Barsha Heights area guide: what to eat, see and do in this Dubai spot

From affordable eats to karaoke hot spots and a museum on the history of cinema – don't overlook this understated area

Affordable Thai cuisine is available in Barsha Heights at Fuchsia Urban Thai. Courtesy Fuchsia Urban Thai

Barsha Heights or, as it was formerly known, Tecom, is perhaps most famous for its affordable apartments, but there's plenty more to this area than residences and roundabouts. From mid-range restaurants galore to a bevy of small supermarkets and a number of spas, everything you need is within walking distance – and, thankfully, it's a very pedestrian-friendly area, too.

Where to eat 

There are a medley of restaurants and cafes in the area, serving all manner of cuisines, from health-conscious bites at Brambles and Krave, which both serve cafe classics such as acai bowls and superfood salads, to Thai favourites in casual spot Fuchsia and the more upmarket venue Wise Kwai, plus Middle Eastern mezze and more at Manoushe Street and Jabbour. For a touch of nightlife, head to Barbary Deli + Cocktail Club for moody atmospheres, great bar bites and an upbeat soundtrack, or take your turn on the mic at karaoke hot spots Lucky Voice or Kung Korean Restaurant, both of which offer private rooms for you to sing your hearts out in. The latter is popular for its authentic Korean cuisine, too.

Where to shop 

You'll never go short of pantry essentials in Barsha Heights, as there are plenty of small convenience stores, three Carrefour supermarkets, one of which is open 24 hours, as well as Baladi Butchery and a number of pharmacies. There are a few speciality stores as well. For fine chocolates and gift items, head to i-Rise Tower for Papillon Chocolate. If you're a cyclist, check out Bike Shop in Al Ameri Tower, where they sell bicycles for all ages and abilities, as well as a variety of accessories.

What to see and do

You are spoilt for choice for spas and salons in this area. Get a mani-pedi at Dial a Nail or book a massage at D'Stress Spa in DusitD2 Kenz Hotel. Take care of your mind, body and soul by trying a hatha or vinyasa class at Ananda Yoga Centre, which offers a classic approach to the practice. For something more offbeat, take a look around the History of Cinema Museum, formerly known as the Dubai Moving Image Museum, where items date back to the 1730s and cover the earliest days of film. Tickets cost Dh30.

Where to sleep

Many new residents to Dubai will find themselves in a hotel-apartment in Barsha Heights at least for the first few weeks they're here. It also offers cheaper accommodation for travellers than top tourist spots. Some of the more popular hotels in the area include Grand Millennium Dubai, which has a range of on-site restaurants and bars to offer, plus Tryp by Wyndham and Signature 1 Hotels, thanks to their more stylish interiors.

The lounge area of a room at the Tryp by Wyndham Barsha Heights in Dubai. Tryp by Wyndham

The area's unique selling point

It’s more affordable. This extends from the rents on apartments and other residences to dining out and enjoying the area’s buzzing nightlife scene. Barsha Heights simply offers better value for money than many other, perhaps more popular, destinations in Dubai.

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