The best of Dubai: Attractions, Restaurants, Beach Clubs, & Nightlife!

With its stunning skyline, luxurious lifestyle, and endless opportunities for adventure, it’s easy to see why Dubai is a destination that so many people dream of visiting. Dubai had been on my travel bucket list for years, so when the opportunity finally presented itself, I jumped at the chance to visit this incredible city. I had high expectations, but Dubai exceeded them in every way. From the stunning architecture, to pristine beaches, to luxurious experiences, I was blown away by everything this city has to offer. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do and see in Dubai!

Miracle Garden

One of the first things I did in Dubai was visit one of the most beautiful and unique attractions in Dubai: Miracle Garden. It was like stepping into a fairy tale with millions of colorful flowers in every direction. I felt like I was walking through a work of art, and I couldn’t stop snapping photos of the beautiful floral displays. Miracle Garden actually has over 45 million flowers! To book Skip the Line Miracle Garden tickets click here!

AURA SKY POOL

Dubai has no shortage of luxurious pools, but one of the best is Aura Sky Pool. Located on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower, Aura Sky Pool is the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool and offers incredible panoramic views of Dubai in a relaxing atmosphere. I loved both the cocktails and food here, and the service was excellent! To book Aura Sky Pool click here.

Yacht Ride and Marina Activities

Dubai’s marina is a hub for water-based activities, including yacht rides, jet-skiing, and jetcars and more! I had the opportunity to go on a yacht ride; it was the perfect activity for a group- we played music, danced, and enjoying the impressive views of the skyline from the boat. Tip: book your tour a couple of hours before sunset so you can see the skyline by day and night! To book a Dubai Yacht ride click here!

Desert safari

No visit to Dubai is complete without a desert safari. I hopped in a 4×4 and went dunebashing, then sandboarding, then rode a camel through the desert. I loved watching the sunset over the desert while enjoying traditional Emirati food and entertainment. There are plenty of tour companies offering a range of experiences to suit all budgets. A desert safari is a unique and memorable experience that should not be missed! To book a Desert Safari in Dubai click here!

Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is just a short drive from Dubai and is home to some of the UAE’s most impressive landmarks. I took a day trip there to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Emirates Palace.

The mosque was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen and one of the most memorable experiences of my trip, with intricate architecture and design that took my breath away. If you have extra time I would recommend spending a few day in Abu Dhabi because there is so much to do and do here, but if you are short on time just do a day trip! To book a day trip to Abu Dhabi click here!

Cultural Meal with Emirati

Another highlight of my trip was having a cultural Emirati meal at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Dubai. The cultural meal takes place in the historic Al Fahidi district of Dubai. Visitors are welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, a traditional Emirati greeting, and then seated on floor cushions in a majlis, a traditional Emirati seating area. The meal consists of a range of Emirati dishes, including machboos (a rice dish with meat or fish), grilled meats, and salads. The meal is accompanied by Arabic bread and traditional Arabic sweets.

During the meal, Emirati hosts share information about Emirati culture and traditions, and guests are encouraged to ask questions and learn more about the country and its people. The cultural meal at the SMCCU is not just a dining experience, but an opportunity to connect with locals and learn more about the history and culture of the UAE.

If you’re interested in trying traditional Emirati cuisine and learning more about Emirati culture I highly recommend it! It was an experience that truly enriched my understanding of the culture and history of Dubai. To book a cultural Emirati meal at SMCCU click here!

Best Restaurants

Dubai is known for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene, with a range of restaurants. Here are some of the best restaurants in Dubai that you must try during your visit:

1. Zuma – Japanese fusion cuisine with a sleek and sophisticated atmosphere.
2. Ting Irie– A popular Jamaican restaurant known for its vibrant and authentic Jamaican cuisine, lively atmosphere, and Caribbean-inspired decor.
3. La Petite Maison – a French-Mediterranean restaurant serving up delicious seafood and other specialties.
4. Nobu – famous for its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant has a stunning view of the Dubai skyline.
5. Coya – another Peruvian restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and incredible food.
6. Hakkasan – an upscale Cantonese restaurant known for its elegant decor and delicious dim sum.
7. Eauzone – located in the One&Only Royal Mirage hotel, this restaurant offers modern European cuisine with a beautiful view of the Arabian Gulf.
8. Tomo – a rooftop Japanese restaurant with stunning views of the Dubai skyline and delicious sushi.
9. C’est La Vi – an “Instagrammable” Contemporary-Asian restaurant with a beautiful rooftop terrace and a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa.

For a full list of the best restaurants in Dubai, categorized by type of cuisine click here!

Best Beach ClubS

Dubai has some of the most glamorous beach clubs in the world. The crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches were the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. I enjoyed Nammos, Cove Beach, Eva, and The FIVE Palm Jumeirah Beach Club.

