Whether you're visiting Dubai for business or pleasure, you'll want to check out these top spots. You can enjoy the lively nightlife scene, check out the ultra-modern architecture, or take in a water show.
Downtown
Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Dubai is a fusion of traditional and modern architecture. It offers a mix of nightlife, high-end retail, and local cuisine. It is perfect for those who are into business, but who also want to spend some quality time with their family. It is also close to the rest of Dubai, making it a great place to live.
The Burj Khalifa is the centerpiece of Downtown Dubai. It is the tallest tower in the world. It was completed in January 2010 and is estimated to have cost US$1.5 billion. It contains office space, a hotel, and a mall.
The Dubai Fountain is another big tourist draw. The water nozzles shoot up to 22,000 gallons of water into the air. The fountains are best at night, and there are many restaurants around that offer amazing views of the fountains.
Aside from the fountain, there are many other things to see and do in Downtown Dubai. For example, the Dubai Opera is one of the region's most impressive cultural venues. There are also several parks. There is a lot to do in Downtown Dubai, but if you are looking for a more quaint lifestyle, you may want to consider some of the smaller neighborhoods in the area.
The largest mall in the world is located in Downtown Dubai. The Mall is located next to Burj Khalifa. The mall features 160 outlets for food and beverage, from theme dining to beachfront dinners.
Bastakiya Quarter
Located on the south bank of Dubai Creek, Bastakiya Quarter is one of the best places to visit in Dubai. This is because it demonstrates the unique heritage of the Emirate. It also serves as a cultural hotspot. This means that you can learn about the history of the city, and enjoy a rich cultural life.
The most impressive part of Bastakiya is its old-school buildings. They are two-story structures that are restored to their former glory. The interior of these structures has an Arab-style courtyard and rugged surfaces, as well as Islamic calligraphy on the walls. The abra boat ride across the Creek is another must-try.
The Architectural Heritage Society is located in the neighbourhood. The two-story building, built in 1936, features a variety of shops, small restaurants, and a gallery. The most impressive feature of the building is its open-air courtyard, which provides a glimpse of the rich past of Bastakiya.
There are other interesting places to check out in the Al Fahidi neighborhood. One of them is the Arabian Tea House. This restaurant offers an assortment of traditional Emirati dishes as well as 50 types of tea. It has a convenient entrance on Al Fahidi Street.
The Bastakiya auditorium is the centerpiece of this district. It doubles as the headquarters of the Urban Heritage Society. It is an architectural marvel. The structure was renovated in the early 2000s, and it features traditional architecture. The building was formerly a mansion.
Alserkal Art District
Located in the industrial zone of Al Quoz, Alserkal is a true contemporary art hub. This district has more than 40 creative concepts, from exhibitions to workshops and museums. It is also home to several art spaces, restaurants and cafes. It is one of the most popular cultural areas in Dubai.
Among the many galleries in the district, the Leila Heller Gallery stands out. This space, located in a 14,000 square foot building, showcases a mix of Middle Eastern and Western artists. It also features collaborations between local and international artists.
Another gallery to check out is The Third Line. This space focuses on contemporary artists from the Middle East. It features special exhibits from visiting artists. The Third Line's collection includes 27 Middle Eastern artists. It also hosts programs that promote non-profit projects.
The Concrete art space was designed by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) and Rem Koolhaas. It was introduced to the district in 2017. It is a multi-purpose event space.
It features museum quality exhibitions. It was also the first building in the UAE designed by Rem Koolhaas's Office for Metropolitan Architecture.
Another place to check out in the district is Nightjar Coffee. This urban boutique roastery hosts groovy DJs and great coffee. It also supports the community's restaurants.
The Green Art Gallery is an outpost of a New York gallery. It focuses on contemporary and experimental works from South Asia and the Middle East. It has featured international artists such as Joana Escoval and Caline Aoun.
Ferrari World
Located on YAS Island, Ferrari World is a theme park that features rides, simulators, and replica F1 workshops. If you are an automobile enthusiast, you will definitely enjoy this experience. It is one of the best places to visit in Dubai. It is also the largest indoor theme park in the world.
There are about 20 different rides. The fastest ride is the Formula Rossa, which reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h in under two seconds. The aforementioned is not to be confused with the lullaby titled Formula Rossa.
The gimmick aficionado will appreciate the fact that the aforementioned is not the only cool thing about Ferrari World. It is a well-run place, and the staff is very friendly.
The most important thing to remember is that the Ferrari World is not a Disneyland. The rides and shows are all operated under the aegis of a racing expert. It is a fun and exciting place to spend an afternoon.
If you are lucky, you might even get a chance to drive a Ferrari. You will need a valid UAE driver's license to participate in any of the activities. If you are not a licensed driver, you can still have some fun on the rides.
The Ferrari World is best visited on a weekday. On weekends and holidays, the park is a bit crowded. If you can't be bothered to drive, a cab is a convenient way to travel.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Located in the heart of the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the top attractions in the city. Its 10 million liters of water are home to more than thirty thousand marine creatures. It is not only one of the largest aquariums in the world but also a great place to take your family on a day trip.
The Aquarium boasts several fun activities like scuba diving and mermaid makeover. You can also enjoy a glass bottom boat ride for a bird's eye view of the aquatic world.
The largest tank in the world, the Dubai Aquarium is an ideal spot for a family weekend. It features over forty exhibits, including a life-size shark tank, a sand tiger shark, a giant spider crab, a Humboldt penguin colony and more.
The aquarium is also home to many shark feeding and scuba diving experiences. You can visit a shark trainer, go behind the scenes or even dive for a shark. You can also book a trip to the underwater zoo for a closer look at the largest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world.
The aquarium's most notable feature is the 48 metre long walk-through tunnel that allows you to see the sea life from above or below. This is the best way to see the creatures in action.
The Underwater Zoo's Rainforest, Living Ocean, Rocky Shore, and other distinct displays are the main draws. You can also catch a glimpse of the Humboldt Penguins and the 750 kg King Croc.
Burj al Arab
Located on a man-made island off the coast of Dubai, Burj al Arab is one of the best places to visit in Dubai. It has a unique shape, an eye-catching fountain, and an opulent interior. It has been a major landmark for the city, as well as a symbol of Emirati ambition. It is also the tallest hotel in the world, at 1053 feet.
Guests can access the Burj al Arab via a helipad, which is accessible by helicopter. Visitors can also view the Burj al Arab from the sea on a boat charter.
Aside from the opulent and unique architecture, the Burj al Arab is known for its service. It offers a number of services, including chauffeured Rolls Royce limousines. It also has a wave pool, which is free for guests.
It is the only seven-star hotel in the world. In addition, it has two restaurants, including an Arabian buffet and an Asian-style dinner buffet. It is a great place to relax and unwind.
Besides the restaurants, the Burj al Arab has a variety of luxury outdoor facilities. It has a private beach, where guests can enjoy sunbathing. It also has a terrace, which features an outdoor pool, a bar, and luxury sunbeds.
The hotel's exterior features gold plated marble facades. The interior is done in gold leaf and deep colours. The lobby is decorated with a water feature, crystal chandeliers, and mirrored ceilings over beds. There are also hand-knotted carpets.
