Begin your Dubai adventure in the Al-Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, a charming area filled with labyrinthine alleyways, wind-towers, and mosques. Explore the Dubai Museum and take a cultural tour through the restored traditional houses. Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to learn more about Emirati culture and cuisine. End the day with dinner at the Arabian Tea House restaurant, serving traditional Emirati dishes in a serene outdoor setting.
Kick off the morning with breakfast at the Seven Sands restaurant in the Dubai Mall. Explore one of the world's largest shopping centers before heading to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world. Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 124th floor. For lunch, try the Bab Al Yam restaurant in the Burj Al Arab hotel, offering a luxurious dining experience with modern European cuisine and stunning ocean views. End the day with dinner at Al Hadheerah, an open-air desert restaurant offering Arabic cuisine and cultural shows.
Spend the day exploring the Dubai Marina, a modern development featuring luxury residences, upscale shopping, and impressive marina views. For breakfast, try the Eggspectation restaurant located on the Marina Walk. Explore the art galleries and boutique shops before heading to the public beach on JBR Walk. For lunch, try the seafood at the Aprons & Hammers Beach House, a quirky beachfront restaurant serving mouth-watering delicacies straight out of the sea. End your epicurean journey by experiencing the flavors of Lebanon at Al Mandaloun restaurant, known for its authentic and fresh Lebanese cuisine.
Getting around Dubai can be easy using the metro, buses, and taxis. The metro system is affordable, fast, and goes everywhere you need to go. The Dubai taxi system is also reliable and affordable, providing both metered and non-metered services. The estimated travel cost for the entire itinerary is approximately AED 200 (~USD 54).
If you have more time, consider a desert safari tour or visiting the Palm Jumeirah island. For those with less time, focus on the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Marina and JBR Walk areas. Make sure to book your dining reservations in advance, as some popular restaurants may be fully booked. The official weekend in Dubai is Friday and Saturday, so expect larger crowds those days.
Dubai is served by two airports: Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). DXB is the primary airport and the busiest in the Middle East, located in the city center, approximately 14 kilometers from the Dubai Marina. DWC is located further south, approximately 37 kilometers from the city center and mainly serves low-cost carriers.