Best Things to Do in Downtown Dubai

Spectacular choreographed fountain shows.

Arabian-themed shopping and dining destination.

Interactive edutainment for children.

Home to thousands of aquatic animals.

Indoor virtual reality theme park.

Dining high in the Burj Khalifa, breathtaking views and a standout afternoon tea, with the odd inconsistency.

An iconic rooftop lounge on the 54th floor with the famous swings and Burj Khalifa views, go for the setting, not a flawless meal.

A waterside promenade along the Dubai Water Canal in Business Bay, popular with joggers, cyclists, and weekend strollers.

Waterfront retail, dining, and entertainment hub.

World's tallest building with breathtaking views.

Expansive green space with jogging tracks and play areas.

World's largest by area

Visionary landmark showcasing futuristic technologies and ideas.

Dubai's premier horse-racing venue and home of the Dubai World Cup, pairing grandstand racing with hotel-level hospitality.

A designed beachfront with clear water, dining and shops, lovely to look at, with a few house rules.

A trendy beachfront destination with dining, shopping, and leisure activities.

A free, popular public beach with golden sand and Burj Al Arab views.

Dubai's most photogenic mosque, open to non-Muslim visitors through guided tours.

Relaxing public beach with stunning Burj Al Arab views.

Popular for watersports, food trucks, and vibrant atmosphere.

Popular public beach with stunning views and water sports.

Home to thousands of migratory birds, especially flamingos.

Dubai's oldest quarter, a maze of wind-tower houses and courtyards that shows the city before the skyscrapers.

Major retail and leisure destination

A heritage waterfront along Dubai Creek where old-style buildings face modern architecture across the water.

A fragrant maze of spice stalls in old Deira, an atmospheric browse more than a bargain hunt.

Traditional Arabian market with shops and restaurants.

A calm, clean Deira beach with a long walking track, and a rare dog-friendly stretch.

Home to thousands of colorful butterflies in a climate-controlled environment.

World's largest natural flower garden, a stunning visual spectacle.

A clean, modern mall in the middle of Palm Jumeirah, currently branded Palm Jumeirah Mall in visitor reviews.

Massive Chinese trading hub offering diverse products.

A stylish Peruvian restaurant at the Four Seasons, innovative food and a cozy, upscale room, with uneven service.

An elegant DIFC Greek-Mediterranean room, refined food and quiet-luxury ambience, though set menus can underwhelm.

A DIFC benchmark for contemporary Japanese, quiet-luxury ambiance and refined food, with the odd off night.

A romantic overwater restaurant at the end of a Jumeirah pier, the setting is the star and the food mostly follows.

Nobu's beachside Atlantis outpost, a stunning setting and luxury vibe, with food and service that divide.