You're in zesty Dubai for only 24 hours, so what should you absolutely do?

Here's how to make the most of your brief time in the city.

Dubai International Hotel: If you're passing through Dubai International Airport and want to roll your bags right into your room, Dubai International Hotel is about as close as you can get. Set in Emirates Terminal 3, this comfortable hotel has everything you need for a few hours' kip or a rejuvenating overnight stay. The rooms are cheerful, there's a 24-hour restaurant - so it doesn't matter what time zone your tummy is in - along with a health club with a pool, gym and spa. And if you're bleary-eyed from the flight and don't want to think, never fear - a hotel concierge will meet you at your airport gate. Now that's service! From $105 per room, per night; dihdxb.ae

Address Sky View: An overnight stay in a bustling, warm city like Dubai, deserves a rooftop infinity pool, and that's exactly what you'll get at the Address Sky View in Downtown Dubai. Treat yourself to a luxurious room decorated with luscious cream and dark wood hues, then head right upstairs for the view to end all views, the Sky Views Observatory, with its daring Edge Walk. The hotel is within walking distance to icons including the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, and the Dubai Mall if retail therapy takes your fancy. Getting hungry? There's a classy bistro and a contemporary Asian restaurant in the hotel. From $479 per room, per night; addresshotels.com/en/hotels/address-sky-view

Arabian Tea House: For Dubai on a plate, you can't go past this quaint tea house offering traditional Middle Eastern teas, snacks like falafel and biryani, and sweets including leqaimat (Middle Eastern doughnuts) and pastries. Bring the family for the super-cute kids menu including the delicious Middle Eastern chebab bread in the shape of a camel. Arabian Tea House is located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood where you can do a historic walking tour of Old Dubai and get a glimpse of the past. arabianteahouse.com

Time Out Market: Head to Downtown Dubai for a foodie paradise at the Souk Al Bahar Mall. The food hall packs in 17 eateries (and three bars) serving up everything from street food to fine dining, and local and international cuisine. Take your meal to the terrace for views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. No bookings required. timeoutmarket.com/dubai

KRASOTA Dubai: This might be one of the most memorable fine-dining experiences in Dubai. Merging haute cuisine with immersive visual storytelling, KRASOTA Dubai offers an eight-course menu with courses including scallop, sea urchin and sea asparagus, teamed with 3D projections. Located at the Address Downtown Hotel, this one-of-a-kind gastro-theatre experience blends culinary artistry with futuristic narratives and paintings. It's exclusive, seating 20 at a time, so book ahead. krasota.art

Ongaku: Meaning "music" in Japanese, Ongaku is a Tokyo-inspired speakeasy bar nestled within Dubai's hugely-popular Japanese restaurant CLAP. Head through the red door for funky neon lights, transgressive house music and high-quality drinks. DJs perform on a large rooftop terrace in this exclusive late-night hangout with views of Emirates Towers, Museum of Fire and Dubai International Financial Centre. claprestaurant.com/dubai/ongaku

Aquaventure World: If you have kids in tow, 24 hours in Dubai is not complete without visiting the world's largest water park at Aquaventure World, packing in more than 100 slides and experiences including dolphin and sea lion encounters. Ride the Raging Rapids, the Tower of Poseidon and the Leap of Faith, or laze on the park's private beach and soak up the sun while enjoying stunning views of Dubai's iconic skyline. aquaventureworld.com

Museum of the Future: Where else can you visit a museum dedicated to things that haven't happened yet? When you enter Dubai's Museum of the Future, you'll step into 2071 and board a "spaceship" where you will explore health and wellness innovations, and marvel at the captivating "library of life" with its unique specimens. The spherical building is an engineering marvel in itself, and the museum has honourable intentions - to promote a sustainable future for us all. museumofthefuture.ae/en

Old Dubai: This area is full of captivating sights and sounds including traditional souks, historic buildings and vibrant street life. Visit the bustling neighbourhood - a unique blend of old and new - for its colourful spice markets and traditional wooden boats called "abras" that ferry passengers across the Dubai Creek. visitdubai.com/en/articles/discover-dubais-old-town

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai? Here are some excellent options.

Platinum Heritage Tours: Platinum Heritage is a desert safari company in Dubai, offering unforgettable guided tours outside the city, such as to the pristine Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, sharing fascinating insights about the local flora, fauna and Bedouin traditions. Guests can also enjoy a magical sunset camel ride, a falconry demonstration, or a sumptuous dinner under the stars in a Bedouin-style camp. platinum-heritage.com

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Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates' vibrant capital, Abu Dhabi, offers a unique mix of culture and modernity, and is only a little over an hour's drive from Dubai. Highlights include visiting the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, capturing photos of Etihad Towers and Emirates Palace, and stopping at the Heritage Village and Dates Market. visitabudhabi.ae/en

Explore more: visitdubai.com/en