Dubai

Dubai Travel Guide

A futuristic city built on the desert, home to the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa and the artificial island Palm Jumeirah. The ultra-modern skyline of Downtown, Old Dubai's Gold Souk and Spice Market, Jumeirah Beach's luxury resorts, and desert safari adventures show Dubai's four faces. From the world's largest fountain show to the biggest shopping mall and a 7-star hotel, everything here carries the label 'world's largest.' Perfect for travelers seeking luxury and unique experiences.

Essential Dubai Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Dubai

★ 4.8

Burj Khalifa

Completed in 2010, Burj Khalifa stands 828m tall with 163 floors as the world's tallest building and a symbol of Dubai. Observation decks are located on the 124th and 148th floors, offering visibility of up to 95km on clear days for sweeping views of the Persian Gulf and the desert. The Dubai Fountain in front of the building is the world's largest fountain show, shooting water up to 150m high and dancing to music. 124th-floor observation deck admission about AED 169 (advance booking). Metro Red Line, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station.

HoursObservation deck 10:00-22:00 (varies by season).

LocationDowntown Dubai, Dubai

TipsVisit the observation deck around sunset to see both day and night views. The Dubai Fountain show runs every 30 minutes from 18:00 daily.

View Details→

★ 4.6

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest artificial island shaped like a palm tree and the crown jewel of Dubai's ambitious marine development projects. The Atlantis The Palm Hotel at the tip of the island is the landmark, and Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium are also popular attractions. A monorail crosses the island, and luxurious beach clubs and restaurants line the shore. Free to visit (public beach). Accessible by Palm Jumeirah Monorail.

HoursOpen 24 hours (individual facilities have their own hours).

LocationPalm Jumeirah, Dubai

TipsRiding the monorail lets you appreciate Palm Jumeirah's unique layout. Aquaventure Waterpark is a great spot for a full-day visit.

View Details→

★ 4.5

The Dubai Mall

Covering about 500,000 square meters, The Dubai Mall is the world's largest shopping mall, with more than 1,200 shops and 150 restaurants. Beyond shopping, the Dubai Aquarium, an Olympic-sized ice rink, KidZania, and an indoor theme park offer entertainment for a full day. Located right next to Burj Khalifa, it's easy to pair with the fountain show. Free admission. Metro Red Line, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station.

HoursSun-Wed 10:00-24:00, Thu-Sat 10:00-01:00.

LocationDowntown Dubai, Dubai

TipsThe mall is huge, so plan the shops and restaurants you want to visit in advance. Dine at a restaurant overlooking the Dubai Fountain to enjoy the show while eating.

View Details→

★ 4.7

Burj Al Arab

Opened in 1999, Burj Al Arab is a 321m-tall sail-shaped ultra-luxury hotel and one of Dubai's most iconic landmarks. Built on an artificial island, its interior is lavishly decorated with gold leaf and marble. Non-guests can enter by booking a restaurant or afternoon tea. Enjoying cocktails while watching the Persian Gulf sunset from the Skyview Bar is a signature experience. The exterior can be admired for free from nearby Jumeirah Public Beach. Afternoon tea from about AED 600. About 10 minutes by taxi from Mall of the Emirates metro station.

HoursAccessible with restaurant reservations (exterior viewing 24 hours).

LocationJumeirah, Dubai

TipsFor free exterior views, take photos from Jumeirah Public Beach. Restaurant reservations should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Dubai Creek & Gold Souk

Dubai Creek is the historic heart of Dubai, and riding a traditional wooden abra boat between Deira and Bur Dubai is an essential Dubai experience. The Gold Souk on the Deira side has over 300 gold and jewelry shops, offering some of the world's lowest gold prices. The nearby Spice Souk lets you browse and buy saffron, cinnamon, and other spices amid aromatic stalls. Abra fare AED 1; Gold Souk free entry. Metro Green Line, Al Ras Station.

HoursGold Souk: Sat-Thu 10:00-22:00, Fri 16:00-22:00.

