Dubai Travel Guide Part 2 | Places to Visit & Things to Do

Known for its skyscrapers, exciting nightlife, and wonderful attractions, it’s not surprising many people call Dubai the Vegas of the Middle East. It is one of those places at the forefront of luxury and technological advancements.

My husband and I are thankful to have been to Dubai twice; the first time was in 2022 (for a seven-day trip), and the second time was in 2023 (for 28 days, on a working vacation). With the help of my cousins and friends in Dubai, we were able to plan our activities better.

Today, I’ll share 12 spots you should check out while you’re there. These are places and activities we have seen and tried firsthand. But I will also include other attractions at the end of the post that you can include in your itinerary.

If you haven’t read the first part of this write-up, which is the essential guide (What You Need to Know Before You Go), you can check it on this link: Dubai Travel Guide Part 1.

12 Places to Visit and Things to do in DXB | Dubai Travel Guide

For more information about the places enumerated below, simply click the Yellow button under it. I've created detailed blog posts with practical information that can be helpful during your visit.

1 Museum of the Future

Going to the Museum of the Future may remind you of the movie Tomorrowland. While you don't get to ride in any strange, futuristic vehicles, they have a simulated spaceship ride, and enjoyable immersive experiences.

We had fun here. There are tour guides to explain the point of each exhibit, and everything was organized. Overall, it is an interactive, educational experience for kids and adults. 

It is certainly a must-include in your itinerary. The futuristic museum showcases Dubai’s plans and visions for the future, including projects they are already working on to make that happen.

💜 Read Blog Post: Museum of the Future

2 Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai is home to many Souks in different areas, including Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a marketplace right next to the emirate’s iconic hotel- Burj Al Arab. 

Souk refers to Arab bazaars. It is the counterpart of Tiangges in the Philippines. 

Aside from shopping and dining, you can enjoy the scenic views of Burj Khalifa and their well-maintained waterways, where you can go on dhow rides.

Note: If you want to maximize your visit at Souk Madinat, you can book tickets (online) for any show at the Theater of Digital Art (TODA). TODA is a digital art space that regularly holds art display shows, concerts, and even meditation sessions.

💜 Read Blog Post: Jumeirah Al Qasr & Souk Madinat

3 Dubai Frame

If you want to see Dubai from two perspectives, check out Dubai Frame. It’s an observation deck that lets you appreciate old and new Dubai from 150 meters above ground (via their high-speed, glass-paneled elevators). 

Since it is inside Zabeel Park, you might as well go on a stroll there, take photos, and chill after your activity. 

Tip: Wear flats. If you wear high and chunky shoes, the staff will kindly ask you to walk barefoot on the glass floor (this happened to me). 

💜 Read Blog Post: Visiting the Dubai Frame

4 Dubai Dolphinarium

Are you traveling with kids? Do you love animals? If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, you should book tickets to Dubai Dolphinarium shortly.

Dubai Dolphinarium offers various shows perfect for the whole family. They have dolphin and seal shows, exotic bird shows, and dolphin encounter experiences. There are also a few games you could participate in. 

While you’re there, you can check out Children’s City (located within the same park where Dubai Dolphinarium is), where your kids can play while you relax and soak in the beautiful views of the park.

💜 Read Blog Post: Impressive Dolphin and Seal Show at Dubai Dolphinarium

5 Desert Safari 

A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without the desert safari experience. There are many tour operators and businesses that offer packages for this. 

I can never forget when we went dune bashing, and our car stopped while we were in a slanted position. We all had to get out slowly and wait for our rescue vehicle. The pregnant lady next to me vomited on my lap, and I was so worried knowing she was pregnant. All of us in the car kind of panicked, thinking about the baby. Luckily, she was okay. 

💜 Read Blog Post: DXB Travel Diary + Desert Safari Adventure

6 Sky Views Observatory

Another spot on the list is Sky Views Observatory, an attraction that offers stunning city views and exciting experiences. You can go on the slide from the 53rd to the 52nd floor, then walk on the 46-meter glass floor. I highly recommend this activity. It is ideal for those who want to conquer their fear of heights.

You can also try the Sky Edge Walk if you want to take your experience to the next level. 

