Though it's most
famous for being one of the world's fastest-growing
cities, I find Dubai
to be most enchanting along the Creek, the area where the city began. To
get a sense
of then and now, start at the Creek, then work your way out to New Dubai.
Begin the
day on the Bur Dubai side of the water, where you can roam the labyrinth
of pedestrian
alleys beneath historic windtowers. Poke your head into XVA Gallery to
refuel on mint
lemonade in the open-air courtyard of an historic home that's been
converted into a
boutique hotel. A visit to the Dubai Museum is a must, as is a quick
stroll through the
Bur Dubai Souq, before boarding an abra (water taxi) to cross the
Creek. Follow your
nose to the Spice Souq, then ooh and ahh at the glittering displays of the
Gold Souq.
The shopping in the surrounding streets could keep you busy for a whole
day, but no
visit to Dubai would be complete without checking out one of its famous
malls. I most
like Mall of the Emirates because it's home to Ski Dubai, the world's
largest indoor ski
slope.
After shooshing down the slopes, take a short taxi ride to the Souq
Madinat Jumeirah,
where you can shop for souvenirs before scoping out seats on the balcony
of Bahri Bar,
a romantic spot to sip cocktails in view of the iconic Burj al-Arab. For
dinner, it's off to
one of the stellar restaurants at the Royal Mirage beach resort, say, Nina
for Indian-
fusion cooking, followed by sheesha (tobacco smoked through a waterpipe)
in the hotel's
atmospheric courtyard. If the weather is fine, it's time for Sho Cho,
where the DJ keeps
the tunes in time with the breaking waves
