Welcome to Dubai! After your arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to settle in. In the morning, start your Dubai adventure by visiting the Dubai Mall. Explore its vast array of shops and indulge in some retail therapy. In the afternoon, head to KidZania Dubai, an interactive edutainment center where children can role-play different real-life professions. In the evening, visit the Dubai Fountain, located just outside the mall, to witness the spectacular dancing water show.
Dubai Mall: Admission is free; estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
KidZania Dubai: Admission for adults starts at $30, children $24; estimated time spent: 4-5 hours
Dubai Fountain: Free show every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM onwards; estimated time spent: 30 minutes
Restaurants
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at The Breakfast Club in Dubai Mall. Enjoy their variety of breakfast options, from classic eggs and bacon to healthy smoothie bowls. The average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Operation Falafel in Dubai Mall. Indulge in their mouthwatering falafel wraps or plates, along with flavorful sides like hummus and tabbouleh. The average cost for a meal is about AED 40 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Dubai Mall's Reem Al Bawadi. Savor traditional Middle Eastern dishes like hommus, moutabbal, and grilled meats, while enjoying the warm ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about AED 70 per person.
Saturday, November 25: Dubai City Tour
On this day, embark on a tour of the city to explore some of Dubai's iconic landmarks. Start your morning with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take an elevator to the observation deck on the 124th floor for breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located within the Dubai Mall. Explore the diverse marine life of the aquarium and enjoy interactive experiences. In the evening, take a stroll along the Dubai Marina Walk, lined with restaurants and shops.
Burj Khalifa: Tickets start at $36; estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Tickets start at $28; estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Dubai Marina Walk: Free to explore; estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, located near the Burj Khalifa. They offer a variety of breakfast options, from fluffy pancakes to savory eggs benedict. The average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
Food Republic: For lunch, head to Food Republic in the Dubai Mall. This food court offers a wide range of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern. You can enjoy a satisfying lunch for around 35 AED per person.
Pierchic: Indulge in a romantic dinner at Pierchic, a seafood restaurant overlooking the Dubai Marina. With its stunning views and elegant ambiance, Pierchic offers a memorable dining experience. The average cost for a meal is about 400 AED per person.
Sunday, November 26: Desert Safari
Experience the thrill of Dubai's deserts on a desert safari adventure. Start off with a morning visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning floral paradise. In the afternoon, embark on a desert safari where you can enjoy activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. As the sun sets, indulge in a delicious barbecue dinner under the starry sky while being entertained by traditional music and dance performances.
Dubai Miracle Garden: Tickets start at $15; estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Desert Safari: Packages start at $50 per person; estimated time spent: 6-7 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, a cozy neighborhood restaurant known for its delicious pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 40 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to The Hummus House, a local favorite that serves mouthwatering Middle Eastern cuisine. Don't miss their famous hummus platter. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at The Fisherman's Catch, a charming seafood restaurant that offers a variety of fresh catches cooked to perfection. Average cost for a meal is about AED 120 per person.
Monday, November 27: Dubai Parks and Resorts
Spend a thrilling day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, an entertainment complex housing several theme parks. In the morning, visit Motiongate Dubai, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Hollywood movies. Enjoy rides, shows, and attractions based on popular films. In the afternoon, head to Legoland Dubai, a must-visit for Lego enthusiasts of all ages. Explore Lego-themed lands, enjoy exciting rides, and build to your heart's content. Wrap up the evening at Bollywood Parks Dubai, where you can experience the vibrant world of Indian cinema.
Motiongate Dubai: Tickets start at $55; estimated time spent: 4-5 hours
Legoland Dubai: Tickets start at $42; estimated time spent: 4-5 hours
Bollywood Parks Dubai: Tickets start at $40; estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day off right at The Breakfast Club, a cozy café known for its delicious breakfast options. Enjoy a variety of dishes including fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and freshly baked pastries. The average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
For lunch, head to Bystro, a charming restaurant serving up a range of international cuisine. From hearty sandwiches and gourmet salads to decadent pasta dishes, there's something for everyone. The average cost for a meal is about AED 80 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Pierchic, a waterfront restaurant known for its stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Feast on expertly prepared seafood dishes, along with a selection of fine wines. The average cost for a meal is about AED 250 per person.
Tuesday, November 28: Aquaventure Waterpark
Spend your final day in Dubai at Aquaventure Waterpark, located at Atlantis, The Palm. Dive into a world of adventure with thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and a private beach. In the morning, get your adrenaline pumping on the water slides and enjoy the various attractions. In the afternoon, relax on the beach or float along the lazy river. Make unforgettable memories and bid farewell to Dubai in style.
Aquaventure Waterpark: Admission for adults starts at $78, children $66; estimated time spent: 5-6 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Dubai, consider visiting the Dubai Frame, a massive picture frame-shaped structure offering stunning views of both old and new Dubai. Another hidden gem is the Dubai Miracle Garden, a floral wonderland showcasing elaborate displays. Families with kids might enjoy a visit to The Green Planet, an indoor tropical rainforest where you can witness various species of plants and animals up close. For a taste of local culture, explore the Al Fahidi Historic District, known for its traditional wind-tower houses, art galleries, and craft shops.
For more information on flight and hotel prices, check Kayak.com.