If you want one place in Dubai where you can shop, eat, watch a film and simply enjoy a walk, City Walk Dubai is a smart pick. It is not a closed mall. It is an open-air neighbourhood of streets, shops, cafes and restaurants, built to be enjoyed on foot.
City Walk Dubai sits between Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah, so it works well as a relaxed half day or a full day out. You can come for lunch, stay for a film, and finish with dinner, all without moving your car again.
Checked: 3 November 2026
City Walk Dubai at a glance
- Location: Al Safa Street, between Sheikh Zayed Road and Jumeirah Beach Road.
- Metro: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall Metro Station, then a short taxi or ride.
- Entry: Free to walk around. Attractions are ticketed separately.
- Parking: The first hour is free, then AED 5 for each additional hour.
- Pets: Not allowed.
- Opening hours: Shops and restaurants have different hours, so check the official FAQ on the day.
What is City Walk Dubai, in simple words
City Walk Dubai is an open, design-inspired lifestyle destination on Al Safa Street. It is just north of Sheikh Zayed Road and south of Jumeirah Beach Road. The official City Walk site describes it as a family-friendly hub that brings living, shopping, entertainment, hospitality and wellness together in one place.
In plain terms, think of it as a city within a city. You walk along open streets, not indoor mall corridors. There are shops and restaurants at street level, places to sit outside, and entertainment venues close by. That open layout is the main reason people like it, especially in the cooler months when walking outside feels easy.
Where is City Walk Dubai and how to get there
City Walk Dubai is at the junction of Al Wasl Road and Al Safa Road. The official City Walk site gives the same location in its FAQ and adds that you can reach it from Sheikh Zayed Road via exit D71 towards Jumeirah.
If you use the Dubai Metro, the official site says City Walk is only a short drive from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall Metro Station. Plan for a short taxi or ride from the station to City Walk, rather than a long walk.
Driving is simple, but check parking before you go. The official City Walk FAQ says visitors receive free parking for the first hour of their visit, and every additional hour after that is charged at AED 5. Parking is barrier-free and paid through the Parkin app, an SMS or a QR code. Visitors to Roxy Cinemas, The Green Planet and selected participating outlets can validate their parking. Parking rules at The Boulevard are different, so check the official FAQ.
Bus stops are also located on Al Safa Street. Routes have been reported as C14, 28, 81 and 7, so check the RTA website for current routes.
When to visit City Walk Dubai
City Walk Dubai is an open-air place, so the time of day matters. Morning is calm and good for a slow walk and coffee. Late afternoon is a good time to shop and eat, and the evening is popular for dinner and a film.
The official City Walk FAQ lists different opening times for shops and for restaurants and cafes, and it notes that timings can change during public holidays. Shops generally open at 10 AM, and restaurants and cafes generally stay open later than shops. Because the official page itself shows two slightly different timing tables, check the official City Walk FAQ on the day of your visit before you travel, especially on a public holiday.
A simple tip for first-time visitors: arrive in the late afternoon. You get daylight for a walk, then dinner and an evening film without rushing.
How long do you need at City Walk Dubai?
Allow about three to five hours for a relaxed visit. That is enough for a walk, a meal and one attraction such as The Green Planet. For a full day, add a film or a show.
Things to do in City Walk Dubai
1. Walk the streets and enjoy the open-air feel
This is the simplest and best thing to do in City Walk Dubai. Start with a slow walk, look at the shop windows, and stop for coffee when you like. The streets are made for walking, and that is what sets City Walk apart from a normal mall visit.
2. Visit The Green Planet, the indoor rainforest
The Green Planet is one of the best-known attractions at City Walk Dubai. It is an indoor tropical rainforest, with plants and animals across several levels, inside a glass-walled building. It is a strong pick for families, and it is also a good escape from the heat on a hot day.
The Green Planet is a separate ticketed attraction, so its ticket price and session rules are not part of a general City Walk visit. Check the official Green Planet website for the current ticket price and opening hours before you go, because prices and offers can change.
3. Watch a film at Roxy Cinemas
Roxy Cinemas at City Walk Dubai is a good choice for a relaxed evening. It offers a premium cinema experience, with comfortable seating and large screens. If you are visiting with family or friends, a film is an easy way to end the day after shopping and dinner.
Remember to validate your parking if you watch a film here. The official City Walk FAQ says Roxy Cinemas visitors can validate their parking.
4. Try Brass Monkey and NoWayOut for something different
The official City Walk site lists Brass Monkey and NoWayOut among the leisure and entertainment options at City Walk, along with Coca-Cola Arena, The Green Planet and Roxy Cinemas. Brass Monkey is a licensed bar and restaurant with games, and it has been described as adults only, so check the age rules before you go with children. NoWayOut is an escape room experience, where you solve puzzles as a team.
NoWayOut suits groups of friends, while Brass Monkey is better for an adult night out.
5. Check what is on at Coca-Cola Arena
Coca-Cola Arena is also in the City Walk area, and it hosts concerts, comedy shows, family shows and sporting events through the year. The arena is a large indoor venue, and the arena describes itself as a 17,000-capacity venue and the first and largest fully air-conditioned, multipurpose indoor arena in the Middle East.
The programme changes all the time, so check the arena’s own listings for your dates before you plan a visit around a show. On a show night, arrive early, because the area gets busy.
