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My favourite spots for drinks with a view
- SUSHISAMBA324This lavish bar restaurant on the 51st floor of the Palm Tower is a must-visit for its creative Japanese-Peruvian-Brazilian fusion offerings and the expansive views across the famous Palm Jumeirah (especially if you book the gorgeous private Sambaroom). Cocktails here are truly works of art, and I often catch myself yearning for the Samba Melon Sour paired with a plate of the marinated Chilean sea bass.
- ZETA Seventy Seven154Just when you think you’ve taken in all the best views in Dubai you’ll discover another one. This adults-only infinity poolside bar on the top of the Address Beach Resort is 77 floors up. It has dazzling views along the Dubai coastline and across Bluewaters Island with its Instagrammable Ain Dubai observation wheel. There’s a sophisticated and exclusive vibe here, not to mention a robust menu of signature cocktails such as ‘Venus’ with its blend of passion fruit, lemongrass, and citrus liqueurs. It pairs wonderfully well with the lobster rolls.
- Mott 32 Dubai41Bar hop (lift hop?) to another location inside the Address Beach Resort to double your fun. Head to the 73rd floor for a slightly hidden gem that will whisk you east to China. Mott 32 boasts gorgeous views over Bluewaters Island that are similar to Zeta 77, but the atmosphere here is a little darker and more mysterious, as are the cocktails. Don’t miss the Hong Kong Iced Tea, made from tequila, Cassis de Crème, Blanc Lillet, basil seeds, and jasmine tea. If hunger strikes, check out the exquisite Peking Duck, smoked with apple wood.
- Folly388Few places are better suited for a first date than folly in Souk Madinat. Overlooking the pretty waterways with the sail silhouette of the Burj Al Arab hotel as a backdrop, this is where those in the know go to get to know one another. The excellent cocktail list here boasts novel creations like Candy Cloud – a mix of fruity flavours with Zacapa 23 rum and Veuve Clicquot Rose. For nibbles, try the seafood arancini with marmite emulsion.
- Luma Pool Lounge8One of my favourite spots to catch a sunset in “old” Dubai is Luma at Address Grand Creek Harbour. With artsy décor and a laid-back ambiance, their classic cocktails are made with love – especially the martinis – but the red wine sangria is also a spicy treat while you watch the boats cruise idly by. If your stomach is grumbling, opt for a mix of starter plates (the Arabic lamb hummus is yum).
- The Tap House, Downtown1,446Several bars have terrific views of the famous Burj Khalifa Tower, but Tap House in Souk Al Bahar is the best for my money. Not only does it have a Burj view on steroids, but the cocktails are ambitious. My tastebuds bow down to the Lusty Martini made with blue pea vodka, elderflower syrup, lime juice, ginger, and egg white – ideally paired with the pulled beef brisket on a bun.
- The Penthouse at Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai1,480This chic rooftop venue on the 16th floor of FIVE Palm Jumeirah boasts spectacular views of the Dubai Marina skyline on one side and Downtown Dubai on the other. A popular nighttime party spot with the fashion set, this is where you have to treat your senses to the Desert Rose cocktail – a heady mix of rose-infused vodka, rose liqueur, and citrus. Meanwhile, the extensive Japanese food menu will keep you full. Make sure to try the wagyu beef sliders.
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Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Dubai
In the words of those who've been there before ...
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
Dubai is served by two international airports: Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
Do I need a visa?
Visit Dubai’s Department of Tourism website to determine visa eligibility and criteria.
When is the best time to visit?
Winter (November to March): Dubai has a hot desert climate with two distinct seasons. The winter months have the most pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities. The average daytime high is around 27°C with lows of around 17°C.
Bicycle
Careem BIKE offers pedal-assist bike hire through its bike-share app.
Train
The Dubai Metro, run by the RTA, operates 2 lines — red and green — which run from about 5:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays, the service operates later — the red operates from about 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. and the green line operates from about 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
For more information about the network and fares, see here.
Bus
Dubai’s public bus service, run by the RTA, operates local buses on more than 120 routes.
For more information about the network and fares, see here.
Taxis
Dubai Taxi Corporation operates government-licensed taxis 24 hours a day and can be hailed in the street, picked up at taxi stand or booked by phone. They are recognizable by their red roof.
For more information, to book a taxi or calculate a fare, see here.
Tram
The Dubai Tram makes 11 stops with trams running from about 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday.
For more information about the network and fares, see here.
Boat
Abras are motorised traditional wooden boats linking Bur Dubai and Deira across the Dubai Creek via two routes.
For more information about the routes and fares, see here.
Ferry
The Dubai Ferry operates 5 major routes on a limited schedule.
For more information about the routes and fares, see here.
Ridesharing
Uber and Careem are available in Dubai on your smartphone.
For more information about tipping, see here.