10 Best Things to Do in Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina is a walk you can not miss, especially at night. When the sun goes down, the lights and colors are reflected in the canal, giving it a magical air.
Buildings in Dubai | ©Timo Volz
South of Dubai, you will see the amazing Dubai Marina area, one of the must-see sights during a trip to Dubai. There are restaurants, beaches, the Dubai Marina Mall and residential buildings such as Al Majara, among many other things.
In addition, you can see the 3.5 kilometers of an artificial water channel that is connected to the sea at both ends. It is a very popular place for residents and tourists, as it is ideal for outdoor sports.
1. Take a stroll, practice sports and enjoy the views
The Dubai Marina neighborhood, one of the neighborhoods of Dubai that you have to know, was founded in 2000 with the purpose of being the largest artificial port in the world. The construction company in charge of raising the entire structure was Emaar, building skyscrapers, hotels, parks, restaurants and fountains to give visitors breathtaking panoramic views.
In this area you can enjoy a quiet pedestrian promenade called Promenade, surrounding the entire waterfront. It is in this area where you can practice sports such as jogging or skating.
This is where most foreigners working in the city are concentrated, so it has a different atmosphere than what you will see in the rest of Dubai. In my opinion, the best time to go for a walk in the Dubai Marina is at night, when a cool breeze blows, and if you take the ride aboard a yacht with dinner included, the plan will be unbeatable.
2. Do your shopping at the Dubai Marina Mall
This is one of the famous malls you can visit when you are in Dubai Marina, and it will start to surprise you as soon as you are in the vicinity. Its main entrance is located next to Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite the streetcar stop.
This mall has more than 130 stores of well-known brands (some high-end and others more affordable) where you can get the best brands in shoes and clothing for ladies and gentlemen.
This mall is especially suitable for a family stroll. You have the opportunity to do your shopping accompanied by your children in stores of recognized brands, where you will find a great variety of articles and clothes for the little ones.
Enjoy gastronomy by day and night
There are different ways to enjoy the Dubai Marina Mall and one of them is to stroll around the mall and visit stores, cafes and restaurants offering everything from gourmet burgers to Italian food. Also, one of the best things to do in this area is to eat in front of the sea or, if you need to do some shopping, visit the Waitrose supermarket.
On the other hand, some Dubai tours stop at the marina to highlight its precincts and buildings, while others allow time for strolling and shopping. The Dubai Marina Mall is also on the sightseeing list for Arabian cruisers on dhows, yachts and motorboats, and many of the night tours include the mall to take pictures of the city 's light-filled skyline.
3. Enjoy the most beautiful and crowded beach in Dubai
The Beach is the most beautiful beach in all of Dubai and one of the busiest. Around it you can admire the towering residential buildings, such as Jumeirah Beach, the Hilton Hotel and the amazing Cayan Tower.
You can also see one of the most famous artificial islands of the city, the Jumeirah Palm, where the Atlantis Hotel is located. The hotels that are around it have a good part of the beach reserved exclusively for them, but there are also public areas, so it is possible to access them. In any case, the private area of the beach can cost between 12 and 26 €, as the price varies depending on the rental of sun loungers, umbrellas and towels.
The public area, although well sheltered and maintained, does not allow the use of umbrellas. So if you go in, don't forget your sunscreen and hats to protect you from the strong sun.
Ah! And this beach is free of pollution due to the hard work of The Beach workers who are constantly cleaning it.
4. Enjoy the view from The Observatory Bar's observation deck.
If you visit the Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites you will find the amazing bar observation deck called The observatory on the 52nd floor. Through this observation deck, you will be able to appreciate a spectacular view of the Jumeirah Palm and the Dubai Marina district. This is a great option to spend your last night in Dubai and say goodbye to all its beauty and splendor.
Watching the sunset through the windows of the viewpoint of this bar is an experience that I recommend. The menu offered by this bar specializes in grilled dishes. To enter the hotel bar you need to make a reservation at the front desk.
5. Sail along the coast of Dubai
Dive into luxury aboard a private yacht on this Dubai Marina tour where you can sail with the help of an expert guide who will give you all the information you need to get to know the place aboard a private yacht for up to 10 people.
The most exciting thing about this tour is that it makes a small stop in a lagoon where you can swim freely. Inside the boat you have access to snacks such as water and other beverages for free. In addition, you are allowed to bring your own beverage.
The tour has a cost of approximately 52 € and in the private boat they provide you with life jackets and towels in case you go swimming. It is a very complete tour, which lasts 2 hours and, if you have the opportunity, it is well worth it.
Tour the coastline of the Dubai Marina by boat
If you are more daring and adventurous, then this type of tour is for you. Here you have the opportunity to sail offshore in a speedboat.
This tour will take you to the Jumeirah Palm and you will pass near the Atlantis Hotel on the way back, pausing for a short break to get a closer look. The route of this motorboat follows the Burj Al Arab and ends at the Dubai Marina. The price is approximately €43 per person and the tour can last from 60 to 90 minutes.
