A stunning, cosmopolitan and impressive city with a variety of attractions at every turn. The megalopolis surprises with its grandeur, originality, novelty, monumentality of architectural structures and annually attracts millions of tourists. Many come here to see not only interesting places, but also to be inspired by the taste of money, it is this city of our planet that contains a huge number of millionaires. Yes, to our regret, such people are also considered unique attractions for Russian tourists.
If you want to take a look at the most interesting places, we advise you to start budget travel planning now with the travel-picture project. This will help our advice on hotels, prices, ways to get there, and other points of travel planning.
Burj Khalifa
The world's most famous futuristic structure, 828 meters high, literally stretching into the endless sky. The building houses shopping and entertainment centers, cafes, offices, apartments, parking lots, as well as two observation platforms from which an incredible panorama of the entire city opens. The skyscraper is equipped with modern high-speed elevators that take guests to the required floor almost instantly.
What is a must-see in Dubai? Of course, Burj Khalifa, and we advise you to go here first. But, before the excursion, we recommend that you find out the weather forecast so that the haze does not darken the dizzying view of the city.
Life hacks:
We advise you to plan your visit on weekdays, on Friday and on weekends you can queue for a very long time. The ticket can be bought online through the Sputnik 8 service or on the official website, the cost is almost the same.
From here, there is a great view of the fountain show, with music playing through the speakers on the floor. Be sure to take a seat 30-50 minutes before the start of the program.
The ideal time to visit is from 4.30 pm to 7 pm (depending on the season), at this time the sun is at sunset, you will see a stunning view of the city in completely different colors.
- working hours: Mon-Sun until 23.00;
- ticket price: 34 dollars when ordering online a few days in advance, or 109 dollars when visiting immediately.
Emirates towers
They are distinguished by an unusual shape and consist of two 52 and 54-storey buildings connected to each other. There is a shopping gallery between the twin towers and ring roads around them. The construction of the facilities was completed in 2000. Now they are office premises, a hotel and a restaurant.
The towers fit perfectly into the architectural appearance of the city, built of concrete and glass, and their feature is two thin spiers. Among the reviews of tourists on the forums are the most interesting places in Dubai, where to go in the evening and at night is advised without fail. Buildings are illuminated, decorating a wonderful city with bright lights, beautiful photos of Dubai are obtained (especially with a long exposure - how to take pictures correctly).
Love lake
It appeared in the middle of the Al Qudra desert not so long ago, the official opening was in 2018 and today it is breaking records for tourist visits. The history of the emergence of this interesting place begins with the fact that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum decided to make a gift to all his followers on Instagram. He planted the trees in such a way that they form the word Love (translated from English - love).
Many locals often visit this place with the whole family (50 km from the city), it is one of the quiet corners away from the bustle of the city. Here you can enjoy picturesque views, look at geese and swans in the wild, and take beautiful photos.
The ideal time to visit is after 6 pm. It is not so hot and you can enjoy an amazing sunset.
Musical dancing fountain
We recommend watching at night, when the magnificent water composition begins to sparkle against the background of the dark sky. The fountain is installed on a man-made lake near Burj Khalifa. He "dances" every day from six to eleven at night and pleases guests with animation shows accompanied by musical compositions. The show lasts about 3-4 minutes, it seems like a little, but the impressions will last a lifetime.
Alternatively, we advise you to watch the show from the Burj Khalifa, especially from the 148th floor, there are fewer people here.
National Museum
Located in the ancient Al-Fahidi Fort. In the museum, tourists will be told the history of the city up to the present day. During the half-hour excursion, guests will be shown the merchant ships of pearl divers, hand-made from solid wood. You can go into the house and see how people lived many years ago, a chic collection of jewelry, tableware, luxurious fabrics, hunting items and weapons.
- working hours: Sat-Thu 8.30-20.00, Fri - day off;
- ticket price: adult - $ 0.82, children $ 0.27.
