Burj Khalifa: At the Top
Attraction · Partner
Burj Khalifa: At the Top
Observation decks on the world’s tallest building. Sunset slots cost more and sell out first.
Partner booking opens soon
Things to do in Dubai
Tickets, desert trips, transfers, hotels and flights for Dubai in one place, with the provider named on everything.
AirportsDubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum (DWC)
Getting aroundMetro, taxis and ride apps
CurrencyUAE dirham (AED)
Best monthsNovember to March
Dubai in brief
Dubai is spread along the coast rather than gathered round one centre, so where you stay shapes the trip. Downtown holds the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The Marina and the Palm are for the beach. The old trading quarters of Deira and Bur Dubai sit on the Creek at the northern end.
The city is built for cool-season travel. From November to March the days are warm and dry and almost everything can be done outdoors. In summer the heat pushes life indoors and into the evening, and prices drop to match.
Most visitors mix three things: the modern skyline, a half day in the desert, and a few hours in old Dubai, which costs almost nothing and is the part people remember.
Top attractions in Dubai
Tickets for these are sold by booking partners. Every card names who provides it.
Museum of the Future
Attraction · Partner
Museum of the Future
The ring-shaped building on Sheikh Zayed Road, with timed-entry exhibitions.
Partner booking opens soon
Dubai Frame
Attraction · Partner
Dubai Frame
A giant picture frame with a glass-floored bridge between old and new Dubai.
Partner booking opens soon
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Attraction · Partner
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The huge tank inside Dubai Mall, with a walk-through tunnel.
Partner booking opens soon
The View at The Palm
Attraction · Partner
The View at The Palm
An observation deck looking down on the palm-shaped island.
Partner booking opens soon
Aquaventure Waterpark
Attraction · Partner
Aquaventure Waterpark
The large waterpark at Atlantis on the Palm.
Partner booking opens soon
Tours and day trips
Guided options from partners, with the provider named on each card.
Evening desert safari with dinner
Desert · Partner
Evening desert safari with dinner
Dune drive, camp, dinner and shows. Usually runs from mid-afternoon until late evening with hotel pickup.
Partner booking opens soon
Abu Dhabi day trip
Day trip · Partner
Abu Dhabi day trip
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the capital’s main sights, about an hour and a half away by road.
Partner booking opens soon
Dhow dinner cruise
Cruise · Partner
Dhow dinner cruise
A traditional wooden boat with dinner, in the Marina or on the Creek.
Partner booking opens soon
Old Dubai and the souks
Walking tour · Partner
Old Dubai and the souks
Al Fahidi quarter, an abra boat across the Creek and the gold and spice souks.
Partner booking opens soon
Getting there and around
Airport transfer from DXBA pre-booked car from arrivals. The metro Red Line also runs from Terminals 1 and 3 towards Downtown and the Marina.Partner
Car rentalRoads are wide and fuel is cheap, which makes a car practical for Abu Dhabi and the east coast. Road tolls (Salik) are charged to the rental.Partner
FlightsDXB is one of the world’s busiest hubs. Low-cost carriers also use Al Maktoum (DWC), which is much further south.Partner
Where to stay
Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.
Downtown
Downtown
Beside the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Best for a short first visit.
Dubai Marina & JBR
Dubai Marina & JBR
Towers, a public beach and a long waterfront walk. On the metro and tram.
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah
Resort hotels with private beaches. Further from everything else.
Deira & Bur Dubai
Deira & Bur Dubai
The old town on the Creek. Lower prices and close to the souks and the airport.
Dubai day by day
- Day 1: DowntownDubai Mall and the aquarium in the day, Burj Khalifa on a timed ticket, then the fountain show on the lake after dark, which is free.
- Day 2: Old Dubai and the desertMorning in Al Fahidi and the souks, crossing the Creek by abra. Rest at midday, then an evening desert safari.
- Day 3: Coast and PalmBeach time at JBR or on the Palm, The View or Aquaventure, and dinner in the Marina.
- With a fourth dayAbu Dhabi for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Local tips
- Dress is relaxed at beaches and hotels. Cover shoulders and knees in mosques and in the old quarters.
- The weekend is Saturday and Sunday. Friday midday is the main weekly prayer and some places open later.
- During Ramadan opening hours change and evenings become the busy time.
- Taxis are metered and plentiful. The metro is cheap and has a separate cabin for women and children.
- Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants only.
Before you go
eSIMMobile data for the UAE. Buy and install it before you travel.
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
These services are provided by partners. Booking links open once our partner connections are active.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March, when days are warm and dry. April and October are hot but manageable. June to September is very hot and humid.
How many days do I need in Dubai?
Three to four days cover the skyline, the desert and old Dubai. Add a day for Abu Dhabi.
Do I need to book the Burj Khalifa ahead?
It is wise. Entry is timed, and the hours around sunset are the first to sell out.
Is the desert safari suitable for children?
The camp, dinner and shows are. The dune drive is bumpy, so operators set age limits and do not take pregnant guests. Check the terms of the provider you choose.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
By metro from Terminals 1 and 3, by metered taxi from the rank outside arrivals, or by pre-booked transfer.