Dubai is mesmerizing especially if you are visiting in winter. The weather is just perfect and you wont be burnt to fumes! I traveled here with a budget in my mind and I tried to explore all the mainstream attractions in Dubai. AND I DID! I loved everything about Dubai, but certain aspects of some attractions were a bit underwhelming too!
Here is my honest review of the top 15 attractions in Dubai- if they are worth visiting, management, waiting times and what can you expect there! Read, so that you can ultimately decide which attractions you want to visit in your next trip to Dubai!
I have also mentioned the nearest metro stations to all the attractions in Dubai so that it will be easier for you to navigate. Read a detailed Dubai Metro guide here.
Table of Contents
Top 15 Attractions in Dubai Review
Dubai Frame
Attractions in Dubai
While this place is there on almost every tour package itinerary, not everyone takes you on top of it. You get a photo stop here and then you proceed further. If you are someone who likes to explore cultures, this is something for you.
Dubai Frame has 3 galleries inside the frame which showcases the early life of UAE, how the citizens used to live, what they wore, what they used, etc. So, you get the gist of the cultural background of the country you are visiting. In one of their galleries they also show how they see Dubai in the future.
It’s an approx 10 minute show, where their futuristic vision can be seen. It’s fun, honestly!
Their lift is a fun part too. It’s glass-covered, so you can get amazing visuals of the surroundings and its one of the fastest lifts too.
On the top floor, you can walk on the glass bridge. I had seen videos of the same about a similar bridge in China and wanted to do it since. Hence, I visited it.
The Frame can be easily seen from the surrounding area, so you can totally skip getting inside the frame and can still click some great pictures!
Cost: 50 AED/ person
Location: Al Kifaf
Nearest Metro Station: Max Metro Station
Nearest Bus Station: Dubai Frame, Al Kifaf
The View at The Palm
Attractions in Dubai
This is one of the must-do attractions in Dubai. I’ll tell you why. Palm Jumeirah is one of the most scenic attractions in Dubai. AND, the view deck at the Nakheel mall gives you a clear view of the Palm Jumeirah island. And it’s breathtaking.
If you are reaching here by monoral, then you get the bonus point here. Monorail ride! The only thing I absolutely hated was the crowd management. We were standing in a queue for about 45 minutes. Even when we had booked our tickets in advance, online!
There are only 3 lifts to take the passengers up and down and only two were working, out of which, one was kept for Fast Track guests. So yeah, basically only one lift! That was frustrating.
Whereas, the view at the deck is astonishing. Similar view you can get from Burj Khalifa, but you can see Dubai not the Palm Jumeirah Island.
If you are planning to go skydiving at Palm, then you can skip this. Otherwise, go for this one, because this is the only place where you can get Palm Jumeirah’s unobstructed view.
Cost: 110 AED
Location: Nakheel Mall
Nearest Metro Station: Sobha Realty Metro Station Red Line
Nearest Monorail Station: Nakheel Mall
Burj Khalifa
Attractions in Dubai
Attractions in Dubai
How can we miss visiting the tallest building in the world!? This is definitely a YES from me! To get to Burj Khalifa, you must enter through Dubai Mall. Burj Khalifa entrance is at the lower ground level of Dubai Mall. Locating this could be a task!
There are three options here- 124&125th floor, 148th floor, 163rd floor.
Prices increase with the floors. We went to the 125th floor viewing deck. It’s a long route of reaching the 6th fastest lift in the world.
En route, you will find many wall paintings and posters which convey the story of construction of Burj Khalifa and some fun facts about the building too.
When you get on the lift, you get to experience some amazing 3D effects inside the lift that enhances the traveler’s experience. You must add this place on your itinerary.
Cost: AED 179
Location: Burj Khalifa
Nearest Metro Station: Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station on red line
Dubai Mall
Attractions in Dubai
Am not a luxury shopper at all! So, Dubai Mall was not of much use to me. But I still took a stroll, since the Dubai Aquarium and Dubai fountain show take place in Dubai Mall only!
This mall has every brand’s store you can remember and know of! The mall is huge and has everything from food to footwear. You can buy from brands here. Otherwise you can shop at the small stores located on the way to the Dubai Mall metro station.
You would get similar souvenirs at the low cost there. Apart from this, there’s nothing that is useful for me. Remember, that this blog is for a traveler and not a tourist!
I focus on exploring and experiencing rather than luxury and shopping. If you fall in that category, you would not find anything THAT interesting in Dubai Mall.
Cost: Nothing
Location: Dubai Mall
Nearest Metro Station: Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station on red line
Dubai Aquarium
There are three aquariums in Dubai. I went to only Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Reason being- I love penguins and wanted to watch them and learn about them. If you have time, you can try visiting all of them. They’re great!
If you can’t visit all of them, at least visit this one. Dubai Aquarium is one of the best attractions in Dubai and for a reason.
