Best Things To Do In Downtown Dubai Tips You Will Read This Year

If you are in Dubai and that too in the Downtown area. Do not forget to explore the largest shopping mall in UAE. Yes, here I am talking about The Dubai Mall! If I say it is the largest shopping destination which has both entertainment and leisure amenities, would you believe it? I guess you would not believe my words. But let me tell you that this is the only place where you will get fun. 

Adjacent to the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa is getting more attention and more visitors. Dubai Mall has 1200 retail stores, and more than 200 stores are food & beverage outlets. 

Dubai Mall has unlimited entertainment options from a concert arena to a private function area where you can host your party. A walk-through aquarium, go-kart circuit, flight stimulation and huge indoor ice rink are there in the mall. So, all in all, it’s a perfect destination for visitors to explore. 

Major Attractions In Dubai Mall:

Dubai Aquarium, explore the underwater marine life where more than 33,000 sea creatures occupied 10 million litters of water in the tank.  

Best Time To Visit Dubai Mall:

Between the month of December - February, you will experience something different because this is the time when the Dubai Shopping Festivals begins. 

Dubai Mall Location:

Financial Center Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa – Dubai-United Arab Emirates.

Dubai fountain is another beautiful attraction in the Downtown Dubai area. World’s largest choreographed fountains, that’s right! The best thing about the fountain is, it is designed in a brilliant way with a combination of lights and different kinds of music such as Arabic, classical and International contemporary. So, when the music starts to play simultaneously the fountain sprays jets of illuminated water up to 500 feet and the view is just breathtaking. 

It feels like the fountain got alive with the music and by dancing it is presenting its gratitude. This musical performance of the dancing fountain is amazing. The best part, is when it comes to life after every 30 minutes. For a while, you will forget yourself and get immersed in the show.  Won’t you believe me? You can check it out by yourself!

Best Time To Visit Dubai Fountain

After 6 P.M.

Dubai Fountain Location

Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown, Dubai, UAE

Dubai Opera hosts a broad variety of internationally recognised performers throughout the year. This cultural and art venue is located in the rich area of Downtown Dubai where almost performances are organised every year by the organizer. This 2000-seats multi-format theatre frequently receives international performances including ballet, orchestras, and pop. It also offers local singers a chance to perform in this finest destination. Dubai Opera has its own official website too.

Best Time To Visit Dubai Opera

After the evening onwards

Dubai Opera Location

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, UAE

Dubai Water Canal is the most innovative sustainable and environmental project. The project is stretched from Old Dubai to Arabian Gulf and is the most amazing development in Dubai. Stunningly designed with other side attractions including a 3 km running track, 12 km cycling track and a 6.4 km artificial waterfall. 

The Canal has 5 pedestrian bridges that allow visitors to walk and enjoy the water as well as the waterfall view while walking in the fresh air. That indicates the surroundings near Dubai Canal is more pleasing for pedestrian. Your morning, as well as an evening walk, is going to be more energetic with such motivating views around. 

Best Time To Visit Dubai Water Canal

You can go after 6 PM

Dubai Water Canal Location

Jumeirah- Jumeirah 2, Dubai,UAE

Do you love to stroll? Well, everybody would love to stroll in their Free time. So, when it’s a week off you can explore Downtown by strolling around JBR area.  Surrounded by boulevards and palm trees on either side the place is offering a great feeling. Moreover, many eateries out there with the best options so whenever you visit this place must try the delectable recipes available in the restaurants.

Best Time To Visit Jumeirah Beach Residence

After 5 PM

Jumeirah Beach Residence Location

The Walk- Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE

For family, exploring under Dubai Aquarium & underwater zoo with your kids is one of the best places to visit in Downtown Dubai. As I had given a small glimpse about this most visited place in the gold city. This family-friendly destination is located in Downtown Dubai it is the best place to have fun with your kids. Dubai Aquarium is one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums where visitors can explore underwater life or you can say marine life. It’s going to be a thrilling tour of numerous underwater creatures. 

This 48-meter Dubai Aquarium tunnel will make your tour more memorable; it provides you with 270-degree views of this giant aquarium. Visitors can able to see crabs, sea horses, jelly, dolphins, seaweeds and many more marine creatures and feels like for a while you are in their world. They are watching you and you are playing with them is just an amazing experience. 

