22.04.2026
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Are you planning a trip to Dubai and don't know where to begin exploring this extraordinary metropolis? This glittering city in the Middle East offers an incredible variety of entertainment — from futuristic skyscrapers and lavish shopping centres to traditional markets and cultural attractions. Whether you are travelling with children, a group of friends, or exploring the city on your own, Dubai is ready to surprise every tourist with unique experiences.
Would you like to know how to plan your leisure time as efficiently as possible and not miss the most memorable moments? In this article you will find tried-and-tested itineraries and specific recommendations for choosing entertainment to suit your budget and interests. We will tell you what to do in Dubai with children during the daytime, where to spend an unforgettable evening, which free attractions are worth visiting, and how to avoid typical tourist mistakes. You will receive a ready-made action plan that will help make your stay in this Eastern metropolis truly eventful and memorable.
The Burj Khalifa is rightfully considered the hallmark of Dubai and an essential item on any tourist itinerary in the Arab capital of entertainment. This architectural masterpiece, standing 828 metres tall, offers unforgettable experiences but requires careful planning of your visit.
The most famous skyscraper in Dubai has two observation decks — on the 124th–125th floors (At the Top) and on the 148th floor (At the Top SKY). The first deck is situated at a height of 452 metres and provides a panoramic view of Dubai; the second level at 555 metres offers an exclusive experience with personal service. This is where tourists are treated to the most breathtaking views of the Arab metropolis.
Ticket prices vary considerably depending on the time of visit. The price of a ticket to the lower deck during the daytime starts at 149 dirhams, while at sunset it rises to 500 dirhams. A visit to the upper deck will cost between 500 and 800 dirhams. It is recommended to book tickets at least 2–3 days in advance, especially if you want to visit during sunset — the most popular time among tourists.
The optimal time to visit is one hour before sunset, so that you can see Dubai in daylight, at dusk, and with its night-time illumination. Queues form as early as the morning, so purchase tickets with a fixed time slot online. The lift ride takes less than a minute, but the impressions last a lifetime. This is where the most spectacular panoramas of Arab architecture unfold.
One of the world's largest shopping and entertainment centres brings together shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions under one roof. It houses more than 1,200 shops, but the main highlights extend far beyond ordinary retail. This entertainment centre in Dubai attracts millions of tourists every year.
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo impresses with a 10-million-litre tank containing 33,000 marine inhabitants. A walk through the 48-metre tunnel allows you to observe sharks, rays, and tropical fish in their natural environment. A ticket costs 150 dirhams for adults and 120 dirhams for children, although the basic view through the glass wall is free of charge. Tourists typically spend 2–3 hours there.
The Dubai Frame, standing 150 metres tall, offers a unique perspective on both old and new Dubai. The glass bridge on the upper level provides a breathtaking view of the historic districts on one side and the modern skyscrapers on the other. The entrance fee is 50 dirhams, and queues are minimal on weekdays. This is where the finest views of the contrasts of Arab architecture open up.
The Sail Hotel (Burj Al Arab), although not open to the general public, remains an essential spot for photography in Dubai. The best vantage points can be found from Jumeirah Beach or the restaurants at the Madinat Jumeirah hotels. To visit the interiors, a reservation at one of the hotel's restaurants or bars is required. It is the most recognisable symbol of the city after the Burj Khalifa.
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The Palm Jumeirah showcases the engineering capabilities of modern Dubai. The Palm Jumeirah Monorail, costing 25 dirhams, will take you from the mainland to the Atlantis hotel, offering great views of the artificial archipelago. This is where tourists can appreciate the most ambitious projects of Arab engineering.
The Museum of the Future presents an interactive exhibition of tomorrow's technologies. A ticket priced at 145 dirhams includes a journey to the year 2071, featuring demonstrations of artificial intelligence, space technologies, and sustainable development. This museum is considered the most innovative cultural centre and the most visited modern museum in Dubai.
An optimal itinerary begins with an early visit to Dubai Mall at 10 AM, before the tourist crowds have gathered. Spend 2–3 hours at the aquarium and the key shops, and plan your visit to the Burj Khalifa around sunset. It is important to consider seasonality here — during the winter months, the flow of visitors to Dubai increases.
The Museum of the Future is best visited on weekdays between 2 PM and 4 PM — the time when queues are minimal. Include the Dubai Frame in your itinerary for the morning of the following day, combining it with a visit to the historic districts, where a visit to the Dubai Museum will complement your understanding of local traditions.
