Once a small Gulf trading port, Dubai has grown into a city of superlatives—home to the Burj Khalifa, designer malls, and glittering marinas—yet its heart still beats along the historic Dubai Creek, the gold and spice souks, and wind-tower houses of Al Fahidi. This week-long itinerary threads both worlds: futuristic engineering and traditional culture.

Expect big-sky desert adventures, dhow-dotted waterways, and beach days on powdery Gulf sands. You’ll ride an abra across the Creek, savor Emirati dishes, and ascend the world’s tallest tower for sunset. Between Michelin-lauded kitchens and beloved neighborhood spots, Dubai is also a serious food city.

Practical notes: Winter (Nov–Apr) brings ideal weather; summer means AC-to-AC hopping. The UAE weekend is Saturday–Sunday. Dress modestly in historic areas and mosques; during Ramadan, avoid eating in public during daylight hours. The Metro is clean and efficient; taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful.

Dubai

Dubai’s neighborhoods each tell a story: Al Fahidi’s coral-stone lanes echo the past; Downtown dazzles with fountains and fashion; Jumeirah and the Palm serve sun and sea; Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz fuels contemporary art and coffee culture. This 7-day Dubai travel guide balances icons with local favorites.

Where to stay: For resorts and family fun, consider Palm Jumeirah. For first-timers, Downtown is wonderfully central. Dubai Marina and JBR are great for beach-meets-nightlife. Browse stays on Hotels.com or apartments on VRBO.

• Rove Downtown (smart, budget-friendly, walkable to Dubai Mall): Book on Hotels.com
• Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure waterpark, dining galore): Book on Hotels.com
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (Dubai icon with private beach): Book on Hotels.com

Getting there & around: Most arrive via DXB (Downtown ~15–20 min by taxi). Typical nonstop flight times: London 6.5–7.5 hours; New York 12–14 hours; Singapore 7 hours. Sample round-trip fares range ~$500–$800 from Europe and ~$800–$1,300 from North America outside peak holidays. Compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. In-city, the Metro Red Line links DXB–Downtown–Marina (fares ~AED 4–9.5). Taxis start ~AED 12; DXB to Downtown is usually AED 45–70 depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, Downtown Dubai, and Burj Khalifa Sunset

Morning: Fly into DXB. If you arrive early, stretch at your hotel pool and hydrate—the desert is dry even in winter.

Afternoon: Check in and stroll Dubai Mall’s airy atriums. For a light bite, try Time Out Market Dubai (curated local stalls; great for groups) or Din Tai Fung (steaming xiao long bao). Coffee at The Espresso Lab (DIFC outpost) or Common Grounds inside Dubai Mall.

Evening: Time your ascent for golden hour with Burj Khalifa At The Top tickets. The views sweep from the desert to the Gulf and down to the Dubai Fountain show.

Reserve via Viator. Post-view, dine with fountain vistas: Abd El Wahab (Lebanese grills and meze), Social House (global comfort dishes), or head skyward for a nightcap at At.Mosphere Lounge in Burj Khalifa.

Day 2: Old Dubai—Souks, Creek, and Emirati Flavors

Morning: Start in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Breakfast beneath bougainvillea at Arabian Tea House (regag bread, balaleet, fresh mint tea). Explore the narrow lanes, art galleries, and heritage courtyards; pop into the SMCCU for cultural insights if timing allows.

Afternoon: Join the guided Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings for stories, street foods, and an abra ride between Deira and Bur Dubai.

Book via Viator. Haggle gently in the Gold & Spice Souks; try fresh juices and saffron ice cream along the way.

Evening: Dine at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (slow-cooked lamb, luqaimat) or Al Ustad Special Kebab (a Dubai institution for Persian skewers). For dessert, find gooey kunafa at Firas Sweets in Deira. If you want cocktails after, relocate to DIFC’s lounges (e.g., Zuma, Galaxy Bar) where venues are licensed.

Day 3: Beach Morning, Madinat Jumeirah, and Red-Dune Safari

Morning: Beach time at Umm Suqeim Public Beach with Burj Al Arab views. Breakfast at Comptoir 102 (healthy bowls, French-leaning pastries) or The Surf Café (eggs, açai, specialty coffee).

