Every time we visit Dubai, there are two places I cannot wait to return to: The Burj Khalifa and the area of Dubai Marina. And if the world’s tallest building is guaranteed to be on your radar, what makes Dubai Marina so alluring to us?
Is it the beautiful promenade or the backdrop of gigantic skyscrapers? The lavish hotels or the cute %Arabica’s coffee van? But I’m getting ahead of myself! I have created this Dubai Marina guide to help you understand the area better and to make your upcoming trip here a one-of-a-kind experience.
Article contents
- What makes Dubai Marina so special?
- What to expect from the beach?
- Things to do in Dubai Marina (from boat tours to skydiving!)
- Where to stay in Dubai Marina?
- My favorite food places
What makes Dubai Marina so special?
Have you ever experienced that magical moment when you arrive somewhere and instantly feel a special connection to the place? That’s exactly what happened to us during our first walk through Dubai Marina. Everything felt perfect — the area seemed comfortable, beautiful, and serene. We weren’t thinking about any potential drawbacks of the location; we were just soaking up the vibe of this place.
On the way back to our hotel in Bur Dubai (with plenty of time to wallow in a taxi), we were pretty bummed that we couldn’t stay in Dubai Marina — mostly due to hefty accommodation prices. It was our first trip to Dubai after all, with the motto “the cheaper — the better”. During that ride, we made a promise: We were going to stay in Dubai Marina someday, no matter what it might take!
Turns out, promises are easier made than kept. We’ve visited Dubai nine times over the years, mostly staying in more budget-friendly neighborhoods. It took us a while, but we finally scored a full week in Dubai Marina — and let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
You might ask yourself why Dubai Marina is such an iconic destination? Well…
- Beach access like no other
Out of all the amazing beaches in Dubai, Dubai Marina Beach takes the cake as the most easily accessible and well-developed waterfront. The beach is right there: Just grab your towel, walk out of your hotel, and you’re ready to get your tan on! There’s no need to endure public transport or wait for a hotel shuttle — who wants to spend their vacation relying on somebody else’s schedule? Dubai Marina Beach makes the neighborhood what it is — a one-stop-shop destination with major holiday vibes.
- Accommodation for (almost) every budget and style
Yes, it’s true that Dubai Marina is pricier than other neighborhoods in the emirate, but it’s one of those rare cases where you’re getting more than what you’re paying for. The pool of accommodation options in Dubai Marina is truly impressive: You can find anything from luxury hotels on the beachfront to budget-friendly hostels, to apartments in high-rises with jaw-dropping views, — the neighborhood is your oyster.
- Loads of entertainment options at your doorstep
You can literally spend your entire vacation without leaving Dubai Marina. Everything is right here: A massive shopping mall (it’s no Dubai Mall, but it’s close!), supermarkets, pharmacies, yoga studios, beauty salons, a waterfront walkway, restaurants, fast food chains, coffee shops! The infrastructure is marvelous.
- Dubai Marina is an attraction in and of itself
The neighborhood is rich with things to do that are worth the drive even if you end up staying in a more remote location. Just a simple short walk in Dubai Marina will open you up to an insane backdrop of towering skyscrapers, a perfectly designed waterfront path around emerald-colored marina, as well as a remarkable bridge that connects the neighborhood to Bluewaters Island (a location that deserved its own section further down on the page).
- Great metro access
It’s a common fact that if you’re staying close to a metro station (no matter where you are in the world), you’re golden. The same rings true for Dubai, and Dubai Marina’s proximity to a metro station (DMMC is usually the one we use) makes it easy to zip around the emirate.
How to get to Dubai Marina from the airport?
There are two international airports in Dubai: Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and Dubai International Airport (DXB). Here’s how to get from each of them to Dubai Marina.
Getting to Dubai Marina from DWC (less convenient airport)
The easiest way is to take a taxi, which costs around 150 AED ($40). Download the local Careem taxi app before your trip or book an airport transfer on Gettransfer (it would be a bit cheaper).
If another app is not something you want on your phone, you can just follow the “Taxi” signs at the airport, which will lead you to a taxi line up where cars continuously pick up passengers. Both app-ordered taxis and airport taxis use meters, so the price is fair.
