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What's On
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
14 Dubai beach clubs that feel like summer holiday destinations
Summer is well underway, and most Dubai folks are travelling in this season, as you can probably tell from the glorious, somewhat empty roads and quiet weekends. However, if you have no travel plans for the next few months, head over to these Dubai beach clubs, which will transport you to sunshine destinations far and wide. Bonus: save for when travel season is over and the holiday blues chase you. The 305 Bringing a slice of Miami magic to Dubai – The 305's candy-pink stripes and Barbie- pastel patterns are just what you need for a feel-good time. Swaying palm trees and pristine sand complete this Miami experience, and you can choose between terrace dining, loungers by the pool or day beds by the beach. Location: The 305 Dubai, The Club, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah Times: Daily, 9am to sunset (beach), to midnight (restaurant) Contact: ( 0) 4 423 8322 @305dubai Maison Revka Few Dubai beach clubs can match the glamour of Maison Revka, a mix of Slavic culture and Parisian luxury. The entire space is inspired by the fictional residence of a Slavic bourgeois family, who relocated after the revolution to Paris in the 20th Century, which means you'll see plenty of classic, sophisticated details that drip old money. Location: Maison Revka, Delano Dubai, Bluewaters Island Times: Daily, 10am to 1am Contact: ( 0) 4 543 2900 @maisonrevka_dubai Gitano Transport to the jungles of Tulum, where this glorious fusion of rustic-luxe-bohemian-chic comes alive, designed for the free-spirited – the word gitano literally means gypsy in Spanish. Here, lush greenery takes centre stage, tropical with a touch of glamour, with wooden touches and glittering disco balls. Location: Gitano, J1 Beach, Jumeirah Times: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 1am, Friday to Saturday, 11am to 2am Contact: ( 0) 58 566 2320 @ Casa Amor Raw, rustic, bohemian – this St. Tropez export is a portal-esque slice of the French Riviera in Dubai, bringing coastal charm, free-spirited ambience and sunshine galore to the city. Think swaying beige fabrics, rattan touches and Oriental prints. The club is closed for the season, reopening in October, so keep an eye out for that. Location: Casa Amor, Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah Times: Reopening October, 2025 Contact: ( 0) 4 777 2223 @casaamaordubai Gigi Rigolatto Serving Italian Riviera and European coastal charm, Gigi is nestled within lush, landscaped greenery, featuring thoughtful Italian prints, plush fittings, a chic boutique and all the ingredients for a trip to sunny Capri. One of the first and biggest openings on J1, this one is all about that Italian dolce vita. Location: Gigi Rigolatto, J1 Beach, Jumeirah Times: Daily, 10am to 1am Contact: ( 0) 4 498 3900 @gigi_beach_dubai Koko Bay All about Bali, Koko Bay is inspired by the pristine beaches of this Asian island, with that shabby-chic island shack vibe – complete with rattan furniture, rope finishes, swaying fabrics and bohemian prints. A prime spot on Palm Wast Beach, it offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach and blue waters. Location: Koko Bay, Palm West Beach, Jumeirah Times: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 1am, Friday to Saturday, 10am to 2am Contact: ( 0) 4 572 3444 @kokobayuae La Baia A little slice of the Amalfi Coast, La Baia brings the sights, sounds and flavour of the Italian Riviera to Dubai. Splashed with beautiful, whimsical colours, Italian-inspired tiling and bright prints, and chic photographs of la dolce vita plastered on the walls. The deep yellow walls complete the package. Location: La Baia, J1 Beach, Jumeirah Times: Daily, 10am to 12am Contact: ( 0) 4 570 2482 @ Kyma Kyma Beach brings a bit of Grecian charm to Dubai with its all-white-everything interiors, pristine sand imported from Maldives and Mediterranean cuisine. The Greek beach club offers an escape wrapped up in wooden touches, white drapes and woven finishes, complete with carefully curated greenery. Location: Kyma Beach, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah Times: Daily, 10am to 1am Contact: ( 0) 4 666 5999 @kymabeachdubai Sirene by Gaia Sirene touts itself as the world's biggest beach club, and this Aegean-inspired space is all pristine white and Grecian blue, with Greek busts, colourful flora, smooth, white arches and Grecian prints. It features hidden bars, a restaurant with seating for up to 400, a golden beach, a swimming pool, 300 sunbeds and VIP cabanas. Location: