This part of the city has something for every taste, from yacht and skyscraper views and long stretches of beach to chic hotels, beach clubs, and major tourist attractions. Top Spots Dubai shares a tourist’s guide to JBR Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Bluewaters Island.
1. JBR
JBR Hotels
Walk along JBR Walk and discover some impressive hotels with the beach at their doorstep. Le Meridian is a favourite among visitors with a family while The Ritz Carlton offers something luxurious – we recommend checking out their Tamoka Beach Club and restaurant at sunset. Younger travellers tend to opt for the vibey Rixos Premium which is host to several entertainment venues including sports bar Lock Stock and Barrel and beach club, Azure.
JBR Beach
JBR Beach has long been a Dubai icon. There are lots of activities for the entire family to do here beyond tanning and swimming and strolling along the beach path next to the sea. Head to ‘The Beach’ entertainment and retail destination next to the shore. Here you can enjoy a range of activities from shopping to watersports like parasailing and wakeboarding. There’s an inflatable assault course on the sea and beachside spots where you can grab a bite or smoke shisha.
Dine at JBR Beach
Pavilion at The Beach promises year-round dining with indoor and outdoor seating options, sea and Ain Dubai views and a host of eateries to suit every taste. Our favourites are Japanese-Pizza concept Akiba Dori and vibrant Mexican eatery, La Mezcalaria. There are also standalone dining concepts at The Beach like international fast food favourite, Cheesecake Factory. For atmospheric dining and a beach day head to Bla Bla beach club where you can perch by the bar and sip a cocktail or relax on a sunlounger which the DJ keeps energy levels high.
2. Bluewaters Island
Across the pedestrian bridge from JBR is Bluewaters Island. Take a stroll along the Bluewaters Island promenade and explore the island’s retail, restaurants and entertainment areas as well as hotels like Ceasars Palace with its vibey beach club, Cove. Sights include the Ain Dubai observation wheel and Madame Tussauds.
Dining at Bluewaters Island
Dining options are conceptually-driven and range from fine dining to fun and casual spots. Puerto 99 is a Mexican eatery known for its lively weekend brunches while Shi, is an upscale Chinese restaurant headed by chef Li Yuan Hui, who previously worked at Hakkasan. Alici serves up the flavours of the Amalfi-coast with elegant interiors and impressive sea views. Head to Hell’s Kitchen to enjoy some of chef Gordan Ramsay’s signature dishes. Brass Monkey is a popular entertainment venue that features a bowling alley, arcade games, a bar and a restaurant. TR88HOUSE, Bluewaters Island offers action for all the family. The concept combines a trampoline park, a soft play area, laser tag, glow-in-the-dark minigolf as well as somewhere to grab a bite after all the action. Adults will appreciate the rooftop and lounge with impressive views and a licenced bar.
Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island (Temporarily Closed)
Located on Bluewaters Island close to jbr marina, Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye) is the latest addition to Dubai’s ever-growing offering of record-setting attractions. At 250m high Ain Dubai takes the title of the world’s tallest (and largest) observation wheel. Make your way to the top in style and enjoy panoramic views that encompass sea, skyscrapers and Dubai Marina.
Madame Tussauds, Bluewaters Island
Meet the stars or at least their wax counterparts at Madame Tussauds Dubai. Step inside and explore the seven themed rooms which include wax works of 60 international stars and 16 regional ones. Take a selfie with Kylie Jenner or Nancy Ajram! Madame Tussauds is located next to the Ain Dubai observation wheel and within walking distance of the Bluewaters retail, entertainment, and restaurant offerings.
3. Dubai Marina
Marina Walk
Dubai Marina’s skyline has become a global icon with its dynamic architecture, blue waters dotted with yachts and walkways that curve 8km around. Discover it all on foot or by bicycle and get in your workout while snapping those Instagram-worthy shots or charter your own boat. After all that walking there are plenty of affordable eateries located along the Marina Walk like Iran Zamin and Massimo’s. If you’re looking for a fine dining option we recommend Buddha Bar in the Grosvenor House hotel.
Dubai Marina Mall
This popular shopping mall has a cinema and several entertainment options for all the family in addition to its retail options. Once you’ve finished shopping head to the adjoining Pier 7 for dinner. The tower features several dining concepts all with impressive marina views.
Wane by Somiya, The Address Dubai Marina
Perched in the centre of jbr Dubai marina, Wane by Somiya describes itself as an ‘urban jungle’ and caters to a young and energetic crowd. The 45-metre infinity pool is surrounded by loungers, sunbeds, and cabanas with excellent views of the Dubai Marina. The venue serves up a menu of light Mediterranean and Asian fare. The atmosphere is kept energetic by live performers and the DJ.
