11 min
In a giant metropolis like Dubai, we never lack in things to do, but you need a good eye to truly grasp those exceptional destinations. Lucky for you, we're here to save you the trouble! Here is your guide to explore Dubai beyond its iconic landmarks and into the hidden spots that are waiting to be discovered.
Let's delve into the hidden gems of our ever-evolving concrete jungle. Indulge in the epic experiences offered by these venues that are not easily spotted by tourists but are guaranteed to leave you with an amazing memory. The sky is the limit here, from natural reserves to precious cultural hubs, make your pick or have a go at them all!
BKRY Café
BKRY is a bakespace for those seeking artisanal goods and specialty coffee, and ingredients for every product are sourced from different corners of the world. They serve the butteriest croisants and are deeply focused in intricate processes to bring you pastries of the finest quality. The see through kitchen allows diners to visually experience the love, care and effort that goes into BKRY's original creations.
Timing: Daily from 8AM till 10PM
Location: Warehouse 76, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
Contact: (04) 832 4672
Boston Lane Dubai
Inspired by Melbourne's laneway coffee, breakfast and lunch culture, Boston Lane is a humble food and coffee project created and located in Dubai. This cozy spot is more than just a cafe, they display homeware, art and decor that are all available for purchase, it is the perfect spot to dine on a calm afternoon and shop for cute little trinkets.
Timing: Daily from 7:30AM till 7PM
Location: Courtyard 25, 4B St, Al Quoz, Dubai
Contact: 050 627 4799
Chillout Ice Lounge
Escape Dubai's harsh summers at Chillout Ice Lounge, the Middle East's first ice lounge where the guests gets to enjoy a cool icy experience with hot beverages and much more!
Timing: Daily from 10AM till 10PM
Location: Times Square Center, Ground Floor, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
Contact: (04) 341 8121
Cinema Akil
Visit the GCC's first arthouse cinema, Cinema Akil. Displaying films from across the world and showcasing directors and filmmakers across the decades to the audiences in the UAE, it is an independant cinema platform adorned with a beautiful red interior and a cozy spot to enjoy classic movies!
Timing: Varies according to movie timings, closed on Monday
Location: Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 68 17th St, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
Contact: 056 995 1225
Dubai Islands Beach
This public haven in Dubai is the first and only beach in the city where you can soak up the sun with your furry friend. Bring your pup along to splash along in the waters at Dubai Islands Beach and live their ultimate summer life!
Timing: Open 24 hours
Location: Dubai Islands, Dubai
Duomo Dubai
Experience the epitomy of artistic dining at DUOMO. Bringing palatial luxury and timeless Italian sophistication to the heart of Dubai, DUOMO transports its guests into a multi-sensory realm of grandeur, elegance, and delight. Guests can gaze at striking views of the Burj Khalifa, or immerse themselves in an interior inspired by the Piazza Del Duomo in Milan. Diners will be enveloped in an ever-changing artistic display beneath 15 metre vaulted cathedral ceilings. Embodying the sheer theatricality of fine dining, the restaurant provides a stage from which unforgettable sensory voyages will be launched.
Timing: Daily from 7AM till 11 AM & 12:30 PM till 1 AM
Location: The Dubai Edition Hotel, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Contact: (04) 602 3399
Fiker Institute Library
Fiker Institute is a library focused on social issues, international relations and the creative arts based in Dubai. It is the perfect spot for bookworms and for those looking to disconnect with the world and widen their views of the world.
Timing: Tuesday till Sunday from 9AM till 9PM, closed on Monday
Location: Warehouse 88, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
Contact: https://www.fikerinstitute.org/
Flamingo Sanctuary Ras Al Khor
In the wetlands of Dubai, not too far from the city, discover the breathtaking views of thousands of pink flamingoes at the Ras Al Khor Flamingo Sanctuary. Visitors can use several bird hides at the venue to observe the wildlife.
Timing: Saturday - Thursday from 9AM till 4PM, Friday from 2PM till 6PM, Winter hours from 7:30AM till 5PM
Location: Al Jaddaf, Dubai
Flat 12 Cafe
Near the historically rich ports of Dubai, discover this haven for the car enthusiasts of the city! Flat 12 is a speciality coffee shop and cafe dedicated to the love of classic cars. Flat12 started life as a community, with six passionate car-loving brothers helping fellow aficionados to organise drives, car meets, and get-togethers. The folks behind Flat12 also host a popular annual car festival, The Grand Picnic.
Timing: Sunday - Thursday from 8AM till 11PM, Friday & Saturday from 8AM till 12AM
Location: Port Rashid, Shed 3 Marina Cubes Street, Dubai Maritime City, Dubai
Contact: (04) 228 7123
Ivy’s Secret Garden
Ivy's Secret Garden is an enchanting haven for coffee enthusiasts and nature lovers. Offering a lush green dining space and meticulously brewed coffee, this aesthetic spot is perfect to dine, relax, and focus on yourself or in a group. They also offer art, botanical, and wellness workshops—the perfect activity for individuals and groups.
