Dubai City

Dubai is a city that shouldn't really exist. As recently as the 1960s, there was nothing here but sand, a creek, and a few thousand fishermen and pearl divers. Today, just two generations later, there stands a mega-metropolis with 3.6 million inhabitants, the tallest building in the world, a palm-shaped artificial island, and a ski resort in the middle of the desert.

What makes Dubai so fascinating is the coexistence of extremes: In the old Deira district, you rattle across the Creek on a wooden boat for 25 cents, while a few kilometers south, the Burj Khalifa rises 828 meters into the sky. In the Gold Souk, you haggle over necklaces, in the Dubai Mall you shop under a 33,000-animal aquarium. In the souks, you smell incense and saffron, in the Dubai Marina, skyscrapers of glass and steel reflect the sunset.

For a first visit, you should plan at least 4–5 days. Dubai is sprawling — from the old Creek to the Marina is 35 kilometers. But thanks to the excellent metro, affordable taxis, and Uber, you can get everywhere quickly and comfortably.

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world — by far. 828 meters, 163 usable floors, over 200 floors in total. The tower is so tall that the temperature at the top is 10°C cooler than at the base, and the sunset occurs 2–3 minutes later on the upper floors than below.

The design by American architect Adrian Smith (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) is inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis — the Y-shaped base gives the tower its distinctive silhouette and structural stability. Over 12,000 workers built the record tower over six years (2004–2010), leaving the world speechless at its opening.

Observation Decks

• At the Top (Level 124/125, 456 m): The standard observation deck with indoor and outdoor areas. Panorama over all of Dubai, with clear visibility to Iran. From 169 AED (42 EUR), cheaper in advance online. Less crowded in the morning.
• At the Top Sky (Level 148, 555 m): The premium platform with personal tour, refreshments, and a visit to Level 125. From 399 AED (100 EUR). The breathtaking view is worth the extra cost — from here you can see the curvature of the Earth.
• The Lounge (Level 152–154, 585 m): The world's highest restaurant. Afternoon Tea from 750 AED (187 EUR) per person. Must be booked weeks in advance.

Dubai Fountain

At the foot of the Burj Khalifa lies the Dubai Fountain — the largest choreographed fountain system in the world. Over a length of 275 meters, 6,600 lights and 50 color projectors shoot water jets up to 150 meters high, synchronized to music from Andrea Bocelli to Arabic classics. Shows: daily from 6:00 PM every 30 minutes (1:00 and 1:30 PM on weekdays, 1:30 and 2:00 PM on Fridays). Free.

The Dubai Mall is not just a shopping center — it is a city within a city. With a total area of 1.1 million square meters and over 1,200 shops, it is the largest mall in the world by total area. But shopping is almost secondary here.

Highlights besides shopping

• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: A 10 million liter aquarium with over 33,000 marine animals, including the world's largest collection of sand tiger sharks. The huge viewing window (32.88 m wide, 8.3 m high) is free to view from the mall. For the tunnel and the Underwater Zoo: 149 AED (37 EUR).
• Dubai Ice Rink: Olympic-sized ice rink in the middle of the mall. Perfect to escape the heat. From 80 AED (20 EUR) including skate rental.
• KidZania: Miniature city for children (4–16 years) where they can try out professions — pilot, doctor, firefighter. 185 AED (46 EUR), duration 4–5 hours.
• VR Park: Virtual reality theme park with over 30 attractions. From 99 AED (25 EUR).
• Dino Skeleton: On the ground floor stands a real 155 million-year-old Diplodocus skeleton (24 m long). Free.

Practical Information

The mall is so large that you need a map. The "Dubai Mall" app shows your location and navigates to stores. There are over 200 restaurants and cafes, from fast food to fine dining. Parking for 14,000 cars (3 hours free). On weekends (Fri/Sat) it can be extremely crowded — 100,000+ visitors per day are normal. Come on weekdays in the morning for a relaxed experience.

The Dubai Creek (Al Khor) is the cradle of the city — a natural sea inlet where Dubai evolved from a small fishing village to a trading post and finally to a world metropolis. Here, between the districts of Deira (north bank) and Bur Dubai (south bank), beats the historical heart of the city.

The atmosphere couldn't be more different than in Downtown: Instead of glass facades, you see wind tower houses, traditional Dhow cargo ships (still transporting goods to Iran, India, and East Africa), bustling souks, and the colorful hustle and bustle of traders from all over the world. Here it smells of spices, incense, and grilled kebab.

Abra Ride

The Abras are traditional wooden boats that have been ferrying across the Creek for decades. For 1 AED (0.25 EUR) — yes, 25 cents — you can cross from the Bur Dubai bank to Deira in 5 minutes. There are two routes: Bur Dubai Abra Station ↔ Deira Old Souk, and Bur Dubai ↔ Al Sabkha. Just go to the pier, have a 1 AED coin ready, and hop on. Operating from 5:00 to 0:00. The best experience in the UAE for under 1 euro.

