Dubai, United Arab EmiratesChillTrip

City guideUnited Arab Emirates

Dubai

Dubai travel guide · Asia

ContinentAsiaLanguageArabicCurrencyAEDLocal specialtyAl Harees (traditional Emirati slow-cooked wheat and meat dish)Free to read

Dubai is a dazzling cosmopolitan metropolis on the Arabian Peninsula, blending ancient trading heritage with futuristic skyscrapers and man-made islands. Known as the 'City of Gold', it is home to the world's tallest building and some of the most extravagant shopping malls on the planet. From traditional souks along the historic Creek to the glittering towers of Jumeirah, Dubai offers an unmatched contrast of old and new.

01

Best time to visit Dubai

novemberdecemberjanuaryfebruarymarch

Cooler and more pleasant temperatures between 20–25°C make outdoor exploration comfortable, while summer months can reach extreme heat of up to 54°C with high humidity.

02

What to see in Dubai

01monument

Burj Khalifa

The world's tallest building at 828 metres, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai and the surrounding desert and coastline from its observation decks.

Paid entryAbout 120 minculturehistoryadventure
02museum

Dubai Museum

Housed in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Dubai's past as a fishing and pearl diving village, showcasing traditional Emirati life and culture.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistory
03neighborhood

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

One of Dubai's oldest surviving residential areas, featuring traditional wind-tower architecture, art galleries, and cultural museums set along narrow lanes.

FreeAbout 90 minculturehistory
04other

Dubai Creek

The historic saltwater creek that bisects old Dubai, once the heart of the city's pearl diving and trading economy, now offering scenic abra rides between Bur Dubai and Deira.

FreeAbout 60 minculturehistorynature & outdoors
05market

Gold Souk

One of the largest gold markets in the world, located in Deira, featuring hundreds of shops displaying an extraordinary array of gold jewellery and precious stones.

FreeAbout 60 mincultureshoppinghistory
06monument

Burj Al Arab

Dubai's iconic sail-shaped luxury hotel standing on its own artificial island, widely regarded as a symbol of the city's ambition and opulence.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturerelaxation
07other

Palm Jumeirah

The world's largest man-made island shaped like a palm tree, home to luxury hotels, residences, and the Atlantis resort, accessible by monorail.

FreeAbout 120 minculturerelaxationadventure

5 more places are sealed in the app

Photos, insider notes, opening hours and the map — all of it opens for free the moment you install ChillTrip.

Unlock everything — free

04

Things to do in Dubai

Dubai Creek Abra Ride

boatPaid entryAbout 30 min

A traditional wooden abra ferry ride across Dubai Creek, offering picturesque views of the historic Bur Dubai and Deira waterfronts, especially magical at sunset or night.

Meydan Racecourse Horse Racing

showPaid entryAbout 180 min

Watch world-class Thoroughbred and Arabian horse racing at the spectacular Meydan Racecourse, one of the most prestigious racing venues on the planet.

Ski Dubai

sportPaid entryAbout 180 min

An indoor ski resort inside the Mall of the Emirates featuring real snow, ski slopes, a snow park, and even resident penguins — a surreal experience in the desert.

Dubai Desert Safari

tourPaid entryAbout 300 min

A thrilling off-road dune bashing experience in the desert followed by a traditional Bedouin camp dinner with live music and belly dancing, typically lasting around five hours.

Palm Jumeirah Monorail

tourPaid entryAbout 30 min

A scenic 5 km monorail ride across the iconic Palm Jumeirah island, connecting the mainland to the Atlantis hotel with views of the Arabian Gulf.

Dubai Creek Dhow Dinner Cruise

cruisePaid entryAbout 120 min

A luxurious dinner cruise aboard a traditional dhow-style boat along Dubai Creek, featuring on-board entertainment and views of the illuminated city skyline.

05

Where to go near Dubai

Abu Dhabi

Bus 2hCar 1h30

The capital of the UAE, home to the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Formula 1's Yas Marina Circuit.

Sharjah

Bus 30minCar 30min

A neighbouring emirate known for its rich cultural heritage, numerous museums, traditional souks, and a more conservative atmosphere than Dubai.

Fujairah

Bus 2hCar 1h30

An emirate on the east coast of the UAE offering top-class diving on coral reefs, pristine beaches, and a more relaxed pace away from the city.

Al Ain

Bus 2hCar 1h30

A UNESCO World Heritage city known for its ancient falaj irrigation systems, oasis gardens, and the Al Ain Palace Museum.

Ras Al Khaimah

Bus 1h30Car 1h

The northernmost emirate of the UAE, offering dramatic Hajar Mountain scenery, adventure sports, and a quieter alternative to Dubai.

Muscat

Car 4h

The elegant capital of Oman, known for its stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, traditional souqs, and beautiful coastal scenery.

All United Arab Emirates guides

Photos: ChillTrip

The whole Dubai guide, offline, in your pocket

Get ChillTrip