Dubai rose from a pearl-diving settlement on the Creek to a global city where futuristic architecture meets timeless desert traditions. Oil discoveries in the 1960s accelerated development, but commerce, hospitality, and a taste for the spectacular built today’s skyline—topped, literally, by the Burj Khalifa.

Beyond the headlines, Dubai is friendly, efficient, and easy to navigate. You can haggle for saffron in Deira’s Spice Souk by day, then dine on world-class cuisine overlooking dancing fountains at night. Families love waterparks and beaches; culture seekers find restored wind towers in Al Fahidi and contemporary art in Alserkal Avenue.

Best time to visit is October–April when evenings are balmy. Dress modestly in historic districts and when visiting mosques; note that Ramadan brings altered hours and a reflective ambiance. The metro is clean and affordable, taxis are plentiful, and a Nol card is your friend for public transport. Carry ID for venues serving alcohol.

Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives and surprises: sky-high lounges, tranquil abra rides, designer malls, and humble shawarma counters locals swear by. This 7-day plan balances icons and local favorites, with plenty of time to breathe.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Museum of the Future, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Gold & Spice Souks, Dubai Frame, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina & JBR.
• Great for families: Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm; Dubai Aquarium; Kite Beach; green spaces at Zabeel Park.
• Dining highlights: Emirati plates at Al Khayma Heritage; seafood at Bu Qtair; Pakistani kebabs at Al Ustad; contemporary hits like Orfali Bros Bistro and 3Fils.
• Fun facts: The Burj Khalifa’s spire is visible up to 95 km on a clear day; an abra crossing the Creek still costs about 1 AED; locals from 200+ nationalities call Dubai home.

Where to stay (book with our partners):

• Search vacation homes on VRBO Dubai or hotels on Hotels.com Dubai.
• Style icon: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (all-suite grandeur and dramatic dining).
• Great value downtown: Rove Downtown Dubai (walkable to Dubai Mall).
• Resort thrills: Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure waterpark, The Lost Chambers Aquarium).

Getting here (flights): Compare fares and routes on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. Typical nonstops: London–Dubai ~7 hours; New York–Dubai ~12–14 hours; Singapore–Dubai ~7 hours. Taxis from DXB to Downtown run ~20–30 minutes off-peak; the Red Line metro connects Terminals 1/3 to the city.

Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Fountain Night

Afternoon: Land, check in, and stretch your legs at Dubai Mall. For a quick pick-me-up, try The Espresso Lab’s clean, light roasts near Dubai Design District outpost—or % Arabica inside the mall for consistent pour-overs. If you’re hungry, Time Out Market Dubai (next to Souk Al Bahar) offers curated local vendors so everyone can graze.

Evening: Ascend the world’s tallest tower for sunset. Book “At the Top” to time dusk over the desert and sea; the viewing terraces glow as the city lights flick on.

Burj Khalifa At the Top– 124th Floor Silver Ticket

Afterward, catch the Dubai Fountain shows (evenings every 30 minutes). Dinner ideas with views: Abd El Wahab (Lebanese classics, fountain-facing terrace) or CÉ LA VI atop Address Sky View for modern Asian plates and a jaw-drop backdrop.

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

Morning: Start in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, where wind towers keep lanes cool. Breakfast in the shady courtyard at Arabian Tea House—order regag bread with cream cheese and honey, and karak tea. Pop into the Coffee Museum and the XVA Gallery for regional art.

Afternoon: Ride a wooden abra across the Creek to Deira (about 1 AED, cash). Wander the Spice Souk (look for saffron, za’atar, frankincense) and the Gold Souk’s glittering window displays. For lunch, Al Ustad Special Kebab has been satisfying locals since the ’70s—try the jujeh (saffron chicken) with buttered rice.

Evening: Stroll Al Seef’s waterfront promenade—its modern-meets-heritage architecture makes a relaxed dinner setting. Consider Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant for Emirati machboos and luqaimat (sweet dumplings). Nightcap at Al Seef’s rooftop lounges, or an early night to reset your clock.

Day 3: Beach Morning and Premium Red Dunes Desert Safari

Morning: Ease in with sun and sea at Kite Beach—clean water, running track, and skyline views. Grab specialty coffee and a cardamom bun at On Board by 1004 or breakfast at Tom & Serg (industrial-chic, Aussie-style plates) in nearby Al Quoz.

Afternoon: Seafood lunch at Bu Qtair near the Umm Suqeim fishing harbour—pick your fish, get it spiced and fried, and eat on picnic tables. Rest at your hotel pool; the desert pickup usually starts mid-afternoon.