LocationDeira, Dubai

TipsThe abra at AED 1 is Dubai's cheapest transport. Always bargain at the Gold Souk. Riding the abra around sunset over the Creek is especially atmospheric.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Dubai Frame

Opened in 2018, the Dubai Frame stands 150m tall and 93m wide inside Zabeel Park. The glass-floored Sky Deck at the top offers views of Old Dubai (Deira, Creek) on one side and New Dubai (Downtown, Burj Khalifa) on the other, giving a unique perspective on the city's past and present in a single frame. A ground-floor exhibition chronicles Dubai's history. Admission about AED 50. About 10 minutes' walk from Al Jafiliya metro station on the Green Line.

HoursDaily 09:00-21:00.

LocationZabeel Park, Dubai

TipsWalking on the glass floor is a thrilling experience. Visit at sunset to see both cityscapes bathed in golden light.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a premier waterfront district featuring luxury yachts and soaring skyscrapers along a 3km artificial canal. Stroll the Marina Walk for restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, or take a dhow cruise for nighttime views. Adjacent to JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) beach, it combines beach activities, shopping, and dining in one area. Free to walk (Marina Walk). Metro Red Line, DMCC Station.

HoursOpen 24 hours (individual restaurant and facility hours vary).

LocationDubai Marina, Dubai

TipsVisit after 7 PM when the skyline lights up spectacularly. A Marina dhow cruise (AED 100-200) offers dinner with night views.

View Details→

★ 4.6

Museum of the Future

Opened in 2022, the Museum of the Future is Dubai's newest landmark — a unique silver torus inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, named by National Geographic as one of the world's 14 most beautiful museums. Inside, immersive exhibitions themed around the year 2071 explore space travel, climate solutions, and AI. Visitors ride elevators through seven floors, each with its own thematic experience. Admission about AED 149. 5-minute walk from Emirates Towers metro station on the Red Line.

HoursDaily 10:00-19:30.

LocationSheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

TipsAdvance online booking is essential as tickets sell out fast on weekends. The building is also stunning when illuminated at night, so consider visiting both day and night.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Dubai Miracle Garden

Located in Al Barsha South 3 in Dubailand, Dubai Miracle Garden spans roughly 72,000 square meters and is famous for its flower-covered, life-sized Airbus A380 replica and Smurf Village display. It operates seasonally from around October through April or May each year and closes during the summer heat. Admission is roughly AED 100 for adults (prices subject to change; check the official website before visiting); visitors typically take the metro to Mall of the Emirates station and continue by bus 105 or taxi.

HoursSeasonal (roughly Oct-Apr/May); weekdays 09:00-21:00, weekends 09:00-23:00.

LocationAl Barsha South, Dubai

TipsVisit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and get better photos; always confirm the seasonal opening dates before your trip.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is an approximately 22,500-square-meter indoor snow facility located inside Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Barsha 1. Snow Park passes start from around AED 230 and Slope passes from around AED 305, with pricing varying by package (subject to change), so checking the official website beforehand is recommended. It is easily reached on foot from Mall of the Emirates station on the Dubai Metro Red Line.

HoursOpen year-round; hours vary by day (generally open from morning until late evening).

LocationAl Barsha 1, Dubai

TipsSnow gear is usually provided with admission, but gloves often need to be purchased separately, so check in advance.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Al Bastakiya)

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, on the southern bank of Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai, is Dubai's oldest preserved quarter, filled with traditional wind-tower (barjeel) houses, narrow alleyways, galleries, and craft workshops. Entry to the district itself is free, though certain sites within it, such as the Dubai Museum, charge separate admission. It is walkable from Al Fahidi or Al Ghubaiba metro stations on the Green Line, and many visitors also arrive by traditional abra water taxi across the creek from Deira.

HoursThe district itself is open at all times (free); individual galleries and museums generally operate from 08:00-20:00.

LocationBur Dubai, Dubai

TipsVisit in the early morning or late afternoon between October and April to avoid the heat while strolling the alleys.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Etihad Museum

Etihad Museum sits on Jumeirah Street in Jumeirah 1, on the site of Union House, where the UAE constitution was signed and the first flag raised on December 2, 1971. Its facade features seven columns symbolizing the pens used in the signing, and its interactive exhibits and artifacts trace the story of the nation's founding fathers. Admission is AED 25 for adults and AED 10 for students (ages 5-24), with free entry for children under 5 and people with disabilities; a visit typically takes 2-3 hours. The nearest metro stop is Al Jafiliya on the Red Line, followed by a short taxi ride.

