A Local's Guide to Finding the Best Hidden Gems in Dubai

Most people come to Dubai to tick off as many of this city's bucket list activities as possible. While everyone should go to the top of the world's tallest building and take in bird's-eye views of the incredible palm tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah, there's so much more to Dubai than its most famous attractions. 

Delve beneath the surface and you'll quickly discover fascinating cultural attractions, centuries-old heritage sites, and unique hidden gems in Dubai.

If you're not sure where to look, this guide will lead you to some of the coolest hidden places to visit in Dubai that only locals know about. From authentic street food to flamingo-filled mangroves to 18th-century heritage sites, you're going to experience an entirely different side of Dubai.

These are some of Dubai's very best hidden gems to check out on your trip.

While Dubai's mega-malls get most of the attention, you can't beat The Ripe Market when it comes to supporting local businesses. When the weather is nice, the main Ripe Market sets up shop in Academy Park every Saturday and Sunday from October to May.

This outdoor market features local vendors selling everything from home decor items and cool clothes to handcrafted jewellery and unique artwork.

You never know what one-of-a-kind items you'll find at this expat hangout. Plus, there are always loads of home-grown food vendors in the park, as well as live entertainment and family-friendly activities.

When it comes to cool places in Dubai, Al Quoz is it. The warehouses in this industrial zone have been completely repurposed by the city's creative entrepreneurs and artists. At its centre is Alserkal Avenue. This is Dubai's arts and culture hub, and you can expect to find street art, art galleries, boutique clothing shops, and even an independent cinema.

Alserkal Avenue is also home to some of the most trendy cafes and restaurants in the city, making this a very popular spot for weekend brunch. Try to snag a table at Cassette or Nightjar Coffee Roasters if you can.

Dubai is best known as being home to the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and the man-made Palm Jumeirah islands. But Dubai has a natural side that most visitors don't know about.

When it comes to the most unique hidden gems in Dubai, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary tops the list. You'll find the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary just a few kilometres from Downtown Dubai.

Every winter, thousands of wild flamingos migrate to these expansive natural mangroves. While the mangroves are highly protected and closed to the public, it is possible to view the flamingos for free from the sanctuary's “bird hides”.

Most people only know about Dubai's posh eateries and lounges, but this city is brimming with authentic international restaurants that are super affordable. For some of the city's best street food-style eats, make your way to 2nd December Street (aka Al Dhiyafa Street) in Satwa.

The food here is as diverse as Dubai's population, and you'll find all manner of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern restaurants here.

Go to Ravi for no-frills Pakistani dishes, Al Mallah for shawarma and Lebanese fare, or Cinnamon Tree Restaurant for Sri Lankan cuisine, to name a few options.

One of the coolest hidden places to visit in Dubai has to be The Farm Restaurant in Al Barari. This lush oasis features walking trails, trees and plants galore, and a lovely creek and pond.

There's a popular restaurant here that serves mostly organic dishes inspired by international cuisines. This is a very popular expat hangout for weekend brunch, so be sure to make a reservation. 

Located in the emirate of Dubai, roughly 90 minutes from the city centre. Hatta is like being transported to an entirely different country. While this place is popular amongst locals, don't expect too many tourists to make the journey to this historic mountain village.

Hatta is home to some of the best hidden gems in Dubai. Take a trip to Hatta and you can go kayaking in the impossibly blue waters of Hatta Dam, go hiking in the Hajar Mountains, get 360-degree views from the 19th-century watchtowers, and go back in time at the Hatta Heritage Village, one of the top Dubai historical sites.

When it comes to must-visit Dubai heritage sites, Al Fahidi Fort should be at the top of your list.

This is the oldest building in Dubai. Constructed in 1787, this place once served as a fortified royal residence, an armoury, and a prison. Al Fahidi Fort also houses the Dubai Museum, a must-visit museum if you want to get a better understanding of the culture and history of Dubai.

Old Dubai is the city's cultural and historical heart. If you're interested in checking out some of the best cultural attractions in Dubai, it's well worth paying a visit to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU).

There are always interesting events happening at the centre, from cultural meals to tours of the Old Dubai historical sites to guided visits to local mosques. If you're in town during Ramadan, joining one of the SMCCU's iftar meals is one of the best cultural experiences you can have in Dubai.

Located in Bur Dubai, the Iranian Mosque (Imam Hussein Mosque) is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Dubai. This Persian-style mosque features an intricately tiled yellow, blue, and green facade.

While the gates are not always open to outsiders, you can always admire the mosque from the outside. If it is open and you do want to go inside, make sure you're dressed appropriately. For women, this means knees, shoulders, and hair should be covered.

Located in Bur Dubai, Dubai Mercure Gold Hotel Al Mina Road Dubai puts you in close proximity to many of the coolest hidden places to visit in Dubai. Perks of staying here are the outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and the complimentary shuttle service to the beach and Dubai Mall.

Plus, because you're in Bur Dubai, you'll be just a short drive from both Downtown Dubai and Old Dubai, which is home to all the best Dubai heritage sites. After a long day, you'll appreciate the modern rooms, which are outfitted with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, and ensuite bathrooms with separate tubs and showers.

This guide to Dubai's many hidden gems is your invitation to discover a side of the city that only locals know about. With the unique historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural attractions in Dubai, there really is more to this glitzy and glamorous city than meets the eye. You just have to know where to look.