Vote for song
Merge 104.8 | 28 October 2026
If you’ve visited Dubai before, you’ve probably seen the Burj Khalifa, explored The Dubai Mall, enjoyed the beaches and revisited favourite restaurants. But beyond the familiar attractions, the city’s creative neighbourhoods, cultural districts and home-grown dining spots offer plenty of reasons to explore again.
Here are five ways to experience a different side of Dubai on your next visit.
1. Spend a day in Old Dubai
Start in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, wandering its narrow lanes, wind towers and courtyards before stopping at Arabian Tea House for an Emirati breakfast or lunch featuring balaleet, warm breads, Arabic coffee and sharing plates.
Continue to Al Shindagha Museum, where historic houses explore Emirati heritage, traditional crafts, perfume, jewellery and life along the Creek. Depending on the day, you can also try activities such as pottery, perfume blending, Arabic calligraphy and traditional cooking demonstrations. Check the museum calendar or @alshindaghamuseum before visiting, as programmes vary.
Finish with an abra ride across Dubai Creek to Deira and a stroll through the Gold Souk, where you can browse everything from everyday jewellery to custom designs.
2. Eat your way through Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz is known for its galleries and creative spaces, but its food scene is another reason to visit.
Begin at BKRY for speciality coffee, freshly baked bread and experimental pastries. Check for workshops and masterclasses if you’re interested in the craft.
Art lovers can visit Ayyam Gallery, showing Allusive Veil, the first UAE solo exhibition by Bahraini artist Hisham Sharif, until 30 October 2026. Otherwise, simply wander into whichever galleries catch your eye.
For lunch, head to Kokoro for Japanese hand rolls prepared across the counter. Alternatively, try Window, a small, walk-in-only restaurant centred on live-fire cooking, with flame-grilled dishes and charred vegetables.
Round off the visit at Cinema Akil, which screens independent regional and international films, alongside special festivals and family-friendly Cinemini screenings.
3. Plan an evening around a great meal
Beyond Dubai’s big international restaurant names, some of its most memorable dining experiences celebrate the city’s multicultural character.
At Orfali Bros, the brothers’ Aleppine heritage meets Dubai’s diverse food scene in inventive interpretations of regional flavours. For a more immersive experience, Trèsind Studio reimagines Indian cuisine through a contemporary tasting menu.
You could also seek out a smaller home-grown restaurant, chef-led concept or neighbourhood favourite. Sometimes, the most rewarding dining experiences are found beyond the names everyone already knows.
4. Turn a desert drive into a late-night coffee run
Head towards Al Marmoom, where the city lights give way to open desert and a quieter atmosphere.
Instead of booking a full desert excursion, make the drive itself the experience. Leave later in the day, put on a playlist and stop for coffee as the skyline fades behind you.
Fynd Café in Al Marmoom is a good stop for coffee and matcha. For a more traditional experience, seek out Arabic coffee, Emirati food or a spot for stargazing.
Sometimes, good coffee, company and a change of scenery are all you need.
5. Spend an afternoon exploring Jumeirah
Swap the mall for Jumeirah and Al Wasl, where independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants sit among villas and smaller retail developments.
For shopping, visit Effa Fashion at Town Centre Jumeirah for contemporary abayas and occasionwear.
Then let your appetite guide you. Try The Good Moon on Al Wasl Road, explore TANSŌ, a Japanese dining concept inside a Jumeirah villa, or head to Amaru at Souk Madinat Jumeirah for Latin American flavours and fire-led cooking.
Finish at Milk at Wasl 51 for coffee, cakes and cookies.
