The Best of Dubai: Top 20 Sights, Tips and a Dash of Inspiration

Dubai had definitely never caught my attention and wasn’t on my list of top destinations I wanted to visit, I suppose because of how over-commercialised it is. I’d always thought there were plenty of other places I wanted to see before I got round to it, and all that glitz and glass just didn’t grab me. And yet – life loves to surprise us when we least expect it: chance took me exactly there and, unbelievable as it seemed to me, I set off for the desert megacity with unexpected excitement.

Somehow the cold in Sofia, the company I was travelling with and the thought of the warm Arabian sun lit the spark of adventure. I had mixed feelings, but I also had high expectations. After all, artificially created or not, this is one of the most futuristic and cosmopolitan cities in the world, and I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. Well, I have to tell you that, truth be told, Dubai was love at first sight for me. Unexpected, but true!

From the moment you land at the airport to the moment you fly back out, Dubai is one big “WOW!”. The largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates greets you with a dizzying mix of innovation and futurism. There are so many things to do and places to see that you don’t have time to stop and think about where you are and what’s happening to you. Yes, I know it sounds incredible, but it’s true – there wasn’t even five minutes when I was bored or thinking about anything other than the present moment. Welcome to the city that turns every notion of possibility into a dazzling, real-life fairy tale!

In this article I’ve gathered the top 20 most interesting sights in Dubai, along with some tips that will make your stay there even more exciting and interesting.

How to get there?

The most convenient way to get to Dubai from Bulgaria is a direct flight from Sofia. The airline Flydubai operates regular direct flights between Sofia and Dubai (DXB), and the flight takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. You can also fly with other airlines with a connection via Istanbul, Vienna or Frankfurt.

If you choose to fly to Abu Dhabi (AUH), you can easily reach Dubai by bus, taxi or private transfer. Buses E101 and E102 leave from Abu Dhabi’s central bus station and travel to the Ibn Battuta bus station (Dubai Ibn Battuta Bus Station) in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. A private transfer or taxi costs around 250–350 AED (€60–90) and takes roughly an hour.

When to visit Dubai?

The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March, when temperatures are more bearable – between 20 and 30 degrees. This is also the high tourist season, when a number of festivals and events take place. If you want to avoid the crowds and find better prices, you can travel in October or April, when the weather is still warm but there are fewer tourists.

In the summer months (June – September) temperatures can soar above 45°C and, although hotels offer big discounts, the heat makes walking around during the day almost impossible.

Where to stay?

Dubai offers a wide variety of accommodation – from budget hotels to luxury resorts. For convenient sightseeing, good areas to stay in are Downtown Dubai (next to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall), Dubai Marina (a beautiful waterfront area with modern hotels) and Al Barsha (a more budget-friendly option near the Mall of the Emirates).

If you’re after luxury and beaches, choose a hotel on Palm Jumeirah or at Jumeirah Beach Residence. For a more authentic experience, you can stay in the Deira or Al Fahidi area, close to the old town and the souks. Hotels in Deira and Al Fahidi are considerably cheaper, but there you’ll hardly feel the glamour of Dubai.

How to get around the city?

Dubai has a modern and well-organised transport system. The metro is the most convenient and fastest way to get around – clean, air-conditioned trains serving most of the main sights. Tickets are bought with a NOL card, which can be topped up for travel on the metro, buses and water taxis.

Taxis are also a convenient and not too expensive way of getting around. I’d advise you to download the Careem app in advance, so you can order a taxi even when there aren’t any nearby. It’s Dubai’s equivalent of Uber.

Car hire is also an option, but you need to bear in mind the heavy traffic and the different driving culture. For short distances – especially along the coast – you can also use rental scooters or e-bikes.

Which local dishes to try?

Dubai has an exceptionally rich culinary scene, influenced by Arab, Indian, Lebanese and Iranian cuisine. Don’t miss machboos (rice with meat and spices), moutabal (a dip similar to baba ganoush – an aubergine purée), and shish tawook (marinated grilled chicken skewers).

