating and more. There are many cafeterias serving Arabic and Italian cuisines at the beach side where you can treat yourselves with delicious snacks.

Opening Hours :

Saturday – Wednesday : 7:30 AM till 10 PM

Thursday – Friday : 7:30 AM to 11 PM

Note : On Mondays the Jumeirah beach is open only for Women and Children from 7:30 AM till 5:30 PM.

Entrance Fees :

Free

Nearest Metro Station :

There is no direct metro to the Jumeirah Beach. The nearest metro station is the Business Bay Metro Station, from where you can take a cab to reach the beach. It’s just a 10 minutes drive from the station.

Here are some of the best adventure activities At Jumeirah Beach :

• Go Parasailing at the Jumeirah Beach and get awed by the stunning views of Dubai City’s skyline.
• Get guided by a professional Scuba Diving Instructor and also get your pictures clicked underwater. Book this amazing deal on Scuba Diving activity at the Jumeirah Beach now.
• Fly above water with this exciting Jet Blading experience at the Jumeirah Beach.
• Go for a thrilling Fly Fish activity supported by a speed boat over the clear waters at the Jumeirah Beach.

Desert Safari :

Spending a day at the desert is one of the unique things you get to do when you are in Dubai. You can go for Sand Boarding, Dune Bashing, Camel Riding, Over Night Camping, Quad Biking and many more fun filled activities at the desert. You will be welcomed with many Arab delicacies and also be entertained with many Arabic traditional performances from expert artists. A BBQ dinner set up under the twinkling stars at the middle of the desert also create lovely memories that you take with yourselves. The Dubai deserts are simply one of the most fun places to visit in Dubai.

Here are some of the best deals that can help you plan a perfect Desert Safari to look forward to;

• Premium Evening Desert Safari including all the major activities with exclusive access to Al Khayma Desert Camp. Book this tour now.
• A perfect Afternoon Desert Safari with all the major activities and sunset viewing. Book this tour now.
• A Jeep Safari Tour at the Desert with all the major activities, Quad Bike Tour, Sunset Viewing and visit to Camel Farm. Book this tour now.
• Sunset Camel Trek including all the major activities at the Desert. Book this tour now.
• Heritage Dinner Safari at a Retreat, Wildlife Tour to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Bedouin Camp Dinner. Book this tour now.
• A 3 Hour Morning Desert Safari with Quad Biking. Book this tour now.
• An overnight Desert Safari including all the major activities with Camping Gears. Book this tour now.

Note : All the above mentioned Desert Safaris consist of BBQ or Buffet Dinners including both vegetarian and no vegetarian options.

Atlantis the Palm :

Visiting Atlantis the Palm is like a trip to a whole new world in itself. It’s a 5 – star hotel and resort in Dubai located at the top of the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island having marvelous views over the Arabian Gulf. Unwind yourselves at the relaxing Nasimi Beach which also hosts many concerts, explore the marine life at the world class aquarium named the Lost Chambers, enjoy distinctive water rides at the Aquaventure Water Park, stroll through the lavish interiors of the hotel, swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Bay and treat yourself at a variety of dining options. It’s not important to stay at the hotel to have access to all the activities. Atlantis is one of the most extravagant places to visit in Dubai.

You can pre-book your preferred activities and plan a day trip to Atlantis the Palm to spend a wonderful time at the Palm Jumeirah. Entry to the Aquaventure Water Park and The Lost Chambers is complimentary to hotel guests.

Opening Hours :

• The Lost Chambers, Atlantis The Palm : 10 AM to 10 PM everyday
• Aquaventure Water Park, Atlantis The Palm : 10 AM to 5:30 PM everyday
• Dolphin Bay, Atlantis The Palm : 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM everyday

Entrance Fees :

• The Lost Chambers, Atlantis The Palm : AED 110 (USD 30) per person
• Aquaventure Water Park, Atlantis The Palm : AED 289 (USD 79) per person
• Dolphin Bay, Atlantis The Palm : AED 761 (USD 207) per person

Savings Tips :

• Avail this amazing deal including super saver combo tickets to Aquaventure and Lost Chambers.
• Swim with the Dolphins at shallow water depth by availing this offer. It also includes a complimentary day access to Aquaventure Waterpark.
• If you are looking for some deep water interactions with the dolphins, here’s the deal you should be opting for. This also includes a complimentary day access to Aquaventure Waterpark.
• You can book your View At The Palm and Dubai Frame ticket here.

Nearest Metro Station :

There is no nearest metro station to Atlantis The Palm. The best way to reach there is by hiring a cab.

Dubai Marina :

Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city comprising of spectacular skyscrapers, scenic promenade, waterfront restaurants, one of the largest shopping malls, a lovely beach and exciting yacht tours. The Cayan Tower ( a.k.a. Infinity Tower) known to be world’s tallest twisted tower can be seen from many places at the Dubai Marina. A yachting trip from the Dubai Marina Promenade gives brilliant views all the stunning skyscrapers including the iconic Burj Al Arab and Atlantis.

Nearest Metro Station :

Damac Properties Metro Station.

Madinat Jumeirah :

The Madinat Jumeirah showcases an impressive outlook of the traditional Arabic architecture comprising of elegantly designed souq, various wind towers, windy alleys, shiny lamps, lots of palm trees and a bridged walkaway over a lake. The delightful and calm ambiance at Madinat Jumeirah makes it an ideal retreat for visitors. You can also catch the glimpses of the Burj Al Arab from few restaurants or while taking an Abra (Boating) tour at the lake. There are many restaurants, bars and cafes that make Madinat Jumeirah more vibrant and lively.

