PLACES TO GO IN DUBAI AT NIGHT (FOR NON-PARTY PEOPLE)
Here you will find out about the best places to visit in Dubai at night. Dubai might be lovely during the day, especially at hotspots like Dubai Fountain and Miracle Garden, where tons of people can be found discovering their beauty. Still, it gets even more exciting and awesome in the evening. Some areas seem to be in a deep sleep and only awaken at night. Dubai at night is surely more fun than Dubai during the day.
After the sun sets in the winter months, and even more so in summer (April-October) when it is too hot to spend the day outside, people get out of their houses/hotels/malls in the evening time – ready to spend a fun night out.
While some beautiful areas are extremely sleepy during the day, they fill with life at night, and things get exciting. Find out about the best places to visit in Dubai at night- no clubbing, just places that are fun for people of all ages.
Disclaimer: Though I visited all these places at night (and totally loved them), I kind of suck at taking night shots most of the time, so while the pictures often do no justice, you can trust my words.
I have written quite some Dubai posts, which you can check out here.
- Find out about my best tips “Where to stay in Dubai – all areas and budgets,”
- Here are my tips on the 50 best things to do in Dubai.
- Check out this Dubai itinerary for 3 days.
- The best tours in Dubai are here.
Downtown Dubai at Night
One of the best places to visit in Dubai at night is Downtown which is home to many world-famous attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain. It is busy during the day but gets crazy in the evening/night.
WHAT TO DO AT DUBAI MALL IN THE EVENING:
There are a couple of attractions in and around Dubai Mall you can visit. The Dubai Fountain Water Show runs every 30 minutes between 6 pm-11 pm – but it comes with crowds. The number of tourists in front of it can be insane. It is free to watch but each show just lasts a few minutes, so be there on time to not miss it.
- Check out the showtimes here to ensure the times are still correct and you don’t miss out on the show.
Burj Khalifa is even more beautiful in the evening when illuminated or when the LED show takes place in the evening. That indeed was spectacular every time I watched it. However, I could not find a schedule for the LED shows.
Dubai Mall is an attraction in itself. It is open until midnight and it is like a little but very busy town. In the evening, more than during the day, it is stuffed with people dining, shopping, and strolling the biggest mall in the world.
Make sure to walk around the mall and stroll along the streets, as downtown wears its prettiest dress at night (even the trees are illuminated). You can head to one of the many rooftop bars to enjoy breathtaking views of the downtown area.
City Walk At Night
Another place to visit in Dubai in the evening is City Walk. Lovely but sleepy during the day, it is a fun and popular place to see “after dark.”
Whether you visit with children or without (there are some extra activities for kids in the evening), this place is great for enjoying a nice dinner or a quick stroll (the area is not really that big).
The shops are open until 10 pm (on Fridays and Saturdays until Midnight), so it is also a good way to shop your way around Dubai. As in many popular places, it is a lot about lights – and City Walk is no different and walking here at night is a fun activity.
La Mer at Night
Another must-see in Dubai at night is La Mer – one of Dubai’s most popular places for locals and tourists alike. La Mer is located in the Jumeirah area with its own beach and many retail stores, restaurants, and stylish cafes.
While it is also busy during the day, unlike some other hotspots, it is even more beautiful at night. I could spend all day at La Mer without getting bored. There are so many restaurants and cafes that you’ll be sure to find something that suits your cravings.
You´ll have great views of Burj Khalifa from there, which is even prettier at night than it is during the day – and watching the sunset from there is a lovely and romantic way to start the night.
- Check out my quick guide on Dubai – La Mer
- Read more: Things NOT to do in Dubai
Dubai Marina at Night
Dubai Marina was established in 2003 – in Dubai, this is practically old! The artificial marina boasts several skyscrapers and restaurants and is another top place to see in Dubai at night.
Stroll along the three-kilometer-long stretch of the Persian Gulf shoreline, and do not forget to look up – the high buildings in this area are one of a kind! You won’t take too many strolls in the world that will astound you with so many impressive buildings – that are illuminated in the evening!
Some bars have loud music playing, but in general, it is also very child-friendly. The sunset is pretty from here, the walks are easy, and the area is pedestrian-friendly. Enjoy great views from one of the restaurants or go on a dhow cruise in the evening (there are also dhow dinner cruises available).
Madinat Jumeirah at Night
This extremely picturesque place is probably best known for its unique view of the iconic Burj al-Arab hotel – Madinat Jumeirah! With its many walkways, restaurants, and little shops, it is great to visit in the daytime, but it is an even better area to visit in the evening.
Many restaurants, some are part of the luxurious hotels of the Jumeirah group – offer great food (pricey though) with nice views. While it is one of the most romantic places to visit in Dubai at night, it is also gorgeous for anyone who enjoys an evening stroll or dinner in a fine-dining restaurant!
Dubai Desert at Night
One of the things to do at night is to spend an evening in the desert of Dubai (or even at night).
After going on a desert safari (that includes a ride on a 4×4 and normally some wildlife spotting), have a BBQ in the desert (you can even have great veggie options), enjoy a belly dancing show, stay in a “traditional” Arabian camp, and enjoy the sunset and later stargaze.
This is definitely one of the most beautiful memories you will have from your Dubai trip and a great place to spend the evening.
- If you want to find out more about desert safaris and other great tours, check out my post which includes my favorite tours.
JBR Walk – The Beach at Night
JBR Walk and the Beach are trendy during the day – and after sunset.
While most people enjoy going to the beach during the day, you can have an amazing time in the evening, too. Whether you chill at the beach or explore one of the numerous cafes and restaurants, and bars, this place is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who likes popular hotspots with different activities, street art, etc.
The Frame at Night
One of the newer attractions in Dubai is the Frame. After sunset, you will see it illuminated in different colors, even from far.
However, if you head there yourself, you will have the chance to get some stunning views of Burj Khalifa and other places in Dubai. Since the skyline of the city looks just amazing at night, this place is great to visit after spending a day at Zabeel Park.
- The frame is open until 9 pm – tickets are 50 Dirham (about 13 €) and can be bought just at the ticket counter. Ideally, you can there before sunset and enjoy the views while it is still light, watch the sunset here, and then enjoy the skyline of Dubai Downtown from here.
Al Seef at Night
It seems that each month a new area pops up. One of the newest ones is Al Seef. While it is lovely but extremely quiet during the day, it is a popular place amongst locals in the evening.
Located in Deira, many restaurants have opened that are overlooking the Creek, and it is a calmer place to have a drink and end your day here.
While you will find many modern buildings that host restaurants on one side, you will also find other restaurants built in traditional Arabian houses; but don’t let the look fool you. These were built just recently, but they still have a charm that modern buildings do not have.
Take your time while walking the 1.8 kilometers and seeing another, more unique, and lesser-known part of Dubai in the evening.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING THE BEST PLACES AT NIGHT IN DUBAI
- Love taking beautiful pictures? Here are my tips on the most photogenic places in Dubai.
- Visiting Dubai as a solo female traveler? Then check out my tips.
- Here is my 5-day Dubai itinerary – find out how to spend fun 5 days.
I truly love visiting all the places in Dubai at night – and whether you are in Dubai with your family, with your partner, or alone, the places all can be visited with whomever you are.
Just be careful to respect traditions (no public drinking, not getting totally drunk) in Dubai, and you will have a fun time in Dubai and can easily go around in the evening and nighttime in Dubai.