Dubai began as a humble creekside trading port, famed for pearls and spice routes. In a single lifetime, it has become a city of world records—home to Burj Khalifa, palm-shaped islands, and desert adventures an hour from a Michelin-starred dinner.

Beyond the superlatives, the city’s soul lives in its wind-tower houses, fragrant spice souks, and the hum of wooden abras ferrying locals across Dubai Creek. You’ll sip cardamom-scented tea in Old Dubai by day, then watch fountains dance beneath a sky deck by night.

Practical notes: winter (Nov–Apr) offers the best weather; summers are hot and humid. The UAE weekend is typically Saturday–Sunday; modest attire is appreciated in historic areas and required for mosque visits. Taxis are affordable, the metro is spotless, and food spans Emirati staples to global culinary icons.

Dubai

Dubai is a city of contrasts: heritage quarters in Al Fahidi rub shoulders with glass towers in DIFC; camels stride at sunrise as wakeboarders carve the Gulf by afternoon. It’s efficient, safe, and endlessly entertaining for families, couples, and culture seekers.

Top highlights include Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, the abra across Dubai Creek, JBR Beach, the Marina skyline, Palm Jumeirah, Alserkal Avenue’s galleries, Kite Beach sunsets, and seasonal wonders like Global Village and Miracle Garden.

• Where to stay: beach resorts on Jumeirah coast or Palm Jumeirah; urban stays in Downtown for shopping and sky views; modern value hotels in Business Bay/Trade Center.
• Dining: from Emirati machboos and luqaimat to Pakistani grills (Ravi), Iranian kebabs (Al Ustad), award-winning bistros (Orfali Bros), and harbor gems (3Fils).
• Getting around: Metro Red Line links DXB airport to Downtown and the Marina; taxis are plentiful. Buy a Nol Silver card (about AED 25, preloaded) and top up as needed.

Where to Book Your Stay

• Search a wide range of stays on VRBO Dubai or Hotels.com Dubai.
• Icons and reader favorites: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (world-famous sail-shaped hotel), Atlantis, The Palm (vast waterpark and aquarium), Rove Downtown Dubai (great value near Burj Khalifa).

Getting There and Around

• Flights: Compare fares and routes to DXB with Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Nonstops from Europe are ~6–8 hours; from North America ~13–16 hours with 1 stop common. Typical roundtrips range ~$500–$1,200 depending on season.
• Airport to city: DXB T1/T3 to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station on the Metro Red Line is ~25–30 mins (AED ~6–9). A taxi to Downtown runs ~AED 50–70 and ~15–20 mins off-peak.

Day 1 — Arrival, Dubai Mall, and Fountain Night

Morning: Travel day. In-flight stretch, hydrate, and download the Dubai Metro map. Aim to arrive with a Nol card (buy at any station) and local cash (AED) for small purchases and abra rides.

Afternoon: Land in DXB and check in. If you’re in Downtown, stroll the air-conditioned expanse of Dubai Mall—browse The Dubai Aquarium’s viewing panel, Kinokuniya Bookstore, and the Souk area. Coffee pick-me-up at % Arabica or The Brass (specialty beans and great cold brew).

Evening: Catch the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes after sunset) from the waterfront promenade or Souk Al Bahar bridge. Dinner with a view: Al Hallab (Lebanese grills, mezze, rooftop fountain views), Social House (global comfort dishes), or Din Tai Fung (xiao long bao that’s consistently excellent). Nightcap gelato at Amorino or kunafa at Al Samadi Sweets.

Day 2 — Old Dubai, Creek Abra, and Burj Khalifa at Sunset

Morning: Step into Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (sand-hued wind towers, gypsum lanes). Start at Arabian Tea House (breakfast with regag bread, halloumi, and mint tea) or Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (traditional Emirati breakfast in a restored house). Explore coffee museums and art courtyards.

Afternoon: Cross Dubai Creek by abra (AED 1) to Deira. Wander the Spice Souk (saffron, za’atar, frankincense) and Gold Souk (legendary bangles and bridal sets). If you prefer a guided deep dive—history, tastings, and bargaining tips—join this small-group favorite:

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

Lunch options: Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; legendary Iranian kebabs and yogurt dips), Bayt Al Wakeel (Creekside wooden veranda), or Sikka Café (Emirati-meets-Gulf flavors).

Evening: Time your climb for sunset views at the world’s tallest tower. Book skip-the-line access here:

Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access

Afterwards, dinner in DIFC: Zuma (slick Japanese robata and miso-marinated black cod), BB Social Dining (bao, bowls, bites; fun terrace), or GAIA (modern Greek; vibrant scene). Taxis back are quick.

Day 3 — Dubai Marina, JBR Beach, and Sky-high Dining

Morning: Head to Dubai Marina for a scenic cruise along the skyscraper canyon. This shared yacht experience offers commentary and great photo angles of Atlantis and the Marina skyline:

Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ

Pre- or post-cruise coffee at Common Grounds JBR (excellent avocado toast and flat whites).

Afternoon: Beach time at JBR (The Beach). Rent loungers, try paddleboarding, or stroll to Bluewaters Island for skyline shots. Casual lunch: The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill (seafood towers, lobster rolls), Eat Greek Kouzina (Aegean classics), or Operation Falafel (budget-friendly shawarma and manakeesh).

