When people think of Dubai, many picture a luxurious city filled with towering skyscrapers, high-end malls, and gold by the kilo. But in 2025, Dubai is taking things to the next level. The city is unveiling a wave of futuristic new landmarks, transforming its tourism scene with jaw-dropping attractions. From ultra-modern floating cities to skywalks that will leave your legs shaking and your heart soaring this trip to Dubai offers more than just stunning photos. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will exceed every expectation.

The metro runs like clockwork, the buses are refreshingly air-conditioned, and there are even sleek, driverless cars zipping through the city talk about the future! Worried about booking flights or finding the right right to stay? Don’t be! Traveloka has your back. From book flights to Dubai, hotels, things to do tickets, and even amazing tour deals everything you need is in one place, making trip planning to Dubai a total breeze.

Here they are 31 check-in spots in Dubai, freshly updated for 2025! Handpicked by Traveloka with no gatekeeping. Some are brand new, others just got a major glow-up. One thing’s for sure: snap a pic at any of these, and your friends will be sliding into your DMs!

Calling all shopaholics The Dubai Mall is an absolute must-visit! As the world’s 5th largest shopping mall, it’s packed with luxury brands, fashion, accessories, fragrances, and more. If you plan to explore the whole place, set aside an entire day. It’s not just a shopping paradise but also a top tourist magnet. Most travelers to Dubai have this mall pinned as a first stop.

You simply can't go to Dubai without visiting its most iconic landmark Burj Khalifa. Standing over 800 meters tall, it’s the tallest building in the world! Head up to the observation deck for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city. The tower also houses a luxury hotel, outdoor pools, and 162 floors of stunning architecture inside and out.

Perfect for all ages, especially families the Dubai Aquarium is one of the world’s largest (8th in size) and features over 200 species of aquatic life. Wander through immersive underwater tunnels and marvel at the gigantic acrylic tank that makes you feel like you’re walking under the sea.

Yes, Dubai has beaches! Jumeirah Beach is one of the most popular seaside spots with stunning ocean views and a variety of beachfront activities. Whether you're after a luxury resort or a budget-friendly stay, this area has it all. A must-visit zone for sun, sand, and serenity.

Experience the magical desert! First-timers in Dubai shouldn’t miss this. Choose from one-day desert safaris or overnight camping experiences. Ride camels, go dune bashing, or stargaze from a desert camp. It’s a truly unforgettable adventure.

A shimmering paradise the Dubai Gold Souk is the largest gold market in the Middle East. Explore endless shops selling gold jewelry of every kind, often tax-free and more affordable than elsewhere. No wonder it’s a favorite among gold traders and collectors.

Step back in time in Al Bastakiya, also known as Old Dubai. This historic district, with architecture from the 19th–20th century, offers a striking contrast to the city’s futuristic skyline. Stroll through narrow alleys and explore local museums to get a glimpse of Dubai’s roots.

Nicknamed the "Venice of Dubai", Madinat Jumeirah is an air-conditioned souk (market) and luxury hotel complex with authentic Arabian design. Located in the Jumeirah area, it’s great for shopping, dining, and soaking in elegant desert-inspired vibes.

A ride along Dubai Creek is one of the most authentic experiences you can have in the city. Take a traditional wooden abra boat and enjoy the scenic waterway that divides old Dubai into Deira and Bur Dubai. The creek has long been a hub for fishing and pearl diving.

This architectural marvel looks like a giant photo frame and it is! Located in Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame offers stunning views of both old and new Dubai. It took 10 years to build and now serves as one of the most photographed landmarks in the city, especially at sunset.

Booking a flight to Dubai with your family? Be sure to include Aquaventure Waterpark on your list. you won't be disappointed. It's one of the most famous waterparks in Dubai and part of the luxurious Atlantis The Palm resort. This park is packed with thrilling water rides, including high-speed slides. The highlight? The Leap of Faith, a 27.5-meter-tall slide that plunges you through a lagoon filled with sharks giving you the sensation of diving into the ocean! There are plenty of other exciting rides to explore as well.

Even though Dubai is mostly arid desert, there’s a floral paradise waiting to be explored at the Dubai Miracle Garden. Open during the cooler months, it features beautifully themed flower displays that change with each season. One of the major highlights is a life-sized Emirates Airbus fully covered with flowers and made using recycled materials and fresh blooms. This garden also hosts seasonal flower festivals and is the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll and picturesque photos.

Dubai is home to the world's largest choreographed fountain system. The Dubai Fountain stretches 275 meters in length and shoots water up to 150 meters high. Located near Dubai Mall, this water show is free and features spectacular light, music, and water performances that last 3–5 minutes each. Every show is unique, and the fountain’s light can be seen from up to 32 kilometers away truly a dazzling display.

One of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, the Palm Islands, showcases the city’s engineering ambition. These man-made islands were built by reclaiming land from the sea and are shaped like palm trees. There are three islands in total, each featuring luxurious villas, beachfront condos, restaurants, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, and even a 7-star resort with an indoor ski slope! You can reach the islands via a monorail, and they are considered the largest man-made islands in the world.

Another record-breaker in Dubai is Ain Dubai, the tallest and largest observation wheel in the world. Opened recently, it stands at a staggering 250 meters tall almost double the height of the London Eye. The wheel has 48 capsules and can accommodate around 1,700 people at a time. Each rotation takes about 38 minutes. Some capsules can even be transformed into mini party rooms. Definitely a must-visit for the ultimate panoramic view of Dubai.

History buffs should not miss the Dubai Museum, which is located in the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787. The fort once served as a royal palace, a military base, and even a prison. Now, it’s a museum showcasing the rich history, culture, and art of the Arab world. Through modern exhibits and interactive displays, visitors can explore artifacts and stories from the UAE’s past in an engaging and educational way.

