Things to do in Downtown Dubai

There's only one place to start in Downtown Dubai, and that is Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a global icon. This feat of engineering represents the conceptual heart and soul of the city of Dubai. At 828m tall, the magnificent structure is located next to Dubai Mall and has drawn visitors from all over the world since opening in 2010, with a trip to the building's At The Top observation platform an absolute must. For a truly special time, visitors can choose to dine in the At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on the 122nd floor, or experience new heights at The Lounge, Burj Khalifa, which is spread across floors 152, 153 and 154, making it the tallest lounge on the planet.

Right next to Burj Khalifa is Dubai Mall, the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure. Far more than just a shopping mall, you can easily spend a day, or even a week, in Dubai Mall without seeing all the attractions on offer, including an aquarium, Dubai Ice Rink, the fab children's "country" KidZania, an e-karting course and more. It doesn't lack for great shopping either, with more than 1,200 stores and hundreds of dining outlets, ranging from food court favourites to haute cuisine – plus the vibrant Dubai Mall Chinatown's street food offerings. See below for a few specific suggestions for sights, but make sure you plan some time to explore this 1 million sqm destination.

Just outside Dubai Mall's lower level you'll find The Dubai Fountain, the tallest performing fountain in the world. In the evenings, the fountain comes alive every 30 minutes with stunning performances, combining music with beautifully choreographed dancing water jets and a world-class light show. Expect to hear anything from classic pop songs to legendary Arabic singers, plus wonderful classical pieces. The Dubai Fountain is free to watch, but for those who want a better view there are options to get closer on a boardwalk, or even take to Burj Lake in an abra, for a fee.

Wandering through Dubai Mall, it's difficult to miss Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, one of the largest and most stunning aquariums in the world – mall visitors are often transfixed by the giant glass wall which allows them to see into the aquarium's 10 million-litre tank. While there's plenty to enjoy outside, buy a ticket to get the full experience, with more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world. One highlight is the aquarium's legendary underwater tunnel, which lets you see the inhabitants up-close. Keep an eye out for special events, new exhibits and more, and see what will be swimming your way during your visit.

Do you have a head for heights? Are you ready to prove it? If so, Sky Views Dubai is for you: at 219.5m above ground, the attraction is well-known for sweeping visitors off their feet with mesmerising perspectives of the city's skyline. Perched atop the Address Sky View hotel, this architectural marvel includes three thrill-inducing offerings: the Observatory, Glass Slide and Edge Walk. Those wanting to play it safe can enjoy the Observatory's stunning views; for more of an adrenaline-kick, take a ride down the Glass Slide; and for the ultimate thrill, test your nerves as you take on the Edge Walk, with the wind whistling around you.

Another way to watch The Dubai Fountain is from one of Souk Al Bahar's lake-view restaurants, which offer some of the best vantage points to enjoy the fountain's display – and this also gives you a great reason to visit Souk Al Bahar. This modern take on a traditional Middle Eastern marketplace can be found next to Dubai Mall, with access via a bridge across the lake, which is perfect for pictures. Inside you'll find stalls, shops and boutiques galore, offering unique gifts and artwork – plus a variety of eateries and lounges, which make it one of Dubai's most popular dining spots.

After some serious shopping and sightseeing, it's probably time for something more soothing. For this, look no further than The Burj Club, located within Burj Khalifa. A health club with a gym complex, spa and rooftop dining with views of the highest point in Dubai, the club is perfect for a day by the elegant outdoor pool, a catch-up with friends or a high-powered workout. And if you're after a more serious workout, The Burj Club gym combines fitness sessions with spa treatments, as well as tailored diet programmes – it also has a whole level dedicated to a ladies-only gym, plus an indoor lap pool. If you're looking for other spa options in Downtown Dubai, most of the area's hotels have excellent facilities, with one of the other great options also in Burj Khalifa, in the form of Armani/Spa.

Downtown Dubai's cultural hub, Dubai Opera offers far more than just operatic performances. Head to this stunning venue to watch live music, ballet, stand-up comedy, plays and more – there's an abundance of arts and culture to discover here. Of course, you can also enjoy operas at Dubai Opera, with regular performances from some of the world's best companies. Make sure to check well in advance to see what's on during your visit, as the most popular shows regularly sell out early. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at Belcanto, Dubai Opera's acclaimed in-house restaurant.

Located on the rooftop of Dubai Mall's Zabeel extension, Zabeel Sports District is a multi-sports complex for athletes and enthusiasts – and the perfect place to stay in shape or discover your new favourite activity during your visit. Thanks to ZSD's prime position, participants can enjoy great views along with their sports or workouts – you'll get to shoot hoops or smash aces against a futuristic skyline of landmarks, including Burj Khalifa. The facility features five padel courts, four covered badminton courts, two basketball and volleyball courts, and an indoor cricket pitch with safety nets.

When you're ready to relax and enjoy some green space after your adventures in Downtown Dubai, Burj Park is the perfect place to do so. Located on a little island alongside Burj Lake, which is home to The Dubai Fountain, Burj Park is accessible by bridges from the mainland, and provides unparalleled views of the towering Burj Khalifa and the record-breaking fountain. It's also the venue for some of the city's most anticipated events, including pop-up winter markets held during Dubai Shopping Festival.