Top 28 Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Dubai

April 9, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 4914 Views

Dubai is a city which has eluded definition. Dubai is a constantly evolving city. It is always in a race against itself and the world. Over the years Dubai has been called “City of Gold”, “Shopping Center of the World”, “City of Superlatives” and new titles are added to this list with each achievement. As of 2020, Dubai is the host for EXPO2020, which has been dubbed as “World’s Greatest Show”, and it is not a hyperbole. If you are planning to visit Dubai, always search for best places to visit in Dubai today. Dubai evolves rapidly and the list of must see places in Dubai keeps getting longer. You can visit Dubai every 5 years and still find new places to visit in Dubai and new things to do in Dubai in each visit. Dubai is like the Pokemon of cities.

Dubai travel and tourism is one of the core focuses of the Dubai government and tourists are very well cared for and respected. It is also the most progressive cities with a culture that reflects aspects of the west as well as the middle-east. Once you reach Dubai, it won’t be difficult to find top places to visit in Dubai or Dubai tourist attractions, the whole city is a tourist attraction within itself. Dubai is a collection of some of modern era’s greatest achievements. The best places to visit in Dubai also happen to be the best places in the world. It is one of the only tourist destinations in the world where you can experience the modern marvels, serene beaches, water-sports, amusements parks, historic monuments, man-made islands, desert safari, concerts, sports, night life, middle-eastern heritage, international cuisine and incredibly exhaustive shopping variety all in one city. Dubai is the be all end all of tourist destinations and travel experiences.

Table of Contents

The Best 28 Tourist Places to Visit in Dubai in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

This museum of sorts gives you an insight into the culture of the UAE and also the middle east. It is one of the best places to visit in Dubai to learn about the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the people pre-modernization. You would need about 2 hours to explore it.

2. Al Bastakiya (Al Fahidi Historical District)

Also known as Al Fahidi district, this is the historical part of Dubai. The area has many old buildings and narrow streets. You get a view into history of Dubai when you explore this place during Dubai travel. You would need about 2 hours to explore this area.

3. Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort

Also known as Al Fahidi Museum, it is built inside a fort which dates back to 1787. This is the prime museum telling about the history of Dubai. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum when you visit Dubai.

4. Grand Mosque

This mosque is one of the most beautiful works of architecture you would come across during Dubai trip. The mosque was built firs tin 1850 and was later rebuilt in the 20th century. It will require 30 to 45 minutes to explore.

5. Hindi Lane

Part of the textile souq, this lane is named after Indian community who trades, lives and worships here. It is an interesting Dubai tourist places to explore and shop. You will also find a variety of interesting Indian street food items. You would need an hour or so during Dubai city tour for this market.

6. Dubai Spice Souq

Dubai evolved as a major trading port between East and West. Spices from both sides were brought and traded in this market. This market has great historical, cultural and economical significance among Dubai tourist attractions. You would need about an hour for this market.

7. Dubai Gold Souq

The Gold Souq market is one of the most amazing places to go in Dubai. Regardless of your interest in gold or jewellery, this market is quite fascinating. Gold is seen as a rare and valuable commodity, but here you will see them available and displayed like common grocery. You will need an hour or so for this market which among must visit places in Dubai.

Day 2

1. Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

The tallest building in the world it is definitely one of the top places to visit in Dubai. The observation of this building is 829 meters high. The building has been featured in many films, documentaries and music videos. It is a major highlight of Dubai sightseeing tours. You will need about 2 hours or so for this experience.

2. Dubai Mall

This is the largest mall in the world and also has the world’s largest candy story. The mall is spread over 1,124,000 square meters and has more than twelve hundred stores. It is among Dubai best places to visit. You would need about 3 to 4 hours to tour this mall.

3. Dubai Fountains

These are the world’s largest dancing fountain in the world. The fountains work their magic every few hours. The show looks especially beautiful during the night. It is definitely among must see places in Dubai. You can take a boat ride to enjoy the show up close and even ride a zip-line through the fountain. It is one of the best things to do in Dubai. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for these fountains.

4. Dubai Ice Rink

This Ice-Rink is part of the Dubai Mall and stretches to Olympic size. The rink is primarily popular for skating and also holds many events. You will need about 2 hours for enjoying activities here.

5. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

This aquarium is part of the the Dubai Mall. You just have to walk towards the middle of the mall to see the aquarium. It is free to look at, but a walk from under the aquarium is chargeable. You can also take a dive inside the aquarium. It is one of the best parts of Dubai travel and would require about 2 hours for this aquarium.

6. Emirates Towers

These two towers are popular architectural monuments and a highlight for Dubai sightseeing tours. The towers are best seen from a distance, but if you want you can explore the shopping mall on the bottom floors for this building. You would need 30 to 45 minutes from Dubai travel for these towers.

7. Dubai Creek Park

This is one of the finest parks in the city and offers several fun things to do in Dubai. The park has walking paths, fishing ponds, sports grounds, picnic areas and more. It also holds weekend flea markets and many other events. You would need about an hour for this park.