The Dubai Mall
Are you thinking about what to see in Dubai on your own and where to spend at least half a day? Be sure to visit this huge commercial and entertainment complex. Indeed, today this mall is the largest in the world. One day will not be enough to see all its boutiques and have good fun. A theme park, an aquarium, an underwater zoo, an ice skating rink and one and a half hundred restaurants will not let guests get bored for a single minute, especially with children. For tired travelers, sleep capsules are provided on the territory of the complex.
We recommend a great life hack - download Dubai mall app, it shows you where you are, how to get to the desired store or find the exit. We have considered even more applications for tourists on a smartphone in a separate review, be sure to check it out.
Opening hours from 10 am to 00 pm on weekdays. Weekends until 1 am.
Palm Islands
Can even be seen from space. They spent $ 7 million on the construction of such a miracle of engineering. The archipelago is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf and consists of three artificial palm-shaped islands. There are hotels, entertainment centers, private villas, parks and beach clubs on the island.
You can get there by monorail train for 25 dirhams, with this method of travel, we advise you to be in the front, you will get a gorgeous view through the panoramic windows.
The only negative for swimming inside the island is that the water stagnates here (especially in summer) and starts to smell unpleasant.
Burj Al Arab Hotel
One of the symbols of the metropolis. The silhouette of the building looks like a giant sail, whitening against the backdrop of an endless water surface. The height of the luxurious 5-star hotel is 321 meters. The tower is in the water and is connected to land via a bridge.
For the construction of the building, a huge work was done on pouring the foundation, cutting off waves, designing rooms in which unique design solutions were laid.
According to the level of service "Parus" has no equal on the planet, although it was officially awarded five stars. On its territory there is a helipad, gorgeous beaches and the world's best restaurants with panoramic views. If it is not possible for you to stay in a skyscraper, we recommend going to it on an excursion, which is offered by many local travel agencies.
For a full review of the unique hotel, read our separate article.
Historical district Bastakia
Are you deciding what to visit in Dubai on your own and inexpensively from historical places? Travel to the area and check out its magnificent architecture.
The name comes from the city of Bastak in Persia, from where the peoples moved to settle in this territory. Here people traded in seafood and pearls. The area suffered a loss with the start of oil production and quickly became neglected.
Buildings in Bastakia were built in the 19-20 century from scrap materials (shell rock, rough stones, clay, palm leaves).Many of them are equipped with "wind towers" (technology borrowed from Persia), which were once used as air conditioners.
Today it is a restored area with the preserved architecture of that time, where you can walk along narrow streets, go to a restaurant, visit galleries, and see various household items.
Planning the best vacation in Dubai
- TOP beach hotels by area
- The cost of travel to the UAE on your own
Jumeirah Mosque
Even non-Muslims are allowed to visit. The building, built in the late 70s of the 20th century, is a striking example of Arab architecture. The mosque houses the Center for Cultural Understanding, the purpose of which is to show people the true face of Islam, regardless of their religion. The center is headed by Sheikh Mahammed ibn Rashid al-Maktoum.
Women and men are allowed to enter the mosque only barefoot and subject to the dress code.
- working hours: Sat - Thu, from 9.45 - 11.15;
- ticket price: $ 2.72
Dubai Marina
An excellent place to spend leisure time for connoisseurs of luxury, built up with fashionable skyscrapers. There is also a yacht marina where snow-white liners dock. There is a department store, subway and trams in the area, so getting to Dubai Marina is not at all problematic.
The area can be explored on foot, by car or along the canal to the bay by pleasure boat (AED 50 per person from Pier 7).
Ski complex "Ski Dubai"
A real winter wonderland, which guests can visit without leaving The Dubai Mall. Its area is 22.5 thousand square meters. Throughout the year, the complex is covered with a 70 cm high layer of artificial snow, and the temperature in it remains within 1-5 degrees of frost.
The complex has spruce trees, a skating rink, skiing and snowboarding slides, and penguins performing. Visitors to Sky Dubai are provided with equipment and clothing, but hats and gloves need to have their own.
You will also need to sign an agreement that you know how to ski, otherwise you will have to take a lesson from an instructor.
