Dubai Marina

Built during the 2000s, Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s busiest leisure districts; visitors head here to relax, shop, sightsee, and eat. While strolling along the palm-dotted 4.3-mile (7-kilometer) Marina Walk, you’ll see skyscrapers, million-dollar yachts, and traditional dhows. Top attractions include the Dubai Marina Mall, the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, sightseeing cruises, and the nearby Walk at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), a beachfront shopping and dining promenade.

Many people visit the marina as part of a Dubai city tour, stopping to see the waterway with the benefit of a guide and without the hassle of having to arrange transport. Others join a dinner cruise or hop aboard a luxury yacht.

• Dubai Marina is a must-visit for sightseers, shoppers, and sailing and architecture buffs.

• Bring sunglasses and suncrean if you plan to stroll along Dubai Marina Walk—there’s not much shade.

• Most Dubai city tours include a brief stop at the marina so you can take in the skyscrapers and yachts.

The easiest way to Dubai Marina is to step off the metro at the DAMAC or Jumeirah Lakes Tower stations. You can wander to the marina from either or catch a metro shuttle bus to the waterside. Otherwise, jump in a cab or a number 8 Dubai public bus.

Dubai Marina’s mix of outdoor and indoor attractions make it perfect year-round. It’s popular in the evenings, when many people stroll the Marina Walk to see the illuminated towers and boats and absorb the relaxed vibe over drinks and dinner. For daytime walks or shopping, avoid the crowds and hottest sun by arriving early.

Visitors tend to make a beeline for the 140 stores and restaurants at Dubai Marina Mall or spend their time watching the yachts from a waterside café. Many also head to the north end to take in the super-high, twisted Cayan Tower, while adventure-lovers book rides on the zipline, swooshing along the cable high above the waterway.