Happy New Year! If you’re looking to add some excitement to your 2023 travel plans, then Dubai should be at the top of your list. This city of superlatives is home to the world’s tallest building, the world’s largest mall, and the world’s biggest fountain, to name a few. But beyond its impressive feats of engineering, Dubai is a city with a rich culture and history, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to shop till you drop, soak up some sun on the beach, or experience the future of technology, Dubai has it all. So without further ado, here are the top 10 places to visit in Dubai in 2023, along with some tips for making the most of your visit:
1. Burj Khalifa
Standing at an impressive 828 meters tall, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a must-see attraction in Dubai. Located in the heart of the city, this skyscraper offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors.
Fun fact: the Burj Khalifa has its own weather system, with clouds forming at the top of the building due to the difference in temperature and pressure.
Tip: book your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines, and try to visit during sunset for the most breathtaking views.
2. Dubai Fountain
Located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. With its mesmerizing water, light, and music shows, the fountain is a sight to behold.
Fun fact: the fountain’s water jets can reach heights of up to 150 meters, making it the world’s second-largest fountain.
Tip: the fountain shows run every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
3. Dubai Mall
With over 1,200 stores, an indoor theme park, and an Olympic-sized ice rink, the Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping destination. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your entertainment needs.
Fun fact: the mall’s aquarium and underwater zoo, located on the lower ground floor, features over 33,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and over 400 species of fish.
Tip: set aside at least half a day to explore the mall, and be sure to check out the ice rink and the indoor theme park.
4. Museum of The Future
Located in the heart of Dubai, the Museum of the Future is a futuristic and interactive museum that showcases emerging technologies and their potential impact on society.
Fun fact: the museum’s exterior is adorned with a 3D-printed facade, making it the first building in the world to have a 3D-printed exterior.
Tip: the museum is still in the development phase, so check their website for updates on when it will be open to the public.
5. Dubai Frame
Located in the Zabeel Park area, the Dubai Frame is a unique architectural marvel that offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take a stroll through the glass walkway at the top of the frame for a bird’s eye view of the city.
Fun fact: the frame is shaped like a huge picture frame, with one side offering views of the old city and the other side offering views of the modern city.
Tip: visit during the cooler hours of the day to avoid the heat and the crowds.
6. Jumeirah Beach
With its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, Jumeirah Beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The beach is also home to Kite Beach and La Mer, two popular spots for water sports and beachside dining.
Fun fact: Jumeirah Beach is home to the world’s largest inflatable water park, featuring over 30 inflatable obstacles.
Tip: be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, as the Dubai sun can be quite intense.
7. Miracle Garden
Located in Dubai land, the Dubai Miracle Garden is a floral paradise featuring over 45 million flowers arranged in stunning patterns and designs. The garden also features a butterfly garden, where visitors can walk among hundreds of butterflies.
Fun fact: the garden has a giant flower-shaped topiary in the shape of an Airbus A380, making it the world’s largest topiary.
Tip: visit the garden early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat and the crowds.
8. Global Village
From November to April, the Global Village is a must-visit destination in Dubai. This cultural extravaganza features pavilions from around the world, showcasing the culture, food, and handicrafts of different countries.
Fun fact: the Global Village is the world’s largest tourism, leisure, and entertainment project, attracting over 5 million visitors each season.
Tip: be prepared to haggle for souvenirs and try a wide variety of international foods.
9. Dubai Marina & JBR
The Dubai Marina is a bustling waterfront destination featuring luxury yachts, boats, and water taxis. The area is also home to Pier7, a popular destination for dining and entertainment. The nearby Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) area is a popular spot for beachside dining and entertainment, with its own beach and the Marina Mall.
Fun fact: the Dubai Marina is the world’s largest man-made marina, featuring over 200 high-rise buildings.
Tip: take a boat tour of the marina to see the skyscrapers up close, or visit the JBR beach for a more laid-back experience.
10. Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, featuring luxury hotels, villas, and apartments. The island is home to Palm Views, Palm Atlantis, Five Jumeirah, and The Pointe, all popular destinations for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Fun fact: the Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island, featuring over 16,000 luxury homes.
Tip: take a water taxi or a boat tour of the island to see it from a different perspective.
Dubai is a city of endless possibilities, with something for everyone. From towering skyscrapers to sandy beaches, cultural extravaganzas to floral gardens, the city has it all. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Dubai today and discover all the city has to offer. And if you do visit, be sure to send us some pictures – we’d love to see your adventures!
Credit: Tsvetelin
