Citywalk in Dubai UAE is a free entry, open air lifestyle district by Meraas at the Al Wasl Road and Al Safa Road junction in Jumeirah 1, minutes from Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. It brings together fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants, street art walls, Roxy Cinemas, The Green Planet rainforest dome and the Coca Cola Arena along tree lined pedestrian streets. Shops open from 10 AM daily, the easiest way in is a short taxi ride from Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, and the best time to visit is October to April around sunset. This guide covers things to do, food, hotels, location and tips for your visit.
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Table of Contents
Understanding the Citywalk experience in Dubai
Citywalk is an open air lifestyle district developed by Meraas between Al Wasl Road and Al Safa Road. The original boulevard is lined with fashion stores, beauty brands and cafes, while the newer southern side is home to Roxy Cinemas, The Green Planet, the Coca Cola Arena and the C2 Licensed District for evening dining. There’s no entry fee, and visitors pay only for what they eat, shop or book. It’s built for walking, so cars stay at the edges while people move freely between shops, plazas and seating areas.
Citywalk in Dubai UAE at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Wasl Road and Al Safa Road junction, Jumeirah 1, Dubai |
| Developer | Meraas |
| Entry fee | Free, you pay only for food, shopping and attractions |
| Shop hours | 10 AM to 11 PM Monday to Friday, 10 AM to midnight Saturday and Sunday |
| Restaurant hours | 10 AM to midnight on weekdays, until 1 AM at weekends |
| Nearest metro | Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line), then a short taxi ride |
| Main attractions | The Green Planet, Coca Cola Arena, Roxy Cinemas and Art Walls |
| Time needed | Two to four hours, or a full evening with a show |
| Best time to visit | October to April, around sunset |
| Good for | Families, couples, food lovers and shoppers |
Timings may change on public holidays and during Ramadan.
Where is Citywalk located?
Citywalk in Dubai UAE sits in Jumeirah 1, in the Al Wasl area between Downtown Dubai and the Jumeirah coast. Its central spot makes it easy to combine with a day at the Burj Khalifa or an evening by the beach.
Address: Al Wasl Road and Al Safa Road junction, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE. If you are driving, take Exit D71 from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Jumeirah and follow the signs for City Walk.
What are the Citywalk Dubai opening hours?
City Walk lists its shop hours as 10 AM to 11 PM from Monday to Friday and 10 AM to midnight on Saturday and Sunday. Restaurants and cafes stay open until midnight on weekdays and until 1 AM at weekends. Timings may change on public holidays and during Ramadan, so treat them as a guide.
Top things to do at Citywalk in Dubai UAE
There is plenty to fill a day at Citywalk in Dubai UAE, from rainforest animals and street art to live concerts and family games. These are the highlights most visitors enjoy.
The Green Planet
This indoor tropical rainforest sits under a glass bio dome and is home to sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies across several levels. It is a favourite with families, and our guide to The Green Planet Dubai has more details and tips.
Coca Cola Arena
Dubai’s largest indoor arena holds around 17,000 people and hosts concerts, comedy shows and sports events all year. Plan an early dinner on the boulevard before the show, as nearby restaurants fill up on event nights.
Roxy Cinemas
A boutique cinema with a Platinum Lounge where you watch the latest films from reclining seats with blankets and food served to your seat.
Art Walls
Murals by international street artists turn the district into a free open air gallery and one of the most photographed spots in Dubai. Golden hour is the best time for pictures.
Games, escape rooms and kids play
Brass Monkey offers bowling, darts and retro arcade games, NoWayOut Escape Room is a fun challenge for groups of friends, and Petit Paradis Kids’ Playground keeps little ones busy while parents relax with a coffee.
Shopping and car showrooms
Stores include Sephora, Lululemon, Adidas, New Balance, Balmain and Les Benjamins, along with local perfume houses such as Hind Al Oud. Car lovers can also browse showrooms for brands like Lucid Motors and Cadillac.
Where to eat at Citywalk in Dubai UAE
Food is one of the main reasons people visit Citywalk in Dubai UAE, with outdoor terraces that come alive in the cooler months. Here are some popular picks by mood:
- Coffee and breakfast: Urth Caffè, % Arabica, Peet’s Coffee and L’ETO.
- Casual meals: Five Guys, Wagamama, The Noodle House, Pepe’s Piri Piri and Gazebo for biryani.