The cheapest way to get to Dubai Marina from DWC is by taking a bus-metro combo (plus a tram depending on your hotel’s location). To execute the sequence of actions, you’ll start by grabbing a NOL card at the airport. It costs 25 AED ($7), with 19 AED ($5) in credit left on it. That’s enough to get you all the way to Dubai Marina. Just a heads up: Everyone needs their own card! After the purchase:
- Find the bus stop outside the airport and catch the F55 bus. The price for the ride is 7.5 AED ($2). Take it all the way to the last stop, Expo 2020
- Switch to Dubai metro’s red line heading toward CentrePoint. This costs another 7.5 AED ($2). Get off at either Sobha Realty or DMCC station
- From the metro station, you can either walk 20 minutes to the majority of Dubai Marina hotels or take the tram directly to the beachfront for 3 AED ($0.8)
All in all, get ready to spend at least 1,5 hours in transit and fork out around $5 per person. It might be trickier to maneuver your way on public transit if you have heavy bags, but not impossible: All Dubai metro stations have escalators and elevators to save you from getting a hernia.
Side note: If you happen to land at Al Maktoum Airport at night, take the N55 night bus that takes you straight to the Dubai Marina Beach (!). It’s a bummer there’s no alternative to this bus in daytime — this is a much easier feat to take on after a travel day!
Getting to Dubai Marina from DXB
Your options are pretty much the same here. A taxi, as I mentioned earlier, costs around 150 AED ($40) from DXB, too. When hailing a cab at the airport, try and look for average, run-of-the-mill cars (a usual sedan is what you’re after). Local taxi drivers are set on luring you to their more expensive cars; these rides will cost you extra.
You can easily take the metro from the airport’s Terminal 1 and 3. Just buy a NOL card and jump on the red line heading toward UAE Exchange. Get off at either Sobha Realty or DMCC station, then either walk or catch the tram depending on where you need to go. The whole trip takes about an hour and costs 7.5 AED ($2).
Side note: Terminal 2 in Dubai International Airport is an unfortunate terminal to find yourself in. It isn’t connected to the metro system! Plus, there’s no way to get from here to other terminals — no shuttles, no buses, and you can’t even walk between them. Your only options to get to Dubai Marina are either by taxi or a bus-metro combo.
What to expect from Dubai Marina Beach?
I love everything about the beach: The wide stretch of sand, the calm waters, the well thought-out infrastructure, the proximity to entertainment and dining options of Dubai Marina, — the list goes on. Oh, and the views — the views!!! Your neck is guaranteed to get quite the workout: One minute you’re looking at the mammoth structure of Ain Dubai, the next — your eyes are seeking details of the monumental wall of skyscrapers in the background. As you might’ve guessed by now, Dubai likes to play BIG.
Side note: Of course, the roster of advantages brings tons of daily tourist traffic to Marina Beach. The crowds, in turn, bring trash — come nightfall, the beach will not look as pristine as it did in the morning. Come and claim your spot early to get the best beachgoing experience!
Dubai Marina draws visitors from everywhere, giving it a fun international vibe. Walking around the beach feels like being at popular spots like Miami or Santa Monica. You’ll hear all sorts of languages, and
there’s no shortage of people trying to sell you photo ops and tours.
Marina Beach’s super gentle slope into the gulf, paired with the clear water, lack of waves, and plenty of marked off swimming zones make the location perfect for families with children. I didn’t see any lifeguards, but police do patrol the area.
Side note: Remember that Dubai is a Muslim country, which means no alcohol and no topless sunbathing here. While it sounds obvious, some of the daredevil types might feel like rebelling — trust me, the UAE is not the place for going against the system!
Marina Beach is completely open, with no shade or vegetation to escape the midday sun. Bringing some sort of larger sun protection (like an umbrella or a beach tent) is advised. You can sunbathe on your own towel or rent a sun lounger with an umbrella, but the latter option comes at a price.
Finding out how much a sun lounger costs at Dubai Marina Beach isn’t exactly a pleasant surprise…. A single lounger is 125 AED / $34 for the day. For two loungers and an umbrella, it’s 230 AED / $63. You’ll pay for these at a designated booth right on the beach — you can’t miss it.