Evening: Hit the red dunes for 4WD dune bashing, camel rides, and a 5-star BBQ under the stars at Al Khayma Camp—glowing lanterns, live shows, and rich Emirati hospitality.

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

Day 4: Museum of the Future, DIFC Lunch, and Dubai Frame at Sunset

Morning: Step into 2071 at the Museum of the Future. The calligraphed torus is a photo magnet; inside, immersive exhibits imagine sustainability, space travel, and wellness tech. Timed tickets sell out—book ahead.

Museum of the Future Tickets

Afternoon: Lunch in DIFC, Dubai’s polished dining district: try LPM for Niçoise-inspired plates, Zuma for contemporary Japanese, or BB Social Dining for bao and bowls. Coffee at Nightjar’s compact DIFC kiosk or at The Sum of Us near Trade Centre.

Evening: Head to Zabeel Park for the Dubai Frame; the glass-floored bridge perfectly contrasts Old Dubai to the north with New Dubai to the south. For dinner, Orfali Bros Bistro (Wasl 51) delivers Levantine creativity and has earned regional accolades—book ahead.

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah, West Beach, and Dubai Marina Nights

Morning: Ride the monorail or a taxi to Palm Jumeirah. Start at The View at The Palm (Nakheel Mall) for 360-degree vistas of the frond-shaped island and the Marina skyline. Brunch after at Brunch & Cake (wholesome plates, photogenic bakes) or Reif Kushiyaki (inventive Japanese street-food style) in Dar Wasl before heading beachside.

Afternoon: West Beach on the Palm is lined with chill beach clubs and public access. Koko Bay brings Bali vibes and Asian bites; Jones the Grocer has great coffee and cheeses. Families might opt for Aquaventure at Atlantis (huge slides, lazy rivers) instead.

Evening: Explore Dubai Marina’s glittering canals and The Walk at JBR. Pier 7 stacks seven restaurants with views—Asia Asia (pan-Asian), The Scene (British comfort), and Atelier M (Mediterranean) are strong options. For dessert, grab gelato along the promenade or cross to Bluewaters Island for late-night dining (note: Ain Dubai observation wheel remains closed as of 2025, but the island’s views are superb).

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

Make a rewarding day trip to the UAE capital for gleaming architecture and cultural depth. This guided experience typically includes the ethereal Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (modest dress required), the ornate Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, and a city drive past the Corniche and Etihad Towers. It’s an efficient way to see Abu Dhabi without the driving logistics.

Abu Dhabi Day Trip from Dubai: Mosque & Palace Visit

Back in Dubai, enjoy a relaxed dinner near your hotel. For something casual and beloved, Ravi Restaurant in Satwa serves excellent Pakistani curries and grilled meats; Al Mallah nearby is a late-night shawarma institution.

Day 7: Creative Mornings, Last-Minute Souks, and Departure

Morning: Explore Alserkal Avenue’s galleries and indie shops—this is where Dubai’s creative scene congregates. Coffee at Nightjar (roastery-fresh) or Project Chaiwala for a frothy karak. If you missed souvenirs, swing by the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai for pashminas and tailored abayas/kanduras.

Afternoon (departure): Brunch or an early lunch before you go: Al Safadi (Lebanese grills and mezze) or 3Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (regional favorite for modern Asian seafood—arrive early for walk-ins). Grab your bags and allow ample time for DXB security; the Red Line metro is reliable, while taxis are quickest with luggage.

Seasonal note: Visiting between October and April? Consider an evening at Global Village for street food and cultural pavilions. It’s a festive, family-friendly sprawl with live shows and shopping.

Optional upgrade: If you prefer a thoroughly guided Dubai overview, consider a comprehensive city tour that pairs classic neighborhoods with modern icons and includes Burj Khalifa access—ideal for first-timers who want context and convenience.

Alternative Viator picks you could swap into this plan: a shared yacht sightseeing cruise in Dubai Marina, a stylish dinner cruise, or an aerial meal experience—ask if you’d like us to tailor the days around these.

Practical tips: Get a Nol Silver card at any metro station for tap-and-go rides. Taxis are metered; ride-hailing is widespread. For mosques and some cultural spaces, shoulders and knees should be covered; women may need headscarves at the Grand Mosque. Hydrate constantly, especially May–September.

Over seven days, you’ll stand atop the Burj Khalifa, bargain in spice-scented alleys, speed across red dunes, and taste the city’s spectrum—from humble kebab houses to award-winning bistros. Dubai’s contrasts are its charm; this itinerary lets you sample it all with time to savor the moments.