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Dubai is well known for its exquisite and luxurious skyscrapers. These mega-projects seem to sprout, vying for a position as the city’s most iconic structure. While many people know about the popular spots to view it, some lesser-known ones are worth mentioning. If you’re hunting for the ideal shot that offers the best views of the Dubai skyline, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to view Dubai’s famous skyline.

From beachfront to luxury hotels, here are ideal spots popular and hidden in Dubai, where you can soak in the city’s architectural beauty from different angles.

Spots To Take Skyline Pictures

1. Dubai Creek Harbor

There is an amazingly free place to watch the spectacular sunsets that happen near Burj Khalifa over the waters. With restaurants, children-designated play areas, and exhibits of unique installations along the walkways, you can comfortably spend an evening here immersing yourself in a relaxing ambiance. For an extra charge, you can also enjoy a boat ride.

• Entry fee: Free
• Timings: 8 AM to 11 PM

2. Burj Park

Open-air park with views of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera, and other high-rise buildings around. This place promises you never a dull moment during the evening and keeps you completely enthralled with spellbinding laser and fountain shows.

• Entry fee: Free
• Timings: 8 AM to 11 PM

3. Sheik Zayed Road (Route E11)

This superhighway is full of skyscrapers on either side of the road. Walk along the road, place your mobile on the ground, choose a wide angle, face the camera upwards, and click a picture with a different perspective in front of the tall buildings. You not only get an Insta-worthy post, but you also get to capture and marvel at the architectural wonders of the modern world.

• Entry fee: Free (Salik toll charges for 4-wheelers)
• Timings: 24/7

4. Ain Dubai

From the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel ride, you can get the best aerial view(s) of most of Dubai’s iconic buildings, including the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, the multi-story buildings of JBR, and the shores of the Bluewaters Island. Take a relaxing ride and feast your eyes on some of the logic-defying manmade structures. 

• Timings: 11 AM – 9 PM
• Entry fee: Free. 130 AED for the Ferris wheel ride

5. Sky View Observatory

Experience Dubai from the 53rd floor atop the Address Sky View Hotel. The observatory gives you an extensive 360° view of Downtown Dubai. Adventure seekers can get their adrenaline pumping by trying edge walking and glass sliding at additional charges.

• Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
• General admission for the observatory: Adults – AED 85, Kids between 4 to 12 years – AED 60

6. At The Top – Burj Khalifa

At levels 124, 125, and 148, it is the highest observation deck in the world. With an outdoor terrace at 555 meters (level 148), the floor-to-ceiling glass walls will show you Dubai in all its glory – city, desert, and ocean, all at once.

• Timings: 10 AM – 11 PM
• Entry fee: At the top SKY (L124, L125, L148) – from AED 389 , At the top (L124 & L125) – from AED 164

7. The View At The Palm

At level 52, standing tall at 240 meters in height, feast on a panoramic view of the Palm islands, beaches, and the Dubai skyline from the observation deck.

• Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
• Entry fee: AED 100 for Adults, AED 69 for kids (non-prime time)

8. Take A Heli Tour

You have, perhaps, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly in a helicopter to capture all of Dubai’s beauty up from the air. You can book Heli tours on a private or shared basis which can accommodate 5 persons.

• Cost: AED 646 per person for the basic 12-minute iconic tour. Check the route and select from the variety of options on the official website or WhatsApp at +971 501758626
• Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
• Age: 2+ years

9. Skydiving

Soar and glide at 13,000 ft above sea level with the magnificent view of the Palm below or on the desert sands, located 35 Km outside the city. Gift yourself an unforgettable adrenaline-fueled tandem dive.

• Cost: AED 2299 for the Palm zone and AED 1799 for the dessert zone for a tandem package.
• Timings: Check the hours of operation from the official website (14th point) as it differs for both drop zones every month.
• Age: 18+ years. If you are older than 70 years, a fitness certificate should be downloaded from the website and signed by the doctor before arriving at the location.

Note: You can check other restrictions for the tandem dive from here before planning.

