Dubai Attractions

Attractions in Dubai for 2 to 3 days: Our highlights for a first visit

In Dubai, it doesn't matter where I look - there's always something to see! There's truly nothing you can't find here. Do you enjoy big cities with lots of hustle, skyscrapers, and intercultural influences? You will love the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)!

Dubai, the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, is located on the Persian Gulf, about six hours by plane from the United States. Perfect for a short break in winter!

During the ride from the airport to the city center, I wonder if I can explore all the imposing buildings rushing by? And where should I even begin exploring Dubai?

In this article, you will find all my tips and tricks for sightseeing in Dubai. This way, you can explore the most important attractions and highlights in a short time.

Read this article, and you'll be well prepared for your vacation (or layover) in the city of superlatives.

Would you also like to visit Abu Dhabi? Then check out my Abu Dhabi tips with all the attractions.

These are the 10 top attractions in Dubai

I have summarized the most famous landmarks in Dubai along with the most important places and activities here. I'll show you which attractions in Dubai are worth visiting and share what I enjoyed the most.

In summary, here are our main highlights in Dubai.

Of course, you can do much more in Dubai. Below are even more attractions in Dubai. We spent three days in Dubai. At the end of the article, I will give you useful tips to plan your trip. This way, you'll be well prepared for Dubai. Read here for David's report on a week of sightseeing, shopping, and adrenaline in Dubai.

I recommend staying at least 3 days in Dubai. If you also want to visit Abu Dhabi and the desert, I recommend planning for a week. Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has a lot to offer.

When you think of Dubai, one thing comes to mind immediately: The tallest building in the world! The Burj Khalifa stands at 829.8 meters and has 189 floors (only 163 of which are usable) and remains the tallest structure in the world.

Even as I look out the airplane window during the landing approach to Dubai, I see the thin, shiny silver tip of the skyscraper glistening in the sun. Strategically located right next to the Dubai Mall, a detour to one or another attraction is unavoidable for almost every Dubai visitor.

And I must admit, the view from the 124th or 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa is definitely worth it. I love viewing cities from above - the hustle and bustle below seems to fade away, and a grand overview of the whole city is guaranteed. From here, you can see not only the vibrant city at the foot of the tower but also far into the dry, desolate desert that borders the city.

To me, being in the tallest building in the world is secondary; it doesn't feel different than being in any other tall building - unless, of course, you have vertigo.

It's best to book a ticket for 5 PM. This way, you can see Dubai in daylight and enjoy the beautiful sunset from up here. Right after that, you can watch the water fountains and the Dubai Fountain show. The best part is that although you can only go up at 5 PM (that time is fixed), you can decide when you want to go back down. This time (around 5 PM) is very popular, so you must book tickets in advance.

Therefore, you should book your ticket at least three months before your trip. I booked my ticket through the booking platform Get Your Guide. Often, you have to deal with wait times if you don't book your ticket in advance.

There are different ticket options for the Burj Khalifa, which must always be booked for a specific time. When you purchase, you have to know on which day and at what time you want to go up to the tallest building in the world. How long you stay up there can be decided by you.

Check out the ticket options here

By the way: The entrance to the Burj Khalifa is located in the basement of the Dubai Mall, right by the food court. From there, you can speed up to the 124th floor.

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time for a sunset visit and to see the city sparkle at night.

The Armani Hotel spans 11 floors in the Burj Khalifa and even has a private entrance. Unfortunately, it's a bit pricier, but it's a very special experience.

Yes, Dubai is a shopping paradise. And yes, shopping in Dubai is not cheap. However, you should not miss strolling through the huge Dubai Mall.

Here, the word 'superlative' describes it quite well. All the major international brands are represented in the shopping center, which is one of the largest in the world. With over 350,000 square meters, you'll find more than 1,200 shops, a massive 24-meter-high aquarium, an ice rink, and the largest gold souk in the world.

Have fun getting lost - it's worth it.

The Dubai Mall is located directly next to the Burj Khalifa. Every evening, a water show takes place in front of the mall at the fountain (next point).

Directly in front of the Dubai Mall is the next highlight. The water shows with a view of the Burj Khalifa. And who would have thought:

Let me tell you: Las Vegas can pack its bags.

The fountain shoots up to 150 meters into the sky and dances happily to the rhythm of the music. Especially at night, the Dubai Fountain is stunning to watch, illuminated in the most vibrant colors. The water shows take place every 30 minutes from sunset until 11 PM. In the afternoon, you can admire the spectacle at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM (on Fridays at 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM).

On the edges, there are several nice restaurants with views of the Burj Khalifa and the water shows. If you've had enough of the many shops and the hustle of the center, you can sit here peacefully and order some delicious treats.

This is also something that is only possible in a city like Dubai - a man-made, palm-shaped island. A ride on the monorail, which travels along the palm trunk and connects the mainland to the island, is worth it because the island boasts hotels of superlative proportions, such as the Waldorf Astoria and the famous Atlantis The Palm.

Just ride all the way to the end, enjoy a delicious ice cream on the promenade, and marvel!

A special experience is taking a boat around the islands. Here, you can view Dubai from a completely different perspective.

Visit The View At The Palm observation deck. It's worth it. Here you can reserve your ticket in advance.

There are always more things to do in Dubai. Here are our top activities and special experiences.

Not far from The Palm is the JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) near Dubai Marina. I am surprised that Dubai offers so much beach and vacation vibes, because it is definitely enjoyable here! The beautiful waterfront promenade has everything your heart desires: tasty restaurants, small cafés, and countless shops.

