Download the around.us app
For a better experience, use our mobile application.

Dubai's Secret Spots: Unveiling the City's Hidden Treasures

Step away from the glitz and glamour of Dubai's famous skyscrapers and shopping malls and discover the city's secret spots. This curated collection showcases lesser-known attractions that offer unique experiences, cultural insights, and a break from the typical tourist trail. Dive into the authentic charm of Dubai with these carefully selected points of interest that even some locals may not know about.

AlSerkal Avenue
AlSerkal Avenue

Al Quoz, Dubai

A vibrant cultural district hosting contemporary art galleries, creative spaces and an organic food market.

The Green Planet
The Green Planet

City Walk, Dubai

An indoor rainforest conservatory with over 3000 species of flora and fauna.

Coffee Museum
Coffee Museum

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai

A museum dedicated to the history and cultural significance of coffee in the region.

XVA Art Hotel
XVA Art Hotel

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai

A boutique hotel offering an artistic experience, with gallery spaces and a charming courtyard cafe.

Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al Sheif
Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al Sheif

Jumeirah, Dubai

A restored traditional Emirati house showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of a former Dubai monarch.

Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame

Zabeel Park, Dubai

An iconic architectural landmark framing views of old and new Dubai.

Al Qudra Lakes
Al Qudra Lakes

Al Qudra, Dubai

A group of man-made lakes in the desert, perfect for picnics and bird watching.

Etihad Museum
Etihad Museum

Jumeirah, Dubai

A dynamic museum exploring the political history and formation of the United Arab Emirates.

Hatta Heritage Village
Hatta Heritage Village

Hatta, Dubai

A mountain village that has been reconstructed to display traditional mountain life.

Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Museum
Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Museum

Shindagha, Dubai

A museum displaying artifacts from a recently discovered archaeological site rich in metalwork.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium
The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

An Atlantis-themed aquarium taking visitors on a journey through lost civilizations underwater.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Ras Al Khor, Dubai

A wetland reserve renowned for its flamingo populations and other migratory bird species.

Dubai Garden Glow
Dubai Garden Glow

Zabeel Park, Dubai

A unique theme park that lights up at night with incredible glowing structures, live performances, and eco-friendly artworks.

Coin Museum
Coin Museum

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai

A museum featuring a vast collection of historical coins from various periods and regions.

Love Lake
Love Lake

Al Qudra, Dubai

Two intertwined lakes in the shape of hearts, set against the backdrop of sand dunes.

Miracle Garden
Miracle Garden

Dubailand, Dubai

The world's largest natural flower garden featuring over 45 million flowers.

Saeed Al Maktoum House
Saeed Al Maktoum House

Al Shindagha, Dubai

The residence of a former ruler of Dubai, offering insight into the emirate's history.

Black Palace Beach
Black Palace Beach

Al Sufouh, Dubai

A secluded beach known for its tranquility and views of the iconic Burj Al Arab.

Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Jumeirah Archaeological Site

Jumeirah, Dubai

An important historical site providing evidence of early Islamic civilization in the region.

Naif Museum
Naif Museum

Deira, Dubai

A former fort turned museum, displaying artifacts related to the police and public security.

Dubai Moving Image Museum
Dubai Moving Image Museum

Barsha Heights, Dubai

One of only a few museums in the world focusing on the history of moving images.

SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai

A center that opens doors to engaging in Arabic culture, traditions, and religion through various programs.

Tashkeel
Tashkeel

Nad Al Sheba, Dubai

A contemporary art space and incubator providing facilities, residences, and support for artists in Dubai.

Al Fahidi Fort
Al Fahidi Fort

Al Fahidi, Dubai

Home to the Dubai Museum, this fort offers insights into the rich history and culture of the region.

Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah, Dubai

A beautiful mosque which offers guided tours for non-Muslim visitors to learn about Islam.

Mercato Shopping Mall
Mercato Shopping Mall

Jumeirah, Dubai

Themed around a Renaissance-era Italian village, providing a different shopping experience.

Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum

Al Shindagha, Dubai

Showcases maritime history and seaworthy crafts that contributed to Dubai's fishing and pearl diving heritages.

Dubai Spice Souk
Dubai Spice Souk

Deira, Dubai

An aromatic and colorful labyrinth of spice vendors, reflecting the city's trading past.

Al Bastakiya
Al Bastakiya

Bur Dubai, Dubai

A historic district dating back to the 1890s with traditional buildings and maze-like lanes.

Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour

Jumeirah, Dubai

A peaceful fishing spot offering a glimpse of Dubai's maritime past.

Satwa District
Satwa District

Satwa, Dubai

A residential area known for its authentic eateries and vibrant fabric shops.

Salsali Private Museum
Salsali Private Museum

Al Quoz, Dubai

The first private museum for contemporary Middle Eastern art in Dubai.

AlSerkal Avenue A vibrant cultural district hosting contemporary art galleries, creative spaces and an organic food market.

AlSerkal Avenue
AlSerkal Avenue A vibrant cultural district hosting contemporary art galleries, creative spaces and an organic food market.
The Green Planet An indoor rainforest conservatory with over 3000 species of flora and fauna.

The Green Planet
The Green Planet An indoor rainforest conservatory with over 3000 species of flora and fauna.
Coffee Museum A museum dedicated to the history and cultural significance of coffee in the region.

Coffee Museum
Coffee Museum A museum dedicated to the history and cultural significance of coffee in the region.
XVA Art Hotel A boutique hotel offering an artistic experience, with gallery spaces and a charming courtyard cafe.

