Dubai rose from a modest Gulf port to a global city in a generation—pearls to petroleum, abra boats to autonomous metros, barjeel wind towers to world-record skyscrapers. Today, you can haggle for saffron in Old Dubai’s spice souk, then sip coffee beneath the world’s tallest tower by sunset. It’s a city where tradition and ambition shake hands every day.

Across seven days, you’ll explore Old Dubai’s labyrinthine alleys, glide across Dubai Creek, snorkel in shopping at Dubai Mall, and feel the red-sand rush on a desert safari at golden hour. You’ll sail past the skyline on a yacht from Dubai Marina, unwind on Jumeirah’s beaches, and ascend the Palm for sweeping Arabian Gulf views. A guided day trip to Abu Dhabi rounds out the journey with marble, mosaics, and modern grandeur.

Practical notes: modest attire is required for mosque visits; licensed venues serve alcohol; taxis and the Metro are efficient; and winter (Nov–Mar) brings prime weather and seasonal favorites like Miracle Garden. Cuisine is a world tour—Emirati machboos and luqaimat, Pakistani grills in Satwa, Levantine shawarma, and boundary‑pushing spots like Orfali Bros and 3Fils.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with neighborhoods that each tell a story: the low-slung coral-stone lanes of Al Fahidi, the glass-and-steel canyons of Downtown, beachy JBR and The Marina, and the man‑made marvel of Palm Jumeirah. Expect record-breakers (Burj Khalifa), inventive museums (Museum of the Future), art districts (Alserkal Avenue), and a dining scene that spans street eats to MICHELIN stars.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek abra crossing, Dubai Marina & JBR, Palm Jumeirah’s “The View,” Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, and (seasonal) Miracle Garden.
• Coffee & breakfast favorites: Nightjar Coffee (Alserkal), Raw Coffee Company (Al Quoz), The Espresso Lab (Design District), The Daily at Rove, Common Grounds (JBR/Mall of the Emirates).
• Dining hits: Al Ustad Special Kebab (historic grill), Arabian Tea House (classic courtyard Emirati), Bu Qtair (harbor fish fry), Ravi Restaurant (beloved Pakistani), 3Fils (creative Asian), Orfali Bros (bistronomy), Zuma (DIFC), The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill (JBR/Business Bay).
• Fun facts: Dubai’s abra boats still ferry locals for coins; the Red Dunes of Lehbab sit just an hour away; Palm Jumeirah is visible from space; and the Dubai Metro Red Line threads through the city driverless.

Where to stay (book with our partners):

• Search vacation rentals on VRBO Dubai or hotels on Hotels.com Dubai.
• Iconic splurge: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — the sail-shaped symbol of the skyline.
• Family resort: Atlantis, The Palm — Aquaventure waterpark, The Lost Chambers, and great dining.
• Smart, central value: Rove Downtown Dubai or Rove Downtown — walkable to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

How to get there: Fly into DXB (or DWC). Compare global fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstops: 6–8 hours from Europe, 12–14 hours from North America, 6–8 hours from East/South Asia. Economy deals often range ~$550–$1,200 round-trip depending on season. From DXB, taxis to Downtown run ~15–25 minutes.

Day 1: Arrival, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Fountain

Morning: Fly into Dubai. Use Trip.com or Kiwi.com to find the best arrivals at DXB. On landing, grab a taxi or the Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station if you’re staying Downtown.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel—families love Atlantis, The Palm; urban explorers love Rove Downtown Dubai. Stretch your legs at Dubai Mall (aquarium views, waterfall wall). Time your ascent for golden hour with Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket (124/125 or 148 + fast-track).

Evening: Watch the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes after sunset). Dinner ideas: Time Out Market Dubai (curated local stalls), Al Hallab (Lebanese grills and mezze with fountain-facing tables), or Din Tai Fung (hand‑pulled noodles and soup dumplings). Nightcap: CÉ LA VI at Address Sky View or At.mosphere Lounge for glittering city lights.

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

Morning: Breakfast in a shaded courtyard at Arabian Tea House—order regag (crispy flatbread) and karak tea. Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood’s wind towers, the Coffee Museum, and art courtyards. Cross Dubai Creek on a wooden abra (coins for fare) to Deira’s Gold and Spice Souks—breathe in cardamom and rose.

Afternoon: Join a storytelling walk: Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings—history, snacks, and local tips rolled into one.

Refuel at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978) for smoky kebabs with saffron rice. Coffee at XVA Gallery Café for a serene art courtyard escape.

Evening: Stroll Al Seef’s creekside promenade—shops housed in heritage-inspired architecture. Dinner at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant for Emirati classics like chicken machboos and luqaimat drizzled with date syrup. If you fancy a cruise, consider a wooden dhow dinner along the creek (bookable locally).

