Day 1: Visit the Burj Khalifa
Kick off your trip to Dubai with a trip to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Enjoy jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic views of the city from its viewing deck on the 124th floor. There's also an immersive multimedia presentation that tells the story of the tower's creation. At night, the view transforms into a magical sea of twinkling lights.
Day 2: Enjoy Family Fun at Dubai's Miracle Garden
Spend a colorful family day at Miracle Garden, which is one of the best spots to snap Instagram-worthy photos in Dubai. It has more than 50 million flowers in intricate displays, some of which are record holders for being the world's largest. In addition, get a chance to see Dubai's Butterfly Park, which is adjacent to Miracle Garden, it is spread over nine domes and houses more than 15,000 butterflies.
Day 3: Visit Ski Dubai Indoor Ski Resort
On a warmer day escape the heat and enjoy some winter snow fun! Dubai Sheikh's Walk boasts an indoor slope of 22,500 square meters, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. The place also has penguins living in an adjoining section that you can meet up closely.
Day 4: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage at Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Take a walk through Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, a restored area of traditional Arabic buildings that date back to the late 19th century. Located along the Dubai Creek, it showcases the country's storied past with a variety of museums, galleries and exhibitions, including coffee museum "Arabic coffee ritual museum".
Day 5: Hit the waves at Kite Beach
Aptly named Kite Beach, this spot draws visitors from all over the world for its renowned water sports. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy. If water sports are not your style, consider walking along the beach's 14-kilometer walkway, which has green parks, retail stalls, and cafes every few steps. Kite Beach activities can be changeable, depending on the weather and winds conditions.
Day 6: Go to one of the largest shopping malls in the world, the Dubai Mall
A trip to Dubai is incomplete without visiting one of the largest shopping malls in the world, the Dubai Mall. It has a wide variety of stores selling high-end luxury brands and an array of dining options based on cuisine, indoor aquarium, with a capacity of 3.3 million gallons, and an indoor skating rink. While it sounds expensive, there are always sales and discounts to take advantage of.
Day 7: Have some family fun at Legoland
Legoland, part of the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, is a theme park centered around legos. It features thrill rides, water rides, and interactive shows. It's also one of the most affordable theme parks in Dubai.
Time and Cost Estimates
The Burj Khalifa (2-3 hours, $40-50)
Miracle Garden and Butterfly Park (2-3 hours, $10-15 per person)
Ski Dubai (3-4 hours, $45-55 per person)
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (2-3 hours, most entry is free)
Kite Beach (4-5 hours, mostly free activities, prices vary for water sports)
The Dubai Mall (4-5 hours, prices vary depending on activities)
Legoland (4-5 hours, $20-25 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: $150-225
Transportation
For transportation in Dubai, taxis, Uber, and Careem are widely available and relatively inexpensive. In addition, Dubai has
a metro system that can be a great, affordable option, especially for getting around the city center. Some more adventurous options include
renting bikes or taking a water taxi. Keep in mind that summer in Dubai can be very hot, so it's best to avoid walking directly out on the hot streets.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, there are many remote places, abandoned and attractive deserts outside Dubai worth exploring. Some recommended events to see include the Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Global Village, and the Dubai Fountain water-light show.
If you have less time, consider reducing the time spent at the Dubai Mall and Legoland.
Airports
The primary airport in Dubai is Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airport is situated in the Al Garhoud district and is 10kms from the city center. It is a vast airport with extensive network connections, dining outlets and airport lounges. The airport and the city center can be accessed by taxi, metro, and bus. There is a second airport being built, the new Al Maktoum Airport, which is located further from the city around 40kms away from the city's core commercial district.