For tourists, Dubai City is a treasure trove of attractions. Millions of visitors come to see the city’s magnificent skyscrapers, excellent dining scene, and luxury shopping. When visiting Dubai for the first time, it is natural for you to get confused, as there is so much to do and see in this city. Whether you want to know about the city’s history and culture or check out its incredible architectural buildings, there is something for everyone. Let us look at the best places to visit in Dubai if you are a first-time traveler.
Burj Khalifa
At an elevation of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure in Dubai. This architectural wonder houses a five-star hotel, fine-dining restaurants, luxury residences, and business offices. The highlight of the skyscraper is the observation decks on the 124thand 148thfloors, which give a bird’s eye view of the cityscape. Enjoy watching the spectacular Dubai Fountain Show, a synchronized water spectacle from the perch.
The Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world. In addition to its 1200 retail stores, 120 cafes and restaurants, and around 22 cine screens, the Dubai Mall provides a wide range of entertainment options like KidZania Dubai, Play DXB (formerly VR Park Dubai), the Dubai Ice Rink, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and more. This avenue houses all recognized fashion brands, and the largest candy store is a hotspot during the Dubai Shopping Festival.
IMG World of Adventure
The IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park, is popular with visitors and residents. Five distinct areas make up the park: Lost Valley, Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, and Novo Cinemas. Each zone has themed rides, attractions, shops, and eateries. It is usually preferable to get your IMG World tickets in advance to avoid long lines. In addition to dining, shopping, seeing your favorite cartoon characters, and having fun, you can visit the Haunted Hotel on IMG Boulevard, which is just for the courageous.
Ain Dubai
Ain Dubai is a new addition to Dubai’s list of attractions, located on Bluewaters Island. It is the tallest (250 meters height) and largest observation wheel, comprising 48 enclosed cabins. Each trip takes about 38 minutes, providing panoramic views of Dubai’s magnificent attractions. Visitors can choose an experience from any of the three different types of cabins – a ‘viewing’ cabin for general travel, a ‘social’ cabin for access to Ain Dubai’s Seaview Lounge, or a ‘VIP’ cabin for business meetings, dinner parties, and other events.
Dubai Desert Safari
A desert safari is another must-do in Dubai for first-time travelers. Climb aboard a 4X4 vehicle and travel over the rolling dunes enjoying the magnificence and beauty of the desert. Dune bashing, camel riding, quad biking, and sand boarding are some activities to enjoy before you reach a Bedouin camp. Tanura and belly dancers put on spectacular shows once the sun goes down. Your trip ends with a fantastic BBQ meal.
Dubai Frame
Climb the 150-meter-tall, stunning picture-frame-shaped tower for a one-of-a-kind and iconic perspective over Dubai. The architecture is stunning like a giant photo frame that elegantly frames the Dubai skyline. Take the lift to the glass walkway of this gold-frame skyscraper and enjoy views of historic Dubai on one side and the modern metropolis on the other while learning about the region’s past and future through interactive multimedia activities. Your Dubai Frame tickets allow you admission to Dubai Frame Park, the glass bridge, the Dubai Frame Museum and Digital Gallery.
Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel recognized for its 7-star standards, sailboat-shaped design, and award-winning cuisine. Visitors can opt for the ninety minutes ‘Inside Burj Al Arab tour’, allowing them to experience the hotel’s grandeur and elegance. The trip provides an immersive insight into the realm of modern Arab-inspired luxury. Since its inception in 1999, the Burj Al Arab has attracted many VIPs and celebrities from around the globe, contributing to the marketing of Dubai as a global luxury travel destination.
Aquaventure Waterpark
Aquaventure Waterpark, a part of Hotel Atlantis, The Palm, spread across 17 hectares, offers numerous thrills and spills to visitors. The Atlantis is a one-of-a-kind hotel located on Palm Island. One of the few places in the world that allows you to descend a water tunnel quickly while sharks and stingrays swim above you. If you are looking for adrenaline-pumping drops and raging rapids, Aquaventure is the place to go. The water park also has a Dolphin Bay and a private beach where you can relax or enjoy water sports activities.
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai, located inside the Mall of Emirates, is the area’s largest indoor ski resort, with five slopes of varying difficulty and ski slopes for skiers of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned veterans. A chair lift transports skiers up the lines and a neighboring Snow Park features sled routes and toboggan runs, climbing towers, and an ice cavern. The live penguin encounters enthrall the visitors to the park, where they can see the penguins swim, walk, and play.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium can hold up to 10 million gallons of water. The aquarium, made of 75 cm thick glass, spans three stories. You can see corals, rays, sharks, and hundreds of fish species that most people have never heard of. The Dubai Aquarium is more than just a location to appreciate aquatic life and photograph its surroundings. The most daring can swim with the sharks, the experienced divers can dive alone, while novice divers can dive after a quick instruction session. Visitors can see the diverse marine creatures on a visit to the Underwater Zoo and Gentoo penguins in the Penguin Cove Habitat.
Dubai Souqs
The souks or bazaars in Dubai are famous, so spend some time wandering through these old Arab markets, soaking in the ambiance and looking for a bargain. Dubai is a shopping destination with malls selling designer wear and branded goods, but these historic markets are a must-see if you want to understand the culture of this desert city. On the Deira side of Dubai Creek, the Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, and Spice Souk are all within walking distance of one another. Take an abra or water taxi to Bur Dubai’s Textile Souk on the opposite bank.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts is the ultimate theme park destination in the city. Visiting the place gives you access to Bollywood Parks Dubai (get familiar with the fascinating world of Indian cinema), Legoland Dubai (Lego-themed rides, slides, and shows) and Motiongate Dubai (Hollywood-themed rides based on Dreamworks Animation, Lionsgate, and Columbia Pictures). Spend a day of fun, frolic, and adventure, experiencing the thrilling rides, slides, and captivating live shows under the same roof.
The list of places to visit in Dubai is endless, with new attractions added every year. First-time travelers to Dubai must remember that it is a conservative city and you must dress modestly. So, prepare your itinerary and get ready for a memorable holiday ever.
