Dubai began as a humble fishing and pearling village along the Creek and transformed in a few decades into a skyline of imagination—home to the Burj Khalifa, futuristic museums, man-made islands, and world-class dining. Yet the city’s soul remains in its wind-tower lanes, spice-scented souks, and Bedouin traditions of hospitality.

Expect a city of contrasts: abra boats beside wooden dhows, camel tracks in the dunes facing glass-and-steel towers, and meals ranging from sizzling kebabs in old neighborhoods to chef-driven plates overlooking the Gulf. Winter (November–April) offers the best weather; summers are hot but well air-conditioned.

Practical notes: The currency is AED (dirham); English is widely spoken. The weekend is Saturday–Sunday. Dress modestly in historic quarters and religious sites. Alcohol is served at licensed venues; carry valid ID if you plan to drink. Ride-hailing is reliable; Dubai Metro is clean, safe, and convenient for major areas.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with superlatives—the world’s tallest tower, one of the largest malls, and a futuristic museum that looks like a calligraphy-wrapped ring. But some of the city’s most memorable moments happen on small scales: a fragrant cup of cardamom chai by the Creek, a golden-hour stroll along Jumeirah’s soft sands, or a gallery chat in Alserkal Avenue.

Top neighborhoods range from stately Downtown and beachy JBR/Marina to heritage-rich Al Fahidi and breezy Jumeirah. On the Palm, Atlantis anchors an ocean of play; in Deira, the Gold and Spice Souks gleam with history. Food-wise, you’ll eat globally—Emirati, Iranian, Levantine, Indian, Filipino, Japanese—often at the highest standard.

• Don’t-miss sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Old Dubai souks, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Museum of the Future, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina.
• Great eats: Al Ustad Special Kebab (old-school Persian plates), Arabian Tea House (garden-style Emirati), Ravi Restaurant (beloved Pakistani canteen), 3Fils (harbor-front Japanese-leaning), Orfali Bros Bistro (creative Middle Eastern), Bu Qtair (legendary fish fry by the beach).
• Smart tips: Use the Metro for Downtown, Business Bay, and Marina; taxis for beaches and heritage quarters. Metro fares are usually AED 4–9 per journey; taxis start around AED 12 plus per-km.

Where to stay

• Search all stays: VRBO Dubai Apartments & Villas | Hotels.com Dubai
• Iconic splurge: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (private-island style, helipad fame, palatial suites).
• Resort playground: Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure Waterpark, family fun, top dining).
• Value-chic downtown base: Rove Downtown Dubai (steps from Dubai Mall/Burj, smart design, great price point).

How to get to Dubai

• Compare global flights to DXB/DWC: Trip.com Flights | Kiwi.com Flights

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

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the flight with an easy loop through Dubai Mall—its aquarium viewing panel and the waterfall sculpture are quick wins. Coffee at The Sum of Us (roastery-led café, excellent flat whites and sourdough toasts) or % Arabica (bright, clean espresso) nearby.

Evening: Time your ascent for sunset at Burj Khalifa—clear views over desert and Gulf, then a dusk glow as the city lights flicker. Book ahead here: Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access.

Watch the Dubai Fountain shows (evening, every 30 minutes). Dinner options: Time Out Market (curated local vendors under one roof—try Reif Japanese Kushiyaki) or 3Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (modern, Japanese-leaning plates; don’t miss the tuna foie tart). Nightcap at At.mosphere Lounge or CÉ LA VI for city views.

Day 2: Old Dubai—Creek, Al Fahidi, and the Souks

Morning: Breakfast at Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi (baked regag, balaleet, and minty teas in a shaded courtyard). Wander the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood’s wind-tower lanes and small museums. Cross the Creek by abra (AED 1) to Deira and dive into the Spice Souk (saffron, za’atar, frankincense) and Gold Souk.

Afternoon: Lunch at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; smoky kebabs, yoghurt-marinated meats, and saffron rice). Visit the Al Shindagha Museum (heritage of Dubai’s ruling family and maritime roots) or the Textile Souk back in Bur Dubai. If interested, join the Jumeirah Mosque guided program later (modest dress; cultural Q&A).

Evening: Sunset stroll along Al Seef’s waterside promenade—wooden facades nod to tradition with modern cafés. Dinner at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (Emirati mandi, luqaimat with date syrup) or Boardwalk at Dubai Creek (seafood on floating decks). Try karak chai and pistachio-stuffed dates for a sweet finish.

Day 3: Beach Morning and Red Dunes Desert Safari

Morning: Start at Kite Beach for a swim and soft sand walk; grab acai bowls and specialty coffee at Common Grounds or a hearty shakshouka at Tom & Serg in Al Quoz. If culture calls, tour the Jumeirah Mosque earlier in the day.

Afternoon: Keep it light—Bu Qtair near Jumeirah serves fried or grilled catch of the day with masala and parathas; simple, beloved, and fresh.

