Dubai 7-day Itinerary

Wednesday, September 20: Arrival in Dubai

Welcome to Dubai! Begin your trip by exploring the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. In the morning, take in the breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Mall, a shopper's paradise with over 1,200 stores. In the evening, experience the Dubai Fountain show, a mesmerizing display of water, music, and lights.

• Burj Khalifa Observation Deck: Cost estimate: AED 149, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Dubai Mall: Free to enter, Cost estimate for shopping: Variable, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Dubai Fountain: Free to watch, Time spent: 30 minutes

Thursday, September 21: Old Dubai Heritage Tour

Explore the historical side of Dubai in the morning by visiting the Dubai Museum housed in the Al Fahidi Fort. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional souks in the afternoon, such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. In the evening, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek and enjoy dinner at a local Arabic restaurant in the Al Bastakiya Quarter.

• Dubai Museum: Cost estimate: AED 3, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Traditional Souks: Free to enter, Cost estimate for shopping: Variable, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Abra Ride: Cost estimate: AED 1, Time spent: 30 minutes
• Al Bastakiya Quarter: Cost estimate for dinner: Variable, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Friday, September 22: Desert Safari Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating desert safari in the morning. Enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. Experience a traditional Bedouin camp in the afternoon, where you can try shisha, get a henna tattoo, and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner while being entertained by belly dancers and traditional performances.

• Desert Safari: Cost estimate: AED 200-300, Time spent: 6-7 hours

Saturday, September 23: Palm Jumeirah and Aquaventure Waterpark

Start your day by visiting the Palm Jumeirah, an iconic man-made island. Explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm in the morning. In the afternoon, cool off at the Aquaventure Waterpark, featuring thrilling water slides and a lazy river. In the evening, relax on the pristine beaches of Palm Jumeirah.

• The Lost Chambers Aquarium: Cost estimate: AED 120, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Aquaventure Waterpark: Cost estimate: AED 320, Time spent: 4-5 hours

Sunday, September 24: Dubai Marina and JBR Walk

Discover the modern side of Dubai in the morning by exploring Dubai Marina. Take a leisurely walk along the Marina Promenade, lined with luxurious yachts and high-rise buildings. Enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. In the afternoon, visit Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Walk, a vibrant pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and entertainment options.

• Dubai Marina: Free to enter, Cost estimate for lunch: Variable, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• JBR Walk: Free to enter, Cost estimate for shopping/food: Variable, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Monday, September 25: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, a mega entertainment complex. Start your morning at Motiongate, a Hollywood-inspired theme park featuring rides and attractions based on popular movies. In the afternoon, visit Bollywood Parks Dubai, showcasing the vibrant world of Bollywood. End the day with a visit to LEGOLAND Dubai, a paradise for LEGO enthusiasts.

• Motiongate: Cost estimate: AED 245, Time spent: 5-6 hours
• Bollywood Parks Dubai: Cost estimate: AED 175, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• LEGOLAND Dubai: Cost estimate: AED 245, Time spent: 4-5 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Baker & Spice, a cozy bakery offering an array of freshly baked goods and healthy options. Average cost for a meal is about 40 AED per person.
• For lunch, head to The Meat Co, a steakhouse known for its high-quality cuts of meat grilled to perfection. Enjoy their signature dishes and savor the rich flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 150 AED per person.
• Indulge in a memorable dinner at Pierchic, a stunning seafood restaurant situated over the water. With breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, you can relish in an exquisite and romantic dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 400 AED per person.

Tuesday, September 26: Modern Dubai and Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Explore the modern architecture of Dubai in the morning by visiting The Dubai Frame, offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Burj Al Arab, the world's only seven-star hotel. Enjoy a traditional Emirati lunch at one of the restaurants in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. In the evening, stroll through the souk, known for its unique shops and waterfront views.

• The Dubai Frame: Cost estimate: AED 50, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Burj Al Arab: Free to enter (reservation required for dining), Cost estimate for lunch: Variable, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Free to enter, Cost estimate for shopping/food: Variable, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, a vibrant hub for contemporary art, galleries, and cultural events. Explore the Al Fahidi Historic District, home to beautifully restored traditional houses and art galleries. For a taste of local cuisine, head to the Al Dhiyafah Road area, where you can find a wide range of budget-friendly restaurants serving delicious Arabic and international dishes.