Dubai dazzles with iconic landmarks, but its lesser-known spots offer equally unforgettable experiences. From the world’s largest flower garden and historic neighborhoods to quiet lakes, art-filled streets, and a coffee museum, the Emirate is full of hidden gems. Exploring beyond the usual attractions reveals a richer, more authentic side of Dubai – one that’s well worth your time.
It’s no secret that Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world these days. Home to the tallest building in the world, the most luxurious hotels and restaurants anywhere, water and other adventure activities beyond imagination, Dubai is certainly a place that’s on everyone’s list.
But do people really know all there is to know about the tourism potential of this region? While some of the sites there are always in the headline, others seem to get overshadowed, in many cases unnecessarily. Let’s take a look at some of these hidden gems behind the Burj Khalifah.
The Dubai Miracle Garden
Did you know that Dubai is home to the world’s largest garden? It’s true. The garden includes more than 150 million flowers of different types, encompassing a veritable botanical universe in one place. Indeed, you could easily get lost amidst the elaborate floral designs and even sculptures that the garden holds. To find out the Dubai Miracle Garden Price, go online and check out the current rates.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Part of the magic of Dubai is that it combines old and new so gracefully. One of the most interesting neighborhoods in the Emirate is Al Fahidi (also known as Al Bastakiya). In it, you will find an elegant blend of old-style Arabic architecture, charming art galleries, and quaint courtyards brimming with cafes. It is not to be missed.
Lesser-known lakes
Everyone wants to experience Dubai’s coastline and explore the wonder of the Gulf. While this definitely has its merits, you shouldn’t ignore some of the smaller lakes in the region. This includes:
- the Al Qudra Lakes, which offer great opportunities for birdwatching, outdoor activities, and enjoying a quiet afternoon
- Love Lake, which is shaped like a heart and can be a great spot for couples to share a special day
The Dubai Coffee Museum
If you’re a coffee lover, you can’t miss this one. The museum is located in Al Fahidi and serves as an archive of all the world’s coffee types. You can also find a variety of coffee-related artifacts from ancient times to the present.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
For people who love wild animal species, this place is a treasure trove of obscure fauna. In it, you will find a wide range of birds, including huge numbers of exotic flamingoes. Beyond this, you will see fish, crustaceans, and various small mammals, some of the names of which you will struggle to pronounce. Still, it is a spectacular sight!
Alskerkal Avenue
Another part of town that impresses is Alskerkal Avenue. Featuring a tasteful blend of contemporary and traditional, this street is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. There you will find an interesting array of art galleries, cafes, and boutiques where you can buy handmade works from local artists. The street is also home to many of these artists, as well as artists visiting from abroad.
Look beyond the usual sites
Before you head out on your trip, it is advisable to look beyond the most obvious tourist sites and try to get a better sense of everything there is in Dubai. It is the kind of place that includes so many superlatives that people tend to focus exclusively on these most famous spots. And while the Burj Khalifah certainly deserves a visit, so too do plenty of other places that might not make the news. You’ll also find smaller crows in them.
It’s easy to overlook places like Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary when thinking of Dubai, but I agree – these off-the-beaten-path spots add so much more to the experience. Dubai isn’t just about luxury; it has so many layers waiting to be explored!