A beach hack: Instead of paying 125 AED just for a lounger, make use of Yula Lounge beach club’s offering — for the same price you get a sunbed but can spend 125 AED on food!
At Marina Beach, restrooms and changing rooms are free, but showers cost 5 AED / $1.4 (cash only) for a two-minute use. However, there’s usually a free foot rinse nearby, which is also handy for rinsing off kids.
There are tons of water-based activities here (which for us were a little disruptive of the otherwise paradisical atmosphere, but alas):
- Jet ski is 250 AED ($68) per person for 15 minutes
- Parasailing is from 350 AED ($95) per person for 15 minutes
- SUP board rental is 100 AED ($27) per hour
The cherry on top of the already chock-full Marina Beach itinerary is a floating water park called Aqua Fun set in the water right off the beach. The inflatable park is legendary (it has even made its way into the Guinness World Records), but personally, I wasn’t that impressed. I agree though that it looks fun from the mainland — there are plenty of slides, obstacles, climbing structures. Entry is 200 AED / $55 per person, and life jackets are provided.
If you ever get tired of sunbathing, you can wander off onto the promenade running along the beach that is packed with cafés and restaurants — you can find everything from Starbucks to local pizza spots here (I’ll share my favorite spots further down). Some of the eateries even offer delivery straight to your sun lounger — an unheard of luxury in other parts of the world.
Things to do in Dubai Marina: top attractions and activities
As I’ve hinted at before, Dubai Marina is a neighborhood where you can easily spend your entire vacation without ever needing to leave — it’s kind of like a city in the middle of the emirate.
So what else is there to do besides lounging at the beach?
- Shopping
For shopping, head to Dubai Marina Mall. While it’s not as massive as the Dubai Mall, you’ll still find plenty of familiar brands here, including Mango, H&M, Nike, Adidas, and Levi’s. If you’re into tech, there’s an iStyle store, where Apple products tend to be on a slightly cheaper side. For beauty lovers, there are MAC, L’Occitane, and Kiehl’s stores.
The waterfront promenade of Dubai Marina is also lined with shops, and surprisingly, many of them offer great deals. There’s even an outlet store, Brands For Less, which is kind of like the American TJ Maxx. If you’re willing to dig through the racks, you might find a hidden gem at a bargain price.
- Marina Promenade & closest viewpoint
The main attraction in Dubai Marina, besides the beach, is the Dubai Marina Walk, also known as Marina Promenade. This pedestrian-friendly stretch runs along a winding canal, lined with docked yachts, restaurant terraces, and skyscrapers that dazzle the flaneurs with their lit up windows in the evenings.
Pro tip: The best photo spots in Dubai Marina are on one of the four bridges crossing the canal — perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots. The cluster of towering high-rises that is in the background of almost every picture you take here is known as Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).
There aren’t any observation decks in Dubai Marina (unless you’re lucky enough to be staying on a high floor of some hotel), but you can easily visit The View at the Palm — a famous observation deck on Palm Jumeirah. The easiest way to get there is by taxi — expect to pay around 40 AED / $11 for the ride. The tickets for the viewpoint start from $19. Paying a visit to The View at the Palm should definitely be on your Dubai to-do list. It offers breathtaking vistas of both Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. There can be haze in the morning and afternoon, so sunset is the ideal (and priciest) time to go.
- Bluewaters Island & Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel
Bluewaters is a man-made island set within a short walk from Dubai Marina. It takes about 25 minutes to get here via a scenic pedestrian bridge. The island is, like everything in Dubai, luxurious. But there’s not much to do here besides stroll around, admire the futuristic “mushroom” canopies (similar to the ones in Singapore), and see Ain Dubai — the world’s largest Ferris wheel. The latter has finally reopened after a long hiatus, and we already took a ride (safe and sound ). The ticket cost starts from 145 AED / $40.
The island is also home to a Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. If you’ve never been to one, it’s worth checking out. Entry is 150 AED / $41.
I prefer visiting Bluewaters in the evening when the lights come on, strolling around the island at this time can truly be a magical experience! They often set off fireworks here — especially for New Year’s Eve and Ramadan.
