Start the itinerary with an iconic sight of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa. It is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters tall. Visit the observation deck on the 124th floor and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city. You can also head to the Dubai Mall connected to the attraction for shopping and dining options.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Dubai by visiting the Dubai Museum. Located in the oldest existing building in Dubai, the museum showcases the traditional way of life in the city. Continue the cultural experience by browsing the Gold Souk, one of the largest gold markets in the world. Bargain for unique jewelry pieces and take a peek at the traditional craftsmanship of the artisans.
Experience a burst of floral colors in the middle of the desert at Dubai Miracle Garden. Admire the various themed gardens and millions of flowers, including the Guinness World Record-holding largest flower arrangement. You can also enjoy other activities and photo opportunities, such as the butterfly garden and flower-decorated Emirates Airbus A380.
Catch the Dubai Fountain Show at the base of Burj Khalifa. The show is a captivating mix of water, light, and music that happens every 30 minutes in the evening. After the show, head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a marketplace that offers a glimpse of traditional Middle Eastern architecture. Here you can shop for souvenirs, enjoy a meal or a drink while overlooking the picturesque views of the waterways.
Explore the artificial island shaped like a palm tree and its luxurious attractions at Palm Jumeirah. Visit the stunning Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark for a day of fun and adrenaline-pumping water slides or chill-out on the beach. You can also visit The Pointe, a scenic promenade with an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Step back in time and experience the traditional mode of transportation at Dubai Creek, the city's historical central artery. Take an Abra Ride, a wooden boat used for crossing the creek, and explore the lively markets that offer everything from spices to gold. You can also visit the Dubai Museum housed in the oldest existing building in Dubai, originally built as a defensive fortress.
Experience the modern and cosmopolitan side of Dubai with a visit to Dubai Marina. Walk along the waterfront promenade and take in the luxurious superyachts, restaurants, and high-end residences. For a shopping and dining experience, head to The Walk, a bustling outdoor shopping and dining strip with various international cuisines.
Take a break from the heat and hit snowy slopes at Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates. Ski, snowboard, or even meet the penguins in an arctic setting – all in the middle of the desert. Afterward, indulge in a shopping spree at the Mall of the Emirates, which caters to all lifestyle categories with over 600 international brands.
Experience the glamour and artistry at Dubai Opera. Watch a stunning performance, from opera and ballet to musicals and concerts. Afterward, head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah for a more relaxed evening while browsing the market or enjoying dinner in one of the waterfront restaurants with a breathtaking view of Burj Al Arab.
A visit to Dubai Mall is a must to get a glimpse of the Dubai lifestyle, ample shopping, dining and entertainment options with attractions like the Dubai fountain, ice rink, and gaming zones for kids. Explore the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to witness exotic marine life, near to 140 species that are available for public viewing including sharks and rays.
Start the day with Dubai Miracle Garden, and after head to Global Village, a seasonal event where you can experience different cultures, foods, and shopping with over 70 countries represented in their pavilions. There are experiences for all ages with rides, interactive events and cultural entertainment making it for a perfect family day-out.
Visit Dubai's newest landmark, the Dubai Frame - a massive picture frame-shaped building offering panoramic views of the city from the top. You can also experience a virtual reality rollercoaster ride through old and new Dubai's historic streets. Finish the day at Jumeirah Beach, which offers a relaxing atmosphere, tangerine sunsets, and access to various restaurants and entertainment centers.
Revisit Dubai Miracle Garden, and continue with a visit to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the oldest residential area in Dubai. Stroll around the narrow alleys and learn about the traditional architectural treasures of the Arabic culture. You can visit the Dubai Museum and the various art galleries or souvenir shops to complete the experience.
End the trip on a high note with some adrenaline-pumping action at the Dubai Autodrome, designed to offer exciting driving experiences. After that, head to last minute shopping at any of the souks, malls, or markets to pick up your favorite Dubai souvenirs as a memoir of your time in the city. You can also spend afternoon visiting the cafes, restaurants, and shisha bars to get a taste of the local hospitality before the final departure.
Travelers can take advantage of the metro, bus, and taxi services while navigating through Dubai. The routes cover significant tourist landmarks and areas, and the cost depends on the distance, mode of transport, and various travel time. Dubai is popular for its road developments, so traveling by a rented car can be a compelling option for those who are comfortable driving in the city. Taxis are also plentiful but tend to be the most expensive way to travel around town. Transportation costs are estimated to be around AED 60/day.
If you have more time, consider visiting Abu Dhabi, Fujairah or trying out activities like a hot air balloon ride or skydiving. For travelers with less time, consider choosing destinations based on proximity to each other to optimize the time spent in transit.
The main airport in Dubai is the Dubai International Airport (DXB). It is located approximately 4 km from the city center and offers various transport options to reach hotels such as metro, taxis, buses, and car rental services.