A trip to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a Desert Safari. This is far more than just taking pretty desert photos. You can ride camels, go dune bashing in a 4WD, or rev up an ATV for an adrenaline rush. For the ultimate experience, spend a night in a desert camp sleep in a traditional tent, enjoy Arabic cuisine, and watch local cultural performances. Whether you're up for a thrill or a laid-back evening, this is a must-do in Dubai.

One of the most magnificent mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranks as the fourth-largest mosque globally. It took 10 years to build and spans over 22,000 square meters, accommodating up to 41,000 worshippers. Made from pristine white marble and adorned with materials like gold, crystal, ceramics, and more, this architectural wonder features the world’s largest carpet and one of the largest chandeliers. Every inch of this mosque is breathtakingly beautiful.

Middle Eastern culture is deeply connected with spices, and the Deira Spice Souk is the perfect place to experience this. Located near the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk is filled with vibrant aromas from frankincense and herbs to exotic teas and incense. It’s a sensory-rich destination where you can shop for souvenirs, local products, or just enjoy a stroll through a traditional marketplace filled with character.

Only in Dubai can you go from desert heat to snowy slopes in a single day! Ski Dubai is the world’s largest indoor snow park, located inside the Mall of the Emirates. Despite outside temperatures exceeding 50°C, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in freezing conditions. The facility features a man-made mountain 85 meters tall, five ski runs with varying gradients, and a 400-meter-long slope. There’s also an ice cave, a snow-themed café, and even a winter wildlife zone. It’s a surreal and fun escape from the desert!

One of the best and most thrilling waterparks in the world, located within the luxurious resort “Atlantis The Palm.” The main highlight here is the “Shark Attack” slide, which takes you through a tunnel surrounded by sharks in a lagoon. In addition to the waterpark zone, there's a dolphin area where kids can interact closely and even swim holding onto a dolphin's dorsal fin. There’s also an adventure-themed aquarium and a sea lion zone. If you're staying at this resort, you’ll definitely need more than a day to fully enjoy everything.

A super fun outdoor waterpark located near the Burj Al Arab hotel. The park is designed to resemble an Arabian oasis or “wadi.” Most of the rides are interconnected, so visitors don’t need to get out of the water to queue again. The highlight is “Jumeirah Sceirah,” one of the world’s tallest and fastest water slides. It also features the largest wave pool in the Middle East, “Breaker’s Bay,” along with a variety of thrilling rides for all-out fun.

The final must-visit landmark on the list is the Mall of the Emirates, a three-story shopping center located in Al Barsha. It’s one of the largest malls in the world, home to over 700 stores, high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The mall also offers family-friendly entertainment such as swimming pools, a bowling alley, billiards tables, and a carousel. There's even a theater and art center that hosts exhibitions and showcases of artwork perfect for a leisurely stroll and Instagram-worthy snapshots.

Amidst Dubai’s modern skyscrapers, the Al Fahidi Historic District offers a glimpse into the city's past with well-preserved houses from the 19th century. The narrow alleyways are lined with museums, art galleries, traditional wind towers, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, browse souvenirs, and admire beautiful corners perfect for photography.

A landmark of Islamic architecture in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque is the city’s largest and most beautiful mosque. It's also the only mosque in Dubai that welcomes non-Muslim visitors. The mosque can accommodate over 1,200 worshippers and is built entirely from white stone. Its twin minarets and large central dome are beautifully illuminated at night, making it a sight to behold.

A massive Hollywood-themed amusement complex featuring three amusement parks and Legoland Water Park, with more than 100 indoor and outdoor attractions. A standout is the world’s first roller coaster inspired by the John Wick action movie. There are also film studios from four major production companies to explore and take photos.

A nature escape not far from the city, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a large reserve that includes mangroves and wetlands along Dubai Creek. It serves as a key stop for migratory birds and is especially famous for its flocks of sweet pink flamingos seen in winter. It’s also home to a variety of colorful bird species, making it a true paradise for birdwatchers.

A futuristic new landmark in Dubai that took six years to complete. The Museum of the Future is a torus-shaped building covered in Arabic calligraphy. It has been named one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world. Inside, visitors can explore future life in the year 2071, including innovations in daily living, the environment, and space travel. The museum spans seven floors and 30,000 square meters, and takes about two hours to fully explore.

A historically significant building featuring traditional Arabic architecture. This was the residence of a former ruler of Dubai and has since been restored into a museum. It exhibits beautiful old photographs and historical documents about Dubai. The interior is elegantly decorated with more than 30 rooms to explore. A highlight is the guest room that offers a stunning full view of Dubai Creek.

Hatta Dam is a key landmark in the tranquil heritage village of Hatta, located about 135 kilometers from downtown Dubai. The most popular activity here is kayaking on the expansive emerald green lake formed by the dam and surrounded by mountains. There are picturesque viewpoints both on the water and from above the dam, which also serves as a sunset viewing spot and offers 360-degree views of the area.

The final must-visit spot is Kite Beach, a favorite among water sports enthusiasts. Located near the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel, this soft white sand beach offers everything a tourist could want. The most popular activity is kite surfing hence the beach’s name. Other water activities include kayaking and surfing. On weekends, the beach comes alive with colorful kites in the sky, making it a perfect place for vibrant photos.

Here’s a list of must-visit spots in Dubai that we highly recommend adding to your travel bucket list. We’re sure many of these places will catch your eye. Dubai is a unique destination, offering both modern conveniences and a rich, deep cultural heritage waiting to be explored. Consider Dubai as your next travel destination. we guarantee your visit will be full of vibrant experiences and delightful surprises!