- Dinner spots: L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, Mythos Urban Greek Eatery, Butcha Steakhouse and Grill, Daikan Izakaya and Myata Platinum.
- Desserts: SAID Dal 1923 for Italian hot chocolate, Bachir Ice Cream and Vinci Dolci.
The C2 Licensed District groups venues that serve alcohol, such as RARE Brasserie and Bar and Nola Bijou Bistro and Bar. Restaurant line ups change from time to time, so some names may be different when you visit.
Hotels near Citywalk in Dubai UAE
These hotels are listed for information only, to help you choose a base close to Citywalk in Dubai UAE:
- La Ville Hotel and Suites City Walk, Autograph Collection: a five star hotel inside the district on Al Multaqa Street.
- Rove City Walk: a modern, budget friendly hotel a short walk away, popular with families and young travellers.
- Sofitel Dubai Downtown: an upscale option on Sheikh Zayed Road a few minutes away by car.
- Mandarin Oriental Jumeira: a beachfront luxury resort a short drive away in Jumeirah.
- Rove La Mer Beach: a relaxed beach stay near La Mer for those who want the sea close by.
White Sky Travel can arrange your flights, hotels and airport transfer services so getting to and from your hotel is easy.
Places to visit near Citywalk
Citywalk in Dubai UAE sits close to many of the city’s top sights, so it is easy to add one or two to your day:
- Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall: about ten minutes away by taxi in Downtown Dubai.
- Sky Views Observatory: glass slide and city views near Downtown Dubai.
- Museum of the Future: futuristic exhibits on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Al Safa Park: a green park with a running track, a short drive away.
- Zabeel Park and Dubai Garden Glow: family friendly evenings with lights and gardens.
- La Mer and Kite Beach: beach time and seaside dining in Jumeirah.
- Box Park, Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai Frame: more easy stops within a short drive.
How to plan your visit to Citywalk
Citywalk in Dubai UAE sits at the Al Wasl Road and Al Safa Road junction in Jumeirah 1, near Downtown Dubai. Follow these steps to plan your trip.
- Pick your day. Weekday mornings are quietest, while weekends draw crowds after 4 pm.
- Choose your transport. There is no metro station inside Citywalk. The closest is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station on the Red Line, then a taxi ride of about ten minutes. Taxis and ride hailing apps drop you right at the boulevard, and paid parking is available on site.
- Allow two to four hours. That covers browsing, a meal, and a coffee or dessert stop.
- Check the weather. Dubai summers are hot, so visit between October and April for comfortable evening walks, and look at the Dubai weather forecast before you go.
- Book extras ahead. Cinema tickets and restaurant tables fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Dress comfortably. Wear walking shoes and light clothing, with a layer for indoor venues that run cool.
The single judgement call is timing. Arriving just before sunset lets you see the district in daylight and stay for the evening lights and cooler air, but it also means the busiest hour for restaurants and valet queues.
Best times to visit
The table below covers the main variations a visitor will face.
| Situation | What to use | How long | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday daytime | Metro plus taxi | 2 to 3 hours | Fewer restaurants open early |
| Weekend evening | Taxi or valet | 3 to 4 hours | Busy parking and longer waits |
| Summer visit | Evening only | 2 to 3 hours | High daytime heat |
| Winter visit | Any time of day | 3 to 5 hours | Crowds on public holidays |
| Family outing | Car with parking | 3 to 4 hours | Play areas get full by late afternoon |
Details that make the visit better
Experienced visitors check cinema and restaurant listings online, as popular venues book out on weekends. They park in designated lots and head straight to play zones before the afternoon rush. Partway through the visit, they check the weather and move indoors to a cafe or the cinema if it turns hot or humid.
Problems you might run into
| What you notice | What it usually means | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Parking lot full | Peak weekend or holiday | Use valet or park at nearby malls and take a short taxi |
| Restaurant fully booked | No reservation made | Call ahead or try cafes with walk in seating |
| Too hot to walk | Midday summer visit | Move indoors or return after sunset |
| Metro station far | Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall is the closest | Take a taxi or ride hailing app for the last few kilometres |
Rules that apply
Dubai’s public conduct rules apply at Citywalk in Dubai UAE, and Gulf News has a handy guide to the key rules for tourists. Visitors should dress modestly in public areas, avoid smoking outside designated zones, and keep noise respectful in shared spaces. Alcohol is served only in licensed venues, and public intoxication isn’t permitted.