Sirene by Gaia, J1 Beach, Jumeirah Times: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 1am, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 2am Contact: ( 0) 4 834 0303 @sirene_dxb Maison de la Plage All about the French Riviera, Maison de la Plage serves charm galore from the French coast, draped in warm, rusty hues and coastal prints. The white and wooden finishing, biscuit-y drapes and careful touches of greenery, paired with woven chandeliers, give this spot a truly St. Tropez feel. Location: Maison de la Plage, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah Times: Daily, 12pm to 1am Contact: ( 0) 4 452 3344 @maisondelaplage_ Tagomago Bright colours invoking the sun and the charm of the Baleric Islands – that is Tagomago for you. Think energy from Mallorca and Ibiza, powered by a deep orange splashed everywhere, Spanish island prints and touches of greenery. Tagomago is bright, fun and will take you straight to the White Isle. Location: Tagomago, Azure Residence, Palm Jumeirah Times: Daily, 10am to 1am Contact: ( 0) 4 832 6620 @tagomagodubai Ninive Beach Looking for that North-African-Arabian-safari vibe? Ninive Beach is the one, featuring a stunning mix of Moroccan and Middle Eastern influences – the lanterns, the rustic colours, the aquamarine tiling and the wood-work partitions. And of course, the massive pool at the centre of it all. Location: Ninive Beach, J1 Beach, Jumeirah Times: Daily, 10am to 2am Contact: ( 0) 4 498 4200 @ninivebeachdubai Bungalo34 Chic and artsy, Bungalo34 will take you to the Italian Riviera, but with a bit of a Slim Aarons twist (as a friend once rightly described). We have the greenery and the deep, rust and aquamarine hues, but also eclectic prints adorning the walls, uniquely-shaped hangings and colourful, quirky prints – it's a bit of everything. Location: Bungalo34, Nikki Beach and Resort, Pearl Jumeirah Times: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 12am, Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 12am Contact: ( 0) 4 238 1780 @bungalo34 African Queen St. Tropez icon African Queen is now in the list of Dubai beach clubs, and offers a stunning blend of French Riviera culture and African safari vibes. This is your exotic getaway in Dubai, with animal prints, rust red touches and wooden furniture, all inspired by the safari life. And the occasional big cat here and there to complete. Location: African Queen, J1 Beach, Jumeirah Times: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 12am, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 1am Contact: ( 0) 4 570 5546 @africanqueen_dubai Images: Socials/Supplied
What's On
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Dip before the heat: 10 pool day deals in Dubai this long weekend
With the heat turning up, there's no better way to enjoy the sunshine than lounging poolside, taking a dip, and sipping on something chilled. Some of the best pool day deals in Dubai are set to wind down for the summer, so now is the time to make the most of what's still open. From sky-high infinity pools with stunning views to quiet, low-key spots perfect for a slow day in the sun, these 10 best pool day deals will have you reaching for your swimsuit in no time. Here's where to spend a well-earned day poolside before the real heat kicks in. Address Dubai Mall City-centre luxury with Burj Khalifa views. Located in the heart of Downtown, Address Dubai Mall's infinity pool is a serene spot with front-row views of Burj Khalifa. Pool day passes come fully redeemable on food and drinks, with shaded seating, cocktails, and a menu of light bites served from the poolside lounge. Location: Address Dubai Mall, Downtown Offer: Dhs200 (weekday), Dhs 300 (weekend), fully redeemable. Times: Daily 10am–7pm Contact: (0)4 245 8888. @addressdubaimall Gitano Image: Supplied Born in Tulum, Gitano, is a bohemian concept designed for the free-spirited. Its rustic-luxe aesthetic is found at its beach and jungle locations in Tulum, as well as a restaurant in Miami and a pop-up that comes to New York's Govenor's Island each summer. Gitano Dubai is the brand's fifth global location, and it's one of a dozen concepts at J1 Beach. A tropical aesthetic with a glamorous touch, verdant plants and trees surround wooden tables, all of which will fall under the twinkling of disco balls and the bright neon pink Gitano logo. Perch up in the high-octane 'Jungle Room' restaurant for modern Mexican dishes and signature mezcal cocktails; or snag a lounger on the beach and soak up the sun under the glittering disco ball. Location: Gitano, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1 Offer: Mon to Thu Dhs350 fully