Sights in Dubai

Historical sights in Dubai

When thinking about Dubai you probably do not think of historic sights, but of a modern city. That image is correct, but you can still find a number of historical sights in old Dubai near the Dubai creek. On Bur Dubai you can find for example the neighborhood Al Bastakiya, also known as the historic Al Fahidi district. Here you get the feeling of authentic Dubai with a maze of alleyways and nice little museums and shops. The houses in Al Bastakiya have characteristic wind towers that used to work as air conditioning. Near Al Bastakiya you will find the Dubai Museum with the old Al Fahidi fort. In the museum you learn everything about the history of Dubai and you can visit the historic fort. The Dubai Creek is also a sight with the water taxis (abras) that sail back and forth between Bur Dubai and Deiba. Across the creek you will also find two more sights on Deira, the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. Finally you will find the Jumeirah mosque near the Jumeirah beach. This mosque is as beautiful as in a fairy tale and you can not only photograph but also visit.

Modern sights in Dubai

But anyone thinking of Dubai probably thinks first of modern sights like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world where a great fountain show takes place every day. You will have a perfect view at this show and the light show on the Burj Khalifa from the Waterfont Promenade. Another important sight in Dubai is the Burj Al Arab, probably the most well-known landmark of Dubai. The Burj Al Arab is the most luxurious hotel in the world and stands out for its shape reminiscent of a sailing ship. In the evening the Burj Al Arab is beautifully illuminated in different colors. You can take the most beautiful pictures from the Umm Suqeim beach and the Souk Madinat. But there is another hotel in Dubai that has become a sight in itself: the Atlantis hotel. This striking building can only be visited as a hotel guest but many people travel to this hotel to take a picture. From the Boardwalk promenade you have an excellent view to take photos of the Atlantis. The Atlantis hotel is located at the top of the Palm Jumeirah, the palm island and a sight in itself. You can see the Palm Jumeirah very well from the Palm monorail.

Sights around the Dubai Marina

The Dubai Marina is another sight, because there are plenty of restaurants, shops and skyscrapers around this man-made marina. Take a look at the Cayan Tower, because the skyscraper that rotates 90 degrees around its axis is a special sight. Dubai Marina is located near the JBR beach with the shopping and walking area The Beach and the Bluewaters island including the attractions Ain Dubai and Madame Tussauds Dubai.

If you want to be sure that you see all the sights in Dubai, then it is best to take a tour with the hop-on hop-off bus, for example. Check our page about attractions in Dubai for all tours and other attractions!

View all sights in Dubai below and click on a sight to get more information like directions and reviews.