It’s located in the Dubai Mall and its exterior alone is one of the best things about this aquarium! Its glass is covered and from outside, you can see the display of wonderful aquatic wonders inside. This is the best thing about Dubai!
Where imagination ends, Dubai starts!
You will get to see and interact with so many species including crocodiles, snakes, crabs, frogs, penguins, algae, seahorse, fish, and whatnot! There is one part where you can touch the fish also.
In the aquarium, you can see many associates, who will help you understand species and they will constantly give you information about these species which makes your visit more entertaining.
This is definitely one of the must visit attractions in Dubai.
Cost: AED 50
Location: Dubai Mall
Nearest Metro Station: Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station on red line
Dubai Fountain Show
I have personally seen so many fountain shows in my life, but this one is definitely different and fascinating. I understand that traveling to Dubai is an expensive affair, but this is one of the free experiences in Dubai.
The place gets really crowded at the time. But that’s okay! The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6 pm till 11 pm. So, if you are shopping in Dubai mall, you can easily watch the show!
The best part about this show is the fountains go very high and the colors and music coordination is just insane!
The USP of this show is the view and the surroundings! Amongst all the tall buildings and the tallest Burj Khalifa itself, the fountain looks smaller. But it’s okay. It’s still fascinating!
There are boat services that cost around 10 Dirhams per person which give you a ride alongside the fountain to get pictures and an experience altogether!
If you want to do that, great! Otherwise, just witnessing this phenomena is a wholesome experience altogether!
Cost: Nothing!
Location: Dubai Mall
Nearest Metro Station: Dubai Mall/ Burj Khalifa Metro Station, Red Line
AYA Universe
Oh, this is wonderful for all age groups. I am in my late twenties and my parents are 50+ years old, and we all enjoyed this thoroughly.
As the name suggests, this place is purely a different universe. Before you enter, you get a passport to enter the place, cool isn’t it?
Before going in, they give you a short brief and the map is drawn on your passport as well! There are different zones inside where they have played with lights, mirrors, music. This makes you feel like you have truly entered another universe!
Probably, the uniqueness of the place makes it one of the best attractions in Dubai. It is at a 5 minutes walking distance from the metro station- Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station.
3-7 minute shows take place in each zone at regular intervals. This includes light and sound shows in the mirrored rooms. I can’t compare this with anything because I have not experienced anything like this ever before.
If you also want to see something different, AYA Universe is a place for you.
Cost: AED 135
Location: Wafi City Mall
Nearest Metro Station: Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station on the green line
Desert Safari
How can we miss the desert safari when in Dubai? Unfortunately, we could not find sellers who sale only dunes bashing or exclusive experiences.
This is a package deal. This includes various activities like camel ride, dunes bashing, dance shows, henna painting and dinner!
You will see many competitive pricings for this. If you ask me, I’d say go for the cheapest one! I’ll tell you why!
Any package you go for, you will get basic things here. You will have to pay extra, if you want better experiences.
Ill first note the positives of this safari-
- You get picked up in a Land Cruiser from your hotel.
- Fortunately all the cab drivers are very friendly, knowledgeable and experienced. They will make you feel home.
- The dunes bashing is something to die for! You can’t miss this.
- While camel riding, assistants click multiple great pictures and videos.
- Dinner is good (not great).
- Snacks are good and tasty.
- Unlimited Tea/coffee/cold drinks/snacks
- Belly Dance was great
- Fire show was kickass and mindblowing (second best experience in the safari)
- Free Shisha Smoking
Things I hated about this safari-
Am just going to mention all the things that are not mentioned in the package and how they can be a bit underwhelming to experience.
- Quad bike ride is not included, but you get to stop there for 30 mins. This could be boring for the passengers who haven’t signed up for it.
- Falcon photos. They charge 10 AED for letting the falcon sit on your arm. This is fine and fun too. But, sometimes it’s irritating when someone constantly asks for it upon denial.
- Camel ride. They give you a camel ride for just a minute. Really. It’s more like, you sat on a camel, camel got up, walked for 2 steps and you got down. Rajasthan camel ride was way better than this one, honestly.
- Henna painting. They draw such a small questionable flower on one side of your hand if you don’t pay extra. This is what is included in your package.
- Arabic dressing. The free stall is set up (included in your package). This is so boring, because the dresses that are kept there are in a questionable condition (not even washed properly). For women only black abaya is kept. For men, not even headgear is available. Only the white thawb is kept, that is it. If you want to dress up properly, PAY EXTRA!
- Seating. Pay 50 AED per person if you want to sit comfortably on Sofa. Otherwise you will have to sit on the ground on cushions. Sofa seating benefits include- early access to VIP buffet, shisha on the table, waiter service, more variety of food in dinner and starters.
