Best bars in Dubai – TOP 10

View (of Downtown’s skyscrapers, the Persian Gulf or Dubai Marina), cocktail quality, and atmosphere (music, service, guests). Depending on your plan (date night, a night out with friends, “till dawn” or a relaxed chill), you’ll find the perfect spot.

TOP 10 – bars with a view, great taste, and atmosphere

1) CÉ LA VI – Address Sky View (Downtown)

A rooftop with a Dubai skyline panorama and a terrace overlooking the infinity bridge; the view of Burj Khalifa is breathtaking. Fusion-inspired cuisine and modern tapas, plus precise mixology at the bar. It’s located in Address Sky View hotel; a golden hour reservation is pure gold.

2) The Penthouse – FIVE Palm Jumeirah

“Luxury club + rooftop” energy. Views of Dubai Marina and the Persian Gulf, DJ sets, events, and weekday happy hours. Guests come for the rooftop and pool views (day-to-night), and FIVE Palm Jumeirah also offers private beaches – an ideal weekend combo.

3) Atelier M – Pier 7, Dubai Marina

Three levels: restaurant, lounge, and rooftop. From the terrace you see the marina and the arc of towers; the menu features sushi, Asian-inspired dishes and classics “with a twist”. It’s “the best Dubai hotspots” in a nutshell – perfect for a post-dinner drink on Pier 7.

4) Level 43 Sky Lounge – Sheikh Zayed Road

On the 43rd floor with 360° city views; the SZR skyline delivers a “wow” effect without over-the-top prices. An ideal first-night spot: cocktails, rooftop photos, and a crash course in “why Dubai is famous for spectacular architecture”.

5) Treehouse – Business Bay

A green terrace with a beautiful view of Downtown and Burj Khalifa. Atmospheric live music, signature cocktails, date-night vibe. Close to the centre and perfect as a warm-up before dinner.

6) Galaxy Bar – DIFC

An intimate speakeasy that focuses on technique and glassware. Short menu, flawless service, conversation rather than posing. If you’re after Dubai’s top-tier mixology in a quieter, grown-up setting, this is the place.

7) Salmon Guru Dubai – The Opus

A bar in Zaha Hadid’s iconic building (the architecture alone is a draw). Colour, storytelling, custom glassware – cocktails served in breathtaking forms. It really “performs live”, playing with presentation without sacrificing quality.

8) Mercury Lounge – Jumeirah / Four Seasons

A Mediterranean-style terrace with views of the Persian Gulf. Elegance, cocktails and conversation; less clubby, more about quiet luxury in the details. Perfect for sunset and long, leisurely evenings.

9) Barasti Beach Bar – Dubai Marina (beach)

A cult beach spot – sports on big screens, a stage, sand under your feet. Open from day to late night, often literally “until dawn”. For groups who prefer sand to rooftops.

Read also: Barasti Beach now offers free entry tickets.

10) Tamoka & Caña by Tamoka – JBR / beachfront

Latin-Caribbean vibe, beach fire pit, rum-forward cocktails and a beautiful view of Ain Dubai. A relaxed, “holiday tourist” mood in the best sense – ideal with a group of friends.

Dubai Rooftop Bars – Quick Matchmaking

• City postcard views: CÉ LA VI, Level 43 (full panoramic terrace).

• Party mode: The Penthouse.

• Conversation & quality: Galaxy Bar.

• Marina vibe: Atelier M + a walk along the promenade.

• Sand instead of a rooftop: Tamoka / Barasti (views of the Persian Gulf).

See also: Ranking of the best clubs in Dubai

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I drink alcohol anywhere in Dubai?
  No. Alcohol is served in licensed restaurants and bars in Dubai (usually in hotels/complexes). Drinking in public outside these venues is prohibited; you must be 21+.

• What’s the dress code and do I need a reservation?
  From smart-casual to smart-chic; for rooftops/DIFC, a sunset reservation helps a lot (prime time, limited seating).

• When are events and happy hours in Dubai?
  Most often Mon–Wed (Ladies’ Nights, discounts), but many venues offer promos on weekends too – check the current schedule.

• Rooftop or beach – what to choose on a short trip?
  For a “first time and WOW effect”: CÉ LA VI (Downtown) or Level 43 (SZR).
  For a party night: The Penthouse (Palm).
  For a relaxed evening by the water: Tamoka / Barasti.