Gold Souk

The Gold Souk in Deira is one of the oldest and largest gold markets in the world. In the covered alleys, over 300 jewelry stores line up, with windows literally bending under the weight of the gold. Here you will find everything: from delicate 18-carat chains to massive 24-carat bangles to the absurdly large "Dubai Star" ring in the Guinness Book (21 carats, 64 kg).

Gold is tax-free in the UAE and is sold by weight + craftsmanship. Prices are based on the daily gold rate, displayed on boards. Bargaining is a must! Start at 20–30% below the stated price and meet in the middle. Tip: Compare the gram price in 2–3 stores before buying. Reputable dealers provide a certificate of authenticity.

Spice Souk

Right next to the Gold Souk is the much more intimate Spice Souk — an enchanting labyrinth of narrow alleys where jute sacks full of saffron, turmeric, cardamom, incense, dried limes, and dozens of other spices are piled up. The scents are overwhelming. Here you can buy Iranian saffron for a fraction of the European price (approx. 40–60 AED/10–15 EUR per gram vs. 30+ EUR in Germany) and incense (Bakhoor), which burns in every Emirati household.

The merchants are friendly and happy to show you their goods — let yourself be guided by the scents and try the famous Karak Chai (spiced milk tea), available at every corner for 2–3 AED.

The Palm Jumeirah is the world's most famous artificial island — a palm-shaped marvel of sand and stone visible from space. The mega-project, constructed between 2001 and 2006, includes a 2 km long trunk, 16 fronds, and an 11 km crescent that encircles the palm and serves as a breakwater. Over 10,000 people live on the Palm in villas and apartments.

What is there to see?

• Atlantis, The Palm: The iconic hotel at the far end of the crescent. Even if you're not staying here (from 1,500 AED/375 EUR per night), you can visit the Aquaventure Waterpark (from 299 AED/75 EUR) and the Lost Chambers Aquarium (from 115 AED/29 EUR) — or dine at Nobu or Ossiano.
• Atlantis The Royal: The neighboring hotel, opened in 2023, even more spectacular. Rooftop infinity pool, restaurants by José Andrés and Heston Blumenthal. Day visitors can visit the rooftop Pool Club (from 400 AED/100 EUR including a food voucher).
• The View at The Palm: Observation deck on the 240 m high Palm Tower (Level 52) with a 360° panorama over Palm Jumeirah and the skyline. 79 AED (20 EUR).
• The Pointe: Waterfront promenade at the far end of the crescent with restaurants, shops, and views of the Atlantis Fountain Show (the largest fountain show in the UAE after the Dubai Fountain).
• Nakheel Mall: Shopping center at the top of the trunk with access to the Palm Tower.

How to get there?

The Palm Monorail connects the Gateway Tower (nearest Metro: Jumeirah Lakes Towers/DMCC) with Atlantis. Single ride 30 AED (7.50 EUR), round trip 40 AED (10 EUR). Alternatively by taxi or Uber (from Downtown approx. 40–60 AED/10–15 EUR).

The Dubai Marina is a completely artificial canal surrounded by over 200 skyscrapers — the densest skyline in the UAE and one of the most impressive urban landscapes in the world. Along the 3.5 km long canal, there are promenades, restaurants, cafes, and yachts.

Marina Walk

The car-free promenade along the canal is the hotspot for dining and strolling. Dozens of restaurants with outdoor terraces offer everything from Lebanese to Japanese to Italian. Popular: Pier 7 (seven restaurants on seven floors in a tower by the water). Best after sunset when the skyscrapers light up.

JBR — Jumeirah Beach Residence

The JBR Beach is Dubai's most popular public beach: kilometers long, white sand, gently sloping, ideal for families. The promenade The Walk behind it is a 1.7 km long open-air mall with boutiques, restaurants, and street food. Especially on Fridays and Saturdays, life pulses here until late at night.

Ain Dubai & Bluewaters Island

The Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye) on Bluewaters Island is the largest Ferris wheel in the world — 250 meters high (London Eye: 135 m). The 48 cabins offer a breathtaking view of the skyline, the Palm Jumeirah, and the open sea during the 38-minute ride. Tickets from 130 AED (32 EUR). Bluewaters Island itself offers restaurants, a Caesar Palace hotel complex, and access via a pedestrian bridge from JBR.

Dhow Dinner Cruise

A dinner cruise on a traditional Dhow through the Marina is one of the most romantic experiences in Dubai. The 2-hour ride through the illuminated canal includes a buffet dinner (international and Arabic cuisine), soft drinks, and live entertainment. From 180 AED (45 EUR) per person — significantly cheaper than the Creek Dhow cruises and more scenic.