On this tour, you can not only see the breathtaking sea up close, but also the most beautiful landscapes and hotels. Once you return to the Marina you can enjoy a delicious meal in one of its restaurants.
Enjoy a luxury cruise
You can enjoy a cruise aboard a Dubai Marina cruise that admits a private group of up to 10 people. On these cruises you can sunbathe, there is a lounge area, a comfortable indoor lounge, a kitchen and bathroom. A cruise tour can cost around 44 €.
On the tour it is valid to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the open water. During the day tour you can have the best panoramic views of Dubai's skyline and make stops for swimming.
If you choose a night tour, you can feel even more amazed with the view of the city and the skyscrapers full of lights.
See the sights from the sea
You can opt for something cheaper than a yacht or cruise, but where you can enjoy similar panoramic views. The cost is approximately 30 €. The boats are designed to maneuver quickly, so for the duration of the tour, sail offshore with the breeze in your face and see places like:
- Atlantis Hotel.
- The Jumeirah Palm.
- Burj Al Arab.
- Several royal palaces.
- The lagoon of Dubai.
6. Marvel at the architecture of the Cayan Tower.
The streets of the Dubai Marina are surrounded by huge buildings that attract attention. But among them all, the one that stands out the most is the Cayan Tower building. This is a skyscraper that was completed in 2013, has 73 floors and measures 306 meters high, has a rotation of 80% that is, it has a spiral shape.
Each floor was meticulously designed to provide it with a rotation of 1.2 degrees with respect to the previous floor. This achieves a unique architectural piece in the world. One of its curiosities is that the titanium-colored metal panels protect the rooms from direct sunlight.
7. Visit the marina of the Dubai Marina
The marina in the Dubai Marina neighborhood is free to access and you have the opportunity to practice any sport, such as riding a Jet Skiand taking a fun ride on the beach. For this, you need to carry your ID card and be over 16 years of age. Otherwise, you are not allowed to use any of the available Jet Skis. The cost of a Jet Ski can vary depending on the time you want to pay for using it, although the minimum rate that lasts 30 minutes is approximately 89 €.
This is a great plan for the whole family as you don't need any previous knowledge to use it and enjoy it to the fullest.
8. Get your adrenaline pumping on the XLine Marina zip line
If you want to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai and, at the same time, get an adrenaline rush, the XLine Marina zip line is your best option. This activity is suitable for thrill-seekers, but you can enjoy it with friends or family, as you will receive instructions and safety instructions from professional experts.
Also, if you book a ticket for the XLine Marina zip line, you will not only live an exciting adventure, but you can also take spectacular photos from the heights of the breathtaking cityscape offered by the Dubai Marina.
The experience includes all safety equipment, a locker to leave small objects and video and photo images of your jump! Definitely an experience not to be missed.
9. Ride the monorail to reach the Jumeirah Palm Tree
Another of the most recommended visits you can make in the Dubai Marina is the Jumeirah Palm, an artificial island that is possible to see from above to appreciate its palm tree shape.
One of the most famous points of the island is the Atlantis Hotel, which was built on top and is accessible by car or with a ride on the Palm Monorail, which runs along the trunk of the palm tree along its entire length.
To get to the monorail you must take the **red metro line ** to the Dubai Marina station, from there it connects directly with the Dubai Tram. Then you must get off at stop number 9. When you get off, you have to go up to the footbridge to cross to Sufouh Road, and from there go straight through the covered elevated tunnel to reach a parking lot and follow the signs that say "Monorail". Once through the entire parking lot, you arrive at the entrance to the Palm Monorail.
Monorail ticket prices are:
- One way: 4,80 € (children under 2 years old travel free).
- Round trip: 7,20 €.
- The price may vary depending on the date
Another attraction of the Jumeirah Palm is the Atlantis Aquaventure, a water park built next to the Atlantis Hotel. Numerous villas priced in the billions of euros have been built in the leaves of this palm tree and each has a street access and its own private beach.
10. Use public transportation to get to the Dubai Marina
Become a true Dubaiite by using public transportation to get to the Dubai Marina. An easy way to get there is to take the red metro line to DMCC station. This line is the one that travels through the most important destinations in the city so it is also one of the best ways to get around Dubai. Each stop has a name, so it will be easy for you to walk on it. The important stops that the red line makes are at:
- Dubai International Airport terminals.
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Marina
- Ibn Battuta Mall
Another option is the streetcar, which makes a stop at Dubai Marina station. Buses also have a stop called Marina Promenade. If you are driving from downtown Dubai, you should follow Sheikh Zayed Road and take the tunnel after exit 32.
The last option (the most comfortable in my opinion), is to book a seat on the Big Bus that runs all over Dubai. They run every 20 minutes and give guided tours throughout the city. Learn more about the best tourist buses in Dubai.
Without a doubt, this city can surprise you since you will find something impressive in every corner.