- Boat tours & other exciting experiences
A boat tour in Dubai Marina is a must, whether you’re staying in the area or just visiting for the day. We’ve tried them all — speedboats, yachts, and dinner cruises, — and they’re all fantastic.
In Dubai, you can book your activity or purchase any entry tickets on one of the websites like:
I use all three, because some of them have unique offers that pleasantly reduce the ticket price (you never know which one until you compare!).
Here are my top recommendations on the boat tours in Dubai Marina neighborhood:
🔸 Luxury yacht tour (from $34 per person) — perfect opportunity to feel like a true VIP. Well, almost — it’s a group tour, not a private charter. For a fraction of the cost of renting an entire yacht, you’ll cruise along Dubai’s coastline on a sleek white fancy vessel in style. The pace is relaxed, the music is chill, and there’s even an option to include a BBQ lunch. No crowds, great photo ops. Heads-up: You’ll need to remove your shoes on board, so bring socks if you don’t want to go barefoot.
🔸 Thrill ride on a speedboat (from $44 per person) — an exciting way to see Dubai from the water. You’ll race past Dubai Marina, Ain Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis Hotel, and the iconic Burj Al Arab. Expect speed, water splashes, and plenty of adrenaline. A waterproof phone case is a good idea. As for the tour itself, there’s not much information to absorb — just sit back, clutch the handrail and enjoy the ride.
Of course, boat tours are neighborhood’s bread and butter, but there are plenty more exciting things to do in Dubai Marina:
🔸 Marina ziplining experience (from $190 per person) — keeping with the topic of adrenaline-inducing activities in Dubai Marina, why not try the world’s longest zipline? One can only imagine the thrill of zooming belly-down (Superman-style) along the 1-kilometer line, reaching the speed of 80 km/h. If you’ve seen “Divergent” movies, it’s kind of similar to the one Tris takes, but with a cheerier atmosphere and no obstacles along the way.
🔸 Tandem skydive experience (from $750 per person) — a one-minute long free fall with an instructor over Dubai’s most beautiful sights — man-made island of Palm Jumeirah. This experience is one for the books. If you’ve got the urge to conquer your fear (and wallet size to back it up), then go for it!
Side note: One cool thing about Dubai’s extreme attractions is that you can rest easy knowing everything’s built to top-notch standards — you can experience these wild adventures with a little less worry and a lot more gusto.
And to wrap it all up, a UAE vacation isn’t complete without these three must-do tours (they’re not Dubai Marina based, but they are essential to your overall Emirates experience):
🔹 Desert safari (around $50 per person) — dive headfirst into the classic Emirati pastime: Speeding over sand dunes in a jeep, riding camels, and capping it all off with dinner and a show at a desert camp. For the price, it’s an absolute steal.
Side note: We’ve tried a few different safari experiences in Dubai, hence this detailed guide was born.
🔹 Helicopter tour (from $195 per person) — a definite winner in Dubai highlights category, this tour offers both hair-rising and contemplative experiences. Just imagine: Helicopter blades whirring, Dubai’s most scenic sights at your fingertips, countless photo-ops and memories to last a lifetime, — we’ve long wanted to see what the fuss is all about firsthand, and let us tell you, we were not disappointed! The starting price is understandably bigger than other Dubai experiences, but it’s so worth it.
🔹 Abu Dhabi tour (from $95) — a chance to soak up the sights of the UAE’s capital, from the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the lavish Emirates Palace. Sure, there are a few tourist money-grab stops along the way (like a date stand; think of it all as part of the adventure), but that’s typical of every tour. I can’t recommend Abu Dhabi enough — it’s so culturally rich!
If you’re an art and architecture lover and are torn between the UAE’s museums, scattered all over the country, perhaps my series of “is it worth it or not” articles will help you? Choose from:
❤️ Louvre in Abu Dhabi
❤️ Museum of the Future in Dubai
❤️ Al Shindagha Museum
❤️ Dubai Frame
- Beach clubs
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Because Dubai Marina has one of the best beaches in the emirate, I cannot forget about the beach clubs! These spots are perfect for kicking back by the pool with a cocktail in hand. If you’re a gal, you can easily spend the whole day chilling out while scoring some sweet deals on Ladies Day (be sure to check the clubs’ websites for details).
