dubai trip for 6 days

Dubai in 6 Days – Your Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary (2024)

• 18 minute read

• May 8, 2024

Dubai Tour on a Budget: A 6-Day Itinerary | Best places to visit, Budget, Do’s & Don’t

Well, hello, my dear travel enthusiasts! Welcome to Dubai 🛍️, where travel meets experience. 🌟 This extraordinary city blends traditional charm with futuristic wonders, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn.

From the iconic Burj Khalifa to the stunning beaches and world-class shopping, Dubai truly has something for everyone. Dive into the lush Miracle Garden, unwind on beautiful La Mer Beach, and explore the rich history in the Al Fahidi Historic District.

This 6-day itinerary will guide you through the best of Dubai, complete with insider tips and top attractions. Get ready for an incredible adventure in the city of dreams! ✨ 🐪

Day 1 – Dubai City Tour Burj khalifa, Dubai mall

Day 1 | Morning: Burj Khalifa

About the Place : Start your day with the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa! 🏙️ You’ll be wowed by the view from the observation deck on the 124th floor. It’s a must-see for all Dubai visitors!

How to get there : Take the Dubai Metro to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. It’s around AED 5 for a one-way trip. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi for around AED 15-20 from most parts of the city.

Distance from your starting point : Varies depending on your location; typically, within 50 Min to 1hrs from most places depending upon the traffic.

Ticket Price to Visit : Around AED 169 for adults to access the 124th-floor observation deck.

Recommended Length of Stay : About 1-2 hours should do it!

Best Time to Visit : Early morning or around sunset for the best views and smaller crowds.

Top Attractions and Activity with Price :

• Observation deck on the 124th floor – AED 169 for adults.
• You can also check out the Burj Khalifa Park around the base.

Travel Tips :

• 📷 Bring your camera for those epic views!
• ⏰ Book your ticket online in advance to avoid long queues.
• 🌞 Early mornings and evenings are best for the views.

Eating Options :

• The Cafe : Located on the ground floor, perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch.
• At.Mosphere : Located on the 122nd floor, enjoy a high-end meal with stunning views.

Opening Hours : 8:30 am – 11:00 pm.

Day 1 | Afternoon – Dubai Mall

About Place : Next, head over to the incredible Dubai Mall 🛍️, one of the largest shopping centers in the world. It’s not just about shopping—there’s a ton to see and do!

How to get there : The Dubai Mall is right next to Burj Khalifa, so you can easily walk over! No transportation is needed.

Distance from Burj Khalifa : Burj Khalifa to Dubai Mall: 0 km

Ticket Price to Visit : Free to enter, but activities inside may vary in price.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend about 3-4 hours exploring.

Best Time to Visit : Mid-morning to the afternoon for shopping and exploring.

• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo : Around AED 130 for adults.
• VR Park : Ticket prices vary based on games.
• Dubai Ice Rink : AED 84 for adults.
• 👟 Wear comfy shoes—this mall is huge!
• 📅 Check out the mall’s events schedule online before you go.
• 💸 Be ready to shop! There’s something for every budget.
• Food Court : Offers a variety of cuisines at reasonable prices.
• Fancy Restaurants : Enjoy a luxurious meal at restaurants like Social House or P.F. Chang’s .

Opening Hours : 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Sunday to Wednesday), 10:00 am – 1:00 am (Thursday to Saturday).

Day 1 | Evening (Dubai Fountain show)

About Place : Wind down the day by exploring the Dubai Fountain show, located right outside the mall. The dancing water and lights will take your breath away! 💧✨

How to get there : The fountain is just outside the mall, a short walk from the entrance.

Distance from Dubai Mall : Dubai Mall to Dubai Fountain takes 3 min (550.0 m)

Ticket Price to Visit : Free to watch from the promenade.

Recommended Length of Stay : About 30 minutes to watch a few shows.

Best Time to Visit : Shows start in the early evening and continue every 30 minutes.

Top Attractions and Activity with Price : Dubai Fountain Boardwalk : AED 20 for a closer view from the boardwalk.

• 🎉 Try to catch the shows at different times for varied music and lights.
• 🎥 Bring a tripod for great night shots of the fountain show.
• ⛵ Consider a fountain boat ride (around AED 65) for a different perspective.
• Dine at the Promenade : There are plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating to enjoy the fountain show while dining.
• Armani/Ristorante : Located near the fountain for an upscale dining experience.

Opening Hours : Fountain shows start at 6:00 pm and run every 30 minutes until 11:00 pm.

Day 2 Itinerary: Miracle Garden, Dubai Frame, La Mer Beach

Day  2 | Morning: Miracle Garden

About the Place : Start your day with a trip to the enchanting Miracle Garden! 🌺 This colorful oasis is home to more than 150 million flowers arranged in creative displays. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely morning stroll and taking beautiful photos.

How to Get There : Take the Dubai Metro to the MOE (Mall of the Emirates) station, then grab a taxi to Miracle Garden for about AED 15-20.

Distance from your starting point : Around 17 km from central Dubai (approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic).

Ticket Price : AED 75 for adults.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 2 hours exploring the garden.

Best Time to Visit : Early morning to avoid the heat and enjoy fewer crowds.

Top Attractions and Activities :

• The Heart Tunnel : Perfect for romantic photos.
• A380 Airbus display : A life-sized floral version of the famous airplane.
• The Butterfly Garden : A separate ticket is required, about AED 55.
• 🕶️ Bring sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.
• 🚶 Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• 💧 Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Eating Options : There are several food kiosks and cafes in the garden offering snacks and drinks.

Opening Hours : 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (weekdays), 9:00 am – 11:00 pm (weekends).

Day 2 | Afternoon: Dubai Frame

About the Place : Next, head to Dubai Frame, a huge picture frame that connects old and new Dubai! 🖼️ The glass walkway offers a bird’s-eye view of both the historic and modern parts of the city.

How to Get There : From Miracle Garden, take a taxi for around AED 20-30.

Distance from Miracle Garden : Approximately 25 km, a journey of around 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Ticket Price : AED 50 for adults.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend about 1-2 hours here.

Best Time to Visit : Late morning or early afternoon to enjoy the views without too much heat.

• Glass Bridge : Walk over the transparent walkway.
• Interactive Gallery : Learn about the history and future of Dubai.
• 📷 Bring your camera for fantastic panoramic shots.
• 🎫 Book tickets online to skip the line.

Eating Options : There are snack stalls nearby, or you can grab a meal later at La Mer.

Opening Hours : 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.

Day 2 | Evening: La Mer Beach

About the Place : End your day at La Mer Beach, a trendy waterfront spot with a vibrant atmosphere! 🌊 Enjoy the sandy shores, colorful boardwalk, and plenty of dining and shopping options.

How to Get There : From Dubai Frame, take a taxi for around AED 20-25.

Distance from Dubai Frame : Around 10 km, which is about 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Ticket Price : Free entry.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend about 2-3 hours soaking in the atmosphere and relaxing.

Best Time to Visit : Late afternoon into the evening for cooler weather and sunset views.

• Beach activities : Swimming, sunbathing, or trying water sports.
• Art murals : Admire the artistic graffiti on the walls.
• Shopping and dining : Explore the shops and eateries along the promenade.
• 🏄‍♂️ Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to take a dip.
• 👟 Comfortable walking shoes will be handy for exploring.
• 🌅 Don’t miss the beautiful sunset over the beach.

Eating Options : Choose from a variety of cafes, restaurants, and food trucks offering international cuisines.

Opening Hours : Open 24/7, but shops and restaurants have varying hours.

Day 3 Itinerary: Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach, Burj Al Arab, Global Village

Day 3 | morning: kite beach.

About the Place : Start your day at Kite Beach, a lively spot known for its water sports and picturesque views of the Dubai skyline. 🏄‍♂️ Whether you’re into kitesurfing or just want to relax on the sand, this beach has something for everyone.

How to Get There : Take a taxi or ride-hailing service from your location. The cost is around AED 15-25 from central Dubai.

Distance from your starting point : Around 10 km from central Dubai (approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic).

Ticket Price : Free to enter, but some water sports may have a fee.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 2 hours enjoying the beach and activities.

Best Time to Visit : Early morning for calm seas and fewer crowds.

• Water sports : Try kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking (prices vary).
• Running track : Enjoy a jog along the beach.
• Playgrounds : Great for kids to play and enjoy.
• 🌞 Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• 🕶️ Don’t forget your sunglasses!
• 🧢 Wear swimwear and pack a towel if you plan to swim.

Eating Options : Check out the beachside cafes and food trucks for breakfast or snacks.

Opening Hours : Open 24/7.

Day 3 | Late Morning: Jumeirah Beach

About the Place : Next, head to Jumeirah Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Dubai. 🏖️ Known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear water, it’s a great spot for a relaxing beach day.

How to Get There : From Kite Beach, take a taxi or ride-hailing service for around AED 10-15.

Distance from Kite Beach : Very close, approximately 5 km (around 5 minutes by car).

Ticket Price : Free to enter.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend about 2 hours enjoying the beach.

Best Time to Visit : Late morning for a refreshing swim and sunbathing.

• Sunbathing and swimming : Relax and take a dip in the sea.
• Beach volleyball : Join a game or watch others play.
• 🏊‍♂️ Bring your swimwear and towel.
• 🛍️ Explore the nearby boutiques and cafes.

Eating Options : Plenty of nearby beach clubs and cafes offer snacks and meals.

Day 3 |  Afternoon: Burj Al Arab

About the Place : Get ready for a luxurious experience at Burj Al Arab, the iconic sail-shaped hotel! 🏨 Even if you’re not staying there, you can admire its architecture or book a dining reservation for a taste of luxury.

How to Get There : From Jumeirah Beach, take a taxi or walk. It’s a short distance of around 2 km (approximately 5 minutes by car or a 20-minute walk).

Distance from Jumeirah Beach : Very close, approximately 2 km.

Ticket Price : Free to admire the hotel from outside, but dining options inside can be pricey.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 1-2 hours here.

Best Time to Visit : Early afternoon for a meal or tea time.

• Take photos : Capture the iconic hotel from the beach.
• Dine at one of the restaurants : Prices vary, but the experience is top-notch.
• 📷 Take your camera for photos of the stunning hotel.
• 👗 Dress elegantly if you plan to dine in the hotel.
• Skyview Bar : Sip cocktails while enjoying city views.
• Al Mahara : An underwater-themed restaurant with a mesmerizing aquarium.

Opening Hours : Depending on the restaurant, but most dining venues open around 12:30 pm.

Day 3  | Evening: Global Village

About the Place : Wrap up your day with a visit to Global Village, a cultural extravaganza featuring pavilions from different countries! 🌏 Enjoy shopping, dining, and live entertainment in this bustling world fair.

How to Get There : Take a taxi from Burj Al Arab for around AED 45-55.

Distance from Burj Al Arab : Around 30 km, a journey of approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Ticket Price : AED 20 for adults.

Best Time to Visit : Late afternoon or evening for cooler temperatures and lively performances.

• Pavilions : Discover different cultures from around the world.
• Shopping : Find unique souvenirs from different countries.
• Live shows : Watch performances, including music and dance.
• 💃 Check the show schedule for the day to plan your visit.
• 🎁 Bring cash for smaller vendors that may not accept cards.

Eating Options : Enjoy a variety of international cuisines from the food stalls and restaurants.

Opening Hours : 4:00 pm – 12:00 am.

Day 4 Itinerary: Atlantis, Marina Walk, Ain Dubai, Blue Waters

Day 4 | Morning: Atlantis, The Palm

About the Place : Start your day at Atlantis, The Palm, a stunning resort on the Palm Jumeirah Island! 🌴 This iconic hotel is home to attractions such as the Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

How to Get There : Take a taxi or ride-hailing service from your location. The cost is around AED 40-50 from central Dubai.

Distance from your starting point : Around 25 km from central Dubai (approximately 25-35 minutes depending on traffic).

Ticket Price :

• Aquaventure Waterpark : AED 299 for adults.
• Lost Chambers Aquarium : AED 120 for adults.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 3-4 hours enjoying the attractions.

Best Time to Visit : Morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the park.

• Aquaventure Waterpark : Thrilling slides and rides (AED 299 for adults).
• Lost Chambers Aquarium : Explore marine life (AED 120 for adults).
• Dolphin Bay : Swim with dolphins (prices vary).
• 🏄‍♂️ Wear swimwear for the waterpark.
• 📸 Take lots of photos around the resort and beach.
• 🧴 Bring sunscreen for the outdoor attractions.
• The Shore : Casual dining by the waterpark.
• Nobu : Enjoy a fancy meal of Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine.

Opening Hours :

• Aquaventure Waterpark : 10:00 am – 5:30 pm.
• Lost Chambers Aquarium : 10:00 am – 9:00 pm.

Day 4 | Late Morning and Afternoon: Marina Walk

About the Place : Head to Marina Walk, a beautiful waterfront promenade with stunning views of skyscrapers and luxury yachts. 🛥️ Stroll along the boardwalk, shop, and dine in this vibrant area.

How to Get There : From Atlantis, take a taxi or ride-hailing service for around AED 25-30.

Distance from Atlantis : Approximately 15 km (around 15-20 minutes by car).

Ticket Price to Visit : Free to explore.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend about 2-3 hours walking and enjoying the sights.

Best Time to Visit : Late morning and afternoon for a leisurely stroll.

• Shopping : Explore boutiques and shops along the promenade.
• Boat tours : Enjoy a yacht cruise (prices vary).
• 🚶‍♂️ Walk along the promenade for the best views.
• 📷 Capture photos of the stunning skyscrapers and yachts.
• 🛥️ Consider booking a boat tour.
• Reem Al Bawadi : Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Zaroob : Popular for traditional Arabic street food.

Day 4 | Afternoon: Ain Dubai

About the Place : Next, visit Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel! 🎡 Get ready for incredible 360-degree views of the city and beyond.

How to Get There : From Marina Walk, take a taxi or ride-hailing service for around AED 10-15.

Distance from Marina Walk : Very close, approximately 2 km (around 5 minutes by car).

Ticket Price : Around AED 130 for adults.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 1-2 hours enjoying the ride and views.

Best Time to Visit : Late afternoon for stunning sunset views.

• Observation wheel ride : Enjoy the views (AED 130 for adults).
• Luxury cabins : Opt for a VIP experience (prices vary).
• 📷 Bring your camera for breathtaking views.
• 🧥 Bring a light jacket in case it gets windy.

Opening Hours : 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

Day 4 | Evening: Blue Waters

About the Place : End your day at Blue Waters, a vibrant island destination home to Ain Dubai and an array of attractions. 🌊 Stroll along the waterfront, dine at chic restaurants, and enjoy the evening views.

How to Get There : Ain Dubai is part of Blue Waters, so just take a short walk to explore the rest of the island.

Distance from Ain Dubai : Ain Dubai to Blue Waters: 0 km.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend about 2 hours exploring.

Best Time to Visit : Evening for cooler temperatures and beautiful lights.

• Strolling along the promenade : Enjoy the views and lively atmosphere.
• Shopping : Find unique shops and boutiques.
• Madame Tussauds Dubai : Meet your favorite wax figures (AED 135 for adults).
• 🛍️ Take your time to explore the shops and attractions.
• 🌇 Enjoy the island’s vibrant nightlife.
• The London Project : Offers a modern British dining experience.
• Ammos : Enjoy Greek cuisine with a view of the sea.

Opening Hours : Open 24/7, but individual attractions may have specific opening hours.

Day 5 Itinerary: Al Fahidi Fort/Dubai Museum, Al Seef Village, Dubai Gold Souk/Spice Souk, Dhow Cruise/Abra

Day 5 | morning: al fahidi fort/dubai museum.

About the Place : Begin your day exploring Al Fahidi Fort, one of the oldest structures in Dubai! 🏰 The fort houses the Dubai Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of the city.

How to Get There : Take the Dubai Metro to the Al Fahidi Station. It’s a short walk from the station to the museum. Alternatively, a taxi ride from central Dubai costs around AED 20.

Distance from your starting point : Around 15 km from central Dubai (approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic).

Ticket Price : AED 3 for adults, AED 1 for children.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 1-2 hours exploring the museum.

Best Time to Visit : Early morning to avoid the crowds.

• Museum exhibits : Discover Dubai’s history and culture.
• Fort structure : Walk through the traditional fort.
• 🏰 Wear comfortable shoes for walking around.
• 📷 Bring your camera to capture historical sites.

Eating Options : Nearby cafes offer a variety of snacks and drinks.

Opening Hours : 8:30 am – 8:30 pm (Saturday to Thursday), 2:30 pm – 8:30 pm (Friday).

Day 5 | Late Morning and Afternoon: Al Seef Village

About the Place : After exploring the museum, head to Al Seef Village for a taste of old and new Dubai! 🏺 The village features traditional architecture and modern shops and cafes along the creek.

How to Get There : Al Seef Village is within walking distance from Al Fahidi Fort/Dubai Museum.

Distance from Al Fahidi Fort/Dubai Museum : Very close, approximately 0.5 km (about a 5-minute walk).

Ticket Price : Free to explore.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 1-2 hours walking and enjoying the area.

Best Time to Visit : Late morning to early afternoon for a relaxing stroll.

• Creekside walk : Enjoy the views and ambiance.
• Shopping : Explore the boutique shops.
• 🛍️ Take your time to explore the shops.
• 🐪 Keep an eye out for cultural events and exhibitions.
• Kan Zaman : Traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Skafos : Offers Mediterranean dishes with creek views.

Opening Hours : Most shops and cafes open around 10:00 am.

Day 5 | Afternoon: Dubai Gold Souk/Spice Souk

About the Place : Next, visit the bustling Dubai Gold Souk and Spice Souk! 💎🌶️ These markets offer a unique shopping experience with their vibrant stalls and fragrant spices.

How to Get There : From Al Seef Village, take an abra (traditional boat) across the creek for around AED 1.

Distance from Al Seef Village : Very close, approximately 0.5 km (about a 5-minute abra ride).

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 2 hours exploring the markets.

Best Time to Visit : Afternoon when the souks are lively.

• Gold Souk : Discover intricate jewelry and gold pieces.
• Spice Souk : Find a wide variety of spices and herbs.
• 💍 Be ready to bargain for the best deals.
• 🌶️ Take in the unique smells and sights.

Eating Options : Local eateries around the area offer traditional snacks and meals.

Opening Hours : Most shops open around 10:00 am.

Day 5 Evening: Dhow Cruise/Abra, Bur Dubai

About the Place : Wind down your day with a relaxing Dhow Cruise or Abra ride along Dubai Creek. 🛥️ This peaceful experience offers views of the city skyline and traditional buildings.

How to Get There : From the Gold Souk/Spice Souk, take an abra ride to your cruise or head to a nearby pier.

Distance from Gold Souk/Spice Souk : Nearby, a short walk to the pier.

• Dhow Cruise : Prices vary based on the cruise type, starting from AED 50.
• Abra ride : AED 1 per ride across the creek.

Recommended Length of Stay : Around 1-2 hours for a full dhow cruise experience.

Best Time to Visit : Evening for a beautiful sunset experience.

• Dhow Cruise : Enjoy a dinner cruise (prices vary).
• Abra ride : Cross the creek for AED 1.
• 🌅 Enjoy the sunset views on the water.
• 🎥 Bring your camera for lovely photos of the skyline.
• Dinner cruises offer meals on board.
• Local eateries are nearby for a quick bite.

Opening Hours : Abra rides operate from 5:00 am – 11:00 pm. Dhow cruises typically run in the evening.

Day 6 Itinerary: Shopping in Bur Dubai/Deira, Mall of the Emirates, IBN Battuta Mall, Desert Safari

Day 6 | Morning: Shopping in Bur Dubai/Deira

About the Place : Start your day with some shopping in Bur Dubai and Deira! 🛍️ Bur Dubai and Deira offer traditional markets, unique souvenirs, and a taste of local culture.

How to Get There : Take the Dubai Metro to the BurJuman station for Bur Dubai and the Union station for Deira.

Distance from your starting point : Varies depending on your location; typically within 15-20 minutes from central Dubai.

Ticket Price : Free to explore the markets.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 2-3 hours exploring and shopping.

Best Time to Visit : Early morning to mid-morning for the best shopping experience.

• Textile Souk : Find colorful fabrics and traditional clothing.
• Gold Souk : Discover beautiful jewelry.
• Spice Souk : Buy aromatic spices and herbs.
• 🛍️ Be ready to bargain for the best deals.
• 📷 Bring your camera for colorful and vibrant market photos.
• Local cafes and eateries are nearby for a quick bite.
• Traditional restaurants : Try local dishes for a unique culinary experience.

Opening Hours : Markets typically open around 10:00 am.

Day 6 | Late Morning and Afternoon: Mall of the Emirates

About the Place : Next, head to the Mall of the Emirates, one of Dubai’s most famous shopping centers! 🛍️ It’s not just a mall—there’s also a ski slope inside!

How to Get There : Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to the Mall of the Emirates station.

Distance from Bur Dubai/Deira : Approximately 15 km, around 20-30 minutes by car or metro.

Ticket Price : Free to enter, but activities inside vary in price.

Recommended Length of Stay : Spend around 2-3 hours exploring the mall.

• Ski Dubai : Indoor ski slope (ticket prices vary).
• Magic Planet : Family-friendly entertainment (prices vary).
• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes for walking around.
• 💸 Be prepared to shop ’til you drop!
• Food Court : Offers various cuisines at different price points.
• Fancy restaurants : Try something special at restaurants like Texas Roadhouse or PF Chang’s .

Opening Hours : 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday), 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday).

Day 6 | Afternoon: IBN Battuta Mall

About the Place : Visit the exotic IBN Battuta Mall, themed around the travels of the 14th-century explorer Ibn Battuta. 🌍 This mall offers a unique shopping experience with different architectural zones based on his journey.

How to Get There : Take the Dubai Metro to the Ibn Battuta station.

Distance from Mall of the Emirates : Approximately 15 km, around 15-20 minutes by metro or car.

Best Time to Visit : Afternoon for a relaxed shopping experience.

• Themed zones : Explore the architectural styles of different countries.
• Entertainment : Enjoy a movie or play games at the entertainment center.
• 🌍 Take time to enjoy the unique design of each zone.
• 💸 Shop around for souvenirs and gifts.
• Food Court : Offers various cuisines at reasonable prices.
• Themed restaurants : Try food from different cultures.

Day 6 | Evening: Desert Safari

End your day with an adventurous Desert Safari! 🐪 Enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, and a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars.

How to Get There : Most safari tours provide transportation from your hotel.

Distance from IBN Battuta Mall : Varies depending on the location of your chosen safari experience, but approximately 30-40 km.

Ticket Price : Prices vary based on the type of safari, starting from AED 150.

Recommended Length of Stay : The whole experience typically lasts around 5-6 hours.

Best Time to Visit : Late afternoon to catch the sunset over the dunes.

• Dune bashing : Experience an exhilarating ride over the dunes.
• Camel rides : Try a ride on a traditional camel.
• Bedouin-style camp : Enjoy traditional food, music, and entertainment.
• 🌄 Wear light, comfortable clothing and bring a jacket for the evening.
• 📷 Bring your camera for stunning sunset and desert views.

Eating Options : Dinner included : Most safari experiences include a traditional dinner.

Opening Hours : Safari tours usually start in the afternoon and run into the evening.

Dubai offers a diverse and exciting range of attractions and experiences for visitors over a 6-day itinerary. From iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame to stunning beaches like La Mer and Jumeirah Beach, and cultural experiences in Al Fahidi and Al Seef Village, the city showcases its rich blend of modernity and tradition.

Visitors can enjoy shopping at world-class malls, indulge in delicious cuisines, and explore unique attractions like Miracle Garden and Global Village. The trip can be complemented by adventures such as desert safaris, boat rides on the Dubai Creek, and exploring Atlantis, The Palm.

The city’s excellent transportation infrastructure ensures easy access to all the locations on the itinerary. Whether it’s the awe-inspiring skyline or the vibrant souks, Dubai promises an unforgettable experience for travelers of all interests.

How much did you like Our detailed   Dubai in 6 Days – Your Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary (2024) ?  Review Also, please share these  Blogs  with your friends on social media.

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Dubai Itinerary for up to 7 Days (+Map & Planning Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: June 3, 2024

Visiting Dubai in the United Arab Emirates for the first time and wondering how to plan your trip so that you can see most of the top sights in Dubai?

What are the ‘must-sees’? How many days do you need? And how to plan your time so that you can make the most out of your trip, no matter the duration…

In this guide, we share  a recommended Dubai itinerary for 7 days.  Why 7? Because this is about the minimum amount of time you need if you want to see most of the top places in Dubai, take a day trip to Abu Dhabi (must-do!), and keep your trip somewhat relaxed and enjoyable.

Our suggested one-week Dubai itinerary is described below in detail, including the map indicating all the top sights and attractions. We also included our experience-based tips to help you with the practical side of planning a trip (such as which tickets to pre-book in order to avoid disappointment).

If your trip is shorter and you have less than a week in Dubai, you can simply adjust our recommended Dubai itinerary based on your interests and the time that you have. To make it easier to decide what to see, we listed the very best places and top attractions first. So for example, with three days in Dubai, follow the itinerary described on days 1, 2, and 3. With 5 days in Dubai, follow the recommendations for the first 5 days, etc.

Of course, you can also ‘mix and match’, pick the activities that interest you the most, switch the days around, and plan your own perfect trip. Use this just as inspiration for the top places to see and what can actually be done in Dubai in a week. And if your trip is shorter, you can also find some suggestions for half a day, a day or two in our guide on planning a stopover in Dubai .

Dubai Itinerary Overview & Map

Here you can see our recommended Dubai itinerary in a nutshell as well as the map indicating all the top sights mentioned in our article.

Further below, you can find a detailed day-by-day itinerary with more info, tips, and photos. It will give you a better idea of what to expect and how to plan your time so that you can see the very best of Dubai in a week or less.

This is our recommended 7-day itinerary for your first trip to Dubai:

• DAY 1: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa) + Museum of the Future
• DAY 2: Old Dubai + Desert Tour
• DAY 3: Burj Al Arab, The Palm, Marina
• DAY 4: Abu Dhabi Day Trip
• DAY 5: Dubai Miracle Garden + Global Village or IMG Worlds of Adventure
• DAY 6: Waterpark (or an alternative day trip)
• DAY 7: Dubai Frame + AYA Universe + iFly Dubai

Good to know: In this itinerary, we grouped the best places to see in Dubai and top activities based on their location and the time that you need in order to visit them and to travel in between. Traffic can be really busy, so it’s important to keep that in mind when planning your Dubai sightseeing itinerary! For more tips, be sure to also read our Dubai travel tips .

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Practical Info & Planning Tips

Here is some practical information to help to plan your trip to Dubai:

Getting around: The cheapest and fastest way to cover big distances in Dubai is the metro. However, depending on where you are staying/going, a taxi is a very good and affordable option as well. See our guide to Dubai public transport for more info.

Renting a car is quite affordable, but parking can be a real hassle in Dubai. Plus, most guided tours include pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, so renting a car is not a must.

Where to stay: For a short trip to Dubai with sightseeing as the main focus, stay close to Dubai Mall (e.g. Sofitel Dubai Downtown ). If you are staying for a week or longer, consider the Dubai Marina area (e.g. JW Marriott Hotel Marina ) or Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) near the Marina (e.g. Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach ).

Our experience: We tend to stay on the beach when visiting Dubai. Once we stayed at Doubletree by Hilton JBR Beach , and recently we stayed at Rove La Mer Beach Hotel which is at the beach, but also close to the Dubai Mall area. This area is still under development but has a very hip and relaxed feeling.

Tickets and tours: If you wonder whether you need to pre-book anything/everything, my advice is simple: if you don’t want to miss it, be sure to book it in advance. Tickets to the most popular attractions in Dubai often sell out, some even weeks upfront. And even if you can get them on the spot, they are usually (a lot) more expensive than online. For tours, it depends. Usually, you should be able to book last minute, but if you find a tour you like, just reserve it.

Good to know: Most of the attraction tickets and tours we recommend can be booked via the GetYourGuide website which offers very flexible cancelation so you have nothing to lose. This is the website we personally used for all our tickets and tours in Dubai. In our detailed day-to-day itinerary below, you can find more information about tickets and tours that we recommend.

Please note that all the hours in our itinerary are only indicated for your reference so that you have a better idea of how much time approximately you need everywhere. Don’t forget to foresee plenty of buffer time between the attractions that work with timed entry slots!

Museum of the Future – Sky Views Observatory – Dubai Mall – Burj Khalifa – Dubai Fountains.

Day 1 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Museum of the Future – timed entry tickets (book at least a few weeks in advance!).
• Sky Views – timed entry tickets or tickets + Edge Walk .
• Burj Khalifa – timed entry tickets (book well in advance!).
• Optional: Burj Lake boat ride , Dubai Aquarium .

Good to know: Some of these attractions can also be booked together, as a combo deal. For example, Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium ticket can save you about $20 per person. You can find more options and bundle deals here .

Here’s what your first day in Dubai could look like:

Museum of The Future

9.30 – 11.30 AM.

Start your day with one of the most popular attractions in Dubai – the Museum of the Future . The iconic building is one of the most remarkable landmarks of Dubai and the museum is the most sought-after ticket in the UAE.

A visit to this museum gives you a peek into the future of space travel and climate change, but also health, robotics, and AI. With lots of interactive displays, it’s an interesting place that the whole family will enjoy. But frankly, a lot depends on your expectations – some people love it, others say it’s over-hyped. Either way, it’s worth visiting even if just for the remarkable architecture.

PRO TIP: Book your tickets for this museum well in advance. They are usually sold out at least 2-3 weeks upfront. In addition, if you want to be able to pick a time slot as well, you really should book at least a month in advance.

Practical info: The museum is open from early morning and you will need a couple of hours for a visit. So ideally you start your day here and keep the afternoon for the Dubai Mall area. Booking the first time slot is also the best way to enjoy the exhibits without a big crowd!

12 – 1.30 PM

Next, take a metro to Dubai Mall. It’s just two metro stops from the Museum of the Future and as you exit the station, you’ll be right at the next place we recommend visiting – Sky Views. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi, just be sure to ask them to drop you off at the right place depending on what you decide to visit first (the Dubai Mall area is huge!).

Sky Views is an observatory at 720 ft (219.5 meters), offering some of the best 360° views of Downtown Dubai. From here, you have an unparalleled view of the iconic Burj Khalifa, which is located just nearby but also at a nice distance to admire it to the fullest.

In addition to the viewing platform, there is also a glass-bottom walkway , a bit like at Dubai Frame (more about it on day 7 of this itinerary).

Plus, all tickets include one go on the Sky Glass Slide , a short transparent tube that ‘floats’ at the side of the building. Don’t worry – it’s not nearly as exciting as it sounds, and frankly, I’m still not sure if I would queue for it for almost an hour again… But if it’s not too busy, be sure to give it a try. It’s fun!

Good to know: At an additional cost, you can get a ticket that includes the Sky Edge Walk . Attached with a harness, you walk on an open platform on the 52nd floor. This looks so cool and could easily become one of the best experiences you do in Dubai.

Since one of our kids has a serious fear of heights, I couldn’t try the Sky Edge yet (on the most recent trip, I was in Dubai alone with the children, so hanging on the side of a building while the kids waited inside wasn’t really an option ;)). But if you are up for it, give it a try – it looks amazing and everyone we talked to who did it was very enthusiastic.

Talking about heights, the same kid was totally ok with the glass slide, but he wouldn’t step on a glass-bottom walkway… Go figure…

Practical information: Book timed-entry tickets (with or without the Sky Edge Walk option) in advance. To be on the safe side, give yourself at least half an hour to get to Sky Views Observatory from the Museum of the Future. The metro ride is just 3 minutes, but you also need to walk to the metro and find your way around the Dubai Mall station, etc.

