Dubai Travel Guide 2026: Burj Khalifa, Desert Safari, Old Dubai, Beaches, Costs & Tips

Dubai is a city of superlatives. In just a few decades, this former pearl-diving and trading village on the Persian Gulf has become a global hub of tourism, business and aviation, home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, man-made islands like Palm Jumeirah, record-breaking shopping malls, luxury hotels and a skyline that seems to grow every year. But Dubai is also a place of contrasts: in Old Dubai, traditional wooden abras still ferry passengers across Dubai Creek to the spice and gold souks, and the wind-tower houses of Al Fahidi recall life before oil. Just outside the city, the golden dunes of the Arabian Desert offer desert safaris, camel rides and dinners under the stars. With year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, world-class dining and family attractions, Dubai suits every type of traveller. This Dubai travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places with booking tips, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Dubai: Burj Khalifa Levels 124 & 125 Entry Ticket + Options

Dubai: Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Al Khayma Camp

Dubai: Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Sandboarding

Dubai: Red Dune Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Jet Ski to Burj Al Arab & Atlantis + Photo, Video & Ice Cream

Dubai: Aquarium & Burj Khalifa Levels 124 & 125 Combo Ticket

Dubai Miracle Garden Skip-the-Line Ticket

Dubai: Burj Khalifa Sky Level 148, 124, & 125 Entry Ticket

Dubai: Desert Safari & Quad Biking with BBQ Dinner Options

Best Time to Visit Dubai

Winter (November–March): The best time to visit, with sunny days of about 24–30°C and pleasant evenings. It's peak season, with outdoor attractions, beach clubs and events in full swing.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (October): Warmer (30–38°C), but still manageable, with lower prices.

Summer (June–September): Extremely hot (often above 40°C) and humid. Life moves indoors to malls and air-conditioned attractions, and hotel prices drop significantly.

Events:

• Dubai Shopping Festival (December–January): Discounts, fireworks and concerts.
• New Year's Eve at the Burj Khalifa: Spectacular fireworks.
• Global Village (about October–May): A huge open-air park with pavilions from around the world.
• Dubai Desert Classic (golf), Dubai World Cup (horse racing, March).
• Ramadan: Dates change each year; a special time with iftar meals, though some daytime activities are limited.

Top Places to Visit in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa

At 828 metres, the world's tallest building. Visit At the Top on levels 124 and 125, or the higher At the Top SKY on level 148 for the ultimate view.

Booking tip: Book a sunset slot in advance, as they sell out quickly and walk-in prices are higher. Book Burj Khalifa tickets on GetYourGuide

2. Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain

One of the world's largest malls, with an aquarium, ice rink and hundreds of shops. The Dubai Fountain show runs every evening in front of the Burj Khalifa.

Booking tip: Watch the fountain for free, or take a lake boat ride for a closer view. Book Dubai Aquarium and fountain experiences on GetYourGuide

3. Desert Safari

Ride over the dunes in a 4x4 (dune bashing), try sandboarding and camel rides, and enjoy a barbecue dinner and shows at a desert camp.

Booking tip: Choose evening safaris for sunset, or morning safaris for cooler temperatures; check reviews for camp quality. Book a Dubai desert safari on GetYourGuide

4. Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, Creek and Souks

Explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the Al Shindagha Museum, cross Dubai Creek by abra for 1 dirham, and wander through the Gold Souk and Spice Souk.

Booking tip: A guided food or heritage walk brings the old city to life. Book an Old Dubai tour on GetYourGuide

5. Museum of the Future

A striking torus-shaped building covered in Arabic calligraphy, with immersive exhibitions about technology and the future.

Booking tip: Tickets are sold for timed slots and often sell out. Book Museum of the Future tickets on GetYourGuide

6. Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis

The palm-shaped island is home to Atlantis The Palm, with Aquaventure, one of the world's largest waterparks, and the View at The Palm observation deck.

Booking tip: Combine Aquaventure with the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Book Atlantis Aquaventure tickets on GetYourGuide

7. Dubai Marina and JBR

A waterfront district of skyscrapers, restaurants and beaches, with the Ain Dubai observation wheel nearby (check if open).