- working hours: Mon-Sun 10.00-23.00;
- ticket price: adult $ 82, children $ 65. You can save on tickets by renting only skis for 2 hours, you can significantly reduce the cost in half.
Atlantis The Palm Resort
A delightful structure on an artificial island with beautiful arches, vaults, spiers. The complex has 1,500 deluxe rooms, a dolphinarium, an aquarium with an immersion in a water channel for walking on a tube on the water, fantastic attractions and other entertainment in Dubai for tourists that will appeal to the most discerning visitors.
There are children's clubs on the territory where you can leave your child with professional instructors for various developmental programs.
Aquarium at The Dubai Mall
Where to go in Dubai with children? First of all, visit this underwater kingdom filled with several tons of water (10 million liters). The giant reservoir is home to 33 thousand marine life and plants. You can see the aquarium from the outside for free, but we recommend that you buy a ticket and go inside. Here you can visit among the sharks and feed the stingrays, but before that you will be given a short excursion and they will tell you how to raise fish and recreate the real underwater world. You will then descend to the level below where you can see large lobsters, rare fish, and penguins. At the end of the walk, you find yourself in a jungle park, where you can walk along the suspension bridges and see real alligators. The change of time of day in the aquarium is simulated by means of backlighting.
- working hours: 10.00-02.00;
- ticket price: for adults - from 19 dollars, for children (up to 3 years old free) - from 15 dollars, depending on the package of services.
Banias Square
Dubai Square is widely known among budget shoppers. It consists of several blocks of shops, pavilions and shops where you can buy any product. There are no price tags in stores, so visitors can always bargain with the seller.
Sheikh Said House Museum
It will tell visitors about the ruling Macmouth dynasty, surprise with its beautiful architecture and interior design. In addition, you can take beautiful photos of the city from the house, as an amazing city panorama opens from the second floor.
- working hours: Sat-Thu 8.00-23.00, Fri 15.00-23.00.
- ticket price: $ 1.63
Zoological Museum "The Green Planet"
The building alone, in terms of its architecture, can already be included in the best sights of Dubai, but inside it is even more amazing, you will find yourself inside a huge tree. Indoor complex of four floors, impressive for tourists with a huge number of animals. The zoological museum is now inhabited by about three thousand representatives of the fauna. Do you want to enjoy contemplating the amazing world of exotic inhabitants of the planet? We recommend visiting the "Green Planet" especially for the sake of lineworms and parrots of different colors.
Life hack! If you decide to visit the museum with children, we advise you to take the elevator immediately to the 4th floor and start the examination from here, so your child will get tired less.
- working hours: Sun-Wed 10.00-19.00; Sat 10.00-20.00;
- ticket price: $ 24.5
Wild Wadi Water Park
Adjacent to the Burj Al Arab. The water park has three dozen unusual attractions, so every tourist will certainly find here exactly what he likes. Dizzying slides, stormy pools and other extreme entertainment will appeal to fans of this kind of entertainment. However, the water park has something to do for fans of a more relaxing holiday.
To visit this attraction in the UAE, we choose the whole day. It is better to go in the morning or after lunch, so you can avoid crowding at the rides.
We recommend buying tickets in advance (at the reception of your hotel), so you can avoid long queues. We take extra money, since the rent of the locker is paid separately - 35 dirhams (about 10 dollars). You can take a towel, but you won't need one.
- working hours: Mon-Sun 10.00-18.00, depending on the season;
- ticket price: adult 65 dollars, children 48 dollars.
Lost Chambers Aquarium
A kind of mysterious Atlantis, keeping countless riches, is located on the ground floor of the Atlantis Hotel. The luxurious underwater world of the aquarium has 65 thousand marine inhabitants. Underwater, you can also see flooded streets and houses and, as if to move into a mysterious past.
By the way, when you drive up to the hotel, we advise you to pay attention to the arch, or rather to its upper part. The largest (930 square meters) and most expensive room in the world is located here, the cost of a night starts at 35 thousand dollars.
- working hours: Mon-Sun 10.00-22.00;
- ticket price: adult - $ 27.23, children - $ 19.06.
