Once a modest Gulf trading post, Dubai has transformed in a century into a global playground of engineering marvels, luxury hotels, and glittering malls—yet its soul still lingers along Dubai Creek, in wind-tower houses and spice-scented alleys. This 7-day Dubai itinerary pairs record-breaking architecture and beach days with heritage walks and Bedouin traditions.

Expect big contrasts: falconry and camel caravans at dusk, then moonlit rooftop lounges facing a skyline stitched in neon. Mornings might begin with Emirati chebab pancakes and cardamom-scented karak tea; evenings can drift by on a yacht among palm-shaped islands. Between, you’ll find family-friendly aquariums, art in DIFC, and coffee worth crossing town for.

Practical notes: Public transport is clean and efficient (get a Nol card for the Metro, tram, and bus). Dress modestly in Old Dubai and mosques, and check Ramadan dates—dining hours can shift. Summers are very hot; plan indoor attractions midday. Weekends are Saturday–Sunday; Friday noon prayers make some spots busier around that time.

Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives—tallest, largest, most audacious—and yet it’s the textures that linger: the snap of sea breeze on Jumeirah’s sands, the clang of gold bangles in Deira, the hush at the top of the world’s tallest tower. It’s ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers who want variety without long transfers.

Top areas to stay: Downtown (walk to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain), Dubai Marina/JBR (beach, yacht cruises, dining), and Bur Dubai/Deira (heritage vibe and value stays). Taxis are plentiful, and the Metro runs along the main spine, linking the airport, Downtown, and Marina.

Where to book your stay

• Search vacation rentals on VRBO Dubai.
• Compare hotels with Hotels.com Dubai.
• Specific standouts: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (an icon with overwater dining and butler service), Rove Downtown Dubai (smart value steps from Dubai Mall), and Atlantis, The Palm (epic waterpark, aquariums, and restaurants).

How to get there

• Find flight deals to DXB with Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Nonstops are ~7 hours from London and ~12–14 hours from New York.
• From DXB: Metro Red Line to Downtown (~20–30 minutes) or taxi (~15–25 minutes, metered). From DWC: taxi (~35–50 minutes) is simplest.

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

Morning: Fly into DXB. If you haven’t booked yet, compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Grab a Nol card at the Metro if you plan to use public transport all week.

Afternoon: Check in and head to Dubai Mall. Wander the waterfall atrium and high-fashion arcades, then pause for coffee at % Arabica (clean, bright white space; go for Spanish latte) or Common Grounds (house-baked pastries). If you have kids—or a marine fascination—consider the Dubai Aquarium tunnel and Underwater Zoo inside the mall.

Evening: Time your sunset for the world’s tallest tower. Book Burj Khalifa At The Top tickets for golden-hour city views; upgrade to higher floors if you love observatories.

For dinner with fountain views, book Al Hallab Bab El Bahr (Lebanese mezze, charcoal-grilled kebabs, hot bread) or Social House (pan-Asian comfort plates). Stay for the Dubai Fountain shows every 30 minutes after sunset; best free views are along the waterfront promenade.

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

Morning: Breakfast at Arabian Tea House in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood—try regag (crispy flatbread), chebab pancakes with date syrup, and karak chai. Explore the sikkas (lanes), duck into art courtyards, and see how traditional wind towers cooled homes long before AC. Walk to Al Shindagha Museum to trace Dubai’s maritime roots and pearl-diving history.

Afternoon: Join a guided heritage-and-food walk: Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings covers creek ferries, spice and gold souks, and classic street snacks.

Prefer DIY? Ride an abra (traditional wooden boat) for 1 AED across Dubai Creek, then wander the Spice Souk (look for saffron, za’atar) and Gold Souk (window displays of bangles and bridal sets). Bargaining is expected—smile and counter politely.

Evening: Dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; juicy yogurt-marinated kebabs, saffron rice) or Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (slow-cooked lamb ouzi, luqaimat dumplings). For a nightcap with skyline glimpses, try XVA Café’s courtyard for mint tea or head back to Downtown’s CÉ LA VI for a sleek rooftop vibe.

Day 3: Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, and DIFC Dining

Morning: Coffee at Espresso Lab in Jumeirah or Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue (if you want a detour to Dubai’s warehouse arts district). Visit the Museum of the Future—its torus-shaped calligraphy shell is an engineering feat, and timed entry keeps crowds flowing. Exhibits imagine space, sustainability, and wellness 50 years ahead.

Afternoon: Head to Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park. The glass-floored sky bridge perfectly “frames” Old Dubai on one side and the new skyline on the other—great for understanding how the city grew. Late lunch at BB Social Dining in DIFC (bao and bowls with Middle Eastern notes) or Gaia (refined Greek; reserve early).

Evening: Explore DIFC’s art galleries (Custot, Opera Gallery) before dinner. Choose Zuma (signature miso-marinated black cod, energetic room), LPM Restaurant & Bar (Niçoise classics, legendary lemon tart), or Indochine (chic Saigon aesthetic, duck à l’orange riff). For cocktails, Level 43 Sky Lounge on Sheikh Zayed Road serves sweeping city panoramas.

Day 4: Dubai Marina, JBR Beach, and a Yacht Cruise

Morning: Sail the coast on a guided shared yacht with narration of landmarks like the Burj Al Arab and Palm fronds. Book the Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with optional breakfast or BBQ.

Afternoon: Beach time at JBR (The Beach at JBR has showers, cafés, and a jogging track). For a casual lunch: Operation Falafel (fresh-baked saj wraps), The Cheesecake Factory (family crowd-pleaser), or pick seafood at Catch22. If you’d rather explore, wander the Marina promenade for gelato and street performers.

