Start your journey by exploring the historic district of Dubai, known as Old Dubai. Visit the Dubai Museum housed in the erstwhile Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai. Take a stroll through the vibrant textile souk, filled with colorful clothing and textiles, and the glittering Gold Souk. End your day with an Abra (water taxi) ride across the Dubai Creek, which offers stunning views of the city's skyline.
Today, visit the world's tallest building, the iconic Burj Khalifa, and admire the panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Then, make your way to The Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world, featuring over 1,200 retail outlets, an aquarium, an ice-skating rink, and an indoor theme park. End your day with a delicious meal at one of the mall's many restaurants.
Today, visit the exquisite Dubai Miracle Garden, featuring over 45 million flowers in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and the Dubai Butterfly Garden, home to 15,000 butterflies from 26 species. Spend your evening at the Dubai Opera, which hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and operas throughout the year.
Set out for the thrilling Desert Safari Tour, where you can enjoy dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and a traditional Arabian dinner. Later, head to the Mall of Emirates, which offers a range of activities like indoor skiing, cinema, and shopping.
Visit the stunning Atlantis the Palm, a luxurious resort located on the Palm Jumeirah Island. Explore the resort's numerous attractions like The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Dolphin Bay, and Aquaventure Waterpark, which offers an array of water rides, slides, and thrills.
Stroll through the beautiful Dubai Marina, which features a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Take a relaxing Dhow Cruise through the Marina and enjoy stunning views of the city's skyline. Later, visit The Walk at JBR, a vibrant outdoor strip filled with street performers, cafes, and restaurants.
Drive to Abu Dhabi to visit the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, and marvel at its intricate design and stunning architecture. Next, visit the luxurious Emirates Palace, which offers various amenities like a private beach, a spa, and an array of restaurants. Return to Dubai in the evening.
Transportation in Dubai is quite convenient thanks to its metro, bus, and taxi services. To explore the city's main attractions like Old Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, it's best to use the metro or a taxi which are affordable and punctual. For day trips outside of Dubai, consider renting a car or booking a private vehicle. Car rentals start at AED 130 per day, and a private vehicle with a driver starts at AED 500 per day.
If you have more time, consider visiting other popular attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Global Village, and the Dubai Frame. If you have less time, skip the Emirates Palace or opt for a shorter desert safari tour. To beat the crowds, plan your visits during weekdays and try to get tickets in advance for popular attractions like Burj Khalifa and Aquaventure Waterpark.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the primary airport in Dubai and is located 3 miles east of Dubai city center. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and has good connectivity to major cities across the globe. The airport features various facilities like lounges, shops, and restaurants. Another airport, Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), also serves Dubai and is located 32 miles southwest of the city center. It primarily caters to cargo and low-cost carriers.