TOUR THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CITY
There are many things to see and do in Dubai and these 6 unmissable Dubai sites are the most iconic and exciting places to visit, which can be done in a couple of days.
The city of Dubai is one of the fastest growing in the world, where buildings seem to sprout overnight. A fascinating city to visit and a luxury destination where everything is flashy and new. Futuristic architecture, mega malls and warm weather are some of the reasons people like to travel here.
Dubai is one of the 7 United Arab Emirates and a popular tourist destination since the 1990s, offering travellers an unforgettable experience.
I’ve visited Dubai a couple of times, as it makes an excellent layover when travelling long haul between Australia, Asia and Europe. My recent 5 day visit was in the month of November, the start of the peak tourist season, when the weather is not too hot. I enjoyed exploring some of the most amazing locations the city has to offer.
Here I’ll give you 6 unmissable Dubai sites and highlights, which are absolutely mind blowing and I’ve put together this little map showing where they are located in proximity to one another.
I suggest getting a Dubai Pass which includes many of the famous landmarks for you to choose from.
1. Dubai Frame
First on my list is the Dubai Frame, a giant gold picture frame standing in the middle of a park. One of the newer landmarks in the city, the imposing monument is extremely popular for its unique design, shiny appearance and observation deck.
The 2 side columns of the frame house high-speed lifts to the top on the 48th floor. Whilst being whisked up the lift in 75 seconds flat, you can enjoy speedy views.
The top deck offers mesmerising vistas of the whole city. On one side of the frame you see the new modern Dubai, the other side you see old Dubai.
The floor of the observation deck has glass paneling you can walk on and see the ground down below.
The Dubai Frame also houses a museum about the history of the city and another section on future predictions, which was quite interesting.
It’s best to visit on a clear day, however, the air quality is sometimes hazy.
Open everyday of the year.
Located at Zabeel Park.
2. Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is a huge shopping and entertainment complex, one of the biggest in the world and the most visited, located in Downtown Dubai, the heart of the city.
This mega mall includes an aquarium, ice skating rink, a virtual reality theme park, 26 movie theatres and a plethora of retail stores and eateries.
One of the biggest draw cards at Dubai Mall is the Aquarium‘s massive glass panel, offering free viewing as you walk around the centre and can be seen from the ground floor and other levels. I spotted sharks and stingrays swimming past whilst sitting at the cafe opposite.
I was also very excited to experience a meal at world renowned chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant in Dubai Mall called Jamie’s Italian.
Outside The Mall
Outside Dubai Mall the area is a busy hub of activity -restaurants with splendid views of the Burj Khalifa, Burj Lake and pedestrian bridge which leads to the Souk Al Bahar. This modern market is modelled on the traditional Arabic souks.
This whole area outside is super popular for photos, especially in the evenings when the fountain, light and music show is in progress.
Dubai Mall is open everyday.
Located 7km from Dubai Frame.
3. Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is arguably the biggest attraction and most famous of the Dubai sites, with the current title of tallest building in the world, standing at 828 metres high with 163 floors. It has become the defining feature of the city now recognised on the world stage as a global power.
Furthermore, the Burj Khalifa lays claim to the world’s highest restaurant at level 122 and the world’s highest swimming pool at level 76.
An impressive mega-structure, with a pencil thin spire, that can be seen from all over the city, the Burj is located in Dubai Downtown precinct, the heart of the city, in front of Burj Lake, adjacent to Dubai Mall.
The Burj has various observation decks for mesmerising views of the city. Visiting on a clear day with minimal haze is preferable, or in the evening for night time lights of the city.
Open everyday of the year.
Located walking distance from Dubai Mall.
4. Future Museum
The Future Museum is definitely a Dubai highlight, a very distinctive landmark on the city skyline. The incredible structure is oval shaped with a hole in the middle, an architecture masterpiece featuring Arabic calligraphy, which are actually windows.
A world of science and innovation is on display inside, with 7 floors covering topics relevant to the world’s future such as space, climate, technology, the body.
Entrance to the foyer is free where you can get a feel of what’s in store with a few displays on show, and a gift shop. But tickets to the museum need to be booked in advance, or you’ll miss out, as it is a very popular attraction.
A very impressive monument, the Museum of the Future is one of the unmissable Dubai sites, even if you just see the monument from outside.
Open 7 days a week, all year.
Located 4km from Burj Khalifa.
5. Miracle Gardens
The Miracle Gardens is certainly one of the unmissable Dubai sites. It is a floral wonderland in the desert.
Showcasing stunning colourful flower displays in huge structural forms, Miracle Gardens is the world’s largest natural flower garden. I had never seen anything like it before and was utterly blown away by this attraction.
A veritable paradise of floral sculptures, beautifully curated in all manner of stunning designs. There are huge floral buildings, archways, animals and all manor of quirky displays, even a full sized airplane covered in flowers. New themes are introduced each year apparently.
Open in the Winter season only, September to May.
Located 25 km from Museum of the Future.
6. Global Village
The surreal landscape of the Global Village makes it on my list of unmissable Dubai sites. This is an enormous theme park / carnival / souk market all in one.
Here you can travel around the world without flying anywhere as all corners of the globe are represented with dozens of countries on display in huge elaborate pavilions. Each one celebrating their distinct culture with traditional foods, crafts, clothing and a variety of other goods.
There are also joy rides and games, plus music performances and more to explore in this colourful, exciting and mesmerising wonderland. The Global Village has a vibrant festive atmosphere that all ages will delight in and is a popular attraction for locals and tourists.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect here but am glad I went and checked it out. I had an amazing time and tried to see as much as possible, but time was against me, and I unfortunately was only able to explore a portion of what is on offer here.
Located 12 km away from Miracle Gardens.
Open October to May only.
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