Explore off the beaten path with Dubai's best hidden gems

Nicknamed The City of Gold, Dubai has plenty of attractions to draw the eye. Its skyscrapers are the tallest in the world, its nightlife the glitziest, and its amenities the most luxurious. However, there's a lot more to this alluring city when you look hard enough. Scratch beneath its impressive exterior, there's a beating heart of well-kept secrets, hidden gems, and amazing places to visit that most tourists never find. Whether natural wonders or street art pique your interest, step off the beaten path to discover a fascinating side of Dubai with this roundup of 12 hidden gems.

1. Discover the pearls of Old Dubai

You've seen the skyscrapers, now it's time to discover the secret places of Old Dubai, with this historic forts, boats and pearls walking tour. Wander through the perfume, spice, and gold souks, take a traditional wooden boat, and allow your guide to transport you back in time.

Highlights:

Learn about the fascinating transformation Dubai has undergone from a traditional desert town to a major global city.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at the Arabian Tea House Bastakiya, Al Fahidi Street. The tour starts at 10:00 AM and lasts 2 hours.

2. Discover a ministerial museum in a house

Formerly the residence of UAE's leader, the Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House is now both a heritage museum and an exemplary surviving example of traditional regional architecture. With its extraordinary courtyard and its collections detailing life in a Dubai long gone, take a private highlights and hidden gems tour with locals to explore this extraordinary building and its contents.

Highlights:

The building boasts highly ornamented teak doors, high-beam ceilings, and arched doorways. A must-visit for architecture fans.

Address and opening hours:

Al Fahidi, Dubai. Open Saturday-Thursday 8:00 AM-8:30 PM, Friday 3:00 PM-8:30 PM.

3. Take a trip to the tropics in a biodome rainforest

Nature fans won't want to miss The Green Planet, Dubai's unique indoor rainforest. Breathe in the hot, humid air of a tropical rainforest, and watch sloths crawl slowly overhead. You might even make friends with a spider monkey.

Highlights:

Walk through the lush vegetation as tropical birds flutter overhead and reptiles bask in the heat. This secret place guarantees a day to remember.

Address and opening hours:

City Walk, Al Wasl. Open daily, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

4. Savor a cup of aromatic coffee at the Coffee Museum

This curious and eccentric museum is one of Dubai's best-kept secrets. Worth visiting both for its brilliantly curated exhibition on coffee around the world and for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, this little museum overflows with charm and warmth. Take this walking tour with Emirati food tastings to experience this special, undervisited place.

Highlights:

You'll be greeted with a hot cup of coffee on your arrival, and you can enjoy more in the adjacent cafe.

Address and opening hours:

Bastakiya, Villa 44, Al Hisn Street. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

5. Walk through the world’s largest flower garden

For something so huge, Dubai's Miracle Garden still manages to stay off of most visitors’ radars. The largest flower garden on the planet, it’s home to over 50 million species of flowers. Arranged into elaborate sculptures of immense scale, you've never seen anything like this. On this Dubai Miracle Garden tour, you’ll have a sweet-smelling adventure with millions of flowers in full bloom.

Highlights:

Check out Disney Avenue, featuring Disney characters made from colorful topiary. A must-visit for Disney fans, old and young.

Address and opening hours:

Street 3, Al Barsha South. Open Sunday-Thursday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Fridays 9:00 AM-11:00 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.

6. Learn how honey is made in the Hajar Mountains

Nestled high in the Hajar Mountains just outside Dubai is the picturesque village of Hatta, one of UAE's loveliest hidden gems. The region is known for its clear turquoise pools and breathtaking scenery. Take this Hatta safari and Honey Bee garden visit to discover village life, and discover the secrets of traditional bee-keeping and honey-making in the UAE. The experience includes pickup in Dubai, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost.

Highlights:

See ancient marine fossils at the Jebel Maleihah site, another spot truly off the beaten path.

Address and opening hours:

You'll be collected from your accommodation. The tour starts at 7:00 AM and lasts 7 hours.

7. See flamingos in Ras Al Khor's mangroves and lagoons

An extraordinary hidden place in Dubai, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve and an important spot for biodiversity, where you can find tens of thousands of birds right on the city's doorstep, especially in winter when it is definitely not a hidden gem to migratory birds, but their most popular destination.

Highlights:

The real show-stealers are the enormous flamboyance of flamingos who flock to the reserve as a breeding ground every winter. Take stunning photos of these colorful birds against the backdrop of the Dubai skyline.

Address and opening hours:

Ras Al Khor Road. Open Sunday-Thursday 7:30 AM-5:30 PM. Closed Friday-Saturday.

8. Learn about Arabic culture and traditions

The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding is a true hidden gem in Dubai. It has a mission of fostering tolerance and open intercultural discourse, and guests are invited to ask any questions they like. Attend this Cultural Lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Center to learn more about the local culture and cultural sensitivities over a delicious traditional Emirati meal.

Highlights:

The center also has a cultural site with beautiful art objects, paintings, and shadow puppets.

Address and opening hours:

Al Mussallah Rd, Al Fahidi. Open daily 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

9. Discover the best of Dubai's street art

The El Satwa neighborhood of Dubai has been dubbed "Dubai Street Museum" thanks to the diverse and rich collection of street art and murals gracing its walls. Take this Secret Dubai tour to discover where the best murals are to be found.

Highlights:

Depicting scenes from everyday life, well-known figures, and abstract art, these murals are well worth a visit.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Noor Bank Metro Station next to Exit 2. Tours operate between 8:00 AM-5:30 PM and last 3 hours.

10. See inside the Ruler's Court Mosque

In the historical Al Bastakiya neighborhood, you can find the spectacular Ruler's Court Mosque. This really is a secret place in that it's not open to the general public – only visitors to the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding may enter. On a Al Fahidi Historical District heritage tour, discover this beautiful hidden gem and its role in Emirati life.

Highlights:

You'll learn about Dubai's extensive and complex history with a knowledgeable and entertaining guide.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at House 26, Al Musallah Road. Tours start at 9:00 AM and last 1.5 hours.

FAQs

What are some lesser-known attractions in Dubai that are worth visiting?

Dubai has surprises around every corner, and there are many excellent attractions off the beaten path. Head out to the breathtaking Love Lake with its vista of intertwined hearts, wander the atmospheric Al Bastakiya neighborhood, or visit the beautiful crescent-shaped Moon Island.

Are there any hidden or secret gardens in Dubai that I can explore?

Al Ittihad Park is one of the city's most spectacular botanical gardens, where you can get lost among the flora. The Al Khazzan Park is another green oasis among the hustle and bustle of the city.

Can you recommend any hidden or secret viewpoints in Dubai with great views of the city?

You can see jaw-dropping views of the city from the Sky Views Observatory. One lesser-known spot with great views is the outdoor terrace of the Dubai Marina Mall's food hall: watch stunning city views, and bask in the golden Dubai sunset.

What are some lesser-known neighborhoods in Dubai that are worth exploring?

Head to Bur Dubai, with its traditional historic buildings, low houses, artisanal family workshops, and small cafes. Another great neighborhood to explore is the historic district of Deira, with its colorful souks and many museums.

Can you recommend any hidden architectural gems in Dubai that are not as crowded as the famous landmarks?

Visit the architectural marvel of the Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple, covered with stunning ornate grillwork. The Iranian Mosque is another hidden architectural gem, with its stunning narrow minarets and blue walls.