Cost: AED 120
Souks
The reality of any place reflects through its markets. I firmly believe in it. This charm of Dubai can be experienced in its souks. This should be your shopping spree day!
Gold souk catches everyone’s attention. Every shop in the Gold souk has unique designs and variety. There are other souks like perfume souks, spice souks, utensils souks, etc. You will get really good prices and good stuff here. This is the best place to buy attar and perfumes too.
Many shops sell good quality dates and chocolates. Also, there is a great scope for bargaining too. It’s free of cost to enter. There are many commercial agencies that offer paid tours to these souks. I think it’s something that you can explore on your own!
Cost: Nothing
Location: Deira
Nearest Metro Station: Gold Souk
Abra Rides
I personally enjoyed the abra ride. I only took it twice just out of necessity. This is also one of their public transports. It costs 2 AED to go to Heritage Village from the Gold souk. So, it’s very affordable and convenient. However, the waiting time could be overwhelming. That’s the only downside of the abra, otherwise everything else is great, right from the cleanliness of the boat to crowd management.
Cost: AED 2
Location: Old Souk, Deira
Nearest Metro Station: Al Ras Metro Station
Dhow Cruise Dinner
This is one of the best experiences in Dubai. If you want to experience Dhow cruise, you get two options to choose from. You can do it from the creek or from Dubai Marina. I recommend Dubai Marina. This allows you to witness the great attractions in Dubai whereas on the creek cruise you get a scenic view of the surroundings.
Creek cruises are less expensive too. But mostly, people prefer cruises at Dubai Harbour as the view of the attractions in Dubai at the nighttime is stunning.
Cost: around AED 105
Location: Dubai Harbour
Nearest Tram Station: Mina Seyahi
Miracle Garden
As I said before, you will see things in Dubai that you haven’t even imagined. Miracle Garden is one of those attractions in Dubai where you will go bonkers with creativity!
This is an amazing place to visit in Dubai where you will see many structures and statues created by flowers and leaves. There are animal figures, gardens, pathways, Disneyland replicas, angels, and everything you would ever imagine.
Hungry? No worries. There are many vendors who sell great street style food on carts. Also, there are cafes where you can sit and relax.
There is a taxi station from where you can get a cab easily. After walking for about 10 minutes, you can get a bus to the metro station. Bus frequency is a bit questionable. So, ensure you are thorough with the schedule.
Cost: AED 90
Location: Al Barsha
Nearest Metro Station: The Mall of Emirates
Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Tour
If you are staying in Dubai and you don’t have much time to explore other places but still want to visit Abu Dhabi, then you should go for the day trips to Abu Dhabi. I booked mine from a booking.com and it was a pleasant experience. There are many providers in Dubai who can help you out with the same.
My tour guide cum driver was highly knowledgeable, warm and made all of us feel secure and at home.
Our first stop was Grand Mosque Abu dhabi where a strict dress code is followed, especially for ladies! Make sure you do that!
Then there is a visit to the art museum, mall, heritage museum, corniche, ferrari world, yas island drive. It’s a really good tour with comfortable seating.
P.S. These tours do not include entry to Ferrari world. Just a photo stop.
Cost: AED 135
Location: Abu Dhabi
Museum of Future
Viewing Deck at Museum of the future
Tech lovers! Summon! This is something everyone is going to enjoy even if you are not tech savvy. This museum feels like you are stepping into the episode of black mirror.
The museum showcases the futuristic approach of Dubai and use of advanced tech in every industry from healthcare to education.
You get to experience spacecraft, space stations, advanced cars, flying suits, robots, robot dogs, utility robots, crossbreeding stations, DNA collections and much more. It is honestly something you might not have imagined ever before!
Make sure you book tickets in advance.
Cost: AED 149
Location: Trade Center
Nearest Metro Station: Emirates Towers
Museum of illusions and Heritage Village
Attractions in Dubai
See, there are numerous museums of illusions everywhere. And this museum is mostly similar to those. So it’s not something extravaganza you are gonna visit. But it’s fun! It’s located in the heritage village in the middle of the market. This is the place that will truly offer you peace of mind.
The buildings are beige colored and away from the hustle bustle of the city. You will get to see an entirely different face of Dubai here which is even more beautiful than those skyrocketing buildings.
Plus you will get souvenirs at the cheapest rates here, just walk a bit and explore the market! While doing this, you can go for this museum as it’s a fun activity to do. It’s good, the staff is also good. You can give it a try if you have never visited such a place before.
Cost: AED 85
Location: Heritage Area
Nearest Metro Station: Sharaf DG Station
Please Note: All the prices I have mentioned may not be the exact prices. I had researched various sites to get the best deal for myself. The deal might not be available at the time of your booking.
Also I travelled to dubai in the peak travel season. You might get different rates.
All the booking links I have mentioned are the sites I had booked my activities from!