Are you looking for the best viewpoints in Dubai? You just found them!
With its iconic skyline, unique architecture and famous sights, there is no denying that the views in Dubai are something special.
And the best thing is that there are loads of great spots from which to enjoy these amazing views! Whether it’s Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa, The Palm or Dubai Creek, there isn’t one single viewpoint in Dubai.
Whether you want to see the view from the highest building in the world, or enjoy the view over the famous Palm Islands, or sip a cocktail while watching the sun go down in the sea, in Dubai you can do all that and more.
In this article I have outlined some of the best viewpoints in Dubai. I also included useful information like opening hours, entrance fees where relevant, and tips for making the most of your time there.
So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and discover the best views in Dubai!
Contents
Enjoying the sunset from The View at The Palm in Dubai
Iconic views in Dubai
The View at the Palm
One of the best views in Dubai has to be the View at the Palm. If you want to see this impressive layout of The Palm from up high, then this is one place you shouldn’t miss.
The View (as it’s called) is located 240 metres above the Palm Jumeirah on the 52nd storey of the Palm Tower.
The viewing platform offers panoramic, 360-degree views of the branches of the Palm, plus the Dubai Marina skyline, Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa in the distance.
There’s also a lounge bar and terrace and it’s especially stunning at sunset. It’s open weekdays from 10AM to 10PM; weekends until 11PM Tickets range from AED 100 to “prime hours” (4PM – 7 PM) and cost AED 158.
Make sure to purchase your tickets online beforehand, so that you don’t have to waste time queueing on the day! Follow the links below to purchase.
Dubai: The View at The Palm Observatory Entry Ticket
Breakfast or Drinks Tickets at The View at The Palm Dubai
The sunset from The View at The Palm in Dubai
View over the Dubai Marina & JBR skyline from The View at The Palm
Burj Khalifa
Of course, the highest skyscraper in the world is going to have the best view of the Dubai skyline, as well as being one of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai.
It’s pretty amazing to look down on the city from up here, and take in the breathtaking view of the fountains and the numerous tall buildings down below. There are two options to choose from.
The level 125 viewpoint is incredible, but for a slightly higher price tag, you can get access to the level 148 viewpoint called SKY.
Located at a hair-raising 555 metres (1,821 feet) above the ground, it’s the highest open observation deck in the world.
There’s also an outdoor terrace and a premium lounge; with the option to take a guided tour too. Ticket price is from 154 AED, opening hours are 8:30AM to 10PM; on Friday and Saturday mornings a 5:30AM sunrise tour is available.
Click here to purchase the standard level 124 & 125 Burj Khalifa entrance ticket, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Enjoying the view over Dubai at night from the Burj Khalifa
The level 148 entrance ticket also gives you queue jump privileges. I didn’t purchase it last time I went to Burj Khalifa, but I honestly wished I had. We spent over 1.5 hours queueing for the Burj Khalifa lift.
Admiring the view from the top of Burj Khalifa is a must on pretty much every Dubai itinerary, so it’s not surprising that the queues are as big as they are.
Watching the premium ticket holders skip ahead of us was extremely irritating to say the least. It’s more expensive, but you get queue jump AND a cooler higher level viewpoint, it’s a win-win if you ask me!
Click here to purchase your Burj Khalifa level 148 and queue jump entry ticket, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
The view over Dubai at night from Burj Khalifa
If you want to do something unique, and pair an incredible Dubai view with a delicious meal, there are also a couple of dining options available.
One includes a meal at The Burj Club, and the other at The Lounge. For both options you can choose what type of meal you want (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner), and both will guarantee you an epic experience.
Burj Khalifa 124 & Lunch or Dinner at Rooftop, The Burj Club – This tour includes a full 3-course meal with a view, as well as the epic views from level 124 of Burj Khalifa.
Enjoying the view over Dubai at night from the top of Burj Khalifa
Sky Views Observatory
If you really want to have fun and see the city skyline, then head over to this top Dubai viewpoint.
Set at over 200 metres above the city, the Sky Views Observatory allows for breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai.
