It is no surprise that Dubai successfully attracted 17 million visitors in 2024. This largest city in the United Arab Emirates represents luxury and excitement. Burj Khalifa punctures the sky, standing as the tallest building in the world. Grandeur shopping malls feature world-class designer stores and Michelin-rated restaurants. Spectacular activities such as desert safari and skydiving welcome every visitor who wants the sweet taste of adventure. However, travelers are still seeking other places like Dubai to avoid the crowds and save their wallets.
Hear from our community about their favorite alternatives to Dubai. These places share a similar glam to Dubai, but they have other specialties to explore. So, add these eight places like Dubai to your future travel plan!
Best Places like Dubai – Summary
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Muscat, Oman
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Monaco, France
- Miami, Florida, USA
- Sydney, Australia
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
1. Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai is not the only spectacular city in the United Arab Emirates. Its neighbor shares a sense of luxury that can rival Dubai’s. Abu Dhabi, the capital city of UAE, sits on an island in the Persian Gulf. It serves as the country’s economic center and trade hub. For that reason, you can find futuristic skyscrapers, intricate office towers, and luxurious hotels everywhere in Abu Dhabi.
We would say Abu Dhabi is Dubai’s twin. You can find Dubai’s top experiences in the capital, including desert safari, world-class aquarium, and luxury shopping. Still, some exclusive attractions await you. “Make sure to visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park. You can ride Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster,” TripLeader Kc recommended. Additionally, don’t miss seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is the UAE’s most beautiful mosque.
2. Muscat, Oman
The Middle East never runs out of amazing cities. Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is one of them. Although it does not have the Burj Khalifa or Mall of Emirates, Muscat boasts the perfect blend between the old and the new. It is one of the places like Dubai that offers tradition and a glance at the past.
Muscat keeps its old neighborhood, showcasing traditional Arabian architecture, markets, and mosques. On the other hand, Muscat answers the needs of everyone looking for a lavish excursion. Stay in one of Muscat’s luxury resorts with world-class services and rooms facing the Gulf of Oman. Then, bask in the sun at Qurum Beach and admire Sultan Qaboos. Grand Mosque. Simply put, visiting Oman gives you a Dubai-like experience with a nostalgic twist.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
“Travelers coming to Istanbul are looking for the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia. However, I also recommend visiting the more upscale area like Istanbul. You can enjoy a seafront view while having Turkish breakfast on the Istinye Coast or visit the fancy Galata Port Mall,” says TripLeader Aylin-Luna, a local from Istanbul.
Istanbul’s metropolitan side easily makes its way to the list of places like Dubai. Much like the yacht parties in Dubai Marina, Istanbul offers exclusive Bosphorus cruises. You can indulge in fine dining while enjoying the intersection between Asia and Europe. The nightlife here is equally lively, with rooftop bars, exclusive nightclubs, and waterfront lounges offering an experience as vibrant as Dubai’s entertainment scene.
4. Monaco, France
If there is one European destination that mirrors Dubai’s extravagant lifestyle, it is Monaco. Nestled along the French Riviera, Monaco is a haven for the ultra-rich and celebrities. It houses an array of luxury yachts, grand casinos, and high-end shopping boutiques. The city’s shopping scene rivals Dubai’s, with prestigious fashion houses and exclusive jewelry brands lining the streets.
Monaco’s highlight is the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix, an event that draws the global elite much like Dubai’s high-profile sporting events. Its Mediterranean coastline, filled with opulent beach clubs and private villas, echoes the luxury of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. For that reason, Monaco is an excellent alternative to Dubai for everyone with no budget restrictions.
5. Miami, Florida, USA
Miami shares Dubai’s love for luxury, nightlife, and beachfront living. The city’s glamorous setting secures a title as one of the places like Dubai in the United States. Miami offers an elite experience with five-star beachfront resorts, private yacht rentals, and a vibrant party scene. Its shopping scene is equally lavish, featuring luxury malls like Bal Harbour Shops and the Design District, where top-tier designer brands and upscale dining create a high-end shopping experience.
Just like Dubai’s streets lined with supercars, Miami boasts exotic cars cruising along Ocean Drive, giving the city an effortlessly chic and extravagant feel. Whether it’s lounging at an exclusive beach club, dining at a celebrity-owned restaurant, or dancing the night away in a VIP nightclub, Miami delivers the same level of luxury and excitement as Dubai.
6. Sydney, Australia
High-end shopping centers, sparkling coastline lined with luxury resorts, and upscale cruises. Those are the things Sydney and Dubai have in common. Moreover, like Dubai, Sydney boasts unique architectural structures, including the Opera House and Sydney Tower. The city is also known as the most expensive city in Australia, mirroring Dubai’s status to accommodate luxury travelers.
Sydney’s high-end shopping destinations, such as Pitt Street Mall and The Strand Arcade, offer a retail experience comparable to Dubai’s extravagant malls. Alongside its luxury shopping, Sydney’s harborfront is a hub of entertainment, featuring world-class dining, upscale cruises, and waterfront hotels that rival Dubai’s Marina district. The city’s nightlife is also vibrant, with rooftop bars offering panoramic views of the cityscape. For those who appreciate a blend of modern urban living and scenic waterfront experience, Sydney is an ideal alternative to Dubai.
7. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is another global hub that shares many similarities with Dubai, from its futuristic skyline to its thriving financial sector and extravagant shopping scene. The city’s skyline, dominated by soaring skyscrapers such as the International Commerce Centre (ICC), is as awe-inspiring as Dubai’s architectural marvels.
Shopping in Hong Kong is an experience of its own, with designer boutiques, luxury malls, and bustling street markets catering to both high-end and eclectic tastes. The dining scene is world-renowned, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end rooftop dining with stunning harbor views. Much like Dubai’s luxury yacht culture, Hong Kong offers exclusive cruises along Victoria Harbour, where travelers can experience the city’s dazzling lights from the water. For those who seek a city with energy, luxury, and cutting-edge modernity, Hong Kong is a perfect destination.
8. Singapore
Southeast Asia has a long-term fame as a budget travel destination. However, there is one country that breaks the standard. Singapore, a small country nestled in the Malay peninsula, represents the future and luxury. It has a gorgeous skyline fringed with futuristic skyscrapers and breathtaking architectural structures like Gardens by the Bay. Upscale malls and glamorous shopping centers welcome everyone who are looking to add their high-fashion collections. Singapore has never failed to amaze me with its cosmopolitan facade and up-to-date shopping experiences. Every time I visit Singapore, I find myself watching the sun set by the Merlion waterfront or strolling around Orchard Road for some makeup run.
Singapore is one of the best places like Dubai in Asia. Its wealth of five-star hotels, luxurious restaurants, and vibrant nightlife centers fit every upscale traveler.