7-Day Ultimate Dubai Itinerary: Exploring Modern Marvels and Cultural Gems

Day 1: Modern Dubai Highlights

Downtown Dubai, UAE on May 23, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Sum of Us

Enjoy a fresh and hearty breakfast at this award-winning café known for its artisan coffee and baked goods, located near Downtown Dubai. Opens at 7:00 AM.
AED70, 1h

9:30AM

Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

Visit the world's tallest building and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the 124th and 125th floors. Pre-book tickets to avoid queues. Open from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
AED159, 1h

11:00AM

Dubai Mall Exploration

Explore one of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring a wide variety of shops, the Dubai Aquarium, and the indoor ice rink. Mall opens at 10:00 AM.
Free entry to mall, Aquarium starts at AED100, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Social House

Dine with views of the Dubai Fountain in a relaxed atmosphere offering diverse cuisines. Located inside Dubai Mall, open 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
AED120, 1h

2:30PM

Dubai Fountain Show and Souk Al Bahar Visit

Catch the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show (every 30 minutes in the afternoon) and stroll through Souk Al Bahar, a modern marketplace with traditional charm.
Free, 1h

4:00PM

Relax at Burj Park

Take a leisurely walk or relax in this urban park with views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Atmosphere Restaurant

Experience fine dining in the Burj Khalifa with spectacular night views of Dubai. Booking is essential, open 12PM to 11:30PM.
AED700+, 2h

Day 2: Marina Views and Beach Life

Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, UAE on May 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Savor organic and locally sourced breakfast dishes at this popular eatery by the marina, opens at 7:30 AM.
AED60, 1h

9:00AM

Walk along Dubai Marina Walk

Enjoy a scenic promenade along the waterfront with cafes and yachts, perfect for morning relaxation.
Free, 1h

10:30AM

Visit JBR Beach

Relax and swim at Jumeirah Beach Residence public beach with access to watersports and seaside cafes.
Free, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, The Beach JBR

Enjoy an American-style lunch with a variety of dishes overlooking the beach, open until 11 PM.
AED100, 1h

2:00PM

Ain Dubai Observation Wheel

Take a ride on the world’s tallest observation wheel on Bluewaters Island for stunning views of Dubai Marina and beyond. Open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
AED130, 1h

4:00PM

Relax at Bluewaters Island cafes

Explore cafes and shops on Bluewaters Island, perfect for a late afternoon coffee.
Varies, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Pier 7

Dine at one of the seven restaurants in this Dubai Marina tower offering diverse cuisines and marina views. Open till late.
AED150, 2h

Day 3: Historic Dubai Exploration

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek, UAE on May 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Start your day in the Al Fahidi district with traditional Emirati breakfast and a lovely courtyard atmosphere. Opens at 7:30 AM.
AED50, 1h

9:00AM

Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Walk through one of Dubai’s oldest traditional Emirati neighborhoods featuring wind tower architecture and museums. Open daily from 8:00 AM.
Free, 1.5h

10:30AM

Visit Dubai Museum

Located in Al Fahidi Fort, learn about Dubai’s history from pearl diving to oil discovery. Open 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
AED3, 1h

12:00PM

Abra Ride on Dubai Creek

Take a traditional boat ride across Dubai Creek to see the bustling souks and waterways. Services run 24/7, fare about AED1.
AED1, 0h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Bu Qtair

Enjoy fresh seafood in a casual setting near the creek; a local favorite. Open from 11:00 AM to sunset.
AED80, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Gold and Spice Souks

Browse the colorful traditional markets full of gold jewelry, spices, and souvenirs across Dubai Creek.
Free, 1h

4:00PM

Relax at Creekside Park

Enjoy the greenery and peaceful walkways alongside the creek before heading back to hotel.
AED5, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

Experience authentic Emirati cuisine in a nostalgic setting reminiscent of Dubai in the 1960s. Opens until 11:00 PM.
AED120, 1.5h

