What to See in Dubai
Explore 37 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
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Historical Town of Hatta
Hatta is a sheikhdom in the Hajjar mountains. It is an exclave of the Emirate of Dubai, UAE, to the south-east of its main territory. Its capital town, also named Hatta, includes a reconstructed heritage village by the same name. Hatta is about 115 km (71 mi) east of Dubai City.…
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Because of its altitude, Hatta has a milder climate than the city of Dubai, making Hatta a popular vacation place for Dubai residents. The old village of Hatta includes two prominent military towers from the 18th century and the Juma mosque (built in 1780), the oldest building in Hatta, as well as about 30 loam houses. The reconstructed heritage village displays scenes from everyday life in the past. The traditional water supply (falaj system) has also been repaired. Hatta's status as an exclave of Dubai arose in the late 19th century, when the village of Hajarain or Hijrain in Wadi Hatta was given to Sheikh Rashid I Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, by Turki bin Said, Sultan of Muscat and Oman.
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Emirates Towers
The Emirates Towers complex contains the Emirates Office Tower and Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel. The two towers, which rise to 355 m (1,165 ft) and 309 m (1,014 ft), respectively, stand as the 23rd and 47th tallest buildings in the world. The two towers are connected by a 9,000 m² (96,875 ft²) two-storey retail complex known as "The Boulevard".…
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The Emirates Towers complex is located on the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is a symbol of the city of Dubai. A curiosity of the design is that the towers have a similar number of floors; the taller office tower actually contains 54 floors, while the hotel tower contains 56 floors. This is because the individual floor heights of the office tower are greater than that of the hotel. The Emirates Towers complex is set in over 570,000 m² (42 acres) of gardens, with lakes, waterfalls and public seating areas. There is parking space for up to 1,800 cars.
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Burj Khalifa
Official websiteAt 828m and 160 floors this is the world's tallest structure by a long shot, over 300m taller than the previous contender in Taipei. The observation deck at the 124th floor is the second highest in the world after the Shanghai World Financial centre. Dominating the Dubai skyline, the tower houses a hotel and a Las Vegas-inspired fountain system.…
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The visitors' entrance is at the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall. Although the tour is called At the Top, it isn't! While the observation deck is the highest open deck in the world, at 452m it's just over halfway up the tower itself. Console yourself with the knowledge that most of the rest of the tower consists of service areas and the view below looks suitably ant-like.
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Jumeirah Mosque
The largest mosque in the city, and a wonderful example of Islamic architecture. It was built in the medieval Fatimid tradition with the interior decorated with elaborate Arabic calligraphy.…
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It is one of few mosques in the city open for visits by non-Muslims; the [http://www.cultures.ae/ Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding] conducts special tours for non-Muslims to help promote understanding of Islam. Guided tours are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday beginning at 10:00, followed by a question-and-answer session. The mosque is an especially great place to visit in the evening when it's dramatically illuminated by floodlights.
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Sheikh Zayed Road
Formerly Trade Centre Road, Sheikh Zayed Road is the largest and most famous street in Dubai. The expressway has evolved in recent years to the main traffic artery of the desert city and connects nearly all parts of modern Dubai. It runs parallel to the coast line from the roundabout at the World Trade Centre to the border with the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the area of Jebel Ali .…
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The use of the road is partially toll. This road has six lanes at the widest point in each direction, plus parallel side roads. It is almost exclusively for the private motorized vhicles. For pedestrians there are a few bridges and underpasses to cross the street.
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Rugby Park
a 5,000 seat field hockey stadium. The stadium will provide a base to the UAE Hockey Committee and the WorldHockey Academy. The Hockey Stadium is situated at the Dubai Sports City Academy's Campus and provides world-class facilities for international athletes and local enthusiasts. The WorldHockey Academy is the first facility of its kind anywhere in the world.…
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Through a partnership between Dubai Sports City and the International Hockey Federation, the WorldHockey Academy will provide coaching at the highest professional level from seasoned hockey coaches, many of whom have represented their countries in the international arena.
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Dubai Museum
A must-see for anyone interested in the social history of the Emirate (and indeed the country). Located in and under al-Fahidi fort. The fort itself has a few examples of the traditional reed houses and other artifacts, but isn't much to look at.…
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The more interesting parts are the modern galleries beneath the fort, showcasing Dubai's history using the latest technology and culminating in a reconstructed souq from the pearling days, complete with authentic sights and sounds. It is quite fascinating to see the speed at which the transition from poor pearling village to modern metropolis occurred.