Among the street foods, shawarma, manakish (Arabic flatbread with za’atar and cheese) and a variety of sweets such as luqaimat (Arabic doughnuts) and künefe, which we know from neighbouring Turkey, are well worth it. For a full taste of the local culture, visit a traditional Emirati restaurant or have dinner at a Bedouin camp during a desert safari.

What to see in Dubai?

Burj Khalifa (Burj Khalifa)

The tallest building in the world (828 m) is one of Dubai’s most iconic sights. You can go up to the observation decks on the 124th or 148th floor, from where an incredible panorama opens up over the whole city and the desert. The experience is especially impressive at sunset or in the evening, when the city sparkles beneath you.

At the foot of the tower are the Dubai Fountain and the enormous Dubai Mall, making the area an excellent place to spend a whole afternoon. On the 122nd floor there’s also a restaurant with an incredible view – perfect for a romantic dinner.

Entrance fee: From 169 AED for a standard At the Top ticket.
Useful tip: Book your tickets online in advance to avoid queues and higher prices on the spot. You can do it directly from HERE.

Dubai Mall and the Fountains (Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain)

Dubai Mall isn’t just a shopping centre – it’s an experience. With over 1,200 shops, an ice rink, an aquarium, a cinema and even a VR park, you could spend a whole day exploring. The aquarium is particularly impressive, with a giant window onto an underwater world of sharks and rays.

In the evening, enjoy the choreographed fountain show on the lake in front of the Burj Khalifa. The water shoots up to 150 m high and “dances” to music ranging from Arabic classics to Hollywood hits.

Entrance fee: Aquarium – from 175 AED. You can buy a ticket for the aquarium HERE.
Useful tip: Get there at least 15 minutes before the fountain show starts (every evening, every 30 minutes from 18:00 to 23:00) to get a good spot.

Museum of the Future (Museum of the Future)

The Museum of the Future is a true architectural and technological sensation. The oval building, covered in Arabic calligraphy, combines futurism and culture in an impressive way. Inside you’ll find interactive exhibitions presenting visions of the future – from space travel to artificial intelligence.

The museum isn’t just for tech lovers – it’s an inspiring experience for all ages. Every exhibition raises questions about where humanity is heading and invites us to think beyond the limits of the present.

Entrance fee: 149 AED for adults.
Useful tip: Visits are at strictly fixed time slots – buy your tickets online at least a few weeks in advance, because places sell out quickly. You can do it directly from HERE.

The Dubai Frame (Dubai Frame)

The Dubai Frame is a 150-metre “frame” with an incredible view of the city’s two worlds – on one side you see modern Dubai with its skyscrapers, and on the other the old town with its historic buildings and souks. The museum inside presents the history of the emirate, and the panoramic bridge at the top has a glass floor that makes crossing it a thrilling experience.

It’s one of the best places to grasp the contrast between Dubai’s past and its future. The Frame stands in Zabeel Park, where you can have a picnic after your visit.

Entrance fee: 50 AED for adults. Buy your tickets in advance – you can do it directly from HERE.
Useful tip: Visit in the earlier hours of the day to avoid the queues and the heat.

Ain Dubai

Ain Dubai, at 250 metres, is the tallest observation wheel in the world. Located on Bluewaters Island, it offers a 360-degree panorama over Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the Burj Al Arab. The cabins are spacious and air-conditioned, and some even include dinner or drinks during the ride.

The attraction operates seasonally, and it’s advisable to check the current opening hours in advance. Combine your visit with a stroll along The Beach and dinner at one of the trendy restaurants nearby.

Entrance fee: From 130 AED.
Useful tip: The best view is at sunset – book a ticket for that time to enjoy the transition from day to night.

The View at The Palm

The View is on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower and offers an impressive view over the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah and the Persian Gulf. It’s one of the best photo spots in Dubai and will give you a clear idea of the scale and shape of the palm.

