Wondering where to find the best views in Dubai? We got you covered! From the world’s tallest building to rooftop bars and ziplines, you’ll have a wide range of viewpoints to choose from.
Dubai is known as a futuristic city, and boasts magnificent buildings, man-made islands, and a phenomenal skyline that’s very photogenic.
What’s better than losing yourself in Dubai’s streets and attractions, though, is gaining some distance to appreciate the city’s landscape! In fact, this is one of the very best things to do in Dubai and definitely one of my favorites.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve personally visited almost all of the places on this list, and the couple I’m missing are definitely on my bucket list.
Check out this comprehensive list of the very best views in Dubai, so you add a few of them (the more the better!) to your Dubai itinerary. You’ll be blown away by the scenery!
At the Top – Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, so you can expect a bird’s-eye view of the whole city below you when you get to its viewpoint.
At the Top – Burj Khalifa has three levels, located on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors, the last one located 1,821 feet (555 meters) above the ground!
During your visit you’ll find an open-air terrace to enjoy unrestricted views, and several telescopes to help you locate the different landmarks more easily.
You can also enjoy a delicious High Tea at At.mosphere, a restaurant situated on level 122 that offers a complete experience of delectable pastries and gorgeous views.
➤ The Burj Khalifa Entry Ticket allows you to visit levels 124 and 125, where you’ll get to enjoy the open-air terrace, astounding 360-degree views, and use of the high-tech telescopes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Burj Khalifa Tickets & Tour includes access to all three levels as well as an introductory tour. You’ll enjoy personalized service, Arabic coffee and dates, and skip the line at the entrance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sky Views Dubai Observatory
Sky Views Dubai is a relatively new attraction in the city, located 720 feet (219.5 meters) above the ground and offering blood-pumping, exhilarating experiences.
Its main area, the Sky Views Dubai Observatory, features 360-degree views of the city as well as a spectacular 80-feet-long (25 meters) glass floor that’s only for the brave ones!
You can also take in the scenery around you, which includes views of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, by venturing on the 150-feet long (46 meters) Glass Walkway from the observatory.
➤ With the Sky Views Dubai Entry Ticket you’ll get to ride the glass elevator all the way to the Observatory area, where you can spend as much time as you like taking in the views. The ticket also includes a glide on the Glass Slide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
READ MORE: Sky Views Dubai: Tickets & Glass Slide Info
Dubai Frame
While Dubai Frame is usually visited to be admired from the outside, you can actually climb up to the structure’s glass bridge to enjoy unparalleled views of the city on both sides of the frame.
Built as a metaphorical bridge between Dubai’s past and its present, you’ll get to marvel at the shiny skyscrapers of the modern city on one side, and the traditional, old Dubai on the other, which is a real treat!
Dubai Frame is 492 feet (150 meters) tall, so you’ll get to appreciate both panoramas from a great vantage point.
➤ The Dubai Frame Ticket allows you to take the lift to the glass bridge, as well as access the Frame’s gallery and museum. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Hot Air Balloon Over the Dubai Desert
For the ultimate views of the Dubai desert, you’ll have to jump on a hot air balloon and soar above its sand dunes and wildlife. This is a great way to truly appreciate the vastness of the desert, and gain a new perspective of this natural attraction that draws countless tourists every year.
Most hot air balloon rides over the desert depart before sunrise, so you can marvel at the scenery with the pink and golden lights of dawn adding to the spectacle. Here below are some of the best experiences – you can find more ideas in this post about the best Dubai desert safari tours.
➤ This Hot Air Balloon Ride takes place at sunrise, so you can witness the beginning of the day while gliding above the desert. You’ll also get to see a falcon display, and ride on vintage land rovers after the flight to enjoy a desert gourmet breakfast. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Sunrise Balloon Flight with Breakfast allows you to take flight before dawn, so you can see the sun rising over the Hajar Mountains. You’ll get to spot the wildlife roaming the desert, and meet a Peregrine falcon before indulging in a hearty breakfast. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The View at the Palm
The Palm is Dubai’s most iconic man-made island, home to high-end restaurants and resorts, attractions, and apartment complexes. While it makes for a great day out of the city, it also offers a fabulous sight to be admired from above!
The View at the Palm is the perfect Palm Jumeirah viewpoint. It features a 360-degree observation deck from where you’ll get to appreciate the island’s striking shape, contrasting with the blue waters of the Persian Gulf.
While standing on its 787-feet (240-meter) outdoor terrace, you’ll get to snap countless pictures of the world-famous The Palm and also enjoy some views of the city and the gulf.
➤ The View at the Palm Entry Ticket allows you to enjoy the stunning views from its glass-framed observatory, and to enjoy the immersive experience at The View Exhibition. You can upgrade your ticket to skip the line on arrival. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
READ MORE: The View at the Palm: Tickets & Visitors Guide
Dubai Bars with a View
If enjoying spectacular views sounds better with a drink on your hand, then you should check out some of the best rooftop Dubai bars! There are some of the most iconic ones for a memorable panorama.
Level 43 Sky Lounge
This fabulous bar offers breathtaking views of the city from its open-air terrace, located on level 43 in Sheikh Zayed Road.
