The Ultimate Guide To Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is a spectacle with its soaring skyscrapers, luxury hotels, the Dubai Mall which is the world’s largest shopping mall, and of course, the famed Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world which towers over all the rest of the skyscrapers.

There’s so much to experience here from shopping at the fanciest brands to dining at the best restaurants with stunning views. Take a stroll in Burj Park, watch the daily show at the Dubai Fountain, and grab a meal at the top of Burj Khalifa.

Downtown Dubai has been aptly nicknamed “the centre of now” as it depicts the best of modern living in the world. Below are the best places to visit in downtown Dubai.

Best Time To Visit Dubai: When it comes to the weather, September and April are the best times to visit Dubai, as it tends to be quite pleasant during these months, while still being bright.

The famous Dubai Shopping Festival takes place every year from mid-December to the end of January, so it might be worth it to plan your trips during this time. This is also the period of winter in Dubai.

Also Read: The Top 10 Things To Do in Dubai

Must-Visit Places In Downtown Dubai

Burj Khalifa

The iconic Burj Khalifa proudly sits at the centre of Downtown Dubai, surrounded by the Burj Khalifa Lake. Burj Khalifa is the tallest tower in the world and is also the tallest manmade structure ever built. Enjoying views of the city from the observation deck here is an absolute must-do on your trip to Dubai.

Enjoying breakfast or brunch at At.mosphere in Burj Khalifa is a great tip to enjoy these views along with delicious food. This is also the world’s highest restaurant. The Dubai Fountain show is stunning to watch with the Burj Khalifa in the background, but another amazing experience is to watch the fountain show from the observation deck at the top of the tower.

You should also take a boat ride along the Burj Khalifa Lake to enjoy the best views of the Dubai skyline from afar.

The Dubai Mall

Located adjacent to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping, leisure, and entertainment centre and has over 1,200 retail stores. It also features hundreds of F&B outlets. You’ll find most of the renowned international brands, several local brands, and a majority of the luxury brands here. There are also two department stores within the mall.

There’s even a Gold Souk within the mall for those that want to shop for gold jewelry. The Dubai Mall Zabeel is an extension of the mall that opened in 2019, making it larger by 15,000 sq metres.

Some popular destinations for entertainment within the mall include the aquarium, an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink, and a water zoo. There’s also a VR Park which is the best place for those that want to experience an amalgamation of augmented reality and virtual reality.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

The famous Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is a stretch of 3.5km packed with the best cafes and restaurants in the city. You would also find several luxury retail stores lining this boulevard.

The Dubai Trolley is the world’s first hydrogen-powered trolley and is situated on this street to transport people along it. Admire their outdoor art exhibitions, and the vast differences in the architecture of the traditional Arabian buildings in contrast with the modern skyscrapers which also line the street.

This boulevard is perfect to take a stroll on to experience the best of Dubai with regard to shopping, dining, culture, views, and architecture, so don’t miss out on visiting it.

Also Read: A Complete Guide To The Dubai Parks And Resorts

Souk Al Bahar

Souk Al Bahar is a luxury Arabian market in downtown Dubai and has over 100 shops, several casual lounges, and restaurants. Tall archways and stone pathways are lined with stores selling Arabic perfumes and spices. You can also shop for Arabian-themed decor, traditional fashion, handicraft products, and furnishings at this market.

Known as the “sailor’s market“, this marketplace is like a time machine to old Arabian heritage. It even connects to the Dubai Mall via a bridge that spans over the width of Burj Lake.

You can grab a bite to eat or a coffee at one of the cafes and restaurants situated on the waterfront of Burj Lake to enjoy some of the best views of the city, being able to admire the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa.

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is famous all around the world for its magnificent water, light, and music shows with the stunning Burj Khalifa as its backdrop. It’s located a few meters away from the Dubai Mall and is also the world’s largest choreographed system.

It shoots water 490 feet into the air, leaving onlookers in awe, and is a whopping 902 feet long. The dancing fountain plays along with delightful music in the background and different colored lights illuminating it from under, creating a feast for sore eyes like no other.

Dubai Opera

The Dubai Opera is walkable from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and most other iconic places in downtown Dubai. It’s a 2000-seat performing arts theatre that hosts international and local concerts often. These events include ballet, opera, musicals, concerts by international artists, and even stand-up comedy shows.

The opera itself is beautifully designed and constructed, and we highly recommend catching a show here when you visit if you can. It’s one of the most visited tourist spots in the city.

Also Read: The 10 Best Restaurants In Dubai

FAQ

What is considered Downtown Dubai?

Downtown Dubai is located along Sheikh Zayed Road across from the Al Wasl locality. It consists of all the major known attractions in Dubai including Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Burj Lake, Dubai Opera, and Souk Al Bahar.

Why is Downtown Dubai popular?

Downtown Dubai consists of all the major known attractions in Dubai including Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Burj Lake, Dubai Opera, and Souk Al Bahar.

How big is Downtown Dubai?

Downtown Dubai is about 494 acres big.

Which part of Dubai is best to stay in?

Downtown Dubai is the best part of Dubai to stay in as it consists of all the major places to visit in Dubai.

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