During my freshman year at college, I was able to go to Dubai for Spring Break!  My sister and her husband were living there at the time so it was the perfect excuse to make a visit.  Besides the surreal architecture, one of the things I found most fascinating about the city is how it is located in the middle of the desert.  Drive 20 minutes out of the city and you will find yourself surrounded by endless desert dunes.  Dubai will do more than live up to your exceptions, I promise!

WHERE TO STAY

While I was there, I stayed with my sister but here are a few wonderful locations that I know of to stay.

WHAT TO DO

• Burj Khalifa: When going to Dubai, it is impossible to not visit the tallest building in the world.  The Burj was completed in 2010 has 163 floors.  When the tower was first built, the highest floor you could go was the observation deck and restaurant on levels 122-124.  However, When Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China surpassed the Burj with an observation deck at a higher level, the Burj opened a new observation deck on floor 148.
  
• Burj Al Arab Hotel: The Al Arab is the 3rd largest luxury hotel in the world.  Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island off of Jumeirah beach and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship and it has a helipad near the roof.  If you are looking for a fun day time activity, they have afternoon tea and great brunch.
  
• Dubai Mall: Because Dubai refuses to anything small, Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the world.  Not only is the mall for shopping, but there is also an aquarium and underwater zoo, ice skating rink, and many restaurants.  You can even go scuba diving!
• Ski Dubai: Once again, Dubai has an affinity for malls and going all out.  Located in another excessively large mall, Mall of the Emirates, is Ski Dubai, an indoor ski contain, resort, and lodge.  
  
• Jumeirah Beach Walk and Dubai Marina: The marina is an artificial canal city and houses many residential towers, cafes, shops, etc.  It is a great place to walk around during the day and enjoy the wonderful views.  This is also the best place to go for a day on the beach!
  
• The Palm Islands:  Because fake is the way of life in Dubai, The Palm is an artificial archipelago.  There are three different Palm islands, Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and Palm Deira.  These are great areas to walk around and even better if you can get a view from above.
• Desert safari:  Take a wild ride in a Jeep or Hummer through the desert and cruising over sand dunes.  You also have the opportunity to ride camels, go sand-boarding, campfire dinner, henna tattooing, and belly dancing.
  
  
  

WHERE TO EAT

Because Dubai is such a mix of cultures, their food reflects that.  Dubai has amazing restaurants in many different categories and cuisines so you are guaranteed to find something you enjoy!

• Cocoa Room: One of the best and unique breakfast places.
• Pierchic:  Located at the end of pier on the water, this restaurant as impeccable views of the sunset on the Arabian Gulf.
• At.mosphere: The restaurant located on the 122 floor of the Burj Khalifa, this is must do simply for the views of the city!
  
• Muchachas Mexican Cantina: Great tacos. Great drinks.  Enough said.
• BRUNCH:  Champagne brunch is a Dubai institution.  While alcohol can only be served in the confines of a hotel, with well over 400 hotels ini the city, finding great places that serve alcohol is not an issue.  Friday brunches ring in the weekend and last well into the afternoon and are definitely an extravaganza you cannot miss!

GET AROUND

The easiest way to get around the city is by car or taxi.  There is however public transportation but the carriages are reserved for different people so watch the signs.

EXTRA

If you have time, I would definitely recommend taking a day or two and going to Abu Dhabi.  It is roughly an hour and a half away from Dubai and has quite a few amazing sites as well.  The best thing to do however is visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.  The Mosque has beautiful architectural details and the inside is beautifully decorated with the supposed largest carpet in the world and stunning chandeliers.