Dubai 7-Day Itinerary - September 1-7, 2023

Friday, September 1: Exploring Old Dubai

In the morning, start your trip by visiting the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi, also known as Bastakiya. Explore the narrow streets lined with traditional wind-tower houses and visit the Dubai Museum housed in Al Fahidi Fort. In the afternoon, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to the bustling spice and gold souks. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and shop for unique spices and gold jewelry. As the evening approaches, head to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for a traditional Emirati dinner and cultural exchange.

• Al Fahidi (Bastakiya): Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Dubai Museum: Cost estimate - AED 3 (USD 0.82), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Spice and Gold Souks: Cost estimate - Free (shopping costs extra), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: Cost estimate - AED 150 (USD 41), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday, September 2: Modern Dubai

Start your day at the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Visit the observation deck on the 148th floor for breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, explore The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, and indulge in shopping and dining experiences. As the evening sets in, enjoy the Dubai Fountain show, a captivating water, music, and light spectacle.

• Burj Khalifa: Cost estimate - AED 198 (USD 54) for At the Top SKY, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• The Dubai Mall: Cost estimate - Free (shopping and dining costs extra), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Dubai Fountain: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 30 minutes

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, located in The Dubai Mall. Indulge in their hearty breakfast options such as eggs benedict or pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
• For lunch, head over to Social House in The Dubai Mall for a fusion of Asian and Western cuisine. Try their sushi rolls or the famous Wagyu beef burger. Average cost for a meal is about 100 AED per person.
• Enjoy a memorable dinner at Atmosphere, located on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa. Experience fine dining accompanied by breathtaking views. Average cost for a meal is about 500 AED per person.

Sunday, September 3: Desert Safari Adventure

Embark on an exciting desert safari adventure. Start with a thrilling dune bashing experience in a 4x4 vehicle, followed by sandboarding and camel riding. Enjoy a traditional Arabian buffet dinner in a desert camp while being entertained by cultural performances, such as belly dancing and Tanoura dance.

• Desert Safari: Cost estimate - AED 250-350 (USD 68-95), Time spent - 6-7 hours (afternoon to evening)

Monday, September 4: Palm Jumeirah and Aquaventure

Visit Palm Jumeirah, an iconic man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Explore the luxurious resorts and enjoy the beautiful beach. In the afternoon, head to Aquaventure Waterpark, located at Atlantis, The Palm. Experience thrilling water slides, relax on the lazy river, and interact with marine animals at the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

• Palm Jumeirah: Cost estimate - Free (beach access may have fees), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Aquaventure Waterpark: Cost estimate - AED 320 (USD 87), Time spent - 5-6 hours

Tuesday, September 5: Dubai Marina and JBR

Start your day with a visit to Dubai Marina, a stunning waterfront development. Explore the marina promenade, admire the impressive skyline, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the waterfront cafes. In the afternoon, head to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and relax on the sandy beach. Indulge in water sports activities or explore The Walk, a vibrant outdoor retail and dining area.

• Dubai Marina: Cost estimate - Free (additional costs for activities), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• JBR Beach: Cost estimate - Free (water sports and activities may have fees), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• The Walk: Cost estimate - Free (shopping and dining costs extra), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, a mega entertainment complex. Visit Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, or LEGOLAND Dubai for thrilling rides and attractions. Enjoy a variety of dining options within the parks. In the evening, catch a live show or musical performance at the outdoor venue.

• Dubai Parks and Resorts: Cost estimate - AED 245-295 (USD 67-80) per park, Time spent - Full day

Thursday, September 7: Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Madinat Theatre

Explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Arabian souk with winding alleys and boutique shops. Enjoy the views of Burj Al Arab, the iconic sail-shaped hotel, and take a traditional abra ride along the canals. In the evening, watch a live performance at Madinat Theatre, showcasing a range of theatrical productions.

• Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Cost estimate - Free (shopping and dining costs extra), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Madinat Theatre: Cost estimate - Varies depending on the show, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit Alserkal Avenue, a vibrant arts district showcasing contemporary art galleries, design studios, and creative spaces. Explore the unique cultural offerings and attend art exhibitions, workshops, and talks. Another local favorite is The Green Planet, an indoor rainforest where you can immerse yourself in a tropical environment and learn about various plant and animal species.

Check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.