HoursDaily 10:00-20:00 (last entry 19:00); 10:00-17:00 during Ramadan.

LocationJumeirah 1, Dubai

TipsHours are shortened to 10:00-17:00 during Ramadan, so check before visiting; the museum is wheelchair accessible.

View Details→

★ 4.6

Jumeirah Mosque

Located at the northern end of Jumeirah Beach Road opposite Palm Strip Mall, Jumeirah Mosque is one of Dubai's landmark mosques, having offered guided tours to non-Muslims for over two decades through its 'Open Doors, Open Minds' program. Tours run daily except Friday at 10:00 and 14:00 with no advance booking required, and admission is about AED 45 per person, including light refreshments. Modest dress covering knees and shoulders is required, and traditional clothing is available to borrow on-site for those who need it.

HoursGuided tours daily (except Fridays) at 10:00 and 14:00.

LocationJumeirah 1, Dubai

TipsRegistration opens 30 minutes before each tour, so arrive with time to spare; no tours run on Fridays.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Global Village

Global Village is a large seasonal theme park located in Dubailand near Exit 37 where Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) meets Emirates Road, operating each year from October through May. It features more than 90 cultural pavilions with goods and performances from around the world; admission is AED 25 on weekdays and AED 30 on weekends (subject to change), with free entry for children under 3 and seniors over 65. It's about a 25-30 minute drive from central Dubai, and RTA buses (routes 102, 103, 104, 106) shuttle between major metro stations and the park.

HoursSeasonal (Oct-May); Sun-Thu 17:00-24:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-01:00.

LocationDubailand, Dubai

TipsTuesdays are reserved for women and families only ('Ladies Day'). Ample on-site parking makes driving there convenient.

View Details→

★ 4.3

IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is a massive indoor theme park located near City of Arabia on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, right next to Global Village. It features themed zones including Marvel, Cartoon Network, and Lost Valley along with roller coasters; general admission is around AED 365 (subject to change), with free entry for children under 1.05m. It can be reached via UAE Exchange station on the Dubai Metro Red Line, and free parking is available for those driving.

HoursSun-Thu 12:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00.

LocationCity of Arabia, Dubai

TipsBeing fully indoors, it's a good option even during hot months, and booking online in advance is often cheaper than buying at the gate.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Al Seef

Al Seef is an approximately 1.8km waterfront district along the southern bank of Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai, near Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, developed in 2017. It's divided into a heritage zone recreating 19th-century architecture and a modern zone of shops and restaurants; walking the promenade itself is free (though abra rides and individual shops charge separately). It's walkable from Al Fahidi or BurJuman metro stations on the Green Line, and many visitors also arrive by abra across the creek from Deira.

HoursThe promenade is open at all times (free); shops and restaurants generally operate from 10:00-24:00.

LocationBur Dubai, Dubai

TipsThe area is especially beautiful in the evening light, so a late-afternoon or sunset visit is recommended, and taking an abra across the creek is a nice add-on.

View Details→

★ 4.6

Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera is a 2,000-seat multi-format performing arts venue on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, within walking distance of Burj Khalifa, which opened in August 2016. The building is shaped like a traditional dhow sailing vessel and hosts opera, ballet, musicals, and concerts, with show tickets generally ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000 (subject to change). A building tour covering its architecture and history costs AED 75 for adults and AED 40 for children (3-16), and the venue is walkable from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station.

HoursBox office open daily 11:00-20:00; show times vary by program.

LocationDowntown Dubai, Dubai

TipsThe box office is open daily from 11:00-20:00, and on show days the venue opens two hours before the performance starts.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Kite Beach

Kite Beach is a free public beach along Jumeirah Beach Road in Umm Suqeim, known for its unobstructed view of Burj Al Arab. It's open 24 hours with no entry fee, and its well-maintained facilities - showers, restrooms, changing rooms, and a jogging track - make it a great spot for kitesurfing, beach volleyball, and picnics. Parking costs AED 10 per hour from 06:00-22:00 and is free afterward, and it's roughly a 15-20 minute drive from Dubai Marina.

HoursOpen 24 hours (free entry).

