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What To Know
- The world’s tallest building sits right next to Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Fountain — all free to explore from the outside.
- Located in Zabeel Park, Dubai Frame offers panoramic views of old and new Dubai in a single visit.
- Red Line to BurJuman, switch to Green Line and get off at Al Ghubaiba.
Dubai is packed with iconic landmarks, viral food spots and cultural attractions — but getting to them by taxi can quickly add up.
The good news? You don’t need a car to explore the city. With Dubai’s well-connected metro and bus network, you can reach many of the city’s top attractions for just a few dirhams.
All you need is a Nol card. A one-day red ticket costs AED 2, while Silver and Gold cards cost AED 25 and can be used across metro and buses. Travel within one zone starts from AED 3, with fares increasing when crossing zones.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Dubai using public transport.
Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
The world’s tallest building sits right next to Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Fountain — all free to explore from the outside.
How to get there:
Take the Red Line and get off at Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station. Use the air-conditioned Metro Link Bridge or catch a feeder bus for AED 3.
Dubai Frame
Located in Zabeel Park, Dubai Frame offers panoramic views of old and new Dubai in a single visit.
How to get there:
Red Line to ADCB Metro Station, followed by an 18-minute walk, or take bus F09.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Home to over 150 million flowers, this seasonal attraction is one of Dubai’s most colourful spots.
How to get there:
Red Line to Mall of the Emirates, then bus 105 directly to Miracle Garden.
Global Village
A favourite for shopping, food and live entertainment, Global Village is surprisingly affordable by bus.
How to get there:
Bus routes 102, 103, 104 or 106 from various metro and bus stations across Dubai.
Museum of the Future
From futuristic exhibitions to iconic architecture, this is one of Dubai’s most talked-about attractions.
How to get there:
Red Line to Emirates Towers Metro Station, then a five-minute walk.
Al Shindagha Museum & Al Seef
Explore Dubai’s heritage, historic homes and creekside culture in one walkable area.
How to get there:
Red Line to BurJuman, switch to Green Line and get off at Al Ghubaiba.
Alserkal Avenue
Dubai’s creative hub for art, indie cinema, cafés and galleries.
How to get there:
Red Line to Onpassive Metro Station, then bus 110 or a short taxi ride.
Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk
Enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Gulf along this seven-kilometre seaside path.
How to get there:
Red Line to Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station, then taxi (monorail currently suspended).
Etihad Museum
A deep dive into the formation of the UAE, located in Jumeirah 1.
How to get there:
Bus 8 from Marina or Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
A peaceful, modern library near Dubai Creek — and completely free to enter.
How to get there:
Red Line to BurJuman, change to Green Line and exit at Creek Metro Station, then walk 10 minutes.
Madame Tussauds, Bluewaters Island
Snap selfies with lifelike celebrity wax figures and enjoy waterfront dining nearby.
How to get there:
Red Line to Jabal Ali Metro Station, then bus F57 to Bluewaters Island.
Bonus: Hatta (By Bus)
Escape the city and explore mountains, dams and heritage villages.
How to get there:
RTA bus from Dubai Mall Bus Station to Hatta for AED 25, running every two hours.
Good to know
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Buses can fill up quickly — arrive early
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Metro fares start from AED 3 (Silver) and AED 6 (Gold)
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Always top up your Nol card before travelling across zones
