Sky-high spots and hedonistic haunts included
Is it us or does the Dubai skyline just keep getting more impressive?
With Ain Dubai joining the fray, the dazzling lights of Dubai Marina twinkling brighter than ever and the Creek delivering those beautiful old-school vistas, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to iconic cityscape vistas.
And yet there’s something about an evening spent basking in the shadow of the tallest building in the world that feels extra special. If you agree (and we have an inclining you might) here are seven of the best bars with Burj Khalifa views.
For your complete guide to the best bars in Dubai, click here.
Iris
Sure, the Burj Khalifa looks good close-up, but it’s also seriously impressive when viewed from a distance. Head to buzzy Lebanese lounge bar Iris, the open-air party hotspot at Meydan and you’ll see exactly what we mean; the iconic tower glitters and gleams against a silhouette of the modern Dubai skyline. While you’re there, sip experimental drinks and pick at sushi platters or stop by for a Friday or Saturday Sunset Session (5pm-8pm), where you can enjoy a charcuterie board and free-flowing happy hour drinks for two hours in exchange for Dhs150.
Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, irisdubai.com/iris-meydan/brunch (056 951 1442).
Fountain Bar, Time Out Market Dubai
Fancy whiling away the day sampling a selection of the best dishes in the city, sipping away on great drinks, lapping up the buzzy atmosphere and drinking in the epic views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain? Of course you do! Pull up a pew at Time Out Market’s horseshoe-shaped Fountain Bar and settle in a session or if it’s al fresco vibes you’re after, head out onto the open-air terrace. Enjoy.
Open Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-12am.Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
LookUp Rooftop Bar
Now listen up: this chic spot in City Walk is a bit of a find. Rooftop lounge LookUp Rooftop Bar at the trendy La Ville Hotel & Suite brings us south of France-inspired décor, a twinkling central infinity pool, comfy sofas, a properly chilled vibe and stellar views of the Burj Khalifa to top it all off.
Open daily 6pm-1am, La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, livelaville.com (04 403 3111).
Luna Sky Bar
Luna might be small but this upscale spot in DIFC boasts mighty Burj Khalifa-dominated views. The high-end craft mixed drinks, intimate yet polished feel, atmospherically lit outdoor terrace and menu made up of pan-Asian bites only add to the appeal and make this place a brilliant date night destination.
Open daily 5pm-3am, DIFC, www.lunadubai.com (04 506 0000).
Neos
As any Dubai old-timer will attest, when it comes to bars with views of the Khalifa, Neos is one of the original best. Perched up on the 63rd floor of the Address Downtown, the appeal of this place is two-fold: the floor-to-ceiling sights of the tallest building in the world, city skyline and Downtown Dubai panorama are made even sweeter by a superb daily happy hour deal offering 50 percent off drinks and sharing plates from 5pm-8pm.
Open daily 5pm-3am. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, www.addresshotels.com/en/restaurant/neos (04 888 3444).
SkyBar – CÉ LA VI
Sweeping city-wide views (Burj Khalifa included) and innovative cocktails combine to Instagram-tastic effect at this fashionable open-air rooftop bar. Visit for pre-dinner drinks before moving on for a meal at the party restaurant proper (book ahead and secure a seat outside on the 360-degree wraparound terrace) or stay put for the evening and nibble away on more-interesting-than-average bar snacks. Either way, it’s those views you’ll be raving about the next day.
Open daily noon-3am. Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai. www.celavi.com/en/dubai/skybar (056 515 4001).
Treehouse
Fusing sleek, urban chic feels with enough leafy green foliage to more than justify the name, Treehouse remains one of the most-loved rooftop bars in the city. Settle into one of the comfy sofas and as fairy lights twinkle overhead, you can soak up uninterrupted views the illuminated Burj Khalia accompanied by a dramatically presented cocktail or two (they do like their smoke and dry ice at Treehouse).
Taj Dubai, Business Bay treehousedubai.ae (058 827 2763).
