Start your trip by immersing yourself in the dazzling cityscape of Dubai. In the morning, visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and enjoy panoramic views from its observation deck. In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Mall, where you can indulge in shopping and visit the impressive Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. As the evening sets in, explore the traditional souks in Deira, such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, for a taste of local culture.
A great breakfast option is The Sum of Us, located in the Trade Centre area. They offer a delicious selection of breakfast dishes including avocado toast and shakshuka. The average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
For lunch, head to the Arabian Tea House in Bastakiya. This cozy restaurant serves traditional Emirati dishes like machbous and harees. The average cost for a meal is about AED 75 per person.
For dinner, try Pierchic, an upscale seafood restaurant located at Jumeirah Al Qasr. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes while enjoying stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The average cost for a meal is about AED 350 per person.
Monday, January 8: Cultural Delights in Abu Dhabi
Embark on a trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece. Spend the afternoon exploring the fascinating exhibits at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, a waterfront promenade dotted with parks and cafes.
Breakfast: Head to Cafe Arabia, a charming cafe that offers a variety of delicious breakfast options. Enjoy their freshly baked pastries and flavorful Arabian coffee. Average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
Lunch: Try Li Beirut, a Lebanese restaurant known for its authentic flavors and warm ambiance. Feast on their mouthwatering mezze platters and traditional grilled meats. Average cost for a meal is about AED 100 per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a fine dining experience at Sambusek, an elegant restaurant specializing in Lebanese cuisine. Delight in their exquisite dishes, such as lamb chops and seafood grills, while enjoying stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Average cost for a meal is about AED 250 per person.
Tuesday, January 9: Modern Wonders in Dubai
Experience the modern marvels of Dubai on this day. Start with a visit to Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island known for its luxurious resorts and stunning architecture. Afternoon onwards, explore the Dubai Marina, a vibrant waterfront district with trendy cafes and shopping opportunities. To end the day, head to the Dubai Miracle Garden, a vast floral oasis showcasing stunning displays of flowers and sculptures.
For breakfast, head to The Sum of Us, a trendy cafe in Dubai Marina known for its delicious brunch menu and specialty coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 80 AED per person.
For lunch, try Ravi Restaurant, a popular Pakistani eatery in Satwa known for its flavorful curries and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 35 AED per person.
For dinner, indulge in Lebanese cuisine at Zaroob, a lively restaurant in Dubai Marina serving delicious shawarmas and mezze dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 120 AED per person.
Wednesday, January 10: Historical Charm in Abu Dhabi
Delve into the rich history of Abu Dhabi by visiting Al Hosn Palace, the oldest stone building in the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Site, home to the historic Fort Al Hosn and the Cultural Foundation. In the evening, wander through the vibrant Al Bateen area, known for its traditional Emirati architecture and charming cafés.
Al Hosn Palace: Free, 1-2 hours
Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Site: Free, 2-3 hours
Al Bateen: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A great breakfast option is Café Arabia, located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast dishes, including traditional Emirati breakfasts, as well as international options. The average cost for a meal at Café Arabia is about 50 AED per person.
For lunch, head to Li Beirut Restaurant, which offers a delicious selection of Lebanese cuisine. With its beautiful waterfront location, you can enjoy fresh seafood and flavorful dishes. The average cost for a meal at Li Beirut Restaurant is about 100 AED per person.
Dine at Al Fanar Restaurant for a memorable Emirati dinner experience. This restaurant showcases traditional Emirati dishes in a traditional setting, with the option to dine indoors or in a courtyard. The average cost for a meal at Al Fanar Restaurant is about 150 AED per person.
Thursday, January 11: Excursions in Dubai
Take a break from the city and embark on a thrilling desert safari adventure in Dubai. Enjoy dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Frame, an iconic attraction that offers panoramic views of both old and new Dubai. End your day by experiencing the vibrant nightlife at the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Walk, which offers a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Start your day at The Sum of Us, a trendy café in Dubai serving delicious breakfast dishes such as avocado toast and fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
For lunch, head to Zaroob, a popular Middle Eastern restaurant known for its authentic Arabic street food. Try their shawarmas or falafel wraps. Average cost for a meal is about 40 AED per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Pierchic, a romantic seafood restaurant located at the end of the pier in Madinat Jumeirah. Enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Gulf while savoring their fresh seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 AED per person.
Friday, January 12: Yas Island Adventure
Head to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi for a day of excitement and leisure. Visit Ferrari World, an indoor amusement park with thrilling rides and attractions. In the afternoon, cool off at Yas Waterworld, a water park offering a wide range of slides and water attractions. As evening approaches, explore Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the marina.
For breakfast, head to Jones the Grocer, a gourmet food emporium offering a wide range of breakfast dishes such as eggs benedict and avocado toast. Average cost for a meal is about 80 AED per person.
For lunch, try Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, a traditional Emirati restaurant serving authentic dishes like biryani and grilled meats. Average cost for a meal is about 120 AED per person.
For dinner, indulge in seafood at Catch, a trendy restaurant with a waterfront location offering a variety of fresh seafood options. Average cost for a meal is about 250 AED per person.
Saturday, January 13: Exploring Old Dubai
Discover the historic charm of Old Dubai on this day. Start with a visit to the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort, which provides a glimpse into the city's past. Explore the vibrant Al Bastakiya quarter, known for its traditional wind-tower houses and art galleries. In the afternoon, take an abra (traditional wooden boat) ride across Dubai Creek and explore the bustling Deira area, famous for its traditional markets and spice souks.
Dubai Museum: AED 3-4, 1-2 hours
Al Bastakiya: Free, 2-3 hours
Dubai Creek and Deira: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Baker & Spice in Al Bastakiya. Enjoy freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee while soaking in the charming atmosphere of this traditional neighborhood. Average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
For lunch, head to Bayt Al Wakeel in Deira. This historic restaurant offers a taste of traditional Emirati cuisine, including grilled meats, fragrant rice dishes, and savory stews. Average cost for a meal is about AED 80 per person.
In the evening, dine at Pierchic, a stunning restaurant located at the end of a wooden pier in Jumeirah. Indulge in seafood specialties while enjoying panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Average cost for a meal is about AED 300 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Al Fahidi Historic District in Dubai, a labyrinth of narrow lanes showcasing traditional architecture and cultural exhibits. In Abu Dhabi, the Mangrove National Park offers a unique opportunity for a kayak tour through mangrove forests, providing an escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
AI-assisted, human-reviewed