redeemable, and Fri to Sun Dhs400 fully redeemable Times: 11am to 1am (Sunday to Thursday) and 11am to 2am (Friday and Saturday) Contact: (0)4 501 8270. @ Beach by FIVE Image: Supplied With a long stretch of private sand, a glass-lined pool, and Marina views in the background, Beach by FIVE is a popular all-day spot for those after a swim and laid-back daytime music. There are oversized loungers, shaded areas, beach jacuzzis, and a cool crowd throughout the week. Location: Beach by FIVE, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Offer: From Monday to Wednesday it's Dhs100 for ladies and Dhs200 for gents, fully redeemable. From Thursday to Sunday, it's Dhs200 for ladies and Dhs300 for gents, also fully redeemable Times: Daily, 9am to sunset Contact: (0)4 455 9989. @beachbyfive Anantara The Palm Located on the Palm's outer frond, Anantara offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, best enjoyed from its swim-up bar. Surrounding the premier and deluxe rooms are three lagoon pools, perfect for a dip or lounging in the sun. The resort offers tropical cocktails served in coconuts and refreshing watermelon buckets, alongside a range of snacks and drinks. The fully redeemable packages allow you to enjoy all the amenities without any extra costs. Whether you're relaxing by the pool or sipping drinks in the water, it's a perfect spot for a laid-back day. Location: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Palm Jumeira Offer: Dhs250 (fully redeemable) Monday to Friday, Dhs300 (Dhs150 redeemable) Saturday and Sunday Times: Daily, 9am to 9pm Contact: (0)4 567 8888 · @anantaradubai Kaimana Beach Colourful Polynesian spot, Kiamana Beach, is one of the newer additions to J1 Beach. This tiki-inspired spot features an indoor-outdoor restaurant, as well as an extensive pool area, where canary yellow sun loungers are neatly arranged on the sand, and there are also some cocoon-like cabanas for if you want a VIP base for a day of fun in the sun. There's a central swimming pool, a grand bamboo pergola, and a menu of Asian-Polynesian flavours. BCH:CLB Bringing Love Island vibes to W Dubai – The Palm is BCH:CLB, a chic and contemporary beach club with an expansive pool dotted with ice white day beds. The beach club's signature orange hue is dotted through the parasols, towels and cushions, and there's a regular rotation of DJs spinning through the afternoon to make this a lively spot. You can enjoy a wide selection of refreshing beverages and Mediterranean dishes with the fully redeemable pool pass. Location: BCH:CLB, W Dubai, The Palm. Offer: Fully redeemable pool pass is priced at Dhs200 from Monday to Thursday and Dhs300 from Friday to Sunday for beach beds. Times: Daily 10am to 8pm. Contact: (0)4 834 3803. @bchclb Fairmont The Palm Image: Supplied Fairmont The Palm keeps things classic with clean, well-kept pools, a quiet private beach, and shaded loungers spread across the grounds. It's family-friendly and comes with attentive F&B service delivered straight to your lounger. A solid go-to if you're after somewhere laid-back for the day. Location: Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah Offer: Weekdays, Dhs200 adult (fully redeemable), Dhs100 child (6–12, fully redeemable); under-6s go free. Weekends: Dhs250 adult, Dhs125 child – all fully redeemable. Times: Daily, 7am to 7pm (F&B service 11am–6pm) Contact: (0)4 457 3330. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray For a truly luxurious pool day, head to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. The 59-metre infinity pool overlooks the private beach, offering stunning views and a calm atmosphere. Packages are fully redeemable, meaning you can enjoy the full experience—pool, beach, and food—without any surprises. It's a great spot for soaking up the sun or cooling off with a dip in the ocean. A range of dining options ensures your day stays refreshed and satisfying. Location: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Crescent Rd, Palm Jumeirah Offer: Dhs350 (fully redeemable) Times: Daily, 9am to 7pm Contact: (0)4 453 0000. @jumeirahzabeelsaray Be Beach Image: Supplied Backdropped by the stunning Marina Skyline, Be Beach is a luxurious beach club with a charming coastal feel, with an array of luxe loungers and cabanas dotted across the sugary sand. Dotted with palm trees and adorned in natural and earthy tones, it's a rustic-luxe spot that's been designed to transport you to summers on the Med. At the top, a gorgeously inviting infinity pool is lined with sun loungers, and faces out towards the Arabian Gulf. There's also a Mediterranean restaurant serving up European flavours inspired by the seaside setting