- 1. Burj Al Arab
- 2. Burj Khalifa
- 3. Jumeirah Beach
- 4. Dubai Mall
- 5. The Creek
- 6. Dubai Museum
- 7. Medinat Jumeirah
- 8. The Palm
- 9. Dubai Marina
- 10. Miracle Garden
It's the world's most luxurious hotel and the city's icon. If you can't afford a room, see it from the beach! The famous sail-shaped building facing the Arabian Gulf is the most popular backdrop for that "look at me in Dubai" shot.
Tip - If you can't afford staying at the hotel (check prices below), but still want to see it inside, splurge a little at one of the bars and restaurants. Reservation is required.
This is the world's tallest building and you can see all of Dubai from the top. It's over 160 stories high, with observation decks on the top floors. You'll feel like you're literally standing on top of the world, overlooking the city and the sea.
Tickets: Top of the Burj Khalifa
Dubai's beaches are actually the main reasons many people travel to the city. While many are private property connected to big resorts, there are a few public areas. Jumeirah beach by the marina is the best one, allowing you to sunbathe on the sand and people-watch on the "The Walk" promenade, with its several cafés and restaurants.
Locate it on the map: Jumeirah Beach
It's not just any mall, it's the world's largest mall, with a big aquarium, lakeside restaurants and the tallest fountains in the world set to music! Don't write that off as a tacky tourist attraction. This is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the world, and when temperatures become scorching hot outside, you'll want to seek shelter here. In addition to the stores of the international labels you're familiar with, it's also home to the Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's department stores. And there's an ice rink!
Official Website: www.thedubaimall.com
Cross this creek on a traditional boat (called "dhow"), and get a glimpse of what Dubai used to be, at atmospheric souks specializing in spices and gold.
Tickets: Tours and Cruises on the Creek
The story of the fishing village-turned-megacity is told in this small museum. It's housed in a fort from the 1700s, and is a charming place to see the traditional Dubai before the oil money.
Official Website: www.dubaiculture.gov.ae
For some of the best views of the Burj Al Arab, head to this modern Arabian-styled souk. It's more like a luxurious theme mall than a traditional souk, but offers good shopping (fashion, jewelry, traditional crafts) and top-quality restaurants and bars with outdoor seating.
Official Website: www.jumeirah.com
The man-made island that captured the world's attention offers some of the best views of the Dubai skyline. Even if you're not staying at the famous Atlantis resort, you'll want to head here not just for the views but also for the entertainment. There's a waterpark, an aquarium, and a number of other water-themed attractions for people of all ages.
Tickets: The Palm Attractions
Relax and dine by the world's largest (and allegedly most luxurious) man-made marina with a forest of skyscrapers as a backdrop. Visitors spend their time taking photos and shopping before hopping on a cruise.
Tickets: Marina Tours and Cruises
The world's biggest garden is obviously in Dubai. It's made up of 45 million flowers, arranged in different shapes, making it look like one big art exhibition. For many visitors it beats the skyscrapers as the city's most spectacular sight.
Tours Tickets: Miracle Garden Tours
Official Website: www.dubaimiraclegarden.com