AFTERNOON + EVENING.

Next, time to visit the famous Dubai Mall . Inside, you will find plenty of places for lunch . From fine dining options and pricier restaurants overlooking Dubai Fountains to lower-budget fast-food chains, the choice is overwhelming.

The entrance to Burj Khalifa is also located here, at the lower level of the Mall. Depending on your preference for daytime or nighttime views and/or which time slot you can get for Burj Khalifa (more info below), you can explore the Dubai Mall first or after visiting the tower.

The Dubai Mall complex is so huge and has so much to offer that you could easily spend an entire day and still not see part of it! In addition to hundreds of stores and restaurants, you will also find all kinds of family-friendly attractions here, including an indoor ice skating rink, KidZania , MirrorMaze, cinemas, indoor playgrounds, and many others.

TIP: Do not miss the Dubai Mall Waterfall and Dubai Aquarium. Both can be admired for free, but if you want to visit the aquarium inside, you’ll need a ticket (and it’s really expensive for what it is and even worse if you didn’t think to get your tickets online…). So if you want to visit here, consider this combo ticket with Burj Khalifa (and book in advance!).

Good to know: Dubai Mall is huge and overwhelming for a first-time visitor. There are multiple levels, interconnected with countless staircases and elevators, plus multiple entrances and exits. So foresee plenty of time for everything and don’t plan too many attractions on the same day. Or do the things you absolutely want to do first and then see if you still have time and energy left for the rest.

Burj Khalifa

The highest building in the world, Burj Khalifa is the most popular tourist attraction in Dubai. While you can admire this iconic building from outside as much as you like, you will need a ticket to visit the ‘At the Top’ experience.

There are several options for which levels you can visit, and ticket prices vary depending on that, but also on the time of the day when you come.

The standard ticket includes levels 124 and 125 and gives you access to unparalleled 360° views over Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. You can also opt for this ticket that includes levels 124 and 125 as well as lunch or dinner at Rooftop, The Burj Club.

PRO TIP: We recommend getting this ticket that includes access to SKY Level 148 (in addition to standard levels). This ticket also gives you priority access to security and the elevator, which will save you a lot of time and stress. That’s worth a higher price in itself. It also includes an introductory tour with a guest ambassador and access to the lounge with snacks and hot drinks (except during the daytime in the month of Ramadan).

Practical information: The busiest and most expensive time to visit Burj Khalifa is ‘around’ sunset, which in practice means the entire late afternoon. For example, if the sunset is at 6.30 PM, ticket prices are higher between 3 PM and sunset time… But if you only enter at 6.30, the sun will long be gone by the time you get to the top, so I see no point in paying more for the time slots that are too close to the actual sunset time…

TIP: If you want to enjoy daytime views, the sunset, and night views, book a time slot about 1.5-2 hours before the sunset. That way, you should be able to get to the top in time, even if there are long queues. Alternatively, as already said before, get priority tickets which will save you a lot of queueing.

Dubai Fountains & Burj Lake Boat Ride

+-15-30 MINUTES.

No trip to Dubai would be complete without seeing the famous Dubai Fountains show at Burj Lake . You can find these fountains outside of the Dubai Mall, at the foot of Burj Khalifa.

While this area is always nice to explore and walk around, the best time to be here is in the evening, when you can see a musical show and the fountains dancing with the backdrop of Burj Khalifa.

The fountain schedule is as follows: daily at 1 PM and 1.30 PM, plus every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM. On Fridays, there is no show at 1 PM, but there is one at 2 PM. The shows are always slightly different and if you come here in the evening, you’ll likely catch a few of them.

TIP: In addition to seeing the fountains from land, you can also opt for a short scenic boat ride on Burj Lake . These boats also give you a front-row seat during a fountain show. It looks very touristy, but the kids wanted to do it on our recent trip and we all enjoyed it more than I expected. It’s quite affordable for Dubai standards and we all found that it was well worth it. It’s also a nice way to rest your legs a bit after all the sightseeing.

Spend the rest of your day/evening in the Dubai Mall area. Afterward, take a metro or a taxi back to your hotel.

Good to know: The taxi and Uber stands at the Dubai Mall are located at one of the underground levels, quite far from the Dubai Fountains, and are very confusing to find (plus, the taxi stand is not the same as the one for Uber).

So if you want to call it a day after visiting the fountains, simply walk to any public road on either side of Burj Lake and call a taxi from there – it’s so much easier! For example, there is a taxi drop-off point on the main road behind the Dubai Opera.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood – Dubai Creek – Traditional Souks – Dubai Desert.

Day 2 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Old Dubai – we recommend visiting with a guided tour .
• Dubai Desert tour – there are many options including various activities .

When you think of Dubai, you probably associate it with skyscrapers and all the iconic modern-day landmarks. However, no trip to Dubai would be complete without exploring its old town and the desert.

So on your second day, we recommend that you spend some time getting to know the more traditional side of Dubai.

Here is what your day could look like:

9.30 AM – 12.30 PM.

In the morning, take a couple of hours to explore the Old Dubai.

Start at the nicely restored Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood . Here, you can find several low-key museums and a few traditional restaurants, but the best thing to do is simply walk around the area. Here, you will find a completely different Dubai, as it used to look in the not-so-distant past.

Afterward, take a ride on a traditional Abra boat to the northern side of Dubai Creek. Here, you will find the two most popular traditional markets in Dubai: the Spice Souk and Gold Souk .

TIP: We recommend visiting this area with a local guide . Not only because it’s easier and you don’t need to plan anything, but it’s also a nice way to get to know more about the history of the UAE and learn about local traditions and customs. Plus, you can get some tips for haggling at the markets.

Good to know: There are many tours that visit the Old Town. They all cover pretty much the same places, including the boat ride. Most tours take about 3 hours, are very affordable, and have great reviews. The main difference is that some of them include some/more local food and drinks.

Frankly, it’s really hard to choose a tour. I wasted hours reading descriptions and reviews and was still none the wiser… So save yourself the trouble and just pick any highly-rated tour that suits your itinerary and you should be fine.

In the end, we chose this guided tour because it includes quite a lot of local food at one of the best traditional restaurants (in addition to the markets and other sights that all tours visit). But if you are less interested in food and more in the area, you can find plenty of cheaper tours as well. Most of them include at least one local snack too.

On our first visit to Dubai many years ago, we opted for a bit longer city tour that included a few other areas as well. The old town part of both these tours was very similar.

After visiting the old town, get back to your hotel and take some time to relax and enjoy the pool. Depending on the location of your hotel, which desert tour you booked, and the pick-up time for the tour, you should have a couple of hours of free time.

Good to know: When booking a tour that includes a pick-up/drop-off at your accommodation, keep in mind, that they will usually pick you up about 30-45 minutes before the official starting time. If you book tours online, they will usually reach out to you via WhatsApp either the evening before or in the morning.

TIP: Don’t eat too much for lunch if you book a desert tour that includes a BBQ dinner. There is so much food on these tours (and it’s delicious) – you won’t be hungry. Plus, if you opt for a dune-bashing in a jeep, it’s better that you haven’t eaten too much just before that…

Desert Safari

3 – 10 PM.

A visit to the desert is another experience that should be in any Dubai itinerary. No matter which tour you choose, you are in for a good time, but be sure to read tour descriptions so that you know what exactly to expect!

There are  many desert tour options , either about 4 or 7 hours. Unless you want to go on a hot air balloon (in which case it will likely be in the morning), we recommend looking into afternoon/evening tours that include a BBQ dinner.

On these longer tours, there is usually one main activity, such as a 4×4 dune safari in a jeep, a quad bike ride, or a camel ride. The rest of the time is spent in a Bedouin camp where you can find all kinds of different experiences (sandboarding, taking pictures with falcons or camels, traditional dance shows, henna painting, etc.) which are all included with the tour.

The food on these tours is usually very good and plentiful. Water is included and most of the time, soft drinks and local warm beverages are included as well.

Our experience:  We have been on two different desert tours in Dubai (on different trips). They were both evening tours including dinner, had very similar itineraries, and were both very good. The main activity on  the first tour we did was dune bashing in a jeep. Other activities included sandboarding, a very short camel ride, a traditional Tanoura dance show, etc.

On a recent trip, we opted for  this highly-rated tour . The main activity this time was a 45-minute camel ride. Other activities included taking pictures with falcons, henna tattoos, shisha pipe, traditional dance shows, a fire show, etc.

Good to know: Just like with the old town tours, there are so many desert tour options that it can be overwhelming to pick one. First, decide what you want to do – for example, quad biking , a camel ride , etc. Then, read the description so that you know what’s included. For example, many tours include a short camel ride (for a picture), but only very few do a longer trek through the desert.

In general, all these tours are quite similar, and – at least in our experience – very good. Just be sure you know what you are booking so that you don’t end up on a quad bike while you were expecting to sit on a camel…

Burj Al Arab – Souk Madinat Jumeirah – The Palm – JBR Beach – Dubai Marina.

Day 3 – some ideas for activities on this day:

• Inside tour or a Royal Suites tour + gold cappuccino .
• The View at The Palm Observatory
• Sightseeing Helicopter Ride
• Luxury Yacht Sightseeing Tour .
• Zip Line Across Marina .
• Marina E-scooter Tour .

On your third day in Dubai, we recommend visiting the area around Burj Al Arab, The Palm, and Dubai Marina and potentially also the nearby JBR Beach .

If you just walk around without visiting many attractions, then you can easily see all these places in a day. If, however, you opt for any of the activities, you will have to adjust your itinerary depending on the place/time of whatever you decide to do.

There are a lot of attractions that you can choose from on this day, but none of them are ‘must-do’. So a lot depends on your interests and budget. Also, don’t book too many different activities at different locations for the same day, and keep traffic in mind.

Here is what your third day in Dubai could look like:

Burj Al Arab & Souk Madinat Jumeirah

+-10 AM – 1 PM.

The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dubai. It’s renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels with lavish interiors and extravagant experiences.

You can just see the hotel from the outside, or you can also book a tour of the interior . If you want to get a taste of true luxury, upgrade to this luxury tour which includes their world-famous gold cappuccino and a visit to the 25th floor where you can see the Royal Suites.

Set against the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a bustling souk with traditional Middle Eastern charm. This area also has some picturesque waterways offering nice views of the Burj Al Arab.

Good to know: Depending on what you decide to do in this area, you can visit both places in about half an hour. If you book one of the tours, you’ll need at least 2 hours. In that case, we recommend booking the earliest tour, at 10 AM, and having lunch at the souk.

+- 1.30 – 3 PM.

The Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a giant palm tree. Stretching into the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, The Palm is connected to the mainland with bridges and tunnels. The island is home to a large number of luxurious hotels and opulent residences.

One of the most famous attractions here is Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis Hotel, but since you need at least a day for it, we recommend visiting the water park separately – see day 6 of our itinerary.

On this day, I would just focus on sightseeing. The best place to be is The View at The Palm Observatory from where you can enjoy nice 360° views including a good overview of this unique island. Alternatively, for even better aerial views, you can also opt for a sightseeing tour by helicopter .

If you are looking for nice views and want to relax at the pool, you could also check out the Aura Skypool . Keep in mind that no kids are allowed and that you will need to reserve a specific time slot in advance.

Good to know: Also here, the timing will depend on the activities you choose to do. If you just visit The Palm Observatory (and prebook timed entry tickets in advance!), 1 – 1.5 hours should be sufficient. A helicopter tour takes less time and is better organized, but you also need to arrive a bit earlier, etc. so to be on the safe side, I’d plan about an hour as well.

Dubai Marina

LATE AFTERNOON & EVENING.

Next, head to Dubai Marina , just 10 minutes drive from The Palm. Or – if you want to make the most out of your day – visit Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR Beach) first and then the Marina after that (the two areas are just next to each other).

The JBR – Marina Beach has a very nice waterfront area with access to a public beach and many cafes and restaurants. In the distance, you can also see the Dubai Eye (Ain Dubai), the world’s largest Ferris wheel. However, it’s been closed for years. The area is nice, but since it’s on a separate ‘island’, you would need quite a lot of extra time to visit there.

Dubai Marina is one of the nicest walkable areas to explore in Dubai. There is not one specific place that you ‘must’ see here and the best thing is to simply walk around along the Marina Walk (see our map for details). On the way, you can also visit the Marina Mall . Alternatively, consider joining a guided e-scooter tour – it’s a great way to see a lot of this vast area without having to walk.

In addition, there are quite a lot of activities that you can do at Dubai Marina. The most popular are luxury yacht sightseeing tours . If you are interested in water sports, you can go jet skiing or parasailing . Adrenaline seekers will love the zip line across the Marina …

TIP: Dubai Marina is also very nice in the evening. The atmosphere is great, there are lots of good restaurants, etc. So no matter how you plan this day of your Dubai itinerary, I recommend that you end it at the Marina. Scenic boat cruises in the dark are also really great, offering wonderful night-time views of the Marina skyline.

Good to know: We recommend at least an hour or two for the Marina Walk. In addition, boat tours in this area are really worth your time and some of them can take 2-3 hours. All in all, I would plan a good half a day in this area.

Day 4 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Abu Dhabi day tour – there are tons of options .

No trip to Dubai would be complete without visiting Abu Dhabi , the capital city of the UAE. It’s about 1.5- 2 hours drive from Dubai, so doable as a day trip.

Just to be clear – there is a lot more to see and do in Abu Dhabi than you could possibly see in a day.

Half a day tour is a good option if you are really short on time and just want to visit the main landmark – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. But with a week in Dubai, you could definitely spare a day. So we recommend taking a full-day tour to Abu Dhabi. That way, you can see several other places and get a much better idea of what Abu Dhabi is like.

Abu Dhabi Day Trip

Our experience: We booked this highly-rated day tour and I can highly recommend it. It’s one of the most complete Abu Dhabi tours I could find.

It includes a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Etihad Towers observation deck, and the Royal Palace, Qasr Al Watan.

For more information, the best tour options, and tips for planning a day trip to Abu Dhabi, please see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Abu Dhabi Day Tour From Dubai

Days 1-4 of our recommended Dubai itinerary include most of the must-sees. But there are quite a few other attractions that are also very popular and considered ‘must do’. However, I find that a lot depends on who you are traveling with, what your interests are, and also on your budget.

Anyway, to help you plan your time, we highlight several of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai on days 5-7 of this itinerary. We grouped them taking into account their location so that you can make the most out of your time. Take a look below!

Day 5 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Dubai Miracle Garden – ticket .
• Global Village – tickets .
• Optional: Dubai Butterfly Garden .
• Alternative for families: IMG Worlds of Adventure .

Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village are located very close to each other and can be easily visited on the same day/evening. There are also tours/private transfers that can bring you to both places (in about 6 hours).

Good to know: The Miracle Garden is open from 9 AM until 9 PM (11 PM on weekends) so could be visited at any time. However, Global Village is only open from 4 PM (6 PM during Ramadan) until midnight (1 AM on weekends). Furthermore, Tuesdays are reserved for families and women.

TIP: You could spend a good part of this day at the pool/beach and only do sightseeing in the late afternoon/evening. Or, if you absolutely want to make the most out of your time, you could also visit the Dubai Butterfly Garden which is located just next to Miracle Garden.

Alternatively, families might enjoy a visit to IMG Worlds of Adventure , one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world. The tickets are pricey so if you opt for this, you’ll likely want to spend the whole day here.

Miracle Garden

+- 1-2 HOURS.

Miracle Garden Dubai is a huge floral wonderland with over 150 million flowers. It boasts a breathtaking array of meticulously crafted floral displays, sculptures, castles, and all kinds of structures, all adorned with millions – yes, millions – of blooming flowers.

Some of their sculptures have won various Guinness World Records. You probably already get the vibe in the UAE – everything is big, bigger, the biggest… This impressive garden is no exception. They even have a flowery version of the Emirates A380 airbus, covered in more than 500,000 fresh flowers and plants. 

However, remember that you are in the middle of a desert so it’s difficult to keep most plants alive in a climate like this. That’s probably the reason why the overwhelming majority of flowers are petunias, in just a few different colors.

Good to know: Book tickets in advance and count about 1-2 hours for a visit here. The morning hours are the quietest, but if you want to visit Global Village as well, then it’s best to come in the afternoon and visit both places together.

Global Village

+- 3-4 HOURS.

Global Village Dubai offers an immersive cultural experience taking you on a journey ‘around the world’. The name pretty much says it all – it’s a place where you can experience different cultures while exploring pavilions, each representing another country.

Over 90 countries are represented, showcasing their unique heritage, traditions, products, and traditional foods. From sampling diverse cuisines to shopping for handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs from around the globe, there’s something for everyone. In addition, they also have live performances, cultural shows, carnival rides, etc.

Good to know: Global Village is one of the most affordable attractions in Dubai and regular tickets cost just a few bucks. However, this is just a ticket to get inside and you’ll have to pay extra for most of the attractions – a bit like visiting a country fair. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here.

TIP: Global Village is one of the most visited attractions in Dubai, popular with locals as well as international tourists. So avoid weekends and try to be at the entrance a bit before it opens because it quickly fills up. Friday and Saturday evenings can get crazy busy.

Day 6 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Atlantis Aquaventure – various ticket options .
• Wild Wadi – entry ticket .
• Dubai LEGOLAND – water park or theme park .

Alternative ideas for this day:

• Snorkeling day trip to Fujairah .
• Al Ain ‘Garden City’ day trip .
• Half-day camel trekking .
• Half-day falconry safari .

If you have a week in Dubai, we highly recommend visiting at least one of the water parks, especially if you are traveling with children or teenagers and there’s only that much sightseeing they can handle in the hot desert climate.

But no worries if you are not interested in spending a day on water slides, there are tons of other amazing things to do in and near Dubai. In that case, see our alternative suggestions above . For more info about waterparks – see below.

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark & Lost Chambers Aquarium

There are several water parks in Dubai. By far the best and most popular is Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm , the biggest water park in the world. With over 100 rides and attractions, Aquaventure has something to offer for the whole family. You can also meet dolphins and sea lions, and enjoy all kinds of water sports. In addition, you can visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium which is located just near the water park entrance.

Wild Wadi and LEGOLAND Water Park are also nice water parks. They are much smaller, with about 30 rides and attractions at Wild Wadi and about 20 at LEGOLAND.

These water parks are nice for families with younger kids and are incomparably less busy than Aquaventure. But if you want to experience the very best waterpark in Dubai, Aquaventure wins every time.

Good to know: You can spend the entire day at any of these water parks.

PRO TIP: Atlantis Aquaventure tickets are cheaper if booked online and over a week in advance. We recommend a combo ticket that includes entry to the Lost Chambers Aquarium (it’s open late in the evening so you can easily visit after you leave the water park). For more tips and helpful information for your visit, see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Atlantis Aquaventure

Day 7 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Dubai Frame – timed-entry tickets .
• AYA Universe – timed-entry tickets .
• Optional: iFly Dubai and/or Green Planet Indoor Rainforest .

On the last day of this itinerary, I want to highlight some additional experiences that we personally really enjoyed on a recent trip to Dubai. They are located not too far from each other in the northern part of the city (not too far from the airport) and could be done on the same day.

If you want to take it easy on your last day in Dubai, you could also just visit one or two of these attractions and spend the rest of the time chilling by the pool.

The two places that we recommend the most are Dubai Frame and AYA Universe. Our kids also LOVED iFly Dubai , but it’s located quite a bit further away and is probably also not for everyone’s interests. The Green Planet indoor rainforest is also amazing (and definitely not just for kids). You can find more info about each of these below.

Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame cannot be missed (quite literally). You will see this architectural landmark towering in the city skyline when driving around the city and from many other places. But if you want to visit it, you’ll need to allocate a few hours.

Looking like a gigantic picture frame, this iconic structure consists of two vertical towers connected by a glass-bottomed bridge. From its observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic 360° views of the city’s evolving skyline on one side and the historical old town on the other.

The views are ok but – in our opinion – not as good as from the other observation platforms which we mentioned earlier in this itinerary. Still, we found a visit here quite worth it, because the building itself is truly remarkable.

Good to know: Depending on how busy it is, you’ll need 1-2 hours for a visit. Be sure to book tickets online or you may not be able to enter at all (we saw a few disappointed families turned away at the entrance). Even with timed tickets, the queues are still long, especially in the afternoon. So if you want to visit without wasting too much time, I recommend booking an early morning time slot.

AYA Universe

One of the more recent attractions in Dubai, we stumbled upon AYA Universe by coincidence. And so glad we decided to visit because it became one of our favorite experiences in the city!

It’s difficult to describe this unique attraction. It’s like stepping into a dreamy world with captivating light displays and mesmerizing high-tech experiences. If anything, I could compare it to the worlds you see in Avatar movies. A colorful, fairytale-like universe that guarantees lots of positive emotions. Recommended!

AYA Universe is located inside WAFI City Mall. The interior of this shopping center is inspired by an Egyptian theme and is quite interesting to see as well.

Good to know: Count about 45 minutes for a visit here, an hour if you also want to walk around the Mall (it’s very small compared to most others in Dubai). Book your tickets online if you want to be able to visit AYA Universe at a specific time slot. There were just a few people when we arrived here in the morning but quickly got much busier. It’s a rather small facility and I think they cap the number of visitors that are allowed inside at the same time.

iFly Dubai is an indoor skydiving center located in Mirdif City Centre Mall. This is your chance to experience skydiving in a safe and controlled environment. Btw, they have the real thing in Dubai too – see skydiving tours here .

Before you start, you get a short training session explaining some basic techniques. The regular experience includes two 1-minute flights. It may not sound like much, but they say that when you leap from a plane when actually skydiving, the free-fall time is even shorter than a minute.

Good to know: They work with time slots and allow about 10 people per half an hour, so it’s best to book in advance . iFly Dubai says that it’s suitable for all ages. Most people in our group were children and teens, but also a few adults. Count about an hour for the whole experience.

Despite the name, City Centre Mirdif Mall is not located in the center at all. It’s actually quite a drive from most other attractions in Dubai (about 15-20 minutes from Dubai Frame or AYA Universe). This shopping center is quite big and has many nice restaurants, so you can also have lunch here.

The Green Planet

+- 2 HOURS.

The Green Planet is an indoor rainforest featuring several thousand tropical plants and a variety of birds and animals freely roaming inside. If you’ve ever been to a rainforest in Costa Rica , the plants and the animals you can see here are similar.

The Green Planet has several sloths, squirrel monkeys, and all kinds of reptiles. You can also visit a bat cave, see all kinds of colorful birds, and admire the world’s largest man-made and life-sustaining tree.

It’s particularly nice for families with children but is very enjoyable for adults as well. Recommended.

Good to know: The Green Planet is located next to the City Walk Mall in the center, not far from the Dubai Mall area. You can get tickets online . Plan about 2 hours for a visit. The Green Planet closes at 6 PM (much earlier than most other attractions), so keep this in mind when deciding which places to visit on this day and in which order.

So, this sums up our recommended Dubai itinerary. As you can see, there’s A LOT to experience in Dubai and a week will fly by before you know it.

The nice thing about planning a trip to Dubai is that it has such a wide variety of activities and attractions allowing you to personalize your trip and find something that everyone in your group/family will enjoy.

I hope that our suggested itinerary gives you some inspiration on what to see and do in Dubai and helps you plan a perfect holiday.

READ ALSO: What to Wear in Dubai

More info & travel inspiration for Dubai:

• Dubai Travel Tips
• How Expensive is Dubai
• Dubai Public Transport
• Dubai in February
• Best Things to Do in Dubai
• Best Tours in Dubai
• Abu Dhabi Tour from Dubai
• Best Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
• Free & Cheap Things to Do in Dubai
• Interesting Facts About Dubai

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Dubai Itinerary: 6 Days in Dubai in 2021 – Complete Guide

Are you visiting Dubai in 2021? Here is the perfect complete guide for a 6 day Dubai itinerary. Even 6 days is not enough to explore all that Dubai, and the UAE has to offer. However, I’ve created the perfect Dubai 6 day itinerary for you. This way you can maximize your time in Dubai. Dubai is the city I grew up in, and can’t get enough of. I’m sure you will love visiting Dubai too! Explore luxurious places, but also learn how to eat on a budget in Dubai in 2021 . In this blog and corresponding two-part VLOG series, discover where to eat, what to do and where to stay in Dubai for 6 days . If you’re looking to visit Dubai in 2021 , this is the perfect itinerary for you! 

Dubai Itinerary for 6 Days in 2021

Day 1 of 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Visit Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

For your first day in Dubai, keep it relaxed and chill by walking around the JBR community. JBR has so much to offer locals and tourists alike. With over 100 restaurants, shops, hotels and of course a beautiful beach with water sport activities, you could easily spend a whole day at JBR. I recommend spending the morning exploring the JBR region, then walk down to the newest attraction in Dubai, Bluewater’s island. But, then return back to JBR in the evening for a sunset kayak ride and some beach marketing shopping! JBR is of course the ideal place to enjoy a delicious Dubai dinner.

Bluewaters Island

Blueswaters island is an artificial island and is just a 10 to 20-minute walk from JBR. Bluewaters Island is home to the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, the Ain Dubai, and the famous Dubai marina. Enjoy a ride on the Ain Dubai to see the entire Dubai skyline. Also, the island is incredibly peaceful to walk around the blue waters promenade and have lunch in one of the many restaurants. 

In the evening, head back to JBR for kayaking and other watersport activities. Enjoy the sunset and soak in the stunning gulf views.

After kayaking if you still want to explore, visit during the winter months, nice beach market to check out!

Day 2 of the 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Visit Old Traditional Dubai

On day 2 of your 6 day Dubai adventure, have a cultural and historical day. Visit the heritage village of Bastakiya or the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Experience the traditional village settings, when locals were living simple lives. All of the historic homes have been converted into restaurants, cafes and museums like the coffee museum. If you want to understand how important coffee is to UAE, you have to visit the coffee museum. 

In the heritage village, visit the Gold Souk, which has been around for almost 100 years. Exercise your bargaining skills to haggle your way down to the right price. Be sure to use cash to get an even lower price! You can spend a whole day shopping, but don’t drive to the gold souk, take the metro, or train but do not drive.

For lunch, since you’ll perhaps be in the Bur Dubai area, I suggest having one of the most economical meals you’ll find in Dubai. Have some of the Indian street food or a proper meal. You can get a meal for as low as $5. Also, visit the spice souk where you’ll find every herb and spice under the sun, and the textile souk.

Since it’s such a traditional day, I would suggest having some traditional dinner. One of the best Yemeni dishes famous amongst the Arabs – Mandi. I would suggest going to Al Jood Mandy.  

Day 3 of the 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Discover the world’s largest shopping mall – Dubai Mall

Today you will visit the world’s largest mall – Dubai Mall. In one day you can see the world’s largest building, Burj Khalifa, the world’s largest shopping mall and the world’s largest water fountain show. There is so much to do here!  There is a very large Dubai aquarium, a Virtual Reality (VR) park, reel cinemas, and an indoor ice skating rink. You can spend the entire day experiencing, exploring and shopping all the attractions in Dubai Mall. Most people go to the Dubai mall to watch the water fountain and the laser show at the Burj khalifa which happens in the evening. Stay here until 7 pm then reserve a table by the fountain to see the fountain show. 

Pointe Palm Jumeriah  

I also recommend visiting Pointe Palm Jumeriah, an open planned mall, which is a waterfront mall with upscale restaurants. The fountain at Palm Jumeirah only works in the evening. Check out the beautiful bar – Acapella. Be sure to reserve before going there so you can enjoy cocktails while watching the light water fountain show. 

Where else do I recommend eating in Dubai?

• Al fanar restaurant festival city mall
• Local house restaurant Bastakiya – burgers and fries – camel burgers

Caution – Be sure to check before you plan your trip when the month of Ramadan is 

Where do I recommend staying in Dubai?

Dubai has something for every budget! Here are some areas to stay in, depending on your travel budget:

• Luxurious high-end areas are downtown Dubai around Dubai mall and Baj Khalifa
• The mid-range hotels and airbnbs are near the  Dubai Marina, and JBR
• For the most affordable accommodations, consider the old Dubai area

Day 4 of the 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Beach Fun 

Jumeirah mosque .

Before a day of beach fun, start the day visiting the iconic Jumeriah Mosque. This is one of the only mosques that is open to non-muslims in Dubai. It’s a beautiful space with an open door policy that allows everyone to come in to learn about Islam. There are daily 75 minute tours at 10 am to learn more about Islam. 

FYI –  Be sure to wear a headscarf and dress modestly. You need to be fully covered from head to toe. 

Kite Beach 

Enjoy the chill, youthful vibe that Kite beach has to offer. Of course, Kite beach gets its name from Kite surfing. There’s lots of activities to do here. Like volleyball courts, running track, water sports, ziplines, rollerblading and more. A trip to Dubai is not complete without visiting Kite Beach!

La Mer Beach

La Mer Beach is absolutely stunning. It’s a great place to hang out to chill, and eat with lots of restaurants to choose from. The area is full of beautiful ponds, and outdoor showers to wash off the salt water after taking a swim. I suggest sticking around until the evening as there are beautiful lights everywhere. Its a completely different place at night!

Day 5 of the 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Desert Safari Excursion

One cannot visit Dubai without exploring the desert! I suggest spending the morning of day 5 relaxing, then book an evening desert safari excursion. Tours start around 2-3:30 pm. Enjoy an afternoon of doon bashing, camel rides, henna painting, drinking Arabian coffee, and taking pictures in traditional costumes. Enjoy the stunning orange desert, and finish the night with a lavish buffet dinner with belly dancing entertainment.

Day 6 of the 6 Day Dubai Itinerary:  Dubai Miracle Garden

On your last day in Dubai, be sure to take some time to enjoy the Dubai Miracle Garden.From mid-November to mid-May this garden comes to life. Please note that it’s not open during the summer. At the Dubai Miracle Garden, you’ll find lots of colours and vibrant flowers from everywhere in the world. The Dubai Miracle Garden has won 2 Guinness book awards! It surely shouldn’t be missed during your 6 day stay in Dubai in 2021.

I recommend setting aside 2-3 hours to explore the Dubai miracle gardens. Then go to the man-made desert oasis that was built to promote eco-tourism in Dubai, Al Qudra lakes.

Al Qudra Lakes

Here you’ll discover a series of man-made lakes in the desert. It’s located in the southern Dubai outskirts about 53 km away from Dubai. In the last few years it’s become very popular for camping, bbq, and picnics during the winter season.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

End your 6 day Dubai itinerary here, exploring an authentic Arabian souk. It is the perfect combination of the old and new Dubai. Enjoy an old style Bazar to treat your retail therapy needs.  There’s also  gondola rides to enjoy the tranquil waterways. On the canal side there’s more than 50 bars and restaurants. Reserve a table before you dine!

Dubai Itinerary: 6 Days in Dubai in 2021 – Complete Guide: Where to eat on a budget?!

Discover places for eating economically in Dubai! I did the groundwork so you don’t have to. Explore these local Dubai restaurants for delicious meals, at affordable prices! Who says you can’t find affordable, budget-friendly food in Dubai? Here are a few of my favourite budget-friendly restaurants in Dubai:

Raju Omlet, Dubai – Breakfast cost approximately $6 USD.

Canara Restaurant, Dubai – Lunch Fish curry and steamed rice – approximately $8 

Veg World in the old dubai area – a lot of Indian snacks, eat for less than $5/a person

Yalla Momos  Dim Sum Dinner for only  $7 USD/a person

Be sure to learn more about Emirati food here. I hope this Dubai Itinerary: 6 Days in Dubai in 2021 – Complete Guide has helped you plan your Dubai trip. I recommend also reading cheap places to eat in Dubai . If you’re anything like me, one of the best parts about travelling is trying new food! Enjoy my friends 🙂

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Dubai Itinerary – How to Spend From 3 to 7 EPIC Days in Dubai!

