What you can never expect from Old Dubai, Dubai Marina stands for all of that! No wonder why the place is referred to as “New Dubai.” The place boasts the coolest neighborhoods, which are ideal for families to have a fun holiday experience.
You witness the twisted Canyan tower highlighted in the glittering Marina skyline, a true marvel of architecture. Then, there is 250m tall Ain Dubai, the world’s highest observation wheel.
And these are just a few of the attractions. But in order to plan your trip there, you first need to get your basics down for the place. So, here’s a detailed guide to get you kickstarted on your itinerary and travel planning.
Things To Know About Dubai Marina Before You Make The Visit
From sandy beaches to water sports, from hundreds of branded retail stores and markets to street food and multi-cuisine restaurants, there are numerous activities to do and places to visit in Dubai Marina. The fun and entertainment just never stop here!
What is Dubai Marina?
Dubai Marina is known to be one of the biggest man-made canal cities in the world. You will witness high-rise luxury residential buildings and holiday properties stretched over 2 miles along the Persian Gulf shoreline.
Where Is Dubai Marina Located?
Dubai Marina is one of the largest and most luxurious waterfront neighborhoods situated near the famous Palm Jumeirah, which spans over 2 miles, sharing a coastline with the Persian Gulf.
Can You Visit Dubai Marina For Free?
Yes, you can visit Dubai Marina for free as the place is open to the public.
Why Is Dubai Marina Special?
Dubai Marina is one of the most unique and breathtaking man-made structures. It is a canal city famous for its high-end, luxurious, high-rise buildings, a wide range of branded high-street stores, vibrant nightlife, and numerous entertainment options.
What To Do In Dubai Marina?
You can experience the retail routes and the Dubai Marina Mall, explore hundreds of branded stores, and enjoy street food from eateries and food trucks, along with several top restaurants and bars.
You can also try XLine, the world’s longest zipline experience, the Aquafun, board a yellow boat, and tons of other water sports activities.
How To Reach Dubai Marina?
There are plenty of ways to reach Dubai Marina. You can get the tram and metro options here by ferry, water taxi, or cab. Remember, rideshare is not available from the airport.
As you reach Dubai International Airport, you must buy a prepaid rechargeable Nol transport card at Terminal 3. You will be able to set to ride from there which will take around 50 minutes to reach DMCC Metro Station. The trains come in every five minutes and only cost you somewhere between AED 7 and AED 10.
If not this, you can also choose to take a direct cab from DXB to Marina Bay, which will cost you about AED 70 and take 25 minutes to reach, depending upon the traffic. This is perfect for travelers with lots of luggage or who have an extra budget to spare.
You will also see more localized transit options such as trams through which not just travelers but residents also move around Marina Bay and JBR, then monorail to The Palm.
Where To Shop In Dubai Marina?
The best places to shop in Dubai Marina are the Dubai Marina Mall and The Beach, which are located at the JBR. For shopaholics, these retail routes are like heaven! The Marina Mall complex has everything from boutiques to waterfront dining, cinemas, branded stores, and so much more.
You will also get access to the nearby Marina Walk along with the neighborhood ferry stops to extend your travel journey beyond shopping.
The impressive store directory will captivate you throughout. If you’ve kids with you, they have entertaining hubs like Gymboree, Mamas & Papas, and Adam Kids. The four-level complex has more than 130 stores, which stay open from 10 am to midnight or 1 am.
There are also tons of flower and gifting stores, with an online presence where you can easily find the flower shop near you!
The whole place has become a hotspot for luxury retail experience, entertainment, dining, and leisure.
Where To Eat and Drink In Dubai Marina?
Looking for the best hotspots for food and drinks around Dubai Marina? Well, the best one has to be Pier 7, having the best beverage options for you to choose from.
There, you can find many restaurants and bars that serve different flavors and cocktails. You have the best culinary experience before 9 pm, as right after that, it’s all about enjoying dance music and partying.
Some other excellent options you must consider are Asia Asia, Mama Zonia, and Cargo. Dubai Marina is actually a great melting pot for different cuisines and flavors, including Asian, Italian, Brazilian, Indian, American, and, for sure, Middle Eastern.
You can also try Zaatar W Zeit, Coco’s, and Ruby Tuesdays, known for their popularity among foodies. Then, you will see a lot of food trucks for tasty yet affordable bites on the go.
Where To Stay In Dubai Marina?
Dubai Marina has plenty of accommodation options for you. One of the best options has to be The Rove Downtown, a fun and funky place with an art deco vibe!
Then, you also have Radisson Blue Dubai Marina, one of the largest hotel chains, just a 15-minute walk from Jumeirah Beach. Also, it takes only 5 minutes of walk to reach the closest metro station.
Many top hotel brands are present in this part of the city, including Rixos, Crowne Plaza, Le Meridien, Hilton, The Ritz-Carlton, and more.
For budget-conscious people, hostels start at just AED 66 per night, so there are accommodation options for everyone here, depending on your preference and budget.
Who Should Come Here?
Well, Marina Bay in Dubai is for everyone, whether you’re a solo traveler or coming for family holidays. However, ideally, the Dubai Marina is ideal for families, especially with their versatile range of experiences, including retail stores, entertainment hubs, kids’ fun hotspots, beaches, and lots of activities that are perfect for families.
Wrapping Up
Let’s just say Marina Bay is the antithesis of old Dubai and everything it stands for, ranging from luxury retail stores, sandy beaches, malls, water sports, and so much more.
But before you actually get into the details regarding which places to visit or what activities to do, first make sure you know how to get there without any hassle and have a basic idea of the place and what to expect. We shared all of that in this article to make your experience memorable.
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