5 Places to Try if Beach Clubs Aren’t Your Thing

Look, I love a good beach club as much as the next person. But not everyone comes to Dubai for the sunbeds and spritzes. And sometimes, you just want to do something that isn’t lounging in a cabana for half a day.

So if beach clubs aren’t your thing, or if you just fancy mixing it up, here are five solid options to try instead.

1. Dubai Souks & Creekside Tour with Frying Pan Adventures

I’ll be honest, the first time I went to Old Dubai, I really didn’t have any idea what I was doing. I went with my parents the first time they visited me in Dubai and as lovely as it was, I definitely had that feeling of “I could have done this better.” We wandered around, I’m not going to say aimlessly but, almost aimlessly. Tried to pick somewhere to eat but wasn’t sure on what or where so ended up sacking it off completely and jumping into a taxi to eat elsewhere. Which is a shame because now I know there are SO many options.

The reality is that there’s plenty to see, eat & experience up this end of town. The problem was that I’d only been in Dubai for a couple of months so I had no real idea. Don’t make the same mistake I did! Take a look at the Dubai Souks & Creekside Tour that Frying Pan Adventures run. These ladies don’t mess about. No food trends, no ‘Instagram-famous’ fluff. Just proper, authentic dishes that have been around for generations, and a guide who actually knows what they’re talking about.

It’s a 4 hour tour designed for anyone aged over 8 years old. Groups are small so you won’t get lost in amongst a load of other tourists. Plus, you’ll get a ride in a traditional Abra across Dubai Creek included. You’re going to get the perfect mix of sightseeing & food with this fab group. 

2. Noble Life Desert Safari

I know what you’re thinking, everyone does a desert safari. But this isn’t your standard chuck-you-in-a-jeep-with-ten-strangers situation. There’s a reason why this experience is winning awards and top of Trip Advisor.

Noble Life offers private experiences which I highly recommend. It will take up most of your afternoon and evening but it is worth it, especially with all the new additions they’re launching including a hot air balloon at camp. It’s smooth and the VIP area has got the fanciest desert bathrooms ever… they give many restaurants a run for their money that’s for sure!

They pick you up from your hotel, take you dune bashing, throw in a camel ride and a bit of sandboarding if you’re up for it, and then finish with a proper dinner setup at camp. With VIP service & impressive shows, you’ll be on the receiving end of a well-planned evening that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard.

3. Alserkal Avenue & The Courtyard

This one’s hidden in plain sight. Right in the middle of Al Quoz’s industrial estate is this artsy little corner that feels nothing like the rest of Dubai.

Alserkal Avenue has galleries, indie stores, and pop-up events depending on when you go. The Courtyard next door is even more tucked away, blink and you’ll miss it, but it’s full of a couple of cute shops and chilled spots to grab a coffee.

If Dubai ever had a version of Shoreditch, this would probably be it. Ideal for a low-key morning or a moochy afternoon when you want something a bit different. Avoid weekends because it gets busy and make sure you have Careem or Uber downloaded so you can book a taxi to pick you up when you’re done.

4. Wakeboarding with Ultimate Wake

If you’ve got even a slight adventurous streak, this one’s a winner. Ultimate Wake now has two locations in Dubai, and both are top notch. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who’s been dragged behind a boat before, they’ll get you set up and out on the water with no drama.

You don’t need to be a pro either, they’ll talk you through everything. And if you fall off (which, let’s face it, most of us will), you just get back up and go again. It’s all part of the fun.

A solid option if you’re looking for something active that’s a bit different from the usual sightseeing spots. And a great way to see Dubai from a completely new angle… even if you’re clinging onto the rope for dear life while doing it.

5. Skip the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck & Do This Instead

If you’re thinking about going up the Burj, skip the observation deck queues and head to At.mosphere Lounge instead. It’s one floor below the official viewing platform, but you get the exact same view… just without being crammed in with 200 other people.

The entrance is through the Armani Hotel (so you avoid all the Dubai Mall & At The Top madness), and yes, you need to book in advance. There’s a minimum spend depending on what time you go, and whilst it’s not the cheapest, if you were already planning to go up the Burj, this is a far better way to do it.

They’ve also got a few different options worth knowing about:

• Afternoon tea with bubbly if you’re after something fancy.
• A Rosé Lunch at weekends which is decent value for what you get.
• And Sunset Sips in the evening if you’re just after a drink with a view.

There’s a dress code (smart casual — no flip flops or shorts), but nothing over the top. If you want the Burj moment without the chaos, this is how to do it properly.

Final Thought

Not everyone wants to spend their Dubai trip hopping between pool beds. And honestly speaking, there’s so much more to see. Whether it’s waking up your legs on a wakeboard, wandering hidden art spots in Al Quoz, or just finding the less chaotic way to do the big-name stuff, these are the things that make a trip feel a bit more you.

If beach clubs aren’t on your list, don’t stress. There’s plenty of other ways to do Dubai right.

Need help figuring out which of these to actually book, and how to fit it all in? That’s what we’re here for. Book your Discovery Call here.