Top 5 attractions in Dubai

Dubai is a city of record-breaking towers, desert and beach, with an older trading town along the Creek. These five give you a bit of each, with a note on what to book before you fly.

1. The Burj Khalifa

The world's tallest building has observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors ("At the Top"), and higher levels on more expensive tickets. On a clear day you can see out over the desert and the Gulf.

• Tickets are for a set time, and the slots around sunset sell out first. Book Burj Khalifa At the Top tickets.
• Haze is common in summer; winter usually has the clearest views.

2. A desert safari

An afternoon in the dunes is the classic Dubai trip: a drive over the sand in a 4x4 ("dune bashing"), sunset in the desert, then dinner at a camp with shows. Morning and overnight trips are also available.

• Most trips include hotel pick-up. Book a Dubai desert safari.
• Dune bashing is bumpy: it is not advised in pregnancy or with back or heart problems, so check the trip details first.

3. The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain

Next to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping centres in the world, with an aquarium and an ice rink inside. On the lake outside, the Dubai Fountain puts on free shows of water, light and music in the evenings.

• The bridge and the waterfront promenade are the best free places to watch the fountain.
• Combine it with an evening visit to the Burj Khalifa.

4. Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, the Creek and the souks

The Al Fahidi historic district has restored wind-tower houses, small museums and galleries. From there, cross Dubai Creek by abra, a traditional wooden water taxi, to the gold and spice souks in Deira.

• The abra crossing takes a few minutes and costs very little; pay in cash.
• Dress modestly here, with shoulders and knees covered, and agree prices in the souks before you buy.

5. Dubai Marina, JBR and the Palm

Dubai Marina is a canal lined with towers, cafés and boats, next to JBR beach, a long public beach with a promenade. Nearby, Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped artificial island, has beach clubs and hotels; a monorail runs along its trunk.

• A walk along the Marina at dusk is free and one of the nicest evenings in Dubai.
• The beaches are public and free, but follow local dress rules away from the sand.

How to fit it in

Three or four days give time for all five and some beach: Downtown (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountain) on one day, the desert safari on another afternoon, Old Dubai on a morning, and the Marina in the evenings. Book the Burj Khalifa and the safari first.

For flights, seasons and practical tips, see our Dubai holidays guide.

Links to Klook in this guide are affiliate links: if you book through them, we may earn a commission. You pay the same price. Prices and cancellation terms are on each ticket page.