Dubai rose from a 19th-century pearl-diving port to a global hub where tradition meets avant‑garde architecture. From the world’s tallest building to creekside wind towers, the city rewards curiosity with contrasts—glassy towers, sand-swept desert, and fragrant souks all in a single day.

Expect head-turning landmarks—Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina—as well as modern museums and intimate lanes in Al Fahidi. Food runs the gamut: Emirati and Levantine staples, South Asian favorites, and award-winning tasting menus.

Practical notes: dress modestly in historic areas and religious sites, especially on day trips to mosques. The Metro is clean and efficient; taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful. Winter (Nov–Mar) is prime season with alfresco evenings; Ramadan brings a gentler rhythm and rich cultural experiences after sunset.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with cinematic skylines, family-friendly beaches, and a desert at its back door. Mornings can be museum-hopping; afternoons, browsing bazaars by abra (water taxi); evenings, yacht-lit marinas and fountain shows.

Top highlights include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Marina and JBR, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Deira’s Gold and Spice Souks, Museum of the Future, and the vast desert dunes of Lahbab. Add time for Palm Jumeirah’s sands, art in Alserkal Avenue, and deeply local eats in Satwa and Deira.

Where to Stay (Hotels.com + VRBO):

• Iconic splurge: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – the sail-shaped icon with palatial suites, private beach, and destination dining.
• Resort-with-aquapark: Atlantis, The Palm – for Aquaventure waterpark, a top kids’ club, and outstanding aquariums.
• Design-forward value downtown: Rove Downtown – smart rooms, great price point, and you can walk to Dubai Mall.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Dubai | VRBO: Dubai

Getting There and Around:

• Flights: Search competitive fares to DXB or DWC on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. From Europe, 6–8.5 hours nonstop; from the US East Coast, ~12–13.5 hours; West Coast, ~15–17 hours (often via Europe or the Gulf).
• Airport to city: Taxi to Downtown 15–25 minutes (≈40–60 AED), to Marina 25–35 minutes (≈80–100 AED). The Metro’s Red Line runs from DXB T1/T3 to Dubai Mall, DIFC, Marina, and Expo—buy a Nol card.
• Local transit: Metro + tram cover major corridors; taxis and ride-hailing fill gaps. No intercity rail; for day trips, tours or private drivers are most practical.

Day 1: Touchdown, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa by Night

Afternoon: Land in Dubai and check into your hotel. Shake off the flight at Dubai Mall’s polished promenades and aquarium views; grab a cardamom latte at % Arabica or sample stuffed dates at Bateel to ease into the local palate.

Evening: Time your ascent for sunset-to-night views with Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access (allow 1.5–2 hours; typical windows from late afternoon). Expect thrilling 360° panoramas and open-air terraces on the higher-tier ticket.

After, watch the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes in the evening) from Souk Al Bahar Bridge. Dinner ideas nearby: Al Hallab at Dubai Mall for excellent Lebanese mezze and mixed grills with fountain views, or Time Out Market Dubai across the bridge for curated local vendors (from Emirati machboos to artisan shawarma).

Day 2: Old Dubai, Al Fahidi, and Creekside Souks

Morning: Begin in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: narrow lanes, gypsum-and-coral houses, and wind towers that cooled homes long before AC. Breakfast at Arabian Tea House—try luqaimat (date syrup-drizzled dumplings) and regag bread—and peek into the Coffee Museum for a crash course on regional coffee rituals.

Afternoon: Dive deeper with the Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings (3–4 hours). You’ll cross the creek by abra, nibble street snacks, and learn souk bargaining tips while exploring textiles, spices, and gold.

For lunch, consider Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (slow-cooked lamb and kabsa rice in a restored courtyard) or the beloved Al Ustad Special Kabab (since 1978; juicy saffron kebabs and yogurt-marinated chicken).

Evening: Dine along the creek at Shabestan (classic Persian kebabs and saffron rice with skyline views). For a nightcap, Level 43 Sky Lounge puts you eye-to-eye with Sheikh Zayed Road’s neon canyons—excellent for photos on a clear night.

Day 3: JBR Beach and Dubai Marina Yacht Cruising

Morning: Grab a hearty breakfast at Baker’s Kitchen Dubai Marina (German breads, eggs, and great coffee) and stroll “The Beach” at JBR. Swim, rent loungers, or browse The Walk’s boutiques; fresh juices and falafel make easy beach snacks.

Afternoon: See the coastline from the water on the Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ (2–3 hours; multiple departures). It’s a shared yacht with guided commentary past the Marina skyline, Palm fronds, and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab.