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Safa Park
A beautiful planned park and one of the oldest parks in Dubai. It is a favourite for sports enthusiasts, and many visitors enjoy playing tennis, volleyball, and soccer. Children love playing games in the video arcade, or riding the ferris wheel and bumper cars. The park even has a maze to wander through. Barbeques and picnic areas are available for those who want to make a day of it.…
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It has lakes where you can take a boat ride and a hill that offers panoramic views of this beautiful lush green park and the gigantic Dubai skyline.
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Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Official websiteIf you want to learn and understand the customs and traditions of UAE, this is the best place to go. The Centre hosts [http://www.cultures.ae/index.php/ouractivities/cultural-meals cultural meals] for between 70 and 95 AED, with discussion of UAE culture, customs and religion.…
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They runs [http://www.cultures.ae/index.php/ouractivities/heritage-tours walking tours] through the Bastakiya district for 60 minutes (35 AED) and 90 minutes (55 AED), starting at either 9 or 10:30AM daily except Friday.
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Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina is to be the popular nightlife area of Dubai in the future. This multi-billion development is designed for tourists and water sport. The bars and cafés along the marina are popular gathering points for families and younger people. Most restaurants offer shisha and oriental food but food chains are fast entering too.…
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The "Marina Walk" along the yachts is especially popular on Fridays and Saturdays. Yacht agencies offer services to explore the coastal region and Palm Islands.
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Palm Islands
The Palm islands are the best symbols of the boom and bust construction cycles in Dubai. The "oldest" Palm called Palm Jumeirah is completed and is host to the gigantic Atlantis Hotel on its top. Several marinas, hotels and condo are along the palm leaves.…
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The development of the other two Palms will depend on the financial situation of the construction business but someday Dubai will have the three largest artificial islands in the world on its coastline.
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Burj al-Arab
Official websiteThis huge sail-shaped hotel completed in 1999 is a symbol of Dubai and its ascent in the world. The self-proclaimed seven star hotel was the first icon of Dubai and still stands out on the skyline from its location on an artificial island 280 m from the beach. Entry to the hotel is restricted to hotel guests and those with a restaurant reservation.…
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A smart casual dress code applies but is not strictly enforced. Make restaurant reservations in advance.
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Hatta Mountains Dinosaur Dwarf
A 30 metre long Dinosaur dwarf is situated just by the Hatta Mountains. Enter it's stomach through the stairs under its tail, which will lead you to a room where the replicas of the stone age are kept. On the top, a white prancing horse adorns a hill at the farm. Visitors are greeted by a cannon to the farm.…
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Stony driveway, walkways and internal roads have pictures created from various stones and all of different colors.
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Mushrif Park
Mushrif Park is 5.25 square kilometre (1300 acre) desert-like park in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located in the eastern part of the city (near the suburb of Khawaneej), about 16 km (10 mi) from the traditional center of Dubai. The park was created in early 1980 by Dubai Municipality and was hugely expanded and refurbished in 1989.…
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The entrance fee to Mushrif Park is 10 dirhams per car.
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Port of Jebel Ali
The world's largest man-made harbour and the biggest port in the Middle East. It was constructed in the late 1970s to supplement the facilities at Port Rashid. It is located thirty-five kilometres southwest of Dubai, in the Persian Gulf.…
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On April 9, 2011 Jebel Ali Port won the Golden Award for Best Seaport Overall from the Higher Committee for UAE Civil Seaports and Airports Security.
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Al Ahmadiya School and Heritage House
Built in 1912, Al Ahmadiya School was Dubai's first school and has now been nicely restored. It would be a stretch to call the exhibits of old reed pens and diplomas fascinating, but they've tried pretty hard, and if nothing else, the air-con and clean toilets may come in handy.…
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The attached heritage house is a traditional Emirati-style home built in the 1890s.
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Dubai Zoo
An outdoor zoo near the beach. Because of the extreme temperatures during summer, there are plans to bring the zoo indoors. It is not worth visiting, because of the small number and variety of animals.…
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Housing conditions are appalling; animals are in cages too small for them to take more than a few steps, and are frustrated and bored.
