Ultimate 7-Day Dubai Itinerary: Explore Dubai’s Modern Marvels and Cultural Gems

Day 1: Modern Dubai Highlights

Dubai, UAE on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Dubai Mall – The Cheesecake Factory

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Cheesecake Factory inside The Dubai Mall, offering an extensive menu and great views of the Dubai Fountain.
AED75, 1h

9:30am

Visit Burj Khalifa At The Top Observation Deck

Explore the world’s tallest building and enjoy panoramic views of Dubai from the 124th and 125th floors. Booking in advance is recommended.
AED159, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Souk Al Bahar – Shakespeare and Co.

Dine in the charming Souk Al Bahar with views of the fountain show, savoring international cuisine with a relaxed ambiance.
AED120, 1h30m

2:00pm

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Visit Dubai Aquarium inside The Dubai Mall to see thousands of aquatic animals through the massive glass tunnel.
AED100, 1h30m

4:00pm

Dubai Fountain Show

Catch the captivating Dubai Fountain show outside the mall, running every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at At.mosphere Restaurant, Burj Khalifa

Enjoy a fine dining experience at At.mosphere on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa with spectacular night views of the city.
AED400, 2h
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Day 2: Cultural Old Dubai

Dubai, UAE on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House, Al Fahidi

Experience traditional Emirati breakfast in the charming courtyard of Arabian Tea House.
AED60, 1h

9:30am

Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Explore the restored traditional houses and Dubai Museum to learn about Dubai’s heritage.
AED3, 2h

12:00pm

Abra Ride across Dubai Creek

Take a traditional wooden boat ride across Dubai Creek to the gold and spice souks.
AED1, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bu Qtair Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh, flavorful seafood at this casual popular spot near the creek, open until 3pm.
AED80, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Gold and Spice Souks

Wander through bustling traditional markets and shop for souvenirs and spices.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Dubai Frame

Marvel at the gigantic picture frame offering views of old and new Dubai, open 9am to 9pm.
AED50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

Enjoy authentic Emirati cuisine in a nostalgic desert-themed setting.
AED150, 1h30m
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Day 3: Beach & Marina Adventures

Dubai, UAE on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice, Dubai Marina

Savour organic and locally sourced breakfast items with marina views.
AED70, 1h

9:30am

Relax at JBR Beach

Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or water sports at Jumeirah Beach Residences public beach, free entry.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pier 7, Dubai Marina

Try one of the seven diverse restaurants in this iconic tower for varied dining choices.
AED120, 1h30m

2:00pm

Marina Walk

Leisurely stroll along Dubai Marina Walk, enjoying cafes, shops, and yacht views.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Spend the afternoon at this thrilling waterpark on Palm Jumeirah, open 10am to 6pm.
AED320, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Nobu, Atlantis The Palm

Experience world-class Japanese-Peruvian cuisine in a luxurious setting.
AED450, 2h
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Day 4: Desert Adventure

Dubai, UAE on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Keep it light in preparation for the desert safari scheduled later in the day.
Variable, 1h

3:00pm

Desert Safari Pickup

Get picked up from your hotel for an exciting desert safari including dune bashing, camel ride, and sunset photography.
AED250, 6h

7:00pm

Desert Camp Dinner and Cultural Show

Enjoy BBQ dinner by the campfire along with Tanoura dance and belly dancing performances under the stars.
Included in safari, 2h
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Day 5: Shopping & Entertainment

Dubai, UAE on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Paul Bakery, City Walk

French bakery fare with outdoor seating to start your shopping day.
AED60, 1h

9:30am

Shopping at Mall of the Emirates

Explore the upscale mall and visit Ski Dubai for indoor snow fun, open 10am to 11pm.
Ski Dubai optional AED200, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cheesecake Factory, Mall of the Emirates

Comfort food with a vast menu to refuel before more shopping.
AED90, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Dubai Opera or City Walk

Check schedule for shows at Dubai Opera or explore City Walk’s shops and street art.
Variable, Free to walk City Walk, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zuma, DIFC

Contemporary Japanese dining in a chic ambiance for your final night feast.
AED400, 2h
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Day 6: Abu Dhabi Day Trip

Abu Dhabi, UAE on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early before the day trip to Abu Dhabi.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Abu Dhabi

Travel by car or tour bus takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Transport approx AED150, 1.5h

10:00am

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Explore the stunning architecture of one of the world’s largest mosques, free entry, open 9am to 10pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:45am

Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi

View an impressive collection of art and culture in a striking museum setting, open 10am to 6pm (closed Mondays).
AED60, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Tashas Cafe, Saadiyat Island

Enjoy a relaxed meal with Mediterranean and global flavors near the museum district.
AED130, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Dubai

Head back to Dubai in the late afternoon.
Included in transport, 1.5h

7:00pm

Light dinner or room service

Enjoy a relaxed meal at your hotel after a full day of sightseeing.
Variable, 1h
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Day 7: Relax & Departure

Dubai, UAE on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before your departure.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Spa or pool relaxation at hotel

Spend your final morning unwinding with a spa treatment or a swim.
Variable, 2h

12:30pm

Check-out and transfer to Dubai International Airport

Get transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Variable, 1h
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