Posted on Last updated: July 1, 2023

Looking for the ultimate Dubai itinerary? You just found it!

Dubai is the city of skyscrapers, of huge malls, of pristine white sand beaches, of busy souks and magical sunsets in the desert.

It’s a city that offers a huge variety of things to do, so it’s only normal that planning a Dubai itinerary can be challenging.

Lucky for you, I’ve been to Dubai so many times I’ve lost track (I think I’m on trip number 6) and have plenty of experience discovering this unique Emirati city.

I have put all my travel knowledge into this ultimate Dubai itinerary.

Enjoying the view over Burj Khalifa and Dubai from Sky Views Observatory

In this Dubai itinerary I have outlined everything you need to know to plan your perfect Dubai trip.

Starting with exactly how many days you need in Dubai, a day-by-day outline of all the best things to do in Dubai, where to stay, where to eat, how to get around the city, what to pack and much more.

I always build my itineraries in the most travel effective way, so that you don’t have to waste time constantly travelling from one of the city to the other. I do all the research and planning so you don’t have to!

This thorough and complete itinerary for Dubai will help you plan the perfect trip to this unique Emirati city. So without further ado, let’s dive in and start planning your ideal Dubai itinerary!

• 1.1 How many days in Dubai?
• 1.2 How to get around Dubai
• 1.3 Best time to visit Dubai
• 1.4 Where to stay in Dubai
• 1.5 Best tours in Dubai
• 1.6 Do you need travel insurance for Dubai?
• 1.7 What to pack for Dubai
• 2.1.1 Morning – Discover Dubai Marina
• 2.1.2 Afternoon – Relax at JBR & Marina Beach
• 2.1.3 Dinner – Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina
• 2.2.1 Morning – Discover old Dubai
• 2.2.2 Afternoon – Sky Views Observatory & Dubai Mall
• 2.2.3 Sunset & Evening – Burj Khalifa
• 2.3.1 Morning – Mall of the Emirates
• 2.3.2 Afternoon – Barasti Beach
• 2.3.3 Sunset – The view at The Palm at sunset
• 2.3.4 Evening – Dinner at The Pointe
• 3.1 Desert safari
• 4.1 Morning – Extend your desert safari
• 4.2 Afternoon – Chill at the Beach & see the Burj Al Arab
• 5.1.1 Emirates Heritage Club
• 5.1.2 Qasr al Watan
• 5.1.3 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• 5.1.4 Sunset from What AlKarama
• 6 Dubai itinerary 7 days

The sunset from The View at The Palm in Dubai

The iconic Dubai skyline at golden hour

Key things to know to plan the best Dubai itinerary

Before diving into the day-by-day breakdown of this Dubai itinerary, I want to go over some crucial logistics information for your trip. This is the information you need to ensure your Dubai trip runs smoothly.

How many days in Dubai?

First questions first, how many days do you actually need in Dubai?

Being a city, many travellers think Dubai doesn’t need that long to be discovered, but they couldn’t be more wrong! The city is huge, and transfers between places can take their time.

Personally, I think the bare minimum amount of time you should spend in Dubai is three days. Some travellers try to see as much as possible during long layovers in Dubai , but that’s nowhere near enough time.

This will allow you to see all the main sights, have time to relax on the beach and properly get a feel for the unique vibe of this city.

The iconic pink Atlantis The Palm as seen from The Pointe, Dubai

If you want to go beyond the main tourist attractions of Dubai, and live unique experiences like spending a night in the desert or seeing the Presidential Palace of Abu Dhabi, then you will need longer in Dubai.

In this article I have outlined my core Dubai 3-day itinerary, and then built on top of that to form itineraries for four days, five days, six days and even seven days in Dubai.

Depending on how long you have, and your personal interests, you can expand your trip to the full Dubai 7-day itinerary, or maybe just pick and choose specific days to form a Dubai 5-day itinerary.

Although three days is enough, if you have the time for a Dubai 7-day itinerary, that is what I would personally go for, as it will allow you to really see everything this unique city, and its surroundings, have to offer.

The entrance of Palace Hotel and Burj Khalifa in Dubai

How to get around Dubai

Dubai is a huge city, and making your way around it can be complicated, but don’t let that deter you. Between public transport and taxis, you can easily make your way around Dubai.

Dubai has an efficient metro system, the Dubai Metro. It runs mostly parallel to the sea and Sheikh Zayed Road. It’s a rapid transit rail network that does 53 stops and covers most of the main areas of Dubai.

Fares for the Dubai Metro depend on how far you’re travelling. You can purchase tickets at every metro station, get daily passes or get a Nol card to top up.  

It’s perfect for getting to the main spots (for example the malls have entrances directly connected to the Metro system, so you don’t have to walk outside in the heat), but if you’re trying to go smaller side streets, walking from the Metro station can be annoying.

For short distances, or for journeys to places that aren’t on the Metro line, I recommend either an Uber or taxi. I was surprised to find that taxis in Dubai are comparatively cheap (a 20km journey is around 50 AED).

Discovering Al Seef, the historical area of Dubai

Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai is a very popular winter sun destination.  

Being located in the middle of the desert, Dubai has a hot and dry climate all year round. In winter that means temperatures around 20-25°C, but in summer it can go up to over 40°C.  

Generally speaking, the best time of the year to visit Dubai is from early November to end of March. Perfect if you’re looking to escape from winter in Europe !

View over the Dubai Marina & JBR skyline from The View at The Palm

Where to stay in Dubai

There are loads of cool places to stay in Dubai , and the perfect place for you ultimately depends on your travel style and budget. I have listed below some cool options for every budget.

Budget: Rove Dubai Marina   – This is a perfect option for budget travellers. It’s just a short stroll from Jumeirah Beach, as well as shopping and dining options. The hotel also has a chic outdoor pool and restaurant.

Click here to book your stay at Rove Dubai Marina!

Mid-range:  25hours Hotel One Central – I spent one night here and loved it. This hotel has an epic rooftop pool with a view of the Museum of the Future, and the interior design is truly unique. It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Dubai for a reason!

Click here to book your stay at 25hours Hotel One Central!

Luxury: Address Downtown Dubai – Among other things, this luxury hotel features an incredible infinity pool with an equally incredible view of Burj Khalifa: the world’s tallest building. The location in Downtown Dubai is prime for exploring top sights, and the spacious rooms offer a luxurious experience.

Click here to book your stay at Address Downtown Dubai!

Enjoying the pool with view over the Museum of the Future at 25hours Hotel One Central in Dubai

Best tours in Dubai

If you follow the advice in this Dubai itinerary, you’ll easily be able to discover Dubai independently without having to join a tour.

Having said that, there are definitely some experiences worth splurging for, or entrance tickets to certain attractions that you have to book online beforehand. I have listed the most popular below.

Helicopter Flight from The Palm to Burj Khalifa – The tour name is pretty self explanatory, if you want a truly adrenaline inducing and unique experience, this is it! See the iconic Dubai skyline from the sky!

Dubai Old Town, Souks & Street Food Guided Tour  – Discover the historical parts of Dubai with a knowledgeable local guide, from the souks to the street food, you won’t be disappointed.

Enjoying the Dubai skyline lit up for the night from Burj Khalifa

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour – The most complete Dubai to Abu Dhabi day trip, it includes all of the major sights, transfers and lunch.

Burj Khalifa Ticket & Tour: Level 124, 125 & 148 – See the amazing view from Burj Khalifa, without having to waste hours queueing! 

From Dubai: Red Dunes and Camel Safari with Overnight Camp – Want to do something truly unique and spend a night in the desert? This is your opportunity to do so!

Atlantis Aquaventure & Los Chambers Aquarium Ticket – A popular one with families, this is the entrance ticket to one of the most famous water parks and aquariums in Dubai!

The iconic red dunes of Dubai desert

The exterior of Qasr Al-Watan in Abu Dhabi

Do you need travel insurance for Dubai?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Exploring the Spice Souk of Dubai

What to pack for Dubai

When planning what to pack for Dubai you’ll soon realise it’s not as simple as the usual travel essentials . Being a Muslim country, you will have to dress more conservatively in certain occasions.

However, Dubai is famous for its malls, so if you do realise you’re missing something, you can just buy it once there! That said, here are the things I would make sure to pack.

Head scarf for women – If you plan on visiting the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (which you really should be) then you have to remember to bring a scarf to cover your hair. You won’t be allowed in without one.

Modest clothing that fully covers you – This goes for both men and women.

Dress codes in Dubai vary depending on the situations, but it’s good to have some  long loose trousers and breathable long sleeved shirts , so as to comply with the dress code but also not overheat in the hot Emirati weather! 

The Wings of Mexico statue in Downtown Dubai

Camera – Given how beautiful Dubai is, you want to make sure you capture it in all its beauty!

Reusable water bottle – Especially if you plan to do a lot of walking, bring a bottle you can refill and ensure you stay hydrated. It will save you money and you’ll also waste less plastic, it’s a win-win!

Power bank – Whether it’s while snapping some pictures, while google mapping your way around the city or ordering an uber, you don’t want your phone to run out of battery during a crucial moment!

International adapter   – In Dubai you’ll find type G sockets and plugs (like the UK ones). Depending on where you’re from, you might need an adapter to charge your electronics.

The famous Palm of Dubai at sunset

Dubai itinerary 3 days

Let’s start with my core Dubai 3-day itinerary! If you can’t stay long in Dubai, make sure to stay at least three days, and hit all the highlights I’ve outlined below.

Dubai itinerary day 1 – Dubai Marina

Morning – discover dubai marina.

I couldn’t start a Dubai itinerary in any other location. Dubai Marina is one of the most iconic areas of Dubai.

With its white sand beach, tall skyscrapers, fun beach clubs, and countless dining and drinking opportunities, it’s what everyone imagines when they think of Dubai.

I recommend wandering around Dubai Marina in the morning, before it gets too hot.

You can walk along the man-made marina, enjoying the views of traditional dhow boats and modern yachts cruising past, with the iconic Dubai skyscrapers as backdrop.

Walking along Dubai Marina

There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops where you can stop for a quick breakfast, and maybe a bit of shopping throughout the morning.

From the food court of Dubai Marina Mall you will get an incredible view over Dubai Marina, and the best part, it’s completely free!

As the morning turns into afternoon and the day grows hotter, you can head to the beach to cool down! If you want to try some truly unique experiences, I have listed some popular tours below.

Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ – This is perfect for a group of friends or a special occasion, as you’ll get to cruise past the iconic Dubai Marina skyline on a luxury yacht!

Iconic views of Dubai Marina

Afternoon – Relax at JBR & Marina Beach

Just beyond the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina, you will find JBR Beach and Marina Beach waiting for you.

Being the first day in Dubai, I imagine you will also want to relax after your flight, and what better place to do so?

Here you will find both private beach clubs, as well as public stretches of beach. If you plan to stay here a while, I definitely recommend investing in a sun bed and umbrella, as the beaches in Dubai can get very hot!

There are also plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes on the seaside walk behind the beach, so you don’t need to worry about going hungry or thirsty while you’re at the beach.

A traditional wooden dhow boat in Dubai Marina

JBR & Dubai Marina as seen from The View at The Palm

If you’re travelling with children, you’ll find plenty of fun activities at JBR and Marina Beach also for them. 

From inflatable slides to banana boat tours, or from camel rides to jet skis , these beaches offer plenty of activities.

You could just lie there and tan all afternoon, but if you’re afraid of getting bored, no need to worry as there’s plenty to do!

You could also cross the bridge to Bluewaters, a man-made island with loads of bars, restaurants and shops, as well as the new wheel and viewpoint of Dubai; Ain Dubai.

I love Bluewaters also because it offers a great view of the Dubai Marina skyline.

Enjoying the view over Dubai Marina & JBR at sunset from Bluewaters

Dinner – Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina

After a quick stop at your hotel to wash off the salt and sand, it’s time to get all dressed up and head back to Dubai Marina, for a traditional dhow cruise and dinner.

I went on a dhow cruise and dinner in Dubai Marina on my last trip to Dubai, and I don’t know why I waited six trips to finally do so!

Dhows are the traditional wooden boats of the UAE. Today, they are mostly used for tourist cruises, especially for dinner or afternoon tea.

Doing a dhow dinner cruise in Dubai Marina is obviously a very touristy activity, but like I always say, touristy things are popular for a reason.

Wooden dhow boats cruising in Dubai Marina

The top deck of our Dubai dhow cruise, where you will enjoy your dinner

You can’t travel to Rome and skip the Colosseum just because it’s “touristy”. It’s a must on every travel bucket list , and rightly so.

The same goes for dhow dinner cruises in Dubai . Seeing the skyline of Dubai lit up for the night, while cruising along the sea and eating delicious local food, is an experience like no other.

Most dhow cruises will include also pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about transfers.

Click here to book your dhow dinner cruise in Dubai!

Or check out prices & availability below!

Enjoying the view over Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai from the top deck of our dhow cruise

Dubai itinerary day 2 – Old Dubai Meets Modern

Morning – discover old dubai.

After the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina, get ready to discover an older and more traditional side of Dubai. This morning we will head to Deira and Al Fahidi, the older areas of Dubai, which are also home to the souks.

In Deira you will find the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, two of the most iconic souks of Dubai. The sprawling souks are characterised by countless winding alleys, lined with all sorts of shops.

As the names suggest, you can expect to find jewellery and spices, but there are also many shops in the souks selling souvenirs, clothing, fine silks and more.

It’s the perfect place to go for a wander, and discover a less known side of Dubai.

Exploring the souqs of Dubai, close to Deira

Some of the gold shops in the gold souk in Dubai

Just across the creek (which you can cross in a traditional abra wooden boat for around 1 AED) you will find Bur Dubai.

This is another area with souks and shops, where you can find everything from clothing to souvenirs. As you walk through the souks you will emerge next to Al Fahidi, the historical district of Dubai.

There are less shops present here, but you can spend a bit of time wandering around the traditional streets, and getting a feel for what old Dubai was like.

Crossing the Creek of Dubai in a traditional Abra wooden boat

Discovering the streets of Al Fahidi historical district in Dubai

In Al Fahidi we had lunch at Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe. It’s a lovely traditional restaurant, with a beautiful interior decor and delicious dishes like fattoush, falafel or meat wraps, and main dishes like Biryani.

Before leaving the magical atmosphere of old Dubai, you can pop by Al Seef, another historical area of Dubai. It’s very similar to Al Fahidi, so if you’re short on time, you don’t necessarily have to visit both.

Dubai is a super safe city, but if you don’t feel like wandering around the souks alone, then you can join a guided tour like this one .

Discover the souks, old town, creek and even some delicious local street food with this guided tour!

Click here to book your Dubai Old Town, Souks & Street Food tour, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

The gorgeous exterior of Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi historical district in Dubai

Afternoon – Sky Views Observatory & Dubai Mall

After your morning exploring old Dubai, it’s time to head to some of the most modern and unique sights in Dubai. Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall!

Located in Address Sky View (accessible from the Dubai Mall metro station), you will find Sky Views Observatory, the latest viewpoint in Dubai .

Entrance costs around 20 EUR per person, I recommend purchasing it online beforehand so you don’t have to queue once there.

From Sky Views you get an epic view of Burj Khalifa, as well as the surrounding cityscapes of Dubai. But what makes this viewpoint special, is the glass slide, the glass walkway and the Sky Edge Walk.

This isn’t just a place where you go and look at a view, you can truly engage with it in unique and adrenaline pumping ways. It’s not every day that you get to hang off the side of a 53-floor building!

Click here to purchase your Sky Views Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket, or check out prices & availability below!

Sliding down the glass slide of Sky Views Observatory in Dubai

Once you’ve had your epic views and adrenaline fix, you can go for a wander inside Dubai Mall.  

Dubai Mall is the second largest mall in the world, home to over 1,200 retail stores. Whatever it is you’re searching for, I’m pretty sure you’ll find it here. It’s even home to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo!

Just outside Dubai Mall you’ll find the Burj Khalifa water fountains. You actually get the best view of the fountains from the Apple Store inside Dubai Mall!

The fountains are on every 30 minutes from 6PM to 11PM, every day of the week, although it can vary depending on the time of the year or if there are public holidays on.

I was last in Dubai during Ramadan, and then fountain show started later than usual.

Time your sightseeing, viewpoint admiring and shopping so as to arrive at the fountains in time for one of the shows!

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, inside Dubai Mall

The ice skating rink inside Dubai Mall

Sunset & Evening – Burj Khalifa

After enjoying the Burj Khalifa fountain show, head over to Burj Khalifa (the entrance is inside Dubai Mall).

With its 828 metres, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, wanting to admire the view from its top is only natural!

Seeing the view from the top of Burj Khalifa is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai, and as such, it can get incredibly busy.

I’ve been twice before on separate Dubai trips, and have a few pointers to ensure you have the best visit possible.

Enjoying the view over Dubai at night from the Burj Khalifa

If you can, I 100% recommend splurging on one of the premium experiences like the skip-the-line ticket, visiting floor 148 or the ticket with lunch or dinner at the Burj Club .

The normal ticket with entrance to floors 124 and 125 is what everyone does, and the queue gets gigantic.

On my last trip, we had to queue for over an hour just to get to the lift! We spent a few hours enjoying the view and taking photos, and then had to queue a good 30 minutes to get back down.

The premium skip-the-line tickets will avoid you this hassle. The best time to go to the top of Burj Khalifa is at sunset, as you can see the whole change in the colours of the sky and Dubai skyline.

The view over Dubai at night from Burj Khalifa

Standing at 452m (the height of floor 124), watching the sky turn pink and then dark, and the skyscrapers of Dubai light up below you is a unique experience.

Even if you purchase a skip-the-line entrance, it can take a while to get to the viewing platform, so make sure to time your visit accordingly and don’t miss the sunset!

Dubai Burj Khalifa Level 124 & 125 Entry Ticket – This is the basic entrance ticket to Burj Khalifa. With this you can go up to the viewing platform, and enjoy the stunning views.

Burj Khalifa Ticket & Tour: Level 124, 125 & 148 – Here you’ll find the skip-the-line entrance, as well as access to the higher viewing deck at level 148, and a guided tour experience to top it all off!

Burj Khalifa 124 & Lunch or Dinner at The Burj Club – The premium experience, which goes beyond the viewing deck and includes a delicious meal!

Enjoying the view over Dubai at night from the top of Burj Khalifa

After spending some time enjoying the view, if you don’t go for the Burj Khalifa entrance with dinner, you can head back down and eat at Dubai Mall.

We ate at Al Hallab, a tasty Lebanese restaurant with outdoor seating and a view of the Burj Khalifa fountains.

The Burj Khalifa and Fountain Show as seen from the Al Hallab outdoor terrace

Day 3 – Barasti Beach & The Palm

Morning – mall of the emirates.

When it comes to malls, there are countless malls in Dubai that you could visit. Having visited Dubai Mall already, I think the next one that can’t miss on any Dubai itinerary is Mall of the Emirates.

Mall of the Emirates is famous for being home to Ski Dubai; an indoor ski resort. You read that right, you could be baking under the hot desert sun one day, and then skiing at -1°C the next on the same trip!

Besides skiing, you can spend some time shopping, chilling and eating at one of the many food court restaurants.  

Ski Dubai; the indoor ski resort inside Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Afternoon – Barasti Beach

Once you’ve made the most of your shopping spree, it’s time to head to Barasti Beach! Located between Dubai Marina and The Palm, Barasti Beach is one of the most iconic beach bars in Dubai.

My personal favourite thing about it is that entry and use of the sun beds and umbrellas is free (unlike most beach bars in Dubai which charge 30+ EUR for the day).

They will check your bag on arrival as you’re not allowed to bring any food or drinks inside.

Chilling at Barasti Beach in Dubai

You don’t have to pay for sun beds, but if you plan on spending a whole afternoon or day there, they count on you probably spending something on food and drinks.

These can be a bit pricey, but when compared to average prices in Dubai, are actually pretty reasonable.

Barasti Beach has a really cool vibe, with hammocks hanging just over the water, a pool, a stage for live music and a wide array of food and drink choices.

Plus, it’s lined by the iconic view of Dubai Marina skyscrapers behind it.

Enjoying a drink at Barasti Beach Club in Dubai

Sunset – The view at The Palm at sunset

Once you’ve had your fill of sea and sunshine, head over to Palm Jumeirah for one of the best sunset views you’ll have ever seen.

That might seem hard to top after Burj Khalifa yesterday, but in my opinion, The View at The Palm is more fascinating. 

Palm Jumeirah is a palm-shaped artificial group of islands built just off the coast of Dubai.

It’s one of the most incredible engineering feats you will ever see, and it’s unique in its kind. You hear a lot of talk about The Palm, but rarely have a chance to see it properly.

The View at The Palm is located on the 52nd floor above The Palm, and offers 360 views over, you’ve guessed it, The Palm, as well as the Dubai Marina skyline, Burj Al Arab and even Burj Khalifa in the distance.

Entrance ranges from 100-160 AED depending on if its prime hours or not. I recommend visiting at sunset, even though the price tag is higher as its at prime hours, it will honestly be worth the extra money.

Watching the sun sink towards the ocean, pain the sky orange and turn golden as The Palm and Dubai skyline light up, was honestly one of the highlights of all my Dubai trips.

It doesn’t get as busy as Burj Khalifa, so you don’t need to arrive too much earlier than your ticket entrance.

Click here to purchase your entry ticket to The View at The Palm!

Enjoying the sunset from The View at The Palm in Dubai

Evening – Dinner at The Pointe

Since you’re already at The Palm, once the sun goes down you can just head over to The Pointe, a new iconic waterfront destination with views of the famous Atlantis Hotel, lined with shops, bars and restaurants.

Here you can walk the Palm Jumeirah Fountain Show, while eating at one of the many waterfront restaurants. It’s a slightly off the beaten track, with less tourists compared to other malls or beach areas in Dubai.

The Palm Fountain show as seen from The Pointe, with the famous Atlantis behind it

Dubai itinerary 4 days

As I already mentioned, three days is the bare minimum amount of time you need to spend in Dubai to enjoy it and see the sights.

Now that you’ve seen the main sights, you can go beyond, and spend your fourth day in Dubai doing something unique.

Desert safari

With all the beaches, malls, glitz and glam of Dubai, you might have forgotten that you’re actually in the middle of the desert.

I didn’t actually make it out to the desert until my third or fourth trip to Dubai, and I wish I’d made it sooner.

Enjoying a camel ride in Dubai desert

One of our cars got stuck in the Dubai desert while dune bashing

On a desert safari you can go beyond the souks and historical neighbourhoods of Dubai, and get a feel for what bedouin desert life was truly like.  

There are loads of desert safaris in Dubai , mostly offering similar things, but also with unique twists or special selling points.

Pretty much all safaris will include pick-up, drop-off, dune bashing , sand boarding , and a meal in the desert.

Depending on whether you join a morning or afternoon tour, the meal will usually be a breakfast, lunch or dinner. I recommend joining an afternoon tour, since sunsets in the desert are absolutely magical!

Beautiful sunset views in Dubai desert

Spending a day away from the skyscrapers and beach clubs of Dubai is, in my opinion, a must on any Dubai itinerary. It gives you the opportunity to experience something truly unique, which you can’t do just anywhere.

Between the adrenaline pumping dune bashing, the endless golden dunes, the magical golden sunset and the distinctive local culture, you’re guaranteed to spend a truly thrilling day.

Dubai Red Dunes Safari, Camel Ride, BBQ & Al Marmoom Oasis – The most popular and complete desert safari out there, it includes all the fun desert activities, transfers and a BBQ dinner feast.

The pool at Bedouin Oasis Camp – the camp for our Dubai desert safari

The evening show during our desert safari

Dubai itinerary 5 days

Morning – extend your desert safari.

If you have five days in Dubai, I highly recommend extending your desert safari and spending one night in the desert. If visiting the desert by day is magical, seeing it under the stars is even more so.

Sleeping in a bedouin tent (or fancy desert resort, that’s up to you) is a once in a lifetime experience.

The overnight desert safaris will include both breakfast and dinner, and you can expect a traditional performance during dinner.

After your magical night in the desert, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and energised. You can spend some time in the morning relaxing at your bedouin camp, and then get ready to head back to the city.

Going on a camel ride in the desert in Dubai

Afternoon – Chill at the Beach & see the Burj Al Arab

Once you return to the city from your desert adventure, you can head back to the sea, and discover some new Dubai beaches you haven’t yet visited.

For example Kite Beach; a long stretch of fine white sand and turquoise water.

This beach can get quite windy, which makes it perfect for kitesurfing and other water sports, hence the name. It’s a fun beach to spend an afternoon, go for a dip, and maybe even try some kitesurfing!

Nearby you’ll also see the famous Burj Al Arab, the iconic sail-shaped luxury hotel in Dubai.

Burj Al Arab and the iconic Dubai skyline as seen from The View at The Palm

You can pop over to Public Beach (it doesn’t seem to have a name, that’s how it comes up on Google Maps) if you want to get a closer look.

Just bear in mind that, as of April 2024, there was a construction site by the beach, which blocked the view of Burj Al Arab.

I don’t know at what stage the construction is now, or if it will be blocking the Burj Al Arab view permanently once completed.

If you want to continue your local Emirati experience, you can head over to Bu Qtair Restaurant for dinner (located half way between Kite Beach & the Burj Al Arab).

It’s a very local and traditional fish restaurant, it’s not fancy, but the fish is delicious!

The iconic sail shape of Burj al Arab in Dubai

Dubai itinerary 6 days

If you can spend at least six days in Dubai, then for your final day I recommend actually getting out of Dubai, and exploring the Emirati capital; Abu Dhabi.

Many travellers don’t know whether to choose Dubai or Abu Dhabi for their trips, but if you can spend at least six days in Dubai, you won’t have to! Just follow this Dubai itinerary and you’ll be able to see both.

Day trip to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is only a 1-hour drive away from Dubai, meaning you can easily do a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai .

One day isn’t a lot, but it’s enough to see all the main sights of Abu Dhabi, and get a feel for this unique city.

Many travellers often wonder if they should visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and while the answer ultimately depends on your travel style and mood, I definitely think Dubai has more going for it, and you can just visit Abu Dhabi for a day or two.

Exploring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

You can easily visit Abu Dhabi independently, just rent a car or hop on a bus and head over!

Alternatively, if you don’t feel like driving in the UAE or figuring out public transport, there are many organised day tours you can join. I have listed the best ones below.

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour – The most complete Dubai to Abu Dhabi day trip, it includes all of the major sights, transfer and lunch.

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Guided Tour – A shorter tour for those who only want to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Full-Day Trip with Grand Mosque & Louvre – For the arts and culture lovers, this tour focuses on the Grand Mosque and Louvre Museum.

The “Power of Words” piece inside Qasr Al-Watan in Abu Dhabi

If you do choose to visit Abu Dhabi independently, I have outlined below the must-see sights that you can’t miss.

Emirates Heritage Club

Emirates Heritage Club is a reconstruction of a traditional desert village. It’s a cool place to wander around, but after the souks and historical areas of Dubai and the desert experience, it probably won’t wow you.

What is wow about Emirates Heritage Club is the view of the Abu Dhabi skyline. You’ll be right across from Corniche Beach, and will be able to enjoy the views of this unique skyline.

Enjoying the view over the Abu Dhabi Skyline

Qasr al Watan

The Presidential Palace was completed in 2017, but only opened to the public in 2019.

Entrance is 60 AED, and trust me when I saw, it’s well worth the price tag. Qasr al Watan is one of the most stunning buildings I’ve ever seen.

The white granite facade only hints at the sumptuous interior, where you will find absolutely breath taking rooms and decorations. Walking through its halls, you understand what real grandeur is.

The grand interior of Qasr Al-Watan in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Completed in 2007, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (often referred to as just Grand Mosque) is one of the largest mosques in the world, and home to the largest hand-woven carpet in the world.

It’s an elaborate display of Islamic architecture and design. With its domes, columns, details and spires, this imposing white building will leave you breathless.

Entrance if free, just make sure to register online for a specific time slot, and make sure to dress appropriately or you won’t be allowed in.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Sunset from What AlKarama

What AlKarama is a war memorial just across the road from the Grand Mosque.

In and of itself it might not be a Abu Dhabi highlight, but what makes it special is the shallow pool in front of it, where you can see a perfect reflection of the Grand Mosque.

It’s especially stunning at sunset, when the mosque starts to light, the sky turns pink and the reflection is perfectly defined.

Enjoying the view over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset

In my opinion, these are the four places you absolutely have to visit in Abu Dhabi.

There are many other famous and popular sights, such as Ferrari World , The Louvre , Saadiyat Island and Emirates Palace, but seeing all of them in one day would be a bit of a stretch.

After all, this is a Dubai itinerary, not an Abu Dhabi one. If you can extend your Dubai trip and spend a night in Abu Dhabi that would be a great opportunity to see more of this unique city.

It also allows you to see the Abu Dhabi skyline lit for the night, which is quite the sight.

If you just want to get a feel for the Abu Dhabi vibe, a day trip is more than enough, and you can head back to Dubai for the last day of your Dubai itinerary.

The unique skyline of Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi lit up for the night

Dubai itinerary 7 days

If you’re lucky enough to spend seven days in Dubai, here is the final day of your Dubai 1-week itinerary! To be entirely honest, I don’t have specific recommendations for this final day in Dubai.

If you follow all my suggestions for the previous six days, by this point you’ll have seen all the key highlights of Dubai and its surroundings.

And let’s be real, you’ll probably also be a bit tired from all the sightseeing and travelling around.

The “fronds” of the Palm at sunset, as seen from The View at The Palm

The reason I suggest spending at least one week in Dubai, is because it gives you time to absorb everything you’re seeing, without rushing too much.

You could see everything in less (as I said already, three days in Dubai are the bare minimum to see it all) but you’ll be knackered by the end of it.

On this final day in Dubai you can head back to spots you particularly liked, maybe go back to Barasti Beach Club for some beach chilling, or head over to Dubai Mall for some final shopping.

There are also plenty of other attractions in Dubai that I haven’t mentioned yet.

Like the famous water parks at Atlantis or Burj Al Arab, the pool club at The View at the Palm, seeing the sunset from Dubai Creek, the Museum of the Future , or exploring the new Blueswater water front.

I haven’t included them in my core Dubai travel itinerary because, even though they’re all great, I don’t think they’re a core part of a Dubai trip.

Depending on your personal interests, you can choose to visit one or more of them on this final day.

The Museum of the Future in Dubai

Final thoughts on the best Dubai holiday itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Dubai itinerary! Have you been to Dubai before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

I know Dubai isn’t for everyone, but there’s no denying it’s a unique place and there’s nowhere else quite like it. I truly believe everyone should visit Dubai at least once in their life, and experience what all the buzz is about.

With its huge malls, tall skyscrapers, glam lifestyle, fascinating desert and stunning sunsets, I know you’ll love these Dubai itineraries.

As I already mentioned, you need seven days in Dubai to see everything, but if that’s too long for you, then three days in Dubai is the bare minimum.

In this article I outlined day-by-day everything you should do and see in Dubai, building a Dubai itinerary for three days, four days, five days, six days and even seven days.

Regardless of how long you have, one of these itineraries will fit your trip.

I tried to include everything you need to know about planning your perfect Dubai itinerary, including the best activities, how to get around, where to stay, what to pack and more. I hope you will find it useful in planning your own Dubai trip!

Enjoyed reading my Dubai tour itinerary? Pin it!

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Home » Middle East » Itinerary

Dubai Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Picture a shimmering city full of sky-high buildings and expansive deserts, plus white-sand beaches and the most luxurious hotels on the planet – that’s Dubai.

With the perfect blend of beachy paradise, historical medinas and an incredible urban environment, Dubai – the crown jewel of the United Arab Emirates – checks every box.

But before you go, it’s a good idea to plan what you want to see and do while you’re in the jewel of the Middle East. There are a ton of attractions in Dubai, and a lot of fun to be had for any type of traveler.

So jet off on an unforgettable holiday, and with our itinerary in hand, you can’t go wrong!

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A Little Bit About This 3-Day Dubai Itinerary

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Dubai is known for being a sparkling skyscraper city in the desert, but it’s more than that. Its history, architecture, souk markets and foodie scene make it a truly memorable city in the UAE! It is a luxury destination, and you will need to save a few pennies to visit Dubai, but not every attraction costs a lot of money. From sprawling parks to incredible museums and the epic Dubai Fountain Show, you’ll find that even backpackers in Dubai can find something inexpensive to do!

Whether you’re spending one day in Dubai for a Middle East layover or planning an unforgettable Dubai itinerary, there are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! I’d personally suggest taking at least two-three full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but that’ll guarantee a lot of stress. So do yourself a favour and set more time aside.

In this itinerary, you’ll find two days packed with the best attractions, culture, history and adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B, trying to fit everything in. That way if you’re still deliberating between Dubai and Qatar , this might settle it for you!

I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan to get the most out of your trip!

3 Day Dubai Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Dubai Frame  |  Dubai Garden Glow  |  Museum of Illusions  |  Burj Khalifa  |  Dubai Water Canal
• Day 2: Dubai Marina  |  Dubai Miracle Garden  |  Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo  |  Ski Dubai  |  City Walk
• Day 3: Palm Jumeirah  |  Al Qudra Lakes  |  Wild Wadi Waterpark  |  Global Village  |  Burj Al Arab and Kite Beach  |  Evening Desert Safari Tour

With a Dubai City Pass , you can experience the best of Dubai at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Finding the best places to stay in Dubai  can be quite tough as you are spolied for choice. Whether you want beachy warmth, city vibes or old-school Arabia, Dubai has something for everyone.

The Dubai Marina is a fantastic place to stay in Dubai, right on the coastline with excellent restaurants, cityscape views, and the Marina Walk, which is a great way to scope out your next landmark to visit. Downtown Dubai also has a fantastic blend of eateries, attractions and Dubai photo ops!

If you’re looking for a taste of history, head for one of Downtown Dubai’s historical areas including Dubai Creek, Deira or Al Fahidi, where you can find the fascinating and oh-so-good smelling Coffee Museum in Old Dubai. You can also find the iconic and deeply impressive IMG Worlds of Adventure fun park in the City of Arabia medina.

Across the city lies Al Quoz, the bohemian art hub of Dubai with its beautifully designed buildings, cafes and street performances. Bur Dubai is another prime spot with a plethora of museums and historical buildings to discover in central Dubai.

One of the best and most unique places in Dubai is the Palm Jumeirah, where seaside resorts and water sports reign supreme!

We have hand picked a few of our favourite accomodation options and listed them below. In case nothing takes your fancy though, we also have our epic Best Hostels in Dubai post.

Best Hostel in Dubai – Backpacker 16 Hostel

Enjoy an amazing sense of community and fun at this superb Dubai hostel! With a prime location near the Dubai Marina and just 5 minutes away from the Dubai Internet City metro station, the Backpacker 16 Hostel makes the perfect spot if you’re backpacking through Dubai! With its warm atmosphere, well-decorated interior and wonderful staff, you’ll find a home-away-from-home right in the heart of Dubai.

Best Airbnb in Dubai – Bright Room in Shared Villa

Enjoy staying just outside of the hustle and bustle at this villa in Dubai near the beach! It’s just footsteps from the sea and provides beach towels during your stay. Hang out in the large living space right outside your bedroom door that is decked out with large comfy sofas, coffee tables, books, board games and a massive TV with both cable and Netflix. Perfect for couples looking to have a lazy weekend stay.

Best Budget Hotel in Dubai – Maisan Hotel

The Maisan Hotel has all the makings of a fantastic Dubai getaway. With an amazing fitness center, a stunning sun terrace and a delicious continental breakfast served every morning, the Maisan checks all the boxes. You can also enjoy nearby attractions like the Nakheel Harbor, Burj Al Arab and Dubai Parks and Resorts. The hotel also happens to be pet-friendly, need we say more?

Best Luxury Hotel in Dubai – Raffles Dubai

Find yourself at the height of luxury in this pyramid-inspired hotel in Bur Dubai. The hotel boasts an incredible spa and outdoor pool as well as amazing on-site eateries, including the Raffles Salon (which serves traditional afternoon tea). As proof that Dubai does nothing by halves, the stunning decor, private balcony and butler service are what awaits you at this incredible hotel, which makes quite the landmark on Dubai’s skyline!

If you’re looking for the best things to see, places to eat and Dubai-standard activities to partake in, our top-notch itinerary has everything and more. Whether you’re spending 2 days in Dubai or looking for a mammoth Dubai itinerary (4 days or more), I’ve got you covered. Enjoy Dubai’s architectural feats or indoor snow parks, and every attraction in between! There are so many things to do and see in Dubai that you will struggle to fit it all in!

The first day of your itinerary in Dubai is going to take you around some of the best Dubai museums, art installations, and attractions in the city. Why wait to see the best?

9:00am – Dubai Frame

Begin your visit to the city with one of the top places in Dubai, the iconic Dubai Frame that overlooks the entire city. The Dubai Frame is the largest picture frame on the planet!

The frame forms a doorway of sorts between Dubai’s storied past, its vibrant present and the city’s bright future. On one side, visitors can see the modern Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa, while ancient Deira and Karama can be seen on the other.

The frame has become a true emblem of the city and sits at the top of many travel wish lists (and features in many an Instagram post)!

• Cost – Dhs 50 ($14) for adults, Dhs 20 ($6) for children over the age of 3, and free entry for infants and visitors with disabilities.
• Getting there: Take the metro to Al Jafiliya and walk for 5 minutes to Zabeel Park in Zabeel.
• How long you should stay: 30 minutes should be enough to get a good photo.

10.00am – Dubai Garden Glow

Experience this unique celebration of light where artists from across the globe have contributed incredible creations.

This illuminating venue has a heart for the environment with many exhibits being eco-friendly.

Walk through the parks many shimmering zones as you admire giant floating jellyfish moving with the music over Zabeel Lake, or admire the sight of a mini sparkling Burj Khalifa.

You can explore the stunning Glow Park, the largest glow-in-the-dark garden in the world, where millions of energy-saving bulbs and endless sculptures of recycled luminous fabric fill the pathways with light!

Then, head to the Art Park, which is made of recyclable bottles, ceramic dishes and CDs, all designed into incredible artworks.

Finish your visit to Dubai Garden Glow with a walk round My Dubai, a glittering recreation of Dubai, in a park that feels like it was plucked out of a fairytale (especially with a life-size replica of Cinderella’s glowing carriage)!

Insider Tip: Look out for the new additions to the park, some colorful characters from Disney’s colorful repertoire.

• Cost: Dhs 65 ($18) and children under 3 enter for free.
• Getting there: Take the metro to Al Jafiliya. The Dubai Garden Glow is a 16-minute walk away.
• How long should you stay there? 1-2 hours

12:00 pm – Dubai Museum of Illusions

Enjoy an incredible trip through mind-bending illusions and fascinating tricks of the light at the Dubai Museum of Illusions.

Visitors are encouraged to interact with exhibits and take tons of pictures, which you will definitely want to do.

With more than 80 uncredible exhibits that take you through a visual, sensory, and educational world to trick your brain, entertain and make you think. Play with perception at the Chair Illusion or enjoy the unbelievable sight of the Split Nose face-changing mirror (where your face is spliced with a person on the other side).

Enjoy the novelty of the Ames Room, where a trick of perception makes one person giant and the other tiny. For the videographer in you, check out the Color Room for some exceedingly awesome illusion of color and shadow!

Don’t miss out on the hilarious Maple exhibit were a fascinating mirror trick lets you have dinner with yourself. The incredible museum is also home to the world’s first Zoetrope exhibit where you can step into a movie stars shoes as you become part of an animated sequence!

• Cost: Dhs 80 ($22) for adults, Dhs 70 ($19) for senior citizens and Dhs 60 ($16) for children.
• Getting there: Take the metro to Al Fahidi and walk for 5 minutes.
• How long should I spend there? 1-2 hours.

2.00pm – Arabian Tea House Cafe

Enjoy tasty cuisine from a diverse menu in their quaint courtyard. The ambiance of this tea house is serene and the staff is willing to help. The food is delicious, affordable and you get a decent-sized plate. Don’t forget to try Moroccan tea!

• Cost: depending on your order
• Getting there: it’s a 5 minute walk from Sharaf DG metro station.
• How long should I spend there? 1-2 hours

4.00pm – Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain

You can’t visit Dubai, the city known for its incredible architecture, without checking out the Burj Khalifa ! It is home to the world’s highest restaurant!

As the world’s tallest building with numerous awards for its feats of height, the spectacular skyscraper makes for an incredible sight! It is also the home to the pretty amazing Dubai fountain illuminated by 6600 lights, 50 colored projectors, which illuminate the tower as spouts of water shoot through the air.

The Dubai Fountain Show is one of the best attractions around the Dubai Mall. It puts on quite the show to the sound of classical and contemporary music, and holds the crown as the second-largest choreographed fountain in the world!

The Burj Khalifa also has an amazing observation platform with a view to match. Literally, At The Top on the 124th floor is decked out with an electronic telescope and an augmented reality device where visitors can view the surrounding landscape in real-time.

You can also admire the impressive skyscraper from a spot in the lush park surrounding it, which is designed in the shape of a Hymenocallis, a fitting desert plant. The park also has a water feature at its center with a series of pools and a serene water jet fountain!

Insider Tip: the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa is to watch the sunset but between 4 pm and 6 pm, it is also prime time so reservations are more expensive.

• Cost: Dhs 135 ($37) for adults, Dhs 101 ($28) for children and free for toddlers under 4 years old for a tour round At The Top; you can book tickets here.
• Getting there: Burj Khalifia is located in Downtown Dubai, next to the Dubai Mall. Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa Metro Station and then take the F13 bus to the Dubai Mall Bus Stop (one stop).
• How long should I spend there? 1-2 hours, then you can dive into Dubai mall for some A/C!

7.00pm – Dubai Water Canal

Take a stroll along the beautiful Dubai Water Canal as it winds along from Old Dubai, through Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and meets the sea on Dubai’s coastline. The bridge created a new island in Dubai when it was created.

Take in the sight of the canal’s unbelievable automated waterfall, which falls back like a curtain as boats pass under it! There is also the stunning pedestrian bridge adorned with a shimmering blue arc draped lights, which illuminate the water below you. The pedestrian bridge is suspended by cables and makes for an amazing photo spot!

You can also explore further along Dubai’s landscape as you follow the Dubai saltwater creek, which winds like a ribbon across the city. The gorgeous canal with its cloak of lights makes for one of the best places to visit in Dubai at night!

• Cost: it’s free!
• Getting there: take the red line on the metro to Business Bay metro station, then walk towards Sheikh Zayed Road. There is a path by the bridge that takes you to the canal.
• How long should I spend there? 1-2 hours, it’s a great place to catch the sunset!

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The second day of our Dubai itinerary will take you to the Dubai Mall where you will see a whole host of attractions. You could spend a whole day there, but because you’re on vacation, I’ve selected some cool outdoor attractions to visit too.

10.00 am – Dubai Marina

Begin your second day in Dubai at the lapping water of the Dubai Marina, one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free! t is the home to some incredible Dubai architecture including the unbelievable Cayan Tower, which twists at 90 degrees.

This stunning canal was built along the Persian Gulf shoreline and you may even be able to spot some incredible sea life as you enjoy the view!

The sun-kissed promenade is well worth the fantastic views of the bay, where you can experience the perfect blend of beach and vibrant urban activity.

You can take a leisurely stroll down the immaculate Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk where top-quality boutiques and unbelievable restaurants are the order of the day, then find Dubai Marina’s gorgeous beach waiting for you at the end of it!

• Getting there: take the metro to Damac Properties Station and cross the overpass.
• How long should I spent there? 1-2 hours should be enough.

11.00am – Dubai Miracle Garden

If you’re looking for a Dubai attraction that may literally take your breath away, the Miracle Garden is the answer.

The Miracle Garden has the Dubai Butterfly Garden inside, which is the world’s largest butterfly sanctuary, with over 15 000 butterflies from 26 species!

Explore the giant park with what seems like an endless collection of flowers. Colors cascade across the garden with floral animals and incredible sculptures covered in blossoms create a dreamlike landscape!

You can wander at the Lost Paradise, a village of bungalows and houses, which are engulfed flowers of every color. This burst of color on Dubai’s landscape is also the home to a giant model of the Emirates A830, which is painted with a splash of blossoms, while an incredible floral clock stops time as you explore this flower-strewn wonderland!

As if this place could get more fantastic, there is an 18 m high Mickey Mouse who gazes over the garden’s visitors! The park just happened to be launched on Valentine’s Day and aptly has the iconic Heart’s Passage, where larger-than-life hearts create an amazing walkway that feels everlasting.

Floral animals graze in front of a glorious floral castle in this dreamy park, which is truly a ‘must-see’ in Dubai!

Insider tip: make sure you keep an eye out for the new addition of colorful characters from Disney’s famous movies.

• Cost: Dhs 50 ($14) for adults, Dhs 40 ($11) for children under 12 years old, free for children under 2 years old and people with disabilities.
• Getting there: take the metro to the Dubai Mall of the Emirates station and walk.
• How long should I spent there? 1-2 hours is fine.

1.00pm – Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dive into Dubai’s natural side at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, where aquatic creatures and incredible underwater sights abound!

You can enjoy a unique, close-up look at the lives of some incredible aquatic creatures with the aquarium’s fully immersive VRZOO!

Enter the world of sharks, where you can free dive or hop into a cage for the ultimate shark encounter. Then, get a behind-the-scenes look as you watch baby sharks have feeding time and get a peek into the life of these vastly misunderstood creatures.

Say goodbye to the sharks and get ready to be royally entertained by King Croc, an incredible (and lengthy) saltwater crocodile. At 40 years old, the King is one of the largest known crocodiles in the world and his majesty is unmissable on a trip to the aquarium!

The aquarium’s massive 10 million liter tank is filled with creatures of the deep and some of the most unbelievable marine life. Enjoy a look at the largest group of sand tiger sharks in the world and meander through an indigo tunnel where you can admire some of the aquarium’s 33 000 aquatic animals.

Add a slice of Dubai’s desert to your experience with a visit to the Night Creatures exhibit, which is home to a menagerie of animals, including Arabian toads, fruit bats, giant camel spiders, scorpions, veiled chameleons, Cheesman’s gerbils and (prepare yourself) hedgehogs!

Don’t forget to jump aboard one of the aquarium’s stellar glass-bottomed boats for a ride over the underwater wonderland, where over 140 incredible species reside!

• Cost: Depending on your ticket, you can pay from Dhs 145 ($39) for a general ticket up to Dhs 630 ($172) to include the Shark Encounter; you can book your tickets here .
• Getting there: head to the Dubai Mall. Take the metro to Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station.
• How long should I spent there? 2-3 hours, there’s so much to see!

3.00pm – Ski Dubai

For the ultimate meeting of 2 worlds, why not take a trip to Ski Dubai, a snowy oasis in the middle of the desert!

The ski park is a snowy oasis beneath one of Dubai’s biggest malls – The Dubai Mall.

Hidden like a treasure in the Dubai Mall (which is already one of the most important places in Dubai) awaits this indoor playground for kids, adults, and skiing newbies.

In fact, it’s the perfect place to learn with less pressure than a real mountain, and trainers to help you find your feet. Then again, if you’re a pro at snow sports, it’s got some real doozies for you to enjoy.

You can stick to more traditional activities like skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or take a ski lift out of your comfort zone with zip lining, tubing, or an old-fashioned snowball fight! The Snow Park is a winner with giant zorbing on offer as well as exploring an ice cave or getting an adrenaline rush on the Mountain Thriller ride.

You can even feel like you’re in the Arctic Circle as you watch a colony of penguins waddle around their snowy home!

• Cost: Prices vary but the penguin encounter is Dhs 230 ($63); get full-day-ski-pass here .
• Getting there: It is located within the Dubai Mall, just walk around to it.
• How long should I spent there? 1 hour – it gets quite cold in there!

6.00pm – City Walk

Feel the heartbeat of Dubai as you hit the jam-packed streets of the City Walk, an unmissable part of any Dubai city tour itinerary!

Some of the world’s most famous urban artists were invited to fill the walls of City Walk with color, including murals and smaller designs.

Enjoy the sights along the boulevard of eateries, bars, boutique stores and quirky landmarks, including an old-school postbox and phonebooth nestled amongst the buildings. Visit Dubai’s larger-than-life, famous characters of Mattel Play! Town.

Then, find yourself in the lush and fascinating rainforest (in a desert!) at The Green Planet! You can stroll through the incredible indoor park and experience over 3000 plants and animals, including snakes, birds, and, pop culture icon, the sloth. Butterflies and stunning flowers take center stage as you explore this forested wonderland.

There’s no end to the epic attractions and landmarks you’ll see on a trip down Dubai’s incredible street with just about everything on it!

• Cost: Entrance is free to the City Walk, but The Green Planet tickets go for Dhs 99 ($27) or more depending on the package.
• Getting there: it’s right by the mall!
• How long should I spent there? 1-2 hours.

Backpacker 16 Hostel

With its warm atmosphere, well-decorated interior and wonderful staff, you’ll find a home-away-from-home right in the heart of Dubai.

• 24-hour Reception

Whether you’re looking for incredible places to visit in Dubai in 5 days or spending a weekend in Dubai, you won’t be disappointed. If you’ve covered our 2-day itinerary and are looking for more, take a look at these beyond-amazing options for 3 days in Dubai (or more)!

10.00am – Palm Jumeirah

Aah, the Palm Jumeirah. Is it shaped like a palm? Is it a man-made island off the coast of Dubai? Is it exceedingly cool? The answer to every question is yes, so the Palm Jumeirah easily earns its spot on any itinerary.

The stunning island paradise extends into the shimmering Persian Gulf and is part of a family of Palm Islands including the Palm Jebel Ali and Plam Deira. Ride the uber fast monorail from the mainland and bask in the sandy paradise.

You’ll also find an array of exciting activities amongst the fronds of the magnificent Palm. Spend a few fun-filled hours at the Aquaventure Waterpark at the palatial, rose-colored Atlantis hotel.

Want to know why it’s worth visiting?

• It is an incredible architectural feat.
• It was built to resemble a stylised palm tree surrounded by a circle.
• It is the home to some truly spectacular beaches in Dubai!

You can also meander through The Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can get into a spot of snorkeling or dive through refreshing lagoons, the home to a world of marine life!

We’re not done yet, see the island from the waves as you take a speedboat tour around its waterways or hop on a kayak as you explore the Palm’s crescent. You can even play Aquaman for the day with Hydro Water Sports where you can soar above the water on a water spout.

Take your trip to the Palm Jumeirah to new heights with a helicopter tour or a session of tandem skydiving, where the views are breathtaking and the thrill is real!

• Cost: It’s free!
• Getting there: take the metro to Dubai Internet City or Nakheel and walk.
• How long should I spend there? 1 hour should be enough

12.00pm – Al Qudra Lakes

Take a trip just out of the city as you journey to Dubai’s hidden gems , the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. You can spot an array of reptiles, birds, and mammals.

It is the perfect place for star-gazing because of its low light pollution. You can enjoy the reserve’s sights from one of the world’s longest cycling tracks.

These man-made wetlands are a glorious escape from Dubai’s urban hub where 10 km of lakes make for an unbelievable sight. The reserve is the safe haven to 19 animal species including elegant flamingos and other incredible birdlife.

It is also the home to the amazing Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site withall kinds of artifacts including bronze, copper and iron items as well as gold jewelry, beads and pottery. Make this an oasis of tranquility as you hike through the park, watch the sunset or pitch your tent for a night of camping under the stars!

For a spot of nature-watching just outside of the city, visit the Al Qudra Lakes, one of the best places to see in Dubai with family.

• Getting there: take bus 67 to Endurance City Terminus

2.00pm – Wild Wadi Waterpark

Take your thrill factor the maximum at the incredible Wild Wadi Waterpark where having fun and cooling off are top priority!

Home to Breaker’s Bay, the biggest wave pool in the Middle East. Created the Burj Surj, a double-bowled slide which is the first of its kind in the area. The park was featured in 3 seasons of The Amazing Race.

The theme park is based on the tales of Juha, a character from Arabian folklore who accompanies each heart-fluttering or jaw-dropping water slide. You can even learn to surf on one of the park’s artificial surfing machines, FlowRider.

The park is among impressive company with neighboring, Burj Al Arab, but with its unbelievable 18 m high waterfall, it fits right in! Wild Wadi is also home to a list of incredible rides including the Jumeirah Sceirah (the highest free-fall water slide with the biggest drop outside of the Americas).

Up the ante even more with the Tantrum Alley slide, which just happens to include 3 tornados!

• Cost: Above 1.1 meter, AED 299. Below 1.1 metre, AED 249.
• Getting there: take the metro to Wild Wadi metro station.
• How long should I spend there? 2-3 hours.

4.00pm – Global Village

Take a trip around the world from this incredible corner of Dubai. With exhibits, attractions and cuisine representing 90 cultures from across the globe, Dubai’s Global Village makes for a world-class day out.

The park has some sensational themed rides including the Athen’s Slingshot or the Honolo-loop.

The stunning Wheel of the World displays incredible live scenes, shows and Dubai scenery on its LED screen, and the views from one of its gondolas are incredible. Performers from across the world share their traditional dances and music in a variety of cultural shows!

The lively festival takes place along a number of pavilions where cuisine and entertainment from the representing countries are at your fingertips. Enjoy a meander through the park as you enjoy attractions from the floating market to the Heritage Village.

There are also some stunning shows on offer including incredible stunts and Circus Circus. Then, find yourself an unbelievable ride to go on at Carnaval! Enjoy the rhythmic vibe of the Global Village as you traverse the streets of what could be described as an open-air museum!

The village is also a paradise for lovers of street food with an adventurous palette. Take a walk down Kiosk Street or Cultural Square and find yourself some not-so-local cuisine. You can also discover some delicious flavors at every pavilion as you eat your way across the world.

Give Canadian poutine a try, which is a mouthwatering mixture of crispy French fries covered in cheese curd, gravy and toppings of your choice. Check out the Flaming Pumpkin for a refreshing drink on your travels and then, if you needed any more convincing, get yourself a shot of something tasty the Chocolate Injection!

Insider Tip: the village runs from November to April each year so be sure to book your ticket then if you’d like to visit the Global Village!

• Cost: 20 AED per person
• Getting there: take the bus, Route 102 from Rashidiya Metro Station.

5.00pm – Burj Al Arab and Kite Beach

Pay a visit to one of the tallest hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab, which sits on an artificial island just off Jumeirah Beach. Made in the likeness of the sail of a ship, the hotel has become a truly iconic Dubai landmark with a reputation in luxury!

You can admire the impressive Burj Al Arab as you bask in the sandy haven of Kite Beach. Walk along the pristine white sand or engage in one of the many ocean activities including kitesurfing, beach tennis, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, volleyball, kayaking and swimming. Aptly named for everything this beach has to offer, the gorgeous piece of Dubai is situated in gorgeous Jumeirah.

There are also plenty of food trucks and beachside eateries for you to partake in!

• Cost: free!
• Getting there: take the metro to Mankhool, Standard Chartered Bank station.
• How long should I spend there? 2 hours max.

7.00pm – Evening Desert Safari Tour

Booking this 4×4 desert tour to end your stay in Dubai is definitely worth it. Seeing the desert on the back of a camel is a one-of-a-time experience that can only be topped by testing out your sandboarding skills.

There’s no need for transportation, you’ll be picked up right at your hotel. At the end of the trip, you’ll also get a tasty BBQ to fill your empty stomach!

Ride on camels, surf down massive sand dunes and explore and learn more about the desert!

• Cost: depending on package
• How to get there: hotel pick up! Niceee
• How long should I spend there? Around 3 hours.

Since it is smack dab in the middle of the Arabain desert, the weather of Dubai can be quite harsh, making it hard to decide when in fact is the best time to visit .

Dubai summers are oppressive, almost unbearable sometimes, and will often leave you trapped indoors. The best places to visit in Dubai in June, July and August will all have air conditioning and sometimes even artificial snow!

Dubai’s winter months are the most comfortable time of year and are comparable to summers elsewhere. Most of Dubai’s landmarks will be very busy though as this is peak tourist season. Plan a visit to during Dubai’s winter season but be ready to spend lots of cash.

The best months to backpack Dubai are hands-down during the spring and autumn. Dubai’s shoulder seasons are comfortable, not too hot, and not too busy with tourists. As such, these are the best times to visit Dubai’s beaches. Dubai in May starts to heat up again so take note.

It’s no surprise that Dubai is a pretty big city with loads of interesting attractions to see and do. Luckily, getting around is super easy, thanks to its well-developed public transport network spread throughout all parts of the city. 

The metro is the most commonly used public transport in the city. It connects most neighborhoods and it’s just two lines, so it’s really easy to navigate and it’s also the most cost-effective way to get around. They are clean, ultra-modern, and safe. Women can choose to use the women-only carts if they want to. Plus, it connect you all the way to Dubai International Airport.

Another way to get around the city is by taxi. Uber and Careem are the common taxi service apps in Dubai. They are more expensive than a licensed taxi usually, but they offer a flat rate, which means if you get stuck in traffic you’re not paying for it. As a rule of thumb, Careem is less expensive than Uber if you’re travelling shorter distances and Uber is less expensive than Careem for longer distances.

Finally, another way to get around Dubai is by taking the bus. There are a total of 1,518 buses in Dubai, running on 119 internal lines, including 35 lines connected to the metro stations. Buses are a cheap way of getting around, but they require a bit of searching to make sure you’re on the right bus. As Dubai is so hot and it’s no fun waiting around in the scorching heat for a bus, I recommend you get the metro and Ubers. Plus they are so cheap it makes perfect sense!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Coming prepared is one of the most important parts of travelling, no matter where you want to go. Although Dubai is considered to be one of the safest cities in the United Arab Emirates. It is also known as one of the safest middle eastern destinations for women and travelers in general. However, it is still wise to take precautions and know the country you’re visiting while traveling abroad.

• It is recommended that travelers who visit Dubai, especially women, dress fairly modestly in public, and bathing suits are only allowed on the beach and at hotel pools. While women are generally safe in Dubai, It is also a good idea to avoid situations that can place you in a more vulnerable position. If traveling alone, ask to be seated in the family section and try to sit in the women’s section at the front of the train.
• There can also be unpredictable driving behavior in the United Arab Emirates, so keep an eye out for reckless driving. Pickpocketing is fairly rare in Dubai, but pay attention to your surroundings (as is always wise when traveling), especially around the tourist hub, Jumeirah Beach.
• While Dubai is fairly cosmopolitan in many ways, they remain highly conservative, so try to avoid PDA because if someone is offended by it, you can get charged/fined. It is also forbidden to eat in public during the daylight hours of Ramadan, however, most hotels provide a screen in their restaurants so foreign guests can eat during the day.

Dubai is considered to be friendly and safe for the most part, but make sure you check out all the rules and tips for traveling there before you go. As you are likely traveling in a foreign country, ensure you have access to emergency numbers in case of an accident or problem. It’s also always a good idea to have travel insurance in the event of a problem. 

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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It’s good to get lost sometimes, but it’s also good not to get too lost. There are people that want you home in one piece.

There’s one travel insurance provider The Broke Backpacker trusts for all his wildest shenanigans… World Nomads!

Click the button below to get a quote on your insurance or read our in-depth review of World Nomads’ coverage. And then… let the shenanigans begin. ?

Find out what people want to know when planning their Dubai itinerary.

Is 7 days in Dubai enough?

7 days in Dubai is ideal if you want to get in all the top attractions. Any extra days for lounging at the beach are a bonus!

What are the best things to include on a 5 day Dubai itinerary?

Don’t miss out on the Dubai Frame, the Garden Glow, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and the City Walk.

Where is the best place to stay if you have a full Dubai travel itinerary?

Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai are ideal as they’re close to all of the top landmarks.

Is Dubai worth visiting?

Some say Dubai is overrated , but there’s still lots to discover. It’s a great place for foodies, architecture lovers, and anyone who’s keen to learn more about emirates culture. However, it can be expensive to travel in Dubai .

So there you have it! Our 3 day itinerary for Dubai. As you can see, there are a ton of awesome attractions to get stuck into.

When you want to find yourself in fantastic shopping malls, desert-defying activities or just lying on the beaches in this incredible city – you’ll have the best time.

Take your sense of adventure, your sunglasses, and this itinerary to guarantee a trip you’ll never forget!

Insider Tip: If you don’t want to spend hours in the car, driving from one hot spot to the next, you should check out this helicopter tour .

Instead of exploring the city from below, you can simply fly over Dubai and have an amazing adventure that not many people get to experience.

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I’m again heading to Dubai at the beginning of June for 3 days, and I’m trying to plan my itinerary. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post, it is going to be very helpful!

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Dubai itinerary: 1 to 7 days in the UAE

By Joan Torres 13 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2024

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Dubai might be known as the glitzy-glamorous Rich-Boy-and-Rich-Girl’s shopping capital, but there’s so much more to this character-filled city.

From hidden alleys to traditional souks, the magnificent desert and plenty of activities that involve experiencing the traditional Emirati culture, you will see that even 7 days in Dubai might not be enough to explore this unique Middle Eastern destination . 

The following comprehensive guide gives you plenty of tips for traveling to Dubai, as well as a complete 7-day  Dubai itinerary, including 2-day trips to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Please note that this guide not only tells you the touristic places but it also shows you how to explore Dubai off the beaten track .

In this Dubai travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Tours and activities
• How to access blocked websites
• Transportation
• Where to stay
• Day 1 – The fancy and glamorous Dubai
• Day 2 – Dubai Marina & JBR
• Day 3 – The Palm, Kite Beach & Jumeirah

Day 4 – Old Dubai

• Day 5 – Dubai off the beaten track
• Day 6 – The camel market of Al Ain

Day 7 – Day trip to Abu Dhabi

• Bonus! Extending your itinerary
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Dubai

With its Total Comfort Plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for countries where health care system is private and expensive, like Dubai.

A few quick tips before kicking off your week in Dubai

Best time to visit dubai.

Seriously, you must avoid summer, from June to September. In July and August, temperatures average 45ºC and it is extremely humid. In September, temperatures drop slightly but humidity still persists, so you can’t really hang out in outdoors, even at night. Try to come from mid-October to mid-May.

By the way, remember that the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country which follows very strict Muslim Sharia laws. As a result, Western tourists need to be a bit careful and not behave as they would do in their home countries.

You don’t really need to be afraid but just apply common sense.

Know when to dress modestly

Dubai is a society with two sets of morals. On the one hand, in the places where the expats hang out, the beaches are filled with girls wearing fine bikinis and, in the glamorous clubs, you are likely to see girls dancing in dresses which are quite close to a bikini.

These areas are very tolerant regarding the way you dress but, in more conservative areas of the city, basically, in those places where the locals hang out, you should always cover both your shoulders and your knees but the good news is that you never need to cover your head.

For more info, read what to wear in Dubai .

Public displays of affection are not tolerated in the UAE

Not just kissing, but even hugging in public would be considered unlawful, including in Western areas. Once, I was kicked out from a bar because, since there was no place to sit, my girlfriend was sitting on my legs.

To be fair, the security guy told her to stand up three times but we completely ignored him, basically, because we found their norm to be absolutely ridiculous. 

During the holy month of Ramadan

I don’t recommend coming to UAE during Ramadan but, if you happen to be there, – just make sure not to eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in daylight and in public, otherwise, you will get a fine.

