Travel Guides: Dubai’s must-see attractions

If you're searching for the top attractions in Dubai, we got you covered. This destination is one of the world's trendiest places, attracting millions of visitors every year. Visitors will be spoiled for choice with unrivalled adventure activities, family theme parks, world-class dining and entertainment, and lively culture and history.

We've put together this list of must-see attractions in Dubai to help you plan your trip.

It’s worth noting that Dubai is regarded as one of the priciest tourist destinations in the world. Travel insurance may protect your trip investment against unforeseen events. Book your trip protection as soon as you book your trip.

If you're looking for something exhilarating and adventurous that you can't find at home, this is a must do. Buckle yourself into a 4x4 and go dune bashing. Camel rides and sandboarding are two other activities available. Afterwards, treat yourself to a sumptuous barbecue buffet and refreshing drinks while watching belly dancing, fire dancing and falconry.

If you're willing to splurge on the ultimate luxury experience, you can hire a super yacht, complete with a trained captain and crew. If you’re looking for a more affordable luxury experience, Dubai Marina offers tours aboard mega yachts, which include a tour guide, food and drinks. Another option is sailing across Dubai Creek for a unique perspective of Dubai's historical neighbourhood, with its local market and souks aboard an "Abra," which is a traditional wooden boat.

Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Dubai's extraordinarily long coastline in search of soft snowy-white sand beaches. The water in the Indian Ocean is warm, and both private and public beaches provide a sunny retreat for the entire family. The 4x4, Al Mamzar Park, La Mer, Black Palace, Al Sufouh, Jumeirah Open, Ajman, and Sunset beaches are among the best oceanfront spots. Many of the beaches offer lounge chairs, change rooms, water sports equipment for rent, and dining options. There are also countless Ibiza-inspired beach clubs and lavish hotels with private beach access in Dubai.

Dubai knows how to please a variety of culinary palettes. Visitors will be spoiled for choice ranging from MICHELIN starred dining options to more unusual fare. If you're not afraid of heights, you can dine at Dinner in the Sky, where you'll be strapped into a seat connected to a table suspended 50 meters (164 feet) in the air. For other one-of-a-kind culinary experiences, try dining under the sea at Ossiano (Atlantis Hotel) or Burj Al Arab Ristorante L' Olivo at Al Mahara, where you can enjoy delicious dishes while sea animals swim by your table. On land, head to Sonara Camp in the desert. The first eco-friendly and bespoke dining destination on the outskirts of Dubai is a great place to dine under the stars and then catch a movie at the outdoor cinema afterward.

Also known as Al Bastakiya, the al Fahidi Quarter is a small district of historical sights and streets that seem like they could have been plucked straight from the pages of The Thousand and One Nights tales. Walking through the streets of this neighbourhood will transport you to the city's past. Most of the buildings in this area were built with teak, stone, plaster, sandalwood, and other materials common in the region during the nineteenth century. It is an excellent location for sampling some of the local dishes.

Dubai has excellent family-friendly activities and attractions. Experience a close encounter with the wildlife at Dubai Safari Park. The park recreates natural wildlife habitats and houses thousands of birds, mammals (including African elephants) and amphibians.

For the ultimate water-fun experience, head to Atlantis Aquaventure at the Atlantis The Palm hotel. From heart-racing slides to lazy rivers, this water park promises experiences that fit all ages. Apart from the rides and slides, you can interact with playful dolphins or explore more than 65,000 marine creatures in the Lost Chamber Aquarium. At the IMG World of Adventure, Marvel and Cartoon Network fans will have their dreams true. Hop on one of this giant indoor park’s many rides or enjoy the plethora of attractions on offer.

At Montiongate, a Hollywood-inspired theme park showcasing themed areas and attractions based on DreamWorks Animation as well as Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate productions, visitors can enjoy jaw-dropping shows, adrenaline-pumping rides, and endless movie-themed fun.

At Legoland, children will be able to engage in playful learning experiences across six themed lands. The park also has 40 interactive rides, shows, and many model structures made from millions of Lego blocks.

There is no better way to take in the breathtaking views of the city than from above. Take one of the world's fastest elevators up to the observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa. There is also the option to go even higher, up to the 148th floor, which is considered one of the world's highest observation platforms at 555 m / 1820 ft. Alternatively, visit the Observation Deck on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower at Nakheel Mall for panoramic views of the iconic man-made Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. 

• Dubai Miracle Garden – Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest garden in the world, this garden displays over 150 million flowers that give shape to a variety of stunning arrangements, including an Airbus 380, the Mickey Mouse Castle, and more). This “Little Piece of Eden” is open every day from November to May.
   
  
   
• La Perle by Dragone – The main attraction in the first-of-its-kind "aqua theatre", this truly theatrical-circus like show combines spectacular stunts that take diving, flying, and acrobatics to new levels.
• The Dubai Fountain – Witness the world's tallest fountain's choreographed water dance. This water, light, and musical spectacle is held every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Downtown Dubai, close to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. You can watch the show from the boardwalk or from a lake ride on a traditional Abra boat.
• Global Village – Open from November to April, this attraction features reconstructions of world-famous monuments such as the Taj Mahal, Big Ben, and the Eiffel Tower as well as numerous pavilions dedicated to different countries. Every pavilion features food, clothing, and other items from more thans 80 different cultures.
   
  
   

Get a quote to find out how Travel Insurance offered by Allianz Travel Assistance can make travelling for your Dubai trip stress-free.

Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.

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