Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.

Burj Khalifa – The 828-meter-tall Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Everything about this majestic structure spells out opulence: the exquisitely landscaped Burj Khalifa park and the giant fountain system with its fifty colored projectors and over 6,000 lights. Check in at one of the hotels in Burj Khalifa and join the At the Top tour to watch the spectacular view of the metropolis from the observation deck.

Palm Jumeirah – Choose from any of the numerous hotels and resorts at Palm Jumeirah, a manmade archipelago that had cost $12.3 billion to make off the coast of Dubai. Shaped like a palm leaf, the artificial island’s fronds are home for many residential villas. Palm Jumeirah has scenic marinas, several luxury resorts and spas, as well as many upscale shopping districts.

Dubai Marina – This popular Dubai tourist attraction sports a breathtaking skyline, a picturesque beach, and numerous shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Tour Dubai Marina’s two major walkways, The Marina Walk and The Walk, and then join a cruise on a yacht.

Wild Wadi Waterpark – If you travel with kids, consider spending a day at the Wild Wadi Waterpark. Beat the sweltering desert climate of Dubai with a frolic at the park’s water rides and waterfalls.