Dubai attractions: what to see

See the city from above, spend a day on waterslides, walk among historic houses or dine beside the sea: Dubai offers very different itineraries. We have selected 13 places for a first trip and further discoveries. Each offers its own reason to visit; find what interests you.

Our individual guides explain what to see and how to plan a visit. For a trip built around a concert, exhibition or sporting event, explore the events guide through May 2027. For a broader introduction to the city, read our Dubai travel guide.

See Dubai from above

Burj Khalifa: the city panorama

Burj Khalifa at sunset, 2024.Image: ECWiki1 / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 4.0 · CC BY 4.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

Visit Burj Khalifa to grasp Dubai's scale: neighbourhoods, roads and the skyline form a wide panorama. Levels 124 and 125 have observation decks and an outdoor terrace; level 148 requires a separate visit option. It is a good first ascent if you want to experience the city's famous symbol. Combine it with a walk around Downtown or a visit to Dubai Mall, where the route to At the Top begins.

Dubai Frame: old and new Dubai in one frame

Dubai Frame seen from Burj Khalifa, 2019.Image: «190410 Dubai Frame.jpg» — Rennboot / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 3.0 · CC BY 3.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

The golden frame in Zabeel Park is both an architectural landmark and a short journey through Dubai's history. Below, visitors learn about the city's past; above, the observation bridge offers a panorama and glass walkway. Older development lies on one side, modern development on the other. Choose Frame to understand the contrast between neighbourhoods as well as go up high. The structure is 150 metres tall and is worth looking at from outside too.

The View at The Palm: see the island's design

Palm Jumeirah seen from The View, 2022.Image: «The View at the Palm, Dubai.jpg» — dconvertini / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 2.0 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

Palm Jumeirah is hard to see as a whole from the ground. On level 52 of The Palm Tower, its shape becomes clear: trunk, spreading fronds and surrounding crescent. The panoramic deck overlooks the island, gulf and skyline, while an interactive exhibition explores Palm Jumeirah's creation. Choose it for engineering and Dubai's geography. The Next Level, on the higher level 54, is a separate visit option.

A day with children or friends

Dubai Aquarium: sharks and rays above a transparent tunnel

The large aquarium tank in Dubai Mall, 2011.Image: «DubaiMallAquariumDSC 7260.JPG» — Frank Seiplax / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 3.0 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

In Dubai Mall, swap city views for underwater life. The transparent tunnel lets you watch sharks, rays and fish around you, while Underwater Zoo introduces other animals and habitats. The operator's website also presents penguins, otters and crocodiles. The aquarium fits a family day in Downtown, followed by lunch and a walk. Choose separate animal encounters and extra activities according to your ticket's inclusions.

Aquaventure World: slides, children's areas and the beach

Waterways and pools at Aquaventure, 2012.Image: «Aquaventure. The Atlantis, Dubai (8973483064).jpg» — Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

Aquaventure on Palm Jumeirah offers a day in the water, from energetic slides to time beside the sea. Children's Splashers areas let families focus on water play, while thrill-seekers can choose bolder rides. It suits a group with different interests if you check ride requirements beforehand. Alternate water activities with the beach and breaks; admission to neighbouring The Lost World Aquarium depends on your ticket.

Dubai Safari Park: safaris and wildlife

A lion at Dubai Safari Park, 2019.Image: Talal4444 / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

Elephants, gorillas, Komodo dragons and Arabian animals make wildlife the focus of a day. Dubai Safari Park has walking zones, safari journeys, a children's farm and green Al Wadi for relaxing by the water. Families can build a visit around a child's favourite animals; visitors wanting a vehicle journey through larger areas can compare safaris. Explorer Safari Tour and ordinary admission feature in different ticket packages. Season 8 opened on 12 October 2026.

MOTIONGATE Dubai: Shrek, dragons and Hollywood stories

Smurfs Village Express roller coaster at MOTIONGATE, 2018.Image: «Motiongate Dubai.jpg» — Jeremy Thompson / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

MOTIONGATE turns film and animation stories into themed worlds and rides. The indoor DreamWorks zone includes Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon; Smurfs Village has family entertainment with the Smurfs. For a more active programme, there are rides inspired by Lionsgate and Columbia Pictures films. Choose it for familiar characters and a day among film sets. It is part of Dubai Parks and Resorts.

