Whether you’re at Levels 124–125 at 1,496 feet or The Lounge at 1,919 feet, it hardly matters: The panoramas from the Burj Khalifa are next-level. Ride the elevators to any of three observatories for a 360-degree vista of Dubai’s high-rises and highways, and thrilling downward glimpses of the ultramarine Burj Lake below. Consider visiting during the late afternoon, too, to see the sunset and the dancing Dubai Fountain.

Of all Dubai viewpoints, the Burj Al-Arab has the best static panoramas of the city’s coastline. Its 1999 opening kick-started the UAE’s architectural excess, and today, the sight of its fiberglass sail rivals the views from the inside. Most Dubai sightseeing tours include exterior photo-ops of this iconic structure from places such as Jumeirah Beach—although its full shape is partially obscured in some spots—but the palm-fringed Madinat Jumeirah also has great views.

A relative newcomer to the roll call of landmarks with great views in Dubai, this stunning lookout showcases the engineering marvel that is the Palm Jumeirah. Perched 787 feet up the Palm Tower on the archipelago’s trunk, it stares square-out over the fronds to the Atlantis, The Palm, and Atlantis, The Royal on its perimeter, and over Dubai’s shoreline in the opposite direction. Prebook tickets to visit independently; many hop-on hop-off buses stop nearby.

Taking to the sea whisks you far from the city and leaves you with just its landmarks. There are plenty of options to see the Gulf's sights, with most cruises leaving from Dubai Marina. To combine the views—running from the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) to the Burj Khalifa and beyond—with a touch of luxury, book a private or group yacht cruise that includes drinks or a meal on deck. Other options include sunset cruises to add a golden-hour glow and speedboat tours which ramp up the thrills.

For the ultimate perspective on Dubai, climb aboard a helicopter flightseeing excursion. Soaring above the city will cram Dubai's top sights into one field of vision, giving you the big picture on its sci-fi–like grid. Hover over the city’s beaches, gaze at landmarks including the Burj Khalifa and Museum of the Future, and marvel at the vastness of the Palm Jumeirah. Some flight options also serve up glimpses of the offshore World Islands archipelago, which most travelers never get to see.

Dubai has no shortage of roof terrace bars, clubs, and restaurants, each of which comes with its own distinct vibe and backdrop. Some incorporate infinity pools ideal for cooling off while soaking in the views—think the AURA Skypool at the Palm Tower, or Zeta Seventy Seven at the Address Beach Resort. Other notable rooftop bars in Dubai include CÉ LA VI near Dubai Mall (don’t miss its Insta-worthy swing) and the jungle-themed Monkey Bar where you can sip drinks high above Sheikh Zayed Road.

A boat trip or stroll along the saltwater Dubai Creek whisks you back to the Dubai of 60 years ago. The original minarets, wind towers, and dhow wharfages still flank its waters, while abra (taxi boats) run between its banks. Abra rides are fixtures of most Old Dubai tours, as are the creekside wind towers of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. The creek is extra atmospheric at sunrise, sunset, and night: Book a dhow dinner cruise to glide past its twinkling waterfronts.

Dubai’s skyscraper views are always exhilarating, but for additional thrills, look no further than Sky Views Dubai. Crowning the Address Sky View Hotel in Downtown Dubai, this glass-floored observation platform offers near-uninterrupted city views from 720 feet (219.5 meters) up, plus two daredevil challenges. If you’re brave enough, you can whoosh down the exterior glass slide between two floors, or even take a harnessed walk along the edge of the building.

While most of the city’s viewing platforms look over new Dubai, the Dubai Frame juxtaposes panoramas of the modern and old city. Rising from lawned Zabeel Park, this huge, gold-laced picture frame boasts a 492-foot-high footbridge that lets you view the modern city and old Dubai’s Deira and Bur Dubai districts in a turn of the head, so you can grasp the city’s astonishing evolution. Save time by prebooking attraction tickets and transportation, or visit the Frame with other Dubai must-sees.