Top Dubai Attractions

Standing at 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building and Dubai's most iconic landmark. The observation deck on the 124th floor (At the Top) offers sweeping 360° views across the city, the Arabian Gulf, and the desert beyond. For the ultimate experience, upgrade to the 148th-floor Sky Lounge — the world's highest observation deck. Book tickets in advance online to avoid queues and save up to 30% versus walk-up prices. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the city transitions from golden hour to a glittering sea of lights. The Burj Khalifa is located at the heart of Downtown Dubai, steps from the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain — making it easy to combine all three in a single evening. Conti7 Travel includes Burj Khalifa access in our Dubai City Tour package.

The Burj Al Arab is arguably the world's most photographed hotel — a sail-shaped tower built on its own artificial island, connected to the mainland by a private bridge. Opened in 1999, it redefined luxury hospitality and remains a global symbol of Dubai's ambition. While only hotel guests can access the rooms, visitors can experience the Burj Al Arab through afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor, or dinner at one of its nine world-class restaurants. The exterior is best photographed from Jumeirah Beach or from the water on a dhow cruise. For families, the Wild Wadi Waterpark sits directly adjacent and offers a full day of fun with the Burj Al Arab as a backdrop. Conti7 Travel can arrange restaurant reservations and photography tours at this iconic landmark.

A Dubai desert safari is the single most popular activity for first-time visitors — and for good reason. The experience typically begins in the late afternoon when 4x4 Land Cruisers head into the red sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for exhilarating dune bashing. After the adrenaline rush, the convoy arrives at a traditional Bedouin camp where guests can ride camels, try sandboarding, get henna tattoos, and dress in traditional Emirati attire. As the sun sets over the dunes, a lavish buffet dinner is served under the stars with live entertainment including belly dancing and Tanoura performances. Private desert safaris are available for couples and families seeking a more exclusive experience. Morning safaris are also popular for those who prefer cooler temperatures and photography-perfect golden light. Conti7 Travel arranges both shared and private desert safaris with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Before Dubai was a city of glass towers, it was a modest pearling and trading settlement centered on the saltwater inlet of Dubai Creek. Today, Old Dubai (the districts of Deira and Bur Dubai) offers a fascinating contrast to the futuristic downtown. Start with a traditional abra ride across the Creek for just AED 1 — one of the cheapest and most atmospheric experiences in the city. On the Deira side, wander through the bustling alleys of the Gold Souk (featuring hundreds of shops with ornate jewelry) and the Spice Souk (fragrant with saffron, cardamom, and frankincense). On the Bur Dubai side, explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood with its coral-stone wind-tower houses, art galleries, and the Dubai Museum.

An engineering triumph visible from space, Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest man-made island, shaped like a stylized palm tree extending into the Arabian Gulf. It is home to multi-million dollar villas, pristine private beaches, and iconic luxury resorts including Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. Take the scenic Palm Monorail from the base of the trunk to the crescent, visit The View at The Palm (an observation deck 240 metres above the island offering unmatched 360-degree vistas of the fronds and Dubai Marina), and stroll along The Boardwalk at sunset.

The Dubai Mall is the largest destination for shopping, leisure, and entertainment in the world. Spanning over 12 million square feet, it features more than 1,200 retail stores, the massive Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with a 10-million-liter tank, an Olympic-sized ice rink, VR Park, and Chinatown. Directly outside on Burj Khalifa Lake, the Dubai Fountain puts on the world's most spectacular choreographed water and light shows every 30 minutes in the evening, with water shooting up to 150 meters into the air.

Located on Yas Island in neighboring Abu Dhabi (just a 75-minute drive from Dubai), Ferrari World is the world's first Ferrari-branded theme park and a must-visit for adrenaline junkies and car enthusiasts alike. Under its iconic red roof lies Formula Rossa — the fastest rollercoaster in the world, accelerating from 0 to 240 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The park also features Flying Aces (with the world's highest rollercoaster loop), state-of-the-art simulators, and interactive family rides.

Operating seasonally from October to April, Global Village is Dubai's massive multicultural extravaganza. It combines pavilions representing over 90 cultures worldwide, each featuring authentic architecture, traditional handicrafts, cultural performances, and mouth-watering street food. From Turkish delights to Yemeni honey, Korean corn dogs, and Iranian carpets, it offers an incredible journey across the globe in a single evening.

Experience the glittering Dubai skyline from the water aboard a traditional wooden dhow or a luxury glass-enclosed yacht. Options include cruising through the historic waters of Dubai Creek with views of illuminated wind towers and souks, or sailing through Dubai Marina and JBR surrounded by illuminated futuristic skyscrapers. Enjoy an international 5-star buffet dinner, live traditional Tanoura dancing, and soothing music under the night sky.

Located at Atlantis, The Palm, Aquaventure is officially the world's largest waterpark, featuring over 105 record-breaking slides, attractions, and private beach experiences. Famous for the legendary Leap of Faith (a near-vertical 9-story drop through a clear acrylic tube surrounded by sharks and rays), heart-pounding body slides, rapid river rides, and Splashers Kids Play Area for little ones.