In the morning, start your trip by visiting the historic district of Al Fahidi. Explore the narrow alleyways and traditional Emirati architecture. In the afternoon, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to the bustling gold and spice souks. As the evening sets in, head to the Dubai Frame for breathtaking views of both old and new Dubai.
Al Fahidi Historic District: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Dubai Creek Abras: Cost - AED 1 ($0.27) per ride, Time Spent - 1 hour
Dubai Gold Souk and Spice Souk: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Dubai Frame: Cost - AED 50 ($14) per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Monday, October 23: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
Spend the morning exploring the vast Dubai Mall, home to countless shops, entertainment options, and the famous Dubai Aquarium. In the afternoon, visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Dubai. In the evening, enjoy the Dubai Fountain show, a mesmerizing water and light spectacle.
Burj Khalifa: Cost - AED 149-534 ($40-$145) per person depending on the time and level, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Dubai Fountain: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 30 minutes
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Shakespeare and Co., a charming cafe with a wide selection of pastries, omelettes, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
For lunch, head to Social House, a trendy Asian-inspired restaurant with a diverse menu including sushi, noodles, and stir-fries. Average cost for a meal is about 90 AED per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Thiptara, a waterfront Thai restaurant offering authentic flavors and stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. Average cost for a meal is about 250 AED per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Dubai Parks and Resorts
Enjoy a full day of family fun at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Visit Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, or Legoland Dubai, depending on your family's interests. These theme parks offer a variety of rides, attractions, and entertainment options for all ages. Make sure to catch the evening shows and performances.
Dubai Parks and Resorts: Cost - Starting from AED 295 ($80) per person for a one-day park pass, Time Spent - Full day
Restaurants
Breakfast: The Sum of Us is a popular breakfast spot near Dubai Parks and Resorts, offering a diverse menu with options like avocado toast, pancakes, and eggs benedict. The average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
Lunch: The Cheesecake Factory is a great lunch option for the whole family, with a extensive menu of American classics, including burgers, salads, and of course, their famous cheesecakes. The average cost for a meal is about 100 AED per person.
Dinner: Olea in Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is a fantastic dinner option, serving a delicious array of Middle Eastern dishes in an elegant setting. The average cost for a meal is about 180 AED per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Jumeirah Beach and Palm Jumeirah
Spend the morning relaxing at the beautiful Jumeirah Beach. Enjoy the warm sun, soft sand, and clear blue waters. In the afternoon, visit Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree. Explore the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort, or take a monorail ride to enjoy stunning views of the palm-shaped island.
Jumeirah Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis, The Palm: Cost - Free entry to Palm Jumeirah, various costs for activities at Atlantis, The Palm, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Thursday, October 26: Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village
Start the day by visiting Dubai Miracle Garden, a vibrant floral paradise with enchanting displays and sculptures made entirely of flowers. In the afternoon, head to Global Village, a cultural and entertainment extravaganza showcasing various countries through pavilions, performances, and food stalls. Enjoy exploring the different cultures and indulge in delicious international cuisine.
Dubai Miracle Garden: Cost - AED 55 ($15) per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Global Village: Cost - AED 15 ($4) per person, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
Friday, October 27: Desert Safari Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating desert safari adventure in the morning. Experience dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, try sandboarding, and enjoy camel rides. In the afternoon, visit a traditional Bedouin camp where you can unwind with henna painting, shisha smoking, and a delicious BBQ dinner while enjoying traditional dance performances under the starry desert sky.
Desert Safari: Cost - Starting from AED 150 ($41) per person, Time Spent - Half day
Saturday, October 28: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
On your last day, visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Marvel at the diverse marine life in the massive aquarium tank and explore the underwater zoo's fascinating exhibits. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along The Walk at JBR, a vibrant beachfront promenade filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Cost - AED 105-250 ($29-$68) per person depending on the experience chosen, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
The Walk at JBR: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When it comes to family-friendly hidden gems, consider visiting Dubai Butterfly Garden, a tropical paradise filled with colorful butterflies. Another option is the Green Planet, an indoor tropical rainforest where you can get up close with exotic flora and fauna. Both attractions are perfect for educational and entertaining experiences for the whole family.