7-Day Dubai Itinerary: Shoestring Budget

Friday, December 1: Exploring Old Dubai

Start your trip by immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of Dubai. In the morning, visit the Dubai Museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort, which offers a glimpse into the city's history. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the Al Bastakiya Quarter, filled with traditional Arabian architecture. Afternoon can be spent exploring the famous Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. In the evening, take an abra (traditional water taxi) ride along Dubai Creek and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

  • Dubai Museum: Admission - AED 3 (~$0.82), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Al Bastakiya Quarter: Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Gold Souk & Spice Souk: Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Abra Ride: AED 1 (~$0.27), Time Spent - 30 minutes
Saturday, December 2: Modern Dubai Highlights

Embark on a journey through the modern side of Dubai. In the morning, visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls globally, and marveling at the Dubai Fountain shows. In the evening, head to the Palm Jumeirah and relax at the public beach while enjoying the iconic views of Atlantis, The Palm.

  • Burj Khalifa (Observation Deck): AED 149 (~$40.67), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Mall: Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Fountain: Free, Time Spent - 30 minutes
  • Palm Jumeirah Public Beach: Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Sunday, December 3: Desert Safari Adventure

Experience the thrill of an Arabian desert safari. Start the day with a morning visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden, home to stunning floral displays. In the afternoon, embark on a desert safari adventure that includes dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. As the sun sets, enjoy a BBQ dinner at a desert camp while being entertained by traditional performances.

  • Dubai Miracle Garden: AED 55 (~$15), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Desert Safari: AED 150-250 (~$41-68), Time Spent - 6-7 hours
Monday, December 4: Cultural Exploration

Discover the cultural side of Dubai. In the morning, visit the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques open to non-Muslim visitors, and learn about Islamic traditions. Afterward, explore the Dubai Opera, a stunning architectural masterpiece. In the afternoon, wander through the Alserkal Avenue, a vibrant art district showcasing contemporary art and design. In the evening, visit the Dubai Marina area and stroll along the promenade.

  • Jumeirah Mosque: AED 25 (~$6.82), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Dubai Opera: Free (entry fee for performances), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Alserkal Avenue: Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Marina: Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 5: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

Take a day trip to the neighboring city of Abu Dhabi. In the morning, explore the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques globally. Afterward, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum with an impressive collection. In the afternoon, head to Yas Island and indulge in some fun at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, an amusement park featuring thrilling rides and attractions. Return to Dubai in the evening.

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi: AED 63 (~$17.14), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: AED 295 (~$80.41), Time Spent - 4-6 hours
Wednesday, December 6: Beach Day

Relax and unwind on Dubai's beautiful beaches. Start the day by visiting Kite Beach, a popular spot for water sports and beach activities. In the afternoon, head to La Mer, a vibrant beachfront destination with a range of dining, shopping, and leisure options. Enjoy the pristine sands and turquoise waters. In the evening, explore the Jumeirah Beach Walk and dine at one of the many affordable eateries.

  • Kite Beach: Free, Time Spent - 4-6 hours
  • La Mer: Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Jumeirah Beach Walk: Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 7: Souvenir Shopping

On your last day, indulge in some souvenir shopping. Start the day by visiting the traditional Dubai Souks, including the Perfume Souk and Textile Souk, where you can find unique items at bargain prices. In the afternoon, explore the Dubai Marina Mall and enjoy shopping with a waterfront view. In the evening, visit the Global Village, an open-air market showcasing products from around the world.

  • Dubai Souks: Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Marina Mall: Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Global Village: AED 15 (~$4.09), Time Spent - 3-4 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For budget-conscious travelers seeking off the beaten path experiences, exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Al Quoz and Al Fahidi can be rewarding. Al Quoz is known for its contemporary art galleries, trendy cafes, and street art. Al Fahidi, on the other hand, offers a glimpse into the city's history with its traditional wind towers, art galleries, and quaint cafes. These areas are perfect for leisurely walks and immersing yourself in the local culture without breaking the bank.

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