Where to eat in City Walk Dubai
Food is one of the main reasons to visit City Walk Dubai. There are restaurants, cafes, bakeries and dessert shops across the area, with many different cuisines to choose from. You can keep it simple with a casual lunch, or choose a longer dinner with friends.
The official City Walk site also lists a licensed district called C2, with several licensed restaurants including Brass Monkey. That is useful to know if you are looking for a licensed restaurant, because not every restaurant in the area is licensed.
The official C2 list includes Baku Café, Daikan Izakaya, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, La Serre, Mythos Urban Greek Eatery, Nola Bijou Bistro, Primi Cucina Italiana and Rare, a modern brasserie. Menus and openings change, so check what is open before you go.
A simple plan that works well: start with a light lunch, walk and shop in the afternoon, then choose a restaurant for dinner. If you are visiting with children, pick a restaurant with outdoor seating, so children can move around while adults relax.
Shopping in City Walk Dubai
Shopping in City Walk Dubai is different from shopping in a big mall. The shops are spread along the streets, so you can browse at your own pace. You will find fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle shops, along with everyday services such as pharmacies, banks and clinics, which the official City Walk site also lists.
If you only want a short shopping trip, pick one street and walk it slowly. If you want a full shopping day, plan breaks for coffee and lunch, because walking in the open air can be tiring in the heat.
City Walk Dubai with kids
City Walk Dubai works well for families. The Green Planet is the star attraction for children, with animals and plants to discover. A film at Roxy Cinemas is an easy family activity.
The official City Walk site lists useful family amenities, including baby changing facilities, baby strollers, prayer rooms, free Wi-Fi, valet parking and first aid. Those small details make a family day out much easier.
A family tip: visit The Green Planet in the morning, when children have more energy, then have lunch and a slow walk in the afternoon.
Where to stay near City Walk Dubai
If you want to stay close to City Walk Dubai, the official City Walk site names La Ville Hotel and Suites and Rove Hotel as places to stay in the heart of City Walk. Staying here puts you close to the shops, restaurants and entertainment, and close to both Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah.
If you prefer a quieter stay, you can also stay in Downtown Dubai or Jumeirah and visit City Walk for a day trip. City Walk is a short drive from both areas.
Practical tips for City Walk Dubai
- Wear comfortable shoes. City Walk is made for walking, and you will walk more than you expect.
- Bring water, especially in the warmer months. There are cafes to stop at, but it is still an open-air visit.
- Validate your parking. Roxy Cinemas, The Green Planet and selected outlets can validate it.
- Check official timings on the day of your visit. Timings can change during public holidays.
- Pets are not allowed inside City Walk, according to the official City Walk FAQ, so plan accordingly if you travel with a pet.
- For help during your visit, the official City Walk FAQ gives a customer service number, +971 4 590 5090, and says the customer service desk is located next to FiLLi Select.
A simple one-day plan for City Walk Dubai
Morning: Arrive at City Walk Dubai, have coffee, and visit The Green Planet.
Afternoon: Walk the streets, shop at a slow pace, and stop for lunch.
Late afternoon: Try the NoWayOut escape room, or simply enjoy another walk and a dessert.
Evening: Have dinner, then watch a film at Roxy Cinemas, or check a show at Coca-Cola Arena if one is on.
This plan keeps the day relaxed. You do not need to rush from one attraction to another, because the best part of City Walk Dubai is the walk itself.
Frequently asked questions about City Walk Dubai
Is City Walk Dubai free to enter?
Yes, walking around City Walk Dubai and browsing the shops and restaurants is free. Individual attractions, such as The Green Planet, Roxy Cinemas and Coca-Cola Arena shows, are ticketed separately.
Is City Walk Dubai good for families?
Yes. The Green Planet, family restaurants and a cinema make City Walk Dubai a good family day out. The official site also lists baby changing facilities and baby strollers among its amenities.
Is City Walk Dubai near Burj Khalifa?
City Walk Dubai is in the Al Wasl area, between Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah. The official City Walk site says it is only a short drive from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall Metro Station, so plan for a short taxi or ride from the station.
What is the best time to visit City Walk Dubai?
For open-air walking, the cooler months are more comfortable, and late afternoon is a good time to visit. Check official timings on the day of your visit, because they can change during public holidays.
Is parking free at City Walk Dubai?
The first hour is free, and each additional hour costs AED 5. Visitors to Roxy Cinemas, The Green Planet and selected outlets can validate their parking. The Boulevard has different parking rules.
How long do you need at City Walk Dubai?
Allow about three to five hours for a relaxed visit.
Are pets allowed at City Walk Dubai?
No. Pets are not allowed, according to the official FAQ.
Can you drink alcohol at City Walk Dubai?
Only at licensed venues. The C2 district has licensed restaurants and bars, so check each venue before you go.
Final thoughts on City Walk Dubai
City Walk Dubai is not about ticking off a long list of rides or shows. It is about a relaxed day out on foot, with good food, easy shopping and a few strong attractions close together. If you like open streets, outdoor cafes and a calm pace, you will enjoy it.
Plan a slow visit, leave time for a walk and a meal, and let the day unfold. That is the best way to enjoy City Walk Dubai.
The Dubai Tours and Safari editorial team researches and updates our Dubai and UAE travel guides, checking prices, timings and facts against official sources.
