Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Old Dubai. In the morning, visit the Dubai Museum, located in the historic Al Fahidi Fort, to learn about the city's past. Afterward, take an abra (traditional boat) across Dubai Creek to the bustling Deira area. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant spice and gold souks, and don't forget to haggle for some bargains. As the evening sets in, head to the Al Bastakiya neighborhood to admire the traditional wind-tower houses and enjoy a delicious Arabian dinner.
Deira Spice Souk: Estimated cost - N/A, Time spent - 1 hour
Deira Gold Souk: Estimated cost - N/A, Time spent - 1 hour
Al Bastakiya: Estimated cost - N/A, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Arabian Dinner: Estimated cost - 150-300 AED, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Café Bateel: Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Café Bateel, located in the heart of Old Dubai. Indulge in their wide range of freshly baked pastries and delicious breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
Arabian Tea House: For lunch, head to Arabian Tea House, a charming restaurant with a cozy courtyard. Try their authentic Emirati dishes and refreshing tea blends. Average cost for a meal is about AED 70 per person.
XVA Café: For a memorable dinner experience, visit XVA Café in Al Bastakiya. This artistic café serves delectable vegetarian and Middle Eastern cuisine in a unique gallery setting. Average cost for a meal is about AED 120 per person.
Tuesday, September 26: Modern Dubai Highlights
Discover the dazzling modern side of Dubai on the second day of your trip. Start the morning with a visit to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Take an elevator ride to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Dubai Mall, a shopper's paradise, and enjoy lunch at one of its many restaurants or food courts. End your day with a visit to the Dubai Fountain, where you can witness the mesmerizing water and light show in the evening.
Dubai Fountain: Free, Time spent - 30 minutes to 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, try the delicious pastries and coffee at Café Bateel, located in the Dubai Mall. Average cost for a meal is about 40 AED per person.
For lunch, enjoy a quick and tasty meal at Shake Shack, also located in the Dubai Mall. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Italy at Carluccio's, an Italian restaurant located within the Dubai Mall. Average cost for a meal is about 150 AED per person.
Wednesday, September 27: Desert Safari Adventure
Experience the thrill of the desert on a memorable desert safari adventure. Start your day with a morning dune bashing session, where you'll ride over the golden sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle. Afterward, visit a traditional Bedouin camp and engage in activities like camel riding, quad biking, and sandboarding. As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner under the stars while being entertained by belly dancers and a tanoura dance performance.
Thursday, September 28: Palm Jumeirah and Marina Delights
Explore the luxurious man-made island of Palm Jumeirah and the vibrant Dubai Marina on your fourth day. Start with a visit to the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, where you can enjoy its stunning aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark. Afterward, head to the Dubai Marina, known for its waterfront promenade and stunning high-rise buildings. Enjoy lunch at one of the marina's many restaurants and take a relaxing stroll along the marina walkway. In the evening, hop on a traditional dhow cruise to admire the city's skyline from the water.
Atlantis, The Palm: Entrance fee - 100-250 AED, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Shakespeare and Co., located in Palm Jumeirah. Enjoy a variety of delicious options, including eggs Benedict, French toast, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Pier 7 at Dubai Marina. Indulge in a feast for the senses at Cargo, which offers a menu inspired by street food from around the world. The average cost for a meal is about 120 AED per person.
For a memorable dinner, dine at The Observatory, situated atop the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites in Dubai Marina. Savor fine cuisine while taking in panoramic views of the city's skyline. The average cost for a meal is about 250 AED per person.
Friday, September 29: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Take a day trip from Dubai to the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques. Afterward, explore the impressive cultural landmarks on Saadiyat Island, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (opening soon). Enjoy a delicious Emirati lunch before heading to Yas Island, where you can visit the thrilling Ferrari World or cool off at Yas Waterworld.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Louvre Abu Dhabi: Entrance fee - 60-90 AED, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld: Entrance fee - 300-400 AED, Time spent - 4-6 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the popular Jones the Grocer located in Abu Dhabi. Enjoy their delicious breakfast menu which includes options like avocado toast and fluffy pancakes. The average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
For lunch, dine at the award-winning Li Beirut located in Saadiyat Island. Indulge in traditional Lebanese cuisine with a modern twist, such as their mouthwatering mezze and grilled kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about 150 AED per person.
For dinner, experience the luxurious tastes of Emirati cuisine at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café. Situated on Yas Island, this restaurant offers a range of traditional Emirati dishes including camel meat and aromatic seafood. The average cost for a meal is about 180 AED per person.
Saturday, September 30: Jumeirah Beach and Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Spend your last day in Dubai relaxing at the beautiful Jumeirah Beach and exploring the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Start your morning with a leisurely stroll along the pristine white sands of Jumeirah Beach, taking in the stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. Afterward, visit the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Arabian marketplace, and enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the souk's waterfront restaurants and end your trip with a relaxing abra ride through the scenic waterways.
For those looking to explore some off the beaten path attractions and discover local favorites, consider visiting the Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. This vibrant arts and culture district is home to contemporary art galleries, creative spaces, cafes, and boutiques. Another hidden gem is the Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning floral paradise featuring unique and elaborate flower displays. Locals also love exploring the traditional neighborhoods of Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha, where you can find charming wind-tower houses, historic sites, and local cafes serving authentic Arabian coffee.