Dubai grew from a pearl-diving village to a global city in just a few generations. Today it blends Bedouin traditions and futuristic ambition—wind towers and spice stalls meet sky-high glass and steel. With this one-week itinerary, you’ll taste both sides at an easygoing pace.

Expect wide, safe streets; a reliable metro; and a dining scene that runs from humble kebab grills to Michelin-distinguished bistros. The best time to visit is October–April when the weather is mild. Dress modestly in Old Dubai and mosques, and carry a light scarf or shawl for cultural sites and air-conditioned interiors.

This plan weaves in Dubai’s greatest hits—Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Museum of the Future—plus calm corners by the creek, serene beaches on Palm Jumeirah, and an optional day trip to Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It’s designed for a moderate budget with smart splurges.

Dubai

Dubai is a mosaic of neighborhoods: atmospheric Al Fahidi along Dubai Creek, design-forward Alserkal Avenue, sleek Downtown Dubai, and breezy Dubai Marina. Wander abra docks and spice-scented alleys in the morning, then watch fountains dance beneath the world’s tallest tower by night.

Top sights include Burj Khalifa, the immersive Museum of the Future, Al Shindagha Museum by the creek, Etihad Museum in Jumeirah, and the galleries of Alserkal Avenue. For shopping, pair the Gold and Spice Souks with Dubai Mall’s grand arcades and the artisan boutiques of Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

Dining runs the gamut: savor Emirati hospitality at Arabian Tea House or Al Fanar; try age-old kebabs at Al Ustad Special Kebab; or book modern Dubai favorites like 3 Fils (harbor-side Japanese-influenced plates) and Orfali Bros (inventive, Levant-leaning small plates). For coffee, stop by Nightjar in Alserkal or The Sum of Us near Trade Centre.

Where to stay (moderate to smart-splurge):

• Mid-range with a Burj view and superb location: Rove Downtown Dubai
• Iconic stay with five-star theatrics: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
• Resort feel with waterpark access on the Palm: Atlantis, The Palm
• Browse more hotels: Hotels.com: Dubai or apartments on VRBO Dubai

Getting in and around:

• Flights: Compare fares to DXB or DWC on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Sample economy roundtrips: London–DXB ~7 hours, often $450–$750; Mumbai–DXB ~3 hours, often $180–$320 (season-dependent).
• Airport to Downtown: Taxi 20–30 minutes, ~AED 45–70; Metro Red Line 25–35 minutes to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, ~AED 6–10. Consider a Nol travel card (load ~AED 25–50 to start).

Day 1: Arrival, Sunset Promenade, Easy Dinner

Afternoon: Land in Dubai and transfer to your hotel. If you’re staying in Downtown, take a gentle walk through Burj Park—green lawns with the Burj Khalifa rising like a compass point. Grab a light pick-me-up at % Arabica (lower Dubai Mall) or The Sum of Us (roastery, pastries, and salads).

Evening: Head to Dubai Marina Walk for an easy first night. Stroll the waterfront, watch dhows and yachts glide by, and dine at Baker’s Kitchen (wholesome European plates), or Massimo’s (homestyle Italian with terrace views). If you want Emirati flavors from the start, try Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe (fish machbous, regag bread) at Dubai Marina.

Nightcap: Enjoy a calm tea at Arabaica Lounge or a pistachio gelato from Cone Street as you adjust to the time zone.

Day 2: Old Dubai, Souks, Creek Abra—Culture at a Gentle Pace

Morning: Breakfast inside the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood at Arabian Tea House (flower-laden courtyard; try balaleet sweet vermicelli and karak tea). Explore Al Fahidi’s lanes and the Coffee Museum, then glide across the water on a 1 AED wooden abra to Deira’s Gold and Spice Souks—great for browsing spices, saffron, and oud without pressure to buy.

Afternoon: Join a guided walk that weaves history, street food, and markets:

Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings

This relaxed tour covers heritage sites, tastings, and shopping tips—ideal for understanding the city’s roots.

Evening: Dine creekside at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (slow-cooked lamb ouzi, luqaimat desserts) or cross back to Bur Dubai for Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; yogurt-marinated kebabs, framed by old Bollywood photos). If you’d like a short post-dinner walk, the lantern-lit Al Seef promenade captures the creek’s old-meets-new mood.

Day 3: Museums & Design—Museum of the Future, Etihad Museum, Alserkal Avenue

Morning: Start at the stunning torus-shaped landmark on Sheikh Zayed Road:

Museum of the Future Tickets

Gently paced, highly sensory exhibits imagine life 50 years ahead—reserve earlier slots to avoid crowds. Coffee afterward at The Fix (nearby) or Espresso Lab in Dubai Design District (d3).