Here’s a list of some of the best beach clubs in Dubai:

1. Nikki Beach Dubai – Located on Pearl Jumeirah, this beach club has a beautiful white sand beach, luxurious pool, stunning panoramic views and an outdoor restaurant and bar with live music and entertainment.
2. Verde Beach- Located at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, Verde offers a unique, luxurious experience combining a chic beach setting that reminiscent of the French Riviera along with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. Verde Beach offers guests a high-end beach club experience in Dubai with a party atmosphere- live music performances and DJ sets.
3. Cove Beach – Located at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Cove Beach is a luxurious beach club with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. It features a beautiful infinity pool, multiple restaurants, and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.
4. Nammos – This Greek beach club at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach offers a luxurious beachfront experience with multiple restaurants and bars, and a lively atmosphere with live DJs.
5. DRIFT Beach Dubai – This stunning beach club at the One&Only Royal Mirage boasts a stunning infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf, a beautiful beach, and a restaurant and bar serving up delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
6. Azure Beach – Located at the Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, this beach club offers a beautiful beachfront setting, a large infinity pool, and a range of dining options including a shisha lounge and Mediterranean restaurant.
7. Kyma Beach – Located at the La Mer beachfront, Kyma Beach is a stylish and elegant beach club with a large infinity pool, a beachside restaurant serving up Mediterranean cuisine.
8. Eva Beach Club – Located at the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Eva Beach Club is a luxury beach club with a stunning white sand beach, a beautiful pool, and a range of dining options including a beachfront restaurant and a shisha lounge.
9. The FIVE Palm Jumeirah Beach Club- A luxurious and vibrant beach club located at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai hotel. It features a beautiful private beach, a large infinity pool, luxurious sun loungers and cabanas, and a range of dining options. It is known for its lively parties and events, with a range of DJs and live entertainment.

Nightlife and Bars

Dubai has a thriving nightlife scene, with a variety of bars and clubs to suit all tastes. Miss Lily’s was one of my favorites- the cocktails and decor were such a vibe and the DJ played an incredible set of soca, reggae/dancehall and hip-hop.

Here are some of the best bars/clubs in Dubai:

1. White Dubai – Located at the Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, White Dubai is a popular open-air nightclub with an impressive sound and light system and a stunning view of the city skyline.
2. Soho Garden – This massive outdoor venue in Meydan has a range of bars and clubs, including a poolside bar, a garden bar, and a rooftop terrace. It also hosts a variety of events, from live music to DJ sets.
3. Miss Lily’s – Located at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Miss Lily’s is a Jamaican-inspired bar and restaurant with a laid-back vibe, great cocktails, and live music and DJ’s.
4. Lekki – An Afro-Fusion, Hip Hop, and Urban Nightclub located in Downtown Dubai.
5. Bluesky Lounge – Located at the Address Dubai Marina, Bluesky Lounge is a stylish rooftop bar with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views of the marina.
6. The Penthouse – This upscale rooftop lounge at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, great cocktails, and a luxurious atmosphere.
7. Blu Dubai: Blu Dubai is a nightclub located in the heart of Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT). It features a spacious dance floor, VIP areas, and multiple bars. The club plays a mix of commercial and house music, and often hosts guest DJs and live performances. Blu Dubai is known for its lively atmosphere and attracts a diverse crowd.
8. 1 OAK Dubai: 1 OAK is a popular nightclub located in the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Business Bay. The club features a stylish interior with a central stage for live performances, multiple bars, and VIP areas. 1 OAK is known for hosting international DJs and celebrity appearances, and plays a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic dance music.
9. Float Dubai: Float is a rooftop lounge and bar located in the Dubai Marina. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and the marina, as well as a relaxed atmosphere. Float serves a range of cocktails and has a food menu that includes sushi and other Japanese dishes.
10. Monkey Bar Dubai: Monkey Bar is a popular nightclub located in the JBR area. It features a funky interior with graffiti murals and neon lights, and offers a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and commercial music. The club also has a terrace area with views of the sea and the Museum of the Future.

SHOPPING

Shopping in Dubai is an experience in itself! You can spend hours browsing the designer stores and boutiques at the Dubai Mall, which is the largest shopping center in the world. But, the best part of shopping in Dubai for me was the traditional souks, including the Gold Souk in Old Dubai. You can find all kinds of things in the souks, from gold jewelry and spices to clothing, and souvenirs. This is the place to go if you are looking to purchase a traditional Abaya to wear at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. For a shopping tour to the Gold Souk in Old Dubai click here!

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Museum of the Future: The Museum of the Future is one of Dubai’s newest attractions, and it’s unlike any other museum in the world. The building itself is a work of art, with a futuristic design that’s both impressive and inspiring. The museum explores the themes of science, technology, and innovation, showcasing the latest advancements in these fields and inviting visitors to imagine what the future might look like. To book Museum of the Future tickets click here!

Burj Al Arab Tour: This iconic hotel is a true masterpiece of architecture and design, and it was fascinating to learn about its construction and history. The views from the top were stunning, and after the tour I recommend you relax and have a light lunch or a cocktail outdoors at their patio restaurant that has great views of the water. To book a Burj Al Arab tour click here!

The Frame: The Frame is another of Dubai’s most unique attractions. The 150-meter-tall structure is shaped like a picture frame and offers incredible views of the city from its observation deck. But the Frame is more than just a viewing platform – it also houses an exhibition that tells the story of Dubai’s past, present, and future, using cutting-edge technology to bring the city’s history to life. To book tickets for the Frame click here!

Global Village: If you’re looking for a cultural experience, the Global Village is a must-visit attraction. The village is a vast entertainment and shopping complex that showcases the culture and traditions of over 90 countries. Visitors can explore the pavilions, taste traditional foods, and watch performances from around the world. The Global Village is open from November to April and is a great way to experience the diversity of Dubai. To book Global Village tickets click here!

Final thoughts on Dubai

Dubai is a city that doesn’t fail to impress, with something new and exciting to discover around every corner. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, Dubai has it all. I’m convinced everyone that visits will enjoy Dubai, because this city truly has something for everyone! There is so much to do that I am already planning to return and explore even more of this incredible destination.