The ten places below run from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall out to the desert and the old creek, and they sit right across the city rather than in one walkable district. Booking an hourly driver in Dubai covers the whole day in your own car, instead of a new fare at every stop.
1. The Burj Khalifa
Your trip to Dubai is deemed incomplete if you haven’t visited the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. At 829.8m, this building has an observation deck on the 124th floor providing a panoramic view of the city. Buy admission tickets well in advance and try an evening slot so you can also visit the famous Dubai Fountains right next door.
2. Dubai Mall
The biggest mall in the world by area, containing all the leading fashion and entertainment brands under one roof, plus an ice-skating rink and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with over 140 varieties of marine species.
3. Desert Safari Tours
Many travel operators offer desert safari tours including dune-bashing in giant 4x4s, camel rides, horse rides, sand-boarding, and cultural activities like belly dancing and magic shows in the Arabian Desert.
4. Dubai Museum
Built in 1787 and located inside the Al-Fahidi Fort, this historical museum explains Dubai’s phenomenal journey of growth, including exhibits on historic weaponry, musical instruments, and 4,000-year-old graves excavated from Al Qusais.
5. Jumeirah Mosque
Built in classic Islamic architectural pattern as a replica of Cairo’s Al Azhar Mosque, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding offers guided tours in many languages on all days except Fridays.
6. Deira
Famous for its traditional souks including the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, located towards the north of the Dubai Creek. Nearby, visit the Heritage House and Al-Ahmadiya School, Dubai’s oldest school.
7. Sheikh Zayed Road
A busy 8-lane highway lined with high-rise buildings, including the Dubai World Trade Tower and The Gold & Diamond Park, home to 118 manufacturers and 30 retailers.
8. Burj Al Arab
The world’s tallest hotel at 321m, constructed to resemble a billowing dhow sail. Dine at the Al-Mahara restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass panels overlooking exotic aquatic species.
9. Jumeirah Beach
Pristine white sands and great weather make this a must-visit for water lovers, with swimming and water sports activities like jet skiing.
10. IMG Worlds of Adventure
The world’s biggest indoor theme park, housing the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Dubai, the Velociraptor. As big as 28 football fields, it’s best visited on weekday mornings to avoid long waits.
Getting Around Between Them
The gap between these sights is usually parking, traffic, and whoever drew the short straw on driving. If guests are flying in for the trip, an airport transfer collects them from DXB in your own car, so the visit starts without a taxi queue rather than ending with one.