And the best part? Everything is in close proximity to the beautiful - albeit slightly crowded on weekends - city beach! Right next to it, the brave can take a dive with a parachute - boredom is definitely not an option here.

Few places have luxury, extravagance, and superlatives jostling with desolation, drought, and vastness so closely. Just a short half-hour drive from the city takes you to the Arabian desert! It's hard to imagine that where a metropolis currently rises from the earth, not long ago, there was nothing but sand!

To best explore the desert, I book a tour with Get your Guide, because going alone is not advisable! Regular vehicles can't get through these areas.

Our guide picks us up in an SUV from the city and safely takes us to the desert. And so the adventure begins - lowering the air pressure in the tires and going full throttle! At breakneck speeds, we race over the sand, through dunes, and around tight curves. When I ask if cars ever flip over here, he just smiles faintly and says, 'Sure, regularly!' - not exactly reassuring, but the adrenaline rush outweighs that.

Finally, we arrive safely at a desert camp. Though in quick succession, we are shown all the desert typical attractions: From the falcon, waiting with his eyes covered for his next hunting mission, to a round of sandboarding down the dune, and finally to the typical shisha!

As evening slowly descends on the camp, we enjoy an incredibly delicious meal with various eastern delicacies. A belly dancer provides plenty of entertainment before we head back to Dubai, this time without the wild ride.

The trip lasts almost 6 hours. Costs about $46. This includes transportation, a BBQ, beverages, and various attractions at the camp. I can recommend the tour, but you should be aware that it is, of course, a tourist attraction and not an individualized exploration of the desert.

If you want to experience an exclusive luxury desert safari, this option is the ultimate experience, as there's a six-course meal 'on top'!

Caution: Desert safaris are very popular, so you should book your adventure before your trip. For example, at Get your Guide, which has different offers (if sandboarding is not your thing): Book your desert safari here.

When asking travelers what they enjoyed the most about Dubai, many say 'Dubai Creek', the older and more traditional part of Dubai. The creek flows through the city and separates the 'old' from the 'new' Dubai.

With small wooden boats (abras), you can cross the creek to the other side. The boats are also used by locals to travel back and forth. The ride costs only about 20 cents and is something you must try.

For Dubai, I chose the current top recommendation from Reise Know-how (view here). I was completely satisfied with my choice of guide!

If you want to familiarize yourself with the customs and practices in Dubai and the UAE before your trip, I recommend purchasing the book 'User Manual for Dubai'. This book series is excellent for engaging with another culture (even if the publication date is over 10 years ago). View book here.

In general, it is always hot, and average annual temperatures are around 27°C.

The best time to travel to Dubai is from November to early April. This is also the best time for a beach vacation.

In summer (mid-April to late September), temperatures can often reach up to 50°C. It can be unbearable without air conditioning. Humidity is over 80%, and traveling during this time can be quite burdensome and uncomfortable.

Avoid traveling during Ramadan!

The holy month of Ramadan has a strong impact on public life and facilities in Dubai. Since the date varies, you should check when Ramadan takes place before planning your trip.

During Ramadan, all visitors to Dubai - regardless of their religion - must observe the fasting requirement in public (fasting from sunrise to sunset). This means it can be difficult to find food and drink during the day.

Tip: Fridays are a holiday in Dubai! The roads from the airport to the city are like empty, and you can move quickly through the little traffic. Shops are still open! Only the metro operates later and at different times, so check that in advance!

Even though Dubai is an extremely progressive city, it is important to respect the Muslim culture. If you want to play it safe, it's best to cover your shoulders and knees. Alcohol is only available in nightclubs or bars. As alcohol is a sensitive issue in Dubai, it's advisable to avoid drinking in public or appearing intoxicated.

If you hold a German passport, you do not need a visa in advance. You will receive a 'visa on arrival' in the form of a stamp. As a tourist, you can stay in Dubai for up to 90 days.

It's important that your passport is still valid for at least six months and that you have at least two blank pages in your passport.

If you are only in Dubai for a short layover, you can get a visa for a 96-hour stay.

Dubai has one of the best hubs in the world for us Europeans when it comes to reaching another continent. That's why you have a wide selection of airlines flying to Dubai. Leading them is, of course, Dubai's own airline: Emirates.

From Frankfurt and Munich, you can comfortably fly to Dubai with the A380.

I flew at night from Munich. By arriving the next morning, you save a night in a hotel and have the whole day ahead to explore Dubai.

BOOK FLIGHTS ✈️ We always search for cheap flights on Kayak. Here are my tips for booking cheap flights. Make sure to include checked luggage, as basic flights only include hand luggage. This can initially distort the price and make it appear cheaper.

At Dubai airport, there are plenty of taxis. This is the easiest and quite affordable way to get to the city center from the airport. Some hotels also offer airport transfers. Be sure to check this before your departure.

If you love luxury hotels, you are in the right place in Dubai. Here you really have plenty of choices!

Are there accommodations for under $100? Yes, there are. Fortunately, there are also hotels in good locations for under $100 a night. Here's my tip:

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is located right on its private beach. Every room has a direct sea view. Great, right? There is a free shuttle to the Dubai Mall.

Unfortunately, the hotel is quite expensive at around $800.

Unfortunately, Dubai is not a city to be explored on foot. But the good news is: There is a metro!

If you are taking the metro, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Dubai has a lot more to offer than you can see in a weekend!

How great that this city of superlatives is often used as a stopover on the way to Asia - I will definitely make another stop here!

P.S. Check out Katrin's highlights for Abu Dhabi.

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