What Makes Downtown Dubai So Special?

Dubai Weekly Team

When you plan your trip to the golden city of Dubai, most people have a few popular destinations in mind. You will think of Burj Khalifa, Opera or Dubai Mall. Well, all these places are in downtown Dubai. Also, called the heart of the city, this place is a major attraction for tourists. The most tempting pitch about the place is that it combines old and new Arab traditions and infrastructures. It is a 2km area filled with tourist destinations, popular landmarks, and high-end architectural infrastructures. This is a place where Dubai luxury gets its true meaning.  

Old Town And New Downtown Dubai

There are two downtown areas in Dubai. Old and new. They both differ in style, architecture and location. 

Despite the name, Old Town is not some historic place but a modern Dubai area with a traditional Arab aesthetic. It has buildings, and souk-like shops and is a quiet part of downtown. 

The new downtown is more of a modern and futuristic designed area. It has high-end buildings and famous landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. 

Some Famous Attractions in Downtown Dubai

Here are some famous and known places in downtown

1. Burj Khalifa:

Who doesn’t know the building? People come from all over the world to get to the top and take selfies. This infrastructure is 828 meters. You can see the whole city from the decks. People can access the 124th, 125th and 148th decks for this.

2. The Dubai Mall:

It is not only Dubai but one of the world’s largest malls. The proof is those more than 1200 stores of local and international brands. The ice rink, an aquarium and a VR theme park are major entertainment attractions in this mall. 

3. Dubai Fountain:

It is a very fascinating place. The dancing waters and colourful lights create a mesmerizing scene. One ticket for this breathtaking water show costs Approx 66 AED Per person but the money is worth it. 

In the water Fountain, the water dances to different tunes, from classical to modern. The melody keeps you hooked till the very last tune. This show runs daily and the place is easily accessible via metro, bus or private vehicle. 

4. Dubai Opera:

Dubai Opera is a beautiful and well-designed architectural building. It has a capacity of 2000 people. The exterior is jaw-dropping and the interior is sophisticated and elegant. The halls, sound and lightning make your experience unforgettable. It is a multi-format venue that caters to concerts, operas, and cultural events.

The musical performances keep the audience entertained from start to beginning. The halls are well seated and you get a full stage view from any seat. Come here to enjoy opera, ballet, musical performances or cultural shows. One ticket cost approx 99 AED but the experience is totally lit. So book your ticket and dress up well because although the place doesn’t follow a strict dress code, they don’t allow casual footwear and shorts.

5. Souk Al Bahar:

This is a mall filled with Arabian treasures. The place is an extension to Dubai Mall and just a few minutes walk away from Burj khalifa. Here you will find a food area and a traditional arab shopping destination. Don’t get fooled with a name. The place is not as cheap as souk markets.

How to Reach Downtown

This place is in the centre of the city and is 15 15-minute drive away from Dubai International Airport. You can reach here by Metro, Bus or Car. If you are taking the metro, pick the route of the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. Use the air-conditioned pedestrian walkway to reach Downtown. If you are coming by bus, the F 13 feeder bus connects directly to the Dubai Mall and if you have your private vehicle, there is a spacious parking lot. For tourists, a taxi service is also available. 

How Much Budget Do You Need?

Well, quite a lot.

Dubai Mall has free entry but shopping and food will cost you money. Similarly, the fountain show has a ticket and for Burj Khalifa, your ticket for the observation deck can range from 169 to 600 AED depending on the deck and timing of your visit.  

A night stay at some low-budget hotels will cost you between 200-400 AED per night. Whereas in upgraded options, it can go up to 1000 AED. In Luxury hotels the cost of accommodation per night can be more than 1500 AED. 

For food, street food costs 20 AED per person and fine dining can cost 300 AED per person.  

Tips for Visiting Downtown Dubai

As the place is a hot spot for tourists

  • Login to all the related websites and make sure to book your tickets in advance. 
  • Try visiting early in the morning or late in the evening. This way you can explore the place in peace and avoid crowds.
  • Dubai is hot in summer and it’s nearly impossible to stay outside for long. So come between March and November. A perfect time to visit!
  • Make sure, you don’t offend the local customs with inappropriate dressing. Modest dressing is recommended and liked in the area. 
  • If you are coming here for shopping, come in January and February when you can get discounts during Dubai Shopping Festivals.

What to Do and Not to Do in Downtown?

Visit places.

  • Eat fine food. Rooftop restaurants with Burj Khalifa views are simply awesome!
  • Pamper yourself and spend some bucks on luxury shopping. 
  • Explore Arabian goods in Souk al Bahar. 
  • Take a walk along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. 
  • Attend events at Dubai Opera.
  • Check out exhibitions at The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue.

However,

  • Avoid Peak Times like Weekends and evenings. The place can get crowded.
  • Even if major places are nearby, there is a walking distance. Wear comfortable shoes. 
  • Don’t get involved in indecency or immodestly dressing. You can be fined for that. 

The Importance of Place

This place has spiked Dubai tourism in the past few years. It is a hub for tourism, business, and the cultural scene. Millions of people come here every year which is an asset for the economy. The area is a true reflection of Dubai’s vision of luxury and innovation.

Conclusion

Dubai downtown is a very well-known tourist attraction. The place has some famous destinations like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and Opera. You get to experience the magical side of Dubai here. From skies to dancing waters, everything is just perfect. However, do proper planning before visiting the place.

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