Here are some great beach clubs in the Dubai Marina area:
— Zero Gravity Beach Club — which has its own beach, a chill poolside lounge area, and a calendar jam-packed with various events. During the day, you can join a friendly game of volleyball, while at night, you can lose yourself in a young crowd filling the venue. Entrance fees vary depending on the event — check their schedule online. Ladies often score discounted or even free entry, while the guys typically fork over between 200 AED and 349 AED / $55—$95.
— Cove Beach — a little slice of paradise now located just off Marina Beach (it used to have its headquarters on Bluewaters Island; I prefer the new setting much better!). It is a tropical oasis that cranks up the tunes and serves up a killer menu — though you might get a bit of sticker shock at the door. Entrance usually runs from 200 AED to 300 AED / $55—$82 depending on the day. Their website can be a bit glitchy, so it might be best to follow them on social media for updates.
— Bla Bla — a seriously stylish spot, complete with a panoramic pool deck (!). The club is fully equipped with “The Tent” (a lounge area) and “The Restaurant” (very Virgil Abloh of them) — everything you need to kick back in comfort. And here’s the cherry on top: You get an awesome view of Ain Dubai. The evenings here are all about laid-back parties, and from what I seen, it never gets too packed. Note that this place is strictly 21+ and entry fees range from 200 AED to 450 AED / $55—$123.
Best accommodation options in Dubai Marina
Even though it has the reputation for being expensive, when it comes to lodging, Dubai Marina has something to suit every wallet (if you know where to look) — from top-of-the-line luxury digs to budget-friendly options that won’t break the bank.
A thing to take note of in Dubai is that it’s better to check hotel prices on Trip.com as well, not just on Booking.
Here are a few of my picks for accommodation options in Dubai Marina:
- 5* Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina (from $140 per night) — a top of the line hotel that ticks all the boxes: A breakfast buffet, friendly staff, and a location that’s hard to beat. Honestly, I couldn’t find a real flaw — aside from the lack of shuttles to the beach or mall. But when everything’s just a stone’s throw away, who really needs a ride?
- 5* W Dubai – Mina Seyahi (from $250 a night) — this relatively new hotspot makes a bold statement with its sleek design and luxury-branded bath amenities. The pool is absolutely stunning — a solid 10/10. Fair warning: There might still be some construction noise outside, so it would be best to book a room on a higher floor.
- 4* Radisson Blu Residence Dubai Marina (from $160 per night) — Radisson lives up to its reputation with spacious, clean apartments that are perfect for longer stays with the family. Its prime location puts you just steps away from Dubai Marina Beach, as well as restaurants, shops, and other essentials. One slight drawback for tanning enthusiasts: The pool here closes at 3 p.m., as the sun no longer reaches it at that time.
- 4* Millennium Place Marina (from $110 a night) — a great value option with an excellent balance of quality and affordability. It’s one of the few hotels that really nails the soundproofing, and the staff go above and beyond to help you with anything you might need. With breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and proximity to Dubai Marina Mall — and even a liquor store (a rarity in the UAE) — it’s hard to beat.
- 3* Rove Dubai Marina (from $100 per night) — once you’ve stayed here, you might find yourself coming back for more. The hotel is popular for its cozy rooms, prime location (close to both the beach and public transit), and a straightforward, no-frills design that simply gets the job done.
Pro tip: If the prices for hotels in Dubai Marina seem a bit steep, check out the nearby Jumeirah Lake Towers. This high-rise cluster just across from the metro station offers more budget-friendly food and lodging opportunities, while still being close to Dubai Marina — a 25-minute stroll will get you to the beach. The accommodation offerings here, though much cheaper, do not lack in quality: You can stay at 5* voco Bonnington Dubai for $90 a night and get the royal treatment, while the same price range in Dubai Marina will lead you only to some three-star hotel option at best.
My favorite spots to eat in Dubai Marina
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When it comes to cafes and restaurants, Dubai Marina has plenty of options, yet not all of them are worth your time or money. A lot of them come with absurdly high prices paired with mediocre food. I still recall a time when I paid $10 for an overheated, flavorless cappuccino…
When staying at such a high-end place as Dubai Marina, I like to balance out our dining experiences: One day, we relish in fine dining; the next, we’re back to the familiar comfort of McDonald’s, and occasionally, we might opt for a frozen dinner from the supermarket. Okay, I might be oversimplifying the strategy slightly, but you get the overall picture.
