Engel & Völkers
  • 5 min read
  • Published: Nov 19 2025

Top Things to Do in Palm Jumeirah Dubai

moving from Australia to Dubai

Key Takeaways:

  • Palm Jumeirah Dubai attractions include The View at The Palm, Aquaventure waterpark, Lost Chambers Aquarium and a wide range of watersports

  • The island offers beach clubs, uxury resorts, and family attractions from arcades to marine encounters

  • Dining spans Michelin stars, celebrity-chef concepts, and rooftop restaurants at Atlantis The Palm, Atlantis The Royal and Nakheel Mall

  • Palm Jumeirah features over 300 retail outlets, a cinema, indoor play zones and seamless access via monorail, taxis and metro links

If you are looking for the crown jewel of Dubai, Palm Jumeirah often takes the first place, as one of the most luxurious, innovative and recognisable places globally. The area is quite unlike any other in the world and transports people into a world designed to give you the best of the best, be it dining, real estate, retail, entertainment, and beyond. 

And with its reputation, there is much one can do in the sprawling area. This blog will provide a brief overview of all the things to do in Palm Jumeirah if you are visiting Dubai. From dining and relaxing to exploring tourist spots and curated experiences, there is a wide range of Palm Jumeirah attractions to cross off your list.

Table of Content

  1. Top Attractions & Things to Do in Palm Jumeirah

  2. Best Beaches, Beach Clubs & Resorts in Palm Jumeirah

  3. Fine Dining, Restaurant & Rooftop Experiences in Palm Jumeirah

  4. Rooftop Restaurants at Nakheel Mall

  5. Family-Friendly Things to Do in Palm Jumeirah

  6. Shopping in Palm Jumeirah

  7. How to Reach Palm Jumeirah

  8. Conclusion

Top Attractions & Things to Do in Palm Jumeirah

Despite covering just under six square kilometres, Palm Jumeirah is packed with activities. These are the highlights worth adding to your itinerary.

The View at The Palm

For the best perspective of the island’s distinctive design, head to The View at The Palm on Level 52. Its open-air observation deck delivers panoramic views of the fronds, the crescent, and the Dubai skyline. The ground-floor exhibition and immersive theatre offer a quick masterclass in how the island was built.

view from Palm Tower

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure is one of the most visited attractions in Dubai. It includes:

  • Over 100 water slides

  • Aquaventure Beach

  • Splashers kids’ areas

  • Wavehouse – an arcade, bowling alley, surf machine and casual dining hub

  • Marine animal experiences

The park caters to both families and thrill seekers. Expect full, action-packed days here.

Lost Chambers Aquarium

Inside Atlantis The Palm, Lost Chambers showcases over 65,000 marine animals in a network of themed tunnels and tanks. It’s ideal for families and anyone wanting a quieter, air-conditioned attraction.

A woman and child admire fish and rays swimming in a large aquarium, with sunlight streaming through the water, creating a serene atmosphere.

Watersports on Palm Jumeirah Beach

Palm Jumeirah has a long, swimmable shoreline with dedicated public beach areas and hotel-managed stretches. Along these beaches, you can try: 

  • Jet skiing

  • Kayaking

  • Paddleboarding

  • Parasailing

  • Banana boat rides

  • Snorkelling tours

Skydiving at the Palm Dropzone

Dubai’s most famous skydive is here. A tandem jump takes off from close to Palm Jumeirah in the Dubai Harbour and provides a dramatic birds-eye view of Palm Jumeirah’s full layout whilst descending at 120 mph.

Sunset Cruises & Yacht Tours

Seeing Palm Jumeirah from the water gives you its best angles. Options range from shared sunset cruises to full-day private yacht charters along the fronds and out towards Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina.

yachts in the harbour in front of JBR beach

Best Beaches, Beach Clubs & Resorts in Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah has become one of Dubai’s busiest beachfront destinations, with around 20 beach clubs and more than a dozen resort-managed beaches spread across West Beach, the fronds, and the crescent. The island combines family-friendly waterfronts and some of Dubai’s most in-demand day-club concepts, giving visitors plenty of choice depending on whether they want relaxation, nightlife, dining, or watersports.

West Beach

West Beach is Palm Jumeirah’s full-length beachfront on the trunk, lined with restaurants, bars, jogging paths and several of Dubai’s top beach clubs. It’s lively, walkable, and offers uninterrupted views of Dubai Marina.

Some of the most popular beach clubs along this strip include:

  • Koko Bay – Bali-inspired, laid-back and consistently busy

  • February 30 – High-energy, social, DJ-led atmosphere

  • Surf Club – Mediterranean dining and sunset vibes

The Crescent

The Crescent wraps around the entire Palm and is home to some of Dubai’s leading luxury resorts. Each property manages its own private beach, making this part of the island the most exclusive and resort-focused. It’s quieter than West Beach and better suited to travellers seeking a premium, relaxed setting.

Notable beaches and beach clubs along the Crescent include:

  • WHITE Beach (Atlantis The Palm): One of the city’s most recognisable beach clubs, known for its infinity pool, live music, brunches and views of Dubai Marina. Guests can also access a long private beach.

  • Nobu by the Beach (Atlantis The Royal): A high-end beach club offering a Japanese-Peruvian menu, cabanas, a serene beachfront and access to Atlantis The Royal’s ultra-luxury setting.

  • Plaj (Jumeirah Zabeel Saray): A relaxed Mediterranean beachfront restaurant with access to one of the Crescent’s quieter, family-friendly beaches.

