7 OG spots in Dubai still worth visiting today
But scattered across the city are iconic spots that have been serving up legendary vibes (and bites) for years.
Whether you've just landed or been busy ticking off the big-ticket sights, don't sleep on these old-school favourites — they're the real Dubai staples worth discovering.
Original spots you have to visit in Dubai
Bu Qtair Restaurant
The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Bu Qtair.
Glitz and glamour aren't this eatery's main selling point but the lengthy queue here speaks for itself
The family-run venue first opened in the early 1980s and is located just off Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour. Try it for yourself. You'll be hooked.
Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim, Dubai (055 705 2130).
Deira Clock Tower
If you've recently touched down in Dubai, you might not be aware of just how much significance this little Deira roundabout holds.
Built between 1963 and 1965, the spot used to be the very centre of the city, and has stood proudly in the same spot ever since.
As for its origins, well, the story goes that the former Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum received a 'very, very large clock' as a gift which he did not know what to do with so he had a monument designed on the approach to Al Maktoum Bridge. Just around the corner from Deira Park, both spots are worth a walkaround in the cooler months.
Deira.
Dubai Bowling Center
The 50 best indoor activities to try in Dubai (Credit:Supplied)
The Dubai Bowling Center is one of the most recognisable buildings in Al Quoz with its 1980s retro décor taking you back to the good old days.
Give your best shot on any of the 16 lanes on offer, compete against your loved ones or get into teams to knock down the pins. If you want something else to keep you entertained, simply turn and watch the classic films being beamed out on projectors instead.
Prices vary. Open Mon-Wed 10am-midnight; Thu-Sun 10am-1am. Al Quoz, bowlingdubai.com (04 339 1010).
Habib Bakery, Deira
(Credit: Supplied)
This staple haunt has been cooking up some incredible treats for almost 30 years, and is more than worth the trip to the heart of Deira.
First lighting the ovens all the way back in 1987, the place is perhaps best known for its light and simple cream puffs.
These delicate pastries are light, perfectly crisp, and filled with a smooth, rich cream that oozes out with each bite. But if the classic isn't enough to tempt you, why not try out the strawberry cream version instead.
From Dhs13.65. Open 24/7. Habib Bakery, Deira. habibbakery.ae (052 229 9311).
JA Beach Hotel
(Credit: Supplied)
One of the oldest hotels in Dubai, the Jebel Ali spot opened up all the way back in 1980 and has been a holiday hotspot ever since.
Expanding with a golf course and two other hotels in the resort, you can still visit the original JA Beach Hotel for a chilled beachfront staycay or take a PADI-certified diving lessons or scuba sessions out in the water.
Still a little way out from all the city bustle, it's an ideal spot to explore if you want a quick seaside escape.
Jebel Ali, jaresortshotels.com
Sind Punjab Restaurant
Founded in 1977, Sind Punjab is a well-known (and well-loved) Indian Mughlai restaurant in Dubai. It is one of the best spots in Deira for butter chicken, chicken tikka and amazing street-side snacks like paani puri and sev puri.
Sind Punjab initially opened 47 years ago in Bur Dubai and now has branches in Karama and Dubai Internet City.
Open daily from 8am-1.30am. Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai (04 352 5058)
Shindagha Museum
(Credit: Supplied)
Get a bit of culture in this hotter months and visit the UAE's largest heritage site, where you can learn more about the tales of the first residents of Dubai Creek.
Get a flavour for Emirati life in years gone by, this museum was created around one of Dubai's earliest settlements and you can even visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, once the family residence of Sheikh Saeed, the grandfather of Dubai's ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was also born in the building.
From Dhs20. Open daily 10am-8pm (last entry 7pm). Al Shindagha Museum, Al Shindagha. alshindagha.dubaiculture.gov.ae (800 33 222).
Looking for things to do in Dubai?
13 famous Dubai restaurants everyone needs to experience at least once
The iconic spots that should be on every newbie's hitlist
14 cool things you can do in Dubai for 10 Dirhams (or less)
Low on dirhams? No problem
How to experience Dubai's luxe side for under Dhs100
Plus, a freebie not to miss
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Time Out Dubai
4 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
7 OG spots in Dubai still worth visiting today
Dubai may be all about the glitz, glam, and what's new – and trust us, we're here for it. But scattered across the city are iconic spots that have been serving up legendary vibes (and bites) for years. Whether you've just landed or been busy ticking off the big-ticket sights, don't sleep on these old-school favourites — they're the real Dubai staples worth discovering. Original spots you have to visit in Dubai Bu Qtair Restaurant The oldest restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Bu Qtair. Glitz and glamour aren't this eatery's main selling point but the lengthy queue here speaks for itself The family-run venue first opened in the early 1980s and is located just off Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour. Try it for yourself. You'll be hooked. Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim, Dubai (055 705 2130). Deira Clock Tower If you've recently touched down in Dubai, you might not be aware of just how much significance this little Deira roundabout holds. Built between 1963 and 1965, the spot used to be the very centre of the city, and has stood proudly in the same spot ever since. As for its origins, well, the story goes that the former Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum received a 'very, very large clock' as a gift which he did not know what to do with so he had a monument designed on the approach to Al Maktoum Bridge. Just around the corner from Deira Park, both spots are worth a walkaround in the cooler months. Deira. Dubai Bowling Center The 50 best indoor activities to try in Dubai (Credit:Supplied) The Dubai Bowling Center is one of the most recognisable buildings in Al Quoz with its 1980s retro décor taking you back to the good old days. Give your best shot on any of the 16 lanes on offer, compete against your loved ones or get into teams to knock down the pins. If you want something else to keep you entertained, simply turn and watch the classic films being beamed out on projectors instead. Prices vary. Open Mon-Wed 10am-midnight; Thu-Sun 10am-1am. Al Quoz, (04 339 1010). Habib Bakery, Deira (Credit: Supplied) This staple haunt has been cooking up some incredible treats for almost 30 years, and is more than worth the trip to the heart of Deira. First lighting the ovens all the way back in 1987, the place is perhaps best known for its light and simple cream puffs. These delicate pastries are light, perfectly crisp, and filled with a smooth, rich cream that oozes out with each bite. But if the classic isn't enough to tempt you, why not try out the strawberry cream version instead. From Dhs13.65. Open 24/7. Habib Bakery, Deira. (052 229 9311). JA Beach Hotel (Credit: Supplied) One of the oldest hotels in Dubai, the Jebel Ali spot opened up all the way back in 1980 and has been a holiday hotspot ever since. Expanding with a golf course and two other hotels in the resort, you can still visit the original JA Beach Hotel for a chilled beachfront staycay or take a PADI-certified diving lessons or scuba sessions out in the water. Still a little way out from all the city bustle, it's an ideal spot to explore if you want a quick seaside escape. Jebel Ali, Sind Punjab Restaurant Founded in 1977, Sind Punjab is a well-known (and well-loved) Indian Mughlai restaurant in Dubai. It is one of the best spots in Deira for butter chicken, chicken tikka and amazing street-side snacks like paani puri and sev puri. Sind Punjab initially opened 47 years ago in Bur Dubai and now has branches in Karama and Dubai Internet City. Open daily from 8am-1.30am. Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai (04 352 5058) Shindagha Museum (Credit: Supplied) Get a bit of culture in this hotter months and visit the UAE's largest heritage site, where you can learn more about the tales of the first residents of Dubai Creek. Get a flavour for Emirati life in years gone by, this museum was created around one of Dubai's earliest settlements and you can even visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, once the family residence of Sheikh Saeed, the grandfather of Dubai's ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was also born in the building. From Dhs20. Open daily 10am-8pm (last entry 7pm). Al Shindagha Museum, Al Shindagha. (800 33 222). Looking for things to do in Dubai? 13 famous Dubai restaurants everyone needs to experience at least once The iconic spots that should be on every newbie's hitlist 14 cool things you can do in Dubai for 10 Dirhams (or less) Low on dirhams? No problem How to experience Dubai's luxe side for under Dhs100 Plus, a freebie not to miss
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Dear Richard Madeley: My girlfriend is taking me on an active holiday, but I prefer cultural breaks
Dear Richard, My girlfriend has delightfully surprised me with a week away in Malta, a place I've spoken fondly about to her in the past, to celebrate my birthday in September. Unfortunately, the thing I like about it is the landscape and culture, but what it turns out to be more widely known for is active sport and clubbing – both of which happen to be enthusiasms of hers. So the resort we're staying at is not at all well situated to explore neolithic settlements or baroque churches, but we're booked in for a windsurfing course and even a Padi scuba-diving certificate. I have nothing against any of this but I'd rather save a few bob and do it in Dorset, frankly. Meanwhile, if I do manage to get away and explore some catacombs, I'm worried that I'll either annoy my girlfriend by leaving her alone with her paddleboard, or drag her along and leave her with the impression that I'm a dusty old bore – which I probably am, but I thought I'd managed to conceal the fact pretty well thus far. Is there a way we can both get what we want out of this while still getting to enjoy one another's company? – D, via Dear D, Of course there is! There's nothing wrong with having diverse interests! And anyway, clearly you share many of hers so there's plenty of overlap here. So stop worrying about what she might think of you if you declare your private passions to her. She loves you for who you are. I'd say being happy to go scuba diving or paddleboarding in the morning and then keen to wander round some ruins after lunch makes you a more interesting person, much less an old bore! So sit down and agree a rough schedule of how you'll divide your days in Malta. Be a gentleman and err on the side of generosity; offer a few more action hours than dusty diversions. But who knows? She may love a dive into the past as much as a dip in the Med. Send me a postcard!