Opening Hours :

10 AM to 11 PM everyday.

Entrance Fees :

Free

Nearest Metro Station :

The nearest station is the Mall Of The Emirates metro station from where you can higher a cab to reach Madinat Jumeirah.

Dubai Miracle Garden :

Dubai never fails to surprise anyone. The Miracle Garden is an example of one such surprise. It’s hard to even imagine having a garden in a desert area. But, for Dubai nothing seems to be impossible. The Dubai Miracle Garden is one of its kind and also world’s largest natural flower garden showcasing over 45 million flowers and 250 million plants. It is a must visit place for all visitors. The entire garden is very beautifully decorated with different themes each year. There is a Butterfly Garden too located adjacent to the Miracle Garden which is the world’s largest indoor butterfly garden and sanctuary for over 15,000 butterflies from 26 species. This one is a must visit too!

Opening Hours :

The Miracle Garden is seasonal and opens from October till April when there are temperature drops in Dubai.

Sunday-Thursday : 9 AM till 9 PM

Friday-Saturday : 9 AM to 11 PM

Entrance Fees :

Dubai Miracle Garden : AED 40 (USD 11) per person

Dubai Butterfly Garden : AED 50 (USD 14) per person

Savings Tips :

• Book a combo ticket to Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden here. It includes round trip transfers to and from your hotel or desired location. This will save you few bucks and time.

Nearest Metro Station :

There is no nearest metro to the Dubai Miracle Garden. However, there is a direct bus service from Mall Of The Emirates Metro Station to the Dubai Miracle Garden.

Ski Dubai :

You can visit Dubai for Skiing! Yes, you got it right. Ski Dubai is an indoor Ski resort located in the Mall Of the Emirates. It is a beautiful arena of snow having igloos, slides, slopes and a snowy mountain. There you can go for various activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing, tobogganing, bob sleighing and much more. There is s a ‘Snow Penguins’ show to at Ski Dubai which is a visual treat for those who love penguins. You can also book for Penguin Encounters to meet the little penguins after the show.

Opening Hours :

• Saturday – Wednesday : 10 AM to 11 PM
• Thursday – Friday : 10 AM to 12 AM

Entrance Fees :

• Snow Park : AED 190 (USD 52) per person
• Slope Pass for Skiing and Sandboarding : AED 200 (USD 55) per person
• Penguin Encounters : AED 230 (USD 63) per person

Savings Tips :

Book your tickets in advance here to avoid long queues and get some great deals.

Nearest Metro Station :

Mall Of The Emirates Metro Sation.

Dubai Creek :

Dubai Creek used to be an important part of Dubai that divided it into two sections Bur Dubai and Deira. Historically, it was the only port in Dubai from where major sea transportation to and from other countries took place. At present, there are many traditional Dhows (ships) and Abras (boats) that sail across the Dubai Creek giving it’s visitors a new perspective of Dubai. Taking a tour through the Dhow cruise and Abra Ride is a great way to explore the old side of Dubai. Almost all the Dhows provide buffet lunches, dinners and luxury dine ins as well with lots of live entertainment activities.

Take a look at some of the best Dhow Cruises here.

Nearest Metro Station :

Al Fahidi Metro Station.

Al Bastakiya :

Explore Dubai city’s heritage and culture at Al Bastakia also known as the Al Fahidi neighborhood. Taking a heritage walk along it’s narrow alleys, artsy walls, houses with traditional wind towers and banks of the creek gives you an idea about the ancient traces of Dubai’s origin. Many of the houses at this locality have been converted into art galleries, souvenirs shops, museums and cool cafeterias. The Dubai Museum located adjacent to Al Bastakia showcases rise of Dubai from a small fishing village to one of the most extravagant cities in the wold.

To book a heritage tour of Al Bastakiya : Click here.

Opening Hours :

• Al Bastakiya Art galleries and museums : 9 AM to 6 PM everyday
• Dubai Museum : 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Entrance Fee :

• Al Bastakiya : Free.
• Dubai Museum : AED 3 (USD 0.8) per person

Nearest Metro Station :

Al Fahidi Metro Station.

Hub Zero :

Hub Zero is the region’s first immersive gaming theme park where the virtual world of gaming comes to life. It is located at City Walk which has a plethora of restaurants and some live entertaining activities. There are many adventure games with well equipped with the high end simulators, lazer tags, and amazing virtual techniques. Apart from the gaming zones, there is a kids play area, some retail stores and eateries too. So, if you are looking for a place to unleash a thrilling and fun side of yours, you must visit Hub Zero.

Opening Hours :

Saturday – Wednesday : 2 PM till 10 AM

Thursday – Friday : 2 PM till 12 AM

Entrance Fees :

Premium Pass : AED 165 (USD 45) per person

To book your tickets to Hub Zero : Click Here

Nearest Metro Station :

There is no direct metro station to Hub Zero. The nearest metro is Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa Metro Station from where you can hire a cab to reach City Walk where Hub Zero is located.

Dubai is full of amazing experiences, adventures and activities and so it rightfully marks it’s place as one of the best places to visit in Middle East.

Good To Know :

• When it comes to good food, Dubai is the place that boasts a variety of Indian culinary restaurants. Here’s a mini guide to Indian Restaurants in Dubai, that you should consider dining at.
• If you plan to stay in Dubai, you can book your Hotel Accommodations from a range of options based on your preferences from the box below showing the best deals;

Booking.com

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Have you been to Dubai or making plans on visiting there? If you have any queries or suggestions do let me know in the comment box below.

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