Dubai: City tour with Burj Khalifa entry & photo stops

Summary

Ride through Dubai’s contrasts, from old souks to sky-high views

You’ll ride from sunlit beaches to dizzying skyscraper views on this Dubai city tour with Burj Khalifa entry. Taste spices at Madinat Jumeirah souk, snap photos on Palm Island, and hear local stories from your guide as you cross neighborhoods old and new—a mix of moments you’ll remember long after leaving.

What’s the experience like?

We started the Dubai city tour right at La Mer Jumeirah Beach, where the air smelled faintly salty and sunscreen-y, and the sand was already warm under my sandals even though it was still early. Our guide, Ahmed, waved us over with a grin — he’d grown up here and kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed, like how people gather for tea along the beach wall when it cools down. The Burj Al Arab shimmered in the distance; we stopped for photos, but honestly I was more interested in watching a couple of kids try (and fail) to fly a kite near the water.

Next was Souk Madinat Jumeirah. I tried saying “shukran” to a shopkeeper (Li laughed at my accent), and we wandered past stalls selling spices that made my nose itch — cardamom, dried lemons, something floral I couldn’t place. The light inside bounced off brass lamps and everyone seemed to be moving just a little slower than outside in the sun. We zipped past JBR Walk and Dubai Marina after that, glass towers everywhere, but Ahmed kept us grounded with stories about how fast this part of New Dubai changed — “ten years ago? None of this,” he said, waving at the skyline.

Palm Jumeirah Island looked almost unreal from our photo stop — all those perfect lines and curves. Atlantis Hotel loomed up like something out of a movie. We didn’t go inside but took silly group selfies with it in the background anyway (I still think about how surreal that felt). There were quick glimpses of Mall of the Emirates and then Downtown Dubai; honestly by then my head was spinning from all the contrasts — old markets one minute, mega-malls the next.

The real highlight was Burj Khalifa. Our tickets got us up to the 124th and 125th floors (non-prime hour), which meant no crazy crowds. The elevator ride is so smooth you barely feel it move — ears popping quietly — then suddenly you’re looking out over everything: highways looping away into desert haze, tiny cars crawling below. It’s not just about height; there’s this hush up there that makes you want to whisper even if you’re excited. Afterward we could’ve stayed at Dubai Mall or headed back — we chose to wander a bit longer before drop-off. So yeah, if you want to see how wild and layered Dubai really is in one day… this city tour covers it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai City Highlights

• La Mer Jumeirah Beach
• Burj Al Arab
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Madinat Jumeirah Al Qasr
• JBR Walk
• Dubai Marina
• Passing New Dubai (Sightseeing)
• Palm Jumeirah Island (Photo Stop)
• Atlantis Hotel (Photo Stop)
• Mall of the Emirates (Sightseeing)
• Downtown Dubai
• Kings Palace (Photo Stop)
• Burj Khalifa at the top 124+125th floor
• Dubai Mall (Last Stop Drop Off Optional)
• Drop off your Location

Top questions

How long does the Dubai city tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers multiple stops across Dubai in one day.

Is hotel pickup included in this city tour?

Yes, pickup from your location is included.

Does this tour include entry to Burj Khalifa?

Yes, entry tickets for Burj Khalifa’s 124th and 125th floors are included (non-prime hour).

Are food or meals provided during the tour?

No meals are included; only bottled water is provided.

What attractions are visited on this Dubai city tour?

The tour visits La Mer Beach, Burj Al Arab, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, JBR Walk, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah Island (photo stop), Atlantis Hotel (photo stop), Mall of the Emirates (sightseeing), Downtown Dubai, King’s Palace (photo stop), Burj Khalifa entry, and ends at Dubai Mall or drop-off location.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Is this city tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can I stay longer at Dubai Mall after the tour?

You can choose to be dropped off at Dubai Mall or return to your location after the tour ends.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from your location in Dubai with a local guide leading each stop. All entry fees are covered—including tickets for Burj Khalifa’s 124th and 125th floors—plus bottled water throughout your journey before returning or being dropped off at Dubai Mall if you prefer.