Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Top places to visit in Dubai
6 places worth your time in Dubai, with what each is actually like and when to go.
Last updated 2026-08-08
1. Burj Khalifa
Photo: Aheilner · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
At 828 metres still the tallest building in the world, with observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: About an hour before sunset to get both day and night
- Tip: Book a timed slot online; at-the-door prices are far higher and sunset slots sell out days ahead.
2. Al Fahidi Historical District
Photo: Land Rover MENA · CC BY 2.0 · source
Restored coral-and-gypsum courtyard houses with wind towers, the last of pre-oil Dubai.
- Where: Bur Dubai
- Map: Open in Maps
- Tip: The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding here runs meals with open question-and-answer about Emirati life.
3. Dubai Creek and abra crossing
Photo: Imre Solt · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
The tidal inlet the city grew around, crossed by wooden abras for one dirham — still the best value in the country.
4. Gold and Spice Souks
Photo: Iwona Rege · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Covered lanes in Deira trading gold by weight against a published daily rate, and spices, dried lime and frankincense.
- Where: Deira
- Map: Open in Maps
- Tip: Gold is priced by weight plus a making charge; the weight price is not negotiable but the making charge is.
Watch outCounterfeit watches and bags are pushed hard in the surrounding lanes and are illegal to export to many countries.
5. Jumeirah Mosque
Photo: Rokaszil · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
One of the few mosques in the country open to non-Muslim visitors, on a guided tour built around questions.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Tip: Covered arms and legs; headscarves provided for women.
6. Desert dune safari
Photo: Self · Public domain · source
Red dunes an hour inland, with dune driving, camels and a camp dinner under the sky.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: October to March; summer trips are punishing
- Tip: Ask whether the operator holds a permit for a conservation reserve — those trips are calmer and far less damaging.
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