Burj Al-Arab Jumeirah

Besides shelling out to stay the night at the Burj Al-Arab, visitors have plenty of other options for viewing and touring the sumptuous landmark, which can be seen from numerous spots around Dubai. Snap a shot of the soaring Jumeirah Beach hotel jutting out to sea on a city sightseeing tour or on a boat cruise.

To get inside, choose from the hotel's many bars and restaurants available for reservation. The Sahn Eddar Lobby Lounge offers a seven-course afternoon tea service, set to the sounds of live classical music with views of the hotel's amazing atrium, while the 27th-floor Skyview Bar and its floor-to-ceiling windows mix cocktails with stellar views over the Dubai skyline and Persian Gulf. You can also book a traditional Arabic lunch inside the world's tallest atrium at Al Iwan, or go for a more international menu with views over the city at Al Muntaha. For a romantic dining experience, book a three-course seafood dinner at Al Mahara, a restaurant with its own floor-to-ceiling aquarium. Tours of Dubai city often include a stop for photos at the Burj Al-Arab, or you can book a tour that includes afternoon tea or lunch at one of the restaurants. For a different take on the views of the UAE city, book a helicopter tour.

• The hotel is most often admired from the outside; reservations are required to enter, and overnight bookings come with a hefty cost.

• The Burj Al-Arab's dress code is smart casual; no flip-flops, shorts, or beachwear allowed.

• Most guided tours allow only an outside photo stop.

One of the most popular Dubai attractions, the Burj Al-Arab hotel stands on its own island promontory, linked to the mainland by a private bridge—you can't miss it. It can be reached by taxi or Red Line metro via Jumeirah Road.

Entering the Burj Al-Arab requires reservations. Grabbing cocktails at the Skyview Bar—which must be booked in advance—offers the most budget-friendly way to visit the hotel.

Although the Burj Al-Arab is known for its height, it technically only has 28 inhabited stories. If it's views you're after, only a visit to the world's tallest building, the nearby Burj Khalifa, will suffice.

Yes, non-residents can enter Burj Al-Arab, but only with a reservation or by joining an interior tour–you can't just turn up. Options include booking afternoon tea, lunch, or dinner at a Burj Al-Arab restaurant, purchasing a pool day pass, or booking one of the many variations of in-house tours.

Yes, Burj Al-Arab has a smart-casual dress code. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing, and men should wear long pants or tailored shorts. Beachwear is only allowed at the pools or beach. Stricter codes often apply at the hotel restaurants, so check before arriving.

Yes, you can spend a day at Burj Al-Arab with a day pass for the pools on its Terrace, which extends over the Persian Gulf. A prebooked day passes allow nonresidents to enjoy the Terrace's adult-only pool, freshwater pool, sundecks, and restaurant, plus optional extras like its luxury cabanas.

The best time to visit Burj Al-Arab depends on you. If you're taking a guided tour, consider a morning slot when the hotel is usually relatively quiet. Alternatively, choose an evening tour, which includes sunset views from the Observation Lounge, or a restaurant dinner reservation when the hotel is illuminated.

Yes, you can take photos inside Burj Al-Arab with some exceptions. You're asked to respect the privacy of other guests in its public areas. Be aware that you're not allowed to use flash photography or professional cameras, or to take pictures in the main atrium or on the first floor.

Yes, you can walk near Burj Al-Arab, but you can't get close-up without a reservation or tour. The neighboring Umm Suqeim beach offers partial views of the hotel, while nearby Souk Madinat Jumeirah affords full, if distant, views. Alternatively, walk near to the hotel's access bridge for fantastic front-on views.