8. Dubai Museum of the Future

This museum exhibits several futuristic technologies and explores the possibilities that might open up in the future. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Dubai. Besides exhibits, the museum also offers up several experiences which seem quite futuristic. You would need about 2 hours for this museum.

Day 3

1. Aquaventure

This incredible variant and wonderful waterpark is among best things to do in Dubai for families. The park has several themes sections with a wide variety of rides, entertainment activities and dining options. You can easily spend a couple of hours or more here when you visit Dubai to have fun.

2. The Lost Chambers Aquarium

This aquarium has more than 65,000 marine fauna. There is a tunnel underneath so that you can see the marine life from underneath. It is a mjor highlight of Dubai trip. You would need about 2 to 3 hours for the lost chambers aquarium.

3. Dolphin Bay at Atlantis the Palm

One of the top Dubai tourist places, this resort is home to several dolphins. You can watch the dolphins and even get to interact with them You would need about 2 hours to explore this place.

4. Burj Al Arab

This luxury 7 star hotel is one of the best known hotels in the world and the 3rd tallest hotel in the world. You would need an hour or so to explore it.

5. Ain Dubai

Ain Dubai is one of the biggest observation wheel in the world and also the tallest. You can a cabin and get amazing views of the ocean as well as Jumeirah side of the city. You would need at least an hour for this experience.

6. Mall of The Emirates

Another large mall to explore during Dubai city tour, this mall has more than 700 stores along side food venues, entertainment options and more. You would need 2 to 3 hours for this mall.

Day 4

1. Global Village

This venue is only open between November and April. It is basically an amalgamation of culture and monuments from around the world. There are segments dedicated to different countries and communities. It is one of the most incredible Dubai tourist attractions and will require at least 3 to 4 hours of time to explore.

2. Heritage and Diving Village

This village is a recreation of an ancient Emirati village. The adjoining Diving village showcases pearl diving trade and practices of the region’s past. These places give great insight into the history and culture of ancient Dubai. You would need about 2 hours for these places.

3. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House

Sheikh Saed al Maktoum was the former ruler of Dubai and the grandfather of current ruler Sheikh Mohamad al Maktoum. This house served as his residence and now as a museum dedicated to his life and work. You would need about an hour to explore it.

4. Al Ahmadiya School

This historic school highlights the history and evolution of education and educational practices in Dubai. You would need an hour for this museum.

Day 5

1. Wild Wadi

This outdoor water-park is based on several Arabian adventure stories such as Sindbad the Sailor and Juha. It is among must visit places in Dubai for families. You can easily spend half a day or so enjoying the variety of rides and experiences.

2. Ski Dubai

This indoor skiing venue replicates mountain slopes. You can come here for fun things to do in Dubai like skiing, snowboarding or even just to build a snowman. You can easily spend a couple of hours for Ski Dubai.

3. Madinat Jumeirah

This resort complex is themed like ancient Arabia. There are wind towers, canals, waterways, souq markets, camp-like sitting areas and so on. There is a lot to see and a lot to explore. You would need at least two to three hours to explore this place.

If you are looking for more Dubai best places to visit, check out the section below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of attractions and activities for you to explore.

Things to do in Dubai

Historical Places, Monuments & Museums to Visit in Dubai

Burj Khalifa
Etihad Museum
Dubai Frame
Alserkal Cultural Foundation
Dubai Historical District
Dubai Museum of the Future
Al Ahmadiya School & Heritage House
Hatta Heritage Village
Philately House
Burj Nahar
Jumaa & Obaid Bin Thani House
Union House
Jumeirah Archeological Site
Majlis Ghorfat Um Al Sheif
Saruq Al Hadid Museum
Bayt Al Khanyar Museum
Museum of the Future
Dubai Police Museum
Naif Museum
Al Shindagha Museum
Al Shindagha Historical District
Pearl Museum
Dubai Moving Image Museum
Women’s Museum
Jumeriah Mosque
Al Boom Tourist Village
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House
Dubai Museum
Al Fahidi Museum

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Dubai

The Dubai Fountain
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Abra Boat Ride
Dhow Cruise
Ain Dubai
Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Dubai Parks & Resorts
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Laguna Waterpark
Dubai Garden Glow
Riverland Dubai
VR Park
Bollywood Parks Dubai
Hub Zero
LEGOLAND Dubai
LEGOLAND Waterpark
Motiongate Dubai
AquaFun Dubai
Dolphin Bay
Global Village
Wire World Dubai
Wonderland Theme Park Dubai
Al Nasr Leisureland
Magic Planet Dubai
Cheeky Monkeys Playland
TEPfactor Dubai
Splash & Party Dubai
Green Planet Dubai
La Perle by Dragone
Al Nasr LeisureLand
Madinat Theatre
Guerlain Spa
The Spa in Palace Downtown
Amara Spa
Talise Spa
Saray Spa
Anantara Spa
Talise Ottoman Spa
Anjana Spa
One & Only Spa
The Spa in Palazzo Versace
Bulgari Spa
Timeless Spa
Armani Spa
The Burj Club
Da La Mer Spa
Falcon & Heritage Sports Centre

