There are three different observation decks where you can extend your visit: The lounge offers tea, baked goods, and champagne while the top two have fast elevator rides, telescopes, virtual reality experiences, and 360-degree observation decks. The exciting blend of ancient heritage and ahead-of-the-curve futurism is what makes Dubai so unique, and if you’d like to get a better feel for the city’s natural surroundings, you can head out on an excursion to the nearby desert.Īt 2,722 feet and rising 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is not only one of the world’s tallest buildings, but it’s also one of the world’s tallest free-standing structures.

It’s easy to focus on the hypermodern half of the city in all of its glitzy, air-conditioned glory, but don’t overlook Dubai’s historic Old Quarter where you can check out 19th-century architecture, browse the gold souk for jewelry, get a bite at one of the more traditional restaurants or tea houses, and visit the Dubai Museum that’s housed inside a fort from 1787. You’ll also find championship golf courses, gorgeous beaches, man-made islands, and even indoor ski slopes here. It’s a fascinating desert city, with a soaring modern skyline made up of some of the world’s tallest towers and some of the largest shopping malls on the planet. You can spend an afternoon strolling along the shore, perusing bric-a-brac and antique treasures behind colorfully-painted facades, and end the evening with tea and fish and chips.Dubai began as a small fishing village and eventually grew into one of the most dynamic metropolises in the United Arab Emirates. This seaside suburb is beloved for its trendy cafe scene, quirky vintage shops, and English-influenced restaurants to grab a bite. But the easiest, fastest, and arguably most scenic way up is via cable car, which will have you soaring high above the rocky valley, with the sea on the horizon as you climb to the peak. There are a variety of trails up the mountain that vary in difficulty.

Whether you make your way up by foot or by tram, ascending the 3,562 feet to the top is an essential experience. Named for its flat top, Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most iconic destinations. Wander between stalls, snacking on everything from burgers to vegetarian cakes, before checking out the wares from artisans and local designers that set up shop there too. Neighbourgoods Market, tucked into the trendy Woodstock neighborhood, is a buzzing food market that has quickly become a symbol of the next generation of South Africa’s diverse culture.

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