Visit popular tourist attractions near the Dubai Metro
Want to know which are the best tourist attractions near the Dubai Metro? From the world’s tallest building to a picture frame 150 metres tall, here are the places to visit near metro stations in Dubai.
Best places to visit near metro stations in Dubai
The launch of Dubai Metro in 2009 was a turning point for the emirate. It is estimated that over 74,000 passengers use the emirate’s iconic public transport system daily. It certainly provides a convenient and affordable way for working professionals and travellers to easily get around Dubai.
There are plenty of places to visit near the metro stations in Dubai. Let’s take a closer look at each of them. The following list of tourist places in Dubai near metro stations is perfect if you have a layover and have a few hours to explore the city.
The city is divided into zones. Here is a rundown of the tourist places in Dubai near metro stations according to zones.
Zone One
There are several metro stations in Zone 1. When it comes to Dubai Metro tourist places here, your options are:
Energy Metro Station
- Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali: Those searching for places to visit in Dubai for free by metro may head to the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali. It lies close to Energy Metro and is regularly visited by worshippers and tourists due to its beautiful architecture.
Getting here: Once you’re at the station, take a four-minute drive via taxi to the temple.
Ibn Battuta Metro Station
Tourist places close to this station are:
- Ibn Battuta Mall: One of the popular tourist attractions near the Dubai Metro is the beautiful Ibn Battuta Mall. Explore the exquisite architecture of Andalusia, China, Egypt, Persia, India and Tunisia under one roof while shopping at your favourite brand outlets or head to the food court.
If a retail binge isn’t on your agenda, you will be glad to know that there are many other things to do in Ibn Battuta Mall. For example, you can go bowling or take the kids to Fun City.
Getting there: Get down at the Ibn Battuta Mall Landside exit. From there you can easily walk to the mall.
- Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara: One of the many gurudwaras in Dubai, this particular one is close to said metro. The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara is a beautiful Sikh temple and the largest in the Gulf region. It is visited by worshippers and tourists who marvel at the stunning interiors.
Getting here: Hail a taxi once you get off Ibn Battuta Mall station. The temple is a six-minute drive away.
Zone Two
Many Dubai Metro tourist places are concentrated in Zone 2 as well.
SOBHA REALTY METRO STATION
- Dubai Marina: Tourists flock to Dubai Marina for good reason. The waterfront destination features skyscrapers, luxury apartments and hotels. For tourists, it’s popular for beach activities, retail therapy, cruises and water sports.
Getting here: Get off at the Sobha Realty Metro station and take a 13-minute taxi ride to the area.
Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
Looking for iconic places to visit near metro stations in Dubai near this particular station?
- Mall of the Emirates/ Ski Dubai: From a slew of retail options to a cinema, play areas and events, the Mall of the Emirates has something for everyone. Apart from this, several offers and promotions are up for grabs, especially during public holidays.
- Furthermore, it is home to indoor skiing in Dubai – a ski resort with sub-zero temperatures. The mall has a range of suitable activities for adults and kids, like skiing, access to a snow park, a meetup with the penguins and more. Once you are done playing in the snow, shop at any high-end brands or dine at the many restaurants at the Mall of the Emirates. Additionally, you can try other activities in MOE, such as rock climbing and trampoline jumps.
Getting there: The Mall of the Emirates metro link is located on the first floor above Carrefour.
Zone 5
This area includes the Red and Green lines, featuring metro stations that connect to airport terminals:
City Centre Metro Station
- Deira Clocktower: The Deira Clocktower is a popular and iconic attraction in the city.
- City Centre Deira Mall: Deira City Centre is a shopper’s paradise. Apart from high-end brands, the mall has various cafes and restaurants.
Getting here: Both attractions are within a 10-minute walk from the station.
Union Metro Station
Visitors can switch from the red to the green line at this station. Here is the nearest attraction to it:
- Dhow Wharfage: Love sea vessels? Experience a dhow ride or watch the city’s oldest mode of marine transport in action. You can also dine in a floating restaurant.
Getting here: The wharf is a mere five-minute drive from the Union Metro Station.
Zone 6
Those looking for the most Dubai attractions near metro stations should focus on Zone 6. It has the most stations on both the Green and Red lines.
Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station
If you want to visit most of Dubai’s popular tourist attractions in a day, you should get off at the Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station. This metro station takes you to the city’s heart, Downtown Dubai.
- Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa: Use the mall’s metro link bridge to visit Dubai Mall. Aside from shopping, you enjoy spectacular activities in Dubai Mall. The facility is home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, as well as the Dubai Fountain — both of which are major attractions in the city. While you enjoy the fountain’s theatrics, you can check off the Burj Khalifa from your list of places to visit in Dubai via the metro.
- Dubai Opera: The acclaimed Dubai Opera is another popular place to visit near the area. It is the first performing arts theatre in the city and hosts events ranging from jazz performances to stand-up comedy and concerts.
Getting there: Head to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station and use the Dubai Mall Link Bridge to walk to the mall. All the mentioned attractions, apart from the Dubai Opera, are here. You will need to walk to the opera house from the mall.
Emirates Tower Metro Station
This station is near the famous museum and a popular hotel:
- Museum of the Future: If you want to know what the world may look 50 years from now, visit the Museum of the Future (MOTF). Apart from its unique design, the building isn’t your typical museum. Make your own virtual avatar or embark on a space mission!
- Emirates Tower: Like other iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers is also among the iconic buildings in Dubai. Plus, it is easily reachable via the emirate’s metro system. The two-tower complex is also among the tallest skyscrapers in the UAE. The structure is also called Jumeirah Emirates Towers and is serviced by the Red Line.
Getting here: Both attractions are within a 3 to 6-minute walk from the station.
