Souk Al Bahar Dubai
A charming Arabian-style marketplace offering stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, with diverse dining and unique shops.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fountain shows & city lights
Souk Al Bahar Dubai
Best Time
Fountain shows & city lights

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Arabian-style marketplace offering stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, with diverse dining and unique shops.
"Capture iconic photos of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain from this popular vantage point!"
🚶♀️ Bridge Access
Easily walk from Dubai Mall via the bridge. Access is usually open, even during fountain shows.
🅿️ Parking Smarts
Parking validation can be tricky. Inquire at restaurants or be prepared for potential Salik charges.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Souk Al Bahar Bridge
Overlooking Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
Capture iconic photos of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain from this popular vantage point. A must-see for any visitor!

Time Out Market Dubai
Souk Al Bahar
A vibrant food hall offering diverse culinary delights from local chefs. Perfect for sampling a variety of flavors.

Traditional Arabic Architecture
Throughout Souk Al Bahar
Wander through charming alleyways and admire the intricate Arabian-inspired design and ambiance.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Souk Al Bahar
Embrace Local Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Bridge Access
Easily walk from Dubai Mall via the bridge. Access is usually open, even during fountain shows.
🅿️ Parking Smarts
Parking validation can be tricky. Inquire at restaurants or be prepared for potential Salik charges.
📸 Burj Khalifa Views
The bridge offers fantastic, free photo ops of the Burj Khalifa.
🍽️ Fountain View Dining
Book restaurants with outdoor seating for prime Dubai Fountain views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Bridge Access
Easily walk from Dubai Mall via the bridge. Access is usually open, even during fountain shows.
🅿️ Parking Smarts
Parking validation can be tricky. Inquire at restaurants or be prepared for potential Salik charges.
📸 Burj Khalifa Views
The bridge offers fantastic, free photo ops of the Burj Khalifa.
🍽️ Fountain View Dining
Book restaurants with outdoor seating for prime Dubai Fountain views.
🛍️ Shopping Variety
Explore unique boutiques for carpets, antiques, and lifestyle items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Souk Al Bahar is praised for its stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, especially from its waterfront restaurants and the iconic bridge. Visitors appreciate the blend of traditional Arabian architecture with modern amenities and the diverse culinary options at Time Out Market. However, some find parking validation confusing and dining prices can be high.
"An extension of the Dubai Mall is the Souk Al Bahar. You walk over a little bridge to get to the entrance. It has a number of restaurants, retail and souvenir stores and the Time Out Market with international foods and bars. It's a cute little mall but is more expensive than the traditional souks."
Sevda
"This place is very lively as you can see in the pictures there are different types of restaurants with the different cuisines under one roof. People of different nationalities gather here to enjoy all kind of food and having fun with their friends. Most of the people came here to enjoy food and spending a beautiful night with the elegant view of BURJ KHALIFA from the SOUQ AL BAHAR.
Insta id:HASHIRAKAPRINCE"
MUHAMMAD HASHIR
"Cosy Shopping area with few restaurants and bars, situated in-front of Dubai Mall. Just pass the fountain bridge and you are in the beautiful place, where you can buy an authentic Arabic clothes, jewelry, spices etc. Great opportunity to see the Fountain and Burj Khalifa building show from terraces of one of the restaurants."
lana Rad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most direct route is to walk across the pedestrian bridge connecting Dubai Mall to Souk Al Bahar, offering stunning views of the Burj Khalifa.
If you prefer to avoid the bridge, especially during busy fountain show times, you can take a longer route. Alternatively, access can be gained through The Palace Hotel, which is often less crowded.While direct public transport to Souk Al Bahar itself is limited, it's easily reachable from Dubai Mall, which is well-served by buses and the Dubai Metro (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station). From the mall, the bridge is the most convenient link.
You can park at Dubai Mall and walk over, or use the Souk Al Bahar parking. Be aware that parking charges may apply, and validation from restaurants isn't always guaranteed.
Yes, Souk Al Bahar is part of the Downtown Dubai area and is walkable from many surrounding attractions, including The Dubai Mall and the Old Town. The pedestrian bridge is a key link.
If you're staying in a hotel like The Palace Downtown, you might have direct or very close access. Otherwise, walking from nearby hotels in Downtown Dubai is feasible, or a short taxi ride to Dubai Mall followed by the bridge walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Souk Al Bahar is free. It's a public marketplace and dining destination.