Moreover, during Ramadan, many bars close, there is barely any event going on and, basically, life stops pretty much. Seriously, if you can avoid it, don’t come here during Ramadan.  

Remember that, when driving, alcohol tolerance is 0

Driving with even a tiny percentage of alcohol in your blood warrants jail time. In three years of living and driving there, I never saw any alcohol control test but, if you had an accident and they found alcohol in your veins, you would, literally, be completely f&”?%ed. 

And the same goes for drugs

The UAE also has 0 drug tolerance. Even if they found you had 0.1g of weed at the airport customs, you would be done and likely put away for a long time.

This seems exaggerated but it can actually happen and the truth is that there are quite a few real horror stories from people who happened to have micro-remains from their last joint in their pocket and the dogs were able to smell it.

Alcohol availability

For your information, in Dubai, you can drink alcohol. Typically, only 4 to 5-star hotels can serve alcohol but the point is that people open regular bars and pubs and then they just attach it to a hotel.

As you can imagine, there are fancy hotels absolutely everywhere and each one of them has several bars attached to it, so finding a place where to drink is not a problem at all.

Furthermore, you can also find plenty of liquor stores around town but, unfortunately, you need a special license which only expats can get.

Alternatively, if you can drive, there is a liquor store named Barracuda in Umm Al Quwain, around 90km outside of Dubai, towards Ras Al Khaimah.

Remember that, in Dubai, many websites and internet calling services, like WhatsApp or Skype, are blocked and, if you want to access them, you will need a VPN. Read: How to find the right VPN for Dubai and the UAE

Tours and activities in Dubai

In your Dubai itinerary, there will be plenty of activities such as going on a trip to Musandam – an enclave within UAE that belongs to Oman – a desert safari or even going on a half-day trip to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, you may want to go on a tour, as it is much cheaper than going by taxi and even than renting a car.

These are just some of their most popular activities:

• Dubai Burj Khalifa ticket Floor 124 & 125 – Climb the tallest building on Earth.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: skip-the-line tickets – Skip the endless lines of the museum.
• Dubai: Hot air balloon, desert safari, quad biking – Enjoy the sunrise from 4000 feet above the ground.
• Dubai Aquarium & Burj Khalifa combo tickets – The tallest building on Earth and one of the most outstanding aquariums.
• Premium red dunes, camel safari & BBQ – Desert activities.
• Speedboat tour around Marina, Palm & Burj Al Arab – Explore these areas from the sea.
• Burj Khalifa tickets to floor 148 – For going to the highest floor you’ll need a special ticket.
• Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque tour – Tour to the most breathtaking mosque in the region.

For more info check: The top 25 activities, excursions and day trips from Dubai

How to access blocked websites in Dubai

As you may know, in Dubai, the internet is censored, which means that many websites which you may need to use regularly are blocked.

Besides gambling, pornography, and Israeli-related sites, some of these blocked websites are:

• WhatsApp Calls
• Google Hangouts

In order to access them, you will need something called VPN (Virtual Private Network), and I recommend ExpressVPN the most reliable VPN ever.

If you don’t know anything about VPNs, read how to find the right VPN for Dubai

7 Days in Dubai – Transportation: How to move around

How to move around dubai.

By metro – There are 2 metro lines which take you to most touristic sites. The metro has plenty of air-conditioning and it is pretty modern. A single ride costs less than a US dollar but just bear in mind that distances in Dubai are huge, so going from one place to another may take some time. Also, the metro goes to the most common touristic places but, beyond that, you will be very limited.

By taxi –  The way to go. If you count the price per kilometer, it is inexpensive but, since distances are long, moving around can be costly. The shortest ride costs around 15AED (4USD). Going from the Marina to Old Dubai may cost around 60-70AED (16-19USD).

How to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Bus –  There’s a bus every twenty minutes from 6am to 11pm, from the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai that takes you to Abu Dhabi. The buses are great, complete with air-conditioning and the cost from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a mere 25AED (7USD). 

Taxi –  A trip from the Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi will cost you 300AED (81USD), one-way.

Etihad Coach Service –  There’s also the free Etihad coach service from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, for those who travel with Etihad in Economy. Tip: Make your free coach reservation 24 hours before your trip via Etihad’s website.

How to travel from Dubai to Sharjah

Public transportation – You can take the metro from Dubai to Rashidya Station in Sharjah in no time. You can also catch a bus to Sharjah from Deira bus station, which is only 15 minutes from the Dubai airport by taxi. If you’re in Bur Dubai, grab a bus from Bur Dubai Al Ghubaiba station to Sharjah.

Taxi – A taxi from Dubai to Sharjah will cost you 150AED ($40). 

Note that, whereas it’s pretty easy to travel from city to city by public transportation, in both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, it’s not very convenient to move around if you don’t have your own car. Therefore, you should consider renting one if you don’t want to depend on taxis. 

If you are planning to go outside of Dubai, I highly recommend you rent a car because the public transportation system is not convenient at all.

The good news is that gas is very cheap and the car rental price is quite fair and, if you are from any country within the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, among some others, you can rent a car with your current driving license. For the rest of the nationalities, you will need a valid international driving license.

Where to stay in Dubai for a week

Dubai is a huge city with huge distances, composed of so many neighborhoods, so different from each other.

Choosing the area you want to stay in will depend on what you actually want to visit in Dubai, as well as on your budget, as prices vary enormously by area.

Moreover, if you are visiting the cities of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, you need to decide whether to visit them on a day trip or spend the night there as well.

I recommend you stay one week in Dubai because it is the only place where there is something going on at night and evenings. After 7pm, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are pretty boring.

I highly recommend you doing some proper research before choosing which area to stay at. For example, if you decide to stay in the Old City because you are on a budget, you should know that the beach of the Marina is more than 30km away.

A taxi would cost you around 75AED (20USD) and by metro, it would take almost 2 hours, so you should really think twice.

That’s why I decided to write a very comprehensive post which will help you with that: Which area to stay in Dubai: A guide to find the right accommodation

Dubai itinerary: 7 days in the UAE

Don’t forget: Best desert safaris in Dubai

My suggested Dubai itinerary involves visiting the most touristic sites on day 1 and 2, Old Dubai on the 3rd day and, if you are here for more than 3 days, visiting off the beaten track places on the 4th.

Dubai itinerary – Places to visit Dubai in 7 days

Day 1 – The glamorous, touristic Dubai

Remember to check: Best excursions, activities and day trips from Dubai

If you are visiting Dubai  for just one day, I recommend you visit the two most famous landmarks:

Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa 

Dubai is about extravagant and nonsensical buildings and, therefore, the two main attractions in the city are the largest mall in the world and the tallest building on Earth, which is attached to the mall.

I personally don’t like the Dubai Mall, basically, because I am not into shopping but I like the Burj Khalifa. By the way, you should know that, despite being the biggest mall, they extended it in 2018 by adding an additional luxury section.

Read: Tips + How to travel to Saudi Arabia

As per the Burj Khalifa, being the tallest building you will ever see, nobody can deny that this 160-storey building is actually impressive.

It won’t be the tallest one for very long though, as its two biggest competitors, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are currently building two brand-new towers which will be taller than the Burj Khalifa itself.

You can actually go to the top, but only to the 125th floor and, for some extra money, to the 148th. If you want to save money, you must book your tickets in advance.

In the evening, don’t miss the Dubai Fountain, which is the world’s largest musical fountain. It takes place every half an hour, from 6pm to 11pm.

Pro tip – I recommend you have dinner at Mezza House , my favorite Arab Restaurant in Dubai, serving the most delicious Lebanese food. It is right next to Burj Khalifa and it’s not particularly expensive.

Remember that you can visit Dubai on a half-day city tour .

Where to stay near Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa (Downtown)

Remember to check my guide to find the right accommodation in Dubai per area

Downtown is one of the fanciest and most expensive areas to stay at. Most people living here are expats, especially Arab Expats but a lot of Europeans. You should stay here if you want to be close to the best shopping areas and fanciest restaurants.

The most budget choice (Hostel) – The solo traveler – If you are on a tight budget, this brand-new hostel is right next to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, it has a Carrefour just downstairs, has mind-blowing views and offers budget dorms. If you are a solo traveler , think no further!

Top-rated hotel – Rove Downtown – The best value for money in Downtown. Not expensive but its rooms and facilities are right at the luxury boundaries. For this price, you can’t find anything better in Dubai.

Souq Madinat and Burj Al-Arab 

Some people claim that Souq Madinat is a fake bazaar that tries to imitate a traditional Arab souq.

I like to focus on the positive part of travel so, for me, this is just the adaptation of an Arab bazaar to the real concept of Dubai, which is a 21st century, luxurious and modern city.

Souq Madinat is actually pretty, has some cool canals with giant turtles swimming around and, since the place is attached to a couple of hotels, there are plenty of bars and high-quality restaurants serving alcohol.

Pro-tip – Have dinner at Tortuga , the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Dubai. When I say authentic I mean Mexicans come here to eat because they serve traditional dishes and not fake Tex-Mex food like nachos, quesadillas, and burritos. My girlfriend is Mexican and we used to go there all the time.

Moreover, from Souq Madinat, you get amazing views of Burj Al-Arab, the most luxurious hotel in the world. You can’t visit it though, unless you book a tour in advance, which often involves eating at one of the restaurants.

Where to stay in Souk Madinat

In Souq Madinat there are only 5-star hotels, so if you are on a budget, stay away from here.

Top-rated hotel – Jumeirah Mina A’Salam – Well, this Arabic-luxury-thematic hotel is absolutely gorgeous and quiet, located right next to the canal and with fantastic views of both the sea and Burj Al-Arab. It is one of the best luxury options in town.

Day 2 – Dubai Marina and JBR

Marina and jumeirah beach residence.

The Western expat land, home to a pleasant beach walk that, somehow, tries to replicate Santa Monica’s in LA, is a set of skyscrapers, which is more like a resort than an actual neighborhood but the truth is that there are a few hundred people living in them.

With as little as 10 or 15 years of history and a pretty decent beach where you can ride a camel while staring at 60-floor buildings, Marina is the place where people hang out, from tourists to Western expats, locals and 18-year old kids who spend the day driving around the area just to show off their fancy cars.

You can also book a speed boat tour around the Marina . CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

I lived in the Marina for 3 years and, despite sounding like a cheesy and pretentious area, this is the nicest part to live in Dubai, basically because it is the most Western-friendly.

You can easily get there by metro by going to a station which used to be called Marina but now they keep on changing the name constantly. Damac Properties is how they call it now I think.

Pro tip – The beach is nice but it is mostly filled with tourists. Expats go to Kite Beach, located in Jumeirah.

Where to stay close to Marina

The most budget choice (Hostel) – Top of Marina – If you wanna stay in one of the highest floors with great views of the Marina skyline, this hostel is truly amazing. It is actually located in the building I used to live and it has a few swimming pools, a gym and just everything you need. If you are on a budget and want to stay in the greatest place, this is your hostel!

The top-rated option – The Address Dubai Marina – This is my favorite building in the whole Dubai Marina, as it is just simple but impressive at the same time and located right next to the canal. It is one of the top-rated 5-star hotels in the city and has the best bars in the whole Marina.

Day 3 – The Palm, Jumeirah, Kite Beach and Jumeirah Mosque

The palm jumeirah.

After the Marina, if you continue along the coast you find the beginning of The Palm, that famous palm-shaped island which is attached to Dubai mainland and has an Atlantis Hotel replica at its furthest edge.

You can get to the very edge by a monorail that runs 20 meters above the street and, for me, this is the best part of this tiny trip, as you can get a feeling of the island’s shape. Otherwise, when you are walking over it, it is like being in a normal street plus the island itself is boring.

You can also book a speed boat tour around The Palm . CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Where to stay in The Palm

Unless you want to stay in Atlantis, which is the famous hotel, I don’t see a reason why you should stay in The Palm. There is nothing to do and it is far away from everything. In three years, I came here just three times and only because I had some company events and meetings.

The best – Atlantis – What can I say which you don’t know yet? The Atlantis is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and a replica of the hotel you find in the Bahamas. It also has a waterpark and loads of bars and restaurants.

Jumeirah, Kite Beach and Jumeirah Mosque

Following the road along the coast, 18km after The Palm (I already told you that distances in Dubai are huge), you find Jumeirah, a set of streets filled with expensive villas where the local Emiratis live.

I like this area because it is one of the very few actual walkable parts of Dubai and also because you find the Jumeirah Mosque, a small but beautiful mosque which non-Muslim people can visit and the only cultural site to visit in the new part of the city.

There is no metro line to come here but the bus leaves from the main street in Marina.

Pro tip – Go to Bu Qtair Fish restaurant , a pretty budget seafood restaurant that serves fresh fish cooked in the traditional Gulf way.

Old Dubai is my favorite part of the UAE as it is the only place with a real soul. You can easily there by metro. The place is huge though and it has several metro stations.

Bastiqaya and Bur Dubai

Inhabited by Indians since many hundreds years ago, when the local Arabs were still Bedouins living in the desert, this used to be one of the greatest centers of the pearl trade and industry, one of the region’s main economic pillars.

Today, Bastiqaya and Bur Dubai are still mostly inhabited by Indians who are able to provide a deeper cultural feeling than soulless Dubai. Here you will find authentic (and cheap) Indian eateries filled with tens of Indians, real bazaars and traditional architecture.

Bastiqaya is the place to get lost among its narrow alleys while savoring some real authentic cuisine in the many restaurants where, according to Indians, they serve the best Indian food in the world, because it tastes like back home but it is much more hygienic.

This is, by far, my most favorite place and the reason why I finally liked Dubai.

If you are interested in Old Dubai, you can book a Street Food tour around the maze streets of Bastiqaya. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Don’t forget to check out the Dubai Museum, which is built inside a fortress from the 18th century, the Creek, the Textile Souk and a real Hindu Temple that holds real Hindu ceremonies.  

Pro tip – If you need to buy any electronic, Bur Dubai has the cheapest stores in town, much cheaper than anywhere in Europe.

Where to stay in Bur Dubai

In Bur Dubai you find some of the cheapest accommodation in town:

The most budget – Gold Plaza Guest House – This is not a nice hotel but it is really cheap. If you look for the cheapest option, this is your place.

The top-rated – Raffles Dubai – A top luxury hotel but much cheaper than other similar options from Marina or Downtown. If you look for affordable luxury, this is your place.

Cross the Dubai Creek in an Abra, from Bur Dubai to Deira

Pay 1 AED and enjoy a fabulous ride in the abra, the traditional water taxi to cross the atmospheric Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai to Deira on the opposite side. The quaint old wooden boat has a fishtail carved out of wood. 

Deira and the spice market souq

From saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, sumac and turmeric, Deira has the most traditional and photogenic souq, selling all sorts of spices, to the extent that any Indian can actually cook any curry they can come up with.

Deira and the gold souq

If you are into jewelry and gold, this souq sells some of the cheapest gold in the world and its biggest attraction is one ring which is claimed to be the biggest ring on Earth, which doesn’t make any sense because it is so big that your entire body would fit into it, so it is a completely useless ring.

Where to stay in Deira

Deira also offers plenty of budget accommodation and the biggest advantage is that it is very close to the airport.

Budget – Mark Inn Hotel Deira – Simple but clean, cheap and excellent Middle Eastern service. For people on a budget, this is a really good option.

Top-rated – Rove City Center – This hotel has the largest number of really positive reviews, located in the new and fancy part of Deira. Excellent service and super modern facilities.

Day 5 – Get off the beaten track

These are my top off the beaten track activities to do in Dubai .

You can’t do everything in one day but you can choose 1 or 2 or replace some of the previous fancy stuff with any of these places:

Camel Racing

Be part of the heart-pumping action that is so integral to the Emiratis’ life at the Al Marmoom Racetrack deep in the desert sands.

It’s an experience like no other; about 60 camels rush out from the gates, long legs flying in every which direction, running as fast as they can down the track while the jockeys steer and hold on for dear life.

They are followed by their owners in 4X4s, yelling at their camels and jockeys to do better. The excitement is contagious and soon you’ll be screaming at your favorite camel (yes, you actually read that), just as you would at a horse race.

The camel race is one of the most traditional activities in the Arab Gulf and will be one of the highlights of your Dubai itinerary.

The races take place on Friday and Saturday, from October to April.

For more information, check this website .

Horse racing in Meydan

The national sport in the UAE is horse racing and, in fact, they have some of the best and most expensive horses in the world.

If you want to experience something very traditional but modern at the same time, you can’t miss the weekly horse racing at Meydan racing stadium, which takes place every Thursday at 7pm, from November to March.

The races are impressive, so is the atmosphere, as all types of people attend: from wealthy locals to expats and laborers. The general entry ticket is free but, of course, you can also get a premium seat, which gives you access to the bar and restaurant.

For further information, visit the  official website .

Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding

The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding is one governmental entity which tries to promote and create awareness of the Emirati culture, a culture which most foreigners have very little exposure to.

You can visit the center and book different tours but I recommend the lunch tour, which involves spending 1.5 hours with local Emiratis over a traditional Emirati lunch, who will explain you the customs in the UAE to you.

Since you will be having lunch with these men, the interaction will be higher and much closer than just visiting the center on a guided tour.

Heritage exclusive & eco-friendly Desert Safari

If you want a real desert, exclusive and off the beaten track adventure, go to the Heritage Safari, where you will drive, very slowly and quietly, over a track from where you can actually see oryx and real desert wildlife.

The cars are real, refurbished Land Rovers from the 50s and, unlike the regular desert safari, which is very close to the city and there is much noise from people and other cars, here you will find complete silence and the real feeling of what a desert is like.

You will have to book it in advance

If you want to go on a regular safari, check: 10 top desert safaris in Dubai

Day 6 – Day trip to Al Ain

After getting tired of Dubai, it is time to get outside of the city and, if you still want to experience some traditional culture, I strongly recommend you go to the Camel Market of Al Ain, which is a bustling, chaotic animal market, where you can bargain over the price of a camel and where you will find, literally, hundreds and hundreds of camels and a really authentic atmosphere.

Today, the sellers are not Emirati but Pakistani and Indian, even though most likely, the actual owners are locals.

However, the bazaar is still really genuine and, if you wander and wait for long enough, you will see wealthy Emiratis coming with their pickups to bargain for camels and other animals.

Every time I had friends visiting, I never hesitated to take them there, which means that I have been here so many times!

The market is, obviously, free and you will be one of the very few tourists. Al Ain is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dubai and you can only come here by car.

Moreover, besides the market, Al Ain has also plenty of historical sites like Jahili Fort, a desert fort from the 19th century built in a beautiful oasis.

If you are self-driving, also go to Jebel Hafeet , a mountain whose road was voted among the greatest roads to drive in the world.

For more information, read: Things to do in Al Ain

You can book a full-day tour to Al Ain , which includes a visit to the camel market. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Where to stay in Al Ain

As you can see, there are quite a few things to do in Al Ain, so if you want to stay here overnight, I recommend these hotels. Good news is that all the hotels are much cheaper than in Dubai.

Budget – Ayla – This is the most decent, budget option in town, with plenty of good reviews actually.

Top-rated – Ayla Grand Hotel – One of the busiest and most popular options in town, this 5-star hotel is very close to the city center and it is a luxury option with unbeatable prices.

Go to Sheikh Zayed Mosque (a must) 

This is one of the largest mosques, with the largest carpet and the largest chandelier in the world.

The mosque can accommodate an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It has 82 domes plus 1,000 marble columns and 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers everywhere.

One of the world’s biggest-ever chandeliers dominates the main prayer hall; it is 10 meters in diameter and 15 meters in height and weighs twelve tons.

If that weren’t enough, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, made by Iranian carpet weavers.

The mosque is surrounded by reflective pools that amplify its beauty. What glitters gold and white in the sun is transformed at night by a unique lightning system which reflects the phases of the moon. The best time to see the mosque is during sunset, at 5:30 P.M. The mosque has a ‘Sunset Hour’ sightseeing set up at that time, to enable visitors to see the best of the mosque. 

For more information, read this Abu Dhabi City guide

Pro Tip –  Modest clothing is expected when you enter the mosque, including an abaya for women (provided at the entrance) and covered head, shoulders, and knees for the men. The mosque is open from 9 A.M. to 10 P.M. every day and is open daily to visitors except on Friday morning.

How to get there – Well, there is no direct public transportation. You would first need to to take a bus from the outskirts of Dubai to the center of Abu Dhabi and then look for a taxi, which I don’t recommend.

Going directly by taxi from would cost, roughly, around 300AED (one way), so the best way is to rent a car or, even cheaper, to go on a tour.

If you aren’t self-driving, I recommend you book the tour with GetYourGuide , as they have pretty good deals for visiting the mosque which you can combine with visiting other places within Abu Dhabi.

Bonus! Extending your UAE itinerary

Liwa oasis (2 additional days, minimum).

Liwa Oasis is my most favorite place in the whole United Arab Emirates and, actually, one of my top places to visit in the Middle East .

Unfortunately, due to its remoteness and distance, you need a couple of days to enjoy Liwa.

Liwa Oasis is located in the southern-eastern part of the country, 250km from Abu Dhabi and 350km from Dubai, very close to the Saudi Arabian border.

The oasis is situated on the north-eastern edge of the  Empty Quarter (Rub-al-Jali) , a vast desert spread across the UAE, Saudi Arabia , Oman , and Yemen , which is the largest continuous sea of dunes in the world. It extends over an area of 650,000km² and measures 1,000km in length by 500km in width.

For more information, read my guide to the Liwa Oasis

Where to stay in Liwa

Budget –  Liwa Hotel –  The hotel is all right, nothing fancy but the location is quite unbeatable, right in the middle of the sea dunes, from where you get stunning views of the Empty Quarter.

Top-rated –  Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort –  This resort is the most awesome desert hotel in the country. With some of the most stunning views ever, this 5-star hotel is real Emirati luxury combined with tradition. Even if you are not staying here, it is worth checking out.

More information for visiting Dubai

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Access blocked sites – Remember that, if you want to use Skype, Whatsapp Call or Tinder you will need a VPN. For that, I recommend ExpressVPN , the best and fastest VPN in the market.

All guides and articles for traveling in UAE destination

• North Korean Restaurant in Dubai
• Authentic Restaurants in Dubai
• Dubai Travel Budget Guide
• Dubai Off-the-beaten Track
• Where to Stay in Dubai
• VPN for Dubai
• Best Desert Safaris in Dubai
• Best Day Tours & Excursions in Dubai
• Travel Guide to Liwa Oasis

Check more city guides

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Asmara Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Beirut Travel Guide
• Erbil Travel Guide
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Baku Travel Guide
• Tbilisi Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Minsk
• Kiev Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Nouakchott
• A City Guide to Mosul

13 comments

This looks very nice itinerary of Dubai, as we all know that Dubai is nowadays top most tourist destination in the whole world and I think this must be the right way of exploring it. Thanks for sharing this lovely post.

My Bestie Anna is coming next week here. Will ask her to just glide through your informative read. Also I do wish to share few important tips for all others here ** Eventhough smart cards are easily accessible here good to carry a small amount of liquid cash **Good to carry a small kit with emergent medicines like Neosporin, etc,

Hi Nadiya, I removed your link because self-promotion or commercial links are not allowed

Dubai seems fantastic, Im going there soon and Im so exited.

An amazing blog indeed, This time I will visit UAE with my friends. I am hopeful that this information will be useful for all of us. Thanks to the author for sharing this.

glad you found it useful! cheers!

Dubai is a must visit destination for shopping enthusiasts and adventure lovers. I found this itinerary is very useful anybody can use it as a reference to plan Dubai holiday.

I love Jumeirah Beach. The glorious Jumeirah Beach lies along Dubai’s coast and gives you the opportunity to swim in the arabic gulf. Visitors to Jumeirah’s hotels can enjoy private beaches offering water sports. If you’re not a hotel guest, you can only relax at Jumeirah Beach Park, the public portion of the beach.

Nice Pics & Information…Thanks for sharing Keep Going! Am also interested visiting Dubai once in my life.

That’s an honest post!! I have never bored in Dubai and it’s luxury life.

What if I have the opportunity to visit in June or July? Is it worth it for a few days? I live in Singapore & I’m from Texas, so I’m accustomed to humidity & heat!

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6 Days in Dubai: The Ultimate Family Trip

Dubai's allure has long captivated me, despite my usual preference for nature getaways.

With its blend of stunning views, iconic architecture, desert excursions, family-friendly attractions, water sports, historical sites, futuristic vibe, and shopping opportunities, it's the perfect destination for all ages.

So, we planned our trip with friends, and as a group of 5 adults and two toddlers aged 3.5 and 1.5, we embarked on our adventure to the City of Gold.

Here's our 6 days itinerary to help you plan your trip.

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Bur Dubai

Arrival in Dubai

We flew Air India from Bangalore to Dubai via Mumbai, and arrived at 6 pm local time. Transit, baggage collection and immigration takes about an hour. Visa has to be applied prior to travel. We did this with the help of a travel agent and got reduced fees for kids under the family visa plan.

Where to Stay?

Hotels in Deira and Bur Dubai are cheapest options. However, they are a bit far from some attractions like Burj Khalifa, JBR Beach, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah etc. However, public transport connectivity through metro, bus and waterways is excellent. Staying in Downtown area or Palm Jumeirah will provide faster access to attractions but at a higher cost.

Short Itinerary:

Day 1: Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Fountain

Day 2: At the Top, Burj Khalife(sunrise) & Desert Safari

Day 3: Dolphinarium, Museum of the Future(free), Dubai Creek

Day 4: The View at the Palm, Palm Broadwalk, The Pointe, JBR Beach

Day 5: Old Dubai, Miracle Garden, Global Village

Day 6: Dubai Frame, Yacht ride in Dubai Marina

Dubai Airport

We reached our hotel in Bur Dubai at around 8 in the night and rested. However, there are many places which can be visited at night, like Dubai fountain, Dubai Creek Harbour, The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah, Blue water island or even a walk in Al-Fahidi.

Dubai Mall - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

DAY 1: DUBAI MALL, AQUARIUM & FOUNTAIN

Our Dubai exploration kicked off with a visit to Dubai Mall, and my initial reaction upon entering was sheer awe at its immense size. Although shopping wasn't our priority, we couldn't resist capturing moments at some of the mall's iconic photo spots:

1. This spotted leopard

The Leopard @ Dubai Mall

2. The Human Waterfall

The Human Waterfall @ Dubai Mall

3. The Dino Fossil

Dino Fossil @Dubai Mall

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Following that, we headed to the Dubai Aquarium, a mesmerizing tunnel showcasing exotic marine life, including stunning stingrays and sharks. While a portion of the aquarium can be seen for free from the mall, it's worthwhile, especially with children, to explore the full experience, including the underwater zoo.

Dubai Aquarium

After the aquarium, we visited the underwater zoo on the same ticket, two levels above. We marveled at a variety of marine life, including penguins and the king croc.

Dubai Underwater zoo

Penguins at Dubai Underwater zoo

Dubai Fountain

Later, around 5:30 pm, we left the mall for the fountain area, capturing numerous photos with the Burj Khalifa. We then moved to Souk al Bahar to witness the Dubai Fountain spectacle at 6 pm, repeating every half hour. From 6:30 onwards, the LED lighting on the Burj Khalifa dazzled every 15 minutes. Experiencing both synchronized events with Adele's "Skyfall" as the background score was truly breathtaking.

Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa lighting

DAY 2: SUNRISE @ BURJ KHALIFA AND DESERT SAFARI

On our second day, we started early to catch the sunrise from the Burj Khalifa. Despite my initial concerns, we managed to find a taxi at 5 am and arrived at Dubai Mall before 5:30 am. Being there before 6 am was key, as it allowed us to enjoy the stunning night view of Dubai, the sunrise, and the clear day views from the observation deck

After Sunrise

Before Sunrise

The Golden Hour

Clear Views from At the Top

After witnessing the sunrise, we had the option to wait until 8 am for complimentary access to the 125th floor. Despite plans to visit Wings of Mexico and Burj Park, fatigue led us to skip both. So, we collected our complimentary breakfast snacks at the ground-level café before returning to the hotel.

Lahbab Desert Safari - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

In the afternoon, we embarked on the highly anticipated Desert Safari adventure. Our activities included an ATV ride (extra charge AED 250), thrilling dune bashing in the Lahbab Desert, falcon photography (AED 10), sandboarding, and desert photography. At the camp for dinner, we opted for premium seats at upgrade price of AED 50 per person(not recommended). While the food was underwhelming, the performances were outstanding. We concluded the evening with a memorable 5-minute camel ride, a highlight for the little one.

Dubai Dolphinarium

DAY 3: DOLPHINARIUM, MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE & DUBAI CREEK HARBOUR

Arriving at the Dubai Dolphinarium for the discounted 11 am show (only on Saturday and Sunday), we were met with heavy rain outside and a crowded interior with prime seats already occupied. Nonetheless, we enjoyed watching the seals and dolphins perform their stunts and felt it to be a must-visit spot for families with kids.

Dolphin Show @ Dubai Dolphinarium

Seal @ Dubai Dolphinarium

Museum of The Future

After the show, it was still raining so we decided to go and visit Museum of the Future. The lobby and the first level, connected to the metro bridge, are free to explore. Additionally, the robotic dog and flying penguin make hourly appearances, adding to the experience. While we didn't purchase tickets, it's advisable to book at least two months in advance if you plan to enter, as tickets tend to sell out quickly.

Flying Penguin @ Museum of the Future

Museum of the Future exterior

Robotic Dog @ Museum of the Future

Later in the evening, we visited The Viewing Point, a newly opened observation deck at Dubai Creek Harbour. Admission is free, and it provides a breathtaking view of the Dubai skyline, especially captivating after sunset when the lights are aglow, casting mesmerizing reflections on the water below.

Dubai Creek Harbour

Dubai Skyline from Dubai Creek Harbour

The Viewing Point, Dubai Creek Harbour

DAY 4: THE VIEW AT THE PALM, PALM MONORAIL & PALM BROADWALK

On our fourth day in Dubai, we opted to discover the renowned Palm Jumeirah, a luxurious man-made island off the coast. Our initial destination was The View at the Palm, situated on the 52nd floor of the Palm Towers. Accessible through Nakheel Mall, they provide a comprehensive overview of this remarkable engineering feat before reaching the observation deck.

The View at the Palm

Among all the observation decks I visited in Dubai, this one stands out as my favorite. The views are absolutely breathtaking!

Our next agenda was to visit The Pointe, but upon finding the monorail station closed, we decided to take the monorail to Atlantis instead, and it turned out to be quite an enjoyable ride!

At Atlantis the Palm, we enjoyed strolling along the Palm Boardwalk, just opposite the hotel, admiring the beautiful sea views and the iconic Atlantis hotel. Unfortunately, our plans were cut short by the evening rain, leaving us unable to visit JBR beach and Bluewaters island for sunset and night views.

Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk

Palm Broadwalk

The view from monorail

DAY 5: GOLD SOUK, AL FAHIDI(OLD DUBAI), MIRACLE GARDEN, GLOBAL VILLAGE

Gold Souk - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Due to two days of unexpected rain, we hadn't been able to explore old Dubai, where we were staying. Therefore, on our fifth day, we ventured into the narrow streets of old Dubai. Our first stop was the Gold Souk, known for its extravagant displays of gold ornaments. Afterwards, we proceeded to the Spice Souk, picking up some date chocolates along the way.

Deira Souks

Then we crossed over from Deira to Bur Dubai in an Abra which cost AED 1 per person, and there was no ticket or queue.

Abra ride from Deira to Bur Dubai

View from Abra

Arabian Tea House Cafe

On Bur Dubai side, we went towards Al Seef. However, we were short on time, so we didn't explore the complete street. Instead, we went to have lunch at the famous Arabian Tea House in Al-Fahidi. It was an authentic, exquisite albeit very expensive meal.

