Dubai 7-Day Itinerary: Experience the Best of the City
Friday, December 15: Arrival in Dubai
Start your trip by arriving in Dubai and checking into your hotel. Spend the morning relaxing and adjusting to the time difference. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, for breathtaking views of the city. In the evening, explore the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Jones the Grocer, located in Dubai Mall. This popular cafe offers a wide range of options including eggs benedict, avocado toast, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
For a filling lunch, head to Zaroob, a vibrant Middle Eastern restaurant located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Indulge in their authentic Lebanese street food like shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats. Average cost for a meal is about AED 80 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Pierchic, an upscale seafood restaurant located at the end of a pier in Madinat Jumeirah. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf while savoring their exquisite seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Saturday, December 16: Cultural Heritage
Immerse yourself in Dubai's cultural heritage today. Start your morning by visiting the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort, where you can learn about the city's history and traditional way of life. In the afternoon, explore the historic Al Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and traditional wind-tower houses. End the day with a visit to the vibrant Spice Souk and Gold Souk, where you can shop for exotic spices and stunning jewelry.
Zaatar w Zeit: Enjoy a delicious Lebanese breakfast at Zaatar w Zeit, known for their freshly baked Manakeesh and traditional Middle Eastern flavors. Average cost for a meal is about AED 30 per person.
XVA Cafe: Indulge in a healthy and vegetarian lunch at XVA Cafe, located in the heart of Al Bastakiya. Their menu offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, and Mediterranean dishes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
Pierchic: Treat yourself to a memorable seafood dinner at Pierchic, a beautiful restaurant situated on a pier overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The menu includes an array of fresh seafood options prepared with exquisite culinary techniques. Average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Sunday, December 17: Desert Adventure
Embark on an exciting desert adventure today. Start your morning with a thrilling dune bashing experience in a 4x4 vehicle. Afterward, visit a traditional Bedouin camp where you can enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and a delicious barbecue dinner under the stars. End the day with mesmerizing belly dance performances.
Explore the modern side of Dubai today. Begin your morning by visiting the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island known for its luxurious resorts and stunning views. In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Marina, a vibrant waterfront area, and take a relaxing boat ride to enjoy the city skyline. End the day with a visit to the trendy Dubai Marina Mall for shopping and dining.
Palm Jumeirah: Free entry, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Dubai Marina: Free entry, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Dubai Marina Mall: Free entry, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Brass Dubai, located in the heart of Dubai Marina. This popular spot offers a variety of breakfast options with an average cost of about 50 AED per person.
For lunch, head to Breeze Beach Grill, a beachfront restaurant known for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty seafood dishes. Enjoy a midday meal with an average cost of about 100 AED per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Pierchic, an iconic seafood restaurant on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. This upscale dining destination offers breathtaking views and delectable seafood dishes, with an average cost of about 400 AED per person.
Tuesday, December 19: Abu Dhabi Day Trip
Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Visit the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the cultural landmarks of the city, such as the Emirates Palace and the Heritage Village. End your day with a leisurely walk along the Corniche, a beautiful waterfront promenade.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Free entry, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Emirates Palace: Free entry, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Heritage Village: Free entry, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Corniche: Free entry, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Mina's Fish Market, located near Abu Dhabi's Corniche. Enjoy a selection of fresh seafood dishes, along with traditional Arabic breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
For lunch, try the Li Beirut restaurant at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel. Indulge in delicious Lebanese cuisine while enjoying stunning views of the city skyline. The average cost for a meal is about 150 AED per person.
For dinner, visit Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe in Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village. Experience the flavors of Emirati cuisine in a traditional setting, complete with traditional music and beautiful decor. The average cost for a meal is about 100 AED per person.
Wednesday, December 20: Dubai Marina and Atlantis
Start your morning with a visit to the Dubai Marina Walk, a bustling promenade lined with restaurants and shops. In the afternoon, head to the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, a luxurious resort located on the Palm Jumeirah. Enjoy the Aquaventure Waterpark and explore the Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to a variety of marine life. End your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the resort's exquisite restaurants.
Dubai Marina Walk: Free entry, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Atlantis, The Palm: Aquaventure Waterpark - AED 369, Lost Chambers Aquarium - AED 125, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Shakespeare and Co. at Dubai Marina. This charming cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, from eggs benedict to fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
For lunch, try Ibn Al Bahr, a seafood restaurant at JBR. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish and prawns, served with delicious Arabic bread. Average cost for a meal is about AED 120 per person.
For dinner, book a table at Nobu Dubai at Atlantis, The Palm. This renowned restaurant offers an exquisite blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, with dishes like black cod miso and yellowtail sashimi. Average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Thursday, December 21: Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach
Spend your last day in Dubai exploring the vibrant Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Arabian market with a stunning waterfront setting. Shop for souvenirs, enjoy traditional Arabic cuisine, and take in the beautiful views of the Burj Al Arab. In the afternoon, relax and unwind at the Jumeirah Beach, where you can soak up the sun and swim in the turquoise waters.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Free entry, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Jumeirah Beach: Free entry, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Baker & Spice, located just a short distance from Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This cozy bakery offers freshly baked pastries, delicious eggs, and artisanal coffee. Average cost for a meal is about AED 30 per person.
For an unforgettable lunch experience, head to Pierchic, a seafood restaurant situated on a wooden pier in the Arabian Gulf. Indulge in their exquisite seafood dishes while enjoying breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab. Average cost for a meal is about AED 350 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Pai Thai, a waterfront restaurant known for its authentic Thai cuisine. Enjoy flavorful curries, stir-fries, and traditional desserts in a charming setting with views of the Madinat waterways. Average cost for a meal is about AED 250 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, don't miss a visit to Alserkal Avenue, an arts and culture hub showcasing contemporary art galleries, design studios, and trendy cafes. Another local favorite is the Dubai Miracle Garden, a breathtaking floral oasis with over 50 million flowers arranged in stunning designs. These hidden gems offer unique experiences that are cherished by both locals and visitors.
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