10 Best Places to Visit in Dubai In 2023

Dubai, also known as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, is brimming with glamour, opulence, and luxury. But the ultra-modern city fuses beautifully with ancient Arabian traditions. This is one of the aspects that draws millions of travelers from all over the world to this fabulous city. Add Michelin-starred restaurants, immaculate beaches, endless stretches of red sands, and bustling nightlife, and you have got a global destination. Here is a list of some splendid attractions that you can visit in Dubai this year.

1. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

One of the top attractions in Dubai is the enormous Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Containing more than 10 million liters of water, this suspended aquarium is one of the largest in the world. Walk through the glass tunnel and watch in awe as the mesmerizing aquatic animals surround you. You can see more than 140 species of marine creatures including stingrays, otters, manta rays, seahorses, batfish, piranhas, sharks, and more. If you want to challenge your wild side, you can don a wetsuit, dive into the water, and swim with the sharks. You can also book otter encounters, glass-bottom boat tours, cage snorkeling, and also an encounter with a giant crocodile.

2. Wild Wadi Waterpark

Located in front of the imposing hotel Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Waterpark is a themed waterpark having many rides and attractions. It is based on the tale of Juha, a popular character from Arabian folklore. Touted to be one of the largest waterparks in UAE, it offers amazing views of the Burj Al Arab Hotel, some iconic landmarks, and also the sea. It has some exhilarating rides such as Tumble Falls, Thunder Rapids, Falcon Fury, many waterslides, tornadoes, an aquatic roller coaster, and free-fall slides. Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon offers an interactive water experience for the entire family, especially for kids.

3. Burj Khalifa

One of the reasons people plan a holiday to Dubai is to see the majestic Burj Khalifa. The tallest structure in the world features at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. You can feast your eyes on the jaw-dropping sights of the city from one of its two decks on the 124th floor and 148th floors. Telescopes are placed here at strategic points through which you can see some of the important landmarks of the city such as Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Visit the ‘Atmosphere’ restaurant situated on the 22nd floor for an unparalleled culinary experience. This architectural marvel is a must in your Dubai places to visit list.

4. Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame is a recent addition to the magical Dubai skyline. The massive structure resembles a picture frame and acts as a bridge between Dubai’s humble past and glorious present. It has two 150 meters high towers connected with a 93 meters wide sky-glass bridge at the top. You can see fantastic panoramic views of the prominent landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers on one side and the old parts of Karama, Umm Harare, and Deira on the other side. You can see the graphic and animated representations showcasing the rapid transformation that Dubai has undergone in recent years. Visiting the Dubai Garden Glow when you are here is a must!

5. Desert Safari

Exploring the endless deserts of Dubai in all its glory is one of the unmissable activities when in Dubai. Get a desert safari in Dubai and be ready for a day filled with fun, adventure, and entertainment. Your expedition begins with a thrilling dune bashing session followed by other exciting activities like quad biking and sandboarding. Once you reach the campsite you can experience the ultimate Emirati hospitality and culture. Enjoy fun activities like camel riding, shisha smoking, henna painting, and falconry. The cultural performances such as Belly Dancing, Fire show, and Tanura Dance will leave you spellbound. Your evening concludes with a lip-smacking BBQ buffet dinner with a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

6. Al Bastakiya Quarter

Also known as Al Fahidi Neighborhood, the oldest residential area in the city resembles an ancient Emirati village. A visit to this place transports you to the bygone era of the city. Take a stroll through the narrow lanes and cobbled-stone streets. You will see ochre-colored buildings with wind towers that were the kind of air conditioning used then. There are many art cafes, restaurants, and boutiques that you can check out. The Dubai Coffee Museum has some interesting artifacts and exhibits about coffee. Grab a bite and some refreshing tea at the Arabian Tea House. The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding and Dubai Museum are great places to understand Islamic culture and traditions.

7. Dhow Cruise

The dhow is a traditional wooden vessel cruising the waters of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean in the past. It has now been completely refurbished with the latest amenities to give visitors a glimpse into ancient Arabian life. You can book a dhow cruise dinner for a unique experience. The vessel slowly floats on the calm waters, while you watch the iconic spots of Dubai pass by. Enjoy spectacular cultural performances such as Belly Dancing and Tanura Dance Show.

8. Dubai Marina

Situated on the waterfront of the Persian Gulf coastline, Dubai Marina is one of the most modernistic places in Dubai. Built around the biggest artificial marina in the world, this place has a plethora of eateries, boutiques, malls, hotels, entertainment options, and more. One of the best places to visit in Dubai, you can see people walk, jog, or have a relaxed evening shopping at the various stores. Post sunset, this entire area becomes lively and you can spot locals as well as tourists enjoying the vibrant nightlife of the city.

9. Global Village

A visit to the famous Global Village makes you feel as if you are on a world tour. It is the perfect family destination for shopping, entertainment, and culture. It has numerous stalls and pavilions depicting famous landmarks of different nations. You can find more than 100 food stalls serving authentic street food and other cafes and restaurants offering a gourmet experience. It not only provides a different experience but also mouth-watering international cuisine. The cost of the ticket includes access to many performances, concerts, and shows that are held at the venue on that day. However, you may have to buy a separate ticket for some special attractions. The Global Village is open from November to April every year and is a must-visit if you are in Dubai during these months.

10. Dubai Mall

Dubai and shopping go hand in hand. A visit to the sprawling Dubai Mall is a must for all shopaholics and also to just admire the extravagance of the entire place. It is home to a first-class ice rink, a top-notch virtual reality park, a huge indoor waterfall, an award-winning aquarium, and over 22 multiplexes. The mall has a massive food court, numerous food stalls, and high-end restaurants too. With more than 1200 stores ranging from local to international, and luxury brands, you can shop to your heart’s content. That’s not all! The captivating Dubai Fountain is situated right outside the main entrance of the mall. Every evening you can see a stunning spectacle of colors, lights, and water, with soothing background music.

Conclusion

Dubai has undergone a complete transformation from a small fishing village and pearl diving region to the gleaming metropolis of today in a matter of a few decades. The city has always prided itself on breaking its records and creating new ones. This splendid city churns out new surprises for you, year after year. Planning a holiday in this awesome city is a wonderful idea as there is always something to do for everyone.