4 ways to discover a different side of Dubai

02 October 2026

Think of Dubai and soaring skylines, impressive hotels, and sunshine might spring to mind. But look a little closer and there’s much more to discover. You could spend a morning exploring historic neighbourhoods beside Dubai Creek, swap the city for mountains and desert landscapes, try food from around the world, or simply find your favourite stretch of sand. With so much variety packed into one destination, you can experience Dubai very differently from one day to the next.

Step into Dubai’s past

Modern Dubai may be instantly recognisable, but exploring its older neighbourhoods reveals another side of the city. Start at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where narrow lanes wind between traditional buildings topped with wind towers. Several of the restored buildings are now home to galleries, cafés, and cultural spaces, including the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, where visitors can learn more about Emirati traditions and everyday life.

From there, make your way towards Dubai Creek. Traditional abras still cross between Bur Dubai and Deira, making a journey across the water one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to experience this historic part of the city. On the opposite bank, you can continue towards the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you can browse rows of jewellery shops and elaborate window displays, or wander down narrow lanes filled with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, dried flowers, teas, and incense.

See where the city meets the sea

A Dubai holiday can be a city break and beach escape rolled into one, with wide sandy stretches, waterfront promenades, and plenty to do beyond simply lying by the pool. Kite Beach has a relaxed, active feel, with space to settle beside the water as well as beach volleyball, kitesurfing, a skatepark, food trucks, and children’s play facilities. For something livelier, The Beach, JBR puts shops, restaurants, and family attractions just steps from the sand, making it easy to move between the sea, lunch, and a wander along the beachfront. Over on Palm Jumeirah, Palm West Beach offers a more polished setting, with a long shoreline, skyline views, and a choice of beach clubs and restaurants for a slower afternoon by the water.

Swap the skyline for the great outdoors

One of Dubai’s more unexpected qualities is just how quickly the scenery can change once you leave the centre. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve protects an area of desert habitat where visitors can learn about native wildlife and the landscape at its visitor centre. Further afield, Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve encompasses desert and lake habitats and is home to wildlife including Arabian oryx and numerous bird species. Then there’s Hatta, part of Dubai but a complete contrast to the city. Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, it’s somewhere to go hiking or mountain biking, kayak on Hatta Dam, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Eat your way around the world

Dubai’s international population has shaped an incredibly varied food scene, and some of the most interesting places to eat can be found away from the big-name restaurants. Neighbourhoods including Satwa, Karama, and Deira are great places to look for everything from South Asian food to Arabic and Lebanese dishes, often at surprisingly accessible prices. Street-food favourites such as shawarma, falafel, and manakish can cost just a few dirhams, showing that eating well in Dubai doesn’t have to mean booking a high-end restaurant every evening.

For something more traditionally Emirati, head back towards Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding offers meals that introduce visitors to local food and traditions, while the surrounding area has plenty of places to stop for coffee or a relaxed lunch.

To book your trip to Dubai, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

Travel Counsellors experience the magic of Bhutan

02 October 2026

Bhutan offers a rare sense of stepping away from the familiar. On a recent eight-night journey, a group of Travel Counsellors travelled from Thimphu to Gangtey, Punakha, and Paro, experiencing mountain passes, riverside valleys, ancient monasteries, local communities, and peaceful highland landscapes along the way. The itinerary combined significant landmarks with hands-on experiences and quieter moments, offering a thoughtful introduction to a country that still feels wonderfully untouched.

Experience the best of Japan on a small group tour

02 October 2026

Japan brings together futuristic cities, peaceful countryside, remarkable history, and some of the world’s most memorable food. With Inside Travel Group’s 11-day ‘Must-see Japan’ small group tour, you’ll travel from Tokyo to Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and back to Tokyo, following a carefully planned route led by an experienced Insider. It’s designed for travellers who want to see Japan’s headline attractions, while still having plenty of free time to follow their own interests.

One holiday, three Cayman Islands

02 October 2026

A holiday in the Cayman Islands can be as varied as you want it to be. Start on Grand Cayman, where long stretches of white sand, stylish resorts, and excellent restaurants provide an easy introduction to the destination. Then, when you’re ready for a change of pace, regular Cayman Airways flights make it simple to continue to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. Together, the three islands offer a relaxed multi-centre escape.

4 ways to discover a different side of Dubai

Travel Counsellors experience the magic of Bhutan

Experience the best of Japan on a small group tour

One holiday, three Cayman Islands

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