Where to Eat, Drink and Shop in Dubai

The Global Holidays Travel TV Presenter, Becky Hayes has just returned from a holiday to Dubai and here she gives us the inside information on where to eat, drink and shop in Dubai.

Dubai is full of amazing restaurants, cool bars and shopping malls galore. As a true Dubai convert  I’ve eaten till I’ve had to unbutton my jeans, drunk till I’ve had to be carried home and shopped till I’ve dropped.

Here are my tips for the best that Dubai has to offer:

Best Bars:

Bar 360 – This circular bar is in the middle of the Arabian Sea and is reached by a walkway that curves around the marina. The views are unrivalled! From here you can see most of the amazing buildings in Dubai, the Burj al Arab, the Burj Kalifa, the Jumeirah Wave hotel and Atlantis on the Palm which all light up at night. They do great cocktails and sheesha and a bonus; you get a nice breeze! Most nights they have international DJ’s on playing funky house.

Koubba – This chilled out cocktail bar is in the Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel. They do a fantastic raspberry martini and they top up your sheesha until you are smoked out. It was great views of the fabulous Burj Hotel and of the rivers that run through the hotel grounds. They often have live bands on too.

Tamanya Terrace – This open rooftop bar is in the Radisson Blu Hotel in the Media City. If you’re after DJ’s, a party vibe and amazing views over Dubai city then this is the place for you. On a Thursday night they have a pink party where ladies get in free and get a free cocktail.

Best Restaurants:

PierChic – If you’re looking to splash out on a romantic meal whilst on holiday then this is the place to do it. Perched on a wooden pier overlooking the Al Qasr Hotel and the Arabian Gulf, you are guaranteed views of the Burj al Arab and the Wave hotel. Softly lit with fantastic seafood,  it has also won Time Out Dubai’s most romantic restaurant award and best seafood restaurant award. You have to try the lobster; it’s out of this world!

Atmosphere – This is the highest restaurant in the world! A must whilst you’re in Dubai. Everybody is talking about this newly opened restaurant at the moment, it’s pricey but worth it. It sits on the 122nd floor of the Burj Kalifa, the world’s tallest building and overlooks the world’s tallest performing fountains.

Shimmers – If you’re looking for a great location without the price tag then this relaxed restaurant on the beach is a definite contender. With a varied menu from pizza to steak, from lobster to calamari you will struggle to choose what to eat! Set at one end of the Mina Al Salam beach, Shimmers is like a deluxe beach shack with wooden floor, heavy furniture, a slatted roof and no walls. And with the Arabian Gulf on one side of you and a perfect view of the Burj on another, it’s an absolutely charming spot.

Best Shopping:

Dubai Mall – The Duba Mall is… yes you guessed it………the largest shopping mall in the world with over 1,200 shops. It comes complete with an aquarium, underwater zoo and an indoor ice rink. From chic designer shops like Dior and Rolex to high street shops like H&M and GAP, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for here! My tip would be to head to Candylicious, a huge sweet shop and try the caramel cashew garret popcorn….you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven!

Karama – If you’re after cheap lookalike designer stuff, then the place to go is Karama. It’s full of little shops and stalls that are packed full of bags, watches, clothes, shoes, wallets, purses and jewellery. My favourite shop is called Green Eye. It looks tiny from the outside but has lots of hidden rooms. I always find some bits to bring home from here. Bartering is the name of the game, so don’t be afraid to give it a good go! I would go in with a price that you’re happy to pay and stick with it.

Related Articles about Dubai

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The best hotel deals in Dubai

Atlantis the Palm special offer

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