Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Kate Noble
Whether you’re looking to impress visitors or just fancy treating yourself, there are lots of options for bars in Dubai. Here are a few favourites in Dubai Marina and JBR to add to your list based on their views. I’ve also tried to keep an eye on price too, and prove that although Dubai can live up to expectations and be eye-wateringly expensive, it also offers lots of good deals if you look for them.
Best bars for a view (& happy hour!) in Dubai Marina & JBR
1. Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton, JBR
View over JBR from Pure Sky Lounge
The Pure Sky Lounge is on the 35th floor of the Hilton in JBR. Look for the entrance off the main road rather than the main reception on the beach side, as it’s then easier to find. It’s relatively small but has a lovely indoor and outdoor seating area. If you’re after the view, though, I’d definitely opt for outdoors.
There’s a daily happy hour (with buy one, get one free) at Pure Sky Lounge for the early birds from 5.30 – 8pm, when you’ll also catch the sunset. Too early? In the week, you’ll get a table early doors, and it’s pretty chilled, but it really livens up in the evening and is popular on ladies’ night on a Wednesday, which is also a gents’ night too! For AED 99 for ladies and AED 149 for gents, you’ll get selected drinks and 35% off the a la carte menu. See you there!
2. Bar 44, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina
The Bar at Bar 44 (and the bargain happy hour!)
It’s a real wow from the moment you walk into Grosvenor House, which encapsulates 5* luxury everywhere you turn. Now the bars can be pricey generally here, but the happy hours are worth heading to. The one to head to for a view is definitely Bar 44 on the (you guessed it) 44th floor. It offers some excellent views over the Marina and the Palm in the distance. And here’s the best bit – AED 45 for a drink in happy hour. I had their sparkling wine and can highly recommend it (alongside their incredible bar snacks).
3. The Observatory, Marriott Harbour, Dubai Marina
View over the Palm from The Observatory
A great one for guests and not too pretentious or over the top, you can also eat here (it’s on the Entertainer too!). The Observatory offers views over the Palm as well as the Marina, and although you can’t reserve seating unless eating, most seats have a good view. You can also have a good look around, even if you don’t bag yourself a prime spot. Happy hour is Sundays – Fridays 4 – 7pm, and prices vary but are pretty competitive (starting from AED 33). Great bar snacks as well, with some VERY moreish nuts that are deadly and get topped up regularly.
4. Pier 7, Dubai Marina
Nighttime view from Pier 7
A firm favourite for many due to the location as well as the variety, and no one can argue with that view. Pier 7 might not be as high as the other bars featured, but it offers a stunner of a backdrop across the Marina both in the day and at night. Take your pick in terms of where to go. For laidback and casual drinks then Cargo fits the bill. The Scene is also a great option, too.
5. Vero Sky Lounge, Hilton Dubai, JBR
Sunset over JBR from BICE Sky Lounge
Back to the Hilton again, but this time the Vero Sky Lounge on the 10th floor of the Hilton building directly on the front of JBR (go through the main reception this time). We actually came here with friends in our second week when we were trying to find Pure Sky Lounge (Sky in both names doesn’t really help!). We ended up here, but it was actually a great find. It’s quiet, especially early evening, so it is perfect for sundowners overlooking the beach.
The Guestbook’s comment: “There are some great options for wow views in Dubai Marina and JBR, time it right and you can also be wowed on the price of your drinks too, which is always a bonus in Dubai!”
Looking for restaurant inspiration in Dubai Marina? Have a look at our list of favourite places on the Entertainer App here.