and a vibrant bar deck, where master mixology takes centre stage. Location: Be Beach, Dubai Harbour, off Dubai Marina. Offer: Pool day passes are priced at Dhs350 with Dhs250 redeemable on weekdays and Dhs400 with Dhs250 redeemable on weekends. Times: 10am to sunset Mon to Thu, 10am to 12am Fri, till 2am Sat, and till 1am Sun. Contact: (0)54 751 1119. @bebeachdxb Delano Dubai Image: Supplied Set on the pristine shores of Bluewaters Island, Delano Dubai is a haven of understated luxury inviting outside guests to its chic pool and private beach experience. The expansive pool area is framed by billowing umbrellas, sunken loungers, and a serene social ledge for leisurely moments. With 250 metres of private beachfront, guests can bask in uninterrupted sunset views over the sparkling Arabian Gulf. Combining Miami's sophisticated charm with the tranquil beauty of the Arabian Gulf, Delano Dubai offers a daycation like no other, complete with an indulgent menu inspired by the Italian coast. Location: Delano Dubai, Bluewaters Island Offer: Pool and beach day pass from Dhs400 on weekdays (50% redeemable on F&B), Dhs600 on weekends and public holidays (50% redeemable on F&B) Times: Daily, 8am to 8pm Contact: (0)4 556 6255.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to experience 6 of Europe's most musical cities
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). While many cities can lay claim to being hubs of musical creativity, only a few become truly synonymous with a certain sound. After all, Vienna will always waltz to the tune of Strauss and few can imagine Seville without the passion of flamenco. In some cases, a city is its music. And, like that of a gifted composer, the European repertoire is vast. Whether for pop or classical, folk or techno, travellers will find no shortage of cities to immerse themselves in Europe's great soundtrack. There are hands-on workshops, interactive museums that chart the story of a genre, and nightly shows at age-old venues — perhaps the closest thing to seeing a city's soul. Whatever your taste, here are six of the best in which to plan a tuneful escape of your own. Seville's heart beats with flamenco. The stirring trinity of song, dance and music has its roots in the city's Gitano communities and has become an emblem of both Seville and Spain; such is its cultural value that it was added to the UNESCO Intangible World Cultural Heritage list in 2010. Tablaos are the place to experience the dance. Packed each night of the week, these venues can range from the casual La Carbonería, where locals come for tapas and a show, to more venerable institutions such as Peña Flamenca Torres Macarena, a stage and cultural hub for new and established performers, or El Arenal, where punters can enjoy a full-course dinner with a show. But the street is perhaps the most authentic stage of all. An outdoor performance might stir into life on the grand Plaza de España; on a tree-shaded patio in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, or in Triana, the buzzy, working class district said to be the birthplace of flamenco. The area is home to the Teatro Flamenco, a bijou theatre that holds nightly performances, as well as the workshop of teacher and guide Eva Izquierdo, who runs hour-long flamenco classes for budding bailadores (dancers). For an edifying experience, the Museo del Baile Flamenco houses costumes, art and interactive exhibits, which chart the history of the genre, with shows in the courtyard or cellar events space. Date for the diary: The annual Feria de Sevilla is a lavish celebration of Andalucian culture with parades, traditional dress, sherry and plenty of flamenco. 20-26 April 2026. Listen to: A Tu Vera by Lola Flores. The rousing sound of a fiddle is never far away on Ireland's west coast. Huddled against the Atlantic, Galway is a bastion of traditional culture, where poets, artists and musicians have long found a place to hone their craft in the city's bustling bars and salty-aired granite streets. More than just watering holes, Galway's atmospheric pubs have a proud tradition of hosting and championing Irish folk (or Irish trad) musicians. The Crane Bar heads up any list of must-visit venues: both floors of this lively Victorian haunt host packed-out sessions each night of the week, while Monroe's Tavern focuses on Irish-language music, and often throws dancing and poetry nights, too. With its charming web of streets festooned with flags and hanging baskets, the Latin Quarter is not to be missed. It's the beating heart of the folk music scene: buskers can be heard on street corners, covering classic ballads or trying out their own original tunes, while