Dubai rose from a pearl-diving village to a global city in a single lifetime. Today, its skyline glitters with architectural feats like Burj Khalifa while wooden abras still shuttle locals across Dubai Creek, linking the city’s past and future.

Expect superlatives: the world’s tallest building, one of the largest malls, and man-made islands shaped like a palm tree. Yet Dubai is also about subtle pleasures—cashew-laced Emirati harees at breakfast, a sunset breeze at JBR Beach, and perfumed lanes in the spice souk.

Practical notes: winters (Nov–Mar) are pleasantly warm; summers are very hot with powerful A/C everywhere. Dress modestly in mosques and traditional neighborhoods; during Ramadan, be mindful of daytime eating in public. The city is safe, taxis are plentiful, and the Metro is clean and easy.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with contrasts. Wander the maze-like alleys of Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, then fast-forward to futuristic museums and sky-high lounges. Eat your way from old-school kebabs to world-top-ranked kitchens like 3Fils and Orfali Bros.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall & Fountain, Old Dubai souks, Al Fahidi, JBR & Kite Beach, The Palm, Dubai Frame, Alserkal Avenue.
• Food highlights: Emirati breakfasts, Persian grills, South Asian street eats, modern Levantine plates, ultra-fresh seafood at beach shacks.
• Fun facts: Over 85% of residents are expats; the Gold Souk displays the world’s largest ring; abras on the Creek cost about 1 AED.

Where to stay

• Atlantis, The Palm — family favorite with Aquaventure access, great for beach days and kids’ activities.
• Rove Downtown Dubai — design-forward, budget-friendly, walkable to Dubai Mall and the Metro.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — Dubai icon for travelers seeking over-the-top service and dining.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Dubai or apartment-style options via VRBO: Dubai.

Getting in and around

• Flights: Search fares to DXB on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: 7h from London, 12–14h from NYC, 8h from Singapore. Round-trip prices vary by season; shoulder months often yield value.
• Transport: Buy a Nol card for Metro/trams/buses; taxis and ride-hailing (Careem) are abundant. DXB to Downtown is ~15–25 minutes by taxi (about 60–80 AED) depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive and check into your hotel. Shake off jet lag with specialty coffee and a pastry at The Sum of Us (near Trade Center) or % Arabica inside Dubai Mall. Explore the mall’s indoor highlights—Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and the Waterfall atrium—then stroll the lakeside promenade for first views of the Dubai Fountain.

Evening: Time your ascent for golden hour with Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket (allow 1.5–2 hours; expect roughly $45–$100 depending on level/time). The layered observation decks give sweeping city-to-desert panoramas.

For dinner, graze at Time Out Market Dubai (Souk Al Bahar) with stalls from beloved local chefs—think bowls from BB Social, sushi from Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, and kunafa for dessert—then catch the Dubai Fountain show (every 30 minutes in the evening).

Day 2: Old Dubai, Creek Abras, and a Sunset Yacht on the Marina

Morning: Step back in time in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Breakfast under bougainvillea at Arabian Tea House—order the Emirati breakfast tray with regag bread, date syrup, and balaleet (sweet vermicelli). Pop into the Coffee Museum and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding if open.

Afternoon: Cross Dubai Creek on an abra (about 1 AED) to Deira. Wander the Spice Souk’s cardamom- and saffron-scented lanes and the Gold Souk’s window displays. For lunch, try Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; famed yogurt-marinated kebabs) or Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant for machboos and luqaimat, served courtyard-style.

Evening: Head to Dubai Marina for a golden-hour cruise—great skyline photos past Bluewaters, JBR, and the Palm. Book the Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour (shared; with optional breakfast/BBQ; typically $45–$85, 1.5–3 hours).

Dine at Pier 7 (seven floors, seven cuisines; Mama Zonia for Amazonian flavors, Asia Asia for pan-Asian with views) or at 3Fils in nearby Jumeirah Fishing Harbour—try the spicy tuna crispy rice and “umami” tiramisu. For a nightcap, consider Siddharta Lounge for marina views or Jetty Lounge for waves lapping at your feet.

Day 3: Beaches and The Palm

Morning: Start at Kite Beach—grab a halloumi egg sandwich and cold brew at 1004 Gourmet’s pop-up or a saffron pistachio doughnut at Bageri Form. Stroll the 7-km beachfront track, watch kitesurfers, and cool off with a soft-serve at SALT.