  • One&Only The Palm – Private Beach:  Often considered one of Dubai’s most exclusive beachfronts, with calm water, lush landscaping and exceptional privacy.

  • Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah – Private Beach: A long, peaceful stretch ideal for families and couples, with water sports and a more understated beach experience.

  • Anantara The Palm – Lagoon & Beach: Combines lagoon-side relaxation with a wide sandy beachfront and Thai-inspired resort facilities.

These resorts create a different beach experience from West Beach: slower-paced, more private, and heavily tied to hotel facilities and dining.

Atlantis Hotel

Fine Dining, Restaurant & Rooftop Experiences in Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah’s dining scene is one of the strongest in Dubai, ranging from celebrity-chef restaurants at Atlantis to rooftop terraces and beachfront dining on West Beach. Below is an elevated, structured breakdown that reflects the island’s major culinary hubs.

Atlantis The Palm: Celebrity Chefs & Signature Dining

Atlantis The Palm is home to some of Dubai’s most famous restaurants. Highlights include:

  • Ossiano – Michelin-starred, immersive underwater dining with a seasonal tasting menu

  • Bread Street Kitchen – Gordon Ramsay’s British brasserie and family favourite

  • Nobu – Japanese-Peruvian fine dining with a global reputation

  • Seafire Steakhouse – One of Dubai’s standout steakhouses

  • Street Pizza – Casual all-you-can-eat pizza by Gordon Ramsay

Atlantis The Royal: Ultra-Luxury Dining

Atlantis The Royal offers one of the most impressive chef line-ups in the region. Signature restaurants include:

  • Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – Michelin-starred reinterpretation of historical British cuisine

  • La Mar by Gastón Acurio – Premium Peruvian dining with seafood specialities

  • Jaleo by José Andrés – Authentic Spanish flavours elevated with modern technique

  • Ling Ling – High-energy Asian dining with panoramic terrace views

  • Milos – Mediterranean fine dining focused on fresh, simple seafood

Rooftop Restaurants at Nakheel Mall

Nakheel Mall’s rooftop, also called St Regis Gardens has become a major dining destination, offering skyline views and both indoor and al fresco seating. Options include:

  • Lena - upscale Spanish cuisine and steakhouse

  • Signor Sassi - one of London’s most renowned Italian restaurants

  • Chez Wam - laid-back casual vibe with French cuisine

  • Aretha - trendy jazz bar with classic dishes

Beachfront Dining at West Beach

West Beach is not only a daytime beach club hotspot but also one of the island’s top dining promenades. Restaurants here combine direct beachfront access with sunset views and a lively evening atmosphere. Popular dining spots include:

  • Koko Bay – Known for its Bali-inspired setting and Asian-European fusion menu

  • February 30 – Trendy lounge and restaurant with upbeat evenings

  • Surf Club – Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a relaxed beachfront vibe

  • Kyma - stylish beachfront restaurant serving Greek cuisine

Aerial view of West Beach hotel resorts with beach clubs and restaurants

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is ideal for families thanks to its mix of waterparks, marine experiences, indoor attractions and beach activities. Popular options include:

  • A full day at Atlantis Aquaventure, complete with rides, slides and Aquaventure Beach

  • Lost Chambers Aquarium to see over 65,000 marine animals

  • Wavehouse for arcade games, bowling, food and surfing simulators

  • Nakheel Mall for retail, cafés, play zones, a trampoline park and cinema

  • Marine encounters at Dolphin Bay and Sea Lion Point

  • A scenic monorail ride from Palm Gateway to Atlantis The Palm

Gardens and grounds in front of the Atlantis Resort on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's famous luxury landmark.

Shopping in Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah blends luxury, convenience and leisure, with Palm Jumeirah Mall (formerly Nakheel Mall) serving as the island’s central retail hub. Palm Jumeirah Mall features:

  • 300+ shops ranging from fashion and beauty to homeware

  • Vox Cinemas for the latest releases

  • Fabyland and a full trampoline park for children

  • A large Waitrose for groceries

  • Dozens of cafés and restaurants

  • Direct access to The View at The Palm

How to Reach Palm Jumeirah

Getting to Palm Jumeirah is simple thanks to multiple transport links:

  • Taxi/Car: Fastest and most directwith direct access from Sheikh Zayed Road

  • Monorail: Runs from Palm Gateway station across the trunk to Atlantis

  • Metro: Red Line to Al Khail station, then taxi or monorail

Conclusion

Palm Jumeirah remains one of Dubai’s most impressive destinations, offering a rare mix of beaches, restaurants, attractions and luxury resorts all in one place. Whether you want high-energy beach clubs on West Beach, world-class dining at Atlantis The Palm or Atlantis The Royal, or family-friendly activities like Aquaventure, Lost Chambers Aquarium and Wavehouse, the island delivers experiences that genuinely suit every traveller.

With monorail access, taxi links and a central shopping hub at Palm Jumeirah Mall, getting around is easy, and the range of things to do grows every year as new hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues open.

If you are planning your visit, Palm Jumeirah offers the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure and luxury. From sunrise paddleboarding to Michelin-starred dinners and evening cruises around the fronds, this iconic island continues to stand out as one of the top places to visit in Dubai and a destination that truly lives up to its global reputation.

Dubai Investment Guide Mockup Mobile

Invest Smartly in Dubai Real Estate

Download our free investment guide to maximise returns and make informed decisions in Dubai’s property market.

You may also be interested in

Frequently Asked Questions