Marina Mall's observation tower has traditionally been the budget way to get 360-degree aerial views of the city, costing just the price of a coffee from the cafe at the top. The tower and cafe were closed for a refurbishment in 2018, with reopening pegged for some stage in 2019.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Marina Eye

0.22 MILES

This observation big wheel sits rather incongruously in the Marina Mall car park but with its capsules reaching up to 60m at its highest point, it's a…

2. Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

0.66 MILES

Although looking a bit worn and tired, this reconstructed village is one of the few places to get an insight into the pre-oil era of the United Arab…

3. UAE Flagpole

0.78 MILES

At 122m, this giant flagpole was the tallest free-standing flagpole in the world when it was constructed in 2001. It lost its title to the Raghadan…

4. Founder's Memorial

0.95 MILES

After six years of planning and construction, this memorial celebrating the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the United Arab Emirates…

5. Corniche – Al Khalidiyah

0.96 MILES

When idling on a sunlounger, swimming in the sea or strolling under a canopy of trees, it's hard to believe that the Corniche was a dhow-loading bay for…

6. Emirates Palace

1.07 MILES

What the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is to the vertical, the Emirates Palace is to the horizontal, with audacious domed gatehouses and flying ramps to the foyer…

7. Observation Deck at 300

1.24 MILES

Ride the lift to the 74th floor (your ears may pop along the way) for panoramic views looking down on the skyscrapers and coastline below. The '300'…

8. Al Khalidiyah Garden

1.28 MILES

This garden is a good place for people-watching. Once the sun goes down Al Khalidiyah's paths are prime territory for strollers and joggers, while its…