Dubai boasts a partially deserved reputation as a shopper’s paradise. True enough, the town does offer more than its fair share of label-pushing malls and shopping centers–—the most popular being BurJuman (971 4 352 0222, www.burjuman.com) and City Centre (971 4 295 1010, www.deiracitycentre.com)—but the prices are not dissimilar to any U.S. or European city, and there is precious little local fare available.

A visit to the bargain Karama shopping district, with its knockoff watches and Kristian Dior (sic) handbags, is interesting, if only to sharpen your haggling skills.

A far better way to spend your time is exploring the bustle of life by the water in the Old Souk of Bur Dubai before hiring an abra (small boat) for about Dhs50 and enjoying a personal tour of Dubai’s Creek.

Alternatively, visit Vu’s bar on the Emirates Towers’ 51st floor (971 4 330 0000, www.jumeirahinternational.com) and marvel at the view, or—if you have a day to spare—get thrown around the dunes in a 4WD vehicle as you explore desert landscapes on one of the Desert Rangers’ (971 4 340 2408) organized tours.