Dubai is a land of superlatives, and first-time visitors can find it difficult to navigate. The best way to experience all the sights is to plan your itinerary well in advance. It's simply too much to try and see everything in a two-week trip, and trying to do too much can quickly turn your journey into a rushed and stressful experience.
Dubai is much more than just skyscrapers and shopping malls. The city offers a fascinating mix of futuristic visions, deeply rooted Arabian tradition and culture, and world-class entertainment.
Here is a curated selection of the most interesting museums, cultural experiences and shows:
Museums: Future meets history
Museum of the Future (MOTF)
The architecture alone is a marvel – a torus-shaped building with Arabic calligraphy on the facade. Inside, you won't find a collection of ancient artifacts, but rather an immersive journey into the year 2071. It's all about space travel, ecology, and bioengineering.
Why it's worth a visit: It's one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Unlike traditional museums, it's a "living" experience that prompts reflection on the future of humanity. A must-see for technology enthusiasts and aesthetes.
Al Shindagha Museum
Located on the historic Dubai Creek, this museum tells the story of the ruling family and the development of Dubai. Of particular note is the Perfume House , which interactively explains the significance of fragrances in Emirati culture.
Why it's worth a visit: It's probably the most modern and best-curated history museum in the city. It conveys, in a very emotional and multimedia way, how a fishing village became a metropolis, without seeming dry or academic.
Etihad Museum
The building is shaped like a scroll and stands exactly where the UAE Constitution was signed in 1971.
Etihad Museum Photo by Saj Shafique @saj_shafique, via Unsplash
Why it's worth a visit: Anyone wanting to understand how the seven emirates politically united will find this the place to go. It is architecturally impressive and historically the most significant site in the modern UAE.
The 3D World Selfie Museum
The 3D World Selfie Museum combines art and spectacle. This trick art museum in Dubai is loved by people who have a penchant for photos and wow effects. Spread across two floors, you'll find dozens of optical illusions. Admire and interact with painted works that seem to descend from the ceiling, floating worlds, and floating carpets.
Bring your phone, because you'll want to take your own photos here. Since it gets very busy, especially in bad weather, you can book your tickets here and are guaranteed a chance for a thrilling experience on your preferred date.
The Green Planet – indoor rainforest
You can also experience nature and animals at The Green Planet . The indoor rainforest in the City Walk area is home to an astonishing number of exotic and tropical plants. From the outside, the indoor rainforest looks like an office complex, but inside you'll find yourself in a completely different world. In climate-controlled conditions, you can the Dubai heat and relax here.
Cultural experiences: The authentic Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)
Under the motto "Open Doors, Open Minds", visitors can participate in a traditional Emirati meal and ask locals any question – including critical or personal ones about clothing, religion and everyday life.
Why it's worthwhile: It's one of the few opportunities to break down real barriers and engage directly in conversation with Emiratis. Emiratis are often insightful and hospitable.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Bastakiya)
A labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional houses with wind towers (barjeel) made of gypsum and coral stone. Here you will find small art galleries, such as the XVA Gallery , and the Coffee Museum .
Why it's worth a visit: It's the antithesis of the glittering downtown. Here you can experience the tranquility and charm of old Arabia. A stroll here feels like a journey back in time.
Abra ride and the souks (Deira & Bur Dubai)
A crossing of Dubai Creek in a traditional wooden boat (Abra) for only 1 Dirham, followed by a visit to the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk .
Why it's worth it: It's the cheapest and most sensual experience in the city. The scents of saffron and frankincense, along with haggling over prices, are all part of the authentic Dubai experience .
Shows & Entertainment: World-class performance
La Perle by Dragone
Dubai's first permanent show at Al Habtoor City. The stage is a giant "Aqua-Theater" that transforms in seconds from dry ground into a deep diving pool. It features acrobatics, motorcycles inside spheres, and jumps from a height of 25 meters.
Why it's worth seeing: Franco Dragone (known from Cirque du Soleil ) has created a visual spectacle here that rivals those in Las Vegas. The combination of water elements and artistry is technically and artistically breathtaking.
The Dubai Fountain
The highlight: Located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, this is the world's largest choreographed fountain system. Water jets shoot up to 150 meters high, synchronized to classical, Arabic, or pop music.
Why it's worth it: It's free, iconic, and especially romantic in the evenings.
Tip: Book a ride on a small boat (“Lake Ride”) directly on the lake to avoid the crowds on the shore.
Dubai Opera
The highlight: The building itself looks like a traditional dhow (ship). The program changes constantly and ranges from Broadway musicals (such as "The Phantom of the Opera" ) to ballet, classical concerts, and comedy.
Dubai Opera Photo by Max Bovkun @maxbovkun, via Unsplash
Why it's worth it: For culture lovers, the opera offers an acoustically and visually perfect experience in one of the most architecturally exciting buildings in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
What else is there to discover…
For children: Legoland in Dubai
If you're traveling with children, Legoland in Dubai is an absolute must-see. The theme park offers more than 40 different rides and attractions all themed around Lego. To this day, the building blocks from Denmark remain incredibly popular , and in areas like Lego City, Adventure, Miniland, and Kingdoms, little ones can immerse themselves in the world of bricks.
The Burj Khalifa is a must-see.
Anyone visiting Dubai almost always catches sight of the Burj Khalifa. The world's tallest building is the city's landmark and is nestled in a stunning setting. There's plenty of street art to discover around the Burj Khalifa, and the urban murals are sure to delight any artist.
The tower is open daily until midnight, but tickets are only available for a specific time slot. Visitors then ascend to great heights, either to levels 124 and 125, or even a little further to level 148.
Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Publisher, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of studies in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
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