Situated at the top of the Address Sky View Hotel, this viewpoint is actually made up of three different experiences: The Observatory, the Glass Slide and Edge Walk. Each one offers something a little different, but all are super fun.
It’s open every day from 10AM to 10:30PM. Tickets for Sky Observatory are AED 70 for adults, and include the Sky Glass Slide. Make sure to book online to avoid queueing on the day!
Click here to book your entry ticket to Sky Views Observatory in Dubai, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Enjoying the view over Burj Khalifa and Dubai from Sky Views Observatory
Dubai Frame
The perfect way to see both sides of the city, the Dubai Frame is a gleaming golden landmark that stands between Old Dubai and “new” Dubai.
The artistic creation soars 150 metres into the sky and includes an impressive viewpoint from the bridge of the frame itself.
Holding the title of the largest frame in the world, the viewpoint provides 360-degree views across Dubai. Tickets start at AED 50, and opening hours are from 9AM to 9PM.
The iconic gold Dubai Frame
From the sky!
To get the absolute best views in Dubai, I recommend trying either skydiving or an epic helicopter tour.
I know these might not be for everyone, but seeing Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline from the sky is a truly unique experience.
Skydiving is also super thrilling (duh), as you get to fly over 13,000 feet in the air first. Prices for city skydives in Dubai are around AED 2000.
Helicopter flights might not give you as much of an adrenaline kick, but they’re still thrilling. You’ll spend 25 minutes flying over The Palm, with live narration and insider stories from the pilot.
Click here to book your helicopter flight over Dubai!
Free viewpoints in Dubai
Apple Store Dubai Mall
You might think you have to spend a whole lot of money for a Dubai top viewpoint, but not if you head over to the Apple Store in Dubai Mall.
Boasting 186-foot curved double-height windows, the impressive store even has a balcony that looks out over the Dubai Fountain.
From the (almost) crowd-free balcony, it’s easy to snap a great picture of the fountain – the world’s largest choreographed fountain situated over on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake. Free to use; open every day 10AM to 12AM.
The sunset view from the terrace of Apple Store in Dubai Mall
Dubai Creek Harbour
Those looking for iconic Dubai views without the fear-factor of being high in the sky, there’s the Dubai Creek Harbour. It may not be a classic viewpoint, but it’s a peaceful spot to have a stroll along Dubai Creek.
Plus, from this waterside path you can get a glimpse of the glittering Dubai skyline in the evening.
It’s also one of the best sunset views in Dubai – just make sure to get here just before dusk and soak up the scenery. There are some nice local places to eat nearby, too, so you can head to grab some dinner after.
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Dubai Marina Mall
While you’re out doing a spot of retail therapy at the Dubai Marina Mall, purchasing everything you need to wear in Dubai, I recommend that you head over to the food hall.
From here you can catch a glimpse of one of the best views of Dubai, and it won’t cost you a penny! The food hall’s outdoor terrace has a really cool view over Dubai Marina.
All you have to do is grab yourself a bite to eat, sit back and soak in those stunning city views without paying for the privilege. You can watch the dhow cruises idly sailing past below you, and the occasional zip-line flying over head.
Enjoying the view from the terrace of food court of Dubai Marina Mall
Dubai bars & restaurants with a view
Cargo Dubai
For another great view over Dubai Marina there’s Cargo Dubai. This funky harbourside eatery has been designed to hark back to 1960s Hong Kong.
You can sip fresh cocktails while perched on shipping crates, have some delicious dinner and soak up the marina views.
If you want the best vantage point for views, secure yourself a seat by the balcony. The staff are super friendly and the food portion sizes are pretty good too.
There’s even a happy hour most days until 8PM, which makes sipping cocktails with glistening views even more enjoyable. Open every day, 12PM – 2AM.
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Al Hallab Restaurant in Dubai Mall
If you’re looking for Dubai restaurants with a view then you should check this place out. Serving up a mouthwatering array of classic Lebanese dishes, make sure to turn up to Al Hallab hungry.
This restaurant is located on the second floor of the Dubai Mall and has both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Best of all, the terrace boasts some fantastic views of the fountain show and Burj Khalifa so make sure to get a table outside if you want the best view.