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Dubai Fountain
Official websiteAt 270m (900 ft) in length and sporting a jet that shoots water up to 150m (500 ft), it is the world's largest dancing fountain and one with a very enticing display - a definite must-see. It's most easily accessed via the Dubai Mall. There are private entranceways from the Burj Khalifa if you're staying there.
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Bastakiya District
One of the last remaining pockets of Old Dubai, home to many reconstructed buildings in the traditional style. While information on the structures is slim here (see the museum in preference), the atmosphere is very evocative and there are plenty of delightful art galleries and cafes to explore.
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Dubai Sports City (DSC)
A 50-million square feet mixed use development that will be the world’s first integrated purpose-built sports city. The development is being built around five major sports venues and features a series of major sports academy facilities. It contains these sporting complexes:
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Miracle Garden Dubai
Official websiteMiracle Garden is the most beautiful garden in the world with more than 45 million flowers. It is the world’s biggest natural flower. This colorful garden is well maintained and has numerous sculptures made out of flowers. A place full of flowers in the middle of desert.
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Jumeirah Beach
Dubai is known for its great beaches and this one is the best. It's the most popular and busiest beach of the country. Expect to see swimmers in bikinis and ladies in abaya cloaks; this beach truly encapsulates the Westernisation of Dubai culture.
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Creek Park
A great place to hang out in the evening when the park is visited by people of different nationalities, all looking for calm place to enjoy the time. It has all the facilities of a modern park and is one of the best parks in Dubai.
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Saeed Al Maktoum House
Another very historic building built in 1894 now converted into a museum and contains artefacts and images of the old town of Dubai. It was the residence of the Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai.
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Grand Mosque
Its large minaret is the imposing feature of this large mosque. It is popular for being quite close to a Hindu temple and one can see followers of both Islam and Hinduism gathering at the same place for prayers.
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Iranian mosque
A very colourful and attractive tiled mosque; quite a contrast to the other much more plainly decorated mosques. Can be viewed from a carparking area off the north (Creek) side of the street.
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Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al Sheif
A restored traditional Emirati-style two story building used as a summer residence by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, one of the founders of UAE, and father of the present ruler of Dubai.
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Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House
Official websitea historic building home to royal family members built in 1916 and now converted into a museum. It provides good glimpse to old infrastructure of Dubai.
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DSC Multi-Purpose Stadium
the main sports structure, will be a 60,000 seat multi-purpose outdoor stadium. This stadium will be used for athletics, cricket and football.
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Mamzar Beach Park
You can swim at Al Mamzar Beach or stroll in the park. Though less popular than other Dubai parks, it has its share of Dubai's greenery.
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Heritage Village
Home to the open museums of the Heritage and Diving Villages, and the houses of the late Sheikhs Saeed Al-Maktoum and Juma Al-Maktoum.
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Dhow Wharfage
The dhows ply the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, transporting goods between south and south-west Asia and east Africa.
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Zabeel Park
The best and most popular park of town, it gives a different glimpse of the desert and hot Dubai.
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Dubai Dolphinarium
Official websiteThe only indoor dolphinarium in the Middle East offers live shows of dolphins and seals.
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Deira Clocktower
A landmark of Deira and important as a monument built before the independence of UAE.
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Dubai International Stadium
a 25,000 seat cricket stadium, popularly known as Ring of Fire.
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DSC Indoor Arena
a 10,000 seat indoor arena.
Exploring Dubai: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Dubai is one of United Arab Emirates's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 37 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Dubai, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Dubai Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Dubai is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Dubai are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Historical Town of Hatta and Emirates Towers, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Dubai, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Dubai rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Dubai
Before you visit major paid attractions in Dubai, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Dubai's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Dubai as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Dubai together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Dubai with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Dubai is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Dubai's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Dubai find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Dubai, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Dubai use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Dubai Worth Seeing
Dubai offers 37 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Historical Town of Hatta, Emirates Towers, Burj Khalifa are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. United Arab Emirates's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Dubai's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Dubai, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing in other United Arab Emirates cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Dubai?
Dubai has 37 notable sights including Historical Town of Hatta, Emirates Towers, Burj Khalifa. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Dubai?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Dubai to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Dubai.
Are there free things to see in Dubai?
Yes — many of Dubai's best sights are free or low-cost. Several POIs in this guide are listed as free entry. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Dubai's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Dubai to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Dubai with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Dubai. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Dubai with company.
Is Dubai good for solo travelers?
Dubai is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Dubai so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Dubai with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Dubai, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
