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best photo spots in halwan?
honestly the best spot is the corniche area right near the halwan bridge around sunset. the light hits the water and the old buildings just right, plus you get the mountains in the background. if you want something less obvious, head up to the hills behind the city near the al hajar area, there's a dirt road that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the whole bay. just watch out for the goats, they'll photobomb you but they make for good shots too
if you're into textures and older architecture, the area around the old souq near al qawasim street has some really good shots. the light filters through the wooden shutters and the paint is peeling in a photogenic way. also, the fishing port at the east end of the corniche is overlooked by most tourists, you can get close to the dhows and the nets drying in the sun. bring a polarizer for the glare off the water there
The old lighthouse near the naval base is pretty great if you can get close enough. It's not really marked on maps but locals know it, and the contrast between the white tower and the blue sky is killer. Just be respectful if any military guys are around, they don't love cameras pointed their way.
Best Food in Halwan (2026)
Begin your culinary tour at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, located on Corniche Road. This spot serves authentic Emirati dishes like machboos and luqaimat, with mains ranging from 30… 🍽️ Where to Start
Begin your culinary tour at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, located on Corniche Road. This spot serves authentic Emirati dishes like machboos and luqaimat, with mains ranging from 30 to 60 AED. It's open daily from 8 AM to midnight.
🥟 Street Food Gems
For affordable eats, head to the Halwan Souk area where you'll find shawarma and falafel stalls. Try Shawarma Al Halwan near the main square, offering chicken shawarma wraps for just 8 AED. These stalls are busiest from 6 PM to 10 PM.
🐟 Seafood Specialties
Visit Al Marsa Fish Restaurant on Al Mina Street for freshly caught hammour and prawns. A grilled fish platter costs around 50 AED and includes rice and salad. They are open from 12 PM to 11 PM, except Fridays when they close for lunch prayers.
🍛 Hidden Neighborhood Eats
In the Al Shabab neighborhood, you'll find small cafeterias serving biryani and curry. One standout is Al Shabab Cafeteria on 12th Street, where a plate of chicken biryani costs 15 AED. These spots are popular with locals for lunch and dinner.
💰 Local Prices
Most meals in Halwan range from 8 to 60 AED. A full meal at a mid-range restaurant costs about 40 AED per person. Street food is the cheapest option, with snacks like samosas starting at 2 AED each.
🚕 Getting Around for Food
Taxis are the easiest way to reach food spots, with fares starting at 5 AED for short trips. The Halwan Souk area is walkable, but for seafood restaurants on Al Mina Street, you'll need a taxi or drive. Parking is available at most restaurants.
🌙 Best Evening Spots
For dinner with a view, try Al Corniche Restaurant on the waterfront, open until 1 AM. Their mixed grill platter costs 55 AED and is perfect for sharing. Another evening favorite is the rooftop cafe at Halwan Hotel, serving shisha and light bites.
oh nice list, i'd say the shawarma at shawarma al halwan is legit, their garlic sauce is better than most places in the city. also if you're there late, grab a mango lassi from the juice shop two stalls down, it's like 5 aed and so good after all that food
This is a solid list, I've lived here for a few years and I'd add that the biryani at Al Shabab Cafeteria is genuinely good, but get there before 1 PM if you want the freshest batch. For something the guide didn't mention, try the karak chai at a small stall called Chai Wala on the corner of 15th Street and Al Nahda Road, it's 2 AED and they make it with condensed milk the right way. I think Al Fanar is a nice experience but their luqaimat can be a bit heavy, I prefer the lighter version at Al Corniche Restaurant if you are already going for the view.
the guide is pretty spot on honestly. one thing i'd add is that al marsa fish restaurant does a really good fried hammour but ask for it with extra lemon and they'll bring you fresh slices on the side, it makes a difference. if you're around on a friday afternoon their grilled prawns are usually the freshest since the catch comes in thursday night. also the halwan souk area gets wild after 9 pm so if you want a quieter experience go around 5 pm before the dinner rush starts