Best things to do near Burj Khalifa

The Dubai Fountain, by the base of Burj Khalifa, is the world's tallest performing fountain, with dancing water jets and light shows choreographed to the tunes of classical music and pop hits. Set on Burj Lake, the show runs nightly from 6-11pm, at 30-minute intervals, and serves as a grand centrepiece to the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood. To get closer to the action, buy a ticket to access The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk to get within nine metres of the show – or for the very best view, book a Lake Ride on a traditonal abra. Alternatively enjoy the fountain show over dinner at a terrace seat in one of Dubai Mall's waterfront restaurants.

Essential information:

• Cost: The Dubai Fountain is free to watch from any of the public areas around the lake. Access to The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk costs AED20 per person, and the Lake Ride costs AED68.25 per person.
• How to book: You can book tickets for the Boardwalk or Lake Ride via the official website.
• Timings: The Dubai Fountain performs every 30 minutes from 6-11pm daily.
• How to get there: The Dubai Fountain is next to Dubai Mall, and easily accessible from the mall's Lower Ground level.
• Nearby restaurants: You will find dozens of places to eat in both Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, many with fantastic views of The Dubai Fountain.

There are few experiences more Dubai than enjoying a delicious meal under the shadow of Burj Khalifa, and there are lots of restaurants to choose from. Located Old Dubai-esque Souk Al Bahar, Time Out Market is one of the city's most interesting venues, with 17 different food vendors to choose from, including outlets from Michelin-starred chefs – plus breathtaking views from its outdoor terrace. Make the most of the destination's photo-ready angles and serene atmosphere, before souvenir shopping at the souk for colourful lanterns, handwoven carpets and local artwork.

Essential information:

• Cost: With so many vendors and dishes to choose from, dining at Time Out Market can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be – but expect to pay between AED40 and AED150 for most dishes.
• How to book: Time Out Market doesn't accept reservations – just turn up. While there's lots of space, note that you may have to wait for a table at busy times.
• Timings: Mon-Thu: 12pm to 12am; Fri: 12pm to 1am; Sat: 10am to 1am; Sun: 10am to 12am
• How to get there: Time Out Market is located in Souk Al Bahar, on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. You can easily reach it via car or taxi, or by bus services F13 and 27.

Nestled right next to the Burj Khalifa is Dubai Mall – a haven for retail-lovers visiting the city. With over 1,200 stores to browse, the mall is home to a huge range of designer boutiques, high street brands, and department stores, covering everything from watches to novelty keychains. Our shopping highlights include Level Shoes, a curated space dedicated to all things with sole, Bloomingdale’s for a modern take on luxury collections, and Fashion Avenue that houses the world's finest labels. Keep an eye out for Dubai's remarkable sales seasons and festivals with Dubai Calendar to make your shopping expedition wallet-friendly.

Essential information:

• Timings: Dubai Mall is accessible from 10am to 1am daily, but note that individual stores, outlets and attractions may have their own opening hours.
• Dress code: There is no official dress code for Dubai Mall, but you should wear suitable attire for going out in public. Note that some restaurants and attractions may have specific dress codes.
• How to get there: Catch Dubai Metro's Red Line to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall station, then use the covered walkway to reach the mall. Dubai Mall also offers extensive parking if you wish to drive.

Once you've shopped to your heart's content, make your way over to Play DXB in Dubai Mall. The biggest indoor virtual reality park in the world, you can experience new thrills with more than 30 adrenaline-packed attractions, including 'Burj Drop', where you face a heart-racing virtual fall from Burj Khalifa. Younger children are well catered for at the mall, too. KidZania is home to a children's-sized version of a real city, where youngsters can role-play in dozens of workplaces, from a hospital and police station to a department store and chocolate factory.

Essential information:

• Cost: Each attraction in Play DXB costs a different number of credits. You can buy credits at Play DXB, or in advance with bundles starting from AED200 (plus AED5 for a Play DXB card), along with regular special offers.
• How to book: Buy a credit package for a particular day on the official website, or just turn up at Play DXB.
• Timings: Play DXB is open from 10am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10am to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
• How to get there: Play DXB is on Level 2 of Dubai Mall, near Reel Cinemas.

Located between Souk Al Bahar and Burj Park is Burj Plaza, the docking point for The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride, one of the most popular attractions near Burj Khalifa. Here you can climb aboard a traditional abra boat that glides across the Burj Lake for picture-perfect views. Afterwards, visit Burj Plaza's Wings of Mexico sculpture nearby for Instagram-worthy selfies. Designed by Mexican artist Jorge Marin, the permanent sculpture features a large pair of bronze wings seemingly suspended in air, with the epic tower perfectly framed in the background.

Essential information:

• Cost: Burj Plaza is free to visit; abra rides cost AED65 per person.
• Timings: Burj Plaza is always open; abra rides operate from 5:45pm to 11:30pm every day.
• How to get there: Burj Plaza is just off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and is easy to reach on foot, by taxi or car, or by bus services F13 or 27.
• Nearby restaurants: Fouquet's Dubai is next to Burj Plaza, and there are many more eateries in nearby Souk Al Bahar.

After you've taken in the views from the At The Top observation deck at Burj Khalifa, head over to Burj Park to snap some photos of the iconic building itself. Set on its own little island, joined to the mainland by bridges, this pleasant green space is also ideal to picnic in the sunshine and watch the world go by. It's perfectly situated between the record-breaking skyscraper and Dubai Mall, making it one of the most relaxing things to do near Burj Khalifa. Lots of fun events take place here all through the year too.

Essential information:

• Cost: free
• Timings: Burj Park is always open, but it's best to visit during Dubai Mall's opening hours.
• How to get there: Burj Park is next to Dubai Opera, and is a short walk from Dubai Mall via a path past The Dubai Fountain.
• Nearby restaurants: Belcanto at Dubai Opera is the closest restaurant to Burj Park, and there are plenty of eateries within Dubai Mall.

Many of Dubai's gems live in Burj Khalifa's backyard, and among the most regal is Dubai Opera, the cultural heart of Downtown Dubai. Remarkable productions take place on its acoustically-flawless stage, from renowned operas and plays to ballet and stand-up comedy. See their schedule for the latest shows and book yourself in for an evening of live entertainment. During the day, Dubai Opera's team can also take you on a guided "Grand Tour" through the venue, so you can venture backstage or learn more about its dhow-inspired architecture.

Essential information:

• Cost: Tickets to Dubai Opera shows vary widely in price – check individual listings for details. Tours of Dubai Opera cost AED150 for adults and AED75 for children aged 16 or under.
• How to book: Both shows and tours can be booked via the Dubai Opera website, or through other ticket sellers.
• Timings: Performance times will vary by show. Tours are usually available in slots starting at 12pm, but can vary depending on performances. Tours last around one hour.
• Dress code: If you're attending a show at Dubai Opera, you should dress to impress, or at a minimum avoid very casual attire such as shorts and flip-flops.
• How to get there: Dubai Opera is next to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and is easy to reach on foot from Dubai Mall, or via taxi or car.
• Nearby restaurants: Along with Dubai Opera's in-house eatery Belcanto, you will find Moroccan restaurant Bab Al Mansour and the teddy-bear-themed Navat close by.