Arabian Tea House

Miracle Garden

After lunch, we went to Miracle Garden. We got late and reached just as the sun was setting. So we were not able to see much of the daylight colours. Nonetheless it was really beautiful.

Global Village

Our final stop of the day was Global Village. It was really grand, but we were too tired to enjoy it completely. In fact, after all the places we'd visited in Dubai so far, it seemed a bit of a letdown.

DAY 6: DUBAI FRAME, DUBAI MARINA YACHT RIDE

Dubai Frame

On our final day, we decided to consolidate our entire journey by visiting the Dubai Frame. It showcases Dubai's past as well as it's envisaged future. The glass elevators are amazing, as is the transparent walkway. It was a really enjoyable and budget friendly experience.

Transparent walkway inside Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame exterior

Dubai Marina

After this we had lunch and headed towards the Dubai Marina Yacht Club for a sunset yacht ride. It is a wonderful way to cruise around the Marina. In fact we chose it over the more popular and cheaper option of a Dhow Cruise. It was unexpectedly cold on the upper deck as the evening progressed, so take some jackets with you.

Marina Sunset Yacht Cruise

This was the last activity of our trip, and finally, the next day it was time bid adieu to Dubai.

Each day of our trip was unique in its own way, filled with activities we had carefully chosen, and which we really enjoyed. We purposefully avoided a day trip to Abu Dhabi, because we felt that it would become a bit hectic with kids in tow. We also avoided the usual 'kid friendly activities' like theme parks and water parks because our kids were very small, and they would not enjoy most of the rides.

Thus, the key to a successful Dubai trip is right time(Nov & Feb are cool, cheap and less crowded giving best value for money) and right activities.

Have you been to Dubai? Tell us your favorite memories in the comments or write about it on Tripoto .

For more stories follow me on Tripoto and Instagram .

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Travel Dubai Itinerary:6 days Must-do list in Dubai

by Trip.com

May 15, 2024

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Day 1 | Morning

Burj khalifa.

Opening Hours: 124th floor + 125th floor: 8:30-24:00, the prime time for ascending the tower is 15:00-18:30. 148th floor: 9:30-23:00, the prime time is 9:30-19:00. (The prime time varies with the season. Please refer to the on-site announcement of the Burj Khalifa for specific information. Time for ascending the tower is limited to the time indicated in the confirmation form)

Ticket Price: 149 AED

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Dubai

About 828 meters tall and with 162 floors, Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai 's landmarks. There is an observation deck on the 124th floor that visitors can reach by the elevator in one minute. The entire Dubai can be overlooked through the glass walls of the 124th floor observation deck, including the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab Hotel, and Dubai's beautiful beaches. Sunset is a good time to make the trip up the tower to look at the views. You can see the day turning into night on the horizon, the sun setting in the west, and the city lights being switched on.

Reviews from Real Guests:

MOHAMMAD OMAR KOWSIR: In 2018, Dubai became an exclusive attraction richer. The 150-meter-high Dubai Frame tells the story of the origin of the Emirate, but also shows the ultra-modern future. Take the elevator up and enjoy the panoramic view. In the north you see the old area Deira with the Dubai Creek, in the east the Arabian desert, in the south the new Dubai with the Burj Khalifa and in the west the Persian Gulf. The golden frame is of course also the perfect….

Blackispure: I’m proud to say I arranged this trip for my mum. No words can describe the beauty of Burj Khalifa view, even these pictures you see don’t justify it’s an ultimate dream she said, for the very first time she felt you could fly because she found her wings in Burj haha . well, if you visit Dubai and don’t get to the tallest building in the world & fastest elevator in the world ,then you have seen nothing.

Day 1 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Burj Khalifa, Dubai Skydiving Experience next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Dubai Skydiving Experience

Ticket Price: 1499 AED

Recommended Length of Stay: 2.0-3.0 Hours

Location: Tourist Street - Dubai Marina - Dubai

In Dubai , experience one of the most exciting rides in the world - skydiving. Dubai's Palm Island skydiving area is one of the most beautiful skydiving places in the world. Jumping from here, you can have a panoramic view of Dubai's attractions: the Palm Island, the Burj Al Arab and the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. You can also choose to skydive at the Dubai Desert Reserve for a unique view of the desert. The Palm Jumeirah, which cost $14 billion to build, consists of an artificial island in the shape of a palm leaf in the middle and a crescent-shaped levee in the outer ring. The villas of the rich all over the world are scattered on the vast majority of "blade", and each villa has its own private dock and yacht. It is said that many celebrities such as Faye Wong and Beckham also have villas on the island. Dubai Desert Reserve Dubai Desert Reserve, is a national park managed by the Dubai Natural Resources Conservation Commission. This unique reserve is only 45 kilometers from Dubai. This reserve was created to protect endangered desert species, provide them with a natural habitat to breed, and preserve traditional heritage.

Day 1 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Dubai Skydiving Experience, W Dubai - Mina Seyahi nearby is the best place to stay.

W Dubai - Mina Seyahi

The W Dubai - Mina Seyahi is one of the newest hotels in Dubai , having opened in 2021.

The hotel is only 7km from Sharaf Dg Metro Station and 36km from Al Maktoum International Airport, giving guests a number of convenient transportation options. Transportation around the city is also convenient, with Nakheel Metro Station within walking distance. With Armonia Spa, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre and The Princess Tower all within a short distance, there is no shortage of things to do in the area.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Dubai hotel offers parking on site.

When it comes to Dubai hotels, the W Dubai - Mina Seyahi is highly regarded for its excellent facilities.

Pets allowed

Check Availability

Day 2 | Morning

The lost chambers aquarium.

Opening Hours: Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Ticket Price: 135 AED

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Island, Dubai

The Lost Chambers Aquarium is located inside the Atlantis Hotel at the tip of the Palm Jumeirah Archipelago. The theme of the aquarium is the search for the lost civilization of Atlantis. While observing the sea creatures, you can imagine yourself searching for the ruins of the mysterious Atlantis. The aquarium features a giant two-story high glass fish tank and it is free. Standing in the hotel's corridors, you can see myriad aquatic organisms that live in the giant tank. If you want to swim with these beautiful, brightly colored fish, you can also sign up to dive here, then you can get really close to the fish in the giant tank.

Day 2 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting The Lost Chambers Aquarium, don’t forget pay a visit to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Opening Hours: Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Ticket Price: 175 AED

Location: Ground & Level 2, The Dubai Mall - Dubai

Located in Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is famous for its massive exhibits, where visitors are treated to a view of the colorful underwater world through rectangular glass walls. Visitors can take a tour and hop on a glass-bottom boat for a trip around the aquarium and have the opportunity to feed the fish. Aside from the massive aquarium, there are also several precious animals in the zoo, including a red-tailed squid from South America and scorpions from the Mississippi River.

Umar Abdul Latif: We really had a great time. We spent 2 hours inside. We were amazed of the beautiful animals. They have sea water and freshwatet animals. They also have penguins, otters, frogs, lizards, lobsters and many more. We suggest you book the explorer experience for a glass boat ride and also book a penguin encounter for a more complete experience. Animal and nature lovers will surely enjoy

MsChow: The largest aquarium in the world. It also has the longest and widest glass viewing wall. Many tourists can enjoy it outside the glass wall of the aquarium. The shock is amazing. It is the largest aquarium in the world 👍🏻👍🏻

Day 2 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo? Bulgari Resort Dubai is one of your top choices.

Bulgari Resort Dubai

Situated on the manmade Jumeira Bay, an island carved into the shape of a seahorse and adjoined by a 300m bridge to central Dubai coastline, Bulgari Hotel & Resorts, Dubai comprises a private Marina featuring 50 boat berths and the first world’s Bulgari Yacht Club with peerless views over the sea.The resort offers 101 rooms and suites, as well as 20 Bulgari villas with pool, garden and sea-view.The Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai offers a full range of amenities, such as the gourmet Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, the Il Café open all day , Il Bar with its iconic oval-shaped freestanding bar and La Spiaggia the most exclusive beach Club with private beach and a unique mosaic-design outdoor swimming pool.Guests can also enjoy the 1,700 square-metre Spa with hammam, indoor pool, fitness centre, beauty salon with a traditional barbershop and hairdresser.Speaking Arabic, English, Hindi and Japanese, staff at the reception can help you plan your stay.Dubai Opera is 4.1 km from the accommodation, while Burj Khalifa is 4.2 km from the property.The nearest airport is Dubai International Airport, 13 km from Bulgari Hotel & Resorts, Dubai.

Airport pickup service

Swimming pool

Day 3 | Morning

Dubai museum.

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Thu,Sat-Sun,8:30am-8:30pm;Open on Fri,2:00pm-8:30pm

Ticket Price: 3 AED

Recommended Length of Stay: 30-60 Minutes

Location: Al Fahidi Fort - Al Fahidi - Dubai

The Dubai Museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort, a famous historical building south of Dubai Creek. It once served as a military fortress tasked with guarding Dubai and was later converted into a museum to showcase the history of the Bedouin ancestors of the Arab people. The museum houses a unique antique merchant house and an antique market on the ground floor, which recreates in vivid detail scenes from the daily lives of the ancient Arabs.

SatyaDxb: It was nice visit to see the monument where car park can be done under green zone of emirates tower building

Trip.com User: love the place very attractive.cheap place good with family and friends .clean and save

Day 3 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Dubai Museum, don’t forget pay a visit to Legoland Dubai.

Legoland Dubai

Opening Hours: Saturday-Wednesday 10:00-18:00; Thursday-Friday 10:00-20:00

Ticket Price: 245 AED

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-4 Hours

Location: Parks & Resorts - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Legoland Dubai is the seventh Lego-themed amusement park in the world. More than 60 million Lego bricks were used to assemble over 15,000 models in the park. There are 6 sections and more than 40 interactive rides, most of which are quite mild and ideal for small children. The park features 10 differently themed restaurants, allowing kids to have fun even during dinner.

Day 3 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection in advance, because all the tourists head to Legoland Dubai love staying at it.

Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection

Set in a prime location of Dubai, Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts Autograph Collectio puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. Both business travelers and tourists can enjoy the hotel's facilities and services. To be found at the hotel are 24-hour security. Each guestroom is elegantly furnished and equipped with handy amenities. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts Autograph Collection is an excellent choice from which to explore Dubai or to simply relax and rejuvenate.

Day 4 | Morning

Aquaventure waterpark.

Opening Hours: Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Ticket Price: 320 AED

Location: Atlantis The Palm - Crescent Rd - The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Aquaventure Waterpark is located in Dubai’s Atlantis Hotel on Palm Island and offers recreational activities like water rafting, the thrilling Poseidon Tower and Poseidon’s Revenge slide. The park offers not only exciting rides and attractions, but also a 700-meter stretch of beach where visitors can wade in the warm sea, sun bathe or play beach volleyball.

Federer: The water park is fun, exciting and worth a visit. Booking tickets in Trip.com is cheaper than buying tickets on site, but you also need to queue up on site for QR code bracelets, no fast track.

Day 4 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Aquaventure Waterpark, At The Top, Burj Khalifa next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

At The Top, Burj Khalifa

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: burj khalifa - Blvd Dubai Unit LG - 089 - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Dubai

Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world, with a height of 828 meters and a total of 162 floors. Most tourists will take high-speed elevators to the observation deck on the 124th floor, and the whole journey takes only 60 seconds. There is a 360-degree glass wall on the observation deck on the 124th floor for you to overlook the city beauty of Dubai in all directions. The Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab and other attractions can be seen, and you can slowly experience the magical city of Dubai.

Trip.com User: It was worth the ticket and going to the top. Watching whole Dubai from that high is amazing experience. Better go before the sunset and enjoy breathtaking view. The water there costs 5 Dhs. They have a coffee shop and an awesome restaurant that requires resveration to dine there. It was my birthday and they took care of me. Love it so much!

Ybuannavoyages: amazing to see such high rise skyscrapers. absolutely stunning views from the highest building. worth visiting and an amazing experience!

Day 4 | Evening

After visiting the glorious At The Top, Burj Khalifa, Grand Millennium Business Bay nearby is the best place to stay.

Grand Millennium Business Bay

Property Location With a stay at Grand Millennium Business Bay in Dubai Coast, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Ibn Battuta Mall and The Walk. This hotel is 9.5 mi (15.2 km) from Ski Dubai and 9.5 mi (15.2 km) from Mall of the Emirates. Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 337 guestrooms. Amenities Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages. Encounter the local wildlife with a safari, then enjoy recreational amenities including a sauna and a fitness center. This hotel also features wireless Internet access (surcharge), a hair salon, and shopping on site. Dining Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the hotel's coffee shop/café. Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), limo/town car service, and a 24-hour front desk. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

Day 5 | Morning

Opening Hours: Sunday - Wednesday 10:00-22:00, Thursday 10:00-24:00, Friday 9:00-24:00, Saturday 9:00-23:00.

Ticket Price: 150 AED

Location: Shiekh Zayed Road, Interchange 4 | Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates and is covered with snow and ice all year around, no matter how hot it is in the desert outside. The resort has 22,500 square meters of Ski Dubai with 5 runs varying in difficulty, steepness and height. Professional instructors are there to guide skiers in selecting the right slope for them. Children are also guaranteed a fun time with a number of snow rides and even adorable penguins that the children can interact with in the 3,000-square-meter Snow Park.

Trip.com User: very good

Day 5 | Afternoon

Skydive Dubai nearby is the top choice before you leave Ski Dubai and hit the road.

Skydive Dubai

Opening Hours: Palm Island Skydiving: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00; Desert Skydiving: Tuesday-Sunday 7:30-16:00, closed on Monday. Subject to weather conditions, please refer to the booking time.

Ticket Price: 110 AED

Palm Island is a famous skydiving destination, offering a bird’s-eye view of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Aside from the stunning view, skydiving also offers sensations of weightlessness and speed that are hard to beat. This is a perfect activity for visitors who want a thrill with an unparalleled view. Most skydivers choose to parachute under the guidance of a professional, who will photograph and take video of your dive so that this once-in-a-lifetime experience can be immortalized and shared with friends and family.

Day 5 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Marco Polo - Elegant & Cozy Apt Close to the Beach & JBR Walk is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Marco Polo - Elegant & Cozy Apt Close to the Beach & JBR Walk

The Marco Polo - Elegant & Cozy Apt Close to the Beach & JBR Walk is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The Marco Polo - Elegant & Cozy Apt Close to the Beach & JBR Walk is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Dubai.

The hotel is conveniently located just 10km from Sharaf Dg Metro Station and 31km from Al Maktoum International Airport. Transportation around the city is also convenient, with Jumeirah Lake Towers Metro Station within walking distance. Keeping busy is easy, with Bricks 4 Fun, Marina Beach and Flying Cup all nearby.

When guests have some time on their hands they can make use of the onsite facilities. This Dubai hotel features parking on site.

Day 6 | Morning

Palm jumeirah monorail.

Ticket Price: 10 AED

Recommended Length of Stay: 10-10 Minutes

Location: 11 King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St - Al Sufouh - Dubai

Take the scenic cable car to the island and admire the various beautiful residences on Palm Island. Take a look at the endless sea views on both sides on the sightseeing cable car, and take a photo with the Atlantis Hotel at the end point. In addition to boats and helicopters, the most economical way to get to Palm Island is the Palm Island Sightseeing Cable Car. Although it is called a cable car, it is actually an unmanned light rail with only three stops, which can directly reach the Atlantis Hotel on The Palm from downtown Dubai. Business hours The operation time of the sightseeing cable car is from 10:00 to 22:00 every day. Each station stops for 3 minutes for passengers to get on and off. During peak hours, the gap between the two trains is about 9 minutes. During off-peak hours, the interval is 15-20 minutes. Looking at the scenery of the island, buy a good ticket, and get on the sightseeing cable car. On the way, you will first pass a group of residences. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the Royal Mirage Hotel and Dubai Marina coastline in the south, and the sailing hotel and Bihai Hotel group in the north. The cable car will then move towards the trunk of the Palm Island, passing the Golden Mile Hotel and Shore Apartments, to the Trump Tower station. Next, the sightseeing cable car will go to the village center station. During the journey between Trump Tower Station and Village Center Station, the cable car will only make short stops due to signal demands. When the sightseeing cable car leaves the village center station, it will pass Oceana Hotel and TiaraTheMarina Apartment on the left side of the main trunk of Palm Island. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of both sides. Later, when the scenic gondola begins to head towards the Palm Jumeirah villa complex, you can get a close look at the various beautiful residences on the palm leaves. Also, you can see a few palm fronds are bare, there are no buildings on them, and some are just artificial islands that have just been filled. This is because of the lack of funds to follow after the world financial crisis. When the sightseeing cable car approaches the terminal Atlantis Water World Station, the scenery of the Atlantis Hotel on the left and the Water World Water Park on the right will shock your eyes. After getting off the bus for sightseeing on the island, you can come to the crescent-shaped dam and see the endless sea. When you look back, you can see the panoramic view of the Atlantis Hotel. This is also a good place to take pictures with the hotel as the background. After the visit, you can take the sightseeing cable car back.

Day 6 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Palm Jumeirah Monorail, don’t forget pay a visit to iMG Worlds of Adventure.

iMG Worlds of Adventure

Opening Hours: Sun - Wed 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Thu - Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Ticket Price: 268 AED

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-6 Hours

Location: E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd - City of Arabia - Dubai

IMG Worlds of Adventure is a large indoor amusement park in Dubai. The park is divided into five sections, including Marvel, Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure, Cartoon Network, Novo Cinema and IMG Boulevard. The highlights of Marvel Zone are the many exciting rides based on Marvel movies, including “Avengers”, “Hulk”, “Thor” and “Spider-Man”.

Ahmed Almosawey: good

• Dubai 6-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights from Dubai

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.

Table of Content

• Day 1: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Skydiving Experience
• Day 2: The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
• Day 3: Dubai Museum, Legoland Dubai
• Day 4: Aquaventure Waterpark, At The Top, Burj Khalifa
• Day 5: Ski Dubai, Skydive Dubai
• Day 6: Palm Jumeirah Monorail, iMG Worlds of Adventure

Dubai Weather

Find What to Do in Dubai in 6 Days Tour

Dubai marina yacht tour: breakfast or bbq with drinks option, 30mins burj al arab jetski tour, dubai speedboat tour, marina, atlantis, palm & burj al arab, enter the seven-star burj al arab hotel in dubai and experience the interior tour of the presidential suite. you can also choose soft drinks/afternoon tea/premium drinks/gold foil coffee packages..

• Butler-style guidance, immersive check-in at the origin of Dubai's Internet celebrity attractions, visit the royal suite experience Understand the inspiration for the design of Burj Al Arab, the origin of the hotel, and deeply appreciate the charm of Burj Al Arab You don’t have to stay at the Burj Al Arab hotel, you can check into the Burj Al Arab hotel which costs over 10,000 per night for just a few hundred per person, and experience the mysterious area of ​​the Burj Al Arab hotel in depth.

Helicopter Tour from Atlantis The Palm

• Take a helicopter tour from Atlantis The Palm

Morning Red Dunes with Camel Ride, Sandboarding and Refreshments

<h3>besides dubai itinerary 6 days, people also search for ...</h3>.

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• Dubai Tour Itinerary For 6 Days

Dubai Trip Plan For 6 Days Rated 4.5 /5 (based on 3260 reviews) Dubai Trip Plan For 6 Days

The Surreal Dubai: Mystique and Wonder 6 Days & 5 Nights

Dubai is all set to mesmerize you

Burj Khalifa alone is enough to leave you in an awe of Dubai

An evening view of glittering Burj Khalifa, Dubai

View of Dubai city from the observation deck in Burj Khalifa

Enjoy the Dubai city tour

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Dubai Trip Plan For 6 Days

Dubai has many things to explore and experience and this package will take you to some of the most celebrated wonders of Dubai like the Burj Khalifa. From enjoying on a luxury cruise to having the perfect desert safari experience, the Dubai itinerary for 6 days is curated for ultimate fun.

Explore the shops at the bustling Meena Bazaar for some luxury shopping and experience leisure time. In the Dubai trip plan for 6 days, you get the best for the last by going to the Atlantis in the Palm; one of the best resorts in the Jumeirah Island.

The sights and smells; the bazaars and the streets; the beautiful beaches and magnificent architecture are waiting for your arrival. So get aboard this Dubai itinerary for 6 days.

Dubai: Arrival and Cruise

• Relaxing experience
• Dhow Cruise

Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Enjoy an evening of magic on the Dhow Cruise in the Dubai Creek. Make your way to the hotel to relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

Dubai: Safari

• Desert Safari

On Day 2 from your Dubai package itinerary for 5 nights 6 days, enjoy desert safari and relish in the scenic beauty of the sandy dunes, but before that also enjoy the Dubai city tour.

Dubai: City Tour

Visit the world famous Burj Khalifa and other famous attractions including Jumeirah Mosque, the Jumeirah Beach and the bustling Meena Bazaar.

Dubai: Leisure Day

• Leisure Day

You can either choose to relax and have a leisurely day or explore the city on your own.

Dubai: Sightseeing

• Jumeirah Beach Atlantis

Take a ride in a private cab to reach Jumeirah Island and Atlantis, The Palm. It is one of the most famous for its unique Arabian theme and is frequented by many celebrities at all times.

Dubai: Departure

On your last day, take your time to fill your bags with memories of a lifetime and bid farewell to one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

Jood palace hotel

Off Al Rigga Street, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Room service
• free wireless internet
• Free Parking
• Sightseeing
• Airport Pickup - Drop
• Entry Tickets
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

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FAQs for Dubai

Is burj khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

Yes, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world with a height of 2,722 ft (829.8 meters)

What are the best places for shopping in Dubai?

The best places for shopping in Dubai are

• The Dubai Mall
• Mall of Emirates
• Global Village
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah

What is Meena Bazaar in Dubai famous for which is included in this Dubai tour itinerary for 6 days?

Meena Bazaar is famous for some of the oldest and biggest gold and textile stores with predominantly South Asian wares.

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7-Days in Dubai: Classic One Week Dubai Itinerary

What can you do in dubai in one week [+ more ideas if you have longer].

Dubai is a dazzling and eclectic city sitting on the azure waters of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula.

Known for its steamy hot summers and incredible modern skyline to its vast plains of rolling desert dunes, is it possible to fit in everything this mega city has to offer into just 7 days in Dubai?

It’s tough, but we’re certainly willing to try!

We’ve set out for you below a fairly well-paced one-week plan that takes into account all the different aspects of Dubai, from the modern skyscrapers and architectural feats to more traditional parts of the city, shopping opportunities, desert tours and of course, ways to simply relax and soak up the year-round sunshine.

Things to Know Before Visiting Dubai

Transport in dubai for one week, day 1 – 7 day dubai itinerary: relax into dubai, day 2 – 7 day dubai itinerary: old meets new, day 3 – 7 day dubai itinerary: modern dubai, day 4 – 7 day dubai itinerary: beach & desert, day 5 – 7 day dubai itinerary: abu dhabi day trip, day 6 – 7 day dubai itinerary: dubai theme park day, day 7 – 7 day dubai itinerary: splurge on something unique, additional activities for your dubai itinerary, frequently asked questions about dubai itineraries.

This is a super detailed Dubai itinerary for 7 days, so do bookmark this page for later in your browser or save it to Pinterest

Before we dive into the juicy details of WHAT TO DO, make sure you’ve checked out our essential planning information too. We cover in much greater detail:

• Things to know before planning a visit to Dubai – Visas, laws, customs & religious aspects to be aware of.
• What to pack for Dubai – dress code advice and a comprehensive packing list for Dubai can be found here.
• The best places to stay in Dubai – let’s talk budget and location in more detail over here.
• Dubai dining guides – all our favourite places to eat, dining specialities, bars and special occasions.
• Best time to visit Dubai – don’t be caught out by the weather or religious events; here are the ideal times of year to visit Dubai.
• Take out travel insurance! We are in an ever-changing world at present; whilst Dubai remains open for business, don’t get caught short; make sure your trip is comprehensively insured.

Over the course of one week in Dubai using this itinerary, you will need to take a combination of taxis, the Metro and private tours.

We’ve given basic directions on the best way to get to each place by public transport, if possible, or where you may need a taxi to get door-to-door with ease. You can find our complete guide to Dubai Transport options here .

Metro: If you stay in Dubai for one week and want to use the Metro lines, it is recommended to get a Silver Nol and top it up with a 7-Day Pass (The card costs 25 AED with 19 AED in credit, then a regular weekly Metro pass is 110 AED). We explain all the fares in more detail here.

A note on taxis: In the hottest part of the year (i.e. about May to October!), be wary of how far you can walk during the day. Places may look relatively close and within walking distance on a map, but under the heat of the sun, a short taxi/Uber ride may very much be worth it (noting a minimum fare applies of 12 AED for taxis).

Hiring a car: Unless you are a super-confident driver or plan on taking several trips out of the city, you are best relying on taxis and tours for your out-of-town trips during a one-week stay in Dubai. You can learn more about self-driving in Dubai here, or if you’re still interested in renting a car in Dubai , check out how much it costs here:

What Can I Fit Into A Dubai Itinerary 7 Days?

With only 7 days in Dubai, you need to be careful with your time management and no doubt book a few activities in advance, especially if you’re visiting at peak tourism times.

When planning out your days, note that the weekend in Dubai is now Friday afternoon through Sunday (2.5-day weekends); these days are MUCH busier with local residents also out and about, especially Friday afternoons after prayer time .

We set out for you here a balanced itinerary for seeing everything that Dubai has to offer, but also included below is a table of additional activities that you can mix and match to your tastes.

For a comprehensive list of everything there is to see and do in Dubai, pop over here – we have 150+ ideas!.

Relax, unwind and get to know one of Dubai’s modern beachfront districts.

Whether you are staying in one of Dubai’s luxury beachfront hotels or not, with 7 days, there’s no need to rush into sightseeing day 1. Many hotels include their own amazing resort facilities, or head out to explore one of these beachfront areas on foot:

JBR, Bluewaters, Dubai Marina

A lot of first-timers find the area of JBR and Dubai Marina a great place to start. Familiarise yourself with The Walk & The Beach – catch those rays and shake off the jet lag.

If you’d like to stretch your legs further, take a walk over to the ultra-modern man-made island, Bluewaters Island , to dine and marvel at the Dubai skyline along Jumeirah Beach and perhaps add in a flight on Ain Dubai , the largest observation wheel in the world for spectacular city views [NB still “temporarily” closed in 2024].

You can easily spend a whole day in the JBR area between activities along the beach (inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high dining – read more here! ) and onward for dinner in the Dubai Marina area or catch a dinner cruise .

Getting there: Jumeirah Beach Residence/Dubai Marina is the perfect place to stay for one week due to the high number of spacious hotel apartments, or by Metro take Red Line to DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Station

Lar Mer (Closed – To be replaced by J1 Beach in 2024)

Another ultra-modern beachfront area of the city to consider for easing into your first day in Dubai is La Mer. An eclectic mix of palm-tree-lined walkways, retail, dining & play opportunities. There’s even a mini water park here. As pretty at night as it is by day La Mer is a trendy new addition for families and singles alike to enjoy Dubai’s modern vibes.

If you don’t want to spend the whole day simply at the beach, La Mer sees you close to both the Jumeirah Mosque – the largest mosque in Dubai open to the public for daily tours – and Etihad Museum , telling the story of the country’s unification in 1971.

Getting there: No direct Metro stop (nearest is Financial Centre then a 10-minute taxi), or take bus 8, 9 or 88 along Jumeirah Beach Road

Rest up now, as we’ve now got some pretty busy, action-packed days ahead!

Step back into the Dubai of the past, from Bedouin roots to bustling Dubai Creek .

Your first day of real sightseeing needs to go back to the grassroots of what Dubai city is about; a busy trading port city based around Dubai Creek.

Get your bearings at Dubai Frame

Let’s start your exploration of Dubai by taking in the views from the Dubai Frame . Pretty much what it says – it’s a giant picture frame! One of the first tourist highlights you will capture coming from Dubai International Airport into the city.

You ascend up one side of the 150m high frame (48 floors) and then walk across the top. The see-through floored sky deck gives you fabulous views of Old Dubai, Dubai Creek to Sharjah and beyond in one direction, and the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai in the other.

Learn more about visiting the Dubai Frame here | Buy tickets with PlatinumList

Getting there: Nearest Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park but it’s a decent walk, you may prefer a taxi/Uber drop off

Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

This is the oldest part of Dubai city , a labyrinth of narrow laneways that date back to the 19th century. The area of Bur Dubai is protected so that the city’s heritage does not become lost forever under the sprawling skyscrapers. Most of the traditional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings are now galleries, museums and small cafes.

Within this area, you will find the Dubai Museum, housed within the Al Faihi Fort, which dates back to 1787. At only 3 AED you should definitely pop your head in for more insight into the country’s Bedouin past and the pre-oil era of Dubai. {CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS SINCE 2020 – NO INDICATION OF REOPEN DATE YET}

There are many other Dubai museums to be discovered within the laneways; the Coffee Museum (entry fee 10 AED) is one of our favourites worth seeking out.

Getting there: Al Fahidi Bus Station or Al Fahidi Metro station

Lunch at Al Seef Waterfront

By now, you have most certainly worked up an appetite, so if you’ve not stopped for lunch in XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea House situated within Al Faihidi Historical Neighbourhood, now would be time to head to one of many restaurants in this waterfront development. Seamlessly blending old with new it’s directly across the street, next to the Al Faihidi Marine Transport Station.

Al Seef is set up like a traditional souk so you’ll be able to do your shopping here too. Kids may enjoy popping into the Museum of Illusions or having some fun with photos in the instagrammable laneways.

Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra

An absolute must for an authentic old Dubai experience! Whilst there are far more modern methods these days of crossing the city, a traditional abra from Bur Dubai to Deira at 1 AED per person is still a steal!

Explore the Traditional Deira Souks

Depending on the heat, you could spend several hours lost in the laneways of Deira, the most popular stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk . It’s all open-air, so it can be heavy going and a bit of walking mid-afternoon in the hotter months.

You’ll find a few more museums in this area of the city, too, Naif Museum and Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili are worth seeking out for history lovers .

If you need to escape to airconditioning at this point, Al Ghurair Centre in Deira offers an indoor shopping option – a more modern mall you can still pick up cheap(er) clothing and electronics here before starting your evening exploration.

Take a food tour in Old Dubai

For the evening, it’s time to take in some local cuisines. Being the multicultural city that Dubai is, you can be sure many dishes are vying for attention as “local” cuisine, in addition to traditional Emirati or Bedouin-style dishes.

One of the most highly recommended food tours in Dubai is Frying Pan Adventures , who offer various options for small groups to have authentic experiences in the streets of Dubai. Or try this highly commended small group culture and food tour . Most guided tours start and end in Deira.

A boat cruise on Dubai Creek

If you didn’t head out on the water night one in Dubai Marina , try it on night two. Nightly dinner cruises on Dubai Creek will allow you to take on a new perspective of just how busy and bustling Dubai still is as a busy seaport.

An alternative is to hire a guide for Day 2 , you will get informative commentary along the way as well as help with transportation.

TIP: Whilst the dress code in Dubai is quite loose around the beach, heading to the older parts of town it’s definitely advisable and polite to cover up more – we talk more about what’s appropriate when here.

Explore around Downtown Dubai, from towering heights to mighty fountains and everything in between .

In complete contrast to Day 2, let’s take you over to the glimmering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai and the ultra-modern side of the city.

Often touted as the biggest shopping mall in the world (though technically it’s not! ), there are a plethora of indoor experiences to have just inside Dubai Mall, other than shopping! Especially if you’re visiting in the summer, it’s easy to spend two days just exploring everything this mega mall has to offer.