Shopping in Dubai

The Dubai Mall
Ibn Batuta Mall
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Mall of the Emirates
Perfume Souk
Sabka Spice Souk
Al Sabka Souk
Deira Souk
Souk Al Wasl
Dukkan Al Manzil Souk
Gold Souk
Naif Souk
Wafi Mall
Abaya Mall
Level Shoes
Dubai Festival City Mall
Box Park
Le BHV Marias
Al Ain Center
Abraj Shopping Centre
Abu Hail Centre
Al Barsha Mall
Al Dukan
Al Ghazal Comples
Al Mamzar Centre
Al Maydan Centre
Al Mulla Plaza
Al Quoz Mall
Beach Park Plaza
Dubai Garden Centre
Dubai Duty Free
Etihad Mall
Falcon City Mall
Nakheel Mall
Saga World
Dubai Textile Souk
Outlet Village
Bur Juman Souk
City Centre Deira
Mercato Shopping Mall
Dragon Mart
Outlet Mall
City Centre Mirdiff
The Village Mall
Al Fahidi Souk
Dubai Design District
The One
Times Square Centre

Beaches in Dubai

Kite Beach
La Mer
SummerSalt Beach Club
Sunset Beach
Al Mamzar Beach
Palm Jumeriah Beach
Jumeirah Beach
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Black Palace Beach

Offbeat Places & Adventure Things to Do in Dubai

Desert Safari
The Lost Chamber Aquarium

Sightseeing in Dubai

Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Creek
Burj Al Arab
Jumeirah Beach Residence
Dubai Marina
Dubai Canal
Madinat Jumeirah
Dubai Opera
City Walk

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Dubai

MAKE Art Cafe
Emporio Armani Cafe
The Lighthouse
Comptoir 102
Bidi Bondi
Marina Beach Bar
Ocean Blue Lounge
Royal Island Beach Club
Barasti Club
XL Beach Club
Jetty Lounge
Arabian Tea House
Life n One
The Lounge, Burj Khalifa
40 Kong
Cook Hall
Mazmi Coffee & More
Ramasuke Dubai
Tania’s Teahouse
Zeta
Namu Restaurant & Lounge
Salt
Khan Murjan
Din Tai Fung
Folly by Nick & Scott
Fish Beach Taverna
Ibn Al Bahr
Muchachas Mexican Cantina
Neo Lounge
City Grill
The Tap House
Seven Sands
Al Fanar
Al Hadheerah
Al Qasr
Tanor Lahm
Bait Al Wakeel

How to Reach Dubai?

By Air

Dubai International Airport is the largest and busiest airport of the Middle – East and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. You are most likely to find a direct flight from your country to Dubai International Airport or at least a one stop flight. You second best option is the Al Maktoum International Airport. Besides these 2 airports you can also touch down on Sharjah International Airport, located in the Emirate of Sharjah. It is the closest Airport to the city of Dubai. You can then travel to Dubai by hiring a cab or a bus or a car. And finally you have the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is quite long, so this Airport would be suitable if you wish to travel both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

By Road

The Road connectivity across UAE is excellent, and as Dubai is the Rome of UAE, all roads do lead to Dubai. You have various options of reaching Dubai from almost any city in the UAE. You can travel by intercity cab or catch an intercity bus as well.
Dubai has only one international roadway connection, which connects Dubai to Al Wajajah in Oman. If you travel to Oman, you can reach to Dubai via road.

By Water

Dubai hosts various cruises coming from South East Asia, Europe and Middle Eastern countries. You may hop on to these cruise tours which have Dubai as a stop of cruises which end in Dubai.

Image Reference

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding – Lyleham / Wikimedia Commons
Al Bastakiya (Al Fahidi Historical District) – Guilhem Vellut / Flickr
Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort – almasudi / Flickr
Grand Mosque – Guilhem Vellut / Flickr
Hindi Lane – Ankur Panchbudhe / Flickr
Dubai Spice Souk – schliff / PixaBay
Dubai Gold Souk – Elroy Serrao / Flickr
Burj Khalifa Observation Deck – Christopher Lance / Flickr
Dubai Mall – Manfred Reinert / PixaBay
Dubai Fountains – Genlab Frank / Flickr
Dubai Ice Rink – Delphinidaesy / Flickr
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Steve Douglas / Flickr
Emirates Towers – Balazs Szanto / Flickr
Dubai Creek Park – we_like_it / Flickr
Dubai Museum of the Future – anoldent / Flickr
Aquaventure – Fabio Achilli / Flickr
The Lost Chambers Aquarium – Werner Bayer / Flickr
Dolphin Bay at Atlantis the Palm – joe / Flickr
Burj Al Arab – radler1999 / PixaBay
Ain Dubai – analogicus / PixaBay
Mall of the Emirates – Jason Mrachina / Flickr
Global Village – Black Zero / Flickr
Heritage and Diving Village – Bertrand Duperrin / Flickr
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House – Balazs Szanto / Flickr
Al Ahmadiya School – Omar Kamel / Wikimedia Commons
Wild Wadi Waterpark – Jeremy Thompson / Flickr
Ski Dubai – neekoh.fi / Flickr
Madinat Jumeirah – Guilhem Vellut / Flickr