Dubai attractions

7 top sights, in our order of priority for a first visit.

1. 1Burj Khalifa At the TopTickets & passes · Allow 2 hAt 828 metres, the world's tallest building has observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148, with views across the city, the Gulf and the desert.
2. 2Desert SafariOutdoors · Allow 3 hDune driving in a 4x4, sandboarding, camel rides and a barbecue dinner at a desert camp with live entertainment.
3. 3Old Dubai, Souks & CreekGuided tours · Allow 2 h 30 minThe Gold Souk, Spice Souk and the abra ferries across Dubai Creek, with the historic Al Fahidi district nearby.
4. 4Dhow Cruise at Marina or CreekCruises · Allow 1 h 30 minA traditional wooden dhow with dinner on the water, either along the creek or at the Marina.
5. 5Abu Dhabi Day TripDay trips · Allow Full dayThe Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World are about 90 minutes from Dubai.
6. 6Dubai FrameTickets & passes · Allow 1 hA 150-metre frame-shaped building with a glass-floored walkway and views of old and new Dubai.
7. 7Aquaventure WaterparkWith kids · Allow 6 hA large waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm, with slides, a lazy river and a private beach.