XVA Art Hotel
XVA Art Hotel A boutique hotel offering an artistic experience, with gallery spaces and a charming courtyard cafe.
Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al Sheif A restored traditional Emirati house showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of a former Dubai monarch.

Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al Sheif
Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al Sheif A restored traditional Emirati house showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of a former Dubai monarch.
Dubai Frame An iconic architectural landmark framing views of old and new Dubai.

Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame An iconic architectural landmark framing views of old and new Dubai.
Al Qudra Lakes A group of man-made lakes in the desert, perfect for picnics and bird watching.

Al Qudra Lakes
Al Qudra Lakes A group of man-made lakes in the desert, perfect for picnics and bird watching.
Etihad Museum A dynamic museum exploring the political history and formation of the United Arab Emirates.

Etihad Museum
Etihad Museum A dynamic museum exploring the political history and formation of the United Arab Emirates.
Hatta Heritage Village A mountain village that has been reconstructed to display traditional mountain life.

Hatta Heritage Village
Hatta Heritage Village A mountain village that has been reconstructed to display traditional mountain life.
Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Museum A museum displaying artifacts from a recently discovered archaeological site rich in metalwork.

Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Museum
Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Museum A museum displaying artifacts from a recently discovered archaeological site rich in metalwork.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium An Atlantis-themed aquarium taking visitors on a journey through lost civilizations underwater.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium
The Lost Chambers Aquarium An Atlantis-themed aquarium taking visitors on a journey through lost civilizations underwater.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary A wetland reserve renowned for its flamingo populations and other migratory bird species.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary A wetland reserve renowned for its flamingo populations and other migratory bird species.
Dubai Garden Glow A unique theme park that lights up at night with incredible glowing structures, live performances, and eco-friendly artworks.

Dubai Garden Glow
Dubai Garden Glow A unique theme park that lights up at night with incredible glowing structures, live performances, and eco-friendly artworks.
Coin Museum A museum featuring a vast collection of historical coins from various periods and regions.

Coin Museum
Coin Museum A museum featuring a vast collection of historical coins from various periods and regions.
Love Lake Two intertwined lakes in the shape of hearts, set against the backdrop of sand dunes.

Love Lake
Love Lake Two intertwined lakes in the shape of hearts, set against the backdrop of sand dunes.
Miracle Garden The world's largest natural flower garden featuring over 45 million flowers.

Miracle Garden
Miracle Garden The world's largest natural flower garden featuring over 45 million flowers.
Saeed Al Maktoum House The residence of a former ruler of Dubai, offering insight into the emirate's history.

Saeed Al Maktoum House
Saeed Al Maktoum House The residence of a former ruler of Dubai, offering insight into the emirate's history.
Black Palace Beach A secluded beach known for its tranquility and views of the iconic Burj Al Arab.

Black Palace Beach
Black Palace Beach A secluded beach known for its tranquility and views of the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Jumeirah Archaeological Site An important historical site providing evidence of early Islamic civilization in the region.

Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Jumeirah Archaeological Site An important historical site providing evidence of early Islamic civilization in the region.
Naif Museum A former fort turned museum, displaying artifacts related to the police and public security.

Naif Museum
Naif Museum A former fort turned museum, displaying artifacts related to the police and public security.
Dubai Moving Image Museum One of only a few museums in the world focusing on the history of moving images.

Dubai Moving Image Museum
Dubai Moving Image Museum One of only a few museums in the world focusing on the history of moving images.
SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding A center that opens doors to engaging in Arabic culture, traditions, and religion through various programs.

SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding A center that opens doors to engaging in Arabic culture, traditions, and religion through various programs.
Tashkeel A contemporary art space and incubator providing facilities, residences, and support for artists in Dubai.

Tashkeel
Tashkeel A contemporary art space and incubator providing facilities, residences, and support for artists in Dubai.
Al Fahidi Fort Home to the Dubai Museum, this fort offers insights into the rich history and culture of the region.

Al Fahidi Fort
Al Fahidi Fort Home to the Dubai Museum, this fort offers insights into the rich history and culture of the region.
Jumeirah Mosque A beautiful mosque which offers guided tours for non-Muslim visitors to learn about Islam.

Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque A beautiful mosque which offers guided tours for non-Muslim visitors to learn about Islam.
Mercato Shopping Mall Themed around a Renaissance-era Italian village, providing a different shopping experience.

Mercato Shopping Mall
Mercato Shopping Mall Themed around a Renaissance-era Italian village, providing a different shopping experience.
Maritime Museum Showcases maritime history and seaworthy crafts that contributed to Dubai's fishing and pearl diving heritages.

Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum Showcases maritime history and seaworthy crafts that contributed to Dubai's fishing and pearl diving heritages.
Dubai Spice Souk An aromatic and colorful labyrinth of spice vendors, reflecting the city's trading past.

Dubai Spice Souk
Dubai Spice Souk An aromatic and colorful labyrinth of spice vendors, reflecting the city's trading past.
Al Bastakiya A historic district dating back to the 1890s with traditional buildings and maze-like lanes.

Al Bastakiya
Al Bastakiya A historic district dating back to the 1890s with traditional buildings and maze-like lanes.
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour A peaceful fishing spot offering a glimpse of Dubai's maritime past.

Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour A peaceful fishing spot offering a glimpse of Dubai's maritime past.
Satwa District A residential area known for its authentic eateries and vibrant fabric shops.

Satwa District
Satwa District A residential area known for its authentic eateries and vibrant fabric shops.
Salsali Private Museum The first private museum for contemporary Middle Eastern art in Dubai.

Salsali Private Museum
Salsali Private Museum The first private museum for contemporary Middle Eastern art in Dubai.