Evening: Head to Pier 7 for dinner-with-a-view: Asia Asia (pan-Asian with velvet-and-lantern allure), Mama Zonia (tropical-lush Latin-Asian), or The Scene (gastropub classics). Gelato at Amorino on JBR seals the night. If visiting Oct–Apr, consider a late-evening spin to Global Village—world pavilions, street foods, and live shows under the stars.

Day 4: Futurism, DIFC Eats, and Red-Dune Desert Safari

Morning: Explore Museum of the Future’s striking calligraphed torus and its immersive exhibits on sustainability, health, and space. Coffee near the Trade Center at The Sum of Us or Tom & Serg (industrial-chic roastery vibes and excellent flat whites).

Afternoon: Browse art in DIFC’s Gate Village, then lunch at Zuma (iconic robata and sushi), BB Social Dining (playful pan-Asian bites), or Indochine (retro-chic Vietnamese). If time allows, hop to Alserkal Avenue for galleries, indie concepts, and a sweet stop at Mirzam Chocolate Factory.

Evening: Get your adrenaline fix on the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp. Expect 4x4 dune bashing in the Lahbab red sands, camel rides, optional sandboarding, and a generous Emirati BBQ with traditional performances.

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah Beaches and Skyline Sunsets

Morning: Make for Palm Jumeirah’s West Beach, where a boardwalk pairs with casual beachfront lounges. Brunch at Jones the Grocer (great for families) or a breezy spot like Surf Club for Mediterranean plates.

Afternoon: Ride the Palm Monorail from Gateway to Nakheel Mall if you’d like to shop or visit the “View at the Palm” observatory. Prefer to linger? Stay seaside with mocktails and mezze; the water is usually calm and kid-friendly.

Evening: Go golden-hour at The Penthouse (FIVE Palm) for sweeping skyline views, then dine at SUSHISAMBA atop Palm Tower (panoramas and creative Nikkei plates) or Ibn AlBahr at Club Vista Mare (Lebanese seafood; order the day’s catch sayadiyah-style).

Day 6: Optional Full-Day Abu Dhabi (Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Louvre)

Consider a full-day excursion (10–11 hours total). It’s ~1.5 hours by car each way to Abu Dhabi. Start at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (dress modestly; women should cover hair; men avoid shorts), continue to Qasr Al Watan (stunning geometric halls), and, time permitting, the Louvre Abu Dhabi. You can join a guided coach tour from Dubai or hire a private driver; public buses (E100/E101) run from Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Central (~25 AED one-way), but tours save time and logistics. Return to Dubai by evening for a casual dinner near your hotel—Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) for beloved Pakistani curries and charcoal-grilled meats is a classic.

Day 7: Miracle Blooms and Farewell Lunch

Morning: If visiting between Nov–Apr, visit Dubai Miracle Garden (go right at opening to beat heat and crowds): millions of blooms sculpted into arches and storybook installations. Coffee and a light breakfast at Stomping Grounds (Jumeirah) or Common Grounds (Mall of the Emirates) works well before or after.

Afternoon (Departure): Early lunch at Orfali Bros Bistro (inventive Middle Eastern plates; snag the OB cheeseburger and cherry kebab) or 3 Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (regional favorite for maki, charcoal fish, and yuzu-inspired sauces). Aim to be at DXB 3 hours before your flight; taxis are fastest from most districts.

Dining cheat sheet for the week: Emirati/Levantine hits include Al Nafoorah (refined Lebanese), Al Khayma Heritage (traditional Emirati), and Ibn AlBahr (seafood). For casual legends: Ravi (Pakistani), Al Ustad Special Kabab (Iranian), and Bu Qtair (Jumeirah fish fry). Coffee standouts: Nightjar (Alserkal), Tom & Serg (Al Quoz), The Sum of Us (Trade Center), and % Arabica (multiple locations).

Optional add-ons if you have extra time: Sky-high cocktails at CÉ LA VI (Address Sky View), art browsing at Jameel Arts Centre by the creek, or kite-flying and food trucks at Kite Beach.

Another great add-on: See more of the skyline from the water by booking the Dubai Marina Yacht Tour if you skipped it earlier.

Viator picks used in this itinerary (with images):

• Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access
• Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings
• Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ
• Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp

In a week you’ll trace Dubai’s full arc: windswept souks and abra rides, headlining museums, sunlit beaches, and the hush of the desert at dusk. With great food and smooth logistics, this plan leaves room to wander—and reasons to return.