Dubai

As the seventh-most visited city in the world, Dubai is a magnet for international travelers seeking the height of luxury in a rich cultural setting. Often dubbed the business hub of Western Asia, the capital of the Emirate of Dubai attracts cosmopolitan visitors with its lavish shopping centers, soaring architectural marvels and historic souks on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Everything from pearl diving and camel races to couture frocks and fragrant Arabic delicacies can be enjoyed here. And if you happen to see Michael Jordan sipping a cardamom-spiced coffee across the bar, you’re not hallucinating—Dubai is a favorite haunt of global celebrities.

When to go:
With a hot desert climate, Dubai never gets cold, but the best time to visit is from late fall through early spring, when temperatures hover around a blissful 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and dip to around 60 in the evening. It’s the best time to visit the city’s many beaches, but it’s also when the area becomes the most crowded with travelers. In humid August, by contrast, the afternoons can easily reach 106 before dropping to only 87 at night. A visit this year is especially auspicious, as the delayed World Expo is occurring from October through March.

How to get around:
Traffic congestion is a big problem in Dubai, and visitors using cars, taxis or the city bus system must expect delays. An option is the Dubai Metro: The red line stops near many landmarks and shopping centers such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. The green line passes through many of the city’s older areas, with access to historical souks and museums. An electric tram is also available, with a special cabin for gold ticket holders.