In the exhibition area you’ll learn interesting facts about the construction of Palm Jumeirah, as well as the architecture and technology used to build this megaproject.

Entrance fee: From 100 AED. You can book your tickets in advance HERE, as they sell out quickly.
Useful tip: Buy a ticket with access to the VIP Lounge for an even more relaxed experience with a complimentary drink and comfy seats.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is the iconic palm-shaped artificial island that symbolises Dubai’s spirit of innovation. Here you’ll find some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, including Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. A walk along the “trunk” of the palm will take you past a string of restaurants, shops and waterfront promenades with beautiful views of the Persian Gulf.

Palm Jumeirah is also an excellent place for water sports, a yacht trip or simply relaxing on the beach. The island is reachable by monorail, which offers a lovely view of the whole structure from above.

Entrance fee: Free access.
Useful tip: A yacht trip around the island gives you the best sense of its unique shape.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the world, covering an area of more than 72,000 sq m with over 150 million flowering plants. Every year the garden presents new themes and floral sculptures – from castles to aeroplanes, including a replica of an Airbus A380 covered entirely in flowers.

The garden is open only during the winter months (usually from November to April), as in summer the heat is far too intense for the plants. It’s a wonderful place for a stroll, for photos and for marvelling at botanical imagination.

Entrance fee: 95 AED for adults. Buy your tickets in advance HERE.
Useful tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and catch the best light for photos.

Burj Al Arab (Burj Al Arab)

The Burj Al Arab is the iconic sail-shaped 7-star hotel that rises from its own artificial island off the coast of Dubai. It’s a symbol of luxury and innovation in the emirate. Although you can’t just walk into the hotel, you can book an “Inside Burj Al Arab” tour, afternoon tea or dinner at one of its restaurants.

A visit to the Burj Al Arab is a unique experience that lets you peek into the world of the most exclusive hotels on the planet – with gold finishes, handcrafted details and an incredible view of the sea.

Entrance fee: From 249 AED for a tour. Book a tour of the hotel HERE.
Useful tip: For the best experience, book “Afternoon Tea” at the Skyview Bar with a view of Palm Jumeirah.

Aquaventure Waterpark

Located in the Atlantis The Palm complex, Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the largest water parks in the Middle East. It offers thrilling water slides, including the legendary “Leap of Faith”, which passes through a shark-filled aquarium, as well as lazy rivers and children’s areas for younger visitors.

The park is ideal for a whole day of fun, especially on hot days. There’s also access to a private beach, and lovers of marine adventures can visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium – a themed aquarium with sea creatures from all over the world.

Entrance fee: From 320 AED for adults. You can buy your tickets in advance HERE.
Useful tip: Buy a combined ticket with access to the aquarium to take advantage of discounts and see even more.

Dubai Marina & JBR Walk

Dubai Marina is a modern waterfront district surrounded by tall buildings, a yacht harbour and bustling boulevards. A stroll along the Marina Walk is a pleasant experience both during the day and in the evening, when the lights of the skyscrapers are reflected in the water. The area is full of restaurants, cafés and places to relax.

JBR Walk (Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk) is a popular pedestrian promenade by the beach with shopping, places to eat and opportunities for water sports. It’s ideal for an evening stroll, street food or unwinding on the public beach.

Entrance fee: Free access.
Useful tip: Take a walk at sunset for the most beautiful views and a pleasant temperature.

Global Village

Global Village is a unique seasonal park bringing together the cultures, cuisines and arts of more than 90 countries around the world. Each pavilion showcases a country with its own souvenirs, traditions, dances and food. There’s also an amusement park, concerts and various cultural events every evening.

It’s the perfect place for families, lovers of international cuisine and anyone who wants to take a quick trip around the world without leaving Dubai. The season usually runs from October to April.

Entrance fee: 25 AED. Buy your tickets in advance HERE.
Useful tip: Go on a weekday in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds and have more time for exploring and taking photos.