Day 3: Beach Morning and Red Dune Desert Safari

Morning: Coffee with single-origin flair at Nightjar (Alserkal Avenue), then dip your toes at Kite Beach—watch kitesurfers with the Burj Al Arab on the horizon. Snack on soft-serve at SALT’s airstream or grab açai bowls along the jogging track.

Afternoon & Evening: Head for Lehbab’s scarlet sands on the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp. Expect 4x4 dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, and sunset photos, followed by a Bedouin-style camp dinner with shows and stargazing.

If you prefer to keep the morning free for more beach time, you can also book a morning quad-focused option.

Day 4: Dubai Marina, JBR, and Sunset Yacht Cruise

Morning: Breakfast at Baker’s Kitchen (JBR) or Common Grounds (JBR) for eggs, avo toast, and great coffee. Walk The Beach at JBR—cafés, public beach, and shoreline views. If you want thrills, try a parasail or just rent loungers and swim.

Afternoon: Explore Dubai Marina’s promenade. Pop into Bluewaters Island for photo ops of the skyline (Ain Dubai remains closed; still a striking landmark to admire). Lunch at The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill (crab cakes, lobster rolls, briny oysters) or 3Fils in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour for charcoal-grilled octopus and creative sushi.

Evening: Board a sleek shared yacht for a skyline sail: Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ. Choose a sunset slot to glide past the Palm, Burj Al Arab, and Marina towers while the city glows.

Post-cruise, grab gelato along The Walk or a late bite at Operation Falafel (shawarma, falafel, and fresh saj breads).

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah Playday—Views, Aquaventure, and Atlantis Dining

Morning: Ride up to “The View at The Palm” (Level 52) for a bird’s‑eye look at Palm Jumeirah’s fronds and the turquoise Gulf. Coffee at The Espresso Lab (Design District) beforehand if you’re starting downtown, or % Arabica at Dubai Mall before you head out.

Afternoon: Make it a water day at Atlantis. Families can devote hours to Aquaventure’s slides and the lazy river, then wander The Lost Chambers Aquarium’s ethereal tanks. Consider basing yourself here for easy access: Atlantis, The Palm often includes Aquaventure admission with stays.

Evening: Dress up for dinner in Atlantis: Nobu (Japanese-Peruvian signatures), Seafire Steakhouse (dry-aged cuts), or Ayamna (Lebanese with live music). For a breezy post-dinner drink, head to a licensed lounge or beach bar; taxis back to Downtown typically take ~25–35 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 6: Full-Day Abu Dhabi Highlights (from Dubai)

Swap emirates for the day on a guided tour: Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower.

You’ll marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s shimmering white domes (modest dress required; tour notes detail guidelines), the ornate Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, and skyline views from the Etihad Towers observation deck. Expect ~1.5 hours each way by coach or car, with free time for lunch and photos along the Corniche. Return to Dubai in the evening and keep dinner light—Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) for comforting chicken karahi and hot naan is perfect.

Day 7: Gardens, Art, and a Sky-High Farewell

Morning: Art and caffeine at Alserkal Avenue—gallery-hop, then settle into Nightjar for nitro cold brew or a flat white. Shoppers and families can detour to Mall of the Emirates (indoors fun including Ski Dubai) or explore the Museum of the Future if you prebook tickets well in advance.

Afternoon: In the cool season (approx. Nov–Apr), wander a floral wonderland with Dubai Miracle Garden skip-the-line tickets—over 150 million blooms arranged into towering sculptures.

If you’re visiting in the hot months, swap in Dubai Frame for skyline panoramas and Zabeel Park greenspace.

Evening: Toast your week with a once-in-a-lifetime meal suspended above the city: Dinner in the Sky Dubai—a crane lifts your table 50 meters up for dazzling views and a multi-course menu.

Prefer ground level? Book a table at Orfali Bros Bistro (innovative small plates) or grab a last shawarma at Al Mallah with fresh-squeezed juices.

Additional Ideas and Swaps

• Morning desert option: Half-Day Desert Safari with Camels & Quad Bike for cooler temps and active fun.

  

• Glitz-at-sea alternative: Luxury Superyacht with Live DJ, Swimming & Open Bar for a party vibe.

  

• VIP skyline sips: Burj Khalifa Lounge (Floors 152–154) for a high-tea or bubbly above the clouds.

  

Getting around: The Metro Red Line covers the airport, Downtown, Marina, and Jebel Ali; trams and plentiful taxis fill the gaps. A Nol card streamlines fares. Friday is the main prayer day; dress modestly in Old Dubai and religious sites. Summer brings heat—plan indoor afternoons and stay hydrated.

Wrap your week with one last fountain show or beach stroll and start dreaming up your return—Dubai rewards curiosity with new openings every season.