Planning a trip to the Emirates:
- Food prices in Dubai
- The best excursions in the UAE and prices with a description
- Beach hotel rating
Dubai Creek Canal
How wonderful it is to take a boat trip around the city surrounded by spreading palm trees. Traveling along the canal by boat is especially wonderful in the evening, when millions of colored lights come on in the city, mysteriously flickering on the surface of the water surface. If you come to rest in the UAE together, then for a romantic dinner we recommend pleasure boats with a restaurant, spend the evening in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Many tourists think that the channel is made artificially, in fact, the channel is of natural origin and stretches for 14 km (at the moment it is being extended) along the areas with access to the bay. The place has a historical significance, it was from here that the creation of the city began.
In the daytime, you can just stroll along the embankment, see yachts, beautiful local ships of people who know how to earn a lot of money.
- ticket price: $ 0.27, for a scheduled boat.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
A heavenly place by the sea. On its territory there are five beaches with excellent recreation areas. There are playgrounds, swimming pools, exercise equipment, showers, sun loungers, places for playing football and volleyball, etc. You can rent scooters (cost from 50 dirhams) and ride around the territory with the whole family.The entire coast is well-groomed and has a gentle entrance to the sea, ideal for families with children.
There is a free public beach in front of the park entrance.
- ticket price: entrance - $ 1.36.
Dolphinarium
The area of five thousand squares offers various types of recreation. Its guests can swim with dolphins, attend a fur seal show, relax in a cafeteria, shop for souvenirs, visit a photo studio or watch a movie in a 5D cinema.
- working hours: Mon-Sat 9.00-19.30, Sun - day off;
- ticket price: adult - $ 34, children - $ 20.4.
Spice market
The bazaar was formed at this place in 1850. It will surprise its guests with a variety of products and an abundance of smells. This oriental bazaar sells all kinds of spices, herbs, meat and dairy products. There is also a large selection of teas, various sweets and Arabic products.
Gold Souk
Talking about the sights in Dubai (UAE), be sure to mention the Gold Souk in Deira, which contains about three hundred shops. In total, over ten tons of gold is sold here in products, which is a world record. The jewelry is of very high quality, and they are made by the best jewelers in the world.
For prices, everything is very expensive, but you can bargain. The cost of one gram of gold will cost about $ 60-70, depending on the weaving. The cheapest you can find is a pendant on a pendant, which will cost about $ 1,700. If we translate prices into rubles and bargain a little, then the cost of jewelry will be approximately the same as in Russia.
Tourists do not come here for shopping, but to see in Dubai the largest gold ring in the world, which is guarded only by the doorman of the boutique. Kanz Jewelry... It weighs 64 kg. and costs about $ 3 million. Deira is considered the safest area in all of the Emirates, with 13 video cameras monitoring the boutique and the surrounding area of the market.
Life hack! When buying jewelry, ask for a receipt, at the border you will be refunded 5 percent of the value of the goods.
If you decide to buy souvenirs, we advise you to leave the market and go to nearby shops, for example, Day today, will be half the price.
Dubai opera
The building with the configuration of an Arab ship is designed for two thousand seats. The opera hosts ballet and theatrical performances, opera singers perform, and famous symphony orchestras play.
The interior of the building has a nautical theme. In the rear part of the building there is a foyer and a parking lot, and in the front part there is a stage, an orchestra pit and an auditorium.
A distinctive attraction is the huge chandelier that welcomes visitors.
Flower park
A park complex with nearly 110 million plants. This is the only place on the globe where so many flowers are collected. The territory of the park occupies seven hectares, it is also decorated with flower sculptures of animals and a number of other wonderful compositions, and dizzying aromas emanate from the fragrant flowers.
- working hours: November-April Mon-Sun 9.00-18.00, specify the hours and days of work;
- ticket price: adult - 15 dollars, children 11.9 dollars.
Flamingo Game Reserve
You don't need to travel outside Dubai to see flamingos and waterfowl, as the reserve is located within the city limits. It is allowed to look at its inhabitants only from special houses using a telescope. To see the wildlife without queues and take good photos, we recommend arriving on weekdays after lunch.
