Arts and sightseeing

Burj Khalifa: A visit to Dubai is not complete without a visit to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Buy tickets online to avoid standing in line to enjoy the views from this 160-floor skyscraper from the top.

Jumeirah Mosque: The Jumeirah Mosque is made from white stone in the medieval Fatimid style and is the only mosque open to non-Muslim visitors. Visits can be made from Saturdays to Thursdays (Fridays are for prayers) and are led by a knowledgeable guide. 

Museum of the Future: Recently opened and already named one of the 14 most beautiful museums, The Museum of the Future shows us life in 2071. The museum also counts with a garden with 100 plant species.

Abra across the creek: An abra is a traditional wooden boat and you can get across starting either in Deira or at Bur Dubai. Many locals use this service to avoid traffic and for tourists it is a wonderful way to see local life. 

Shopping

Dubai Mall: The largest mall in the world is visited by 100 million people per year and counts with over 1,200 shops. 

Dubai Spice Souk: Get into the hustle and bustle and shop for souvenirs at the Spice Souk. Besides spices and herbs, such as saffron and curry mixes, you can also find many other items, such as handmade lanterns, scarfs and poufs.

Activities

Deep Dive Dubai: The world’s deepest pool (another record!) with a depth of 60 meters, this very cool pool features a sunken city for free divers to explore. Others can snorkel on the surface and scuba dive up to 12 meters (anyone over the age of 10). 

Balloon ride over the desert: Enjoy the beauty of the desert at sunrise from a hot air balloon and take in the breathtaking views and Oryx and camels down below. 

Sky Views Dubai: At 219 meters up in the sky you can venture onto the glass-bottom slide or try out the Edge Walk. Not for those who are afraid of heights! 

XLine Dubai Marina: XLine Dubai is one of the longest, steepest, and fastest urban zip lines in the world. Enjoy Dubai´s skyline belly-down from a height of 560 feet at speeds up to 50 miles an hour. 

Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch

The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen: With 7 locations across the city, you can most likely find a Lime Tree Café near you wherever you are. Whether you are craving a good cup of organic coffee or a refreshing smoothie, at Lime Tree you are in the right place. You can also find gluten-free baked goods and lunch dishes.

Late Lounge: Superb coffee shop popular for its Late Benedict (freshly baked croissant with eggs benedict and hollandaise sauce). Everything on the Late Lounge menu has been prepared with fresh, quality ingredients and are served in a welcoming atmosphere.

Boston Lane: Australian inspired café serving breakfast, lunch (with several vegetarian options), smoothies, juices and coffees and teas. Don't miss the Boston Lane smashed avo toast, or, if you are more into a sweet breakfast, the açai bowl (which is also vegan).

Dinner

Forever Rose Café: Designed as a 2D illustration, Forever Rose Café is very Instagram-worthy. The monochrome café serves international dishes all day, ranging from salads to risottos. You can also come here for one of the 10+ types of coffees they serve and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. 

Fi´lia: Female-led Fi´lia, on the 70th floor of the SLS Dubai, features Mediterranean dishes such as rustic pizzas, salads, pastas and lobster. Book early to secure a seat on the outside terrace and enjoy amazing views of the Burj Khalifa.

COYA Dubai: COYA Dubai, located at the Four Seasons Jumeirah, serves Peruvian inspired cocktails and seafood. This restaurant is very lively and has a very unique décor, with historic art flown in from Peru.

Clay Dubai: Clay is one of the newest hotspots in Dubai, serving a mix of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. One of the signature dishes here are the ceviches, but the extensive menu features much more, such as sashimi, salads, tiraditos, lamb, steak and black cod.

Drinks

Cocktail Bars

Bahri Bar: Bahri Bar perfect spot to watch the views over the Burj al Arab while sitting on their wooden terrace with colonial fans whizzing above your head.  

Sea Fu: Sea views and luxurious feels is what Sea Fu is all about. Sit back, relax and sip on one of their signature cocktails. 

Zengo: Whether you choose to sit in Mist, Fire or Smoke, the three bars at Zengo, you can experience their exotic cocktails at all three. Fire is the outdoor bar, with lovely views of the pool.

Rooftop bars

CÉ LA VI Dubai: This is not your average rooftop bar. CÉ LA VI offers a club lounge, a restaurant, a sky bar and a pool deck. Enjoy signature cocktails, Asian cuisine and shishas; all while enjoying stunning views of Dubai. 

SoBe: Situated on the 5th floor of W Dubai, SoBe attracts a trendy and glamorous crowd. The terrace offers 360-degree views of the skyline and the Arabian Gulf. 

ZETA Seventy Seven: This open-air rooftop bar can be found on the top floor of the Address top floor, next to the world's highest outdoor infinity pool. ZETA is adults only and it's recommended to make reservations in advance.