Login
Sights & Attractions
24 hours in Downtown Dubai
Wed, August 14, 2024
Enjoy an action-packed day in Dubai's 'centre of now' and discover incredible restaurants, attractions, spas, shows and much more.
Enjoy an action-packed day in Dubai's 'centre of now' and discover incredible restaurants, attractions, spas, shows and much more.
8am: Breakfast at Karak House
Start your day at this charming, Emirati-owned restaurant in Downtown Dubai, which provides the perfect people-watching perch as well as Burj Khalifa views on the neighbourhood's main boulevard. Known for its spiced, traditional teas – we recommend the saffron chai – it also serves up delicious waffles, granola and pancakes, making sure you're kept fuelled for the day. The house 'karak breakfast' is always a popular choice with eggs, zaatar labneh, hummus harissa, mushrooms, toasted bread and more.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 8am to 12am daily
Contact: +971 4 551 6852
10am: Discover top entertainment at Dubai Mall
Much more than just a shopping destination, the whole family will find plenty of fun things to do at the impressive Dubai Mall. Find out about sea creatures at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, let little ones learn and play at KidZania and go skating at Dubai Ice Rink. Plus you'll find both high street favourites and top designer brands if you're looking for retail therapy.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 10am to 12am (Monday to Thursday), 10am to 1am (Friday to Sunday)
Contact: +971 800 DUBAI MALL (+971 38224 6255)
1pm: Tuck into lunch at Time Out Market Dubai
Homegrown talent is on display at the popular culinary spot Time Out Market Dubai. Grab a table and then mix and match plates from 17 diverse eateries, including Pitfire Pizza's truffle slices, Lana Lusa's delicious Portuguese dishes, Long Teng's Chinese delights and Reif Kushiyaki's legendary sandos. Just don't forget to finish on a sweet note with ice cream from Scoopi.
Essential info:
Opening hours: The venue opens at 12pm (Monday to Friday) and 10am (Saturday and Sunday), and closes at 12am (Sunday to Thursday) and 1am (Friday and Saturday)
Contact: +971 54 375 2421
2:30pm: Walk on the edge at Sky Views Dubai
Adventure-seekers can be whisked up to the 53rd floor at Sky Views Dubai for sky-high experiences. Glide down one level in a transparent tunnel on the Glass Side, enjoy spectacular vistas from the Observatory and grab a coffee with a view before taking on the ultimate thrill – the Edge Walk. Put on your harness on and head onto the attraction in Downtown Dubai's outdoor platform, where you can walk around and dangle off the skyscraper's highest level.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Contact: +971 800 288 43867
4pm: Get pampered at The Spa in Palace Downtown
The Arabesque opulence of The Spa at Palace Downtown makes it a popular choice among visitors and locals alike. Choose from a range of incredible treatments, such as a detoxifying full-body wrap, a Berber ancestral hammam or a Thai fusion massage. Afterwards, relax with a cup of tea by the poolside, taking in the serene Burj Lake scene.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 9pm daily
Contact: +971 4 428 7805
6pm: Be amazed by The Dubai Fountain
Keep your camera ready, as you'll want to capture the beautifully-choreographed dancing water jets of The Dubai Fountain. Spanning the size of two football fields, the show takes place every 30 minutes, with Burj Khalifa as an impressive backdrop. It's best to arrive at sunset so you can watch the sky transform from dusky pink to starry black. If you're looking for the very best views, book the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride which takes you even closer to the action.
Essential info:
Opening hours: The fountain show takes place every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm daily
Contact: +971 4 362 7500
6:30pm: Devour dinner at Jun's
Grab a pre-theatre bite at celebrity chef Kelvin Cheung's eatery, which has been making waves thanks to its blend of cuisines. Expect Far Eastern, Indian and North American influences alongside comforting, nostalgic plates. Book the best table in the house – the chef's counter – to get a ring-side seat for the theatrical preparation, as well as the opportunity to interact with the culinary sensation himself.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 2am daily
Contact: +971 4 457 6035
8pm: Take in a show at Dubai Opera
Expect it all, from operas and ballets to musicals and standup comedy by global names and famous companies. Dubai Opera is not just an awe-inspiring venue but a draw for the world's top talent, so see what's on the calendar for your next visit. It's always a good idea to watch a show at this leading performing arts destination, but make sure you book in advance as seats sell out fast.
Essential info:
Opening hours: From 10am to late night daily
Contact: +971 4 440 8888
10:30pm: Admire stunning views At The Top
Book the last slot of the night so you can see the twinkling lights of Downtown Dubai from the tallest building in the world. Burj Khalifa's observation deck, with floor-to-ceiling windows, is located 555m above ground and gives guests 360-degree vistas. The must-try experience also offers a fascinating insight into how the record-breaking structure was built, thanks to immersive multimedia displays.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 8am to 12am daily
Contact: +971 4 888 8124
11:30pm: Find new vibes at CÉ LA VI
Night owls looking to enjoy their evening at Downtown Dubai should explore one of the area's many rooftop lounges. Open until late, lounges offer food and refreshments with an upbeat atmosphere and stunning views as part of the package. CÉ LA VI at Address Sky View is a popular hotspot, as is Luna Dubai at Dubai International Financial Centre and Neos at Address Downtown.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 3am (Sunday to Friday), 12:30pm to 3am (Saturday)
Contact: +971 4 582 6111
CE LA VI
Food & Drink
- Tower 2 - Level 54, Address Sky View Hotel - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Dubai
12am: Tuck yourself in at Address Fountain Views
There are plenty of options to stay in Downtown Dubai, from five-star suites at Address Fountain Views and Sofitel Dubai Downtown to Vida Downtown, The Dubai EDITION and Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai. There's something to suit all budgets – just plan in advance and remember to look out for hotel deals and offers. One thing's for certain: wherever you check-in, you'll be within walking distance of some of the city's most special sights.
Essential info:
Opening hours: Address Fountain Views is open 24/7
Contact: +971 4 245 8888
Do you like it? Share it
