Dubai Marina is the city at its most vertical and its most social: a man-made canal ringed by a forest of towers, a waterside promenade that never really sleeps, and the beach at JBR a short stroll away. It is where new arrivals fall for Dubai and long-timers keep coming back for the sundowners. Here is how to make the most of it.
This is part of our complete Dubai guide — use it to plan a day, a night, or a whole weekend around the Marina.
Where to eat
The Marina and the adjoining Marina Walk are wall-to-wall with restaurants, from waterfront fine dining to easy brunch spots and late-night bites. For the wider picture, browse our pick of the best restaurants in Dubai and the best dining deals in the city before you book.
Where to drink
Sundowners are the Marina’s natural habitat. Start with the best bars in Dubai Marina, then time it right with our Dubai happy hours guide and, for a view worth the climb, the best rooftop happy hours.
Beach and waterfront
JBR beach and The Walk sit right next door, so a Marina day easily rolls into a beach afternoon. For loungers, day-beds and pools, see the best beach clubs in Dubai. Otherwise the public stretch of JBR sand is free and hard to beat.
Things to do
Beyond eating and drinking, the Marina is built for pottering: the waterfront promenade, a spin around Dubai Marina Mall, a sunset yacht cruise, or the giant wheel at neighbouring Bluewaters. Our roundup of things to do in Dubai has more ideas within easy reach.
Getting there and around
The Dubai Metro (DAMAC and Sobha Realty stations on the Red Line) and the Dubai Tram both serve the Marina, and the whole district is genuinely walkable once you arrive. Taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful for hopping to JBR or Bluewaters.
Explore more of Dubai
Back to the main Dubai guide, or keep exploring the city’s nightlife, dining and beach clubs.