the pubs here make a fine place to while away an evening with a whiskey or two. Tigh Neachtain has been trading since 1894 and has platformed several well-known Irish folk artists, including acclaimed accordionist Sharon Shannon. Over at the charming Tig Choili, twice-daily live music sessions come courtesy of local and visiting musicians alike. Date for the diary: Now in its fourth year, the Galway Folk Festival promises a spirited programme of live music sessions across the city. 4-8 June. Listen to: My Irish Molly O by De Danann. Ace of Base, Roxette, The Cardigans, Robyn and, of course, ABBA… Sweden's musical exports reads like a festival headline bill. For decades, Stockholm has been a powerhouse of European pop and now, fans can dig into the city's hit-making heritage at the Swedish Museum of Performing Arts, which explores the history and future of music, theatre and dance. The Avicii Experience tells the story of the late, chart-topping DJ with a collection of unreleased music and virtual-reality karaoke, while the club Trädgården sees revellers dance beneath Skanstullsbron bridge. And, in the city that gave the world Spotify, vinyl still has its place; Bengans, Snickars and Mickes record stores are a music-lover's dream, while Pet Sounds sells used records beside a cocktail bar. But no trip to the city would be complete without a whirl around ABBA The Museum, where the career of Sweden's most successful act is celebrated through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. Date for the diary: Drömmen Festival will bring together pop legends from Sweden and around the world, including Ronan Keating, Gipsy Kings and Shirley Clamp. 7 June. Listen to: It Must Have Been Love by Roxette. Just like the Danube, music flows through the heart of the Austrian capital. Some of history's greatest virtuosos — from Mozart to Haydn, Beethoven to Strauss — lived and worked in Vienna, leaving a musical legacy that's as rich as a Habsburg palace. When it comes to live music, the Vienna State Opera shines as one of the world's most opulent music venues, while the Golden Hall at the Musikverein is home to the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. Mozart's legacy lives on in performances at the Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace, the space where he premiered The Impresario in 1786. The House of Strauss, meanwhile, is the world's only remaining concert hall where all four Strausses performed. Not everything takes place in palatial surrounds though. Intimate piano recitals are held at the Mozarthaus, where the composer lived, while the Annakirche is a baroque jewel of a church that hosts affordable concerts. Date for the diary: 2025 is the bicentenary of Johann Strauss's birth. A special concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony Orchestra and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter will mark the big day on 25 October. Listen to: The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II. When American troops were stationed in Paris during the First World War, they brought with them the improvised rhythms of jazz. In the years that followed, this sound took Paris's music halls by storm and has become entwined with the city's soundscape. The French capital is peppered with old-school jazz clubs, and few are as hallowed as Le Caveau de la Huchette, on the Left Bank. The building dates to the 16th century and has staged countless stars of swing in its time, including Sidney Bechet and Lionel Hampton. On the Right Bank, life on the Rue des Lombards saunters to the sound of jazz, for it's home to three of the city's finest bars: crowds squeeze into the Duc des Lombards, Sunset/Sunside and Le Basier Salé for late-night jam sessions. But, if one figure epitomises the French jazz era, it's Josephine Baker who turned heads in 1926 when she performed at the Folies Bergère wearing a banana skirt. The legendary music hall remains an art deco icon of Paris's musical heritage. Date for the dairy: Jazz festivals include Jazz à La Villette, held in the Parc de la Villette. August/September 2025, dates TBC. Listen to: Black Trombone by Serge Gainsbourg. If German reunification had a sound, it would be one of wavy synths and drum machines. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the underground electronic music scene offered West and East Berliners a way to come together. Since then, the city has become the pounding heart of European electronica. Venues have popped up in disused landmarks across the city, harking to the 1990s when students began squatting in abandoned buildings. A fine example is Tresor, which began in the cellar of a former department store in 1991. Now housed in a decommissioned power plant, its killer sound system draws fans from across the world. Kater Blau — a former soap factory — is a popular, open-air summer spot beside the River Spree, while ://about blank takes a political approach to techno, offering 'hedonistic, insurrectionalist dialectic'. Top of any list, however, is Berghain, the cathedral-like club where (almost) anything goes. Top-quality sound and performances aside, the mysterious entry policy is all part of the appeal and has revellers queuing for hours. Date for the diary: Rave the Planet Parade mixes rave culture with political demonstration. 12 July. Listen to: Autobahn by Kraftwerk. Published in the European Cities Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
How to experience 6 of Europe's most musical cities
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). While many cities can lay claim to being hubs of musical creativity, only a few become truly synonymous with a certain sound. After all, Vienna will always waltz to the tune of Strauss and few can imagine Seville without the passion of flamenco. In some cases, a city is its music. And, like that of a gifted composer, the European repertoire is vast. Whether for pop or classical, folk or techno, travellers will find no shortage of cities to immerse themselves in Europe's great soundtrack. There are hands-on workshops, interactive museums that chart the story of a genre, and nightly shows at age-old venues — perhaps the closest thing to seeing a city's soul. Whatever your taste, here are six of the best in which to plan a tuneful escape of your own. The Museo del Baile Flamenco houses costumes, art and interactive exhibits, which chart the history of the genre, with shows in the courtyard or cellar events space. Photograph by Getty Images, Miguel Sotomayor 1. Flamenco in Seville Seville's heart beats with flamenco. The stirring trinity of song, dance and music has its roots in the city's Gitano communities and has become an emblem of both Seville and Spain; such is its cultural value that it was added to the UNESCO Intangible World Cultural Heritage list in 2010. Tablaos are the place to experience the dance. Packed each night of the week, these venues can range from the casual La Carbonería, where locals come for tapas and a show, to more venerable institutions such as Peña Flamenca Torres Macarena, a stage and cultural hub for new and established performers, or El Arenal, where punters can enjoy a full-course dinner with a show. But the street is perhaps the most authentic stage of all. An outdoor performance might stir into life on the grand Plaza de España; on a tree-shaded patio in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, or in Triana, the buzzy, working class district said to be the birthplace of flamenco. The area is home to the Teatro Flamenco, a bijou theatre that holds nightly performances, as well as the workshop of teacher and guide Eva Izquierdo, who runs hour-long flamenco classes for budding bailadores (dancers). For an edifying experience, the Museo del Baile Flamenco houses costumes, art and interactive exhibits, which chart the history of the genre, with shows in the courtyard or cellar events space. Date for the diary: The annual Feria de Sevilla is a lavish celebration of Andalucian culture with parades, traditional dress, sherry and plenty of flamenco. 20-26 April 2026. Listen to: A Tu Vera by Lola Flores. More than just watering holes, Galway's atmospheric pubs have a proud tradition of hosting and championing Irish folk (or Irish trad) musicians. The Crane Bar heads up any list of must-visit venues, with both floors of this lively Victorian haunt host packed-out sessions each night of the week. Photograph by Getty Images, Thomas Winz 2. Irish folk in Galway The rousing sound of a fiddle is never far away on Ireland's west coast. Huddled against the Atlantic, Galway is a bastion of traditional culture, where poets, artists and musicians have long found a place to hone their craft in the city's bustling bars and salty-aired granite streets. More than just watering holes, Galway's atmospheric pubs have a proud tradition of hosting and championing Irish folk (or Irish trad) musicians. The Crane Bar heads up any list of must-visit venues: both floors of this lively Victorian haunt host packed-out sessions each night of the week, while Monroe's Tavern focuses on Irish-language music, and often throws dancing and poetry nights, too. With its charming web of streets festooned with flags and hanging baskets, the Latin Quarter is not to be missed. It's the beating heart of the folk music scene: buskers can be heard