Dubai Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Typical prices
- Budget mealAED 35.00≈ $9.53
- Mid-range mealAED 120.00≈ $32.68
- CappuccinoAED 18.00≈ $4.90
- Domestic beerAED 40.00≈ $10.89
- Taxi (per km)AED 2.40≈ $0.65
- Public transport ticketAED 5.00≈ $1.36
- Museum entryAED 68.00≈ $18.52
- Mid-range hotel (night)AED 450.00≈ $122.53
Food & Drink
- Al Ustad Special KababIranian · $
A no-frills Deira institution since 1978 serving Iranian-style kebabs and saffron rice to queues of regulars.
- PierchicSeafood · $$$$
An overwater seafood restaurant at Madinat Jumeirah reached by a long wooden pier, with views of Burj Al Arab.
- Ravi RestaurantPakistani · $
A legendary budget Pakistani eatery in Al Satwa famous with taxi drivers and celebrities alike for its karahi and naan.
- At.mosphereEuropean · $$$$
The world's highest restaurant, on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, serving modern European cuisine with skyline views.
- Al MallahLebanese · $
A popular Jumeirah street-corner cafe known for shawarma and fresh juices, busy late into the night.
- Zuma DubaiJapanese · $$$$
An upscale contemporary izakaya in DIFC known for its robata grill and buzzing bar scene.
- White Dubai
A large open-air rooftop superclub at Meydan known for international DJs and an extravagant crowd.
- 40 Kong
A rooftop bar and restaurant in Downtown with Asian-inspired small plates and Burj Khalifa views.
- Barasti Beach
A long-running beachfront bar on Jumeirah Beach Residence, popular for sundowners with sand underfoot.
Culture & History
- Museum of the Future
A striking torus-shaped building in Downtown exploring speculative future technology, space travel and ecology through immersive exhibits.
- Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)
Housed in Dubai's oldest surviving building, an 18th-century fort, tracing the city's transformation from pearling village to metropolis.
- Etihad Museum
A museum dedicated to the formation of the UAE in 1971, built on the site where the founding treaty was signed.
- Alserkal Avenue
An industrial-turned-arts district in Al Quoz with contemporary galleries, independent art spaces and studios.
- Reel Cinemas Dubai Mall
A large multiplex inside Dubai Mall including VIP and 4DX screens, one of the busiest cinemas in the city.
- Roxy Cinemas City Walk
A boutique cinema chain in the City Walk retail district known for premium seating and a curated film program.
- Dubai Summer Surprises
A season-long retail and family entertainment festival with mall promotions, raffles and indoor entertainment during the hottest months.
Nature & Outdoors
- Jumeirah Beach
A long public beach with soft white sand and views of the Burj Al Arab, popular with joggers at sunrise before the heat sets in.
- Kite Beach
A lively beach known for kitesurfing, food trucks, and a paved running track along the shore.
- Hatta Mountains
A cooler mountain enclave near the Oman border with hiking trails, the Hatta Dam kayak lake, and the Hajar Mountains as backdrop.
Active & Fun
- Fitness First Platinum DIFC
A premium fitness club in the financial district with extensive equipment and group classes.
- GymNation
A chain of large 24/7 gyms across Dubai known for affordable membership and modern equipment.
- Aquaventure Waterpark
A large water park at Atlantis The Palm with the Leap of Faith slide and a private beach.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure
One of the world's largest indoor theme parks, with Marvel and Cartoon Network zones, a fully air-conditioned escape from summer heat.
- Dubai Parks and Resorts (Motiongate)
A multi-park complex including Hollywood-studio-themed rides, with indoor and shaded attractions for summer visits.