Best Time To Visit Dubai Aquarium & underwater zoo

10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sun-Wed) and 10:00 AM – 10:12:00 (Thu-Sat)

Dubai Aquarium & underwater zoo Location

Unit SF -115-Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE

This is one of the favorite things to do in Dubai Downtown for those who love to do ice skating. While visiting the Dubai Mall you can keep yourself busy in your favorite activity in the ice rink. This leisure activity is found on the ground floor of the mall so whenever you visit the mall do not forget to try this. It’ll be a really fun time there!

Dubai Ice Rink Location:

Unit GF-207-finacial Center Rd, Downtown Dubai, UAE

Another thing to do in Downtown Dubai at night is Dinner with your loved one in the most desired place of Dubai, a “Dinner Cruise”.  For a newlywed couple, this would be the best place to spend time together. There are certain hotels, shopping complexes and other recreational opportunities are located. You can find many upscale shopping items, also, you can visit the Dubai Marina Mall – the hub of entertainment. 

Best time to visit this place is at night time, as it is developed close to the Persian Gulf, you will enjoy the water view as well as the Dubai Marina Sunset view.  Along with this, you can enjoy the Marina view at night time which just breathes- taking. 

Best Time To Visit Dinner Cruise

8 PM onwards 

Dinner Cruise Location

Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE

For kids, this would be the best place and I am sure they would love it. KidZania is the place where they learn the first step to socialization and understand what they want to become in the future. Its prime aim is to teach kids and teenagers between four to six how to grow in the real world by playing through certain job roles. 

In KidZania they feel free with their peer group by playing an act on certain jobs like doctor, firefighter, police officer, etc and by participating in this act they get to understand and simulate the real world. That means this activity helps them to understand the certain job role they played. They are also rewarded and sponsored by branded market leaders of both multinationals and locals. 

KidZania Age limit

up to 14 years old

Number of job activities teaches

40 role-playing activity

Burj Park is one of the popular leisure destinations, with ample greenery, it reflects healthy vibes. The atmosphere of this area is purposely done to let you enjoy nature. Specifically, in winter with food truck festivals, art soirees and other events this area comes to life and at that time you can enjoy the place. 

Burj Park is adjacent to the Dubai Dancing fountain so you can enjoy the show time while enjoying the illuminated lights in different colors playing in the park. It’s a quite relaxing place to walk and the best thing to do in the downtown area.  Although Burj park is used as the venue that organised various events still you can go for a walk, there are also a running track in the park where you can warm up yourself every day. 

Best Time To Visit Burj Park

The park is open at all times but if you just want to relax and enjoy the dancing fountain show then after sunset between 4-6 is the best time to go.

Burj Park Location

Virgin Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, UAE

Located in Downtown Dubai, this traditional dining destination is giving visitors a whole new experience. Souk Al Bahar denotes Sailor’s market is a place for entertainment, shopping and dining destination. This place, highly getting visitors’ attention and mostly the area is dominated by the residents of Downtown Dubai apartments. 

The place is close to the famous Dubai mall which doubles the value of this place. Hence while exploring the mall, you can also spend some relaxing time at the Meat Co. Restaurant at Souk Al Bahar restaurants. 

Best Time To Visit Souk Al Bahar

Anytime 

Souk Al Bahar Location

Exit 32, Sheikh Zayed Road Near Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountains and Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE

Another major attraction in Downtown Dubai- Dubai Frame, is a futuristic landmark that perfectly represents the old and new Dubai. Its height is nearly 500 feet and is considered the world’s largest picture frame. Tourists from various places frequently visit this place to see Dubai Frame. The structure is so beautifully done that it can cover the entire iconic Burj Khalifa in the frame. 

Best Time To Visit Dubai Frame

In the Morning and During the Sunset

Dubai Frame Location

Zabeel Park Jogging Track- Za’abeel- Al Kifaf- Dubai, UAE

For cheese lovers, this is a paradise destination. If you love more cheese in your food then must try this place. At Cheesecake Factory you can give yourself a cheese treat, here you can enjoy Pastas, Pizzas and appetisers. Must not forget to try the famous Cajunjambalya pasta and the delectable desserts - White chocolate raspberry truffle and the Oreo dream extreme cheesecake.

