Diverse Dubai: From Markets, to Beaches, Architecture and Desert

• Burj Khalifa: Visit the current tallest building in the world at over 2,700 ft, or just over half a mile. I suggest coming in the evening for the nightly fountain show, which happens every 30 minutes from 6pm until 11pm. You can also get tickets to different viewing floors.

• Dubai Mall: Right next to the Burj Khalifa, one of the many mega-malls in Dubai. This is the one I would recommend visiting along with viewing the tallest building. It has a large aquarium with free viewing inside the mall (or buy tickets into the full aquarium with tunnel views). There is also a large indoor ice skating rink, China Town wing and all the high-end shopping. (Or you can also check out Mall of the Emirates if you are interested in indoor skiing!)

• Gold and Spice Souks: Explore the old-town area of Diera, where many "souks" or markets are located. The most famous are the Gold and Spice souks, but if you walk around the area is full of small vendors and shopping and others such as textile and perfume souks. Get any souvenirs here, and plan to bargain. You can find clothing, scarves, perfume, chocolate, gold, spices and teas, Turkish lamps, plates/bowls and more. This area was an important part of trade and culture and remains vital.

• Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: Start or end your time at the souks here, just across the river. You can take an "abra" traditional wooden boat, which carries about 20 passengers for $1AED or about 25 cents each way. This historic neighborhood will feel like you're in the movie "Aladdin", with the architecture (although much of which was more recently rebuilt). It also has many souvenir stalls and markets (including the Friends Cafe coffee shop from the Netflix show "dubai bling"). For this attraction and the souks, consider booking a tour with a local guide

• The view at the Palm: This is a great alternative and a more affordable view compared to the Burj Khalifa. I prefer this view as it gives you a great overview of the Palm Island looking down. You can see across to the different city-center skyscraper buildings in Dubai along with viewing the Jumeirah Burj Al-Arab. The most iconic sail-shaped expensive hotel in Dubai. Go around sunset to watch the sunset over Palm Island in the Persian Gulf. You can also buy tickets to a unique infinity pool in this complex with views. It is attached to another large mall, like many attractions.

• JBR Beach and Marina: A great, more tourist-centric spot outside the city-center. Come here to relax, spend time on the beach, swim in the Persian Gulf, eat at one of the many, many global restaurant choices here and find some shopping. The beach has a nice view of the large ferris wheel (currently not in operation). There is a skywalk over from the beach to the marina area where there is also a large mall and more restaurants and walkway along the marina.

• Yacht tour: Schedule a morning, lunch, dinner or evening yacht cruise with one of the many providers out of JBR Beach or Diera near the souks. You will get the best water views of the city, and some include meals, drinks or dancing/music entertainment. I suggest Xclusive Yachts, out of JBR for their extensive fleet and availability.

• Xline: The longest urban zipline in the world at JBR Marina, with views of the marina and skyscrapers around you go from a tower to the Dubai Marina Mall.

• Aquaventure Park & Atlantis: Check out this large waterpark (they boast the most waterslides in the world), at the Atlantis at the end of the Palm Island near JBR. You can spend a full day here between the different areas and the beach.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure: A fully indoor theme park with roller coasters, a bit outside the main city. They have different themed zones, including Marvel, Lost Valley with dinosaurs, Cartoon Network, a haunted town and more.

• Miracle Garden: Open seasonally over their winter from October through the spring with massive displays and themes with flowers, an umbrella tunnel, mini golf and more.

• Global Village: A seasonal must-see attraction in the winter, October - spring. This is like a global fair, featuring different pavilions for many countries, including markets/shopping and food. It is only open in the evenings, and you'll see more locals here. There are nightly dance/themed shows and fireworks, and an area for rides for kids.

• Museum of the Future: One of the most unique museums with interactive exhibits and futuristic displays. You need to book tickets days, if not weeks in advance. You can also get a good view of this unique building that looks like a large silver bean with Arabic writing, from the freeway.

• Dubai Frame: Near the museum of the future, it is what is sounds like, a large gold frame near the city center. You can either view from your drive, or get out with a ticket to go up to the top. It has a clear panel to walk over, looking down from the top.

Day trips

• Desert Safari: This is a must-do on your itinerary! It is an easy day or half-day trip from anywhere in Dubai. Transfers included in all bookings. Most tours include dune-bashing with your driver bringing you up the mountainous dunes in a 4x4, camel rides, ATV driving and more photo ops. The evening tours will also include a safari dinner, dance/fire show and henna tattoos. Book through any of the major tour operators, but pay attention to experience and reviews of the companies.

• Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This is also a highly recommended day trip if you have time for a full-day excursion! It is one of the largest mosques in the world, with beautiful architecture and white domes. You should be aware of the "mosque etiquette" available online for required dress for both males and females, which is strictly adhered to. I suggest pre-booking tickets online (for free!). Book a private driver for the day or use a tour operator for a group tour.

JBR Beach/Marina:

• Zhou Zhou Turkish & Lebanese: Great sharing plates and Turkish cuisine with a view out to JBR beach for lunch or dinner.

• Jixiang Dim Sum: Low-key beach hut style order and take-out or sit at one of their in-the-sand tables. Amazing flavors and budget-friendly pricing for lunch or dinner.

• Bake My Day Dubai Dutch Bakery: Great atmosphere and variety of options for breakfast or lunch, right on the main walkway to the beach.

• Bosporus Turkish Cuisine: Another Turkish cuisine option on the beach with great food and atmosphere, for lunch or dinner.

• Mondoux: A healthy option in the main shopping area near the beach for breakfast or lunch.

• The Noodle House: Asian option with curries on the main shopping street

• Dinner in the Sky: For an experience, book tickets ahead of time to be suspended above the marina in chairs with a central table and three-course meal with Middle-Eastern dishes.

The Palm:

• Shvili: Inside Nakheel Mall (connected to The View), this is an authentic Georgian restaurant with friendly staff and great food options and atmosphere. They also have a kids play area in the back.

• Din Tai Fung: Also inside Nakheel Mall, a Taiwanese cuisine dumpling restaurant where you can watch them preparing the dumplings through a window, popular spot.

• CouCou Dubai: Rooftop restaurant, luxury/expensive for a special dinner out with Mediterranean cuisine.

• Ossiano: At The Atlantis, dine with an underwater aquarium view, with seafood cuisine!

Downtown Dubai:

• CZN Burak: Upscale Turkish cuisine with grilled meats. The chef is popular on social media, with views of the Burj Khalifa and easy access to the Dubai Mall, outdoor and indoor seating.

• Social House: Laid-back atmosphere with views of the Dubai Fountain, international menu.

Many options inside the Dubai Mall.

Diera/Al Fahidi historic neighborhood:

• Arabian Teahouse: Claims to be the first authentic Emirati restaurant, with authentic dishes and experience in this historical neighborhood with a local feel. You'll see many famous faces in photographs on entering.

• Local House restaurant: Another authentic Emirati cuisine restaurant, serving camel meat.

Keep in mind: Most restaurants in Dubai will only have mocktails/non-alcoholic drinks available due to local laws. If you are looking for alcohol, check out the hotel bars or local nightlife clubs.