The best things to do in Dubai

1.Burj Khalifa

The world's tallest building, with observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148.

Tip: Sunset slots cost more and sell out first; a slot just after dark is cheaper and the city lights are just as good.

2.The Dubai FountainFree

A choreographed fountain show on the lake below the Burj Khalifa, every half hour in the evening.

Tip: The bridge in front of Souk Al Bahar is a good free viewpoint away from the mall crowd.

3.Dubai Mall and AquariumFree

One of the world's largest malls, with an aquarium tank you can see for free from the ground floor and an ice rink.

4.Museum of the Future

A torus-shaped building covered in Arabic calligraphy on Sheikh Zayed Road, with immersive exhibitions about life in the future.

Tip: Entry is by timed ticket only; book ahead.

5.Dubai Water CanalFree

A waterside promenade from Business Bay to the sea at Jumeirah, good for an evening walk or run.

6.Al Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodFree

Restored wind-tower houses and quiet lanes from the days before oil, with small museums and galleries.

Tip: The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding here hosts meals where you can ask anything about Emirati life.

7.An abra across the Creek

Wooden water taxis that cross Dubai Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira in a few minutes, as they have for decades.

Tip: One of the cheapest rides in the city; pay the boatman in cash.

8.The Gold and Spice Souks

Deira's traditional markets, with windows full of gold jewellery and sacks of saffron, frankincense and dried limes.

Tip: Haggling is expected, especially in the Spice Souk.

9.The Dubai Frame

A giant picture frame in Zabeel Park with a glass-floored bridge across the top, looking at old Dubai on one side and the new city on the other.

10.Kite BeachFree

A long public beach with a running track, water sports and views of the Burj Al Arab.

Tip: Swim between the flags and come early or at sunset in the hot months.

11.Souk Madinat JumeirahFree

A modern souk on canals at the foot of the Burj Al Arab, with restaurants and terraces facing the hotel.

12.La MerFree

A beachfront of cafés, restaurants and a water park on the Jumeirah coast.

13.The View at The Palm

An observation deck on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower, looking down the length of the palm-shaped island.

14.Atlantis Aquaventure

A huge water park at the Atlantis resort, with record-breaking slides and a private beach.

Tip: Go on a weekday; Saturdays and public holidays are the busiest.

15.The Palm boardwalkFree

An 11 km boardwalk along the outer crescent of the Palm, with views back to the Dubai skyline.

16.Dubai Marina walk and a dhow cruiseFree

A promenade around the marina under the skyscrapers, with dinner cruises on traditional wooden dhows.

17.JBR beach and The WalkFree

The busiest public beach in the city, backed by a pedestrian street of restaurants and shops.

18.A desert safari

Dune driving, sunset in the sand and dinner at a desert camp, with pick-up from your hotel.

Tip: Operators inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offer a calmer, more responsible version than the mass-market tours.

19.Global Village

A seasonal open-air fair with pavilions for dozens of countries, food stalls and rides, open roughly from October to May.

Tip: Go on a weekday evening; weekends are crowded.

20.A day trip to Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, about 90 minutes away by road.

Tip: The mosque is free, but you need to book a visit slot online and dress modestly. It's closed to visitors on Friday mornings.