on street corners, covering classic ballads or trying out their own original tunes, while the pubs here make a fine place to while away an evening with a whiskey or two. Tigh Neachtain has been trading since 1894 and has platformed several well-known Irish folk artists, including acclaimed accordionist Sharon Shannon. Over at the charming Tig Choili, twice-daily live music sessions come courtesy of local and visiting musicians alike. Date for the diary: Now in its fourth year, the Galway Folk Festival promises a spirited programme of live music sessions across the city. 4-8 June. Listen to: My Irish Molly O by De Danann. Stockholm has been a powerhouse of European pop and now, fans can dig into the city's hit-making heritage at the Swedish Museum of Performing Arts, which explores the history and future of music, theatre and dance. Photograph by Getty Images, Kavalenkava Volha 3. Pop in Stockholm Ace of Base, Roxette, The Cardigans, Robyn and, of course, ABBA… Sweden's musical exports reads like a festival headline bill. For decades, Stockholm has been a powerhouse of European pop and now, fans can dig into the city's hit-making heritage at the Swedish Museum of Performing Arts, which explores the history and future of music, theatre and dance. The Avicii Experience tells the story of the late, chart-topping DJ with a collection of unreleased music and virtual-reality karaoke, while the club Trädgården sees revellers dance beneath Skanstullsbron bridge. And, in the city that gave the world Spotify, vinyl still has its place; Bengans, Snickars and Mickes record stores are a music-lover's dream, while Pet Sounds sells used records beside a cocktail bar. But no trip to the city would be complete without a whirl around ABBA The Museum, where the career of Sweden's most successful act is celebrated through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. Date for the diary: Drömmen Festival will bring together pop legends from Sweden and around the world, including Ronan Keating, Gipsy Kings and Shirley Clamp. 7 June. Listen to: It Must Have Been Love by Roxette. 4. Classical in Vienna Just like the Danube, music flows through the heart of the Austrian capital. Some of history's greatest virtuosos — from Mozart to Haydn, Beethoven to Strauss — lived and worked in Vienna, leaving a musical legacy that's as rich as a Habsburg palace. When it comes to live music, the Vienna State Opera shines as one of the world's most opulent music venues, while the Golden Hall at the Musikverein is home to the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. Mozart's legacy lives on in performances at the Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace, the space where he premiered The Impresario in 1786. The House of Strauss, meanwhile, is the world's only remaining concert hall where all four Strausses performed. Not everything takes place in palatial surrounds though. Intimate piano recitals are held at the Mozarthaus, where the composer lived, while the Annakirche is a baroque jewel of a church that hosts affordable concerts. Date for the diary: 2025 is the bicentenary of Johann Strauss's birth. A special concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony Orchestra and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter will mark the big day on 25 October. Listen to: The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II. The French capital is peppered with old-school jazz clubs, and few are as hallowed as Le Caveau de la Huchette, on the Left Bank. Photograph by Getty Images, Shironosov 5. Jazz in Paris When American troops were stationed in Paris during the First World War, they brought with them the improvised rhythms of jazz. In the years that followed, this sound took Paris's music halls by storm and has become entwined with the city's soundscape. The French capital is peppered with old-school jazz clubs, and few are as hallowed as Le Caveau de la Huchette, on the Left Bank. The building dates to the 16th century and has staged countless stars of swing in its time, including Sidney Bechet and Lionel Hampton. On the Right Bank, life on the Rue des Lombards saunters to the sound of jazz, for it's home to three of the city's finest bars: crowds squeeze into the Duc des Lombards, Sunset/Sunside and Le Basier Salé for late-night jam sessions. But, if one figure epitomises the French jazz era, it's Josephine Baker who turned heads in 1926 when she performed at the Folies Bergère wearing a banana skirt. The legendary music hall remains an art deco icon of Paris's musical heritage. Date for the dairy: Jazz festivals include Jazz à La Villette, held in the Parc de la Villette. August/September 2025, dates TBC. Listen to: Black Trombone by Serge Gainsbourg. