Dubai is a city that has a lot of adjectives. Luxurious, cosmopolitan, ultra-modern, trendsetter, and futuristic are a few of them. While you will find numerous neighborhoods and areas that exude glamor and opulence, Downtown Dubai stands apart from all others. Located at the heart of Dubai, the bustling and sophisticated Downtown Dubai is literally the pulse of the city. There are plenty of things to see and do here, right from sightseeing to shopping. In fact, your trip to Dubai will not be complete if you do not visit Downtown Dubai. Here we talk about all the interesting things you can do in Downtown Dubai.
Why Visit Downtown Dubai?
Before we get into the places to visit and things to do in Downtown Dubai, here are some of the reasons why you should visit this place.
- Downtown Dubai is home to swanky buildings, some of which include iconic buildings and world-renowned attractions.
- There are two metro stations in Downtown Dubai, making it easier to travel to places from different parts of the city.
- Downtown Dubai has numerous avenues for indulging in luxury shopping and dining as well.
- The place is brimming with luxurious, entertaining, and cultural avenues and activities.
- There is something for everyone in Downtown Dubai, be it solo travelers, couples on a romantic holiday, and families visiting with children.
Best Things to do in Downtown Dubai
Discover the World’s Tallest Building
When it comes to Downtown Dubai, there is one building that no one can ignore: The Burj Khalifa. At the height of 828 meters, this is the tallest building in the whole world and a structure you can see from anywhere in the city. Most tourists head to the observation decks: At the Top (124th and 125th floors) or At the Top, Sky (148th floor) to enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the city. Burj Khalifa is a popular part of Dubai packages. There is also a lounge on floors 152 to 154 where you can enjoy drinks and snacks along with the view. Burj Khalifa also has fine dining restaurants that serve delicious food while giving you the chance to enjoy the interior of the building.
Explore the Largest Mall in the UAE
Right next to the Burj Khalifa is Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world. Spanning an area of 1 million square meters, the Dubai Mall is a shopping mall, entertainment avenue, art museum, dining hub, and so much more. Those interested in shopping would be spoilt as the mall has more than 1200 stores that sell everything from fashion to home decor. One of the most unique attractions here is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which is home to more than 30,000 marine animals. KidZania Dubai, Dubai Ice Rink, DXB Dubai Mall (a virtual reality gaming zone), etc., are some of the other attractions worth visiting.
Witness the Mesmerizing Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain Show is the next big thing that you should not miss when visiting Downtown Dubai. Right outside the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa is the Burj Lake, the largest manmade lake in the world. Every evening, the lake performs the most beautiful fountain show complete with high water jets and colorful flights all synchronized to the rhythm of soulful music. The water jets shooting up to 500 feet along with thousands of lights and numerous colored projectors make the entire thing captivating. Moreover, it is one of the few free things to do in Dubai. If you want to watch the show closely, you can book a boat ride on Burj Lake. The Dubai Fountain Show lasts for 3-5 minutes, every 30 minutes.
Enjoy a Relaxing Evening at Burj Park
If you are looking for a leisure spot where you can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown Dubai, Burj Park is the one for you. It is located close to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, looking over Burj Lake. This also makes it a great place to enjoy the view of the Dubai Fountain Show. In fact, here you will find a Boardwalk, a floating promanade, from where you can watch the fountain show closely. Apart from this, Burj Park is a great place to enjoy cycling while checking out the nearby sights. You will find cycles for rent here. Burj Park is also a place that turns into a venue for a lot of events, including markets and exhibits, especially during the Dubai Shopping Festival and the holidays.
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Featured Watch a Show at the Dubai Opera
Downtown Dubai is not just about flashy buildings and malls. Rather, it is also a cultural hub; the presence of the Dubai Opera House adds to its cultural identity. Located close to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, the design of the Dubai Opera is inspired from the shape of the Arabian dhow. The space inside is large and can hold 2000 spectators at a time. What makes Dubai Opera House special is that it is a multi-usage space. Dubai Opera hosts theatrical productions, musical concerts, dance performances, fashion galas, art exhibitions, banquets, and more. Apart from watching a show, you can also book a tour of the Dubai Opera House, where you get to explore the place along with a guide and check out the “behind-the-scenes” during the show.
Shop and Dine at Souk Al Bahar
Another popular attraction close to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall is Souk Al Bahar. The literal translation of the name is “Sailor’s Market.” Souk Al Bahar is a beautiful blend of the traditional souk or market and the modern shopping mall. The aesthetics of the place brings together traditional Arabian design and modern elements, adding to its elegance and sophistication. Shopping at Souk Al Bahar is a delight, as you get to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, and the latest fashion as well. The souk also has specialty and luxury stores or boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and more. Souk Al Bahar is also home to amazing restaurants, quaint cafes, decadent dessert spots, and even Shisha lounges. Some of the restaurants are located near Burj Lake, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the fountain show while relishing a delectable meal.
Indulge in Adventure at Sky Views Dubai
If you are in the mood for some thrill, Sky Views Dubai is a place you should not miss. It is an observation deck located on the 52nd and 53rd floors of the Address Sky View Hotel. The observation deck gives you an incredible view of the entire city. However, Sky Views Dubai is not merely an observatory. Rather, there are some thrilling activities attached to this observation deck. One of the most fascinating things about Sky Views Dubai is the 25 meters long glass floor bridge located 219.5 meters above the ground that connects the twin towers of the hotel. Then there is the Sky Slide, which is a glass slide that lets you slide from the 53rd floor to the 52nd floor, while looking at the view. But the most challenging and adventurous is the Edge Walk. Here you get to walk on the edge of the tower with no barrier other than a harness that protects you. It is definitely one of the most heart pounding activities you can enjoy in Dubai.
Conclusion
Downtown Dubai is a vibrant and happening place with a lot of interesting things happening. So, do take time from your itinerary and enjoy everything that the place has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
