Dubai is a city known for its luxury and modernity, but it’s also rich in local culture, food and traditions. To get the most out of your trip to Dubai, you should try to get a glimpse of the local way of life. Here are some things to see and do on your trip to Dubai to experience life the way the locals do.

Public Transportation in Dubai

Travelling around Dubai using public transportation is a seamless experience; there are well-developed bus, rail and water routes in the city that take you almost anywhere you want to go. While the bus and rail travel options are much the same as in any modern city, the abra is a traditional wooden boat that offers a glimpse into how people used to travel in the waterfront areas of Dubai.

Shop at Local Markets and Souks

From the gold and spice souks of Al Ras, the perfume souks of Sikkat Al Khali Street, and the textile souks of Ali Bin Abi Talib Street, shopping in the local markets enables you to find remarkable treasures that are unknown in the city's tourist areas. Explore the fascinating local markets and souks of Dubai.

Enjoy Emirati Cuisine Along Jumeirah Beach Road

Jumeirah Beach Road is one of the liveliest and most popular streets in the city. It's home to a wealth of fine-dining restaurants offering cuisines from across the globe. However, some exceptional homegrown restaurants are also a must-try on your trip to Dubai. Orfali Bros, Bungalo34, and Al Ijaza Cafeteria are three restaurants offering traditional mouth-watering flavours.

Explore Traditional Neighbourhoods

Wandering around Al Fahidi and Bastakiya Old Town Dubai is a great way to get a glimpse into the city before all the new high-rises arose. Al Barsha is also a favourite destination for local residents. Deira is a maze of alleyways and home to the city's famous souks. Exploring these neighbourhoods will give you a better idea of how the local Dubai residents live.

Visit Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort

Al Fahidi Fort is the oldest building in existence in Dubai. It’s also the home of the Dubai Museum, so it should be on the list of anyone wanting to see how the Dubai locals lived from the past to the present. The fort is set to undergo a makeover, but the futuristic design of the makeover still retains the old-world charm of the traditional fort. If you want to see the fort as it has been since 1787, you should visit it soon.

Visit a Public Beach

Although there are plenty of beaches along Dubai’s kilometres of coastline, the most popular beach for residents is Kite Beach. Accessible by bus, the metro, or car, Kite Beach offers long stretches of white sand beach and plenty of water sports. It's the main destination for kite surfers in Dubai, hence its name. However, there are also beach volleyball courts, soccer courts and even tennis courts. The beach also offers a range of fitness activities, including yoga and Pilates.

Kite Beach also has a dedicated area for kids to play, making it a family-friendly local destination. There are also plenty of shaded areas along the beach with permanent cabanas and umbrellas. At night, the beach is a popular destination, with food trucks appearing and concerts and other events happening.

Explore the Parks of Dubai

Public parks are popular attractions in the desert sands of the UAE, and there are three extraordinary parks in Dubai that are magnets for the residents.

Safa Park and Zabeel Park are expansive green spaces with bike rentals available, jogging tracks, and public barbecue pits. They are both easily accessible by bus or metro. The larger Zabeel Park also has mini-golf, a skating and skateboard park, a BMX track and cricket pitches. The park is home to one of the city's famous landmarks, the golden-coloured Dubai Frame, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of new and older areas of the city around the park.

With the onset of the winter months, the Dubai Miracle Garden opens its gates to the residents and visitors of Dubai. At 72,000 square metres, this is the world’s largest flower garden, with more than 150 million flowers in bloom. The garden also has a variety of attractions, entertainment, and dining outlets. It even has a butterfly garden and a mini-golf course. The garden is accessible by bus or metro.

Stay at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

Enhance your experience in Dubai by booking accommodation at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. The hotel offers a themed, family-friendly Dubai experience inspired by Thai and Arabian adventures. Booking one of the hotel’s expansive rooms is your family’s ticket to one of Dubai’s largest waterparks. The resort also includes three kid’s clubs, a candy-themed kid’s spa, an outdoor playground, a fitness centre, seven dining options, a family-friendly lounge and a variety of water sports.

The family resort in Dubai also provides easy access to all the city's modern attractions and cultural experiences. Enjoy the perfect Dubai holiday with family-centred accommodation, family-friendly amenities, and authentic local experiences.