10. Taking A Flight To/ From Dubai

On one of our trips, Atchaya saw the Ain Dubai wheel, the palm, and Burj Al Arab, among other skyscrapers (the picture that you see in the cover image of this blog), while returning home to India. If you are lucky like us, you might be able to see the distinct monuments while entering or leaving the country.

Choose a window seat while booking flights to Dubai and keep staring at your windows.

11. Water Taxi Ride

Water taxis introduce you to a fresh perspective to see the city’s high rise, thereby escaping Dubai’s city traffic in style. Split into 2 zones, it has 44 pickup points in Dubai. 

Zone 1 is modern Dubai, and Zone 2 is the heritage old Dubai route. To book a water taxi, call 8009090 or check online.

• Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM
• Cost: The ferry ride starts from AED 25 per person. Abra rides start from 2 AED.

12. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is the place to see numerous skyscrapers along the shore and the canal. Take a walk, opt for a speed boat or a yacht tour, or dine at Pier 7 to gawk in awe at the 360° views of the man-made marina. The marina is packed with luxury skyscrapers, accommodations, shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment.

• Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM
• Entry fee: Free for the beach promenade

Tip: Hop on a Dubai water bus to 4 scenic spots in the marina premises for prices as low as AED 3.

13. Aura Sky Pool

At 200 m, get your feet wet and chill in the world’s highest 360° infinite pool with unbelievable views of the city, Marina, Ain Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and the Palm on different sides. Single and double sunbeds offer a perfect place to relax while soaking in the infinite panoramic views of Dubai. 

There is also a lounge in the middle of the pool for which the entry fee is separate—Book tickets online or via WhatsApp at +971 45662121 to reserve a seat 60 days in advance. Do book yours soon since this place is in high demand.

• Cost: Starts from AED 225
• Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM. You can choose from the 3-time slots.

Note: Children below 12 years of age are not allowed in the infinity pool area.

14. Al Jaddaf Waterfront

Al Jaddaf waterfront offers jaw-dropping views of Burj Khalifa and other EMAAR buildings nearby. The place is out of the world, especially during the sunset. The wide paved pathway that stretches for 6 Km makes this place ideal for walking, jogging, or a leisure stroll.

• Cost: Free
• Timings: 7 AM to 11 PM

15. Rooftop Bars & Hotels

Most of the rooftop hotels in Dubai are located in prime hotspots and cater to amazing skyscraper scenery. Level 43 of the four points by Sheraton, Jumeirah Emirates Tower Hotel, Shangri-La, Mercury Lounge, and Gevora Hotel are just a few of the popular restaurants known for the views of the cityscape. 

Tip: Just go to the rooftop of your hotel where you are staying.

16. Dubai Frame

Measuring 150 m high and 93 m wide, visit the time machine, which celebrates the story of Dubai, from old and new Dubai through landscapes, and the future virtually through videos. The world’s largest frame-shaped building is placed in such a way that it serves as a bridge to showcase the emirate’s rich history and highlight the magnificent present.

You get to witness uninterrupted views of ”Old Dubai” to the north and “New Dubai” to the south. You also get to walk on the famous transparent glass floor.

• Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
• Cost: AED 50

17. Pearl Jumeirah

This man-made island is a truly must-visit hidden spot away from the chaos of the bustling city. Pearl Jumeirah captures the essence of the skyline of downtown Dubai. There is a 2 Km promenade and 2 beaches stretching along the Jumeirah coastline with expansive outdoor spaces and tracks for walking and cycling.

• Timings: Open 24/7
• Entry fee: Free

18. La Mer

Nestled between Pearl Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bay, La Mer is beachfront with views of the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf. The hub emphasizes water parks, beach sports, shopping malls, and other attractions with colorful graffiti on the walls, buildings, and pavements. The numerous dining and entertainment options make it an ideal place for families and young adults.

• Entry fee: Free. For waterparks, cinemas, and restaurants – you will have to pay
• Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM

This list proves that you don’t have to be a spendthrift to enjoy the best views. There are plenty of wallet-friendly yet luxurious places to enjoy the best of Dubai. 

As new places pop up frequently in Dubai, we will be sure to update this list accordingly. For more travel tips, hidden gems, and budget-friendly travel, do ensure that you subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the adventures of the traveling twins.

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