Level 43 Sky Lounge serves everything from platters to starters, salads, and substantial main courses, so you can indulge in whatever you’re craving with a glass of wine or one of their signature cocktails. The city will provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night out.
The Penthouse at Five Palm Jumeirah
The Penthouse is an adults-only venue located on Five Palm Jumeirah’s 16th floor, and which features a great rooftop lounge with astounding views of Palm Jumeirah during the day, and turns into a nightclub after dusk.
They offer evening brunches, fusion cuisines, and ladies nights on certain days, and have a fantastic cocktail menu to pair with the views.
Neos (CLOSED in 2024)
Neos Lounge is situated on the 63rd floor of Address Downtown hotel. Its very stylish decor is heightened by floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal the glittering city skyline, from which you won’t be able to tear your eyes as you sip a craft cocktail and enjoy the light bites and snacks they serve.
The Burj Khalifa is in full sight from Neos. This is one of my favorite places to visit for a cocktail at night in Dubai.
Skyview Bar at Burj Al Arab
Skyview Bar is not only a phenomenal bar with astounding views of Dubai at a distance, but it’s the bar at Burj Al Arab, possibly the most iconic hotel in all of the UAE.
This lavish cocktail bar is situated on the hotel’s 27th floor, 656 feet (200 meters) above sea level, and it boasts glass walls all around it so you can enjoy some of the best city and ocean views of Dubai while sipping your unique drink.
Taking pride in their original, one-of-a-kind cocktails, the bar offers an extensive list of drinks you won’t find anywhere else, all of which are crafted using innovative methods and unusual ingredients.
Views of Dubai From the Water
To contemplate some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks from a new angle, there’s no better way than getting in the water!
From the Persian Gulf, you’ll get to see Dubai’s skyline in a new light, and get up close to some of the most spectacular landmarks, including Atlantis the Palm and Burj Al Arab, without restrictions.
To enjoy this beautiful view in Dubai from the water, you can either take a boat tour, that will take you to the best viewing spots with the live commentary from your guide, or board the public ferry from Dubai Marina Mall to Al Ghubaiba.
This is a more budget-friendly way to catch some Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina views from the Persian Gulf.
➤ The Dubai Speedboat Tour is a very exhilarating sightseeing tour that will take you to some of the most impressive attractions, including Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and Jumeirah Beach, so you can admire them from the water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Zipline over Dubai Marina at XLine
If merely watching the magnificent landscape from the windows of a viewpoint doesn’t seem very thrilling after visiting a few of them, XLine might give you the adrenaline you’re looking for.
This exhilarating experience will have you ziplining over the gorgeous Dubai Marina, so you can feast your eyes on the views of the bay, skyscrapers, and attractions while soaring through the air.
Tea at the Highest Hotel in the World
A very enjoyable way of taking in the Dubai skyline is with a scrumptious afternoon tea at the world’s highest hotel!
Highest View Lounge at Gevora hotel is situated 919 feet (280 meters) above the ground, and features 360-degree views over the entire city, among which the Burj Khalifa and the Royal Palaces stand out.
Their menu’s staple is the High Tea, a delectable afternoon tea that includes finger food, cakes, and scones, and which you’ll get to enjoy while the sun sets on the horizon and you delight in the views. If you’d rather enjoy the skyline at night, you can stay for dinner and one of their signature mocktails.
Dubai Pools With a View
Are you so smitten with the views that you don’t wanna miss them, even while cooling off in the pool after a long day? No problem, we also have spectacular pools with Dubai views. Some of them offer the perfect respite from the heat if you’re visiting Dubai in the summer. Check them out!
Address Beach Resort Pool
Address Beach Resort is a luxurious 5-star hotel that boasts a massive and gorgeous infinity pool facing the beach, the Persian Gulf as it stretches to the horizon, and the city at the same time.
There are three other pools on-site, but the infinity pool is the one you’ll be spending most of your time if you’re there for the views!
The pool is only for hotel guests. ➥ CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Aura Sky Pool
Aura Sky Pool is the highest 360-degree infinity pool in the world, suspended at 656 feet (200 meters) above the ground. It offers one of the best Dubai city views, with Palm Jumeriah, the Persian Gulf, and Ain Dubai in full sight.
There’s also live entertainment, DJ, sundowner drinks, and poolside lunch offers to be enjoyed at Aura Sky Pool.
Address Sky View Pool
Address Sky View is a deluxe hotel with splendid accommodation options and facilities, including two outdoor pools to be enjoyed by its guests.
The rooftop pool, situated on the 54th floor, faces directly the Burj Khalifa and offers a spectacular Dubai skyline view. It’s especially enjoyable at night, when you can see the lit-up city extending all the way to the horizon!
The pool is for hotel guests only. ➥ CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Terrace at the Shangri La Hotel
Shangri La Hotel features a terrace on Level 42 that boasts one of Dubai’s top views, showcasing the whole city unfolding before your eyes, with the impressive Burj Khalifa dominating the scenery.
This Dubai viewpoint is the perfect spot to dine, with the city acting as an unforgettable backdrop.
Access to the Level 42 Terrace is only for guests of the Horizon Club rooms. ➥ CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
