Downtown Dubai is the easiest part of the city to plan an evening around, because the main event, the view of Burj Khalifa, is the same from almost every stop. This route starts at sunset and can finish whenever you like. Book the dinner and any rooftop table in advance, especially from Thursday to Saturday.
Around 5pm: a sunset drink on Sheikh Zayed Road
Level 43 Sky Lounge opens at 5pm, which makes it a good first stop for sunset over the skyscraper strip. It is a short taxi ride from Downtown. If anyone in your group is aged 16 to 20, note that they can stay until 9pm with an adult aged 21 or over.
From 6pm: the fountain shows
Head down to Burj Lake for The Dubai Fountain. Shows start at 6pm and repeat every 30 minutes until 11pm, so there is no need to rush. The lakeside promenade is free; the boardwalk and lake rides cost extra.
Dinner: Thai food facing the lake
Thiptara at Palace Downtown serves dinner from 6pm to 11:30pm, and its terrace tables overlook the lake, so the next few fountain shows come with your meal. It has a separate vegetarian and vegan menu. The dress code is smart casual, with no slippers or sleeveless tops.
Not drinking, or with children? Swap the rooftop for an evening slot at At the Top, Burj Khalifa and see the lights from levels 124 and 125 before dinner.
Late: up to the 54th floor
If you want to keep going, CÉ LA VI Dubai on the 54th floor of Address Sky View is open until 3am and looks straight at Burj Khalifa. For a quieter last drink, the lounge at Atmosphere Burj Khalifa on level 122 is the special-occasion alternative.
Getting home
Taxis queue at the hotels and ride-hailing apps work well. The Dubai Metro runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, but check the RTA timetable for the last train before relying on it.
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