Dubai

Al Ustad Special Kabab is a well-earned Dubai institution, dishing up outstanding food since long before the city's building boom took off. Worth a visit for the reputation alone.

Catch a boat across Dubai Creek over to the spice souk, where every kind of spice is piled up in colorful heaps. It's a standout thing to do beyond the food scene.

Being intoxicated in public is against the law here, and there's zero tolerance for driving after drinking any amount at all. Getting stopped can mean jail time or a steep fine.

The Dubai metro is very simple to navigate, running on just two lines that reach across the city and stay mostly above ground.