Let’s be realistic, though and assume with half a day; you can explore one of:

• The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Play DXB (formerly VR Park)

There are plenty more things to see and do indoors and some just outside and on the roof – see the full list of Dubai Mall attractions here .

Getting there: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station on the Red Line Metro, then there’s an air-conditioned travellator connecting you to the entire surrounding area of Downtown

Scale the Burj Khalifa

It would be hard to set out a Dubai itinerary and not include THE most iconic building in the city – the world’s tallest building in the world, no less! Yes, you can travel to the observation deck of the building on the 124th and 125h floors ( extra packages take you to the 148th floor!), or even dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Level 122.

If you’re unsure what experience might suit you, head over to our complete visitor’s guide to visiting the Burj Khalifa , where we set out all your visiting options – no outside climbing permitted, Mission Impossible-style!

If there’s one part of your Dubai itinerary you simply must book in advance ; it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets at the door are extortionately more expensive and can sell out. Do allow a good 2 hours for queuing and having a good look around. Note sunset and sunrise slots (weekends only) cost more.

Souk Al Bahar

Another spot to explore nearby is Souk Al Bahar . Accessed over a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, this modern market is made in the design of a traditional souk offering handicrafts through to fine dining and spectacular views over Burj Lake.

You can find a good selection of places to grab a drink and bite around downtown Dubai here .

Sky Views Dubai

A brand new alternative to scaling the Burj is to try Sky View Dubai . This sensational new experience is not for the fainthearted as you take a glass elevator to the 52nd floor of Sky Views Observatory above Downtown. Walk the 46m glass-floored walkway between two towers, then take a transparent slide-ride over the city!

The super brave may even want to take on Edge Walk for a hands-free leap of faith! Scale your way around the outside of the Address Sky View Hotel . Although not as high as the Burj Khalifa, we’d argue Sky View offers a more unique view of the city.

Evening in Downtown Dubai

There are several ways to continue enjoying Downtown Dubai well into the evening, its the hub of Dubai nightlife alongside JBR/Dubai Marina.

The Dubai Fountain show is one of the most popular free things to do in Dubai . Starting from 6:00 PM nightly, then every half hour, watch the fabulously choreographed light and sound show on Burj Lake, sitting at the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later in the evening, the Burj Khalifa also lights up for half-hourly shows.

For a close-up view of the fountain show, you can take an abra ride on the lake . Alternatively, our favourite is to pick out one of the restaurants with uninterrupted views in either Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine whilst getting to see the show a few times over without the crowds.

If your trip happens to align with something you enjoy at Dubai Opera , this is another sensational Downtown Dubai experience to get glammed up for.

If concrete and modern Dubai is really not you, then head to the listing below of the best cultural activities to continue on a few more activities we couldn’t squeeze in Day 2. A day trip to the Heart of Sharjah may be preferable.

A day for sand and surf – dune surfing, that is!

One thing Dubai definitely does well, and in copious quantities, is sand!! So why not dedicate Day 4 to our two favourite Dubai activities, hitting the beach and hitting the desert?

If you’re not staying at a resort hotel, pick out one of Dubai’s popular beach clubs and enjoy the rays for a few hours with the comfort of a sunbed and table service. For more extreme adventures, you could add in a jet ski tour, or if you’ve not hit the waters yet, a boat cruise to see the unique Dubai skyline.

Dubai also has plenty of public beaches , some are completely free, and others have a small Dubai municipality charge but great facilities. Local favourites include Al Mamzar Park and Kite Beach has slightly bigger waves than others, or head to Sunset Beach for iconic views of the Burj Al Arab , the world’s most luxurious hotel.

Shopping alternative

If it’s getting hot out or you’d prefer a little retail therapy, spend the morning at Souk Madinat Jumeirah . Similar to Souk Al Bahar in Downtown, this is a modern souk (market) built in traditional style, with indoor and outdoor (seasonal) stalls and shops offering tourist tat to genuine souvenirs and a superb range of eateries.

Again, you can get some brilliant Burj Al Arab views here and even take an abra out on the waterways around the extravagant Jumeirah hotels (a bit more pricey than the 1 AED on Dubai Creek but an amazing backdrop!).

Getting there: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is not on the Metro, but you can get to the Mall of the Emirates and a short taxi from there, or stop at Internet City and then hop on Bus 88.

In the afternoon, get set for the Dubai desert. There are numerous tour operators who have camps set up in the dunes just outside of the city, as well as a select few operators in the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve .

A typical desert safari trip in Dubai will include city pickups; then you’ll travel by 4×4 into the dunes, doing some dune bashing along the way before an offering of sand sports – pick from quad bikes, fat bikes , sandboarding, camel rides, henna painting, shisha then join a communal BBQ dinner.

Alternatively, if you are more interested in seeing the desert wildlife than the sand sports, opt for premium options offered by Platinum Heritage , a little more pricey but for smaller groups, a more genuine desert experience.

Getting there: No need to worry about your 4×4 skills, tour operators will pick you up from your hotel or a convenient city location

You can do day 4 in reverse too; If you take an early morning desert safari you can get out and beat the heat, then spend your afternoon and evening enjoying shopping, wandering the souk or a beach club afternoon with sundowners to finish.

If you are visiting in the peak of summer , you would likely need to scratch this outdoor day and replace it with some further activities from our indoor guide to Dubai eg, Ski Dubai or Green Planet

No trip to the UAE is complete without seeing the Capital, Abu Dhabi.

The most iconic of buildings to visit in Abu Dhabi is the simply stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque .

Whilst it is possible to squeeze in a trip to the Grand Mosque only on a half-day trip to Abu Dhabi – it’s less than 90 minutes on a tour coach Dubai to Abu Dhabi – you’d be doing yourself an injustice not to see more of the city.

Getting there: If you want to move at your own pace, then definitely hire a car for your Abu Dhabi day trip , but catching a tour is the easiest option – the big price differential is whether you join a shared tourist coach or take a private tour

We have more details here on the spectacular places in Abu Dhabi you can squeeze in on a one-day trip from Dubai – including the Louvre Museum and Qasr al Watan , the Presidential Palace (there’s even a free bus for these two top attractions!)

A longer itinerary would see at least 2 to 3 days spent in Abu Dhabi to capture the highlights of the capital properly.

If you are a theme park junkie, you may want to even stay overnight and enjoy Day 6 at the Yas Island theme parks , just as good (if not better!) than their Dubai counterparts – Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi & Ferrari World.

Abu Dhabi is but one of the other 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (albeit by far the largest in size and the richest in oil!). Dubai is quite central in the country, so it is a great base for exploring the rest of the Emirates. We have more ideas listed below for alternative or additional day trips from Dubai .

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi? For the Yas Island theme parks, definitely overnight in the brand new Hilton Yas Island . For views of the Grand Mosque, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi or Fairmont Bab Al Bahr on the Grand Canal are good choices closer to Dubai end of town.

Those staying longer in Abu Dhabi, pop on over to our Abu Dhabi Travel Planner website .

Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies will never be left disappointed in Dubai .

Now if you have littles travelling with you (or big kids at heart!), you may well need to move theme park day further up the itinerary or dedicate two full days.

There’s a superb selection of world-class theme parks to choose from in Dubai . If you’re visiting in the beautiful shoulder seasons (approximately March to May and October to November), our top pick would be one of the mega water parks – choose from Atlantis Aquaventure or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah .

(NB, if you stay at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah hotels , your water park entry will be included!)

Over the cooler winter months of the year (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our top choice. Here you can choose between four connected theme parks (ideally, you can fit in two of these in a day – three at a squeeze):

• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Bollywood Parks (Now closed but touted it will be replaced with Real Madrid World – a football theme park)

And if it’s the peak of summer, the top pick goes to IMG Worlds of Adventure – think Marvel characters to Cartoon Network-themed rides and activities. IMG is entirely indoors to beat the heat.

If theme parks really aren’t your thing, we strongly suggest checking our alternate suggestions for day trips & cultural activities you could add on below.

Getting there: The Theme Parks in Dubai are all quite spread out, Atlantis Aquaventure is on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah and Wild Wadi is close to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Parks & Resorts is in Jebel Ali, beyond the end of the Metro and IMG Worlds of Adventure sits south of the city. In a group, it’s worth getting a taxi for this day

On your last day, it’s time to tick off anything you’re yet to see and do from our ideas above and engage in something uniquely Dubai.

Some top suggestions for “only in Dubai” experiences include:

• Enjoy a sunrise balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Try afternoon tea at the “7-star” Burj Al Arab
• Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
• Zipline across Dubai Marina
• Helicopter journey over the city
• Dine in the world’s highest restaurant

If you’ve not had the opportunity yet, find one of Dubai’s dramatic rooftop bars (seasonal) to finish off your incredible week in Dubai with dramatic views over the city skyline or the Arabian Gulf.

There was only so much we could fit in an initial 7-day itinerary!

If some of the above activities do not appeal, were out of your budget, or perhaps you’d like to add some additional days to make it a 10-day or two-week itinerary, here’s what you could look to add:

Additional family activities

• Admire the floral wonders at Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal)
• Be enchanted by Dubai Garden Glow & Dinosaur Park (seasonal)
• Meet the animals at Dubai Safari Park
• Spend an evening at Global Village
• Zipline through the Ghaf forest at Aventura Parks
• Catch the nightly Imagine water show at Festival City or the fountain show at The Pointe
• Go bird spotting at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

See our complete guide to Dubai activities for kids here

Additional cultural activities

• More for museum and culture lovers, we highly recommend a day spent in the neighbouring emirate Sharjah
• Explore the Al Shindagha district , the heritage village and Saeed Al Maktoum House
• Spend half a day with the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding – cultural walks, meals and tours
• Visit the oasis city of Al Ain, with the UAE’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed oasis and beehive tombs, as well as the Al Ain Zoo and Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre , one of the best displays dating to pre-historic UAE

See our complete guide to exploring historical places in Dubai

Additional Dubai itinerary day trips

• Head over the mountains to the east coast and spend some time in Fujairah , including snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities
• Scale to the UAE’s tallest peak in Ras Al Khaimah and experience a modern pearl diving farm
• Cross the border into the remote Omani enclave of Musandam for a day of sailing, dolphin spotting, and snorkelling
• Check out the amazing outdoor adventures, hikes, and water sports on offer at Wadi Hub, Hatta

See our complete guide to Dubai day trips

Additional Adventure Activities

• Turn a desert safari into a night under the stars and overnight glamping experience
• Join a camp with a traditional early morning camel caravan experience
• Take on the world’s longest zipline in the Hajar Mountains
• Try flyboarding in the Arabian Gulf!
• Go cage diving with the sharks at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
• Take on indoor skiing at Mall of the Emirates

See our complete guide to Dubai outdoor adventure activities

It really depends if you’re coming just to get a taster for future trips, a stopover on a long journey, or simply to relax in the sun. If you want to “see it all” and explore more of the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula, no, it’s not enough; we’d recommend two weeks to thoroughly cover the United Arab Emirates. 7 days will be a good sample though of everything the country has to offer but with plenty left to enjoy on future trips to Dubai.

Yes, in theory, you could squeeze in an exciting and action-packed trip to both cities in one week, but you will be exhausted and only scratch the surface. You can fit the very biggest highlights of Abu Dhabi into one day but realistically, give yourself 2 to 3 in Abu Dhabi and 7 or 8 in Dubai, 14 days if you really want to see the whole of the United Arab Emirates with a few break days built in.

It depends on what sort of budget you are operating at. We talk more about money matters here . If you consider a cheapish hotel room for two, close to the Metro can be obtained for around 200 AED, a day pass on the Metro 20 AED, meals, if you go cheap and cheerful, could boil down to 50-100 AED a day. So before your airfares and any fancy extras like waterpark days or desert tours, let’s say 300 AED per day or c 2000 AED for a week in Dubai ($545USD). It’s not the cheapest city, but there are ways you can save money, as we discuss in our budget guide to Dubai .

Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai

• Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai , a handy guide on what to pack , and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
• Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai .
• Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
• Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance !!!
• Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai , or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

Take me back to the Dubai Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links . Dubai Travel Planner

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So beautiful, subhan’Allah. The Masjid’s in Dubai are even more beautiful! 🙂

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6 Days in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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• 6 Days In Dubai

Dubai Itinerary 6 Days

Popular 6-day itineraries in dubai.

View these popular hand-crafted itineraries by other travelers and our experts for your vacation of a week in Dubai. These are perfect for family vacations, official tours and solo trips too! Choose one for you or create your own, there is no going wrong with these.

Recent Itineraries for 6 Days

Need help in planning your Dubai itinerary for 6 days? Our travel experts have recently created a variety of travel plans especially for you. These complete itineraries will make your 6 days in Dubai memorable.

Overview of Dubai Itinerary 6 Days

Dubai is the city of extremes. It is home to the world’s tallest structure Burj Khalifa and at the same time preserves its historic districts. Some of the world’s largest shopping malls can be found in Dubai along with public markets that carry a tradition of hundreds of years. It has a skiing area in the middle of the desert and also has desert safaris to take you to the heart of sandy lands. When you have 6 days in Dubai, you must create a trip plan carefully to make the most of your time. Consider following this itinerary that will take you to the places where you can surround yourself with an aroma of spices and be a part of the local vibe. It may get overwhelming to plan a trip to such a vast city when you have limited time. So, read on to create the perfect Dubai itinerary for 6 days.

How to Spend 6 Days in Dubai?

Day 1 in dubai aquarium, zoo.

Start your 1st day in Dubai by visiting Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. exploring one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world will give you a chance to see more than 300 species of marine animals. People usually spend 3 hours here and as it located inside the Dubai Mall, you can go on a shopping spree in the afternoon. As this is the largest mall in the world, it is an ideal place for shopping in Dubai. It also has a food section that will satiate your hunger. You can spend the afternoon and evening wandering here and exploring its different floors. Visit Burj Khalifa - the tallest structure in the world - to admire the architectural wonder in Dubai. The skyscraper that dominates the skyline of the city offers stunning views of Dubai and beyond from its observation deck. Do not miss the Dubai Fountain located outside the building as it is the world's second largest choreographed fountain.

Day 2 In Dubai Mosque

You can enter the 2nd day by going to Jumeirah Mosque . If you are a non-Muslim, you can take a guided tour to understand the culture and religion it represents. This pearly white structure is a peaceful place to offer your prayers. Consider visiting the Etihad Museum that is located only a kilometer away from the mosque. When it comes to understanding cultural, historical, social, and political aspects of Dubai, this is the place to be! Do not forget to include Dubai Zoo in your Dubai itinerary for 6 days. This is the oldest zoo around and though small, it will give you a chance to see more than 200 animal species. You can also visit The Green Planet, Dubai afterward as it is open till 8 pm. Spend your evening at this well-maintained site and learn about different birds and animals from around the world.

Day 3 In Dubai Public Markets, Gold Souk

The city is known for being home to different public markets, locally known as a souk. As you have 6 days/5 nights in Dubai, you can dedicate an entire day to visiting these markets. It will give you a chance to soak in the local flavor and be a part of the vibrant, lively atmosphere. Start your day by visiting the Dubai Gold Souk. Established in a commercial business district in Deira, this market will introduce you to exquisite gold jewelry. Visit Dubai Spice Souk in the afternoon. The market has many kiosks that sell traditional fragrances and spices along with several other artifacts and household items. Head towards Textile Souk after 4 pm as it is closed in the afternoon. The whole area is dotted with shops that sell vibrant colored fabrics, traditional clothing, and handmade souvenirs. Spend a couple of hours here and experience how local markets work.

Day 4 In Dubai Museum, Beach

Spend the 4th day in Dubai exploring different museums. Start your day morning by going to the Dubai Museum. As this museum is established on the premises of Al Fahidi Fort, it will give you a chance to step back in time and learn about the history of Dubai. The fort, built in the 1780s, is also considered as the oldest structure in the city. You must visit the Coffee Museum as well. Though small, this museum will introduce you to interesting facts about coffee around the world. Do not forget to spend some time at the nearby historic district - Al Bastakiya. You can spend an hour wandering around the lanes that date back to the 1890s. Consider visiting Women's Museum that is located a little away from this historic district. As the name suggests, it will tell you about the history and development of Emirati women in different fields. You can spend an evening at Jumeirah Beach to unwind after all the wandering around.

Day 5 In Dubai Park, Nightlife

Start the 5th day in Dubai by visiting Wild Wadi Water Park. You can spend a whole morning here enjoying different rides and slides. It also has a couple of restaurants and stands to keep you energized. Visit Mall of the Emirates afterward. Considered to be one of the best shopping malls in Dubai, this mall also has a large indoor skiing area known as Ski Dubai. You will be able to have fun with your loved ones here and it is also a great way to escape the scorching heat of Dubai. You can spend an evening at the nearby public beach. But, when it comes to experiencing the unique nightlife in Dubai, make sure you to take an overnight desert safari that will take you to the star-lit landscapes where you can have a scrumptious dinner while enjoying hookah. And of course, belly dancers performing the traditional dance will add charm to the whole set.

Day 6 In Dubai Islands

Dedicate an entire 6th day to exploring Palm Islands . This is a group of 3 artificial islands that are becoming a popular tourist attraction in Dubai. Palm Jumeirah is the most famous site with its numerous hotels, resorts, restaurants, and markets. You will also find food trucks that offer different delicacies. It has interesting places like The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Aquaventure Waterpark, and the Dolphin Bay. This man-made wonder will give you a chance to experience luxury like never before. For all common attractions that you know about Dubai, there are still some unique attractions that maybe most of you don't know. Head on and explore Dubai itinerary 6 days.

Tours and Activities in Dubai for 6 Days

Done with sightseeing in Dubai? Indulge into some unconventional or truly local experiences including tours and experiences which offers more than just the usual touristy stuff!

Best Hotels in Dubai for 6 Day Trip

These are some of the hotels added in the past by our travelers to their Dubai itinerary 6 days. Check out the hotels that suit you and add them to your trip plan.

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Looking for a Shorter Itineraries for Dubai

If you are looking for shorter itineraries, checkout Dubai itinerary 3 days or 4 days in Dubai . Get hints on planning your weekends or long breaks to enjoy the best of Dubai.

Ready to Plan a Dubai Itinerary 6 Days Now?

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Check Out these Long Itineraries for Cities Nearby

• Itinerary for 6 Days in Abu Dhabi
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Most popular dubai flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to dubai, last minute vacation packages to dubai, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in dubai, tips for finding dubai package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Dubai and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $666; Family vacation $593; Romantic vacation $805; Luxury vacation $759; Budget vacation $462.

Why should you book a vacation package to Dubai?

With a good Dubai vacation package, you can experience this Persian Gulf emirate's famous 4X4 Desert Safaris and races, visit the Burj Khalifa, skydive over the world-famous Palm Jumeirah Island or take your kids to the Dubai Sky Polar pass or Dubai Atlantis Aquaven

When should you book a vacation package to Dubai?

The winter season in Dubai is the perfect time to take a vacation on the white sands of the Persian Gulf. From November to March it's the rainy season, which is the only cool period. The rains are short lived, however. Book your stay in advance to get the best Dubai package deals.

Where should you stay in Dubai during your vacation?

For any vacation type in dubai:.

Rove Downtown Dubai "is made for social media." The special hang out lounge features comfy sofas, a wall full of artworks and an eclectic collection of bric-a-brac. Many of the spacious rooms feature interconnecting doors perfect for families, 48-inch interactive TV screens, sofa beds for extra guests, a mini fridge, secure safe and in-room coffee and tea stations.

Located at the further end of Dubai Marina, Grosvenor House is a sophisticated twin tower hotel designed with marble floors, plush carpets, and mahogany furnishings. It's famous for offering the best Asian spa, heated pools, free spacious parking, a superb club lounge, airport transfers and shuttle bus services, and more.

For family vacations in Dubai:

The JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel is a family-friendly resort located on the shores of the Persian Gulf. It offers a 9-hole golf course and horse riding. The breakfast-inclusive stays give your family access to temperature controlled swimming pools, shuttle bus services, and airport transportation.

Popularly known as the "House By The Sea," the Beit Al Bahar stand-alone villas offer complete privacy for your family. The hotel offers bed and breakfast, shuttle bus services, dry cleaning services, WiFi and room service, and is located in Jumeirah St next to the Wild Wadi Waterpark.

For romantic vacations in Dubai:

Located at the entrance to Jumeirah Island, the FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai Hotel is the perfect hideout for couples who want to reignite their passion and create their own epic stories at the beach while sharing inspiring moments. The hotel has a contemporary architectural design, has shuttle bus services, airport transfers, hot tub and air conditioning in all rooms, as well as plenty of parking space.

Atlantis, the Palm Hotel is a gem of sheer beauty located off Crescent Road. Atlantis provides breakfast, airport transportation, and dry cleaning services. The award-winning chef restaurants, aquarium and waterpark, and the Ocean Deluxe rooms are a must experience for couples.

For luxury vacations in Dubai:

With rotating beds that have a view of the city, the Burj Al Arab is the most luxurious hotel in Dubai. The opulent interiors are designed with towering golden pillars and stairs made of marble and gold. The hotel's Dubai travel package gives you the opportunity to arrive by helicopter, experience VIP services and have a 24-hour private butler.

The one and only Palm Dubai offers peace and tranquility in Dubai's breathtaking western portion of the Palm. Enjoy the bed and breakfast, Moorish and Andalusian design terraces and balconies or a suite with a private plunge pool.

For budget vacations in Dubai:

City Max Hotel Bur Dubai offers value for money comfort with breakfast, in-room refrigerators, access to an outdoor pool and free parking included in its Dubai vacation packages

Located a few meters from Dubai Creek, the 4-acre Arabian Park Hotel offers free and ample parking, an outdoor pool, bar/lounge, quiet surroundings, a shuttle bus service, and transport to and from the airport.

Where to stay in Dubai

Dubai vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

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Wanderlustdairies

Stories Inspiring Travel

My Festive Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days Itinerary That Was Just All Things Beautiful

Dubai, for Indians is generally this place to which every family in Kerala donates one member to. And additionally also the place Indians look up to as the last resort in case they don’t find a job in India. But kid I not, Dubai is so much more than that. From sky piercing skyscrapers, giant shopping malls & complexes, beautiful parks, luxury hotels, wild and sandy deserts, to its old souks, towns with an old world majestic charm, dhow cruises, yacht rides, adventure themed parks and mosques, Dubai is absolutely stunning. At every attraction that you visit in Dubai, you will find your jaw-drop in awe of its beauty. Here’s my Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary explained, for you to draw inspiration and travel away.

Complete the check in formalities at the hotel, and get ready to head first to the breezy and beautiful Jumeirah Beach, the first attraction on your Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary.

Jumeirah Beach

Cool breezy wind of the ocean, as it hits your face, believe me when I say this that every cell in your body feels the chills. A super clean white beach with clear waters and of stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, couldn’t have asked for a better start to our Dubai trip. Stay back to witness a spectacular golden sunset, and add to your already amazing beach experience.

Global Village

A unique integrated destination to get a complete shopping, culture and entertainment experience of countries from around the world, Global village’s mammoth size is simply astounding. You can spend an entire day moving between pavilions set up for each country representing its culture, and shop country speciality goods from its several stalls on exhibit. Also find entertainment options, taste international cuisines, and most of all just marvel at the architectural beauty of each pavilion representing a country. Buy Turkish delights & Rose Perfume from Turkey, Leather jackets from Pakistan, Saffron from Iran, Scarves from Egypt and Shea butter from Africa, if you fancy and have set aside a good amount of money for shopping in Dubai. Overall, the Global village experience is one of a kind in the world and will leave you in awe at the end of it (with tired legs).

Also Read: We Got Robbed On Our Greece Honeymoon and It’s a Story Worth Your Time

Finish your dinner at one of the restaurants at Global village itself and then head back to your hotel. That marks the end of Day 1 on my best Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary.

Also Read: Glamping in Chikmagalur – A Unique Dome Stay Surrounded by Divine Nature

Miracle Garden

After a wholesome breakfast at your hotel, on your Day 2, head first to the Miracle gardens of Dubai. A world of floral wonder with over 50 million blooming flowers used across various exhibits, the Dubai Miracle garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden. Take incredible pictures at various Instagrammable spots like hearts passage, butterfly passage, floral castles, Big Teddy Bear, Mickey Mouse, Cabanas, Lake Park, Floating lady, and of course don’t miss the major attraction that has made its way all the way to the Guinness book of world records – the floral rendition of an Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft covered with over 500,000 fresh flowers and living plants.

Dubai Frame

After a breath of fresh air, head next to the famous Dubai Frame – that celebrates the story of Dubai. An iconic structure that gives panoramic views of the Dubai city, with one side view that reminds you and gives you an insight of the rich Dubai past; i.e., the Old Dubai and the other side that represents the New Dubai and the future of Dubai. Absolutely loved the concept, and the thought behind this cultural landmark of Dubai.

From the frame, head next to the giant Dubai Mall and strike out one after the other all the items from your extensive shopping list. Find all the luxury brands and shop everything from perfumes, clothes, cosmetics to electronics and toys. Buy the perfume you have been looking for at Bvlgari, that bag you’ve been eyeing forever at Louis Vuitton, that engagement ring for your partner at Tiffany & Co., and those perfect pair of sneakers or those gorgeous heels from Level shoes. Also don’t miss the Pistachio ice cream from Cold stone, believe me after the first cup, you will want for more.

Also Read: My Harrowing Experience of Walking The 28Kms To Tirupati Balaji Temple

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The largest suspended aquariums in the world, the Dubai aquarium is a 10-million litre aquarium tank that houses thousands of aquatic animals, which include over 300 sharks and rays that live in the tank. Get up-close during feeding time with ocean’s most fascinating predators at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, and get the chance to embark on the adventure of witnessing the feeding of sharks. Watch as the Dubai Aquarium Shark Feed Divers lure the sharks with buckets of fish, and witness the feeding frenzy.

Dubai Fountain

World’s tallest performing fountain, the Dubai fountain is a riveting water, music and lights spectacle that is an absolute visual delight. Situated in the Burj Lake, the 900ft length fountain shoots up water up to impressive heights in unique designs to a range of Arabic songs from classic to contemporary, that it is visually breathtaking. And watching this spectacle is absolutely free. Also savour stunning views of the tallest tower in the world – Burj Khalifa. If you want to get a closer look at the fountain while enjoying boating at the Burj lake, you can opt for that as well, but that would come at some price.

Burj Khalifa

From the Dubai fountain, we quickly headed to the tallest tower in the world. Now Burj Khalifa, doesn’t really need any mention. Savour panoramic views of the entire city lit up in various colours and get some cuddlesome pictures with your partner to beat the cold winds blowing in. Now for Burj Khalifa as well, you get views from two observations decks – One is from the 124th & 125th floor and the other is from the 148th floor. The view in the picture is from the 124th floor.

Also Read: A Visit to the Inspirational Adiyogi Shiva Statue in the Foothills of Velliangiri Mountains

Now with that, get back to your hotel. Get good rest and charge yourself up for Day 3 of your best Dubai itinerary for 6 days.

Also Read: A Spiritual Madurai Rameshwaram Tour Itinerary For An Amazing History Lesson

If you can’t afford a stay at the Atlantis, no worries, can you not get a good picture with this luxury hotel as the backdrop? Of course you can! On the Day 3 of your Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary, head first to ‘The Pointe” and read on for more deets.

The Pointe – Atlantis the Palm

A photo op with a stunning view of the luxury personified Atlantis and right before it clear still waters giving it a tranquil feel, The Pointe gets 100 points for being a post-card perfect backdrop for a picture. Get a pretty picture here absolutely free of cost and feed it to your Insta profile for those extra likes.

Zabeel Palace

After a picturesque view of the Atlantis, head next to the Zabeel Palace. Home to the former UAE President, Sheikh Rashid, the Zabeel Palace was built in 1960s in an area that was nothing but barren land covered with sand. Currently, this palace is surrounded by high rise glitzy buildings and from here you get an amazing view of Dubai skyline. The palace also has lush gardens, and it is believed that you get a good view of Dubai Frame from there. You can unfortunately get close to the palace only up to a certain point and beyond that you can’t go any further.

Al Fahidi Fort Museum

Next up, visit the Dubai Museum or otherwise known as Al Fahidi Fort. A former force of defence, a weapons arsenal and prison, the museum is the oldest existing building in Dubai and gives a taste of old Dubai, and everyday life before the discovery of oil. Dubai museum rightly represents the life of old Dubai with the historic old houses, various souks, date farms and marine life. You can also explore the history of pearl diving, and also find the actual weights & scales used at such time. For me, Dubai Museum is a real gem in the class of history preservation.

Also Read: A Scenic Weekend Escape To Honeycomb By Astral Inn In Vagamon

Abra ride from Deira to Bur Dubai

Deira is considered as the modernised and new Dubai filled with sky piercing skyscrapers and Bur Dubai is the old Dubai where there was souk/market for each commodity and each commodity was sold in its own respective market. Since the ancient days, from Deira if you wished to get to the other side of Dubai, a boat ride known as Abra ride was used. For each ride the charge is 1Dirham per person. Fascinating part is that, the price so many years after also remains the same. So take an Abra ride and get to the other side of Dubai with the souks.

On reaching Bur Dubai, you will get the feeling of getting transported to another world. Old souks have a peculiar charm to them. The first market you will come across is the spice market where spices are lined up to perfection making it a visual treat. The aroma of the spices in the air is vivid and if I didn’t have to rush up and keep a tab on the time, i’d would have loved to spend an entire day here.

All the old souks are connected with the others. Next we headed to the gold souk – from cute little earrings to full dresses in gold, the gold souk will make your jaw drop. The largest gold market in Dubai, you will run out of choices for your gold purchase. Like they say, if you’ve visited Dubai and not brought home any gold, you haven’t visited at all. So take some time out and check off gold shopping from your Dubai bucket list at the gold souk.

There are other souks like utensils souk, textile souk and more, but for lack of time, I didn’t quite get to cover them. But i’d advise you make good time on your itinerary to explore these old souks. I left this place wanting for more and also hoping to find sometime in my itinerary where I could again come back to it and explore more of it. But sigh, that did not happen.

Also Read : A Quick Weekend Getaway To Kotagiri’s Green Nest Resort

Next up was lunch, and we were in the mood for some Indian food. The guide suggested a Thali restaurant ‘Rasoi ghar’ that served Gujarati and Rajasthani food. Although we had a desert safari to head to post lunch, we still went ahead with this restaurant and stuffed ourselves to the brim with some lip smacking food. When in Dubai, and you have desi food cravings, head over to this place, and it will not disappoint you.

Also Read: My Workation at Miraya Hotel Panchgani That Was Just Mesmerizing

Dune bashing

After our wholesome lunch, we headed back to our hotel and got a change of clothes. In no time, the land rovers arrived and we were driven to our desert safari spot. We got there about an hour ahead of our scheduled time and we utilised this time to go dune bashing. Although this picture is just for posing, we went dune bashing post this and believe me, that was more fun that the desert safari itself.

Desert Safari

Right, next up was desert safari. A 30 minute ride manoeuvring through the dunes of the wild Arabian desert, high and low, and feeling the thrill and excitement of the adventure ride is an experience to have and savour. Post the safari, you will have about a good half hour to explore the desert, just take in its beauty and witness a spectacular sunset.

As the sun goes down for the day, you will again board your land rover and be transported to the next spot where you will camp and spend your evening witnessing some amazing performances by artists of immense talent and calibre and also indulge in activities that would mark an amazing end to your day.

Also Read : My Glorious All Girls Trip To Gokulam Grand Resort & Spa Kumarakom

Camel Riding

Indulge in a short camel ride, that would be bumpy, but will give you a nice swaying feeling and complete your desert experience.

Arabic clothing photography

Coming to the most interesting part of the camping, there are clothes that Emirati men and women wear that are available for the campers to put on a click a few pictures with. Also, when in the Emirates, do like the Emiratis do, so a picture with traditional Emirati dressing is a must do. Well, how well am I pulling it off?