Desert safari

A desert safari is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Dubai. The adventure includes a 4×4 ride across the red dunes, sandboarding, camel riding and a visit to a Bedouin camp. Dinner under the stars, accompanied by belly dancing and local cuisine, rounds off the experience with a cultural touch.

There are different kinds of safari – morning, evening and VIP versions. Most start in the afternoon and carry on into the evening. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the stillness of the desert and escape the bustle of the city.

Entrance fee: From 150 AED depending on the package. Book a full desert safari package HERE.
Useful tip: Choose a safari that includes hotel transfers and dinner to get the most out of the experience.

Al Fahidi (Al Fahidi Historical District)

Al Fahidi, also known as Al Bastakiya, is one of the oldest districts in Dubai and offers a contrast to the city’s futuristic image. With narrow lanes, traditional architecture and wind towers (barjeels), the district is ideal for a stroll back in time. It’s home to several museums, including the Coffee Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.

A walk through Al Fahidi lets you immerse yourself in traditional Emirati culture. The area is excellent for photos, breaks in quiet courtyards and a short escape from the noise of the megacity.

Entrance fee: Free access (some museums charge a small fee).
Useful tip: Join an organised tour or a cultural lunch to learn more about the local way of life.

Dubai Creek and an abra ride (Dubai Creek & abra ride)

Dubai Creek is the historic heart of the city, where Dubai’s trading boom began decades ago. A ride on a small traditional boat called an abra across the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira is not only a cheap but also an authentic way to feel the spirit of the old town.

The crossing takes only a few minutes, but it offers views of markets, minarets and traditional buildings. The souks are close by too – ideal for combining a cultural tour with some shopping.

Entrance fee: 1 AED each way.
Useful tip: Make the trip around sunset for the most beautiful views and atmosphere.

The Gold and Spice Souks (Gold & Spice Souk)

The Gold Souk in Deira is legendary, with windows full of 24-carat gold jewellery – from classic pieces to imposing wedding sets. Right next to it is the Spice Souk, where the aromas of saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and dried lemons drift through the air. It’s one of the most colourful places in Dubai.

Haggling here is part of the culture – don’t hesitate to ask for a better price. The souk is busy all day, especially in the late afternoon.

Entrance fee: Free access.
Useful tip: Carry cash – not all traders accept cards.

Jumeirah Mosque (Jumeirah Mosque)

Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslims. Built in the traditional Fatimid style, it impresses with its symmetrical architecture and its atmosphere of spirituality and calm. The daily tours organised by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offer a chance to learn more about Islam and Arab culture.

The tour includes a question-and-answer session, a tasting of coffee and dates, and an explanation of prayer rituals. It’s one of the most valuable cultural experiences in Dubai.

Entrance fee: A donation of 35 AED (includes the tour).
Useful tip: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered); scarves are provided on site if needed.

Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates)

Ski Dubai is located in the Mall of the Emirates shopping centre and is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. The snow is real, the temperatures are below zero, and the slopes suit both beginners and advanced skiers. Besides skiing and snowboarding, there’s also a snow park with toboggans, a zipline and the chance to meet penguins.

It’s the ideal place to escape the desert heat and for an unforgettable experience in contrast to the city’s typical atmosphere. Equipment hire is available on site, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.

Entrance fee: From 220 AED for the snow park. Buy tickets for the attraction in advance HERE.
Useful tip: Dress warmly – although they provide clothing, you’ll feel more comfortable with an extra jumper or scarf.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest indoor theme park in the world and suits visitors of all ages. It’s divided into four themed zones – Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard. Each world offers thrilling rollercoasters, 4D cinemas and themed shows.

The park is air-conditioned, making it an ideal place for fun even on the hottest days. It suits both families with children and adrenaline junkies looking for a thrill.

Entrance fee: From 345 AED. You can buy your tickets in advance HERE.
Useful tip: Go early to avoid the queues and manage to get round all the zones in a single day.

Infinity des Lumières

Entrance fee: From 125 AED.
Useful tip: Check in advance which exhibitions are on during your visit so you can choose the one that interests you most.