IMG Worlds of Adventure: Marvel and a dinosaur world

The Velociraptor track at IMG Worlds of Adventure, 2018.Image: «Velociraptor (IMG Worlds of Adventure) 1.jpg» — Jeremy Thompson / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

At IMG, move from superheroes to prehistoric Lost Valley, then visit Cartoon Network characters. Spider-Man, the Avengers, dinosaurs and rollercoasters offer different versions of an active day. Most of the park is indoors; some rides extend outside. Choose it if your group prefers Marvel and Cartoon Network. Check participation rules before buying: a familiar character does not make every attraction suitable for a young child.

Flowers, world cuisines and seasonal experiences

Dubai Miracle Garden: floral arches, a castle and an aircraft

A flower-covered sculpture at Dubai Miracle Garden, 2016.Image: Dayneferrera / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

Flowers become three-dimensional displays at Miracle Garden: a large Emirates A380, a passage of heart-shaped arches, a castle and storybook characters. Walk, look for details and photograph the unusual compositions. It suits a family outing or time as a couple outdoors. Season 15 is announced for 8 October 2026 to 31 May 2027. Alongside familiar floral displays, there is a programme of themed weeks and family activities.

Global Village: country pavilions and street food

The entrance to Global Village at sunset, 2018.Image: Abil Ahamed / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

Global Village combines national pavilions, shopping, world cuisines, performances and rides. Come for unfamiliar dishes, souvenirs or a family evening with something for everyone. Move between cultures, explore pavilion design and make small food discoveries. Season 31 began on 14 October 2026 and is announced to run until May 2027; the precise closing day has not yet been named. Check performances and individual activities for your chosen date.

Walk around the city and along the water

Al Fahidi and Al Seef: history, courtyards and Dubai Creek

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, 2018.Image: «Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Bastakiya).jpg» — Ankur Panchbudhe / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

Al Fahidi reveals a Dubai of traditional houses, wind towers and winding lanes. Historic buildings hold galleries, cultural spaces and cafés. Continue at Souk Al Seef beside Dubai Creek, where shops and restaurants share waterfront views with boats. Choose it for city history and a relaxed waterside lunch. Al Fahidi is a historic neighbourhood; Al Seef is a separate modern complex using traditional architectural motifs.

Dubai Marina and JBR: yachts, skyscrapers and the sea

Dubai Marina's skyline at sunset, 2020.Image: «Dubai Marina Skyline.jpg» — Norlando Pobre / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

Dubai Marina offers walks along the waterway between high-rise towers, with yachts and waterfront cafés. In neighbouring JBR, reach the sea, stroll along The Walk and choose a restaurant. Explore these areas for Dubai’s modern seaside atmosphere without a fixed tour schedule. Choose the Marina for architecture and waterside views, JBR for a mix of beach and urban walking. Spend a day in one or combine both.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah: an Arabian market and canals

The entrance to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, 2011.Image: «Dubai - Eingang zum Souk Madinat Jumeirah - سوق مدينة جميرا - panoramio.jpg» — giggel / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 3.0 · CC BY 3.0 · Source. Image optimized for the web.

Carved wood, decorative lanterns, shopping lanes and canals make Souk Madinat a pleasant place for a walk and dinner. Browse spices, jewellery and souvenirs, then head to the water and choose a restaurant. Some viewpoints and venues overlook Burj Al Arab. This is a modern complex inspired by traditional markets, rather than a historic neighbourhood. It suits an evening for two or meeting friends amid attractive city scenery.

A transfer for a walk or a full day

Once you have chosen a place, discuss a trip from your hotel and back with Hola Taxi. Say where you want to go, when and how many people are coming. If you intend to end with dinner or walk into a neighbouring area, mention it in your enquiry so the return fits your programme.

For arrival in the city, there is a separate Dubai International Airport transfers section. Plan the airport-to-hotel journey alongside your other holiday trips.

Sources

Facts checked on 15 October 2026.