Downtown Dubai
Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building, with observation decks on levels 124-125 and 148), The Dubai Mall (aquarium, ice rink and hundreds of shops) and the free Dubai Fountain shows on the lake every evening. Dubai Opera is a short walk away. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line).
Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC and Za'abeel
The Museum of the Future stands next to Emirates Towers metro station. DIFC has galleries and restaurants, and the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park frames views of old and new Dubai. Metro: Emirates Towers, Financial Centre (Red Line).
Old Dubai: Bur Dubai and Deira
The historic heart of the city, on both sides of Dubai Creek. In Bur Dubai, wander the wind-tower houses of the Al Fahidi Historical District and the Al Shindagha Museum. Cross the creek on a traditional abra water taxi to Deira for the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Metro: Al Fahidi and Al Ghubaiba (Green Line) in Bur Dubai, Al Ras (Green Line) in Deira.
Bur Dubai (Al Souq Al Kabeer) and Deira (Al Ras): rents and prices.
Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim
A long stretch of public beaches and low-rise villas. La Mer has a beach, waterpark and cafes; Kite Beach is popular for sport and sunsets; Madinat Jumeirah and Souk Madinat sit beside the Burj Al Arab, which is best photographed from the public beach next door. Jumeirah Mosque runs guided tours for visitors of all faiths; check tour times before you go.
Jumeirah 1 (La Mer), Umm Suqeim 1, Umm Suqeim 3: rents and prices.
Al Wasl and City Walk
City Walk is an open-air shopping and dining street with the Coca-Cola Arena for concerts.
Al Barsha
Mall of the Emirates is home to Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope with real snow and penguin encounters. Metro: Mall of the Emirates (Red Line).
Palm Jumeirah
Atlantis with the Aquaventure waterpark and aquarium, the View at The Palm observation deck, beach clubs and the Palm West Beach promenade. The Palm Monorail links the trunk to Atlantis and connects to the tram near Dubai Marina.
Dubai Marina, JBR and Bluewaters
Walk the Marina Walk, swim at The Beach at JBR, take a dhow dinner cruise, or watch skydivers land over the Palm. Ain Dubai, the giant observation wheel on Bluewaters Island, was temporarily closed when we checked, so confirm it is open before planning around it. Metro: DMCC and Sobha Realty (Red Line) plus the Dubai Tram.
Dubai Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor
A waterfront district with views back to the Downtown skyline. Next door, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its flamingos, best seen from the viewing hides in the cooler months.
Dubailand and inland
Global Village (evenings, October to May), IMG Worlds of Adventure (indoor theme park) and, a short drive away, Dubai Miracle Garden (October to May). Desert safaris pick up from hotels across the city and head out to the dunes beyond the city edge.
City of Arabia and Global Village, Arjan: rents and prices.
Dubai South and Expo City
Expo City Dubai, the former Expo 2020 site, has the Al Wasl Plaza dome, the Terra sustainability pavilion and the Garden in the Sky observation tower. Metro: Expo 2020 (Red Line, Route 2020 branch).
Hatta
About 1.5 hours' drive from the city, in the Hajar mountains: kayaking on Hatta Dam, mountain biking and hiking, and a heritage village. Best from October to April.