LocationUmm Suqeim, Dubai

TipsLifeguards are on duty during daylight hours, making it safe for families, and sunset is a great time for photos with Burj Al Arab in the background.

View Details→

Things to Do in Dubai

Adventure

Desert Safari

4WD dune bashing in the Dubai desert, plus camel riding, sandboarding, henna tattoos, a traditional Arab buffet dinner, and a belly dance show.

Price AED 150-350Duration About 6-7 hours (afternoon to night)

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Culture

Dubai Mall Aquarium

One of the world largest indoor aquariums inside The Dubai Mall. Walk through the tunnel to see 33,000+ marine animals, with shark dive experiences available.

Price AED 170 admissionDuration About 1-2 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Tour

Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise

Dinner cruise on a traditional Arab dhow along Dubai Creek. Enjoy an Arabic buffet, traditional entertainment, and views of the Gold Souk and Spice Market lit up at night.

Price AED 100-200Duration About 2 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Adventure

Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah

Tandem skydive over Palm Jumeirah for an aerial view of Dubai's skyline and artificial islands. Free-fall from 4,000m and glide above Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah.

Price AED 1,800-2,200Duration About 3-4 hours (including flight)

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Adventure

Aquaventure Waterpark

The Middle East's largest waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. Over 30 attractions including vertical drop slides, a shark tunnel slide, 1km rapid river, and a private beach.

Price AED 350-450Duration About 5-7 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Culture

Abra Ride & Spice Souk Tour

Cross Dubai Creek on a 1-dirham traditional abra boat, then explore Deira's Spice Souk and Gold Souk on foot. Sample saffron, cinnamon, and other spices while bargaining the traditional Arab way.

Price Abra AED 1 + individual purchasesDuration About 2-3 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Affiliate link — RoadMento may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Must-Try Food in Dubai

Shawarma

🍢 Street Food

Thinly sliced lamb or chicken wrapped in pita with vegetables — the Middle East's signature street food. About AED 10-20 each. Local restaurants near Deira Old Souk offer the most authentic versions.

Gold Cappuccino

🍵 Drink

A lavish Dubai-style coffee topped with 24K gold leaf — a symbol of the city's luxury culture. About AED 50-100 per cup. Armani Cafe (Burj Khalifa) and Gold on 27 (Burj Al Arab) are famous.

Al Harees

🍱 Traditional

Al Harees: a traditional Emirati dish of wheat and meat slow-cooked for hours, especially popular during Ramadan. About AED 30-50 per serving. Al Fanar Restaurant offers a traditional Emirati dining experience.

Mansaf

🍱 Traditional

A traditional Arab feast dish of lamb cooked in fermented yogurt sauce (jameed) served over rice. Known for its rich flavor and tender meat. About AED 40-70 per serving. Try at Arab restaurants in Deira or Al Fanar.

Luqaimat

🍰 Dessert

Small crispy fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame — a beloved Emirati dessert. About AED 15-25 per plate. Try them freshly fried at local cafes near Dubai Creek or Ramadan night markets.

Karak Chai

🍵 Drink

The UAE's unofficial national drink — strong black tea brewed with condensed milk, cardamom, and saffron. Found on every street corner. About AED 3-5 per cup. Sip like a local at street cafeterias in Old Dubai.

Samosa

🍢 Street Food

Crispy triangular pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes, meat, or peas — an Indo-Arab fusion street snack representing Dubai's multicultural food scene. About AED 3-8 each. Try at Indian and Pakistani restaurants in Deira and Karama.

Dubai Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

Winter (November-March) is the best time, with pleasant temperatures of 25-30°C. Summer (June-September) brings extreme heat over 45°C.

How much does it cost to travel in Dubai?

Daily budget around $105-210 (accommodation $55-105; food $20-50; transport and sightseeing $20-55).

How do I get around in Dubai?

About 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport to downtown by metro. The metro and taxis are convenient in the city, and buying a Nol Card (transit card) is recommended. SIM cards (du/Etisalat) available at the airport (about AED 50-100/week). Card and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is optional; 10-15% at restaurants is common.

Do I need a visa to visit Dubai?

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.

Is Dubai safe for tourists?

A very safe city, but respect Islamic culture. Refrain from drinking alcohol and public displays of affection in public spaces.

Explore other cities