Most promos already come with a drink from their restaurant (you can choose from water, coffee, slushie, or soda).

💜 Read Blog Post: Sky Glass Slide Experience

7  Dubai Fountain (at the Dubai Mall)

Within walking distance from Sky Views Observatory is the massive Dubai Mall. If you plan to visit both places in a day, there is no need to get a ride as you can easily pass through the air-conditioned walkway. 

The tallest dancing water fountain in the world is in Dubai, and it's on the artificial lake inside Dubai Mall. You can watch the spectacle from the promenade, one of the restaurants facing the fountain, or the floating platform. There are tickets if you want to be in the floating area, where you will be right in front of the action (note that if you get too close, your clothes can get wet from the big splashes).

There is also the option to take the Burj Lake ride, in which you go around the fountain area on a boat.

8 Burj Khalifa “At the Top” Experience

Burj Khalifa “At the Top” is an experience that takes you to the top levels of the world's tallest building to see Dubai from a higher ground. Regular passes include access to Levels 124 and 125 via their high-speed elevators.

There is no glass floor you can walk on (like the ones in Dubai Frame and Sky Views), but they have a simulated one where you can visualize how it feels to walk from that height, with sound effects.

To claim your passes, head to the ticketing station (inside Dubai Mall, in front of Al Jaber Gallery) and present your QR code.

💜 Read Blog Post: Burj Khalifa "At the Top"

9 The Green Planet

One of my favorite attractions in Dubai is The Green Planet. It's a beautiful biodome home to 3,000 plant and animal species. This indoor rainforest is perfect for those who love nature and animals. 

Even when some parts were under construction, we had so much fun. I love how the animals were free to roam around and interact with guests (with the zookeepers' supervision). 

Aside from the standard day admissions, they also offer other exclusive packages where you can camp or be the zookeeper for the day. 

💜 Read Blog Post: The Green Planet in Dubai

10 IMG Worlds of Adventure

Do you want an adrenaline rush? IMG Worlds of Adventure is the answer. It's an indoor theme park with 20+ fun (and some gut-wrenching) rides that will leave you feeling like a kid again.

The most popular ride is the Velociraptor, which was exhilarating! The Hulk Epsilon Base 3D was also fun; this is where you get into a circular dome projection cinema and be part of a mission. 

Tip: Using the park map, plot your adventure before going around so you know where to go and save time (this will allow you to get on more rides). 

💜 Read Blog Post: IMG Worlds of Adventure Indoor Theme Park

11 AYA Universe

If you want a light activity after a week of adventures, visiting AYA Universe in Wafi City Mall is a great idea.

It’s a digital playground that combines art, nature, and technology. As you can tell from its name, the theme of this attraction is the Universe. Like most of the places mentioned above, the place is also immersive. It has different themed zones that you can explore using your AYA Passport. 

Note: AYA Universe is not advisable for individuals with epilepsy or light photosensitivity because of the strobe lights.

💜 Read Blog Post: AYA Universe Immsersive Entertainment Park

12 Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Feast your eyes on impressive wax figures at Madame Tussauds Dubai (Bluewaters Island). This glitzy museum has seven zones with your favorite politicians, sports superstars, movie stars, and Bollywood idols. Props are available to make your shots look better. 

Visiting Madame Tussauds is ideal if you want to have a relaxed afternoon. It's more like a place to see the wax pieces and take photos. 

While you're there, you can walk along the promenade or check out the other establishments.

Tip: Bring a water bottle, as there is a water refilling station outside the mall (you’ll see this when you take the back exit, the one facing Dubai Eye). 

💜 Read Blog Post: Madame Tussauds Dubai

More Locations to Add to Your Itinerary

Need more options? Here are a few more spots for you to consider: Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah, Atlantis Aquaventure, Ski Dubai (inside Mall of the Emirates), Dubai Creek (book a dhow cruise), Jumeirah Mosque, Kite Beach, Global Village, and Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal; they are open from November to April). 

So, there you have it. Again, if you haven’t read the first part of this travel guide yet, you can check it out here: Dubai Travel Guide Part 1 | What You Need to Know Before You Go.

Thank you for reading and have a great trip!

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