The hidden gems of Dubai will show you a different side of the city. Here there are some of the most underrated attractions and secret places in Dubai to visit on your next trip.
Dubai is popular for big names like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Frame, Palm Jumeirah, Ain Dubai, etc.
While these architectural marvels of the city are worth-visiting, Dubai is not just about them.
On the other hand, several underrated attractions are an integral part of the history, culture, and heritage of the city. If you want to enjoy the city to the fullest and want your Dubai holiday to be a unique one, you must be ready to explore more than the obvious with your Dubai visa.
It’s the reason that I’ve selected some of the best-hidden places and things to do in Dubai that not many tourists know about.
The most popular tours in Dubai:
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Table of Contents
The Lesser-Known Dubai: 7 Secret Spots
1 – Al Qudra Lakes
Popularly known as Love Lake, Al Qudra Lakes is located in the Al Salam desert, away from the crowd and noise of the city, it’s easily one of the top secret places in Dubai.
The manmade lakes are shaped in the form of two intertwined hearts and are surrounded by lush greenery, mainly the foliage of trees planted in such a way that they spell ‘Love’ when viewed from above.
Unlike a desert safari, a trip to Al Qudra Lakes is ideal to have a picnic and spend time with family and friends.
There are absolutely no facilities here, so it’s important to bring food and drinks while visiting the place. However, there are BBQ fire pits here, ensuring you can have a BBQ party.
Al Qudra Lakes is the perfect place to have a romantic date with your partner.
2 – Dubai Coffee Museum
There is no dearth of museums in Dubai!
The most technologically-advanced museum, the Museum of the Future was opened to the public in 2021. However, if you want to enjoy something simple, yet unique, a visit to the Dubai Coffee Museum is a must.
Located in Dubai’s Al Fahidi Neighborhood, the Coffee Museum is inside a traditional Emirati house. During the tour of the museum, you will get to know about the history of coffee, right from the time of its origins to how it travelled across the world.
You will get to see different types of coffee grinders, roasters, pots, and coffee.
Do check out the different manuscripts, books, and antiques about coffee at the museum. Apart from all these, you also get to sip on one delicious cup of coffee before you step out of the museum.
3 – Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Dubai is so popular for its skyscrapers and unique buildings that the fact that a wildlife sanctuary exists right in the city is often unbelievable.
However, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, run by the Dubai Municipality, is a wetland reserve and home to mammals, migratory birds, and fishes and is one of the best-hidden gems in Dubai.
At this wetland reserve, you will find intertidal mudflats, lagoons, salt flats, and mangroves as habitats for different types of birds.
Here you can choose a bird hide to observe the different types of birds like great egrets, spot grey herons, black-winged stilts, osprey, reef herons, sandpipers, etc. But if you are visiting Dubai during winter, do not forget to visit the place to see its star attraction, the pink flamingoes.
Entry to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is free.
4 – Bastakiya Quarter
Named the Al Fahidi Neighborhood, the Bastakiya Quarter is the oldest neighbourhood of Dubai.
It was built in the 18th century by the Persian Merchants who came to Dubai for trading. Later, it was populated by Arab tribes.
Today, the Bastakiya Quarter remains unchanged even though the area around it has become one of the most glamorous and modern cities in the world.
A walk along the lanes of the Bastakiya Quarter will give you the chance to admire sand-coloured buildings with wind towers and intricate woodwork. You can also check out the interiors of some of these buildings, as they have been turned into museums, cafes, and art galleries.
Some of the top places to visit here are Dubai Museum, the Coffee Museum, XVA Hotel and Café, Majlis Gallery, the Arabian Tea House, etc. The best time to visit this place is after sunset, as the evening lights give a different aura to the entire area.
5 – Black Palace Beach
There are plenty of beaches in Dubai, and most of the public ones offer water sports, beach activities, dining options, and some unique facilities like a jogging track, skating park, playground for kids, and even a library. However, these beaches are popular and can be crowded.
If you want to enjoy the pristine beach climate of Dubai without encountering a huge crowd, it’s best to head to Black Palace Beach.
Popularly known as the Hidden Beach or Secret Beach, the Black Palace Beach is located at Al Sufouh and gives you the chance to enjoy the white sand and blue ocean along with the views of Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab.
But, do not expect any kind of facilities. You will have to bring your food, drinks, and other things to make yourself comfortable.
Black Palace Beach promises the chance to enjoy the beauty of the ocean peacefully.
6 – Alserkal Avenue
It is a known fact that Dubai is known for its architectural wonders and world-class attractions. But not many know that Dubai is also emerging in the world of art and culture.
If you are into arts, Alserkal Avenue is a place you must visit in Dubai. Launched in 2008, Alserkal Avenue became the Art Center of Dubai within a short time.
Previously an industrial area, the warehouses of this place have been converted into art galleries, gyms, restaurants, and cafes.
The art galleries showcase permanent and temporary works of local as well as international artists. They also host several creative and interesting events and workshops.
The vibe of Alserkal Avenue is unique, something you will not find anywhere else in Dubai.
7 – The Farm
Dubai has surpassed the world’s expectations time and again by introducing attractions that no one has ever thought of.
From the largest natural flower garden to the biggest indoor ski resort in the world, Dubai is home to some of the most unique creations. One of them, which you may not know about, is The Farm, a bistro-like café that gives you a different take on leisure dining.
Located in Al Barari, The Farm is a restaurant surrounded by botanical gardens, complete with natural waterways, lakes, lily ponds, an outside deck, lush lawns, and tropical plants.
Apart from breathing the fresh air and enjoying the natural surroundings, you also get the chance to taste the most delicious and wholesome homegrown food. You can enjoy Thai, European and other international cuisines.
From a romantic date to a get-together with family and friends, The Farm is an ideal spot for everything.
It is not just the popular attractions that make Dubai the city it is.
So, during your holiday, do not forget to visit these secret places in Dubai and include them in your itinerary to get a complete idea of the city.
Safe travels and have fun in the United Emirates Arabe.
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