The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (also called Bastakiya) is the oldest preserved district of Dubai — a labyrinthine tangle of narrow alleys, wind tower houses, and sandstone-colored walls, which acts as a counterpoint to futuristic Dubai. Here, on the south bank of the Creek, wealthy Persian merchants lived in the 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing with them the Iranian wind tower (Barjeel) as a natural air conditioner.

Today, the lovingly restored district houses galleries, cafes, boutique hotels, and small museums — a charming place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city for a few hours. Strolling through the alleys is like a time travel to Dubai before the oil.

Highlights

• Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort): In the oldest building in Dubai (1787), the museum tells the story of the city — from the pearl diving era to the oil discovery to modern times. Impressive dioramas and underwater pearl diving simulation. Only 3 AED (0.75 EUR) entry!
• Coffee Museum: Small, lovingly curated museum about the coffee culture of the Arab world. Free Arabic coffee included.
• XVA Gallery & Hotel: Boutique hotel in a restored wind tower house with art gallery and vegetarian café. Pure atmosphere.
• Arabian Tea House: The prettiest café in all of Old Dubai — sit under bougainvillea in the courtyard and drink Karak Chai or fresh mint tea.

The Dubai Frame is exactly what the name promises: a giant, golden picture frame that rises 150 meters into the sky and is 93 meters wide. The concept is brilliant: On one side it "frames" the old Dubai (Deira, Creek, wind towers), on the other side the new Dubai (Downtown, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall). Past and future, framed in gold.

On the ground floor, a multimedia exhibition tells the story of Dubai from a fishing village to a metropolis. The elevator takes you to the Sky Deck at 150 meters high in 75 seconds, where a glass floor section is not for the faint-hearted. Once at the top, you have a 360° panorama that encompasses both Old and New Dubai — one of the best photo spots in the city.

The Dubai Frame is located in Zabeel Park, a green oasis in the middle of the city, also worth a walk.

The Jumeirah Coast is Dubai's beach paradise: kilometers of white sandy beaches with turquoise waters and the iconic Burj Al Arab as a backdrop.

Burj Al Arab

The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is probably the most famous hotel in the world — often (though unofficially) referred to as a "7-star hotel." The 321-meter-high building stands on its own artificial island, 280 meters off the coast, and has been Dubai's landmark since its opening in 1999. A night in one of the 202 duplex suites costs from 5,000 AED (1,250 EUR).

Even without staying there, you can experience the Burj Al Arab: Reserve an Afternoon Tea in the Skyview Bar (from 600 AED/150 EUR per person) or a dinner in the underwater restaurant Al Mahara. Alternatively: The best photo spot is the public Sunset Beach directly opposite — from there you have the perfect view of the sail.

Kite Beach

Dubai's coolest beach: a wide public sandy beach with kitesurfer action, beach volleyball courts, a skate park, food trucks, open-air fitness equipment, and the inevitable Burj Al Arab view. Particularly popular with young Emiratis and expats. Sun loungers are free (first come, first served). Parking available.

La Mer

Artificially created beachfront complex with boutiques, restaurants, street art, a water park (Laguna Waterpark, from 99 AED/25 EUR), and a beautiful public beach. More urban and hip than JBR, slightly less touristy. Best in the evening when the light installations come on.

Madinat Jumeirah

The Madinat Jumeirah is a luxurious hotel complex designed like a traditional Arabian city — with wind towers, water canals (Abra rides included), souks, and its own amphitheater. Even if you're not staying here, a visit to the Souk Madinat Jumeirah is worthwhile: boutiques, handicrafts, restaurants, and bars with a direct view of the Burj Al Arab. The best cocktail-with-a-view spot in the city.

Ski Dubai / Mall of the Emirates

Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates is the surreal answer to the question: "Can you ski in the desert?" Yes, you can. The 22,500 m² indoor ski resort offers 5 slopes (up to 400 m long), a snow park, penguin encounters, and real snow at -4°C — while outside it's 45°C. Ski/snowboard session from 220 AED (55 EUR), Snow Park from 180 AED (45 EUR). Equipment included.

Dubai Opera

The opera house, opened in 2016 in Downtown, is architecturally striking — shaped like a traditional Dhow (sailing ship). 2,000 seats, program ranging from classical opera to ballet to concerts and comedy. Tickets from 200 AED (50 EUR). Also worth seeing from the outside in the evening, illuminated on the Burj Khalifa Boulevard.

Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road is already breathtaking from the outside: a torus-shaped building with Arabic calligraphy of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's poem on its facade. Inside, you embark on an immersive journey into the future of humanity — space colonies, bioengineering, AI. More experience than museum. 149 AED (37 EUR).

IMG Worlds of Adventure

The largest indoor theme park in the world (1.5 million m²) with Marvel, Cartoon Network, and dinosaur zones. Perfect for families, especially in summer when outdoor parks are too hot. Tickets from 345 AED (86 EUR). About 30 minutes from Downtown.