Timing: Monday & Tuesday from 9AM till 6PM, Wednesday till Sunday from 9AM till 9PM
Location: Unit 14, R450, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai
Contact: 055 889 6982
Love Lake
Discover the extraordinary creation nestles in the deserts at Al Qudra, the Love Lake. This breathtaking sight is an artificial lake shaped like a heart, and it is part of the Qudra Lakes. There are trees planted all around and the company of various feathered friends at the lake making this a truly unmissable sight.
Timing: Monday till Saturday from 9AM till 5PM, Sunday from 12:30AM till 5PM
Location: Al Qudra, Dubai
Movie Eats
Experience this one-of-a-kind dining experience in Dubai. Ever wondered what it would be like to delve into those yummy looking treats you see on screen? Well brace yourself because Dubai has brought it to you! Indulge in a delicious Ratatouille or the juicy burgers from "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs" as seen on screen.
Timing: Varies according to movie timings
Location: Towers Rotana, Trade Centre, Dubai
Contact: 052 208 5230
Nette Café Dubai
Enjoy an innovative fusion of French dining with Japanese flavors at Nette Café. Healthy, elegant and refined, this artisitic masterpiece of a venue is on a mission to bring you a seamless and sophisticated blend of French X Japanese culinary and technique.
Timing: Daily from 8AM till 10PM
Location: Matcha Club Al Quoz, Al Quoz, Dubai
Contact: (04) 548 8369
Pioneers Badminton Hub
For all the sport lovers in Dubai, add a fun twist to your routine badminton games and play in the dark at Pioneer's Badminton Hub. This innovative court glows in the dark and adds a different energy and thrill to your next game!
Timing: Daily from 6AM till 12AM
Location: 22nd St, Al Quoz Industrial Area, Dubai
Contact: 055 287 1234
Rascals Deli
Confused where to head to for your next lunch? Discover Rascal's, a fun eatery founded by 3 friends with a dream. If you're looking for your next go to sandwich spot, you just found it. This quaint spot nestled in Jumeirah offers over 15 different types of sandwiches and delicious sips to go along with it.
Timing: Daily from 8:30AM till 10:30PM
Location: Wasl Square, Block 7, Dubai
Contact: (04) 393 7600
Ribambelle Bluewaters
Dining with kids? Head down to Rimbambelle on Bluewaters Island wheres theres a giant funzone complete with a ballpit for the little ones to engage themselves while you indulge in a scrumptious meal! Whether you have kids or you're just an adult who likes to have fun, Rimbambelle is the place for you.
Timing: Daily from 9AM till 10PM
Location: The Wharf, Bluewaters Island, Dubai
Contact: (04) 581 5555
The Farm Restaurant
Dine at the glorious Farm Restaurant in Dubai. Surrounded by luscious greenery and a view that transports you to another world. The flavours of The Farm are inspired from around the world, from Thai and Mediterranean to Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian. From the on-site bakery and variety of dishes created to suit all dietary requirements to the interactive menus, The Farm is a culinary haven in Dubai.
Timing: Daily from 7:30AM till 10:30PM
Location: Al Barari, Dubai
Contact: (04) 886 6223
The Foundry Dubai
For art enthusiasts, Dubai has not forgotten about you! Head to Foundry Dubai, a serene spot decorated with impeccable works of art to admire while you sip on come delicious coffee and brainstorm your next masterpiece.
Timing: Daily from 10AM till 10PM
Location: Boulevard Crescent, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Contact: (04) 367 3696
Villa Aumédan
Discover this instagram haven in Dubai at Villa Aumédan at their new location in Nad Al Sheba. Primarily a flower shop, you can enjoy a sweet of coffee, some bites and plenty of aesthetic pictures for the gram!
Timing: Daily from 7:30AM till 10AM
Location: Street 122 - Nad Al Sheba 4 - Dubai
Contact: (04) 323 0705
World Island Dubai Cote D'Azur Resort
Wait no longer for your next escape. Visit the Cote D'Azur Resort at The World Islands Dubai. Bringing a little elegant piece of Europe to the Middle East, this destination makes for the perfect romantic getaway for couples!
Timing: Open 24 hours
Location: Europe Island, The Heart Of Europe, The World Islands, Dubai
Contact: (04) 818 1481
XVA Art Café
Discover Dubai's "Best Kept Secret", XVA Art Café. An amazing embodiment of art coming to life, this spot is attached to a similarly designed hotel where you can spend night. The café itself boasts some of the best coffee and is one of the best breakfast spots in the city!
Timing: Daily from 7AM till 9PM
Location: Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Contact: (04) 353 5383
17 min