The prices for the food aren’t too expensive, so it makes for a reasonable place to grab dinner and take in the city views. It doesn’t matter if you’re just doing a long layover in Dubai or a week, it’s a great place to eat regardless!
The Burj Khalifa and Fountain Show as seen from the Al Hallab outdoor terrace
Level 43Sky Lounge
For something a bit more swanky, this chic terrace sits on floor 43 of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
From the 155-metre high open-air bar you can enjoy panoramic city views across the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road and out across the Dubai skyline. The views are pretty breathtaking – and it’s particularly magical at sunset.
Just make sure you book a table in advance as it can get busy really quickly.
As a bonus, the staff are super helpful and will be happy to talk you through the options on the menu, which includes sushi, delicious cocktails and tempting desserts.
Not only that, but there’s often a rotation of live music acts performing, as well.
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TOMO Lounge Bar
Fans of sushi should not miss dinner at Tomo. Located at one of the hotels with the best views, Raffles Dubai, it’s run by Chef Takahashi and his team of highly-skilled Japanese chefs.
The restaurant itself may be award-winning, but its location is also part of the draw.
From both of the restaurant terraces, diners can see the Dubai Skyline with the Burj Khalifa glistening in the distance. Dinner and drinks here with the city skyline below is definitely all about classy ambience.
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Dinner in the Sky
This unique experience offers the chance to diners to eat at a table on a floating platform.
While it might not be for everyone, it’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Dubai and serves up some views of the Dubai skyline from up close too. The price starts at AED 120.
I haven’t been lucky enough to do it yet, but on my last Dubai trip I remember being sat on Jumeirah Beach watching the platform rise in the sky and thinking how amazing it must be to try.
Click here to book your Dinner in the Sky experience in Dubai!
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Best view hotels in Dubai
Address Sky View
With some of the best views of the Dubai city skyline, Address Sky View hotel really lives up to its name.
Located inside the landmark building itself, rooms on offer here are stylishly designed and come with all of the amenities that you’d expect from a high-end hotel in Dubai.
But the best thing about this hotel, however, has to be the rooftop infinity pool where you can swim in style with awe-inspiring views of Burj Khalifa.
Click here to book your stay at Address Sky View hotel in Dubai!
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25hours Hotel Dubai One Central
Book yourself in for a stay at this hotel and you won’t be disappointed. The luxury 5-star hotel right in the centre of Dubai Trade Centre features chic guest rooms that boast incredible views.
Simply unwind with the view from your very own room or head up to the rooftop pool and be treated to some awesome view over the Museum of the Future. The vista from up here is made even more beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
I spent one night at 25hours Hotel in Dubai, and can confidently say it’s one of the best places to stay in Dubai. Staff is incredibly friendly, breakfast is delicious, the views are amazing and the interior design of the rooms is unique.
Click here to book your stay at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central!
Enjoying the pool with view over the Museum of the Future at 25hours Hotel One Central in Dubai
Address Beach Resort
Sling on your bathing suit and head over to Address Beach Resort. Here you can spend the day kicking back around the pool, sipping cocktails and sunning yourself.
But here it’s all about luxuriating on the sandy beach with a view of Dubai Marina and the sea.
The hotel is actually located in an award-winning building which features two 77-storey towers connected by a bridge-link. The luxury 5-star hotel even has not one but four outdoor pools to enjoy!
Click here to see prices and availabilities at Address Beach Resort in Dubai!
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Final thoughts on the best view of Dubai
There you have it, the ultimate compilation of epic views in Dubai! Have you been to Dubai before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
I visited Dubai six times, and every time I’m amazed to see how much the city changes and grows. And that also means that the Dubai skyline is also constantly changing!
For example Sky Views Observatory and The View at The Palm are two new viewpoints, and amongst my personal favourites in Dubai. There is something simply magical about the views in this city.
Dubai is amazing, but don’t forget to also get out of the city, go for a Dubai desert safari and do thrilling activities like dune bashing and sand boarding!
Many travellers also head on a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, where they can see for themselves the winner of the Dubai vs Abu Dhabi debate.
I hope you found this compilation of Dubai views useful, and that it will help you in visiting all these epic viewpoints. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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