There is also a henna application section, wherein you can get yourself a good henna design on your hand. Fancy it? Go give it a try.

Tanoura Dance

An Eyptian sufi dance where in a colourful weighted skirt, with a colour representing each sufi order known as tanoura is worn by the performer who whirls in quick circles creating a visual spectacle with awe-inspiring patterns to the onlookers. It is regarded as a sufi dance that depicts the closeness to almighty. This dance is vivacious and energetic and transmits positive vibes, not to forget also an absolute treat to the eyes.

A spectacular fire dance performance wherein the fire performer artist manoeuvres the flames using flaming props to create stunning fiery imagery, throwing every spectator in a state of awe. Flaming torches and hula hoops are used by the artist in this skilfully choreographed act of fire dancing and juggling.

Belly dance

Like they say, save the best for the last. Now, Belly dance doesn’t really need any introduction. A highly expressive dance that involves various steps that include fluid movements and circular twist of the hips and stomach regions of the body, the dance is a pure visual delight.

After all the performances, you can feast on to the dinner at the desert camp and then head back to your hotel. I personally didn’t like the quality of the food and couldn’t eat beyond a spoon. I munched onto some snacks after I got back to the hotel. Now with that, we reach the end of Day 3 on my 6-day Dubai itinerary.

After a good buffet dinner at your hotel, get set for an amazing day 4 on your Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary. First head to Dubai Marina for a luxury yacht ride.

Dubai Marina Yacht ride

Enjoy a short 2-hour private yacht ride from Dubai Marina and savour impressive sights of modern Dubai. Marvel at spectacular views of the Lagoon, take in the vistas of sky-piercing skyscrapers and relish the stunning Atlantis from the water and click insta worthy pictures with the same and beautiful turquoise blue waters as the background. Love to dance? Put on some good music, bring on your moves and dance your heart out with your family.

After our luxury ride, we had some shopping to do, so we headed to Meena bazaar and filled up our shopping bags with boxes of dates and dates chocolates to take home for friends and colleagues. Next, leaving Dubai without buying gold would be a sin, so that was next in the line for the day, we then headed to a store to buy perfumes and finally stopped by Day to Day to get some cute souvenirs.

Bastakiya Quarter

Before I headed to Dubai, I had read so much about this Iranian quarter that I just couldn’t give it a miss. A soothing beauty, this quarter is the oldest standing residential quarter in Dubai and was established in the 19th century by rich pearl and textile merchants from Bastak, Iran. Al Bastakiya is a maze of old world wonders filled with ochre-coloured buildings made of coral, mud, gypsum and palm wood giving it a calming effect. Stop by a cafe for some coffee and fries and then head further to discover the the artistic side of Bastakiya by exploring galleries that display contemporary artworks created by Arab artists. We got here at evening, and it was probably the best time I had in Dubai. I left this place, longing for more of it.

Dhow cruise

Next thing on our itinerary was the Dhow Cruise. Dhow is basically a boat, and the dhow cruise is essentially a sail on this boat that runs on Dubai Creek while enjoying some entertainment. The dhow cruise includes witnessing a fine tanoura performance and ending the sail with a buffet dinner.

Personally, this is the part of my trip that I felt could have been skipped as after a point of time, it starts to get boring, yet you have to wait till the cruise ends as there are other passengers aboard. Also the food is awfully bad and I’d suggest you absolutely skip the dinner at cruise.

Well, the only good thing about the cruise was that I got to try my hands on tanoura and the photographer captured some amazing clicks.

Dubai Garden Glow

The largest glow in the dark garden made of 10 million energy savings bulbs and recycled fabric, this place is beauty par excellence and something you have definitely never seen before. All the models, installations and structures are well thought of and very unique. Feel the magic of bright colours at this attractive environment friendly site that doesn’t fail to leave a lasting impression in the minds of the visitors.

Despite the jacket that they provide, this place is freezing cold. But the installations and structures created by 150 artists from around the world are marvel worthy. It will amaze you how these structures could possibly be carved out of ice. An absolute treat to the eyes, this section of the park is a must visit if you are doing Dubai garden glow in your itinerary.

Magic park takes you into a world of optical illusions. Explore its various exhibits and experience instagrammable optical illusions. At first glance of the exhibit, the optical illusion may not immediately strike and occur to you. But you can read about the same or get the help of an attendant. There is also the dinosaur park which I gave a miss. You can explore if it interests you. And with that the Day 4 of my Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary came to an end. It was a very long day yet a very enjoyable one.

Also Read: My Breathtaking 8-Day Kodaikanal Workation at Cloudwalks Homestay

Coming to Day 5 of my Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary, we started early after a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel as day 5 was for Abu Dhabi and Dubai and Abu Dhabi are about 1.5 hours away.

Just a few kilometers before we touch Abu Dhabi, we stopped at this place known as Last exit. A pit stop featuring retro food trucks, this place inspires awe. Also when we got here, an array of high-end luxury cars were lined up in a flawless fashion. It looked like a scene right out of Fast & Furious. The most creative and jaw dropping part of this place were the washrooms. The door handles to every bathroom was a steering wheel, and for every wash basin, they was a engine oil can in which there was hand soap. Creativity that was mind-blowing.

Ferrari World

The first place we covered in Abu Dhabi was Ferrari world. A Ferrari branded theme park situated in Yas Island, this place is known to locate the world’s fastest roller coaster – Formula Rossa . A roller coaster that blasts into a speed from 0 to 240km/hr in just 4.9 seconds. Feel the adrenaline rush as you scale soaring heights of 52m in this rollercoaster. There are 37 rides in total that you can take experience of based on the time at hand. But mind you, some of them are not for the faint of heart. So choose wise 🙂

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

After Ferrari world, we next headed to the most incredibly beautiful attraction of Abu Dhabi – Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, a pure architectural wonder. A pristine beauty in white built by UAE’s first president and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it is the third largest mosque in the world. There is a wonderful air of calm that surrounds this majestic mosque. Renowned to house the world’s largest rug, the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque has a handwoven carpet believed to be weaved by 1200 weavers for over a year and a half and weighs about 12 tons. The mosque also houses the biggest chandelier in the world. Words fail to describe the beauty of this mosque, an absolute must visit goes without saying.

Unfortunately we spent way too much time at Ferrari world and hence couldn’t see much of Abu Dhabi. Emirates Palace and Heritage Village were also part of the itinerary, but had our time management skills been better, we could have covered them as well. Post our mosque exploration, we drove back to our hotel in Dubai. That marked the end of Day 5 on our Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary.

After a good night sleep, enjoy a slow breakfast at your hotel and spend some time by the swimming pool. Pack your bags and check out from the hotel and head to the airport to take your flight back to India. That would be adieu to Dubai until the next time!

Liked my 6-day Dubai itinerary? Plan yours and let me know how it went. I pray that you spend a wonderful time following my Dubai itinerary and have a spectacular Dubai vacation. Happy travels!

Read about my Bali travel – Eat, Pray, Love: My Perfect 7 Days Bali Honeymoon Itinerary

15 thoughts on “ My Festive Dubai 5 Nights 6 Days Itinerary That Was Just All Things Beautiful ”

impressive. i really like your blog i never comment on blogs but your articles is so convincing that i never stop myself to say something about it your;re doing great job man keep it up your blog better then another blogs. your blog is easy to read and easy to understand. really i like your blog fantastic post and great work.

thankyou Maya 🙂

Very nicely written. Thanks for this. How did you manage to travel within dubai? Did you use public transport or did you hire a car? Any tips on this & choosing an accomodation would be very helpful.

I had booked my entire trip with Royal Arabian. They had made the car arrangements and so we moved around and saw Dubai in a car. We stayed at Crowne Plaza Sheikh Zayed Road. You can check out various hotel options in Trivago and book the best deal. I’d suggest you book your accommodation in Downtown Dubai so that the travel time to move between attractions can be saved.

This is very helpful. Thanks a lot. Is it like a package trip that you booked? Or is it more like something that we can customize with Royal Arabian based on our choice? Asking this because, I found this itinerary jam packed for 6 days. If we are able to skip few things, then we can get some time for chilling/shopping..

It was an itinerary that I customised 🙂 You can like i have mentioned in the blog probably skip the Dhow Cruise and utilise the time for shopping 🙂

Hi great vlog, can I know how much was the cost for the entire trip

Overall trip cost, putting together everything, it was Rs.80,000 per person.

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Im planning a dubai vacation with my family. And i’m really happy to have come across your blog. It has really helped me plan my itinerary. Kudos! Good work. P.S – Lovely pictures!

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The Revolving Compass

To share our love for travel….countless soul enriching experiences

6 days Dubai trip with kids

As the summer vacations approached in South India, we were utterly confused where to head. Now a days, I am not able to plan my vacations well in advance. Like I used to do earlier. Because Ishi is an expert in falling sick any moment. We considered a trip to Vietnam (required eVisa),  and Phuket in Thailand . But the flights to south east Asia are mostly non-refundable.  Then we considered the snow covered Manali and Goa Workation like how we did earlier. But one seemed too cold while the other was too hot.

I wanted to go somewhere neat, hygienic for kids and where they could have a lot to engage and enjoy. So, Dubai popped in mind. Although people don’t usually think of a Dubai trip in the summers . But, when I checked the temperature of Dubai in April, they were in the moderate range of 26-30 C in April second week. And thus, in just 2-3 days, our 6 days Dubai trip with kids got materialised.

You can find all the information about how to plan your trip to Dubai here in our Dubai trip guide .

With that, let’s dive straight in the itinerary of our 6 days Dubai trip with kids.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai for the 6 days Dubai trip with kids

Read : Dubai VISA process for Indians

Our e-Visa was done for Dubai 3 days before the trip. Honestly, I didn’t know the Dubai VISA process for Indians was so smooth and hassle free. You can check the details of Dubai Visa for Indians on the above link.

We booked an early morning indigo flight at 7:30am IST which reached Dubai at 10:30am Dubai time. The immigration process was swift. Post which, we met our travel agent and cab for hotel drop. And by 12:00pm, we were at our apart-hotel, Golden Sands Hotel Apartment 5 . Before I forget, it was super helpful to pack some toys and crafts to engage Ishi on the 4 hours flight. If you want to know more about how I engage my kids on long road trips and long flights, read my tried and tested tips for engaging kids on long trips .

While our room was being allocated, we headed to an Indian restaurant right opposite the hotel for lunch. With a quick stroll in the area post lunch, we saw quiet a few Indian restaurants, supermarkets and everything of general use in the neighbourhood. Everything was walkable. But, not the metro. The nearest metro station was ~2km far. However, it was not a big problem for us as we had a super packed itinerary with all the pickups and drops pre-arranged.

Read : the best locality to stay in Dubai for Tourists

We spent the rest of the day relaxing and meeting some friends who are settled in Dubai. I didn’t plan any activities on my first day of the 6 days Dubai trip with kids. And I highly recommend keeping the first day of your itinerary free and relaxing when traveling with kids, particularly abroad. I learnt it the hard way on my trip to Europe . Where we had planned some activities right after reaching there. But, first our flight got delayed. And then Aashi was so jet lagged, she slept for 18 hrs straight!!

Day 2: Dubai City Tour , Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa

The second day of our 6 days Dubai Trip with kids was perhaps the most action packed and the longest of our days in Dubai. The action started after a hearty breakfast at our apart-hotel, at 10:00am. We first went on a Dubai city tour. Admiring the impeccably clean surroundings, the well maintained infrastructure and the beautiful landscaping right in the middle of the desert.

Half day Dubai City Tour

As a part of this half day Dubai city tour, we visited several iconic places in Dubai including Heritage Village Dubai , Palm Jumeirah , Jumeirah Beach , Dubai Marina Drive,   and saw many more in the passing like the Burj Khalifa , Dubai Mall, Atlantis Hotel, Dubai Frame and several other landmarks of the city of Dubai.

Exploring the Dubai Mall

Post the half day Dubai City tour , we reached Dubai Mall. Where we spent the rest of our day. Our cab driver cum guide dropped us right near the Burj Khalifa ticket counter at the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall . We had Burj Khalifa non peak hour entry tickets in the form of e-ticket. So, we first got it converted to physical ticket. And then headed straight to the foot court at the same floor. For Ishi, I had cooked a basic Indian meal at the kitchen of my apart-hotel and packed with me.  So, I could conveniently feed the same to her.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

After this, we explored Dubai Mall doing window shopping, visiting the waterfall at Dubai Mall, seeing the China Town etc. Before heading to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at the first floor of Dubai Mall.  Again, as a part of our tour package, we already had this activity included. So, we had the e-tickets with us. Using which we entered inside.

On the first floor, there is a tunnel surrounded by the aquarium that has around 10000 varieties of fishes!!. After spending some half an hour here, we proceeded to the second floor. Where there are a lot of aquatic animals to see. And we easily spent around 2+ hours here. Although not as huge as the Singapore Aquarium , the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo still has a lot to do and see for little kids. And my Ishi was highly impressed as it was her first time. She actually commented upon seeing the penguins – “Now I know penguins are for real and not mythical creatures!!”

You can book these online tickets to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to avoid long queues at entry like we did.

Post this, we headed to the open terrace seating at the food court at second floor of Dubai Mall. And had an early dinner around 6:30pm in the evening. To gear up to scale the heights of Burj Khalifa as the evening approached.

Dubai Fountain

Post dinner, we headed to see the world famous Dubai Fountain show. The show starts at 7:30pm. Runs for 2-3 minutes. And thereafter, continues every 30 minutes everyday. Since we went for the first show, it was super crowded. So, I highly recommend securing your seat well in advance. Nevertheless, the fountains go so high that you can comfortably witness them even if you are standing a little farther.

If you have more time, you can also book this boating in the lake around Dubai Fountain . It is definitely a great experience to see the fountain so up close, right from inside the lake.

Burj Khalifa

After witnessing the Dubai Fountain show, we headed to the lower ground floor entry of Dubai Mall to Burj Khalifa. The queue was not very long. But ever since standing for hours in a queue to the Gulmarg Gondola on my Kashmir Trip, I have got a phobia for queues. However, this one moved constantly. And in 15-20 minutes time, we were standing in front of the massive lifts to Burj Khalifa. The capacity of each lift at this entrance is around 20-25 people. And there are 3 lifts. We were soon inside the lift. And within 1 minute, on top of the Burj Khalifa, at 124th floor.

I must say the 360 degree views of Dubai from Burj Khalifa, particularly at night, is spectacular. And totally worth it.

We spent around half an hour here, before heading down, getting into our cab back to the hotel and calling it a day.

This is the link to book online tickets to Burj Khalifa . And you can get these converted to physical tickets once in Dubai Mall lower ground floor.

Day 3: Beach & Desert Safari in Dubai

On the third day of our 6 days trip, we planned on this half day Desert Safari in Dubai across the Sahara Desert. It included dune bashing, camel ride, photography in the desert, desert camp visit, musical performances and belly dancing, heena art on hands along with a bbq dinner. All included in the package. It made me nostalgic about my trip to Jaisalmer long back wherein we had our first desert safari experience in the Thar Desert , Rajasthan.

The pickup for the safari was around 3:00pm. Which meant we had the first half of the day all to ourselves. So, we decided to enjoy a slice of heaven at one of the most pristine beaches of Dubai – Kite beach Dubai . As, this beach in Dubai is a family favourite. With lots of restaurants and eateries, a well appointed changing room, washrooms and all other basic facilities. Apart from this, the beach has pristine fine white sand, crystal clear water that turns shades of turquoise and aqua blue as the sun shines on it.

So, post breakfast, we spent the day on Kite Beach Dubai. And later in the day, headed to the Desert Safari in Dubai.

Day 4: A visit to Legoland Dubai

Perhaps the fourth day of our 6 days Dubai Trip with kids was the most awaited and most exciting day for our kids. As we headed to legoland today. Legoland Dubai might not be as large as other legolands in USA. But it surely is engaging. We started for legoland Dubai at around 10:00am in the morning. And reached there by 11:00am. As it is outside the main city. And is built as a part of the Dubai Parks & Resorts. There are many other theme parks in this area, including Motiongate, which is almost opposite to Legoland.  If you have just one day at hand to spend here, choose the park based on your interests and your kids, if you are traveling with them.

And if you can, I will highly recommend spending 2-4 days in Dubai Parks & Resorts, staying in a resort on the premises. Which will give you early access to the parks. Save travel time. And give ample time to enjoy each one of them. Even for Legoland, one day didn’t prove enough for us. And we missed most of the waterpark rides. Because when with kids, we have to go on a slower pace.

Once again we booked these online tickets to Legoland to avoid any queues at the ticket counter. Although our kids thoroughly enjoyed exploring all the different rides, making different things with legos at several pit stops, doing photo shoots with their favourite characters made out of lego, enjoying the kids play area at the ship, and the snacks and refreshments across all the zones of Legoland. In fact, when we visited during the month of Ramadan , there were even special offers running on food and beverages for kids. For instance, the pizza and pasta buffet was completely free for kids at Legoland Dubai this month !!

If you are planning to visit motiongate as well, you can book these online tickets to Motiongate Dubai .

Day 5: Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai

Our second last day in Dubai was once again an action packed day. Today we did a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai . We started from our hotel around 10am. It was a 2 hr smooth ride to Abu Dhabi. Upon reaching there, we first visited the newly opened grand Hindu Temple, the BAPS Hindu Mandir. Followed by the grand Mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. And then post lunch visited the Emirates Palace and Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi. We took this day slow and leisurely. Without worrying about rushing through the sites.

But, if you have more time, I will suggest start your day early, and cover few more places in Abu Dhabi. For instance, some of the stunning public beaches of Abu Dhabi. And the world famous “souks” or markets that make UAE – particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi one of the best shopping destinations in the world !!

Day 6: Bye Dubai!!

On the final day of our 6 days trip to Dubai with kids, we had another free day at our disposal. There were no tours planned by our tour operator. And our flight was at night so we had full day to ourselves. There were multiple ways to spend the day today. As in, I was spoilt with choices. Alas, I had to choose only one or two. Some of the options we considered included –

• Visiting the local souks of Dubai for some shopping before we headed home
• Exploring yet another beautiful public beach of Dubai
• Visiting the Miracle Gardens which were still open
• Exploring one of the many malls of Dubai
• Going to a waterpark in Dubai since the waterparks of Dubai are world famous.

Although we were very tempted to go for the Miracle Gardens or the Water Park but that might have been exhausting for the kids. So, we decided to explore one of the malls in Dubai. Post checkout from hotel, we kept our luggage with the hotel. And headed to the mall. We spent ~3 hours there having our lunch, doing a bit of souvenir shopping, and enjoying the overall vibe of the cosmopolitan culture of Dubai. Before heading back to our hotel, picking our luggage and heading to the Dubai Airport.

Thus, this is how we spent our 6 days in Dubai with our kids. If you are interested to know all the details about the best time to go to Dubai, what to pack for a Dubai trip, what can you wear in Dubai, dos and don’ts in Dubai, VISA, flight, cost, spending or any other details, just head to my complete guide to plan a trip to Dubai . And you will be able to plan your own trip in the blink of an eye.

More things to do in Dubai

Definitely there is much more to do in Dubai than we did. So, if you have more time at hand, you can make upto 10 days trip plan to Dubai. And that will be idle time to spend in Dubai in my opinion. A few more things that you can do in Dubai which we missed due to time constraint include –

• If you are visiting Dubai between November to April, you must visit the Dubai Miracle Garden . It is no less than a wonder to see a blooming garden with all kind of vibrant flowers in the middle of the desert. You can also include a visit to the Dubai butterfly garden which is located in the same premises. It is really fun for kids to be able to play amongst the gliding butterflies – feels nothing less than being in a fairy land. You can easily spend a major part of your day here.
• When in Dubai, you must visit one of the many waterparks of Dubai. In fact, when we visited, the world’s largest water park was under construction!! You can book these tickets to Atlantis Adventure Waterpark , one of the most famous waterparks of Dubai. And spend a day there. Or, the Wild Wadi Waterpark.
• If you have one extra day to spare, you can also visit the Dubai Safari Park and Dubai Dolphinarium . Both of these provide options for kids to interact with the animals, play with them and feed them. And you can also add Museum of Future to your itinerary.
• Visit the old town of Dubai, explore the local souks and markets here in the day. Followed by this yatch cruise along with buffet dinner at Dubai Marina . Dubai is a major port in the centre of the world. And a destination for some of the best yatch cruise experiences in the world. So, I highly recommend not missing on it.

The best thing, if you are visiting in shoulder season like October or April, you can book most of the above activities even one day in advance. And even if you book them well in advance, they are cancellable till 24 hrs before. For pickup and drop to the destinations within the city premises you can always use bus or metro. And if you are ok to splurge a bit, you can hail a taxi from the roadside, or book one online through apps like Uber or Careem.

You may as well like :  How much does it cost to visit Dubai ?

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Popular Dubai Tour Package for 6 Days

Dubai packages for 6 days - dubai itinerary.

Planning a memorable holiday with your loved ones? Dubai, Singapore, Vietnam and Bali are a few destinations worth considering for relaxing vacations. You can check out a Bali itinerary 6 days or Dubai packages for 6 days for this purpose.  

If you are planning a trip to Dubai anytime soon, here’s a sample Dubai itinerary 6 days that you can consider: 

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai  

Upon reaching Dubai, you will be directly transferred to your hotel. After check-in, feast on a hearty lunch at your hotel and proceed for a Dhow cruise in the evening. Enjoy cruising on the glimmering waters with traditional Arabic music and delicious culinary treats for company. Return to your hotel afterwards for an overnight stay.  

Day 2: Sightseeing in Dubai  

The second day of your Dubai itinerary 6 days begins with a tasty breakfast followed a wonderful city tour. Explore landmarks like the Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Public Beach, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Burj Al Arab along with the Zabeel Palace. Return to your hotel and have a filling lunch before getting some rest. In the evening, proceed for a thrilling desert safari. Enjoy dune bashing and the drive through the winding sands. Next, stop at a campsite to admire the stunning sunset, enjoy mesmerising belly dance performances and savour a barbecue dinner. Return to your hotel for your overnight stay.  

Day 3: Explore Dubai  

Begin the third day of your Dubai itinerary 6 days with a filling breakfast before heading to the stunning Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo inside the Dubai Mall. After viewing rare wildlife species at the Dubai Zoo, proceed to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa . Capture the gorgeous views from the 124th floor of the tower. Try authentic local fare in the afternoon for lunch and then indulge in some shopping at the Dubai Mall. Witness the famous fountain show in the evening and later return to your hotel. 

Day 4: Have Fun in Dubai   

Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast and then head to the Wild Wadi Water Park. It is one of the largest such adventure parks in the city with 25 rides and roller coasters for your enjoyment. You can also explore the Atlantis Aqua Venture which contains several unique water slides and the Lost Chamber Aquarium with 65,000+ marine species to admire. Return to your hotel in the evening and enjoy a yummy dinner with your loved ones.  

Day 5: Sightseeing in Abu Dhabi  

The fifth day of your Dubai itinerary 6 days starts with a yummy breakfast followed by a scenic drive to Abu Dhabi . Explore key landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, The Corniche, Etihad Towers and Qasr Al Watan. After a fun city tour, head back to Dubai and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.  

Day 6: Departure from Dubai 

Your trip comes to an end with a delicious breakfast, following which you will check-out from your hotel and head to the airport for your onward journey back home.  

Are you looking for a memorable Asian beach holiday, complete with island-hopping and adventure activities? You can consider Maldives packages for 6 days and enjoy fabulous experiences with your family and friends. If you want a serene vacation in India, then you can also opt for a Kerala itinerary 6 days from MakeMyTrip.  

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5 Nights 6 Days Dubai Itinerary

• 5 Nights / 6 Days
• Dubai - Desert Safari - Ferrari World - Abu Dhabi - Dubai

• An aerial view of Burj Khalifa.
• Visit the Dhow Cruise, Desert Safari, Bollywood Park, and Ferrari World.
• Abu Dhabi sightseeing - World-class museums, parks, dining places, spas, shopping malls, hotels, theaters, and golf courses.
• Enjoy the Dubai City Tour and Shopping.
• Private guide for a more personalized experience

Tour Overview

Dubai , in the United Arab Emirates, is noted for its high-end shopping, ultramodern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. A skyscraper-filled skyline is dominated by the 830m-high Burj Khalifa tower.

A fountain choreographed to music lies at its feet, with jets and lights. There is a resort with water parks and marine wildlife just offshore at Atlantis, The Palm, which sits on artificial islands.

Itinerary Details

Arrive in Dubai, meet with our representative, check into the hotel, and relax.

Proceed on a Dhow cruise with an international buffet meal in the evening. Hotel stays for the night.

Following breakfast, Embark on a Dubai desert adventure with a belly dancing performance.

After that, see the Tanura show, which will be preceded by a fire show and a BBQ meal.

Hotel stays for the night.

Following breakfast, Then head to Bollywood Park, Motion Park, and Legoland Water Park.

After visiting in the late afternoon, return to your hotel and explore the surrounding regions on your own.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and a full-day tour of Abu Dhabi. The old and contemporary arenas in Abu Dhabi are both worth seeing.

World-class museums, parks, restaurants, spas, shopping malls, hotels, theatres, and golf courses can all be found in the busy capital city.

After that, visit Ferrari World. Take a spin on some of the fun rides.

After dinner, return to your Dubai hotel and relax for the night, bringing your exciting Dubai trip to a close.

Following breakfast, On a leisure day, you may arrange a visit to these malls because Dubai is known for shopping and is home to the world's largest and most expensive shopping complexes.

The Dubai Mall, BurJuman Mall, Mall of Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Dubai Outlet Mall are all worth visiting.

Return to the hotel for a good night's sleep after touring the major shopping areas.

In the morning, You will be transported to the airport for your onward flight once you check out of the hotel.

• Accommodation in hotels of your chosen category for Single/Double/Triple occupancy.
• Daily breakfast at the mentioned hotels (dinners may also be included).
• Entrance fees for the monuments.
• Activities specified in the detailed program, such as elephant rides, boat rides, rickshaw rides, folk dances, etc.
• Private transportation throughout the trip.
• Domestic flights (if applicable).
• Train fares (if applicable).
• Local English-speaking guides for the sightseeing in each city you do visit.
• Assistance upon arrival and departure in each city.
• Current Government Taxes.

• International flight airfare and airport taxes.
• Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, travel insurance, laundry, and phone calls
• Any services which are not mention in package inclusions.
• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

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• Dubai Tour Packages

Dubai Package

Dubai tour packages are your ultimate pit stop for a hassle-free international holiday experience. From the towering skyscrapers to the beautiful beaches, Dubai is definitely a destination that pronounces itself unique in combining modernity and heritage. Nevertheless, the Dubai holiday cost from India is greatly determined by multiple factors, including accommodation, travel costs, and the activities that one engages in. The average Dubai travel cost for one week can start anywhere from INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000 per person, with flight tickets, hotel stay, food and tourist spots added in. You can also explore our Dubai honeymoon packages by prioritizing personalized itineraries and the best prices.

Exclusive Dubai Tour Packages

Other Popular Dubai Travel Packages: Dubai Family Tour Packages | Dubai Packages from Kochi | Dubai Packages from Bangalore | Dubai Tour Packages from Pune | Dubai Trip from Ahmedabad | Dubai Tour Package from Rajkot

When To Book Your Dubai Tour Package

The best time to book a Dubai holiday from India would usually be during off-season travel timing, which is normally from June to August and Ramadan. In the holiday season, hotels usually sell their rooms at discounted rates or special deals to attract holidaymakers. Besides accommodation, this strategy also increases the chances of obtaining better prices and spaces when there is a demand for popular attractions.

Top Recommended Dubai Tour Packages

Dubai 5 Days Package | Dubai Packages 4 Nights 5 Days | Dubai 4 Days Package | Dubai 4 Nights Package

Dubai Tourist Visa for Indians

Dubai tourist visa requirements for indian citizens.

Passport with at least 6 months of validity.

Passport-sized photographs.

Visa application form.

Proof of accommodation and return flight tickets.

Bank statements show sufficient funds.

Dubai Tourist Visa Application Process:

Fill out the online visa application form.

Attach the required documents.

Pay the visa fee online.

Submit the application.

Receive the e-visa via email.

Print the e-visa and carry it during travel.

Note: If you choose a Dubai tour package from Pickyourtrail, the entire visa process is taken care of!

Why visit Dubai from India in 2024?

Accessibility: Dubai is well connected to major airports in India with its regular flights by various airlines operating and it is probably for Indian tourists going there.

Diverse Attractions: The emirate of Dubai is renowned for its shopping malls and fancy hotels. In addition to unique desert adventures and rich cultural experiences, all sorts of travelers will find something to their liking. All these can be easily added to your Dubai travel package from India, according to your choice.

Safety and Infrastructure: Dubai is famous for its security, neatness, and developed infrastructure, which put it among the priority choices for families and individual travelers.

Shopping Paradise: Without a doubt, with its tax-free shopping offering that goes along with its malls and souks, where you can find anything from luxury brands to traditional handicrafts, Dubai is a desert oasis for shopaholics.

Culinary Delights: Dubai is a place that caters for the tastes of all food lovers, with an incredibly diverse culinary scene covering everything from classic Emirati dishes to international delights.

Top Places to Include on Your Dubai Tour

Include dubai cruise in your dubai holiday packages.

Experience the city of opulence in grandeur with our India to Dubai Cruise package. Sail while enjoying the panoramic views of Dubai's coast from its iconic buildings and landmarks. Here's what's included in our Dubai Cruise package :

Luxurious Accommodation: Experience high-end living in the best locations and well-fitted residences in the mansions with premium views and great comforts.

Gourmet Dining: Not only will you enjoy wonderful meals onboard that offer a wide selection of foods from all over the world, but the chefs are great and get great reviews from people.

Entertainment: Live entertainment and onboard activities will be provided to spice up your vacations and create memorable times for you all.

Sightseeing Tours: Join guided tours to discover Dubai's highest point as well as other landmarks, such as Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah.

Transfer Services: Convenient transport service from the airport to the dock and back, to take away any stress from the trip.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2024

Exclusive Discounts: Don't miss amazing sales and special offers on a diverse set of goods, such as clothes, phones, precious stones, and many other items.

Entertainment: Check out a range of live performances, concerts and cultural activities around town that will be held in different places during the festival.

Fireworks: Be awed by dazzling fireworks exhibitions that paint the sky of Dubai with the most colourful arcs imaginable, thus, joining the celebratory mood.

International Brands: Shop at the best international brands as well as a good collection from local vendors, making your shopping experience very interesting.

Dubai holiday packages provide Indian visitors with a wide range of attractions, as well as the opulence of shopping and dining and the thrill that one can experience in the desert. Travelers can have the ultimate Dubai holiday experience and save money at the same time by reserving a good-value tour package before any other vendor. Whether this is a family vacation, a couple's getaway, or a solo trip, Dubai unquestionably is a fascinating experience for every traveler.

• Dhow Cruise Dinner - Marina

• Museum of the Future
• Desert Safari
• Morning Safari

Abu Dhabi (2N)

• Dubai City Tour

Atlantis (2N)

• Standard Trio (Marina - Dxb City Tour, Desert Safari and Dhow Cruise) Desert Safari (Lama Standard Camp or Similar) (Day1 - Dubai City our & Desert Safari Day2- Dhow marina cruise) On Shared Basis
• Full Day Explore Dubai City Tour
• Burj Khalifa At The Top Open Dated Tickets

• Ferrari FWAD 1D1P General Admission - Non Dated Ticket Only
• Explore The World In A Day - Global Village Attractions & Shopping Extravaganza

Themed destinations

Holiday destinations, europe specials, honeymoon packages, packages from departure city, international travel deals, combo packages.