Ultimate 8-Day Dubai Itinerary: Explore Culture, Adventure, and Luxury

Day 1: Downtown Dubai Exploration

Dubai, UAE on May 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Sum of Us

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and artisan baked goods at this popular café known for its relaxing vibe and central location.
AED75, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

Head up to the world’s tallest building observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors for panoramic views of Dubai's skyline and desert beyond.
AED175, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Armani/Deli Dubai

Located inside Burj Khalifa, this chic venue offers Italian delicacies combined with a stylish atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed lunch break.
AED150, 1h15m

2:00pm

Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium

Explore the vast Dubai Mall’s shopping, entertainment, and the captivating Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, open until 10pm.
AED120, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dubai Fountain Show

Watch the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show outside the mall starting every 30 minutes in the evening, set to music and lights.
Free, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Thiptara

Experience exquisite Thai cuisine with views of the Dubai Fountain, known for its authentic flavors and romantic ambiance.
AED250, 1h30m

Day 2: Historic Dubai

Dubai, UAE on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Enjoy traditional Emirati breakfast and aromatic teas in a charming courtyard setting in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood.
AED60, 1h0m

10:00am

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood Walk

Explore Dubai's heritage via preserved wind tower houses, art galleries, and the Dubai Museum nearby showcasing local history.
AED3, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bastakiah Nights

Enjoy Middle Eastern dishes in a traditional setting within the historic district for an authentic dining experience.
AED90, 1h0m

2:00pm

Abra Ride on Dubai Creek

Take a traditional boat ride across Dubai Creek for stunning views and to visit the bustling Gold and Spice souks.
AED1, 1h0m

3:30pm

Gold & Spice Souks Shopping

Browse through the colorful spice stalls and dazzling gold jewelry shops for souvenirs and local goods.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

Savor authentic Emirati cuisine in a nostalgic setting reflecting Dubai in the 1960s.
AED120, 1h30m

Day 3: Jumeirah Beach Day

Dubai, UAE on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Lime Tree Café

Kickstart your day with healthy breakfast options and fresh juices at this beachfront café in Jumeirah.
AED70, 1h0m

9:30am

Relax at Jumeirah Public Beach

Spend a relaxing morning swimming, sunbathing, or walking along the pristine sandy shores with views of Burj Al Arab.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bu Qtair

Enjoy freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection at this popular laid-back local spot near the beach.
AED50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Burj Al Arab (Photo Stop)

Admire and photograph the iconic sail-shaped hotel from nearby beach access points since public access inside requires reservations.
Free, 0h30m

3:00pm

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Enjoy thrilling water rides and family fun at Wild Wadi Waterpark, open daily from 10am to 6pm.
AED320, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pierchic

Dine on fresh seafood with stunning views over the Arabian Gulf at this luxury restaurant on a pier.
AED300, 1h30m

Day 4: Palm Jumeirah & Marina

Dubai, UAE on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Cheesecake Factory Dubai Marina

Enjoy international breakfast favorites with marina views at this spacious and popular restaurant.
AED90, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Palm Jumeirah

Visit Atlantis The Palm, check out The Lost Chambers Aquarium and stroll along The Pointe promenade.
AED135, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ronda Locatelli

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at this stylish eatery located on The Palm, perfect for a flavorful midday meal.
AED160, 1h0m

3:00pm

Dubai Marina Yacht Tour

Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute yacht cruise through Dubai Marina’s stunning skyline views and upscale community.
AED300, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk Marina Walk Promenade

Stroll along the scenic Marina Walk, popular for cafes, shopping, and vibrant atmosphere as day winds down.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pai Thai

Experience exquisite Thai dining accessible by a short boat ride inside Madinat Jumeirah, combining authentic tastes with a romantic setting.
AED280, 1h30m

Day 5: Desert Safari Adventure

Dubai Desert, UAE on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast buffet at your hotel to prepare for the day’s desert adventure.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Morning Desert Safari Quad Biking

Experience adrenaline-pumping quad biking over the sand dunes with a guided tour through Dubai’s desert landscape.
AED600, 2h0m

12:00pm

Return and Rest

Head back to your hotel to freshen up and relax before evening activities.
Free, 3h0m

4:00pm

Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner

Enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, and a sumptuous BBQ dinner with live entertainment, departing around 4pm lasting approximately 6 hours.
AED400, 6h0m

Day 6: Modern Dubai & Shopping

Dubai, UAE on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice Souk Al Bahar

Enjoy organic, locally sourced breakfast options with views of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa.
AED65, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Museum of the Future

Explore cutting-edge innovations and futuristic exhibits at this iconic museum open 10am to 6pm Saturday to Wednesday (closed Thursday and Friday).
AED145, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zuma Dubai

Dine in style with contemporary Japanese cuisine at the vibrant Dubai International Financial Centre.
AED250, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping at Mall of the Emirates

Explore luxury brands and the famous indoor Ski Dubai ski resort, open from 10am to 11pm.
Free entry, Ski Dubai starts at AED200, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Al Hallab Restaurant

Feast on Lebanese cuisine at this well-regarded restaurant located inside Mall of the Emirates.
AED150, 1h30m

Day 7: Cultural & Art Scene

Dubai, UAE on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Wild & The Moon

Start the day with organic, vegan-friendly breakfast options focused on sustainability in Alserkal Avenue.
AED70, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Alserkal Avenue Art Galleries

Discover contemporary art galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and creative spaces in this cultural hub open 10am-6pm.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Wild & The Moon Alserkal

Enjoy a healthy, farm-to-table meal featuring fresh local ingredients in a casual setting.
AED90, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Jumeirah Mosque

Take a guided tour of this stunning mosque, one of the few open to non-Muslims, emphasizing cultural understanding. Tours start typically at 10am, 2pm, and 6pm and last about 1 hour.
AED35, 1h0m

5:00pm

Coffee and Views at The Observatory Bar

Relax with coffee or cocktails at this rooftop spot with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Skyline.
AED75, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Riverside Grill

End your day with Mediterranean seafood and steak dishes in a stylish marina location.
AED220, 1h30m

Day 8: Relax & Departure

Dubai, UAE on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to enjoy your last morning in Dubai comfortably.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit La Mer Beach

Spend a relaxing few hours at this vibrant beachfront spot with shops, cafes, and water sports open from 10am to 11pm.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Beachcomber Café

Enjoy casual beachside dining with fresh seafood and salads overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
AED100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Final Shopping & Souvenir Hunting

Visit local shops or Dubai Outlet Mall on the way to airport for last-minute deals and gifts.
Varies, 2h0m

5:00pm

Head to Dubai International Airport

Make sure you leave in time to catch your departing flight with enough buffer for international travel.
Taxi or transport cost, 1h0m