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the underground electronic music scene offered West and East Berliners a way to come together. Photograph by Getty Images, Mahiruysal 6. Electronic in Berlin If German reunification had a sound, it would be one of wavy synths and drum machines. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the underground electronic music scene offered West and East Berliners a way to come together. Since then, the city has become the pounding heart of European electronica. Venues have popped up in disused landmarks across the city, harking to the 1990s when students began squatting in abandoned buildings. A fine example is Tresor, which began in the cellar of a former department store in 1991. Now housed in a decommissioned power plant, its killer sound system draws fans from across the world. Kater Blau — a former soap factory — is a popular, open-air summer spot beside the River Spree, while ://about blank takes a political approach to techno, offering 'hedonistic, insurrectionalist dialectic'. Top of any list, however, is Berghain, the cathedral-like club where (almost) anything goes. Top-quality sound and performances aside, the mysterious entry policy is all part of the appeal and has revellers queuing for hours. Date for the diary: Rave the Planet Parade mixes rave culture with political demonstration. 12 July. Listen to: Autobahn by Kraftwerk. Published in the European Cities Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK). 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Grazia USA
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
The GRAZIA Dubai Weekend Guide: May 23 to 25, 2025
Photo: @dananageeb Instagram Finally, the long-awaited weekend is here. From new pop-ups in the city to must-try new culinary hotspots and a little dose of culture, you can expect yet another weekend worth to indulge in Dubai. As always, the GRAZIA team has done the legwork and curated a list that deserves a spot on your weekend bucket list. a scent-Sational summer escape at alto 54 Photo: @kayali Instagram If you're looking for some It-girl-approved summer scents, KAYALI, by the perfume connoisseur Mona Kattan, has taken over Alto 54 at Address Sky View for a limited-time takeover slated from May 20 to June 19, 2025. Celebrating its new 50ml collection with a slew of dreamy activations, consider your weekend pool plans and vacation energy here. A new beach club takeover at Gitano Running until June 5, 2025, Ray-Ban has taken over the infamous Gitano Beach Club at J1 for an indulgent beachfront experience. From cushions and sunbeds to cabanas, the brand has etched its signature vibrant colours across the beach club destination. Dine at The Cullinan Photo: @ Instagram It's needless to say that no weekend is complete without dining out at Dubai's newest hotspot, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. While there's a hefty list of excellent must-try restaurants, this weekend, you can indulge in one of the finest steakhouse offerings in the city. For a refined experience and unmatched flavours, head to The Cullinan, where heritage techniques meet classic flavours. A weekend beauty refresh Of course, a refreshing weekend calls for a makeover. Our top go-to? Well, it's none other than the hair artist Limoz Logli, who has officially arrived in the UAE at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Known for his signature hand-painted colour technique and meticulous approach to beauty, this new beauty spot is where exactly you'll find the GRAZIA team this weekend. Watch a film at Cinema Akil A casual day out in Alserkal means you need to stop by Cinema Akil. A hub where theatre and film culture surely reign supreme, it's the perfect place to take to unwind and watch the latest films, such as Mickey 17 which stars Robert Pattinson, to the Palestinian feature film To A Land Unknown. China Tang opens at The Lana The renowned Cantonese restaurant founded by the legendary businessman David Tang in London has officially opened its doors in Dubai. Located at The Lana Promenade, China Tang's debut in the Emirate recalls traditional and refined Chinese dining and its hallmark dishes, in addition to its new creations for the UAE. Early mornings with the Spartan Run Club Just before the summer hits Dubai, try out the trending run club communities. This weekend, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, Spartan Middle East's Run Club is heading to Dubai Harbour at 6:30am for a quick 5km chill marathon. Packed with healthy snacks, goodies and much-needed refreshments to take on the morning.
