You could just turn up to the Coca-Cola Arena before your show starts, but then you’d be missing out exploring one of Dubai’s most exciting neighbourhoods

With a bevvy of musicans and comedians all in action at the new Coca-Cola Arena this summer, things are about to get very exciting around City Walk. And with so much to see and do in the neighbourhood, knowing where to go can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know our way around – here are the eight best things to eat, see and do near the arena that are within a five-minute walk…

1: Visit: Hub Zero

The UAE’s first immersive entertainment park, Hub Zero is a huge indoor facility with 18 awesome rides and attractions including climbing zones, virtual reality and games areas with adrenaline-filled activities like laser quest. Even if you haven’t got kids, this is a great place to head for a fun alternative birthday party. It’s a gamer’s heaven.

Hub Zero, City Walk, Phase 2, Dubai, Sat to Wed noon to 11pm, Thur and Fri noon to midnight, from Dhs165. Tel: 800 637227. hubzerodubai.com

2. Eat: Paella at Toro +KO

This award-winning barstaurant in the middle of the Square in City Walk is the fourth location of the wildly successful Spanish tapas restaurant opened by celebrity chef Ken Oringer. They’ve got an excellent selection of small bites to enjoy if you’re short on time. But if you want our advice, go early and order the paella. You’ll thank us later.

The Square, City Walk, Dubai, Sun to Wed noon to 1am, Thur to Sat noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 5905433. torodubai.com

3. Do: See the wallabies at Green Planet

If you haven’t yet visited the largest man-made tropical rainforest in the world, make this your chance to do so. As well as housing over 3,000 tropical plants and animals including a resident sloth, visitors can now say g’day to some Aussie wildlife at the new Australian Walkabout encounter. As well as turtles, frogs, spiders and lizards, the new additions also include a mob of wallabies.

Green Planet Dubai, City Walk, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 7pm, Thur and Sat 10am to 8pm, Dhs89. Tel: (800) 637227. thegreenplanetdubai.com

4. Eat: Pizza at Izu Brasserie

Set within the French department store Le BHV Marais in City Walk, Izu Brasserie is a casual space with little wooden tables lining a very narrow dining room. The man in charge, Izu Ani, is practically a local treasure and has a smile as wide as his resumé. He was the head chef at La Petite Maison and its rival La Serre, and the part owner of glorious d3 café The Lighthouse. Come for the fantastically fresh pizza and stay for the deconstructed tiramisu. Look out for another Izu restaurant coming soon to City Walk, too, this time an Asian concept.

Le BHV Marais, City Walk, Dubai, Sun to Thur 11am to 11pm, Fri and Sat 11am to 1am. Tel: (04) 4033030. Taxi: City Walk. facebook.com/izubrasserie

5. Drink: In wine bar Grapeskin

This What’s On Nightlife Awards nominee is a trendy standalone wine bar and kitchen with its own dedicated entrance from the City Walk promenade. Whether you are ‘feeling gorgeous’, ‘ready to party’, ‘could feel better’, or ‘hungry and thirsty’, the menu at Grapeskin allows you to make your way through the list and select your drink of choice according to your mood. Look out for the ‘whatever’ tap that serves up a mystery brew.

Grapeskin, La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk. Tel: (054) 3095948 or email laville.dining@autographhotels.com

6. Do: Explore the world-class street art

The Dubai Walls project saw a bunch of globally renowned artists etch their art on public spaces all across City Walk, so it’s now a hub of street art in Dubai. Stroll around the entire area and you’ll see work from Blek Le Rat, D*Face, Ron English and more.

7. Watch: The latest blockbuster movies

Got a spare few hours before your show starts? Why not see a screening of the latest movie at Roxy Cinemas. With Gold Plus and Platinum Plus screens, you’re bound to have a luxurious experience to help you relax and unwind before you head to the Arena.

Stay: La Ville Hotel & Suites

Whether you’re hoping to fit everything in this list on your visit, or you just don’t fancy the journey home after your show, City Walk has the perfect place to rest your head. La Ville Hotel & Suites has a number of great food and beverage outlets, as well as a stunning infinity pool overlooking Downtown Dubai.

SHOW DAY DEALS

City Walk will have various offers available on show days for Coca-Cola Arena ticket holders. For an updated list of all the participating venues, keep an eye out on citywalk.ae/en

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