Evening: Marina after dark is magic. For views and dinner: Pier 7 (Asia Asia’s pan-Asian menu and lantern-lit terrace; The Scene for British comfort fare) or Observatory Bar & Grill (panoramic 52nd-floor sunset vantage). For dessert, hit Turkish ice cream carts on The Walk.

Day 4 — Museum Morning, Alserkal Avenue, and Desert Safari

Morning: Visit the Museum of the Future for immersive, optimistic tech storytelling (book ahead, popular). Coffee at The Espresso Lab in Dubai Design District or Bageri Form if you’re a pastry purist.

Afternoon & Evening (tour): Get ready for golden dunes, camel encounters, and a feast under the stars. This premium red-dunes experience includes 4x4 dune bashing, camel rides, optional sandboarding, and a 5-star BBQ at a Bedouin-style camp:

Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp

Pickup is typically mid-afternoon (around 3 p.m.), returning ~9–10 p.m. Dinner is included at camp with shows; bring a light layer for breezy desert nights.

Day 5 — Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Day

Morning: Make a splash at Aquaventure Waterpark (home to record-setting slides and a languid river). It’s ideal for families and thrill-seekers—arrive at opening to minimize lines.

Afternoon: Dry off and head to The View at The Palm for 360° island panoramas. Browse Nakheel Mall or stroll Club Vista Mare’s boardwalk.

Evening: Dinner picks on the Palm: Ibn AlBahr (Lebanese seafood; go for the sayadieh and grilled prawns), SUSHISAMBA at Palm Tower (vibrant Peruvian-Japanese-Brazilian plates and sunset vistas), or Seafire Steakhouse at Atlantis (prime cuts, tableside flair). For a resort-style stay on the Palm, consider Atlantis, The Palm.

Day 6 — Jumeirah Mosque, Kite Beach, and Creative Dining

Morning: Join the guided visit at Jumeirah Mosque (non-Muslim visitors welcome; modest dress required). Then walk or e-scoot along Kite Beach’s boardwalk. Breakfast choices: Park House (beachside acai bowls and eggs), The Grey Jumeirah (design-forward coffeehouse), or % Arabica (smooth single-origin pours).

Afternoon: If it’s cool season, explore Global Village’s country pavilions and street eats (late afternoon onward). Otherwise, head to Alserkal Avenue—Dubai’s contemporary art hub—for galleries, concept stores, and a superb roast at Nightjar Coffee Roasters.

Evening: Reserve Orfali Bros Bistro (playful, award-winning Middle Eastern flavors; try the OB croquette and kebab in pita) or 3Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (sushi, wagyu sando, sticky date pudding; harbor tables are atmospheric). If you’re in the mood for Levantine, Al Nafoorah serves excellent mezze and slow-cooked lamb.

Day 7 — Last Looks, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: Brunch-style sendoff: The Sum of Us (house-roasted coffee, shakshuka, and cruffins) or Tom & Serg in Al Quoz (Aussie café energy). Pick up souvenirs—dates, halwa, saffron—back at the Spice Souk or at Dubai Mall’s high-quality gourmet shops.

Afternoon: Quick city finale: the Dubai Frame for old-and-new skyline vistas or a final abra glide on the Creek. Fast lunch before DXB: Al Mallah (classic shawarma and fresh juices), Ravi Restaurant Satwa (butter chicken and mutton Peshawari), or Vietnamese Foodies (light, fresh pho and bun). Aim to reach the airport 3 hours before an international flight.

Evening: Fly home with sand in your shoes and skyline photos to spare. If you’re staying an extra night, toast your trip at CÉ LA VI on Address Sky View’s terrace or Level 43 Sky Lounge with Sheikh Zayed Road stretching beneath you.

Alternative or Add-On Ideas

• Seasonal stunners: Miracle Garden (typically Nov–Apr), Global Village (late Oct–Apr evenings).
• Rainy-day fun: Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates), Etihad Museum (modern UAE history), Green Planet biodome.
• Beach clubs: J1 Beach complex for upscale seaside dining and daybeds.

Where to Stay (Quick Picks)

• Rove Downtown Dubai: Smart, affordable, 10-minute stroll to Dubai Mall; great for first-timers.
• Atlantis, The Palm: Family paradise with Aquaventure and aquarium access.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: Iconic suite-only stay for a once-in-a-lifetime splurge.
• Browse more on VRBO or Hotels.com.

Book These Standout Experiences

• Old Dubai Souks & Tastings walking tour (history, flavors, bargaining tips).
• Burj Khalifa At The Top (time it for sunset).
• Dubai Marina Yacht Tour (breakfast or BBQ sailings).
• Premium Red Dunes Safari & 5* BBQ (dunes, camels, shows).

Seven days in Dubai lets you taste the city’s full spectrum—heritage lanes and spice-laden souks, a yacht slicing past skyscrapers, and a desert sunset that looks painted. You’ll leave with a camera roll of fountains, beaches, art, and new favorite dishes, already plotting a return for what you missed this round.