Do not need to pull down your face if you are diet-conscious and pretty much cautious about the calorie you intake. Although, the place got its name as Cheesecake Factory, do not get deceived by its name as there are other recipes available that will perfectly suit your diet. Yes, you can enjoy more than 250 dishes here and fresh fish are the main among them. Also, they serve a Skinny Licious menu and gluten-free food.

Best Time To Visit: Before 6 PM

Location: Dubai Mall-near Aquarium, Dubai, UAE

How about purchasing a painting from an art gallery? The experience will be more satisfying if you will come along with different other paintings and you know the best part is the gallery offers advisors so that they can assist you to choose the painting for you. Sconci Art Gallery Dubai is the place where art fans will discover several masterpieces arts and paintings by a range of artists. 

Located in the heart of Dubai Sconci Art Gallery is inviting you to explore paintings by Carlo Morganti, Antonio Corpora and numerous other artists who lived and worked in the early 17th century at this exhibition. 

Location: DIFC- Gate Village 03, Dubai, UAE

The world’s iconic tower Burj Khalifa is a wonder itself in Dubai. This skyscraper building is 828 meters in height with 200+ storeys. This masterpiece has the world’s longest escalator. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy a 360 degrees view of the entire Dubai City.  This mixed-used tower is comprised of residential, commercial and hospitality ventures.  Burj Khalifa is famous all over the world for broke numerous records like the world’s tallest free-standing structure, the world’s highest occupied floor, and the world’s highest outdoor observation deck. Visitors from across the world visit this place to see this wonder.

Best Time To Visit Burj Khalifa

9: 30 pm to 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm -until closing 

Burj Khalifa Ticket Price

There are different prices for kids and adults. approx. 42 USD is the maximum price. AED 154 for 12 years+, AED119 for 4-12 years, for infants (below 4 years) it’s free.

Burj Khalifa Location

Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, 1, UAE

For shopaholics, Downtown Dubai is the best place with different popular malls, where you can experience shopping and can shop till you drop. So, you all know about The Dubai Mall- the largest one in the world, Right? But do you know other malls located in Downtown Dubai? Well, if you don’t know, you can explore Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Outlet Mall, City Centre Deira, Dubai Marina Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall (the largest themed mall in the world), Gallery one, Souk Al Bahar, Galeries  Lafayette, Gallery One Dubai Mall, Kinokuniya Book Store, etc.

Let’s have a short glimpse of some malls where you can unwind yourself better: - 

(1) Dubai Festival City Mall

We all know shopping is always associated with buying a varied collection of branded items. It can be apparel, household stuff and many more. But in Dubai Festival City Mall it is an experience that’ll almost surprise you. There are plenty of things which offer international brands, furniture stores etc.

Along with this, Dubai Festival City Mall provides a business and entertainment centre, located at Dubai Creek. For business stays and corporate conferences viewing this is the best place. 

Best Time To Visit Dubai Festival City Mall

10 AM -10 PM (Sun-Wed), 10 AM – 12 midnight ( Thus- Sat)

Dubai Festival City Mall Location

Dubai Creek, Dubai, UAE

(2) Ibn Battuta Mall

Dubai’s one of the largest themed malls Ibn Battuta Mall has 270 shops, 45,000 parking spaces, 50 restaurants, and a 21- screen cinema. Nestled over Sheikh Zayed Road it is letting shoppers explore the world’s best-themed malls. 

Designed by the Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta, who has travelled to six different countries- Tunisia, Egypt, India, Andalusia, China and Persia hence the mall is designed into six courts which belong to these six countries where you can explore the art and culture of six different countries. 

Best time to visit Ibn Battuta Mall:  10 AM- 10 PM ( Sat-Wed), 10 AM – 10 PM (Thus-Fri)

Highlights of the Mall: Novo Cinema, large Carrefour Supermarket, six different courts theme is inspired by six different countries.

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

(3) Galeries Lafayette

This is the first franchise, a shopping mall located in the Downtown area is another place where you can explore fashion and home collections on various international brands. You can get all the luxury accessibility, fashion brands, the latest trends in interior design and much more. 

Exploring this mall will meet your every need. Several branded collections in this mall surely satisfy your taste in fashion. The malls offer a range of products for women, men and kids’ fashion. So definitely shopping at this mall will be the best experience for your entire family. And suppose you get tired of shopping you can revive yourself in The Lafayette Gourmet which provides delectable cuisine and several other food products. A restaurant name- Red Box located in this mall is good at serving French cuisine, you can try that. 

