7-Day Family Friendly Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Dubai

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Start your trip by enjoying a traditional Emirati breakfast at Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi district, where you can experience local culture.
Take the Metro to Al Fahidi Station and walk for 10 minutes.
AED 50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Stroll through the narrow lanes of this historic district and admire the traditional wind-tower architecture.
Walk around the neighborhood.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ravi Restaurant

Savor a delicious and affordable Pakistani meal at Ravi Restaurant, known for its flavorful dishes.
Short walk from Al Fahidi.
AED 60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Dubai Creek Boat Ride

Take an abra (traditional wooden boat) ride on Dubai Creek for a scenic view of the city.
Head to the nearest abra station.
AED 1, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Explore Gold and Spice Souks

Wander through the vibrant markets filled with spices and gold, a sensory delight for the whole family.
Walk from the abra station to the souks.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Al Iwan Restaurant

Enjoy a buffet dinner with views of the Burj Al Arab at this budget-friendly restaurant.
Take a bus to the Madinat Jumeirah.
AED 85, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Visit Jumeirah Beach

Relax at the beach, where kids can play in the sand and the family can enjoy the sunset.
Walk to the beach from Al Iwan.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Desert Fun

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation to fuel up for a day in the desert.
N/A
AED 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

Take a short drive to Al Marmoom Desert for a great morning of exploring the natural surroundings and possibly spotting wildlife.
Take a bus or book a budget tour.
AED 40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Grab lunch at a nearby inexpensive local eatery and savor local dishes.
Find a nearby diner.
AED 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Back to Dubai: Visit Dubai Mall

Explore the world’s largest shopping mall, where children can enjoy the aquarium and indoor ice rink.
Take a bus back to Dubai.
AED 120, 2 hours

4:00PM

Kidzania at Dubai Mall

Let the kids enjoy Kidzania, a mini-city where they can role-play and grasp real-life professions.
Inside Dubai Mall.
AED 220, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Fatburger

Indulge in a casual dining experience at Fatburger, where tasty burgers leave everyone satisfied.
Located in Dubai Mall.
AED 100, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Day

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Operation: Falafel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring traditional falafels at Operation: Falafel.
Walk to the restaurant.
AED 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dubai Museum

Visit Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort to delve into the rich history and culture of Dubai.
Take a short walk.
AED 3, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Dubai Frame

Head to the Dubai Frame for stunning views that demonstrate the city's transformation from past to present.
Take the Metro to Al Jafiliya.
AED 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bu Qtair

Experience fresh seafood at Bu Qtair, a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Take a taxi or bus to the restaurant.
AED 70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Global Village

Explore Global Village, where cultural showcases from around the world can be enjoyed at an amazingly affordable admission.
Take the Metro to Global Village Station, followed by a shuttle bus.
AED 15, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Global Village

Dine at various affordable food stalls available within Global Village for a budget-friendly culinary experience.
Onsite dining options.
AED 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Adventure and Fun

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Simit Sarayı

Enjoy a light breakfast of Turkish goodies at Simit Sarayı before a fun-filled day.
Take the Metro to the nearest station.
AED 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Splash 'n' Party Water Park

Spend an exhilarating morning at this budget-friendly water park designed for families.
Take a taxi or bus to the park.
AED 180, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Park

Grab some quick bites at the water park's cafes to refuel.
In the water park.
AED 60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit The Bounce

Head to The Bounce for an afternoon of trampolining fun where kids can jump around safely.
Take a taxi from the water park.
AED 100, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Dubai Marina Walk

Wander along the stunning Dubai Marina Walk, perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.
Take the Metro to DMCC Metro Station.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Zaatar w Zeit

Savor some delicious Middle Eastern food at Zaatar w Zeit for a casual dining experience.
Near Dubai Marina.
AED 70, 1 hour
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Day 5: Nature and Relaxation

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Start your day at Baker & Spice for fresh organic goods and baked delights.
Take the Metro to Souk Al Bahar.
AED 50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Dubai Miracle Garden

Spend the morning at this stunning garden filled with beautiful flower arrangements—a hit with families.
Take a taxi or bus to the location.
AED 55, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Farm

Enjoy a unique healthy meal at The Farm, with a serene atmosphere by the lake.
Nearby taxi or bus.
AED 90, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit to Dubai Butterfly Garden

Continue outside with a visit to the enchanting Dubai Butterfly Garden located next to the Miracle Garden.
Short walk from Miracle Garden.
AED 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dubai Aquarium

Head back to Dubai Mall to check out the impressive aquarium inside the mall for a fascinating experience.
Metro from Miracle Garden to the mall.
AED 100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Dubai Mall Food Court

Explore numerous affordable options at the food court in Dubai Mall for a satisfying family meal.
In the mall.
AED 80, 1 hour
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Day 6: Fun at the Beach

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tom&Serg

Enjoy breakfast at this hip spot known for its great selection of dishes.
Take the Metro to Al Quoz.
AED 50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Beach Day at Kite Beach

Spend the day at Kite Beach with family-friendly amenities and activities like beach volleyball.
Take a bus or taxi to Kite Beach.
Free, 6 hours

4:30PM

Ice Cream at Roll Ice Cream Factory

Take a break and treat yourselves to some unique rolled ice cream after an active day at the beach.
Short walk from Kite Beach.
AED 40, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Head back to hotel to relax

Return to your hotel to freshen up and unwind.
Taxi or bus back.
AED 20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Salt

Conclude your day with a meal at Salt, which serves affordable burgers near the beach.
Short walk from your hotel.
AED 100, 1 hour
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Day 7: Final day and Relaxation

Dubai, UAE

10:00AM

Breakfast at Karak House

Savor breakfast paired with traditional Karak tea before your last day of adventure.
Take the Metro to the restaurant.
AED 40, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit the Dubai Fountain

Witness the breathtaking Dubai Fountain show, a magical experience for both kids and adults.
Walk to the Burj Khalifa area from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Al Mallah

Enjoy Lebanese street food at the famous Al Mallah for an affordable yet delicious meal.
Short walk from the fountain.
AED 60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Dubai Parks and Resorts

Visit this unique complex that includes motiongate and Legoland, and enjoy exciting attractions.
Book a shuttle service from Dubai Mall.
AED 250, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

End your trip with a delightful meal at The Cheesecake Factory, known for its varied menu.
Return shuttle to Dubai Mall, then walk.
AED 150, 2 hours

8:30PM

Departure

Reflect on a fabulous week spent in Dubai before heading to the airport.
Take the Metro to the airport.
AED 10, 30 minutes
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