Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

A Week in Dubai: Exploring the Vibrant City

Sunday, October 1: Arrival and Jumeirah Beach

Start your Dubai adventure by arriving at Dubai International Airport and checking into your chosen hotel. Take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out to explore the city. In the morning, visit Jumeirah Beach, a beautiful sandy stretch overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy the morning sun, dip your toes in the water, and take in the stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab. For lunch, indulge in delicious Indian vegetarian cuisine at "Options By Sanjeev Kapoor." In the afternoon, explore the nearby Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Arabian market offering unique shopping experiences. In the evening, head to the Dubai Marina promenade, where you can savor a delectable dinner at "Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar" while enjoying the stunning waterfront views.

  • Jumeirah Beach: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Options By Sanjeev Kapoor: Approximately AED 120 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Free entry, shopping time varies
  • Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar: Approximately AED 200 per person, 2-3 hours
Monday, October 2: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Explore the vast range of shops and enjoy a delicious vegetarian breakfast at the "Govinda's Restaurant." Make sure to stop by the mesmerizing Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located within the mall. In the afternoon, take a trip to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck on the 148th floor. Don't miss the spectacular Dubai Fountain show in the evening, just outside the mall, before having dinner at "Rasoi Ghar" for an authentic Indian thali experience.

  • Dubai Mall: Free entry, shopping time varies
  • Govinda's Restaurant: Approximately AED 60 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: AED 120 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Burj Khalifa: From AED 169 per person for At the Top observation deck, 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Fountain: Free, 30 minutes
  • Rasoi Ghar: Approximately AED 80 per person, 2-3 hours
Tuesday, October 3: Old Dubai and Dubai Creek

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Dubai by exploring the historic district of Al Fahidi. Start your morning at the Dubai Museum, located inside the Al Fahidi Fort, to learn about the city's past. Enjoy a traditional Indian breakfast at "Karama Restaurant & Sweets" nearby. Take a stroll through the charming Al Bastakiya Quarter, known for its traditional wind-tower houses and art galleries. In the afternoon, take an abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek to visit the bustling Spice and Gold Souks. Take your time to haggle for unique souvenirs and spices. In the evening, head to "Jalsa - The Indian Restaurant" for a delightful dinner with a blend of North Indian and Mughlai flavors.

  • Dubai Museum: AED 3 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Karama Restaurant & Sweets: Approximately AED 40 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Al Bastakiya Quarter: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Spice and Gold Souks: Free entry, shopping time varies
  • Jalsa - The Indian Restaurant: Approximately AED 100 per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Breakfast: Karama Restaurant & Sweets - Indulge in a delicious traditional Indian breakfast at Karama Restaurant & Sweets. Average cost for a meal is about AED 30 per person.
  • Lunch: "Spice and Gold Souks" - Take a break from exploring the souks and enjoy a tasty Middle Eastern lunch at one of the many street food stalls. Average cost for a meal is about AED 20-40 per person.
  • Dinner: Jalsa - The Indian Restaurant - Treat yourself to a delightful blend of North Indian and Mughlai flavors at Jalsa. Average cost for a meal is about AED 80-120 per person.
Wednesday, October 4: Desert Safari Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating desert safari adventure in the morning. Enjoy dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle across the mesmerizing sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Experience the thrill of sandboarding and take memorable pictures against the stunning desert backdrop. Visit a traditional Bedouin-style camp and participate in activities like camel riding, henna painting, and falconry. Indulge in a sumptuous vegetarian barbecue dinner while watching captivating cultural performances under the starry desert sky. You can book a desert safari package from various local tour operators, with prices starting from around AED 200 per person.

Note: Desert safari packages usually last for about 6-7 hours, including transportation.

Thursday, October 5: Palm Jumeirah and Aquaventure Waterpark

Spend the morning exploring the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah, home to luxurious resorts and a captivating skyline. Take a monorail ride to the Atlantis, The Palm hotel, and visit the Aquaventure Waterpark. Enjoy thrilling water slides, lazy river rides, and encounters with marine animals at the Lost Chambers Aquarium. For lunch, dine at the "Khyber Restaurant" for a culinary journey through India's North-West Frontier region. In the afternoon, relax at the stunning Nasimi Beach, offering beautiful views of the Dubai Marina skyline. Indulge in a delicious Indian dinner at "Mint Leaf of London" while enjoying the beachfront ambiance.

  • Palm Jumeirah: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Aquaventure Waterpark: From AED 285 per person, 4-5 hours
  • Lost Chambers Aquarium: From AED 100 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Khyber Restaurant: Approximately AED 150 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Nasimi Beach: Free entry, relaxation time varies
  • Mint Leaf of London: Approximately AED 180 per person, 2-3 hours
Friday, October 6: Modern Dubai and Souk Madinat Jumeirah

On your last day in Dubai, explore the modern side of the city. Begin your morning at the Dubai Marina, where you can take a relaxing walk along the promenade and enjoy breakfast at "The Talk Restaurant." Head to the futuristic Palm Islands and capture memorable photos with the Atlantis, The Palm hotel in the background. In the afternoon, visit the famous Miracle Garden, a stunning floral paradise showcasing unique designs and structures. For a memorable dining experience, have lunch at "Armani/Amal" in the Burj Khalifa. In the evening, revisit Souk Madinat Jumeirah for some last-minute shopping and enjoy a farewell dinner at "Saffron Indian Restaurant" with its wide range of vegetarian delicacies.

  • Dubai Marina: Free, 2-3 hours
  • The Talk Restaurant: Approximately AED 80 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Palm Islands: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Miracle Garden: Approximately AED 55 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Armani/Amal: Approximately AED 250 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Saffron Indian Restaurant: Approximately AED 100 per person, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Dubai, make sure to visit Alserkal Avenue, a thriving arts and cultural district showcasing contemporary art galleries, design studios, and trendy cafes. Take a stroll through the district and immerse yourself in the local art scene. Another hidden gem is the Dubai Miracle Garden, a must-visit for nature lovers, offering an enchanting display of over 50 million blooming flowers. It's a perfect place to unwind and explore the vibrant floral creations. Lastly, don't miss a visit to the Al Fahidi Neighborhood, where you can wander through narrow alleys, visit art galleries, and discover charming boutique cafes.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the best prices on Kayak.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version