Day 4: Luxury and Islands

Palm Jumeirah, UAE on May 26, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Clinton Street Baking Company

Enjoy American-style breakfast favorites at this popular spot located on Palm Jumeirah. Opens at 8:00 AM.
AED90, 1h

9:30AM

Explore Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk

Walk along the scenic boardwalk with stunning views of the Persian Gulf and Atlantis hotel.
Free, 1h

10:30AM

Visit Atlantis The Palm

Discover the iconic Atlantis hotel offering access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Aquaventure opens 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Waterpark AED320, Aquarium AED135, 3h

1:30PM

Lunch at Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay

Dine on British-style dishes with waterfront views at Atlantis. Open noon to 11:30 PM.
AED200, 1h

2:30PM

Relax at Aquaventure Beach

Unwind on a private beach with clear waters adjacent to Atlantis, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Free for Atlantis guests, 2h

6:00PM

Return to hotel to freshen up

Rest before dinner after a full day at the Palm.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Nobu Dubai

Experience renowned Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine at Atlantis’ award-winning restaurant. Reservations recommended.
AED400+, 2h

Day 5: Desert Adventure & Global Village

Desert outskirts and Global Village, UAE on May 27, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day’s adventure.
Included with stay or AED50, 0h30m

8:30AM

Desert Safari Tour

Enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a visit to a Bedouin camp with cultural performances. Most tours start mid-morning and last 6 hours, check with provider for specific timing.
AED350-600, 6h

3:00PM

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and freshen up after the desert experience.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Visit Global Village

Experience a multicultural festival park with pavilions from around the world offering shopping, food, and entertainment. Open 4:00 PM to midnight, Saturday to Wednesday.
AED15, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Global Village food pavilions

Savor a variety of international street foods and delicacies within Global Village.
Varies, approx AED50-100, 1h

Day 6: Gardens and Skiing

Dubai Miracle Garden and Mall of the Emirates, UAE on May 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wild & The Moon

Enjoy health-conscious breakfast options at this trendy spot near Miracle Garden. Opens at 8:00 AM.
AED70, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Dubai Miracle Garden

Explore the world’s largest natural flower garden featuring over 150 million flowers in creative designs. Open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
AED65, 2h

11:30AM

Head to Mall of the Emirates

Enjoy shopping or entertainment at Mall of the Emirates.
Free entry, N/A

12:30PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Savor Taiwanese dumplings and noodles at this popular mall restaurant. Open 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
AED80, 1h

2:00PM

Ski Dubai

Experience indoor skiing and snow activities in the desert at Ski Dubai inside Mall of the Emirates. Open 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
AED250, 2h

5:00PM

Relax at hotel or mall cafes

Take a break with coffee and snacks after skiing.
Varies, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Al Hallab Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Lebanese cuisine within Mall of the Emirates, perfect for a flavorful and hearty meal. Open till 11:00 PM.
AED130, 1.5h

Day 7: Beaches and Trendy Spots

Jumeirah Beach and La Mer, UAE on May 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker & Spice, La Mer

Start your day with fresh, organic breakfast options at La Mer beachfront area. Opens at 8:00 AM.
AED65, 1h

9:30AM

Relax at Jumeirah Beach

Spend the morning swimming and sunbathing on this popular sandy beach with views of the Burj Al Arab.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at The Surf Cafe, La Mer

Enjoy casual, healthy meals and fresh smoothies at this lively beachfront cafe. Open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
AED90, 1h

1:30PM

Explore La Mer

Shop boutique stores, take photos of colorful street art, and relax at beachfront cafes in this trendy outdoor destination.
Free, 2h

4:00PM

Visit The Green Planet

Discover an indoor tropical rainforest ecosystem featuring exotic plants and animals. Open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
AED100, 1.5h

6:00PM

Return to hotel and prepare for departure

Relax and pack for your journey home.
Free, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at Pier 7 Dubai Marina (optional farewell dinner)

Enjoy a last meal with a variety of global cuisines and stunning views over the marina to cap off your trip.
AED150, 2h