things to do in downtown dubai

5 Non-Touristy Things To Do in Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountains, the Dubai Opera, the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Trolley and more, so there’s no surprise that it’s one of Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations. But did you know that there are also lots of non-touristy things to do in Downtown Dubai? From insane hot wings challenges in Souk Al Bahar to virtual roller coasters at VR Park Dubai, you need to check this out…

1. Shoot zombies at VR Park Dubai

From shooting zombies and hanging off the Burj Khalifa to adrenaline-fuelled roller coaster rides and bank heists, get ready to take on Dubai Mall’s new VR Park! All you need to do is put on your VR headset, and you’ll automatically be transported to a different (virtual) world.

Price: From AED 15 to AED 45 per adventure
Where: VR Park, Dubai Mall
Contact: Check out the VR Park website, or call 04 448 8483

2. Check out the new calligraphy installation

Via Instagram | @elseed

Wow! We are totally in love with the new hot pink installation in Downtown Dubai, created by none other than Dubai’s talented artist El Seed! This sculpture, commissioned by Dubai Opera, is El Seed’s way of declaring his love for our city.

Price: Free
Where: Downtown Dubai

3. Try the ‘ XXX Suicide Inferno Wing’ challenge at Claw BBQ

Via Zomato

Are you ready to try one of the spiciest portions of chicken wings ever?! They may look harmless, but trust us, they’re almost impossible to finish. Up for the challenge? You daredevils have to sign a waiver first (we’re not joking), and then you’ll need to eat 12 chicken wings covered in ghost pepper sauce.. in under 20 minutes. Good luck, you’ll need it!

Price: Free if you succeed, AED 85 if you don’t
Where: Claw BBQ, Souk Al Bahar
Contact: Visit the Claw BBQ website, or call 04 432 2300

4. Bike around Burj Park

things to do in downtown dubai - bike around burj park
Via Instagram | @luckynumbs7evin

Burj Park is one of the most stunning places in Dubai to just hop on a bike and cycle around – especially with the Burj Khalifa and the Burj lake as a backdrop! You can bring your own bike, or rent one out from the Byky bike stops all around Downtown Dubai.

Price: From AED 15
Where: Burj Park

5. Friday sunset brunch at Kanpai

Via Instagram | @kanpaidubai

Hands down one of the best seafood brunches in Dubai, and one of our favourite things to do in Downtown Dubai! The Friday sunset brunch at Japanese restaurant Kanpai lets you enjoy 3 hours of unlimited food (including sushi!) and drinks. And to top it off, it’s also on the Entertainer! Who’s ready for some sushi and sake bombs this weekend?

Price: AED 249 (soft drinks), AED 349 (house beverages)
When: Fridays, from 6pm to 9pm
Where: Kanpai, Souk Al Bahar – more info here

Cover image credit: Via Instagram | @thetraveltagger

Read more: Check out these 5 fun things to do in JBR, or browse through our Explore category for more city inpso.