Purchasing a Dubai Pass for 399 dirhams pays for itself when visiting 3–4 attractions and includes priority entry. Alternatively, official websites and mobile apps offer discounts of up to 20% when booking online 24 hours in advance. This is where tourists can make significant savings.
Plan a minimum of 4–5 days for a comfortable exploration of Dubai's main attractions, allowing time for transfers and rest between sites. Using the Dubai Metro saves considerable time and money compared to taking a taxi during rush hour.
Dubai offers an incredible variety of entertainment for families with children of all ages. From thrilling theme parks to refreshing water parks — every day can become a real adventure for the whole family in this extraordinary city.
IMG Worlds of Adventure is considered the world's largest indoor theme park, covering 1.5 million square feet. The park is divided into four themed zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley, and IMG Boulevard.
For children aged 3 to 8, the Cartoon Network zone is ideal, with rides based on Ben 10 and Adventure Time. Teenagers will appreciate the extreme Marvel rides, including the Avengers roller coaster and the Thor flight simulator. Special entertainment programmes are held there every day for visitors from around the world.
Dubai Parks and Resorts brings together three theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, and Legoland Dubai. Legoland is specially designed for families with children aged 2 to 12 and features more than 40 interactive rides; you can build with Lego, operate robots, and even earn a driving licence at the Driving School.
Motiongate offers rides inspired by Hollywood blockbusters known the world over, including DreamWorks and Sony Pictures zones. This complex in Dubai is open every day from morning until late in the evening.
Tickets to IMG Worlds start at 345 dirhams for adults and 295 dirhams for children. Combined tickets for Dubai Parks and Resorts start at 375 dirhams for a one-day visit to a single park in Dubai.
Aquaventure Waterpark at the Atlantis The Palm hotel spans 160,000 square metres and offers more than 105 slides and attractions. The children's area, Splashers, features mini-slides, water playgrounds, and shallow pools for toddlers up to the age of 5.
Teenagers can experience an adrenaline rush on the Leap of Faith slide, which drops 27 metres, or conquer the world's longest zip-line over a shark lagoon. Water shows and animation programmes take place there every day.
Wild Wadi Waterpark, located not far from the Burj Al Arab hotel, offers more than 30 attractions with an Arabian Nights theme. A distinctive feature of this park in Dubai is its water-heating system, which makes it comfortable even during the winter months. The children's zone, Juha's Dhow, includes interactive water games and slides for children aged 2 and up. The water park is open every day, offering unforgettable aquatic adventures in the very heart of Dubai.
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Entrance tickets to Aquaventure start at 315 dirhams, and to Wild Wadi at 280 dirhams. Children under the age of 3 enter both parks in Dubai free of charge.
Dubai Safari Park stretches across 119 hectares and is home to more than 3,000 animals from around the world. The park is divided into four zones: the African Village, the Asian Village, the Arabian Village, and the Explorer Zone. Children are particularly delighted by the sea lion show and the opportunity to feed giraffes.
It is recommended to visit in the morning hours between 9 AM and 11 AM, when the animals are most active. Educational programmes for young naturalists are held every day in this unique corner of Dubai.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at Dubai Mall offers the unique opportunity to walk through a 48-metre tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays — one of the world's largest underwater tunnels. The children's programme includes educational workshops on marine life and the chance to feed the fish under the supervision of instructors.
Dubai's beaches are renowned for their facilities and safety for family holidays. JBR Beach is equipped with children's play areas, shower facilities, and beach equipment hire points. The lifeguard service operates from 8 AM until sunset, and special zones for children are marked off with buoys. Entry is free, and sun-lounger hire costs 50 dirhams. Children's activities are held on the beach every day.
La Mer Beach offers an inflatable water park, Laguna Waterpark, directly in the sea, as well as trampolines, climbing walls, and a picnic area. There is a medical point and a mother-and-baby room on site. This beach is considered one of the best in the world for family holidays.
Other popular beaches in Dubai include Kite Beach, with beach volleyball courts, and Black Palace Beach, with cafés and restaurants. Dubai's beaches are open every day and offer a wide range of activities for children of all ages.
The best time to visit entertainment parks in Dubai is from October to April, when air temperatures do not exceed 30°C. During the summer months, choose indoor parks or plan visits to water parks in the morning hours before 11 AM. Every day in Dubai is sunny, so sun protection is especially important.