Booking tip: A sunset dhow or yacht cruise is one of the best ways to see the skyline. Book a Dubai Marina cruise on GetYourGuide

Also worth visiting: Dubai Frame, Jumeirah Mosque, Burj Al Arab (from Jumeirah Beach), La Mer, Dubai Miracle Garden (winter), Al Seef, Alserkal Avenue for art, and Hatta in the mountains.

Suggested 4-Day Dubai Itinerary

Day 1: Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa at sunset and the Dubai Fountain.

Day 2: Old Dubai, Al Fahidi, abra ride and souks, then Museum of the Future.

Day 3: Desert safari in the afternoon and evening.

Day 4: Palm Jumeirah, Aquaventure or beach, and a Dubai Marina cruise.

Dubai Food Scene

Dubai has a huge variety of food, from street-side shawarma and falafel to Michelin-starred restaurants. Try Emirati dishes such as machboos (spiced rice with meat), luqaimat (sweet dumplings), harees and camel milk treats, plus Indian, Pakistani, Lebanese and Iranian food in Deira and Karama. Brunch is a weekend institution.

Practical Planning Notes

Dubai is spread out along the coast, so plan your days by area. The metro is fast, clean and cheap, but you'll need taxis or ride-hailing for some places. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants. Hotels charge a Tourism Dirham fee per room per night, added to your bill. Many attractions offer combo tickets or passes, such as the Dubai Pass, which can save money.

The UAE in Brief

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. It was founded in 1971. Around 9 out of 10 residents are expatriates, making the UAE one of the world's most international countries. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

Where to Stay in Dubai

• Downtown Dubai: Near the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and fountain.
• Dubai Marina and JBR: Beach, restaurants and nightlife.
• Palm Jumeirah: Luxury beach resorts.
• Jumeirah: Beach hotels near the Burj Al Arab.
• Deira and Bur Dubai: Budget hotels near the Creek and souks.
• Business Bay: Modern hotels close to Downtown.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Dubai here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Dubai

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world's busiest international airports and the hub of Emirates. Al Maktoum International (DWC) serves some flights. Search and compare cheap flights to Dubai to find the best fares.

Getting Around

• Dubai Metro: Red and Green Lines connect the airport, Downtown, Marina and Deira. Use a Nol card.
• Tram: Serves Dubai Marina and JBR.
• Taxis and ride-hailing: Careem and Uber; taxis are metered.
• Abras and water taxis: Across the Creek and along the coast.
• Buses: To Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates.

Travel Costs in Dubai

The UAE uses the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar (about AED 3.67 = US$1).

Visa Rules

• Visa on arrival: Citizens of many countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and most EU countries, receive a free visa on arrival. Many EU and Schengen nationals get up to 90 days, while others typically get 30 days. Check the official UAE government portal for your nationality.
• Pre-arranged visa: Required for other nationalities, often through airlines or hotels.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from entry.

Local Tips for Dubai

• Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites; swimwear is fine at beaches and pools.
• Respect local laws: Zero tolerance for drugs; public displays of affection should be modest.
• Stay hydrated in the heat.
• Ramadan etiquette: Avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
• Staying connected: A travel eSIM is cheaper than roaming. Get your UAE eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Desert safaris.
• Burj Khalifa and attraction tickets.
• Old Dubai food tours.
• Dhow and yacht cruises.
• Abu Dhabi day trips.

Browse and book the best tours in Dubai here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dubai

When is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March, when temperatures are pleasant (about 24–30°C), outdoor attractions are open and the city hosts many events. Summer is extremely hot but cheaper.

Do I need a visa for Dubai?
Many nationalities, including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most EU citizens, receive a free visa on arrival. Others must apply in advance. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.

How much does it cost to go up the Burj Khalifa?
Prices depend on the level, time slot and season, with sunset slots the most expensive. Booking online in advance is cheaper than buying at the counter.

Is alcohol allowed in Dubai?
Yes, in licensed venues such as hotels, bars and restaurants. Drinking in public places and being drunk in public are not allowed.

Is Dubai safe for tourists?
Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world for visitors. Follow local laws and customs, and check your government's travel advice, as regional events can occasionally affect flights.

Dubai mixes record-breaking modernity with traditional Old Dubai — go up the Burj Khalifa at sunset, cross the Creek by abra to the souks, and finish with a night under the stars on a desert safari.