Your 12-hour Downtown Dubai-trotting guide
10am to 11am – Explore The Souk
Begin the day by taking a stroll through The Souk in The Dubai Mall, a section of the mall that’s styled after the country’s Arabian heritage. Look out for traditional Emirati handicrafts and clothing here. There’s also a real fossil of a 155-million-year-old Diplodocus longus dinosaur – he’s called Dubai Dino!
11am to 1pm – Beat the heat in Dubai Ice Rink
Head for Dubai Ice Rink to get your adrenaline pumping with some quick-paced ice skating sessions. Be sure to also check out the IceBykes, a fun combination of a bicycle and ice-skates – you won’t find them anywhere else in the UAE!
1pm to 2pm – Re-energise at Burj Plaza
Make for Burj Plaza, where you’ll find a variety of charming restaurants with a great view of the Burj Lake – try out Pizza Naples or Social House if you’re unsure where to go. The plaza is accessible from the Star Atrium at UG Level in The Dubai Mall.
2pm to 4pm – Visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Walk off your meal by wandering through the underwater tunnel at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – don’t forget to stop by and visit Kind Croc, the five-metre, 750 kg saltwater crocodile! For more details, visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com
4pm to 6pm – Take a tour of Dubai Opera
Explore the incredible architecture behind the iconic performing arts centre – you can book a guided tour through the building and step into the exclusive suites and backstage area. Did you know the seats can be moved to give the hall three different configurations? It can be transformed from a theatre into a concert hall or even a completely flat banquet hall.
For more details, visit www.dubaiopera.com/dubai-opera-tour
6pm to 8pm – Sip tea while you gaze over the city
Visit The Lounge in Burj Khalifa, 585 metres over the ground with spectacular views of the city. Spread over levels 152, 153 and 154, there’s an outdoor terrace too. Visit https://tickets.atthetop.ae and explore.
8pm to 9pm – Head for Souk Al Bahar
Drain all the adrenaline of the last few hours by visiting the quaint marketplace. You’ll find art galleries filled with traditional paintings, carpet stores with hand-woven rugs, and shops selling authentic Arabian nuts and dates.
9pm to 10pm – Watch water dance to music
Wrap up your day by taking in an incredible performance of water, light and music at The Dubai Fountain – the courtyard is accessible from Souk Al Bahar and is truly a sight to behold!