Be sure to use sunscreen with SPF 50+, hats, and lightweight clothing that covers the skin. Most parks in Dubai provide free drinking water and have air-conditioned rest areas.
To save money, purchase tickets online in advance — discounts of up to 20% are available. Many hotels in Dubai offer package tours including transfers and admission tickets. Children under the age of 12 are recommended to wear wristbands with their parents' contact details. Plan each day in advance to make the most of your time in this extraordinary city and to create unforgettable memories of your holiday in Dubai.
Dubai transforms into an entirely different city after dark — the lights of the skyscrapers create a fantastic panorama, and the variety of evening entertainment caters to every preference. From romantic dinners with panoramic views to lively parties at fashionable clubs — everyone will find something to their liking in this extraordinary place.
At.mosphere on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa offers an unforgettable dinner at a height of 442 metres. This restaurant in Dubai is open from 6:30 PM until 2 AM; the average bill is 800–1,200 dirhams per person, and a reservation 2–3 weeks in advance is mandatory. The dress code is smart casual.
Al Muntaha at the Burj Al Arab hotel is situated at a height of 200 metres and is renowned for its French cuisine. The cost of dinner at this restaurant starts at 1,000 dirhams, including a transfer by Rolls-Royce. Pierchic is built on stilts in the Persian Gulf and specialises in seafood — a romantic spot for a marriage proposal in Dubai.
For a more affordable outing, the restaurant Pai Thai at Madinat Jumeirah is an excellent option, with views of the waterways (average bill: 300–500 dirhams), as is Fish Beach Taverna on JBR Beach, which features live music and Mediterranean cuisine. These restaurants offer a great alternative to the more expensive venues in Dubai.
Zero Gravity in the Dubai Marina area offers cocktails starting at 65 dirhams and is open until 3 AM. The distinctive feature of this venue is its infinity pool overlooking the Persian Gulf. CÉ LA VIE on the 54th floor of Address Sky View dazzles with its panorama of the famous Dubai Fountain and Downtown Dubai; cocktails start at 80 dirhams.
Skybar at Four Points by Sheraton is distinguished by its more accessible prices (cocktails start at 45 dirhams) and relaxed atmosphere. Red Sky Bar & Restaurant is an excellent venue in Dubai, offering Asian cuisine and live music at weekends. This restaurant is also famous for its views of the city's fountain.
White Dubai is considered one of the best clubs in the world — entry starts at 200 dirhams, and the dress code is strict. This venue is open from Thursday to Saturday until 4 AM. Base Dubai in the Design District attracts guests with high-quality electronic music and well-known DJs; entry costs 150–300 dirhams.
For groups of young people, Soho Garden is a great choice, with an open-air terrace and a swimming pool; tickets start at 100 dirhams. Industrial Avenue offers alternative music and a more relaxed atmosphere in the centre of Dubai. These venues are popular among tourists and local residents alike.
A dhow cruise along Dubai Creek lasts 2 hours and includes a buffet dinner for 120–180 dirhams. Departures are at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM, with live music and dance shows. Luxury yacht cruises along Dubai Marina cost at least 300 dirhams for 3 hours with an open bar.
Yellow Boats offers evening excursions to the Atlantis and the Burj Al Arab for 200 dirhams. Sunset Yacht Charter is a romantic option for couples, starting at 1,500 dirhams for a private yacht for four people on the waters of Dubai.
The Dubai Fountain performs shows every 20 minutes from 6 PM until 11 PM on weekdays and until midnight at weekends. The best spots to watch the fountain are the waterfront promenade by Dubai Mall or the restaurant terraces. La Perle is a world-class circus show performed in a purpose-built theatre in Dubai; tickets start at 250 dirhams.
Global Village is open from October to April; evening shows begin at 8 p.m. Entry costs 25 dirhams, and parking is free. Walks along the Dubai Marina Walk are particularly scenic after sunset — this area draws visitors with its many cafés and street musicians. From here there are magnificent views of the dancing fountain and the skyscrapers of Dubai. Many restaurants in this district offer tables with views of the water fountain show.
Alcohol is served only in licensed establishments at hotels, restaurants, and clubs in Dubai. The minimum age is 21, and an ID is mandatory. Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited. Most venues require a smart casual dress code — no shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear.
Restaurant reservations in Dubai are recommended to be made through official websites or apps such as OpenTable and Zomato. On Fridays and Saturdays, many restaurants and clubs operate on an advance-booking basis. Tips are 10–15% and are often included in the bill as a service charge.
