Downtown Dubai Area Guide

Dubai loves to bask in superlatives - the world's tallest building, the world's largest mall or the world's largest suspended aquarium. Since last year, it has another attraction - the 2000-seat Dubai Opera for concert lovers. All this in an area of 2 square kilometres on Sheikh Zayed Road called Downtown Dubai. Not surprisingly, it is the crown of the emirate, with the Burj Khalifa standing tall as the jewel in that crown.

Tourists flock to this dynamic hub, developed by Emaar Properties, to marvel at the Burj. It is considered a wonderful locality to work or live in. If you find the glitz and glamour too heady, take a break and visit the Old Town nearby to get a feel of Dubai's culture and history.

What to see: The Dubai Mall is a one-stop destination for tourists and residents alike. If shopping doesn't interest you, you can watch sharks and rays and small fish glide past in the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Take a snap at the signature fountain inside the mall.

In the evenings, find a vantage point to enjoy the Dubai Fountain, where waters dance to the music against the background of the majestic Burj. Forget the milling crowd around you and lose yourself in its soulful music.

Access The Dubai Metro has a station inside the Dubai Mall, making it easy for the occasional shopper or the regular commuter. Several bus routes also serve the area.

The airport is only 10 km away. Taxis are also readily available outside the mall.

Parking is available at the mall but can be a problem on weekends.

Eateries: From swanky hotels to chic restaurants, the area offers the best for foodies.

Dubai Mall has numerous specialty restaurants apart from the food court.

Not to miss is At.mosphere in Level 122 of Burj Khalifa, if your wallet allows it.

Rents in the area remain at a premium but having an address in the Burj in particular is a matter of pride for the well-heeled. Annual rents for a two-bed apartment are in the range of AED 170,000 to 190,000.

* a test assignment for bayut.com