Hidden Dubai: Beyond the Burj Khalifa

With its stunningly luxurious hotels, world class shopping centres and endless entertainment, there’s no doubt that Dubai is one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world. And while many visitors will be shooting straight up to the top of the Burj Khalifa and gazing longing at the Burj Al Arab hotel, there are a host of attractions which are a little more off the beaten track which you can enjoy.

When you head to Dubai, you may enlist the help of a company like myconcierge.com or you may well choose to navigate around on your own. Whichever is your preference, here are some of Dubai’s top alternative attractions.

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Al Serkal Avenue

If Dubai has an alternative destination for hipsters, this is definitely it! The industrial warehouse site is home to a number of fantastic arts and culture centres. When you are done touring the galleries, grab a coffee in the A4 Space community destination, which also houses a library, screening room and a number of pop up stores. Alternatively, you can even engage in a couple of workshops to improve your artistry or dancing skills.

The Coffee Museum Dubai

In the heart of the beautifully attractive Al Fahidi Historical District is The Coffee Museum. This is basically a cafe, shop and cultural experience in one convenient location. If you are a coffee lover, this place will be a paradise for you. Enjoy a cup of the good stuff served in the traditional way while you learn all about its origins.

There are plenty of antiques available to buy if you are planning to recreate the experience at home. You can even buy books explaining some home roasting techniques.

Al Qudra Lakes

This series of manmade lakes in the middle of the desert may seem like a mirage, but they are in fact home to over 130 species of birds. When the sun is not too extreme, they are the perfect place for a picnic while overlooking the water. Sunset is a great time to venture over here when you can watch the light bouncing off the lakes and creating a colourful show.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Imagine a place with clean white beaches, plenty of shade and air conditioned chalets to rent. You have just imagined Al Mamzar Beach Park! This is a beautiful spot to kick back and watch the world go by. If you prefer a little more adventure on your holiday, there is a nearby water park to enjoy as well.

Majlis Ghorfat, Umm Al Sheif

This is a great place to learn about Dubai’s fascinating history. It also served as Sheikh Rashid’s summer retreat back in the 1950s. It’s a gorgeous, traditional place to sit back and relax in the surrounds of culture.

You should also take a stroll around the Arabian garden which also features date palms and old irrigation channels. A must visit for anyone who really want to delve a little deeper during their time in Dubai.

Andy Higgs
Andy Higgs

I know what it's like to go from being a crazy backpacker without a care in the world, via being a vaguely sensible parent to being an adventurer once more. In other words, evolving into a Grown-up Traveller.

Like everyone else, I love to travel, have visited a lot of countries and all that but my big thing is Africa.

I also own and run The Grown-up Travel Company as a travel designer creating personalised African itineraries for experienced adventurers

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