Downtown Dubai: the Guide Around the Burj Khalifa

Downtown is Dubai's centre of gravity: one square kilometre around the tallest tower in the world (828 metres), where you can spend three days without ever taking a taxi. Here is our district guide — the one we send guests staying at the Lofts Downtown.

The essentials, in the right order

• The top of the Burj Khalifa: book online in advance and pick the slot one hour before sunset — you get the city by day, at dusk and by night in a single ride up.
• The Dubai Mall fountains: free shows in the evening, roughly every 30 minutes. The best spots are the pedestrian bridge by Souk Al Bahar, or a terrace around the lake.
• Dubai Mall: beyond the shops, the giant aquarium visible free from the concourse, the monumental waterfall and the ice rink. Plan to get lost — it is one of the largest malls in the world.
• Dubai Opera: the programme runs from ballet to concerts; even without a ticket, the dhow-shaped building is worth a look at sunset.

The photo spots the guides forget

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard at sunrise: the tower rises out of the haze over an almost empty boulevard.
• The canal footbridge in Business Bay: the whole skyline reflects in the water at nightfall.
• From a pool facing the tower: the shot looks reserved for luxury hotels; the pool at our Binghatti Canal faces the Burj Khalifa head-on.

Eating in the district without burning the budget

Around the lake, terraces charge for the view — fair enough. Two reflexes: the upscale food hall inside Dubai Mall (the Fashion Avenue floor is surprisingly good), and the restaurants of Business Bay ten minutes away on foot, half the price at equal quality. For a big occasion, book a fountain-view terrace and time your order with the show.

Where to sleep: with the view, or next to it

The question to ask yourself: do you want to see the tower from your sofa, or be five minutes from it on a softer budget?

• In the district, with the view: our Lofts Downtown, 2 bedrooms and 135 sqm on the 24th floor of an Emaar tower, facing the Burj Khalifa. It does not get old, even the tenth time.
• Across the canal: the Binghatti Canal and the Urban Oasis by Missoni in Business Bay — same lights, ten more minutes, lighter budget. Our area guide details the trade-off.

The team tip

Downtown is best early morning and in the evening; keep the hot hours for Dubai Mall or the pool. And if your trip falls between June and September, everything still works — the entire city is air-conditioned, fountains included.