The Dubai Fountain is actually the most popular attraction in town, topping TripAdvisor's list of Dubai attractions. We tell you how to experience the fountain at its best - and which day to avoid.

The Dubai Fountain is the world's largest synchronised fountain and is installed in a large, man-made lake outside the giant Dubai Mall shopping mall. Directly behind the fountain rises the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper.

So the location alone is impressive and the fountain's spectacular show of water, light and music makes this a must-see experience when you travel to Dubai. The dancing jets of water sometimes reach as high as 150 metres into the air.

Dubai Fountain - times

The fountain runs every day at the same time, with Fridays as a small exception.

In the evening
Every half hour from 18.00 to 23.00, every day of the week

In the afternoons
1.00 pm and 1.30 pm, except on Fridays when the times are 1.30 pm and 2.00 pm.

Best place to see the fountain

You can stand in many places around the fountain and watch the show, you can also see it from the Burj Khalifa's observation deck At the Top, but a good idea is to combine your visit to the fountain with lunch or dinner.

Around the fountain there are quite a number of restaurants with good views, ranging from simple places to fine dining. But bear in mind that they all risk feeling expensive for the food served and the service you get - you're paying for the location too.

Restaurants overlooking the Dubai Fountain

Here's a selection of restaurants that overlook the fountain. A tip is to try to book in advance, if possible.

• Abd El Wahab
• Asado
• Bice Mare
• Carluccio's
• Madeleine Café & Bakery
• Karam Beirut
• Karma Kafe
• Rivington Grill
• Sammach
• Serafina
• Social House
• The Meat Co
• Thiptara
• Wafi Gourmet

Avoid Fridays

Friday is the weekly public holiday in Dubai. After Friday prayers, many people take the opportunity to visit shopping malls, attractions and restaurants. As a tourist in Dubai, you should do the opposite. If there's one day you should consider staying in your hotel, it's Friday.

Dubai Mall is very busy on Fridays and so is the fountain show. Go another day if you can.

Film clip - the fountain plays the Flying Drum

Facts about Dubai Fountain

• The fountain uses 83,000 litres of water.
• The water jets reach a maximum of 152 metres.
• It has 6,600 lamps and 25 colour projectors.
• The repertoire includes a wide range of numbers, including Michael Jackson's "Thriller", Adele's "Skyfall", Whitney Houston's "I will always love you", "Con Te Partirò" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, and the UAE's national anthem "Ishy Bilady".
• The first show of the day is usually "Sama Dubai" which is a tribute to the emirate's ruler Sheikh Mohammed.
• More information is available on the official website.

Here you will find the fountain

The nearest metro station is Dubai Mall. You should arrive at least 20 minutes before the fountain performance starts, preferably even earlier, to make it through the mall and find a good seat.