Welcome to Dubai! Start your trip by checking into a budget-friendly hotel near Dubai Marina. In the morning, take a walk along the Marina Promenade, enjoying the stunning views of the waterfront skyscrapers. In the afternoon, explore The Walk at JBR, a bustling outdoor shopping and dining destination. In the evening, head to Dubai Marina Mall for some retail therapy and waterfront dining.
Dubai Marina Promenade: Free, 2-3 hours
The Walk at JBR: Free, 2-3 hours
Dubai Marina Mall: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Jones the Grocer, located near Dubai Marina. This casual café offers a variety of breakfast options including eggs benedict and avocado toast. The average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
For lunch, visit The Noodle House located at The Walk at JBR. This Asian-fusion restaurant offers a wide selection of noodles, stir-fries, and dumplings. Enjoy their flavorful dishes while admiring the vibrant street views. The average cost for a meal is about 70 AED per person.
In the evening, dine at Pierchic, an upscale seafood restaurant overlooking the Dubai Marina. Indulge in their fresh seafood specialties while enjoying panoramic views of the marina. The average cost for a meal is about 350 AED per person.
Friday, October 6: Historic Dubai
Immerse yourself in the history of Dubai. Visit the Dubai Museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort, which provides insights into the city's past. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets of Al Bastakiya, a historic neighborhood filled with art galleries and traditional Arabian architecture. As the evening approaches, take an abra (water taxi) ride across Dubai Creek and explore the bustling souks of Deira.
Dubai Museum: AED 3 (approx. $0.82), 2-3 hours
Al Bastakiya: Free, 2-3 hours
Abra Ride: AED 1 (approx. $0.27), 1-2 hours
Deira Souks: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Lime Tree Cafe. This cozy cafe offers a variety of options including freshly baked pastries, hearty breakfast burritos, and smoothie bowls. The average cost for a meal here is about 50 AED per person.
For lunch, head to Arabian Tea House in the heart of Al Bastakiya. Enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine in a serene garden setting. Indulge in dishes like Machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) or Margoogat (vegetable and meat stew). The average cost for a meal here is about 70 AED per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Pierchic, a fine dining seafood restaurant located on a pier overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Savor exquisite dishes like grilled lobster or roasted sea bass while enjoying breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 AED per person.
Saturday, October 7: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Start your day by visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take in the breathtaking views of Dubai from the observation deck. In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy at the Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls. Don't miss the Dubai Fountain show in the evening, an enchanting water, music, and light spectacle.
Burj Khalifa: AED 149 (approx. $40.60) for At The Top ticket, 2-3 hours
Dubai Mall: Free, 3-4 hours
Dubai Fountain: Free, 30 minutes
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Dubai Mall's Armani/Hashi. This Japanese restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options, from traditional Japanese dishes to international favorites. The average cost for a meal is about 70 AED per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Al Hallab Restaurant in the Dubai Mall. This Lebanese restaurant serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, including delicious kebabs and mezze. The average cost for a meal is about 80 AED per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner experience at At.mosphere, located on Level 122 of the Burj Khalifa. This luxurious fine dining restaurant offers panoramic views of Dubai while serving exquisite dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 550 AED per person.
Sunday, October 8: Palm Jumeirah and Aquaventure Waterpark
Explore the man-made wonder of Palm Jumeirah in the morning. Walk along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk and admire the luxurious resorts and stunning views. In the afternoon, cool off at Aquaventure Waterpark, located at Atlantis, The Palm. Enjoy thrilling water slides, lazy river rides, and interactions with marine animals.
Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk: Free, 2-3 hours
Aquaventure Waterpark: AED 269 (approx. $73.30) for day pass, 4-5 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning off with a delicious breakfast at The Palmery. This restaurant offers a variety of options including a full breakfast buffet with international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about AED 90 per person.
For lunch, head over to Bread Street Kitchen located at Atlantis, The Palm. Enjoy British-European inspired dishes, a stylish atmosphere, and stunning views of the water. Average cost for a meal is about AED 150 per person.
In the evening, indulge in a dining experience at Nobu. This world-renowned Japanese restaurant offers a fusion of traditional dishes and contemporary flavors. Average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Monday, October 9: Dubai Marina Yacht Cruise and Dubai Miracle Garden
Embark on a relaxing yacht cruise along Dubai Marina in the morning, taking in the stunning skyline and enjoying the sea breeze. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, a colorful oasis filled with millions of flowers arranged in unique designs. Spend the evening exploring the nearby Global Village, a multicultural festival park offering shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Dubai Marina Yacht Cruise: Varies based on package, 2-3 hours
The Lime Tree Café - Start your day at The Lime Tree Café, located in the heart of Jumeirah. This cozy café offers a wide selection of breakfast options, including freshly baked pastries, hearty eggs benedict, and flavorful vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
The Farm Restaurant - For a leisurely lunch with a view, head to The Farm Restaurant in Al Barari. Surrounded by lush gardens, this farm-to-table eatery serves up organic and healthy dishes, such as grilled chicken salad and fresh seafood. Average cost for a meal is about 120 AED per person.
Pierchic - Indulge in a romantic dinner at Pierchic, situated on a pier in the iconic Madinat Jumeirah. This award-winning seafood restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, along with a menu featuring seafood delicacies like oysters, lobster, and caviar. Average cost for a meal is about 400 AED per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, try The Surf Cafe, a cozy beachfront spot offering a variety of healthy options like avocado toast and smoothie bowls. The average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
For lunch, head to The Farm, a farm-to-table restaurant nestled in the Dubai desert. Enjoy fresh, organic dishes while taking in the picturesque views. The average cost for a meal is about AED 150 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a gourmet experience at Pierchic, a stunning seafood restaurant located on a private pier. Feast on delicious seafood dishes while enjoying breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. The average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Dubai Desert Safari
Embark on an exciting desert safari adventure in the morning. Enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding in the golden dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. In the evening, experience a traditional Bedouin-style camp, complete with a delicious BBQ dinner, cultural performances, and stargazing.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Baker & Spice. Indulge in freshly baked pastries, organic eggs, and a variety of healthy options. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
For lunch, head to Zaroob and enjoy authentic Levantine cuisine. Try their mouthwatering shawarmas, falafel wraps, and flavorful mezze dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Pierchic. Located on a pier in the Arabian Gulf, this seafood restaurant offers stunning views and a menu featuring fresh seafood delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 300 AED per person.
Wednesday, October 11: Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach
Spend the morning exploring Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Arabian marketplace with boutique shops and waterfront cafes. In the afternoon, relax at Jumeirah Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the pristine waters. Wrap up your trip with a delicious dinner at one of the beachside restaurants.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Free, 2-3 hours
Jumeirah Beach: Free, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at 1762 Stripped, a cozy café offering a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
For lunch, head to The Meat Co. at Madinat Jumeirah, a steakhouse known for its high-quality meat dishes and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Average cost for a meal is about AED 150 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Pierchic, a romantic seafood restaurant located on a private pier overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Lime Tree Café, known for its healthy and organic options. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
For lunch, head to Pierchic, a renowned seafood restaurant perched on stilts over the water. Enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Gulf while indulging in fresh seafood. Average cost for a meal is about 300 AED per person.
For dinner, visit Zheng He's, a Chinese restaurant located in the Madinat Jumeirah resort. Experience a fusion of traditional and contemporary Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting. Average cost for a meal is about 250 AED per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, visit the Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, an arts and culture district showcasing contemporary art galleries, design studios, and trendy cafes. Another local favorite is the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, where you can enjoy a round of golf or simply relax by the waterfront.