The best tourist attractions in Dubai range from the world’s tallest building to a gold market that has traded for more than a century, and most of them are easy to combine in a few days. Some are free, some are expensive, and a few change their opening times or close for maintenance, so planning ahead saves money and disappointment. This guide covers 14 attractions worth your time, explains what each one offers, shows what to book in advance and suggests how to fit them into a one-day, three-day or five-day trip.
What Are the Top Attractions in Dubai?
If you only have time for three, choose the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall with its fountain show, and a walk through old Dubai at the Gold Souk and Al Fahidi. Add the Dubai Frame or The View at The Palm for another skyline perspective, and Ski Dubai or Aquaventure if you are travelling with children or visiting in summer.
Dubai Attractions at a Glance
- Best views: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, The View at The Palm and Ain Dubai
- Best for families: Dubai Aquarium, Ski Dubai, Aquaventure Waterpark and the Dubai Mall
- Best for culture: Gold Souk, Al Fahidi, Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai Opera
- Best free attractions: the Dubai Fountain, Jumeirah Beach, the Gold Souk and a Creek abra ride
- Best in summer: Ski Dubai, the aquarium, Infinity des Lumières and the malls
- Best season overall: November to March, when the weather suits outdoor sights
14 Best Tourist Attractions in Dubai
1. Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building at 828 metres, and it opened in January 2010. Its observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148 give you 360-degree views over the desert, the coast and the Dubai Mall below, and sunset slots are the most popular. Book timed tickets in advance, because walk-up prices are higher. Our guide to the Burj Khalifa explains the options.
2. The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Mall is one of the most visited places on Earth, with more than 1,200 stores, an ice rink, an aquarium and a free fountain show on the lake outside. Even if you do not shop, it is a good place to spend an afternoon and an evening. See our guides to the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain.
3. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The aquarium inside the Dubai Mall holds around 10 million litres of water and thousands of marine animals, and you can walk through a glass tunnel or take a glass-bottom boat ride. The main tank is visible for free from the concourse. Read our guide to the Dubai Aquarium for ticket options.
4. Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is a giant picture-frame-shaped building in Zabeel Park, about 150 metres high. A glass-floored sky bridge connects the two towers, so one side looks over modern Downtown and the other over older neighbourhoods such as Deira. Recent listings give the adult ticket as around AED 50, with opening hours of roughly 9 am to 9 pm, but check before you go. See our guide to the Dubai Frame.
5. Ain Dubai
Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island is the world’s tallest observation wheel at about 250 metres, with views over Dubai Marina, the Palm and the coast. It closed in 2022 and reopened to the public in December 2024, but its operating schedule has been less predictable than other attractions, with further closures reported. Check the official website for current status and ticket prices before you plan around it.
6. The View at The Palm
The View at The Palm is an observation deck on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower, about 240 metres above Palm Jumeirah. The view takes in the Palm’s trunk and fronds, the coast, the Burj Al Arab and the Marina skyline, and sunset is the best time. Recent listings show tickets from around AED 110. Read our guide to the Palm Islands for more about the area.
7. Atlantis The Palm and Aquaventure Waterpark
Atlantis is the Palm’s landmark resort, and Aquaventure is its large water park, with record-setting slides and a river ride. It is a good option for a hot day and for families. See our guides to Atlantis The Palm and Aquaventure Waterpark.
8. Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates is an indoor ski resort with real snow, a slope, a snow park and a penguin encounter. Clothing and equipment can be hired, so you can try snow sports in a desert city without any preparation. Our guide to Ski Dubai explains the passes.
9. Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach
Jumeirah Beach is the easiest free attraction in Dubai, with warm water, a long promenade and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab in the background. Kite Beach is the active end, with kitesurfing, volleyball and food trucks. See our guides to Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach.
10. Gold Souk and Old Dubai
The Gold Souk in Deira is a covered market with hundreds of shops selling gold, silver and diamonds, and prices are set by weight and the daily gold rate, so you can compare and bargain on the making charge. Nearby, the Al Fahidi Historic District and the Dubai Creek show what the city looked like before the skyscrapers, and an abra ride across the creek costs only a small fare. Our guide to traditional souks in Dubai covers more markets.
11. Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai opened in 2016 and is shaped like a traditional dhow. It seats around 2,000 people and hosts opera, ballet, concerts and theatre throughout the season. Check the programme before you travel, and dress smartly for evening performances.
12. Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque, built in 1979, is one of the few mosques in Dubai that welcome non-Muslim visitors, through guided tours run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. It is built in the medieval Fatimid style, with two minarets and finely carved stone decoration. Tours are usually held in the morning on selected days, so check the schedule and dress modestly, with arms and legs covered and a headscarf for women.
13. Infinity des Lumières
Infinity des Lumières is an immersive digital art centre on Level 2 of the Dubai Mall, where projections of famous paintings and abstract art fill the walls, floors and ceilings with music. A visit usually takes about an hour, shows run at set times, and opening hours appear to vary by source, so check the official schedule and book ahead for evenings and weekends.
14. A dhow cruise
A dhow cruise on Dubai Creek or at Dubai Marina is one of the most relaxing ways to see the city’s skyline and old trading routes. Most cruises last about two hours and include a buffet dinner, and some offer live music or a show. Prices and menus vary by operator, so compare reviews and book in advance for the evening slots.
Bonus: Global Village
Global Village is a seasonal outdoor park of country pavilions, food stalls, rides and shows, usually open from around October to April. It is a good evening outing in winter. See our Global Village guide.
Which Dubai Attractions Should You Choose?
- If you want the classic skyline: Burj Khalifa at sunset and the fountain show after dark
- If you want something different: Dubai Frame, Infinity des Lumières or a dhow cruise
- If you are travelling with children: Dubai Aquarium, Ski Dubai and Aquaventure
- If you love culture: Gold Souk, Al Fahidi, Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai Opera
- If you want free things to do: the fountain, Jumeirah Beach and an abra ride
How Much Do Dubai Attractions Cost?
- Free: the Dubai Fountain, Jumeirah Beach, walking the souks and the Creek area, and looking at the aquarium tank from outside
- Low cost: an abra ride, the Dubai Frame and the metro
- Mid-range: The View at The Palm, Burj Khalifa standard decks, the aquarium and Ski Dubai
- Higher cost: Ain Dubai, Aquaventure, dhow dinner cruises and premium experiences
Prices and times change, so check official sites and book timed tickets for popular attractions in advance.
Best Time to See Dubai’s Attractions
- Best season: November to March, with warm days and cool evenings
- Quietest: weekday mornings
- Summer: choose indoor attractions, and see the outdoor ones at sunrise or after dark
See our Dubai weather guide for month-by-month conditions.
How to Plan Your Dubai Trip
If you have 1 day
Spend the morning at the Dubai Frame or the Gold Souk, the afternoon at the Dubai Mall and the aquarium, and finish with the Burj Khalifa at sunset and the fountain show.
If you have 3 days
Day one: Downtown and the Burj Khalifa. Day two: Old Dubai, the Gold Souk and a dhow cruise. Day three: Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah and The View at The Palm.
If you have 5 days
Add Ski Dubai or Aquaventure, an evening at Dubai Opera or Infinity des Lumières, and a day trip. See our guide to Dubai Marina for evening walks and dining.
Practical Tips
- Book timed tickets for the Burj Khalifa, Ain Dubai and the aquarium in advance.
- Use the metro and the tram for Downtown, the Marina and the Palm, and taxis for the beaches.
- Dress modestly at mosques, souks and malls, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Carry water, sun protection and a light layer for air-conditioned places.
- Check official sites before you go, because attractions sometimes close for maintenance or weather.
Tourist Attractions in Dubai: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one tourist attraction in Dubai?
The Burj Khalifa is the best-known, followed by the Dubai Mall and its fountain.
What are the best free things to do in Dubai?
The Dubai Fountain, Jumeirah Beach, the Gold Souk and the Creek area cost nothing to enjoy.
Is Ain Dubai open?
It reopened in December 2024, but it has had further closures, so check the official site for the current status.
How many days do you need in Dubai?
Three days cover the highlights, and five days give you time for a water park, a ski slope and more.
Can non-Muslims visit Jumeirah Mosque?
Yes, through guided tours run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Check the schedule and dress code before you go.
What are the best indoor attractions in Dubai?
The Dubai Aquarium, Ski Dubai, Infinity des Lumières, Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa decks are the best options.
What is the best time of year to visit Dubai?
November to March, when the weather suits both indoor and outdoor attractions.
Final Thoughts
Dubai rewards visitors who mix the famous landmarks with a few older, quieter places, such as the Gold Souk and the Creek. Pick three or four attractions, book the popular ones ahead and leave space for an evening by the water. For more ideas on shopping and beaches, see our list of the best shopping malls in Dubai and our guide to Jumeirah Beach.
