A Dubai Butterfly Garden Travel Guide
Dubai may be in the middle of a desert, but it didn’t stop the city from creating experiences with nature for its residents to enjoy.
In fact, you can find many gardens in Dubai, each offering something unique to its visitors.
If you love butterflies, the Dubai Butterfly Garden is a must-visit. This guide has everything you need to know to plan your trip in this tourist spot.
What is the Dubai Butterfly Garden?
The Dubai Butterfly Garden is a climate-controlled garden, the first of its kind in the Middle East and the world’s largest, that has more than 15,000 butterflies from 50 different species.
Opened in 2015, the garden is right beside the Dubai Miracle Garden and it spans 2,600 square meters.
Inside the facility are 10 climate-controlled domes that are kept at 24 degrees Celsius to provide the optimal environment for the butterflies.
You also get to learn about butterflies and see different exhibits at the Educational Area and Butterfly Museum in the garden.
The Dubai Butterfly Garden also has a separate Koi Pond where you can see an amazing array of colorful Koi fish and birds in a space that will make you feel like you’re in a real forest.
Best Time to Go
The Dubai Butterfly Garden is open all-year round, but it’s best to visit this attraction from November to March when the weather is cooler.
It’s also best to head to the garden right when it opens, so you have more time exploring its many attractions.
Things to Know
Make your visit to the Dubai Butterfly Garden worthwhile by keeping these things in mind:
- Opening Hours
The Dubai Butterfly Garden is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. But there may be changes with the schedule during special holidays or the month of Ramadan.
- Entry Tickets
The rate for adults and children above the age of 3 is AED 55 while those under 3 and people of determination can enter the garden for free.
If you’re visiting as a group, it’s best to book your tickets ahead online to take advantage of discounts and to avoid waiting in line, especially during the weekends.
- Rules to Follow
- Food and beverages are not allowed inside the garden since they can attract insects that may disturb the habitat of the butterflies.
- Pack light and take extra care of your belongings since the management will not be responsible for any losses.
- If you’re bringing children along, always watch over them when exploring the domes to avoid stepping on the butterflies that may be on the floor.
- You’re not allowed to touch the butterflies’ wings in a way that could damage them or disturb them while feeding. Also, be mindful of restricted areas that are off limits to guests.
How to Get Around
Trains: There’s no direct Metro line to the Dubai Butterfly Garden from the city center. But if you want to take the metro, you can stop at the Mall of the Emirates station and take the taxi to the garden.
Buses: The bus is the most convenient public transportation to the Dubai Butterfly Garden. Go to the Mall of the Emirates Bus Station 5 and take the Line 501 bus that will stop at the Miracle Garden 1 Bus Stop. From there, you can walk to the garden.
Taxis: There are many taxis that can take you from anywhere in the city to the Dubai Butterfly Garden. You can book through Grab or Careem.
Car service: You have the option to arrange for car service with your hotel to take you to and from the Dubai Butterfly Garden.
Where to Stay Near the Dubai Butterfly Garden
Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City
Address: First Avenue Mall and Hotel – Turin Boulevard – Motor City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 249 4100
Pricing: $$$
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If you’re a fan of motorcyles or you just want to stay in a hotel that offers a unique view, the Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City will surely impress you.
Dubbed as the only motor-themed hotel in Dubai, it gives you the perfect view of the Dubai Autodrome Racetrack and the Dubai Marina in the background.
Aside from its funky interiors showcasing everything automotive, the hotel is also connected to the First Avenue Mall and it’s only a few minutes drive away from the Dubai Butterfly Garden.
The S Hotel Al Barsha
Address: Dubai Science Park – Al Barsha South 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 871 2222
Pricing: $$$
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The S Hotel Al Barsha is one of the top options for travellers staying in Al Barsha.
This chic hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, a spa, kinetic gym and pool, and different dining options, so you won’t have to leave the property to unwind.
The S Hotel is also known for its hospitality and accessibility to some of Al Barsha’s top attractions including the Dubai Butterfly Garden.
Millennium Executive Apartments Mont Rose
Address: Dubai Science Park – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 246 1111
Pricing: $$
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Combining the comforts of home and the convenience of a hotel, the Millennium Executive Apartments Mont Rose is ideal for long and short-term holidays.
Each apartment comes fully furnished with a kitchen and other amenities to make you feel at home.
It’s also very acecssible to important spots in the city including the Dubai Butterfly Garden, Kite Beach, the Dubai Mall, Global Village and Mall of the Emirates.
Where to Eat Near the Dubai Butterfly Garden
Drip Burgers
Address: Shop 3 Miracle Residence – Arjan Dubailand 3 – Al Barsha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 56 544 2144
Pricing: $$
Website
Do you want to treat yourself to a good burger after a day of exploring the Dubai Butterfly Garden? Drip Burgers is considered the ultimate burger indulgence in the city.
