8 Epic Things to Do Near Burj Khalifa in 2024
If you’re in town for a short visit, chances are seeing the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – is high on your Dubai bucket list. Luckily, you’ll find this 828-meter skyscraper right in the heart of Downtown Dubai. So if you’re looking for fun things to do near Burj Khalifa, you’re going to be spoiled for choice.
From the 1,200+ shops and 200+ restaurants in Dubai Mall to performances at Dubai Opera and the world’s tallest fountain show on Burj Lake, you’ll find some of Dubai’s most iconic attractions just steps away from Burj Khalifa.
There’s so much to do in this part of town that you could easily dedicate an entire day to exploring this magical area. Plus, all of the activities on this list are steps away from one another, which means there’s no need to drive or hail a taxi. You can just explore on foot!
8 Fun Things to Do Near Burj Khalifa
1. Eat and Drink at Time Out Market
When it comes to things to do near Burj Khalifa, one of my favorites is seeing what’s happening at Time Out Market. You’ll find this hip food hall tucked away on the third floor of Souk Al Bahar, just a short stroll around Burj Lake from the Burj Khalifa.
There are always live music shows, DJs, pop-up performances, and art installations happening in this space. Or if you’re just looking for a spot to watch the Dubai Fountain Show, the balcony offers stellar views – if you can snag a seat!
You’ll want to come hungry too because Time Out Market plays host to 17 different food concepts. From Chinese at Long Teng to Portuguese at Lana Lusa to Lebanese at Liban by Allo Beirut, you can eat your way around the world at Time Out Market.
And if you’re in the mood for a tipple, there are bars serving up beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, and more.
2. Enjoy the Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain Show is one of the most famous attractions near Burj Khalifa. And it never really gets old because there are just so many ways to enjoy the show.
This is the world’s tallest performing fountain and with the addition of music and light displays, along with the Burj Khalifa as the backdrop, it’s a magical experience no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
For something different, you can take in the show while sailing on a traditional abra, get just 9 meters from the fountains on the floating boardwalk, or enjoy happy hour drinks with fountain views from the floating deck at The Tap House. There are also tons of restaurants overlooking the fountains if you’d like to dine with a view!
3. Do it all in Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is easily one of the most famous attractions near Burj Khalifa and you’ll be able to walk there in no time. But you’re going to want to dedicate some time to this place because it is absolutely massive. After all, it’s one of the world’s biggest malls, so it makes sense that it’s also home to quite a few of the coolest things to do near Burj Khalifa.
I’ve written a guide to all of the fun things to do in Dubai Mall, but to sum it up, you can marvel at the 4-story Dubai Waterfall, see sea creatures at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, ice skate at Dubai Ice Rink, eat authentic Chinese food in Chinatown, and so much more!
Oh, and you can shop till you drop at this megamall too!
4. Dine at Karak House
For some local flavor, make your way to Karak House on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd. This is a great place to grab Emirati and Arabic food while taking in views of the Burj Khalifa.
The menu here has breakfast favorites like the Karak House Shakshuka with Arabic bread, Foul Medames with za’atar and mint, and Turkish Egg with dill yogurt and harissa sauce, among other creative dishes.
The menu is huge, though, and features everything from sweet and savory paratha rolls to barbequed kebabs to appetizers galore. And don’t forget to order a cup of the Signature Karak with saffron and cardamom. And if it’s hot, go for the iced version!
5. See a Show at Dubai Opera
If you’re in the mood for something cultural, get tickets for a show at Dubai Opera. This architectural masterpiece is also a short walk from the Burj Khalifa and it’s absolutely picture-perfect when it’s all lit up at night.
From concerts to orchestral performances to comedy shows and everything in between, there’s always something interesting happening at Dubai Opera. Plus, one thing I personally love about seeing shows here is that the capacity maxes out at 2,000, so there’s really no bad seat in the house.
6. Picnic in Burj Park
Burj Park surrounds the Burj Khalifa and it’s a lovely area to take a stroll, ride a bike, or just spread out a blanket and have a picnic. I love spending time in Burj Park around sunset because Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa are just magical at this time of day – especially when all the lights come on as the sun goes down.
But when the weather is nice during Dubai’s glorious winter months, Burj Park is a wonderful picnic spot, day or night. If you’re not sure where to get supplies, you’ll find a Waitrose and Grandiose supermarket (along with hundreds of restaurants) inside the Dubai Mall.
Pick up whatever sounds good in the prepared foods section and make your way to Burj Park, where you can enjoy some of the most magical views in Dubai!
7. Explore Souk Al Bahar
Souk Al Bahar is one of the most popular attractions near Burj Khalifa. This complex was designed to mimic the traditional Arabic style of times past. So expect old-world architecture and souk-inspired shops mixed with modern international restaurants.
This modern-day souk is home to 20+ shops and 15+ restaurants, as well as the always-buzzing Time Out Market (mentioned above). This is a great place to go if you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs to bring back home. The shops here sell everything from traditional clothes to perfumes, rugs, lanterns, and a wide range of other cool trinkets.
8. Grab Drinks with a View at CÉ LA VI
If you’re looking for unique things to do near Burj Khalifa, treat yourself to drinks at CÉ LA VI. The outdoor Skybar terrace offers a truly incredible panoramic view of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. And although it’s pricy, it’s worth it for views like these.
You can’t go wrong with one of their signature cocktails, and if you’re feeling peckish, their apps menu features tempting offerings like Wagyu Beef Gyoza, Crab Tacos, and Lobster Miso Soup. Snack, sip, and enjoy the view!
