5. Burj Al Arab
Dubai’s most iconic luxury hotel is set on a private artificial island and boasts the world’s only 7 star rating. This photogenic facade was designed to resemble a billowing sail of an Arabian dhow. You can take a great exterior shot of the Burj from the public beach outside. If you want to peak inside to gawk at its endless atrium and panoramic glass elevator, however, you’ll have to book a room (a mere $20K per night for the Royal suite!) or at least have a reservation at one of its bars or restaurants. They’re quite strict about this, so book well ahead.
6. Stroll the JBR Walk
Dubai’s city planners made a good call by creating the 1.7 km Jumeirah Beach Residence promenade along the waterfront. 36 towers of beach residences and the Dubai Marina are flanked with shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels (where the bars are), making it a bustling scenic neighborhood to stroll, hang out in and explore. There’s even a Covent Garden Market here, with street performers and crafty trinket stalls to browse. Some people even jog along this strip in the cooler parts of the day. The people and car watching is hard to beat.