These burgers aren’t just your typical bun and patty combo because they’re made with premium wagyu beef patty, cheddar cheese and different homemade sauces.
A lot of locals go back to Drip Burgers because of their unique take on flavors using only the best ingredients.
Mad Kitchen
Address: Vincitore Boulevard Shop 5 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 578 0009
Pricing: $
Mad Kitchen is the go-to spot for anyone looking for a quick meal with a lot of good flavors.
It may be considered fast food by some, but Mad Kitchen offers an extensive menu of different comfort food classics like burgers, pastas and starters that will surely leave you full.
Thai Samai
Address: Arjan Dubailand – Al Barsha South – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 55 346 7784
Pricing: $$
Website
Whether you’re craving for a hearty Thai hot soup. A classic Pad Thai or just about any authentic Thai food, Thai Samai is one of the best restaurants near the Dubai Butterfly Garden.
Thai Samai specializes in authentic Thai cuisine prepared by the restaurant’s Thai chef. Dine in a casual setting and feast on your favorite Thai dishes in one of the best restaurants in the city.
What to Do at the Dubai Butterfly Garden
Explore the Butterfly Domes
Entering the butterfly domes of the garden instantly transports you into a different world filled with beautiful flowers, greenery and of course, thousands of butterflies.
You can go around slowly and carefully to explore this massive space while making sure you don’t hurt the butterflies.
But for the most magical experience, you have to sit in one of the netted areas in the dome and just let the butterflies come to you.
Being inside these butterfly domes will allow you to be one with these beautiful creatures while also relaxing with the sounds of nature.
Check out the Koi Pond
After getting up close and personal with the butterflies, make sure to drop by Dome 2 to see the beautiful kois in the garden’s beautiful koi pond.
The colorful kois along with the sound of running water and the warm temperature inside the dome will surely take all your stresses away.
Learn About the Butterflies at the Educational Area
There’s more to learn about butterflies than what your teacher taught you in school, and the garden’s Educational Area has everything you need to know about these beautiful creatures.
There are thousands of butterfly species in the Dubai Butterfly Garden, but the most popular ones include the:
- White Angled-Sulphur
- African Queen
- Monarch
- Red Rim
- Tailed Jay
- Orange Oakleaf
- Doris
- Clipper
- Golden Birdwing
- Great Eggfly
- Owl Butterfly
See the Butterfly Museum
Of course, your visit to the Dubai Butterfly Garden wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Butterfly Museum.
Here, you’ll see a huge collection of beautiful artwork featuring thousands of pressed butterflies from across the globe.
The museum also showcases different species of butterflies and other handcrafted pieces that you’ll surely love.
The highlight of this museum is the mural of the Crown Prince of Dubai using pressed butterflies.
Where to Shop Near the Dubai Butterfly Garden
First Avenue Mall – Motor City
Address: Near Dubai Autodrome – Motor City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 249 4191
Website
First Avenue Mall is the best mall in Motor City that’s designed to make you feel like you’re in Europe with hints of Arabesque influence in its interiors.
The mall may not be as massive as its counterparts in the city center, but First Avenue Mall covers 500,000 square feet of land area with more than 50 shops.
It’s also connected to the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, so you can easily shop or dine if you’re staying in this accommodation.
Mall of the Emirates
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 663 6255
Website
One of the best malls in Dubai, the Mall of the Emirates isn’t only famous for its beautiful design but also its long list of retail shops from local and international brands.
Here, you have everything you need to enjoy a great shopping day and you also have an extensive list of dining and entertainment areas to choose from.
The Mall of the Emirates is also home to Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East where you can have fun in the snow to beat the Dubai heat.
What to Expect from Weather at the Dubai Butterfly Garden
Winter: From December to March, Dubai enjoys the best weather where temperatures can go as low as 16 degrees Celsius. This is the best time to explore the city including the Dubai Butterfly Garden.
Summer: The hottest time of year in Dubai runs from June to September when temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius and the humidity can be unbearable.
Transition period: From April to May and October to November, Dubai experiences transition periods where temperatures can be cooler or hotter than usual as the city switches seasons.
Apps to Download When Visiting the Dubai Butterfly Garden
Visit Dubai: The tourism app of Dubai where you can find information about top tourist spots like the Dubai Butterfly Garden
iOs | Android
Uber: Booking a private car service for going around the city
iOs | Android
S’hail: A useful app if you’re taking the public transport since it allows you to easily check the schedule of buses, trams, the monorail, metro and water buses
iOs | Android