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'Dreamy' seaside town with sandy beaches and one of UK's best ice cream parlours
Abersoch is a beautiful coastal village on what's known as the 'Welsh Riviera' - boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and one of the UK's best ice cream parlours One of Wales' best coastal towns, boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and a chic ice cream parlour recently crowned as one of the UK's top spots for ice cream by the Sunday Times, is nestled on the Llŷn Peninsula. Situated on Pen Llŷn, the seaside town of Abersoch is among the most picturesque locations along the Llŷn. This northwestern Welsh peninsula is brimming with natural splendour, rich cultural heritage, and idyllic beaches. Flanked by the crystal-clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, this Welsh region offers an ideal alternative to a holiday abroad, complete with a plethora of activities, accommodation options, and independent eateries and cafes. Visitors can explore remnants of Iron Age forts and islands, expansive stretches of sandy beaches, and numerous charming coastal villages and historical sites. Dubbed the 'Welsh Riviera,' Abersoch, located on the southern part of the Llŷn, is renowned for its sandy beaches, internationally acclaimed sailing waters, and a bustling high street lined with trendy bars, restaurants, major brands, and independent shops, reports Wales Online. Visit on a warm day when the skies are clear and the sea glistens, and you'll understand why Abersoch draws thousands to this scenic corner of Gwynedd each summer. This coastal hideaway is also famed for its water sports, particularly paddle boarding. If fortune favours, you might even spot resident dolphins gliding through the transparent waters. The protected bay offers ideal conditions for novice and seasoned paddleboarders alike, with the village staging numerous events and competitions throughout the year, drawing enthusiasts from across the UK. You can reserve a SUP session through Abersoch Watersports, where skilled instructors will lead you around the stunning coastline, highlighting marine wildlife and coastal landmarks. Fresh to paddle boarding? You can plunge into the #SUP lifestyle and master paddle boarding with their ISA-certified instructors using premium Red Paddle Co paddleboards. You'll receive coaching in the bay and master proper paddle methods to boost confidence and enhance your SUP abilities so you can emerge from the water and begin searching for dolphins. Another major attraction in the town is the expansive sandy shoreline, which the AA has previously recognised as one of the 'finest seaside destinations'. The AA characterised Abersoch Beach as a scenic Welsh location: "The top place goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also manned by lifeguards. 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Taking a leaf out of the book from ice cream parlours they visited on the west coast of America, this small enterprise is on a mission to whip up indulgent textures and innovative flavours, all with a nod to their Welsh roots. Their dynamic menu is a testament to their commitment to seasonal produce, but rest assured, you'll always encounter a quirky twist on some classic favourites. The Salted Coffee flavour is a hit among Two Islands fans, boasting a unique fusion of Coaltown espresso and HALEN MôN sea salt, while the mascarpone and blackcurrant combo becomes an instant highlight whenever it features. Two Islands doesn't just serve up delicious treats; they're also dedicated to green practices: "Everything they are involved in - from pod picking to package recycling - is as sustainable, ethical and conscientious as possible." Proudly proclaiming on their website, "We use real vanilla from LITTLE POD," they celebrate the independent company's recognition with the Queen's Enterprise Award for sustainability.
