When planning a city break, it might appear more sensible to stay within Europe rather than go further afield. But as modes of long-distance transport increase in sophistication and availability, they also decrease in price and inconvenience. What might have seemed a prohibitively expensive place to visit some years ago could now be explored at a much more reasonable cost.

Dubai is a perfect example. Travel companies such as Thomas Cook offer holidays that merit the extra distance, offering comprehensive packages, including flights and accommodation in stunning beach resorts, for prices under £400. Given that you can get to such an exotic destination for comparatively little, it’s worth considering what you could do to spend your time while you’re there. Dubai is famous for its innovative architecture and striking skyline, but naturally there are a few things that you wouldn’t be able to see from pictures:

• Burj Khalifa: opened in January 2010, this is currently the tallest building in the world. The view from the top of this 2,717-foot structure is of course astounding, and can be appreciated in full by a visit to the observation deck on floor number 124. If you would like to lay claim to having eaten in the world’s highest restaurant, At.mosphere on the 122nd floor would be the place to visit. Alternatively, if you are not so keen on heights, the 27-acre Burj Khalifa park at ground level is beautifully designed and maintained.

• Jumeirah Grand Mosque: this very different kind of building is located in one of Dubai’s more upmarket residential areas on the shore. A resplendent structure of cream-white stone, this mosque is a wonderful demonstration of the kind of splendour that characterises sacred architecture in the Middle East. It is also open to non-Muslims for extensive guided tours and introductions to Islam.

• Dubai Museum: although references to Dubai date back to the 11th century, the oldest complete surviving building is the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 and host to the Dubai Museum. This institution endeavours to show people something of life in the Emirates before oil was discovered there, displaying artefacts uncovered in the region from as long ago as 3000 BC.

• Dubai Mall: if you are interested in shopping whilst on holiday, or if you would like to see the largest mall in the world, then this impressive cathedral to consumer culture should not be missed. Not only does the Dubai Mall house over 1,200 stores, but it also hosts an aquarium and an ice rink, both of suitably impressive quality.