Evening: Sunset at Umm Suqeim Beach with postcard views of Burj Al Arab. Dinner at Bu Qtair (no-frills shack famed for fresh fried fish and curry; order at the counter) or 3 Fils in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (regional standout—try the tuna carpaccio and dragon roll). For a lively after-dinner scene, head to Pier 7 in the Marina (multiple restaurants stacked vertically; Asia Asia is a favorite for pan-Asian plates and skyline views).

Day 5: Desert Day—Dunes, Camels, and BBQ Under the Stars

Morning: If visiting November–April, walk the flower installations at Miracle Garden (open seasonally); otherwise opt for Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates for a surreal snow session in the desert. Brunch at Reif Japanese Kushiyaki (innovative skewers) or Common Grounds (sourdough toasts, salads).

Afternoon & Evening (Tour): Get picked up for a premium desert safari with dune bashing, short camel rides, and a Bedouin-style camp dinner—an essential Dubai experience. Book the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp; sunset over the Lehbab dunes is magic.

Back in the city, cap the night with karak tea and saffron milk cake at Local House or a late stroll along City Walk’s lit-up avenues.

Day 6: Palm Icons, Atlantis, and Design District

Morning: Breakfast at Eggspectation (JBR) or The Lighthouse (Dubai Design District; excellent shakshuka and pastries). Ride the Palm Monorail for sweeping views of the fronds and coastline. If you’re with kids or water lovers, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis is a full-throttle day (record-setting slides, lazy rivers). Non-park option: meander The Pointe’s former site has transformed—but the broad promenade on the Palm still frames lovely views of Atlantis (check current access around construction zones).

Afternoon: Explore Dubai Design District (d3) for concept stores, galleries, and cafés. Coffee at The Espresso Lab d3 or One Life; pick up locally designed jewelry or abayas. Late lunch at Orfali Bros Bistro in Jumeirah (playful, award-winning dishes like torn pita salad and “OB Burger”).

Evening: Make it a special dinner at Atlantis: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (historic British dishes reimagined) or Ossiano (underwater fine dining beside an aquarium). Prefer something buzzy and casual? Time Out Market Dubai (Souk Al Bahar) gathers some of the city’s top kitchens under one roof so everyone can graze what they like.

Day 7: Jumeirah Mosque, Last Bites, and Takeoff

Morning: Join a guided visit at Jumeirah Mosque (hosted by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding—modest attire required; scarves provided). Coffee at Stomping Grounds (micro-roastery vibes; avocado toast is a sleeper hit). Stroll Kite Beach for a final sea breeze; grab a mango soft-serve from SALT’s food truck if the queue isn’t wild.

Afternoon: Squeeze in last-minute shopping at Souk Madinat Jumeirah (lanterns, spices, textiles) or Dubai Mall. Lunch at Logma (Khaleeji classics: chicken machboos, date pudding) or Al Fanar (Emirati seafood and grills; order the shrimp biryani). Head to the airport for your flight—leave generous time for security and duty-free browsing.

Evening (If departing late): Consider a relaxed canal glide with skyline views and dinner onboard next trip—or celebrate your sendoff tonight on another visit. If you prefer one more water memory this time, swap Day 4’s yacht for tonight.

Optional Swap: Dubai Marina Night Cruise

If you’d rather trade a dinner on land for glittering skyline views from the water, book a shared superyacht with music and a live BBQ bar. The Dubai Luxury Yacht Tour with Live BBQ & Drinks runs from Dubai Harbour with multiple departures.

Getting around tips

• Metro: Red Line links Airport T1/3, Downtown, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina (~AED 3–8 per ride by zone). Tram connects Marina to Palm Gateway.
• Taxis: Reliable and metered; short urban hops often AED 20–50, Downtown to Marina ~AED 70–90 depending on traffic.
• Intercity (Optional Abu Dhabi day): Bus E100 from Al Ghubaiba or E101 from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Central (~1h45, ~AED 25–35 one-way). Taxi ~1.5–2h, ~AED 300–400 each way. Dress modestly for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; book Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets in advance.

Where to eat—quick reference by theme

• Emirati & Gulf: Al Khayma Heritage, Logma, Al Fanar.
• Street & Classic: Ravi Restaurant (Punjabi curries), Al Ustad Special Kebab (Iranian grills), Bu Qtair (fried fish), Manoushe Street (Lebanese flatbreads).
• Modern Favorites: Orfali Bros Bistro, 3 Fils, Zuma, LPM, Indochine.
• Cafés & Coffee: % Arabica, Common Grounds, Espresso Lab, Nightjar, Stomping Grounds.

Final lodging notes

• Families: Atlantis, The Palm puts Aquaventure and aquariums at your doorstep.
• Value near sights: Rove Downtown Dubai is a 10–15-minute stroll to Dubai Mall and fountains.
• Icon stay: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah remains the city’s most photographed silhouette.
• Browse more on VRBO Dubai and Hotels.com Dubai.

What you booked via Viator (quick index)

• Burj Khalifa At The Top
• Old Dubai: Souks & Tastings Walking Tour
• Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour
• Premium Red Dunes Desert Safari & BBQ

In one week, you’ll watch the sun fall behind red dunes, sip coffee in a wind-tower courtyard, skim the Gulf on a yacht, and look down on the city from the world’s highest observatory. Dubai rewards curiosity—wander a little, and the city’s stories, flavors, and views reveal themselves in layers.