Afternoon: Continue to Etihad Museum in Jumeirah for the UAE’s union story and 1971 artifacts; then dip into Jameel Arts Centre (contemporary art by the creek). If you prefer indie vibes, head to Alserkal Avenue for galleries, concept stores, and Nightjar Coffee (try the cold brew tonic) or Wild & The Moon.

Evening: Dinner options: Orfali Bros Bistro (book ahead; creative small plates like umami eclair, OB croquette) or Reif Kushiyaki (chef-driven Japanese street-food spirit). Both are relaxed but noted favorites among locals.

Day 4: Downtown Icons—Dubai Mall, Aquarium Stroll, Burj Khalifa & Fountain Show

Morning: Breakfast at Biker’s Cafe or The Sum of Us, then amble through Dubai Mall. Window-shop the Fashion Avenue, peek at the Dubai Aquarium tunnel (you can enjoy the main tank from the mall), and browse Kinokuniya bookstore for art and design titles.

Afternoon: Time your ascent for late afternoon when light softens over the city:

Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access

Go for sunset if you can; it’s busier but the views are extraordinary. For a calm lunch, try Din Tai Fung (steamed dumplings, cucumber salad) or Social House overlooking the fountains.

Evening: Watch the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes after sunset). Cross the bridge to Souk Al Bahar for Time Out Market Dubai—curated stalls where you can graze on Reif, BB Social Dining, and Pitfire Pizza in one place. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to end the day.

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah & Beach Day—Monorail, Palm West Beach, Yacht at Golden Hour

Morning: Coffee and breakfast at Jones the Grocer on Palm West Beach, then enjoy a gentle beach day—calm waters, cushioned loungers, and a boardwalk perfect for barefoot strolls. Ride the Palm Monorail for sweeping views of the frond-shaped island.

Afternoon: Pause for mezze and grills at Ibn AlBahr (fresh catch, seaside tables) at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, or head back to Palm West Beach for KoKo Bay (Bali-leaning vibe, relaxed music). This is your take-it-easy day—swims, naps, and a book.

Evening: Sail past the skyline without hiring a private boat:

Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ

Choose a sunset or evening departure for cooler breezes and camera-ready views of Ain Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. Post-cruise, grab an easy dessert at Papparoti (coffee buns) or Tuk Tuk Ice Cream on The Walk at JBR.

Day 6: Optional Day Trip—Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque, Palace, and Skyline

Prefer a slow morning in Dubai? Swap this for Miracle Garden (seasonal, Nov–Apr) and Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s canals. If you’re up for a comfortable, guided excursion, consider:

Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower

This premium day trip (about 90 minutes each way) includes Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and an observation deck. Dress modestly; women should bring a scarf to cover hair at the mosque. Back in Dubai, enjoy a late, light dinner at Bu Qtair (simple fried fish and prawns by the fishing harbor) or Project Chaiwala (karak tea and samosas) for something easy.

Day 7: Easy Shopping, Last Bites, Departure

Morning: Brunch at Tom&Serg (signature shaksouka, flat whites) or Bystro on Al Wasl for eggs and house-baked bread. Pop into City Walk or Boxpark for boutique browsing, or return to a favorite souk for last saffron, dates, and oud.

Afternoon: Pack and check out. If time allows, swing by Souk Madinat Jumeirah for souvenirs with Burj Al Arab views and a serene abra ride through the canals. Taxi to the airport (allow 45–60 minutes ahead of international check-in).

Evening (if departing late): One last skyline view from Burj Park or a calming tea at TWG in Dubai Mall before heading to DXB. For future trips, save favorite stays on Hotels.com or apartments on VRBO, and compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Budget tips for a 44/100 spend: Use the Metro and occasional taxis; aim for 1–2 marquee ticketed experiences (Burj Khalifa or Museum of the Future) and otherwise enjoy free/low-cost sights (abra rides, public beaches, Alserkal galleries). Mix affordable eateries (Al Ustad, Bu Qtair, Baker’s Kitchen) with one or two “treat” dinners (Orfali Bros, 3 Fils).

In a week, you’ve traced Dubai’s arc from creekside wind towers to the heights of Burj Khalifa, tasted Emirati comfort food, and drifted along the marina at sunset. Whether you added Abu Dhabi or lingered longer on the beach, this relaxing Dubai itinerary leaves room to breathe—and to plan your return.