All citiesDubai Things to do and walking itinerary
United Arab Emirates Dubai travel guide
12 things to do in Dubai, where to stay, airport transfers, 6 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa — skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 30 min)
- The Dubai Fountain — world's largest choreographed fountain system (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Museum of the Future — exhibition space in the UAE (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Jumeirah Mosque — Mosque in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Dubai International Financial Centre — business park (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Dubai Zoo — zoo in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Safa Park — park in the United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Zabeel Park — urban public park, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo — aquarium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khatab mosque — Mosque in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Etihad Museum — museum in Dubai (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Jumeirah Archaeological Site — archaeological site in the UAE (visit ≈ 60 min)
4-day Dubai walking itinerary
Starting point: Deira. The top 4 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 10.5 km · 14,180 steps · 2 h 20 min on the way): Zabeel Park
- Day 2 (≈ 16.0 km · 21,600 steps · 3 h 34 min on the way): Museum of the Future
- Day 3 (≈ 14.4 km · 19,500 steps · 3 h 12 min on the way): Jumeirah Mosque
- Day 4 (≈ 12.7 km · 17,080 steps · 2 h 48 min on the way): Etihad Museum
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Dubai
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood — Dubai's historic core of wind-tower courtyard houses, galleries and narrow lanes. (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Gold Souk — Famous Deira bazaar of hundreds of shops with windows full of gold jewellery. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Alserkal Avenue — Al Quoz arts district of contemporary galleries and design studios in converted warehouses. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Dubai Frame — Giant picture-frame viewpoint framing old Dubai on one side and the new city on the other. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah — Traditional-style souk among canals, with an evening stroll facing the Burj Al Arab. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Burj Al Arab — Sail-shaped landmark hotel on its own island; best seen from Jumeirah beach. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- The View at The Palm — High observation deck that reveals the palm shape of Palm Jumeirah from above. (visit ≈ 45 min)
Where to stay in Dubai
- Deira: Gold and spice souks, busy streets and cheaper hotels.
- Bur Dubai / Al Fahidi: Next to old wind-tower houses and the abra piers.
- Downtown Dubai: Beside Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, on the metro.
- Jumeirah: A calm seaside area among beaches and villas.
Getting from the airport to Dubai
- Dubai International (DXB): Red metro line ≈ 25 min
Getting around
Metro, tram and abra boats use the Nol card; taxis are common for longer trips. Long walks are hard in summer heat.
Classic places to eat
- Al Ustad Special Kabab: Persian-style kebabs since 1978; walls covered in photos.
- Ravi Restaurant: Pakistani cooking in Satwa since 1978.
- Arabian Tea House: A courtyard café in Al Fahidi serving Emirati breakfast.
- Bu Qtair: Spiced fried fish beside the fishing harbour.
- Al Mallah: Shawarma until late on Al Dhiyafah Road.
- Sind Punjab: Indian vegetarian dishes in Meena Bazaar since the 1970s.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Il Ristorante – Niko Romito — 2 MICHELIN stars, Italian
- Hōseki — 1 MICHELIN star, Japanese, sushi
- Armani Ristorante — 1 MICHELIN star, Italian
- Al Muntaha — 1 MICHELIN star, French, Mediterranean
- Tasca by José Avillez — 1 MICHELIN star, Portuguese
- Orfali Bros — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern Middle Eastern
Romantic views
- Dubai Fountain (Night): A musical water show in front of Burj Khalifa.
- Al Seef Creek Walk (Evening): An old-style waterfront souk and abra rides on Dubai Creek.
- Kite Beach (Sunset): Sunset on a wide beach facing Burj Al Arab.
Football stadiums in Dubai
- Rashid Stadium: Home of Shabab AlAhli Dubai Club
- Za'abeel Stadium: Home of Al Wasl FC
- Al-Maktoum Stadium: Home of Alshariqa
Good to know before visiting Dubai
- Fine: Swearing and rude gestures, including online and in messages, are criminal offences.
- Fine: Photographing people or sharing their images without consent is a crime.
- Fine: Zero tolerance for drugs; even traces in your blood can count as an offence.
- Fine: Drink only in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars; public drinking or drunkenness is an offence.
- Fine: Zero tolerance for drink-driving.
- Fine: Government buildings, military sites and palaces can't be photographed; drones need a permit.
Extra rules for Dubai
- Fine: Eating, drinking or chewing gum on the Dubai Metro and tram is fined; respect women-and-children cars.
- Hotels charge a per-night "Tourism Dirham" fee.
- Use a Nol card for metro and buses.
- Emergency: 999 (ambulance 998, fire 997)
- Plugs: G, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is desalinated and safe, though most people drink bottled.
- Tipping: If service isn't included, 10–15% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: United Arab Emirates, Wikivoyage — United Arab Emirates, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Dubai travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Dubai?
- The top 4 places in the centre take about 4 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Dubai?
- Highlights: Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain, Museum of the Future, Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai International Financial Centre. The map has 12 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Dubai?
- Deira: Gold and spice souks, busy streets and cheaper hotels. Other options: Bur Dubai / Al Fahidi, Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah.
- How do you get from the airport to Dubai city centre?
- Dubai International (DXB): Red metro line ≈ 25 min
- How do you get around Dubai?
- Metro, tram and abra boats use the Nol card; taxis are common for longer trips. Long walks are hard in summer heat.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Dubai?
- According to the last known data there are 6 starred restaurants: Il Ristorante – Niko Romito (2 stars), Hōseki (1 star), Armani Ristorante (1 star), Al Muntaha (1 star), Tasca by José Avillez (1 star) and 1 more. Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Dubai?
- Emergency: 999 (ambulance 998, fire 997).
- Do you tip in Dubai?
- If service isn't included, 10–15% is customary.
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