Evening: Head into the Lehbab Red Dunes for quad-biking, sandboarding, camel rides, and a 5-star BBQ under stars at Al Khayma Camp. Book: Dubai Red Dunes ATV, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ Al Khayma Camp.

Tip: Pack a light layer for cooler desert nights (Nov–Mar), and closed shoes for quad-biking. Hotel pickup/drop-off included; expect ~6–7 hours.

Day 4: Museum of the Future, Design District, and Marina Nights

Morning: Coffee at Espresso Lab in Dubai Design District (precise pour-overs) before exploring public art and boutiques. If you prefer contemporary art, head to Alserkal Avenue: galleries, pop-ups, and excellent brunch at Nightjar Coffee (killer cold brew, inventive plates).

Afternoon: Immerse in tomorrow at the calligraphy-clad Museum of the Future—multi-sensory exhibits that imagine climate solutions, wellness tech, and space habitats. Reserve here: Museum of the Future Tickets.

Evening: Head to JBR and Dubai Marina. Walk “The Walk,” dip toes in the sea, then dinner at The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill (seafood platters, brasserie vibe) or Bussola (wood-fired pizza, Gulf views). For a hush-by-the-sea drink, Jetty Lounge’s lantern-lit sands are timeless.

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah Play and a Luxury Yacht Cruise

Morning: Ride to Palm Jumeirah. Take in the panorama from The View at The Palm (level 52) or go full-throttle at Aquaventure Waterpark if staying or day-passing via Atlantis. Brunch ideas: Seafire Steakhouse (classic) or Nobu (Japanese-Peruvian) at Atlantis.

Afternoon: Lounge at West Beach or stroll Nakheel Mall. Gelato stop at House of Pops for refreshing, natural-ingredient ice lollies.

Evening: Sail past the Marina towers, JBR, and Atlantis on a sleek yacht—choose a sunset or evening slot with BBQ options. Book: Dubai Harbor: Luxury Yacht Tour with BBQ Options.

Post-cruise bites: Pick 3Fils back at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour or dine at Atlantis (Hakkasan for Cantonese sophistication).

Day 6: Nature, Neighborhoods, and Night Shows

Morning: Birdwatch at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (flamingos are stars, especially in winter). Alternatively, from November to April, wander Dubai Miracle Garden’s floral sculptures—whimsical, colorful, and photogenic.

Afternoon: Explore City Walk or Wasl 51 for boutique browsing and café-hopping. Don’t miss Orfali Bros Bistro for lunch or early dinner—playful, award-winning Middle Eastern flavors (the OB croquette and umami bomb are standouts).

Evening: Consider a show like La Perle by Dragone (aquatic acrobatics) or keep it chill with sunset at Kite Beach followed by dinner at Salt (slider institution) or Reif Japanese Kushiyaki at Dar Wasl (yakitori, hand rolls, inventive desserts). For dessert-as-theater, BRIX in Jumeirah serves multi-course sweet tastings.

Day 7: Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dome Peek, and Farewell

Morning: Slow breakfast: Bageri Form in Dubai Hills (Nordic bakes) or Lowe (wood-fired, seasonal plates). If you prefer convenience before flying, Common Grounds at Mall of the Emirates is reliable for specialty coffee and healthy plates.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Mall of the Emirates; peek at the indoor ski slope. Grab gifts: saffron, dates, camel-milk chocolate, and frankincense. Depart for the airport—taxis to DXB from most central areas are ~20–40 minutes depending on traffic (budget AED 50–90).

Evening: In transit.

Optional Add-On: Inside the Sail—Burj Al Arab Tour

If you’re fascinated by Dubai’s most recognizable hotel, consider the guided “Inside Burj Al Arab” experience to see its opulent interiors and hear its backstory. Book it here if you have a spare half-day: Inside Burj Al Arab Guided Tour with Options.

Local logistics and budgeting tips

• Getting around: Dubai Metro (Nol card) links DXB, Downtown, Business Bay, and Marina; trams connect the Marina/JBR. Taxis and ride-hailing fill the gaps; plan AED 25–80 for most urban rides.
• Costs snapshot (per person): Burj Khalifa standard timed tickets from ~AED 179; Museum of the Future from ~AED 149; Desert safaris from ~AED 250–450 depending on inclusions; Yacht cruises from ~AED 160–350.
• Etiquette: Modest attire in heritage zones; beachwear is for beaches/pools. Always ask before photographing people. Tipping 10–15% is appreciated when service isn’t included.

Bookend your week with two icons—Burj Khalifa at sunset and a night sail past Dubai’s glittering skyline—and fill the days between with souks, beaches, and the boundless desert. This 7-day Dubai itinerary balances marquee sights with neighborhood flavor so you leave with both the postcard view and the city’s heartbeat.