Each venue in Dubai has its own service nuances, so it is worth clarifying the details when making a reservation. The fountain light-and-music show can be seen from most restaurants in Downtown Dubai, making your dinner especially romantic. Restaurants with views of the fountain are particularly popular in Dubai.
Dubai may appear to be an expensive destination, but this emirate offers a wealth of opportunities for budget-conscious travellers. Careful planning will allow you to enjoy everything Dubai has to offer without overpaying for entertainment in this remarkable city.
The dancing fountains at the foot of the Burj Khalifa perform every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM daily. The best viewing spots are the Dubai Mall waterfront promenade or the bridge over the lake. Arrive 15 minutes before the show begins to secure a good position.
The Al Fahidi Historic District offers free walks through the narrow streets of old Dubai; you will find the Coffee Museum and the Coin Museum there (entry is free of charge). The best time to visit this part of the city is in the morning hours before 10:00 AM, to avoid the stifling heat.
The Jumeirah Mosque is open to tourists every day except Friday. Guided tours for visitors are held free of charge at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM Be sure to observe the dress code — covered clothing and a headscarf for women are mandatory.
Jumeirah open beach offers free access to clean sand and well-developed facilities. Parking is paid — 4 dirhams per hour — but you can travel by metro to the Mall of the Emirates station and walk 15 minutes to Dubai's finest beaches.
Zabeel Park is open daily from 8:00 AM until 10:30 PM; the entrance fee is 5 dirhams. You can have a picnic, go cycling, or simply relax in the shade in one of the city's most beautiful parks. Free cultural events for tourists are often held there on Fridays.
The Gold Souk in the Deira district is open from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Even if you are not planning to make purchases, a stroll through the labyrinth of small shops makes for an engaging cultural experience in this district of Dubai. Bargain actively — prices can be reduced by 30–50%.
The Spice Souk is located next to the Gold Souk in the same district of Dubai. Vendors often offer free tastings of tea, dates, and nuts. The best time to visit is in the evening hours, when the heat of the city subsides.
A metro ride to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station offers panoramic views of Dubai. The cost starts at 3 dirhams; first-class carriages cost twice as much but are less crowded with tourists.
The abra water taxi across Dubai Creek runs every 5–10 minutes and costs just 1 dirham. The crossing takes 5 minutes but gives you the opportunity to see Dubai from the water and take wonderful photographs of this magnificent city.
The Dubai Tram connects the Dubai Marina and JBR districts; a ticket costs 3 dirhams. The route runs alongside skyscrapers and offers scenic views of the Persian Gulf in this part of Dubai.
Purchase attraction tickets online 2–3 weeks before your trip to Dubai — discounts of up to 25% are available. Avoid making purchases at the airport and in shopping centres — prices there are inflated by 40–60%.
Eat at local cafés in the Satwa and Karama districts — a full meal costs 15–25 dirhams, compared to 80–120 dirhams in the tourist areas of Dubai. Try the shawarma at Al Mallah or Indian cuisine at Ravi Restaurant.
Use a Nol card for public transport — it provides a 15% discount and is valid on all forms of transport in the city. A daily travel pass costs 20 dirhams and pays for itself after 4–5 journeys around Dubai.
Visit shopping centres during the daytime to enjoy free air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Many of Dubai's malls offer free entertainment programmes at weekends, and it is also possible to visit various museums, galleries and exhibitions there. The best deals for tourists can be found in these city venues.
Planning a trip to Dubai requires careful consideration of numerous practical details, which will help you spend your time in this extraordinary metropolis as comfortably as possible. From choosing transport to understanding cultural norms — every detail has a bearing on the quality of your stay in Dubai.
Dubai's metro is considered one of the most modern in the world and covers the main tourist districts of the metropolis. The Red Line connects the airport to the centre of Dubai, including stops at the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The Green Line passes through the historic districts of Deira and Bur Dubai. The cost of a journey ranges from 3 to 8.5 dirhams depending on the distance.
Taxis remain the most convenient way of getting around Dubai, especially in the heat. Official taxis in the city are equipped with meters; the starting fare is 5 dirhams during the day and 5.5 dirhams at night. The popular apps Uber and Careem offer fixed fares and are often cheaper than a standard taxi in Dubai.
Buses cover the entire metropolis but are less convenient for tourists due to infrequent timetables and the need to know the routes. The fare ranges from 2 to 6 dirhams.
