Alright, let me say this up front: Dubai was never really on my bucket list. I thought it was all flashy buildings and shopping malls—not exactly my vibe. But after spending a week there, I completely get the hype.

Dubai is like walking through the future while somehow still being able to sip tea in a 200-year-old alleyway. It’s over-the-top in some ways, but surprisingly grounded in others. If you’re planning a trip and not sure where to start, here’s a list of places I actually visited and think are genuinely worth your time.

1. Burj Khalifa – Yeah, It’s Crazy Tall

I’ll admit—I rolled my eyes at first. “Tall building, okay, we get it.” But standing at the base of the Burj Khalifa and looking up? Totally different story. You feel like an ant. Going to the observation deck was a little pricey, but watching the sun set over the desert and city from up there? Absolutely worth it.

If you’re going, book ahead online. And go around golden hour. Thank me later.

2. Dubai Mall – Not Just a Mall

I usually hate malls. But The Dubai Mall is more like a city that happens to sell stuff. I got lost (twice), saw an actual dinosaur skeleton, watched kids skating on an ice rink in the middle of the desert, and ended up at a Korean BBQ place next to an aquarium with sharks. I’m not making this up.

Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s a fun place to wander for a few hours.

3. Desert Safari – This Was the Highlight

If you do one touristy thing in Dubai, make it a desert safari. Riding in a 4×4 over the dunes was like being in an action movie. The sunset was ridiculous—like a painting—and then we ended the night with a dinner under the stars, with live music and dancing.

It felt a bit staged at times, sure, but in the best way. Like dinner theatre meets adventure travel.

4. Al Fahidi District – A Different Side of Dubai

This was probably the most unexpected part of the trip. Al Fahidi feels nothing like the rest of Dubai—narrow alleyways, old buildings made from coral and stone, wind towers, tiny cafes. I spent a couple hours just wandering here, no map, no plan.

If you’re into culture or history (or just want a break from shiny skyscrapers), don’t skip this.

5. Dubai Marina – Best at Night

Dubai Marina is one of those places that looks good during the day but really comes alive at night. The lights reflecting off the water, the boats, the restaurants packed with people—it just has a good vibe.

I took a dinner cruise (the food was meh, not gonna lie) but the views? So good. Totally worth it just to float around and see the city from a different angle.

6. Palm Jumeirah – Fancy but Fun

I didn’t stay on Palm Jumeirah because my bank account laughed at me, but I did go for a day trip. It’s a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, which sounds crazy because it kind of is. You can spend hours just walking around the beach, eating, and people-watching.

Atlantis is there too, and even if you don’t stay at the hotel, the waterpark and aquarium are fun (especially if you’re with kids—or just a big kid like me).

7. Global Village – Strange but Cool

This was… different. Global Village is like a giant theme park where every country has its own mini pavilion. You can eat Turkish ice cream, buy leather sandals from Morocco, watch a fire show, then ride a Ferris wheel—all within like 20 minutes.

It’s loud, kitschy, and borderline chaotic, but somehow it works. It’s seasonal though, so check the dates.

8. Museum of the Future –

You’ve probably seen photos of this already—it’s the giant shiny ring-shaped building with Arabic calligraphy carved into it. I went mostly for the photos, but the exhibits inside actually got me thinking.

It’s more of an experience than a museum, with interactive stuff about AI, space, and the planet’s future. If you’re into that kind of thing, you’ll love it. If not, well… at least you’ll get some great pictures.

9. JBR Beach – Chill and Clean

After days of running around, I spent a lazy afternoon at JBR Beach. It’s public, it’s free, and it’s clean. There’s a long boardwalk with food trucks, smoothie bars, and enough cafes to make choosing one impossible.It’s great for swimming, people-watching, or just lying there doing absolutely nothing.

10. Jumeirah Mosque – Peaceful and Welcoming

This was one of the most peaceful places I visited. The Jumeirah Mosque offers tours for non-Muslims, and the guide we had was super friendly and open to questions. I learned more in one hour there than I did reading any guidebook.

Plus, the architecture is stunning—simple, elegant, and calming.

Final Thoughts

Dubai is kind of hard to describe. It’s not just the tallest building or the biggest mall—it’s the contrast. The old and the new. The desert and the beach. The chaos of a market next to the quiet of a mosque.

I came in a little skeptical, but I left wanting to see more.

If you’re going to Dubai, go with an open mind. And give yourself time to explore beyond the obvious tourist spots. There’s so much more than what Instagram shows.