Dubai Attractions - Top 10 Most Popular Landmarks

Odon Portillo

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·

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The Top 10 Attractions in Dubai at a Glance

Spot 1: Burj Khalifa

It's no surprise that the tallest building in the world stands in Dubai. Such height deserves the top spot in our Top 10 attractions in Dubai.

Rising 828 meters into the sky in the heart of the city, the Burj Khalifa stretches across 189 floors, 163 of which are usable. This skyscraper houses a mix of offices, hotels, restaurants, and private residences.

Observation Deck at 452 Meters

The public observation deck is located on the 124th floor at a dizzying height of 452 meters. In just 55 seconds, visitors are whisked up to this height via two elevators. A fantastic view into the distance is guaranteed here.

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the 148th floor at 555 meters is available - here you can enjoy less crowded views in small, limited groups, along with a guided tour offering fascinating background information about the Burj Khalifa. Culinary delights such as Arabic coffee and dates will also be served.

The Highest Restaurant in the World

Yet another record: In 2011, the restaurant At.mosphere opened on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa. It is the highest restaurant in the world.

Address:

1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Spot 2: The Dubai Fountain

No doubt, another of Dubai's attractions is the Dubai Fountain, our number 2 top landmark in Dubai.

This attraction also boasts a record. The Dubai Fountain is the largest fountain system in the world. It is located at the base of the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and right in front of the famous Dubai Mall.

Water Show with 150-Meter High Fountains

Fascinating water shows take place several times a day and every 30 minutes after sunset. The water jets dance up to 150 meters high in time to music from around the world and are illuminated with colorful lights.

Address:

Fashion Parking - Dubai Mall - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Shopping Temple and Experience World

In addition to the many shops and the oriental market, the Dubai Mall offers several other amenities:

  • an ice skating rink
  • a music-synchronized fountain
  • a 24-meter-high waterfall
  • an aquarium spanning 3 floors
  • a multiplex cinema with 22 screens
  • a supervised children's adventure land

Thus, a family vacation becomes an exciting adventure.

Address:

Financial Center Rd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Opening Hours:

daily from 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Spot 4: Burj al Arab

Ranked 4th in the top ten attractions in Dubai is the city's landmark and number 1 photo opportunity. It is the Burj al Arab.

Hotel with Unofficial 7 Stars

The Burj al Arab, located on a man-made island in the sea and the fourth tallest hotel in the world at 312 meters, offers its guests the finest luxury vacation. There are hardly any hotels in the world that are even more luxurious.

Access Only for Guests

In general, the luxury hotel Burj al Arab can only be visited by hotel guests. You can bypass this by making a reservation at one of the many restaurants or the Skyview Bar.

Address:

Jumeirah Street - United Arab Emirates

Spot 5: Dubai Marina

Our number 5 is an entire district. About 25 kilometers southwest of the actual city center, this skyscraper-dominated area is developing as Dubai Marina.

When completed, there will be 200 high-rises in this confined space, a unique occurrence in the world.

Modern Promenade Along the Marina Canal

The district Dubai Marina gets its name from the four-kilometer-long artificial canal. Yachts anchor along its curved promenade, at the largest yacht harbor in the world.

Numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops, as well as a large shopping center, are densely lined up here. Dubai Marina offers a diverse culinary scene ranging from oriental cuisine to high-level international delicacies.

The Largest Holiday Resort in the World

The Dubai Marina district also includes the Jumeirah Beach Residence. With an incredible number of nearly 40 high-rises and located on the fine sandy beach of the crystal-clear sea, it is the largest apartment and vacation resort in the world.

Spot 6: Palm Jumeirah

Our sixth recommendation showcases the original and traditional side of Dubai and should definitely be included in your Dubai excursions.

Palm Jumeirah, also known as Palm Islands, is the ambitious project of creating and populating three large artificial islands in the sea. Visually, they are meant to resemble three large palm trees.

Living on Palm Fronds

Since the water in the Persian Gulf is quite shallow in these areas, it was thought to be technically feasible. However, the still-under-construction project faced some challenges: to date, only one island has been fully completed and populated. A second one has been altered and built smaller.

Those who live here have a paradise experience, as the location by the sea is captivating, and the many luxury villas have been designed to the highest standards.

Connections to the Mainland

Palm Jumeirah is connected to the mainland via a 300-meter-long bridge and an 800-meter-long underwater tunnel.

Our tip: On the outer ring of Palm Jumeirah lies the 50-hectare resort and entertainment complex Atlantis, The Palm. Fun and enjoyment are guaranteed here.

Spot 7: Al Bastakiya

Al Bastakiya is the oldest district in Dubai and is completely protected as a historical site. The oldest buildings date back to 1890. Wind towers typical of the houses provided cool air in the past when air conditioning in the desert was unthinkable.

Artist and Cultural District

In Al Bastakiya, alongside visiting historical buildings, you can stroll through small alleys and enjoy the oriental cuisine. Al Bastakiya has developed into a very worthwhile artist and cultural district, with galleries, exhibitions, and museums.

Spot 8: Dubai Museum

The Dubai Museum, located in the old district of Al Bastakiya, is the most extensive and diverse museum in Dubai. It was opened in 1971 and is situated in the Al Fahidi Fort.

The exhibits at the Dubai Museum document the history of the country impressively, from life in the desert and the first settlements to modern times.

Al Fahidi Fort

In addition to the many exhibits in the museum, the fort, which is the oldest structure in the city, is also very impressive. Thick high mud walls with towering round towers form a square fortress around the large inner courtyard of the fort.

Opening Hours:

daily from 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Spot 9: Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is a natural arm of the sea with a total length of 14 kilometers, leading from the Persian Gulf inland. Its banks were where the first settlers of Dubai made their home.

Locals also refer to it as the actual center of the city, making it no surprise that it is heavily trafficked.

Boat Tours on Dubai Creek

A boat tour by water taxi or sailing boat on Dubai Creek is definitely worthwhile. You will get a completely different and fascinating view of the city from the water.

Spot 10: Jumeirah Mosque

Number 10 in our top ten Dubai attractions is the Jumeirah Mosque.

Picturesquely located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, it is the largest mosque in the city and an impressive structure. With its white facade and two tall minarets surrounding a large central dome, it can be recognized from afar.

Visitation Available

Unlike many other mosques in the country, the Jumeirah Mosque is accessible to visitors six days a week through a paid tour.

Important: Please ensure appropriate clothing, as access may otherwise be denied. Specifically, shoulders and legs must be covered. Women should also wear a headscarf.

The Top 10 Attractions in Dubai Summed Up

Dubai makes it possible to combine a beach vacation in crystal-clear waters at beautiful bays with plenty of greenery and modern shopping malls, superlative attractions, and the tallest skyscrapers in the world. But Dubai offers not only modern luxury; traditional Dubai can also be discovered in some places.

Dubai: Key Figures and Facts at a Glance

  • Population: approx. 3,103,000
  • Size: 4,114 km²
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Dirham
  • Time Zone: Gulf Standard Time (UTC +4:00)
  • Average Summer Temperature: 40°C
  • Average Winter Temperature: 16°C

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