Souk Al Bahar generally follows the operating hours of Dubai Mall, with shops typically open from 10 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and until 11 PM on weekends. Restaurants may have later hours. It's always best to check specific store or restaurant hours.
The pedestrian bridge connecting Dubai Mall to Souk Al Bahar is free to use for all visitors.
Parking validation policies can vary by restaurant. It's advisable to ask your dining establishment about their parking validation options, though it's not always guaranteed.
Souk Al Bahar is generally accessible, with ramps and elevators available. The pedestrian bridge is also designed for accessibility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Several restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the Dubai Fountain. Options include Serafina for Italian, Gunaydin for Turkish steakhouse, and Baker & Spice.
Some diners suggest even grabbing a sandwich and sitting on the Apple Store terrace for a budget-friendly view.While some restaurants can be pricey, Time Out Market Dubai offers a wide range of food stalls with diverse price points, making it a more budget-friendly option for sampling various cuisines.
Souk Al Bahar boasts a wide array of cuisines, from traditional Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes to international favorites like Italian, Lebanese, and Turkish. Time Out Market is a great place to explore this diversity.
Yes, many of the restaurants in Souk Al Bahar are licensed and serve alcoholic beverages.
Time Out Market Dubai is a bustling food hall within Souk Al Bahar, featuring curated stalls from some of Dubai's best chefs and restaurants. It's a great spot to try multiple dishes in one visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The Souk Al Bahar Bridge offers iconic views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, making it a prime photography location.
Wander through the souk's alleys to capture the traditional architecture and vibrant atmosphere.Golden hour, just before sunset, and the evening hours when the city lights up and the Dubai Fountain show is on, offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographing the Burj Khalifa from Souk Al Bahar.
While you can photograph the traditional attire, it's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require permits. Be mindful of private businesses and individuals.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide shots of the skyline and details within the souk. A tripod can be useful for low-light photography during the fountain shows, but be mindful of crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day for a more relaxed experience before the evening crowds arrive. The walk across the bridge from Dubai Mall is also an adventure in itself for kids, offering fantastic views of the Burj Khalifa. Ensure you have comfortable shoes for exploring the souk's pathways.
💰 Budget Travelers
For affordable eats, head to Time Out Market Dubai, which offers a wide variety of food stalls with diverse price points. You can also find more casual cafes and eateries within the souk that offer reasonably priced snacks or light meals. Parking can be a cost, so consider using public transport to Dubai Mall and walking over.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to explore the traditional Arabian architecture within the souk itself. The intricate details, archways, and courtyards offer unique photographic subjects. Consider a versatile lens to capture both grand vistas and intimate details. Be mindful of crowds during peak hours, especially around fountain show times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Souk's Charm
Visitors can find a variety of goods here, ranging from traditional handicrafts, carpets, and spices to contemporary lifestyle stores and boutiques. It's a place where you can haggle for unique souvenirs or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, soaking in the ambiance. The blend of old-world charm and modern retail makes it a unique destination within Downtown Dubai.
Dining with a View: Souk Al Bahar Restaurants
The culinary scene is diverse, catering to various tastes and budgets. From upscale restaurants serving international cuisine to more casual eateries and the vibrant Time Out Market, there's something for everyone. Many establishments feature outdoor terraces, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the dazzling spectacle of the fountains and the illuminated skyline. Booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly for tables with prime views.
Photography Hotspots: Capturing Souk Al Bahar
Beyond the bridge, the souk itself offers numerous photographic opportunities. The traditional Arabian architecture, with its detailed carvings and archways, provides a beautiful backdrop. Exploring the market's alleys can lead to discovering charming courtyards and unique shopfronts. For those interested in cultural details, capturing the traditional attire worn by some locals can add a rich layer to your photos, always remembering to be respectful.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit