What is there to do in Downtown Dubai?
Spending a day in the Downtown Dubai neighborhood is a must during your first visit to the city. Whether you’re visiting landmarks like the Burj Khalifa or going shopping, you’re sure to find a reason to visit this part of town. But be warned: this is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Dubai. Whether you’re eating out or staying overnight, you’ll need to set aside a decent budget!
Visit Downtown Dubai
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1Burj Khalifa
This 828-meter tower is undoubtedly the symbol of this neighborhood—and indeed of Dubai itself. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest tower and perfectly embodies the city’s futuristic and extravagant spirit. Its observation deck offers a panoramic view of the neighborhood as well as of Dubai, which continues to expand in the distance.
Choose which level of the observatory you’d like to visit—At The Top, At The Top Sky, or The Lounge restaurant—and enjoy this unforgettable experience.It’s a must-see during any trip to Dubai!
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2Dubai Fountain
At the foot of the Burj Khalifa lies the artificial lake of the same name. It is here that the Dubai Fountain show takes place several times a day.
The combination of music, lights, and water jets rising up to 140 meters high is impressive and truly magnificent. The water dances to the rhythm of contemporary, Arabic, and classical melodies. It’s a wonderful way to start your evening.
We recommend booking a boat tour to get the best possible view of the show.
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3Dubai Mall
Shopping in Dubai is a must-do activity. You’re bound to visit one of these famous shopping malls, such as the Dubai Mall, which is certainly the best known. More than just a collection of stores, this massive mall is truly extraordinary. It features over 1,200 stores, entertainment areas, an ice rink, an aquarium… the place is just massive!
It’s so huge that it’s easy to get lost in this mall! With all its stores, you’ll be spoiled for choice between luxury brands and more affordable shops. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s a must-see on your itinerary.
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4Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Located inside the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest in the world. It is home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals. You’ll begin your visit by walking through a tunnel that stretches over 30 meters through the mall. You’ll see all these species swimming above you—it’s a truly unique experience.
Next, at the marine zoo, you’ll see the most animals. Spread across three floors, you can observe dozens of rare and unique species: piranhas, stingrays, and even a crocodile! If you’re visiting Dubai with children, this is the perfect activity to do. -
5Souk Al Bahar
Dubai blends modernity and tradition, and Souk Al Bahar is the perfect example of this. This waterfront market will immerse you in Dubai’s culture, thanks in part to its architecture, which is typical of an Arab souk. It will undoubtedly remind you of the traditional souks in the Deira and Bur Dubai neighborhoods, but with a more modern look.
It’s also a great spot to eat, with a beautiful view of the lake and the Burj Khalifa!
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6Dubai Opera
This building, shaped like the bow of a ship, is the Dubai Opera. The structure is a work of art in its own right, but it is inside, above all, that art reaches its peak. Whether it’s opera performances, theater productions, or contemporary concerts, the Dubai Opera hosts local and international talent every night.
You can, of course, attend one of these events or simply admire its unique shape from the shores of the artificial lake. The exterior alone is truly impressive! -
7Burj Park
This perfectly maintained green space runs along the neighborhood’s artificial lake. Events are regularly held here, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, concerts, and shows. But the rest of the time, it’s a beautiful spot that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views all around you.
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8Gate Avenue
It is a complex of 10 towers connected to Dubai’s financial district (DIFC) by wooden bridges.
You’ll find a number of banks there, as well as art galleries, boutiques, and upscale restaurants.Amid this industrial setting are small plazas where it’s pleasant to stroll.
Avoid going there on the weekend! Your visit won’t give you a true sense of the neighborhood’s bustling atmosphere.
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9Museum of the Future
Recognized by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful museums in the world, this museum opened in February 2022.
Its architecture is impressive: a massive ring covered in Arabic calligraphy—breathtaking!
Inside, the seven floors promise a leap into the future through various exhibits dedicated to travel, artificial intelligence, climate change, and more… -
10Dubai Waterfall
At first glance, it looks like a perfectly ordinary bridge… But what’s truly astonishing is seeing cars drive across this bridge, which also happens to be the top of a waterfall that plunges into the canal!
The highlight of the show: the waterfall opens up to let boats pass through.
It’s truly impressive, especially since the lighting makes the waterfall look even more breathtaking.The best way to admire this waterfall is to take a cruise through Dubai Creek.
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11Dubai Design District
It’s one of the newest neighborhoods in Dubai—and definitely the trendiest! The Dubai Design District, also known as d3, is a hub for design, fashion, and art. Here, major global brands rub shoulders with startups to create and invent the works of tomorrow;
Stroll through the streets and step into the showrooms or pop-up shops. Admire the ultra-modern architecture of the area and, above all, the public art. If you’re an art lover, you’ll be captivated: a magnificent open-air art exhibition awaits you.
Eating
Time Out Market Dubai
Like many major cities—New York, for example—Dubai has its own Time Out Market. It’s a food court offering a variety of cuisines—Asian, Mexican, American, and more—at different stalls.
Everyone can choose what they want to eat and then gather around a table to eat together. It’s a great way to find something that everyone will enjoy.
It’s located in Souk Al Bahar. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view of the lake!
Address: 3rd floor of Souk Al Bahar
At.mosphere
This is the world’s highest restaurant—442 meters above ground. Located in the Burj Khalifa, it offers an exceptional view. Please note that reservations are required, and children under 10 are not admitted. While the view is incredible, so is the bill… Expect to pay at least 500 AED per person for lunch.
Address: Entrance is through the Armani Hotel
Have a drink
Treehouse
Located on top of the Taj Hotel, this rooftop bar is open to everyone. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy views of the neighborhood—especially the Burj Khalifa—in a chic and relaxing atmosphere.
The drinks and cocktails are top-notch, and the decor is very trendy. Like many venues of this caliber, prices are on the high side: at least €20 for a cocktail. If you want to treat yourself, this is the bar to choose.
It’s really nice—we highly recommend it!
Address: Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa Street
How do I get to Downtown Dubai?
To get to Downtown Dubai, you’ll need to either take a taxi, or take the metro. The Red Line serves several metro stations in the area (Financial Center, Emirates Tower, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall…).
All around is the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. It is one of Dubai’s main avenues, with thousands of cars passing through every day. That’s why it’s very difficult to get there on foot.
Once you arrive in the neighborhood, all the iconic landmarks are fairly close to one another. So you can take one of the walking paths and explore the neighborhood on foot.