Dubai’s Best Kept Secrets and Travellers’ Tips

But even the most seasoned of Dubai visitors can often uncover surprises. With that in mind, here’s a collection of Travel Seen’s best kept Dubai secrets and travellers’ tips, from our very own team and famous friends...

• Visit Time Out Market Dubai

New to the heart of Downtown Dubai is this collection of unmissable food and drink spots all under one roof and curated by the Time Out team. @tarkshyapictures cites it as one of Dubai’s best kept secrets.

• Meet the internet sensation ‘Salt Bae’ at Nusr Et

“The restaurant in Dubai that we liked the most was Nusr Et,” says @passion_travellers. “We tried his hamburger and a special mixed salad, and the famous baklava for dessert!”

•  Grab a cocktail at Buddha Bar

Certainly one of Dubai’s hottest venues is Buddha Bar. “I went for a drink here in February,” says Travel Seen’s Lydia. “Set in the Grosvenor Hotel, it seriously takes sophistication to new heights. With live DJs and performers, an evening at Buddha Bar in Dubai is an experience not to be missed.”

• Fun for all at La Mer

There’s everything from a trampoline park to a cinema at this beachfront hub, interwoven with shops, restaurants and a busy schedule of live events. Follow La Mer on Instagram (@lamerdubai) for the latest goings on.

• Hire a car

Get around the city and its many visitor attractions in your own hire car. “We’d recommend renting a car because the distance between some of the main attractions can be long,” is the top travel tip from @passion_travellers.

• Head into the desert

While Dubai instantly conjures images of skyscraper skylines, this is a city surrounded by desert, and Travel Seen’s Julie says a venture into the dunes is a must: “My favourite part of my most recent Dubai trip was a night at the Al Maha desert resort. I would recommend this to travellers who want to add a little something special as the resort is a beautiful retreat. Guests stay in their own luxury Bedouin tent with a private pool, and the restaurant is lit by flaming torches at night. It was such a magical experience. During the day you can choose from activities such as dune safaris, falconry, nature walks or just relax at the spa. I did the camel trek into the desert and watched the sun set whilst drinking champagne; it was the highlight of my trip.”

• Experience free waterpark access

Dubai is known for its sunshine and high temperatures, meaning places to cool off are often needed. Many of the resorts offer free waterpark access included with each stay, which is a great way for visitors to do exactly that. Kimberley Walsh recently holidayed with Travel Seen at Atlantis The Palm and said that the access to the Aquaventure waterpark at the resort was perfect for her three young boys. While over at the Jumeirah resorts, guests can make the most of their free passes to the Wild Wadi waterpark.

Want more Dubai travel inspiration? Follow us on Instagram for Travel Seen insight and photos from our As Seen reviewers, like Dr Alex and Kimberley Walsh.