Location: Emaar Blvd, Dubai Mall

Downtown Dubai area has many famous restaurants which offer delectable food service. La Serre is one of Dubai’s most popular French restaurants in Downtown Dubai and serves French delights and other French dishes. Here, you will experience a French dining concept. 

Another most visited restaurant is Armani Amal – which caught the attention of all in Burj Khalifa for not only serving delectable food at your table but gives you a perfect dining ambience and the breathtaking view of Dubai Fountain. One should not miss this hotel while visiting Downtown, you can enjoy the amazing Indian cuisine at this restaurant here. Similarly, you can join other restaurants named Thiptara and Ewaan.

Thiptara

one of the famous Thai restaurants in Dubai an ideal choice for a birthday and anniversary ceremony. The royal Thai cuisine and its authentic taste will be the best treatment for your taste buds in this restaurant. Several Thai dishes including fried sea bass, stir-fried lobster and sea bream are quite famous. Also, the restaurants serve Bangkok -style seafood meals which you should try. 

Ewaan

In Downtown Dubai this particular restaurant provides a delicious buffet and live cooking stations. If you want to explore Arabic and Oriental Cuisine then must visit this restaurant. This restaurant is another favourite for visitors in the Downtown area. Here, the buffet serves delectable seafood and a wide selection of meats. Moreover, the professional service in this restaurant will win your heart and you will wish to visit here again and again. 

The downtown area of Dubai is best known for its nightlife too. If you want to stay up all night and want to dance and drink then you can check out some top nightclubs such as:

W CLUB

This Arabian Night club is just awesome and the best place for friends to unwind there. If you love to dance to the trendy beats of music then this is one of them.

Opening hours - 11:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location -  Al Asayel Street 

PRIVE 

This nightclub is located in the Armani hotel in Dubai. Prive is presenting the luxury Italian brand, here the stunning terrace, lounge and club are designed by Giorgio Armani. It’s a perfect destination to hang out with friends and enjoy the nightlife with the beat of international DJ and artists. Downtown Dubai, is another best area to explore the nightlife

Opening hours - 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM (except Mondays and Wednesdays)

Location -  Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown Dubai

FAI

FAI Is famous for its cocktail lounge at Palace Downtown. You can enjoy the view of Burj Lake with a selection of drinks in hand. This exclusive lounge reflects luxury inside that you can witness by its interior.

Opening hours – 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Location – Ground Level, Palace Downtown

CABANA

This Mediterranean venue in Address Dubai Mall is best known for rooftop restaurants in Dubai along with this you will enjoy the exotic selection of beverages that will lead you to the party mood. 

Opening hours – 12:00 PM – 4:00 AM

Location – Level 3, Address Dubai Mall

STAGE 2

At the Vida Downtown hotel, Dubai, this exceptional lounge offers you a place of relaxation where you will enjoy an extensive collection of mocktails. You can enjoy the view of the city by holding a glass of drink in your hand at the terrace area.

Opening hours – 09:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Location- Vida Downtown

ABOVE 2.0 LOUNGE

This exclusive bar lounge in the Sofitel hotel is another place for those who spend quality time on the week of days. Above 2.0 lounge is an ideal place in Downtown Dubai for nightlife. Relishing the panoramic view of Burj Khalifa from a perfect distance this rooftop lounge and along with holding a flavourful drink in a glass while enjoying live music in the bar makes nightlife more pleasing. 

Open hours – you’ve to contact the management

Location – Sofitel Downtown Dubai

If you love to just relax where greenery is everywhere then you can spend time in parks located in Downtown Dubai. Here are a few names of some parks – Umm Squeim Park, Business Bay Public Park, Bay Avenue Park, Burj Park by Emaar, D3 Park, Burj Park, etc.

Burj Park – For a perfect leisure destination, this would be the best place. Burj Park in Downtown Dubai is the most visited park. I’ve given the details about the park above which you can read.

• If you want to explore the city then the metro is the most convenient yet inexpensive option.
• Once you arrived at the airport, ask for a free SIM card which help you to access maps and other websites important at the time of need.
• Although you can’t afford a beach resort, don’t get panic. Other free public beaches out there like Kite Beach and JBR Beach offer sun loungers, showers, and eateries.
• Plan your trip to Dubai between November through March, this is the best time as the temperature is approx. 30 degree Celsius.