Hidden gems in Dubai
Skip the tourist circuit. These Dubai spots are the ones locals actually send their out-of-town friends to.
Top spots in Dubai
Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain
CultureDowntown
World's tallest tower with At the Top deck and choreographed lake show.
Al Fahidi Historical District
CultureBur Dubai
Wind-tower lanes, courtyard cafés and the Dubai Museum.
Jumeirah Beach & La Mer
OutdoorsJumeirah
White-sand promenade with kite surfers and Burj Al Arab views.
Desert Safari (Dune Bashing)
OutdoorsDubai Desert Conservation Reserve
4x4 over red dunes, falconry, camels and Bedouin dinner under the stars.
Gold & Spice Souks
CultureDeira
Abra across the creek to alleys of saffron, frankincense and 22-karat trays.
Where to eat
Al Ustad Special Kebab
$Iranian · Bur Dubai
Polaroid-walled 1978 institution — order the special chelo kebab.
Ravi Restaurant
$Pakistani · Satwa
24-hour curry house — late-night nihari and butter chicken legend.
Pierchic
$$$$Seafood · Madinat Jumeirah
Over-water pavilion with Burj Al Arab framed in the window.
3Fils
$$$Asian-fusion · Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
No-reservations Michelin-Bib waterfront — book the bar, order everything.
Frequently asked
- Locals' under-the-radar picks include Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical District, Jumeirah Beach & La Mer. These are the places that don't show up on the first page of mainstream travel guides.