Afternoon: Make your way to Palm Jumeirah. Families love Aquaventure at Atlantis for lazy rivers and tall slides; couples might opt for a leisurely promenade and The Pointe’s fountain views used to be popular, but today the focus is beaches and dining at Atlantis/The Palm West Beach. Lunch ideas: Seafire Steakhouse (beef-forward) or Little Venice Cake Company for an indulgent slice between activities.

Evening: Sunset cocktails at The Club on Palm West Beach or dinner at Surf Club for Mediterranean seafood and beachy vibes. Alternatively, reserve Ossiano at Atlantis for a splurge-worthy underwater aquarium backdrop.

Day 4: Art, Architecture, and the Red Dunes

Morning: Explore Alserkal Avenue’s contemporary galleries (Leila Heller, Carbon 12) and creative spaces. Caffeine stop at Nightjar for flat whites and skillet eggs, or Wild & The Moon for plant-based bowls.

Afternoon: Swing by the Dubai Frame for a literal walk between “old” and “new” Dubai, then stop for late lunch at Orfali Bros (MENA’s 50 Best regular; must-try “OB khobiz” and the shish barak a la sgyoura). Rest before your desert adventure.

Evening: Venture to the Lehbab Red Dunes with the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp. Expect 4x4 dune bashing, optional sandboarding, a camel ride, and a lantern-lit dinner with live shows (usually $60–$120; hotel pickup included).

Tip: Bring a light scarf for wind and sand, and a jacket in winter months—desert nights can be cool.

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

Join a premium guided excursion from Dubai for the capital’s headline sights with the Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower day tour (typically $85–$120; 10–11 hours, hotel pickup).

Marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s reflective pools and inlaid marble, then explore the ornate halls of Qasr Al Watan (the Presidential Palace). Cap the day with skyline views from Etihad Towers’ Observation Deck. Dress code for the mosque: modest clothing with arms and legs covered; women should cover hair. Many tours provide abayas if needed.

Day 6: Brunch, Last-Minute Shopping, and Departure

Morning: If visiting Oct–Apr, stroll through Dubai Miracle Garden’s floral sculptures; otherwise, enjoy a relaxed Dubai brunch. The Sum of Us serves excellent shakshuka and house-roasted coffee; Tom & Serg in Al Quoz does standout eggs benedict and Aussie-style brews. Prefer Emirati? Try Al Fanar Restaurant & Café for chebab pancakes with date syrup.

Afternoon: Make final purchases at Souk Madinat Jumeirah (great for tasteful souvenirs and Burj Al Arab photo ops). Quick lunch at Bu Qtair—legendary fried fish and masala prawns served picnic-style by the fishing harbor—or at Ravi Restaurant in Satwa for Pakistani classics (butter chicken, mutton Peshawari). Aim to reach DXB about 3 hours before your flight; taxis from Jumeirah to the airport run roughly 60–90 AED depending on traffic.

Evening: Departure day. If you have a late flight, consider a last fountain show by Burj Lake or a quiet tea at TWG in Dubai Mall before heading to the airport.

Practical Tips and Dining Shortlist

• Reservations: Book Burj Khalifa at peak times and popular restaurants (3Fils, Orfali Bros, Ossiano) a week or more ahead.
• What to pack: Light layers, sun protection, a scarf for mosque or desert evenings, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Food to try: Machboos, luqaimat, regag, saffron tea; Persian kebabs; South Asian curries; modern Levantine small plates.
• Favorite eats by area: Old Dubai: Arabian Tea House, Al Ustad Special Kebab, Al Khayma Heritage. Downtown: Karak House, Social House, Time Out Market. Marina/JBR: Pier 7, The Cheesecake Factory for family-friendly, Baker & Spice for organic fare. Jumeirah: 3Fils, Bu Qtair, Orfali Bros.

Book your core experiences:

• Burj Khalifa views: At The Top tickets
• Marina skyline from the water: Luxury Yacht Tour
• Red dunes and BBQ under the stars: Premium Desert Safari
• Capital highlights in a day: Abu Dhabi Tour

Where to search flights: Trip.com | Kiwi.com

In six days, you’ll taste both sides of Dubai: incense-swirled alleys along the Creek and the gleam of record-breaking towers. Beaches, a desert night under a skyful of stars, and a day at the Grand Mosque round out a trip that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.