This curated guide for Locals Insider was created by Anastasia Shakirova, a content creator and visual storytelling specialist who works with brands and interior projects.
Based in Dubai, she looks beyond glossy facades and familiar tourist routes. Her Dubai is alive and slightly spontaneous — defined by coffee on the go, photo shoots, and rare moments of quiet in the mountains.
In this guide, Anastasia shares her personal recommendations, from craft Mexican beer with views of the Burj Khalifa to a Russian banya overlooking the Persian Gulf, and a beach where sunrise feels especially worth waking up for.
Save it and start planning your route.
Time Out Market — Gastronomy with Views of the Burj Khalifa
Address: Souk Al Bahar (near the Apple Store entrance), Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall
Phone: +971 4 423 3773
Website: timeoutmarket.com/dubai
This is a large indoor food hall located within Souk Al Bahar, bringing together around 17 restaurant concepts, several bars, and a shared terrace overlooking the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa.
Here you can order some of the best tom yum soups, burritos, sushi rolls, or signature Mexican dishes. I highly recommend pairing your meal with a craft Mexican beer — it is an absolute highlight.
The venue also regularly hosts DJ nights and live performances, and the overall format is relaxed and easygoing.
Uzb Avenue — Grandmother-Style Plov in the Heart of Dubai
Address: Ground Floor, Oasis Building, Hadaeq Mohammad Bin Rashid, Al Barsha 1, Dubai
Phone: +971 4 399 9904
WhatsApp: +971 50 919 0650
Facebook: @uzbavenue
A cozy restaurant with the atmosphere of rural Tashkent — genuinely warm and soulful. Comfortable, flavorful, and only getting better with time.
The interior feels like visiting your grandmother’s home in childhood (in the best possible way), the service is warm and friendly, and the portions are generous.
A must-order here is authentic Uzbek plov, fresh tandoor bread, samsa, and Uzbek black tea served in traditional bowls.
Bakerist — The Best Croissants in the City
Address: Ground Floor, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Hills, Dubai
Phone: +971 54 266 2527
Website: dubaihillsmall.ae/dine/bakerist
A European-style bakery and café located inside Dubai Hills Mall, specializing in freshly baked, handmade croissants and excellent coffee.
An ideal spot for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch with friends. Do not miss the popular Giant Croissant — crisp, flaky, and easily on par with the best bakeries in Paris.
Angel Cake at Dubai Hills Park — Vegan Café with Gluten-Free Desserts
Address: Dubai Hills Park, Dubai Hills, Dubai
Phone: +971 58 506 0433
Website: angelcakes.setmore.com
The menu may be somewhat niche, but if you are vegan or looking for gluten-free desserts, this is an ideal health-focused café.
The desserts here are genuinely good. I recommend the Honey Angel Cake — a honey-based cake with soft vanilla cream and subtle citrus notes.
You will also find bowls, toasts, and pancakes on the menu. Most importantly, there is a summer terrace overlooking the park, making it a peaceful place to spend a quiet morning.
Tanoor (Hatta) — A Home-Style Restaurant with Meat and Flatbreads
Address: Dubai–Hatta Road, Hatta, Dubai
Phone: +971 4 388 4994
IG: instagram.com/tanoor.ae
A cozy local spot along Dubai–Hatta Road, specializing in tandoor-roasted meats, flatbreads, fresh vegetables, and hummus.
The atmosphere is simple and heartfelt — almost home-like. Be sure to try the Lamb Tanoor: slow-roasted lamb seasoned with delicate spices. Exceptionally juicy and aromatic.
Banya Forrest — A Russian Banya in Dubai
Address: Bluewaters Residences 1, Bluewaters Island, Dubai
Phone: +971 50 486 3224
Website: banyaforrest.com
An authentic Russian banya that opened here in 2023.
In reality, this is a full-scale bath complex featuring a public area with ice plunges, a VIP banya, a steam room with sea views, a snow room (!), massage treatments, a panoramic relaxation terrace, and a restaurant.
They also serve real, excellent kvass and freshly baked pies. You can book a professional bath attendant and choose the “banya plus snow room” experience.
All in all, this is a truly unique place for Dubai and one that has quickly become a favorite among locals.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi — Sharks, Rays, and Penguins
Address: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Phone: +971 2 496 8000
Website: seaworldabudhabi.com
This is a place worth visiting at least once — and not only for children, but for adults as well.
It is a complete marine ecosystem and one of the world’s largest aquariums. Even if you have visited many similar places before, it leaves a strong impression.
It feels like stepping into National Geographic in 3D. An adult ticket costs around 100 US dollars, and when purchasing tickets online, you can use a free shuttle from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa — A Beach Resort and Spa
Address: Mina Al Arab, Al Riffa, Ras Al Khaimah
Phone: +971 7 202 6666
Website: icrasalkhaimah.com
An ideal beachfront resort for a weekend escape — one you will not want to leave.
Located about 100 kilometers from Dubai, the property offers various accommodation options: rooms, villas, and bungalows. The villas are especially appealing, with private entrances and dedicated service — more like staying in your own residence.
Rates start at approximately 120 US dollars per night for a double room.
At the spa, I recommend the Ras Al Khaimah Escape treatment. It is two and a half hours of pure indulgence: a pineapple body scrub, rose oil wrap, mint foot ritual, and a full hot stone massage.
Sandy Beach Hotel (Fujairah) — A Snorkeling Getaway
Address: Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah
Phone: +971 9 244 5555
Website: sandybeach.ae
A beachfront hotel on Al Aqah Beach along the Indian Ocean, best known for boat trips to Snoopy Island.
The hotel itself is slightly dated, but it is perfect for a one-night stay focused on snorkeling, vibrant fish, and coral reefs. Everything is easy: equipment is provided directly on the beach, and the fish swim very close.
The hotel has two swimming pools, a water sports center, and restaurants. Rates start at around 100 US dollars per night for a double room.
Jebel Jais — A Mountain Walk with Spectacular Views
Address: Wadi Shehah, Ras Al Khaimah
GPS: 25.9376 N, 56.1750 E
Phone: +971 4 815 7333
Website: visitjebeljais.com
This is the highest point in the United Arab Emirates and one of its most scenic locations. Even the drive up the winding mountain road offers unreal views, and most importantly, it is a place to escape the city heat during summer.
There are viewing platforms overlooking the mountains, walking trails, cafés, a restaurant, and parking. You can bring a small picnic or simply enjoy a coffee with a view.
Kite Beach — The Perfect Place to Watch the Sunrise
Address: Umm Suqeim 3, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
IG: @kitebeachdubai
The key is to wake up early and arrive here around 6 or 7 in the morning. That is when you can experience a special early-morning atmosphere, with sunrise swims alongside diving cormorants.
When the city is still asleep, it is the perfect moment to feel Dubai at its calmest.
After choosing where to eat, unwind, and explore the city like a local, the right hotel completes the experience. Whether you are drawn to iconic luxury, beachfront escapes, or design-led boutique stays, our curated guide to 10 Best Hotels in Dubai features the most notable addresses in the city — ones that will make your trip truly memorable.