Afternoon: Wander Souk Madinat Jumeirah for canals and crafts. Lunch on simple, spectacular seafood at Bu Qtair (choose your fish by weight; order the masala and paratha) or grab shawarma and fresh juices at Al Mallah.

Evening: Get picked up for the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp: dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and a starry barbecue under desert skies.

Reserve on Viator. Dinner is included at camp; return to the city pleasantly sandy and satisfied.

Day 4: Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Skyline Dining

Morning: Walk the Dubai Marina promenade and JBR Beach boardwalk—yachts, runners, and cafés galore. Breakfast at Common Grounds JBR (sourdough toasts, specialty coffee) or Baker & Spice (market-led pastries and shakshuka).

Afternoon: Ride the Palm Monorail for sweeping views and stop for lunch-with-a-view at SUSHISAMBA (Latin-Japanese-Peruvian on Palm Tower) or opt for pan-Asian finesse at Akira Back (W Dubai – The Palm). Sunbathe at a beach club, or window-shop at Nakheel Mall.

Evening: Choose dinner in the Marina: Asia Asia (spice-route menu, views), Pier 7’s stacked venues for variety, or head to the overwater Pierchic near Jumeirah for a special-occasion seafood spread. Post-dinner, lively beachfront spots like Barasti offer music until late.

Day 5: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi—Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Etihad Towers

Make a full-day excursion with the Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower tour. You’ll see the luminous white-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (modest dress required), the opulent Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, and skyline views from the Etihad Towers Observation Deck, with a scenic Corniche drive in between.

Book on Viator. Grab breakfast at your hotel before pickup; on return, celebrate with modern Greek at GAIA (DIFC) or sky-high views at CÉ LA VI Dubai (Address Sky View) for refined Asian plates and a dazzling terrace.

Day 6: Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, and Alserkal Avenue

Morning: Visit the swooping, calligraphy-clad Museum of the Future—a heady blend of art, tech, and imagination. Coffee beforehand at The Sum of Us (house-roasted beans, excellent bakes) or The Espresso Lab (DIFC).

Afternoon: Head to Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park for old-and-new skyline perspectives. Then dive into Dubai’s creative hub, Alserkal Avenue, to browse contemporary galleries. Refuel at Nightjar Coffee (nitro cold brew, inventive small plates) or Wild & The Moon (plant-forward fare).

Evening: Book a table at Orfali Bros Bistro (playful, award-winning Middle Eastern-led plates) or Reif Japanese Kushiyaki (skewers, ramen, sandos). Nightcap options include rooftop vibes at CÉ LA VI or the intimate Galaxy Bar in DIFC.

Day 7: Lazy Brunch, Last Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Brunch at 21 Grams (Balkan bakes and kajmak eggs) or Tom & Serg (Melbourne-style café culture). If visiting between Oct–Apr, wander the photogenic Dubai Miracle Garden; otherwise, browse crafts at Souk Madinat or design-forward City Walk for last souvenirs.

Afternoon: Pack and head to DXB. Aim to arrive 3 hours before international flights. If time allows, a final espresso at % Arabica in the airport or Downtown sends you off in style.

Optional Add-Ons If You Have Extra Energy

• Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour for coastal skyline views, with breakfast or BBQ timings—bookable via Viator.
• Helicopter flight over the Palm and Burj Al Arab for that once-in-a-trip aerial perspective—bookable via Viator.

Alternative Desert Experience

If you prefer heritage-focused culture over dune-bashing, consider the Dubai Red Dunes ATV, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ Al Khayma Camp variant for more riding time or a vintage Land Rover heritage safari. Here’s a popular option:

See details and availability on Viator.

Booking Shortcuts

• Hotels & Resorts: Search Dubai stays on Hotels.com | Find apartments on VRBO
• Signature Hotels: Rove Downtown | Atlantis, The Palm | Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
• Flights: Compare prices and routes on Trip.com and Kiwi.com

In one unforgettable week, you’ll scale the Burj Khalifa, taste Old Dubai’s history, cross dunes at sunset, and day-trip to the marble grandeur of Abu Dhabi. Come hungry and curious; leave with sand in your shoes, camera roll full, and a newfound appreciation for the city where the desert meets the future.