Things To Do in Dubai

• Desert Activities: From sand surfing to ATV to 4WD sightseeing drives in the desert, you name it, Dubai has it. Viator has endless options of activities you can search through.

• Burj Khalifa: Tallest building in the world. At the Top is the outdoor observation deck. I opted to visit Atmosphere instead of going to the top so I could get a good drink and view.

• Dubai Mall: Second largest mall in the world with an aquarium, a movie theater, and endless amounts of restaurants and stores. You could spend a couple of full days here. Walk outside and see the Dubai Fountain, which has shows at 1PM or everything 30 minutes at 6 p.m.

• Beach or water activities: I’d recommend staying by the beach so you can have easy beach access. You can water ski, rent a boat, jet ski, kayak or do any sort of water activity. The Palm Jumeirah is the famous palm that was man made with sand and rocks to be shaped like a palm. There are bunch of beaches on both of the palms and you can visit the largest water park in the world (Atlantis Aquaventure) if you're interested. You can also stay on the Palm Jebel Ali as there are a bunch of incredible hotels there.

• Museum of the Future: Museum for all ages, full of innovation and technological advancement. Get a sneak peak into the future of Dubai and the world.

• Ski Diving Over The Palm: if you’re feeling like you need a good adrenaline rush, this is a cool way to see the city.

• Dubai Miracle Garden: World's largest natural flower garden with over 150 million different types of flowers.

• Ski Dubai: Check out the indoor ski center, which is located in the Mall of the Emirates not the Dubai Mall (20 minutes apart).

Day Trips

Abu Dhabi is only an hour from Dubai. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a one hour drive from Dubai (picture above). I booked a ride directly through Viator.

Dubai now has more restaurants than NYC and with so many options to choose from it can be overwhelming. If you're looking for specific cuisine, check out food by category in Time Out. See below for the list I put together of my favorite spots.

• Seven Sands: if you’re looking for authentic Emirati dishes, go to Seven Sands. Khuzi, or Ghuzi is Dubais famous dish, consisting of roasted lamb over rice with some vegatable or nuts.

• Alici: southern Italian and seafood located right on the water. Great ambiance and has a lively night life scene.

• XU: Very cool hidden restaurant with Catonese inspired food. As a dim sum lover, they XU has a bunch of options to pick from.

• CÉ LA VI Dubai: Looking for tasty food and a view of the Burj Khalifa? From Asian fusion food to an incredible night scene, I highly recommend eating here. This is pretty touristy spot but it's an excellent way to enjoy a view of the city over dinner.

• Carine: French Mediterranean inspired restaurant, located in the golf if you’re looking to golf and get some dinner.

• Hutong: If you want brunch, I recommend Hutong’s Imperial Brunch, consisting of Dim Sung, stir fry and many more delectable dishes.

Drinks

• Atmosphere Burj Khalifa: Yummy drinks in the Burj Khalifa with a view of the city (featured above).

• Kyma: Beach and pool club with delicious drinks and food.

• Zeta Seventy Seven: Located on the palm with amazing view of the city.

• Galaxy Bar: One of the world's top 50 bars, cozy space that gives outer space vibes.

• Project Chaiwala: For chai tea lovers.

• Helipad by Frozen Cherry: Located on the water with panoramic views of the city. Tulum vibes with a vibrant nightlife scene.