Creek Metro Station
You can find this station on the green line:
- Festival City Mall: Shop till you drop and have fun at this mall. Dubai Festival City Mall is a popular family-friendly destination and among the Dubai attractions by metro station.
Getting here: The mall is a 12-minute drive away from the station.
Max Metro Station
- Dubai Frame: Following Dubai Airport, the next major tourist attraction on the Dubai Metro is the magnificent Dubai Frame. This attraction holds one of the best world records in Dubai and is definitely worth a visit. It stands 150 metres mall and offers panoramic views of both Old and New Dubai.
- Zabeel Park: Visit the largest park in Dubai. Zabeel Park is a massive green space with everything from play areas to a Dinosaur Park.
Getting here: Getting to the Dubai Frame from Max station requires a 10-minute walk from the stop, but it’s well worth it because you get to see Zabeel Park, one of the best parks in Dubai!
Sharaf DG Metro Station
Formerly known as Al Fahidi Metro Station, the Sharaf DG station lies close to these attractions:
- Al Fahidi Historical District: Those looking to take in the culture and visit historical sites near the emirate’s metro can visit Al Fahidi Historical District. Commonly referred to as the Bastakiya Quarter, this area is the oldest in Dubai. The district holds memories of a time that pre-dates the formation of the emirates when pearl fishing was a major contributor to the economy. Walk through the winding alleys and come across buildings made from palm wood, gypsum and ochre.
- Dubai Museum: Housing some of the country’s oldest architecture, Dubai Museum is set inside Al Fahidi Fort. Here, you can find a range of exhibits on display featuring shops from the early 1950s and even some artefacts dating back to 3000 BC.
- Meena Bazaar: Shop for traditional Eastern clothing at budget-friendly prices in this shopping district.
Getting there: Go to Sharaf DG Metro Station and get out from Exit 4. Al Bastakiya Quarter is a seven-minute walk away from the exit.
Places to visit near metro stations in Dubai – Special Mentions
Apart from the mentioned places, visitors to the emirate can go to these places near Dubai Metro:
Expo 2020 Metro Station
Expo City Dubai: Thanks to the new Route 2020 extension, Expo City Dubai is accessible via the Dubai Metro. You can travel directly to the venue via the Dubai Metro Red Line.
The futuristic mini-city is part of the Dubai 2040 Master Plan and a WELL-certified community. It is free to access, and most attractions are priced at AED 50 per person.
- Getting here: Access the Red Line and get off at Expo 2020 Metro Station.
Burj Al Arab/Jumeirah Beach
The iconic Burj Al Arab is another one of the popular attractions in Dubai near the metro. Getting here will require you to hail a cab from the Equiti Metro Station as the distance is considerable.
This luxury hotel is known for its iconic sail-shaped silhouette that sits on a man-made island off the coast of Jumeirah Beach. There are plenty of things to do in Burj Al Arab, but unless you are part of an authorised guided tour or a guest at the hotel, it’s a bit tricky to get access to explore the hotel. The easy workaround is to grab afternoon tea or a meal at one of the restaurants in Burj Al Arab.
If entering the hotel is not your main focus, head to the ONPASSIVE Metro Station and tell your cabbie to take you to Kite Beach. It is one of the best beaches in Dubai so it automatically qualifies as one of the best tourist places near Dubai Metro. There are many activities at Kite Beach to look forward to as well.
Getting there: Get off at the Mall of the Emirates Metro station and hail a taxi to Burj Al Arab.
Exploring Old Dubai on the Metro
For those who would prefer exploring Dubai’s rich heritage and culture, the metro stations on the Green Line are where your eyes should be. Here are a few other great places with plenty of things to do near the Dubai Metro.
Gold Souk
Finally, we have the famous Gold Souk on our list of tourist attractions near the Dubai Metro. Dubai is known as the ‘City of Gold’ because the massive gold shopping complex features endless rows of shops selling handcrafted jewellery, diamonds and other precious jewels in one place.
Walking around, you will also get to see some of the traditional souks in Dubai, including the Deira Perfume Souk, Spice Souk and the Textile Souk. These markets are considered one of Dubai’s best places to buy souvenirs. Remember, haggling in this area is allowed, so make sure to get your game face on when you visit.
Getting here: Get off at Al Ras Metro Station on the Green Line. Walk to Al Khor Street and head northeast to Old Baldiya Street. The route may get complicated from here on, so it’s best to ask the locals for directions.
FAQs about places to visit near metro stations in Dubai
When did Dubai Metro start?
The metro system started operations in 2009.
Where can I buy tickets to the Dubai Metro?
You can buy a one-time ticket or Nol Card to ride the metro in the emirate. RTA Nol cards in Dubai are available at all metro stations. You can also purchase them at supermarkets like Spinneys, Waitrose and Carrefour. Topping them up is also easy, as it can be done online via ticketing machines at the stations.
Where can I live near Dubai metro stations?
The emirate’s metro service is a convenient way to get around. If you plan to move to Dubai and don’t have a private vehicle, looking for accommodations near the metro is a priority. You can find suitable apartments to rent near Dubai Metro near the Red and Green lines. These include stations in Discovery Gardens, Business Bay and Al Nahda.
What is so great about the Dubai Metro?
Did you know? The emirate’s public transport service is officially the longest driverless metro in the world. Another interesting fact about Dubai Metro is that it operates more than 70 trains simultaneously.
Planning on visiting the emirate soon? Take the metro and check into any of the hotels near metro stations in Dubai. Examples include Holiday Inn Al Barsha and Fairmont Dubai.
Don’t forget to Check out the rules for tourists in Dubai– it’s the kind of prep work that turns “meh” vacations into marvellous memories.
That concludes our review of the best places to visit near metro stations in Dubai. Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on the latest happenings in the UAE!