The best period for visiting Dubai is from November to March, when air temperatures in the metropolis range from 20 to 30°C and humidity is at its lowest. The summer months (June to September) are characterised by extreme heat of up to 45°C and high humidity, making it uncomfortable to be outdoors in Dubai.
During the winter months in Dubai, brief showers are possible, but they are rare and do not affect plans. Bear in mind that powerful air conditioning runs in all indoor spaces in Dubai, so bring a light jacket even during the hot season.
Dubai is a tolerant metropolis, but it is important to respect local traditions. In shopping centres, restaurants, and hotels in Dubai, the dress code is relatively relaxed, but shoulders and knees should be covered. On the city's beaches and by pools, swimwear and shorts are acceptable.
In Dubai's mosques, covered clothing is mandatory for all visitors — women are provided with abayas at the entrance. Public displays of affection between couples are inadvisable in Dubai, especially in public places.
The official currency of Dubai is the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar (1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED). Bank cards from international payment systems are accepted virtually everywhere in Dubai, including contactless payments. Cash will only be needed at traditional markets in Dubai and for tips.
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ATMs are located in all shopping centres and hotels in Dubai. The fee for cash withdrawals is 10–15 dirhams plus a percentage charged by the card-issuing bank.
Dubai's main mobile operators — Etisalat and du — offer tourist SIM cards with internet access starting at 50 dirhams for 7 days. Wi-Fi is available free of charge in all shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, and even on the Dubai Metro.
Dubai is ranked among the safest cities in the world. Recommended districts to stay in Dubai are: Downtown Dubai (proximity to the main attractions), Dubai Marina (modern hotels and restaurants), and Jumeirah Beach Residence (beach holidays). Budget options can be found in the Deira and Bur Dubai districts.
Citizens of Russia do not require a visa for Dubai for stays of up to 90 days. A valid international passport with at least 6 months remaining is required. Upon entry to Dubai, you may be asked to provide confirmation of a hotel booking and return tickets.
The entertainment budget for Dubai varies considerably depending on your preferences. For basic entertainment — visiting observation decks, museums, and water parks — allow for 150–300 US dollars per person per day.
For a luxury holiday with dinners at high-end restaurants, helicopter excursions, and boutique shopping, the budget can reach 500–1,000 US dollars per day. Families with children should plan for 200–400 US dollars per day for the whole family, including theme parks and children's entertainment in Dubai.
The optimal time for a trip to Dubai is from November to March, when air temperatures are a comfortable 20–30°C. During this period, you can enjoy beach holidays, walks around the city, and desert excursions without the exhausting heat.
The summer months (June to September) in Dubai are characterised by extreme heat of up to 45°C, but it is precisely during this time that the highest discounts are available at hotels and shopping centres in Dubai. April–May and October are considered transitional periods, with moderate prices and acceptable weather for a visit to this city.
Dubai is an excellent choice for a family holiday, thanks to its well-developed child-friendly infrastructure and high safety standards. Most hotels in Dubai offer children's clubs, play areas, and dedicated pools for young children.
All shopping centres in the city are equipped with baby-changing rooms, and restaurants always have high chairs and children's menus available. Many of Dubai's attractions have age restrictions and special pricing for children, which makes planning a family budget more straightforward.
The most convenient way of getting around Dubai is by metro, which connects the main districts of the city and is equipped with air conditioning. For short journeys around Dubai, Uber and Careem taxis are an excellent option, operating round the clock at fixed fares.
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The bus network covers the entire emirate but may be less comfortable due to frequent stops. Hiring a car makes sense for a longer stay in Dubai and for trips outside the city, but bear in mind the specifics of local traffic and the paid parking in the central districts.
Knowledge of Arabic is absolutely not necessary for a comfortable stay in Dubai. English is the second official language of the emirate, and almost all staff at hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Dubai speak it fluently. All signs, menus, and information boards are duplicated in English. In the tourist districts of Dubai, staff who speak Russian, French, or other European languages can frequently be encountered.
Alcohol consumption in Dubai is permitted but strictly regulated by local legislation. Alcoholic beverages are available at licensed restaurants, hotel bars, and specialised shops for tourists over the age of 21.
Drinking alcohol in public places, on beaches, and in the streets is strictly prohibited and may result in serious fines. Appearing in public under the influence of alcohol in Dubai is also a breach of the law, so it is important to exercise moderation and drink only at permitted establishments in the city.
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