Burj Khalifa. At 2,722-feet high, this famous building is the world’s tallest man-made structure and one of Dubai’s most visited landmarks. Several observation decks allow for incredible panoramic city views, while The Lounge is the perfect spot to refuel with champagne and canapes.

Dubai Mall. When there’s talk of visiting Dubai, there’s typically talk of the massive Dubai Mall. Here you can shop most anything desired—more than 200 luxury brands entice fashionistas. If traveling with kiddos, don’t miss the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Palm Jumeirah. The famous, tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah is lined with haute hotels, fine dining, and upscale apartments. The boardwalk is known for impressive Dubai coastline vistas, in addition to the chic Burj Al Arab hotel. Come evening, trendy beach clubs turn into lively nightclubs that stage international DJs.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. If you want to get a sense of old Dubai, this historic area is where past meets present—with colorful streets defined by art galleries, museums, and cultural centers. Lunch at a quaint café and then shop for handmade arts and crafts.

Qasr Al Watan. This recently opened cultural landmark celebrates traditions that have shaped United Arab Emirates culture. Part cultural center, educational hub, and architectural wonder, it houses the Qasr Al Watan Library, where visitors can uncover a vast collection of books on the UAE and the nation’s progressive DNA.

Qasr Al Hosn. As the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, the Qasr Al Hosn features the city’s first permanent structure—the watchtower. First built in the 1970s, the lookout protected the initial public trade routes. Here, you’ll find the Inner Fort and Outer Palace, both of which are immersed in Abu Dhabi’s rich history.

Louvre Abu Dhabi. Recently opened in 2017, this art and civilization museum is located in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District and is the largest museum in the Arabian Peninsula. The museum brings the celebrated Louvre name from France to Abu Dhabi and presents both ancient and contemporary works of historic, cultural, and sociological points of view.

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. As one of the world’s largest, this mosque was created by a multi-cultural team of British, Italian, and Emirati architects. Further design inspiration was borrowed from parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Egypt. Visitors can expect to view onion-top domes, huge reflective pools, an iconic prayer hall, and opulent handmade chandeliers and carpets.