Introduction
Prepare for an adventure in the Middle East and start planning your visit to Dubai. The biggest city in the UAE has plenty of attractions that will keep you busy during your stay. From the iconic Palm Jumeirah to the world’s largest shopping mall, there is something for everyone in this city of kings. To help you plan your own itinerary, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 places to visit in Dubai. Get out a pen and paper—you’ll want to write these down!
Palm Jumeirah: The Crown Jewel of Dubai
If you're looking for a destination that has it all—from high-end luxury resorts to modern city amenities—look no further than Dubai. And of all its attractions, the one that takes center stage is the iconic Palm Jumeirah. This manmade island in the shape of a palm tree is located just off the coast of Dubai, and it's definitely a sight to behold.
Visiting this modern oasis offers you luxurious activities, whether you want to take a dip in one of its many beaches or stay at one of its exclusive resorts and experience an unforgettable beach holiday. Plus, Palm Jumeirah is home to some of the most exclusive restaurants in town, where you can sample local and international cuisine. And don't forget about the lively bars and clubs that line the shoreline for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Shopping at the Dubai Mall
The second spot on our list is the Dubai Mall. One of the world's largest shopping malls, it offers everything from high-end fashion brands to local shops and boutiques. With more than 1,000 stores, it also has two large department stores and an indoor theme park.
For those looking for a unique shopping experience, there are plenty of options for dining, with cafes, restaurants and fast food chains to choose from. You can also catch one of the themed days at the mall or take part in one of their events throughout the year.
If you're not in the mood for shopping, you can explore the Underwater Zoo and Aquarium, watch a movie at the Reel Cinemas or even see a show at The Dubai Fountain. There's also an ice rink you can use for some winter fun during summer days! And no visit to Dubai Mall would be complete without taking a ride up to the observation deck - it's bound to be one of your most memorable experiences!
Get a Front-Row Seat at the Dubai Aquarium
If you’re looking for some jaw-dropping fun, look no further than the Dubai Aquarium located in the Dubai Mall. You'll step into a giant 10 million liter tank filled with around 33,000 species of fish, including one of the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks and the world’s biggest collection of stingrays.
You can also get up close and personal with marine animals by diving with sharks, swimming alongside stingrays and even walking with sea turtles! But don’t forget to take a break from all the underwater adventures to visit the onsite glass tunnel that provides incredible views of sea creatures while you walk.
Exploring the aquarium is an unforgettable experience that you simply must do in Dubai:
Take a break from the sun and cool-off at the Underwater Zoo, where more than `280 species live in their massive habitats
Check out Amphibians Forest where you can find frogs, salamanders and caecilians
Get ready to be mesmerized by a giant 15m wide acrylic panel that takes on 3D images every 20 minutes
Enjoy Penguin Point for some real Antarctic vibes
Indulge in retail therapy at Diving Village’s souvenir shop for some unique memorabilia
Stand Atop the Burj Khalifa and Take in the Views
The fourth place to visit on your trip to Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, at 828 meters tall it's the tallest building in the world! It's an iconic attraction, that you definitely don't want to miss. Riding an elevator up 124 floors will give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't soon forget.
At the top, you can witness breathtaking 360-degree views of Dubai from the sky deck and even check out the unique sky-high observatory of the world’s tallest structure.
The Burj Khalifa also houses a few other attractions in its premises, such as:
At The Top Sky Lounge: Here, you can enjoy a variety of beverages with stunning views of Dubai.
Dubai Fountain Show: This fountain show which happens every evening is simply remarkable and should be on your must-see list too.
Burj Khalifa Lake Ride: The lake ride takes you around the Burj complex and offers spectacular views of the city's skyline.
A visit to this grand structure is sure to be an unforgettable experience — and one you definitely won't regret!
Learn About Arabian History at the Dubai Museum
Next stop - The Dubai Museum! One of the top places to visit in Dubai, this museum is located in the Al Fahidi Fort and is dedicated to showcasing the traditional way of life in the Emirates of yesteryear. You'll get a sense of Emirati culture, art, and history; learn about ancient trade routes, nomadic Bedouin tribes that originally populated the area, and so much more.
The museum is filled with artifacts from archeological sites throughout the region—including rare vessels, weaponry, coins, jewelry, and photographs—all preserved inside air-conditioned galleries. Plus you can watch a captivating audio-visual presentation about Dubai's transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis.
Aside from all these interesting exhibits, you’ll also find an interactive wind tower that demonstrates how traditional wind towers once provided cooling for old-style buildings. And don’t forget to check out their courtyard as well – where you can find a reconstructed souk (marketplace), complete with its old-fashioned merchants and goods!
Conclusion
Dubai is far more than a place for luxurious shopping and high-end dining, it's a place for exploration and memories. With the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium, the Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Museum, you'll be sure to find something that piques your interest and to create an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most awe-inspiring cities. Whether you're an experienced traveler or just venturing out for the first time, these five places are sure to provide fascinating stories and an experience that'll stick with you for a lifetime.