Let’s explore the range of food in Dubai Marina, from budget-friendly to upscale.
Supermarkets in the area offer ready-made no-fuss meals, like sandwiches, wraps, sushi, etc. The best supermarket in Dubai Marina is Carrefour, with three locations — just check Google maps for the nearest one. Another affordable grocery store by Dubai standards is Al Maya. Think of these chains in terms of Kroger and Walmart — they get the job done!
Grabbing a bite at a fast food place in Dubai Marina is always an option too. For quick and reliable meals, McDonald’s is our go-to, with combo meals costing around 30 AED / $8. In Dubai, the famous fast food chain has its own quirks: The menu includes rice dishes with chicken or beef, alongside the familiar burgers. For a more Middle Eastern fast food vibe, try Operation: Falafel, where a small chicken shawarma costs only 14 AED / $4.
For a more lavish meal with a stunning view of the bay, consider the seven-story Pier 7 complex, where each floor showcases cuisine from different cultures. We tried Mama Zonia on the second floor — Asian fusion, Latin American, and Caribbean dishes, all in a lively atmosphere. Their business lunch, which includes two appetizers, a main course, and dessert, is available on weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. for 110 AED / $30 per person.
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Indulging in coffee at Roasters or %Arabica is always a delight, though prices here can be steep — expect to pay around 25 AED / $7 for a 12oz cappuccino. You won’t find prices like that anywhere else, be it in the EU, Australia, or New Zealand… To save some cash, I’ve even started bringing drip coffee bags from home. However, a drink at one of these Dubai Marina’s coffeeshops can be a treat once in a while!
Pro tip: Once again, I’m diverting your gaze to the Jumeirah Lake Towers area to help save you money (Dubai Marina food prices can be outrageous). After all, the neighborhood is like a mini version of Dubai Marina — with its own mini-bay-esque lakes (minus the yachts), skyscrapers, a laid-back vibe, and budget-friendly dining options. Our favorite spot here is Afghan Palace, where we like to share one beef pilaf (the portion easily feeds two people) for just 26 AED / $7.
What other restaurants should be included in our Dubai Marina dining guide? There are a few that come to mind:
- Uzbegim Restaurant — have you tried Uzbek cuisine? That’s the place! Portions are huge at reasonable prices for the area. My go-to choice is a beef kebab and pilaf, and they threw in extra veggies too, all for just 70 AED / $19.
- Old Tbilisi Georgian Cuisine — I couldn’t resist visiting a Georgian restaurant while in Dubai (we’ve been craving khachapuri religiously ever since our first trip to Georgia!). Surprisingly, the dishes here are even better than those in Tbilisi. Three beef khinkali cost 42 AED / $11.5 and the Adjarian khachapuri is 60 AED / $16.
- Seven Hotpot — a must-visit for Asian cuisine fans. The concept is simple: Pay a fixed fee of 59 AED / $16 per person and enjoy an unlimited choice of fresh ingredients to cook at your table, which is equipped with a grill and a boiling pot for broth. The selection primarily includes seafood — think shrimp, scallops, and tuna — alongside noodles and rice. Affordable, delicious, varied, and interactive.
- Pure Sky Lounge & Dining — located at the Hilton hotel, this rooftop bar offers cocktails with a view of Ain Dubai and Dubai Marina Walk. For 60 AED / $16, you can enjoy a cocktail served with a side of salted nuts. The atmosphere here is rather calm: The music definitely is on a louder side, but there are few guests.
- Chipotle — yes, Chipotle has opened in the UAE! Customizable tacos, burritos, and bowls plus the large terrace and fantastic location on JBR Marina beach. A standard beef barbacoa bowl in Dubai costs 49 AED / $14.
And there you have it — our guide to Dubai Marina. I hope that I helped you fall in love with the neighborhood and understand it better. If you still have any questions on where to sleep, eat, tan, or party in Dubai Marina (maybe you crave even more details), leave them in the comment section down below!