Photography of people without permission can cause issues, so ask before taking pictures of others. If an activity such as filming or flying a drone needs a permit, ask the venue management first.
Keeping your visit memories safe
Save your restaurant and cinema bookings in your phone or print them before you go, since reception inside some venues can be patchy. Keep receipts for any purchases in case you need to return an item or query a charge, and note that opening times can change on public holidays.
When a different approach is better
If you want a fully enclosed mall with hundreds of stores under one roof, head to The Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates instead, especially in peak summer when walking outdoors is uncomfortable. If you’re looking for a traditional market experience with bargaining and souvenirs, visit the Gold Souk or Spice Souk in Deira. If you need quiet study space or a library setting, Citywalk isn’t the right choice because it’s built for dining, shopping, and socialising.
Related Articles
Keep planning your Dubai trip with these guides:
- The Green Planet Dubai
- Sky Views Observatory in Dubai
- Visit Museum of the Future in Dubai
- Al Safa Park Dubai: Timings, Entry Fee, Running Track and Things to Do
- Zabeel Park Dubai: Timings, Entry Fee, Gates and Things to Do
- Dubai Garden Glow Tickets, Timings and Location Guide
- Weather in Dubai 10 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citywalk in Dubai UAE?
Citywalk is a free entry, open air shopping, dining and entertainment district by Meraas in Jumeirah 1, Dubai. It has boutiques, restaurants, street art walls, Roxy Cinemas, The Green Planet and the Coca Cola Arena.
Where is Citywalk located?
Citywalk is at the junction of Al Wasl Road and Al Safa Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai. Drivers reach it from Sheikh Zayed Road via Exit D71 towards Jumeirah.
What are the Citywalk opening hours?
Shops open 10 AM to 11 PM from Monday to Friday and 10 AM to midnight on Saturday and Sunday. Restaurants and cafes open until midnight on weekdays and 1 AM at weekends. Timings may change on public holidays.
Is entry to Citywalk free?
Yes. There is no entry fee. You only pay for food, shopping, cinema tickets or attractions such as The Green Planet.
What is the nearest metro station to Citywalk?
The nearest is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station on the Red Line. From there, a taxi to Citywalk takes about ten minutes.
What can you do at Citywalk?
You can shop, eat at outdoor cafes and restaurants, see the street art walls, watch a film at Roxy Cinemas, visit The Green Planet rainforest, catch a show at the Coca Cola Arena, or play at Brass Monkey and NoWayOut Escape Room.
What are the best restaurants at Citywalk?
Popular choices include Urth Caffè and % Arabica for coffee, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele for pizza, Mythos Urban Greek Eatery, Butcha Steakhouse and Grill, Daikan Izakaya and SAID Dal 1923 for desserts.
Which hotels are near Citywalk?
La Ville Hotel and Suites City Walk is inside the district, and Rove City Walk is a short walk away. Sofitel Dubai Downtown and Mandarin Oriental Jumeira are a few minutes away by car.
Is Citywalk good for families?
Yes. It has wide walkways for strollers, Petit Paradis Kids’ Playground, The Green Planet and plenty of family friendly restaurants, with security staff around the district.
How long should you spend at Citywalk?
Plan two to four hours for browsing, a meal and a coffee stop, or a full evening if you are watching a film or an event at the Coca Cola Arena.
When is the best time to visit Citywalk?
The best months are October to April. Arrive just before sunset to enjoy the lights and cooler air, and choose a weekday evening if you prefer fewer crowds.
Can White Sky Travel help with a trip to Citywalk?
Yes. Entry to Citywalk is free and needs no booking. White Sky Travel can arrange your flights, hotels and airport transfers, with flexible payment through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months. Contact White Sky on WhatsApp +971 4 220 2133 for flights, hotels and transfers.
Conclusion
Citywalk in Dubai UAE brings together street art, boutique shopping, cafes, The Green Planet, Roxy Cinemas and the Coca Cola Arena in one walkable neighbourhood, all with free entry. Visit in the cooler months around sunset, pair it with a nearby attraction, and leave time for dinner on the boulevard. White Sky Travel can arrange your flights, hotels and airport transfers for your Dubai trip, with easy payment plans through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit cards over up to 12 months. Visiting from abroad? We can also help with your Dubai visit visa. Contact White Sky on WhatsApp +971 4 220 2133 for flights, hotels and transfers.
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