- working hours: Mon-Sun 9.00-16.00, Thu - day off;
- Free admission.
Butterfly garden
A fantastic world in which an incredible number of variegated butterflies of all shades of the color palette flutters. Wonderful insects live among palm trees, graceful flowers and an ocean of greenery and give their guests a solid positive.
We recommend starting a trip to the park from the exhibition hall, where you can see expositions of portraits from butterfly wings, various crafts and paintings. Then you get to the pavilion, where you can take a butterfly in your hand and take great photos, see rare species of birds.
- working hours: Mon-Sun 9.00-18.00;
- ticket price: for adults - $ 14, for children under three free of charge.
Zabeel park
If you want to stay in silence and retire from the bustling metropolis, go to Zabeel Park. The park consists of three districts, which are connected by pedestrian bridges.
Riding a rented bike and scooter among lush palm trees and shady alleys is a great option for recreation. On the territory there are fountains, playgrounds for children, places for playing crackers. You can go boating on the lake (rent 40 dirham).
- The entrance to the park is 5 dirham.
Coffee Museum
Fans of this invigorating drink will learn a lot about it. Guests of the museum will be told about traditional coffee recipes and shown the tools for making it. The establishment has a cafe where drinks are prepared using the best local recipes. According to tourists' reviews, it is a must when visiting interesting places in the Emirate, at least to try real strong Arabic coffee.
- working hours: Mon-Sun 9.00-17.00, hours may vary;
- the entrance is free .
Desert reserve
Love safaris, wildlife, camel riding and sandy rides? Then visit the unique desert reserve and at the same time admire the indescribable beauty of sunsets, waves of sand and fantastic oases.
- working hours: 9.00-17.00;
- ticket price: 109 USD
- TOP attractions in Abu Dhabi
What to see in Dubai for free?
For budget tourists who do not like to spend money on excursions around the city and the surrounding area, we definitely recommend watching a video review of where to go in Dubai for free.
Sights of Dubai on the map
Where to eat deliciously in the city?
In this section, we have collected the best restaurants in Dubai with a beautiful view based on our experience and taste, which are ideal to end the evening. We especially recommend these establishments for lovers of gastro travel.
- We open the overview with a quiet and cozy place with traditional cuisine - Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge is located in Al Qudra Rd Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. Ideal for those who like to eat tasty and inexpensive. The average check for two is about $ 65.
- Danial Restaurant located in Twin Towers 3rd Flr Baniyas overlooking the canal. Also great for a budget dinner. The average bill for two is about $ 80.
- Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Hotel Al Khaleej Road. One of the best restaurants with panoramic views and delicious cuisine, oysters are especially delightful, they are prepared here in a special way. The institution is located on the 25th floor of the hotel, it is better to book a table in advance through the office. hotel website. The average check for a dinner will be around $ 120.
- Another restaurant with a cozy interior, dim lights, and soft sofas - Awtar Restaurant at Sheikh Rashid Road Grand Hyatt Dubai. The cuisine does not have a beautiful presentation, but the prepared dishes will convey to you every touch of taste.
- Ideal for watching fountain shows and eating Tribes Carnivore located in Dubai Mall (Shikh Mohamed bin rashid Blvd). The prices are much lower in comparison with similar establishments, the portions are large, the food is very tasty. The average bill for two tourists is about $ 90.
- We advise you to visit the next restaurant by all means at night and in good weather - Level 43 on Sheikh Zayed Road. The unique institution is located on the observation deck of the 43rd floor and attracts tourists with a voluminous panorama. The cuisine is excellent, there are no complaints, as well as to all establishments in our rating.
- Yalumba on 51 St Airport Road. Perfect for dinner or lunch in inclement weather. The restaurant with a relaxing interior will help you to have a great time in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Well, the last institution will suit meat gourmets - Doors Freestyle Grill at 8/5 - 314 Al Seef St. In our opinion, it is the only unique establishment with delicious meat dishes and juicy roasting. The average bill for two will be about $ 150.
Panoramic platform of the Level43 restaurant
