Dubai, the glamourous destination in the United Arab Emirates, beckons with its futuristic skyline, luxurious resorts, and rich cultural heritage. This 7-day itinerary unlocks the best of Dubai with experiences from my first visit. From adrenaline-pumping desert adventures to captivating historical sites and world-class shopping experiences. I will also include things that I did not manage to do but would definitely be on my list for next time.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Dubai, a city where tradition seamlessly blends with innovation.
You can buy a Dubai travel pass that will allow you to see lots of attractions at a discounted price.
This is the best Dubai itinerary for 7 days, in my opinion.
Day 1: Arrive in Dubai
Use the first day in Dubai to adjust to the glorious weather and the not-so-glorious time difference. The transfers from the airport are usually very smooth. It took approx 30 minutes to get to the Sofitel Hotel, home for the week.
We arrived early in the morning and had to wait 6 hrs until our room would be ready so this is normally a good opportunity to get familiar with the hotel surroundings. Chilling by the hotel restaurant at the pool was not a bad idea. I changed into my beachwear, found a front-row lounge chair on the beach front and lulled off for a few hours. It was lush!
After checking into your room, unpack everything and freshen ready to head out again. Walk a short 15-minutes to the Atlantis Palm hotel which by the way is so grand with amazing architectural detailing. The Aquarium at the Atlantis is worth visiting with so many sea life creatures all displayed very well. You can even opt to swim up close and personal with the sealife too doing the ‘Shark Safari’ or ‘Snorkelling‘ .
Other things that you can do is visit the Aqua Adventure park or swim with the dolphins.
Working up an appetite you will want to taste authentic emirate food, so go to Al-Farnar in the Al- Barsha area for dinner. We sampled the lamb Machboos, Balaleet and the Legaimat for dessert. Legaimat are golden crispy dough balls coated with date syrup. The customer service was lovely, inviting and the price is reasonable.
DAY 2: AURA SKYPOOL, DUBAI MALL & FOUNTAINS
On your second day you must visit the Aura Skypool nice an early. This luxurious and beautiful architectural design infinity pool gives panoramic views of the city skyline at all hours of the day. Located in the The Palm Tower, you can fully relax in this unique experience. There are different locations (eg Palm View/ City View) of sun loungers and chairs around the pool with different price points as well as what time of the day you choose (AM, PM or full day). Prices range between 200-950 AEDs. We choose the sunrise timeslot (6am- 9am) on the high table Burj view which was epic and cost 250AED pp.
Tips to note;
- Book early (eg 5 months in advance)
- If you don’t get front row, no worries, most of the time you will spend in the pool.
- The popular sides eg Palm View (sunset) and City View (sunrise) can get very full of models/influencers and their photographers.
- Take lots of pictures
- You have to be over the age of 15
Breakfast @ hotel
So you can either indulge in food at the Skypool which is pricey or head back to the all inclusive breakfast at the hotel. That is what we did boy… didn’t it taste good after a morning in the pool! The Sofitel the Palm hotel has to be one of the better hotel breakfasts I have had because they have so much choice which is displayed very well.
Monorail
Staying on the palm Jumeirah is luxurious but definitely out of the way of most of the touristy hot spots. The Uber is my favourite convenient way of getting around but does add up. If you get the chance, experience The Palm Monorail that takes the scenic route connecting the Palm to the main city. The stops include; Palm Gateway, Al Ittihad Park, Makheel Mall & Atlantis Aquaventure. Costs range from 10 AED for a single ride and unlimited rides are 35AED. (Tip: You can get 20% credit card discounts if you pay with selected cards. For me I used my HSBC card and got the discount).
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall shopping and entertainment complex is the largest mall in the world and the next place you must visit! Luxury, opulence is a great way of describing the building that has over 1,200 retail outlets. Some of the designer shops are even found more than twice under the same roof!
The extravagant marble floors, ornate ceilings, and impressive water features makes it an hub you do not want to leave. Aside from shopping, Dubai Mall offers an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, a sprawling indoor aquarium housing thousands of marine animals, and an indoor theme park called KidZania where children can role-play various professions.
Burj Khalifa from Fountains
The famous Burj Khalifa can be seen from the Dubai mall which is the tallest building in the world. Catch it at night to see it lit up.
If you want to see some pictures that will make you want to visit Dubai, be sure to read my post 10 Photos that will make you want to visit Dubai.
Water Show day/night
Dubai Fountain, which performs captivating water and light shows set to music start at 6:30pm displaying a different show every 30 mins until later at night. This is so mesmerising and enjoyable to watch with the Burj in the background. You can even watch from a nearby restaurant balcony.
I recommend making a free reservation at Joe’s Cafe for stunning views of the water fountain from up top on a budget.
Finish your day at Hafiz Mustafa, a popular Turkish spot for the best Baklava and ice-cream. Not much can beat that sweet dessert whilst watching the Dubai fountain show.
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DAY 3:MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE
Museum of the Future
You have to book Museum of the Future in advance as these tickets sell out like hot cakes! You can book them here.
Experience the future at this museum which is a cutting-edge institution showcasing innovative technologies, immersive exhibits, and thought-provoking displays that offer a glimpse into what lies ahead… or so they predict. From AI and robotics to sustainability and urbanism, the museum explores the possibilities of tomorrow in an engaging and interactive way. Don‘t miss the chance to view the impressive silver landmark up close on the outside deck.
Helpful Tip: Book directly because if you are like me and sleep in missing your 9am time slot, they will still try and get you in. We got in at 12. However if booking with a third party it is near impossible to rebook.
ZuZu Turkish Restaurant
It will be time to eat again so you will want to eat some wholesome food. Middle Eastern cuisine at ZuZu Turkish restaurant is the plan. Apart from the mosquitos that wanted to join us, there are so many options on the menu to choose from which is great. The food was tasty.
Sunset on Palm Jumeirah
After a long day out and about, take a calming stroll along the Palm Jumeirah watching the sunset. You will truly feel relaxed. Midnight came around quick as I was still on UK time, so room service with pizza and a Greek salad filled the peckish void perfectly!
DAY 4:HOTEL BALCONY, MADINAT JUMIERAH & BURJ AL ARAB
Hotel Balcony
If you have the balcony room, step out onto it and immerse yourself in awe-inspiring views of Dubai’s iconic skyline. From my ocean view balcony, I could see the impressive Burj Khalifa in the distance. Whether it is a balcony or the hotel doorstep, capture breathtaking photos of Dubai. The azure sky makes a picture-perfect backdrop for pictures, so I used my selfie stick on the balcony to capture it all.
Madinat Jumeirah
Embark on a stroll through the enchanting labyrinth of Madinat Jumeirah, a luxurious Arabian resort nestled along the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Loose yourself in the maze of narrow alleyways with traditional Arabian architecture and bustling souks. The vendors call you in to see their merchandise and a perfect chance to buy authentic souvenirs. Admire the intricate details of the vibrant marketplace stalls, where local artisans showcase their craftsmanship through intricate textiles, handmade jewellery, and aromatic spices. I managed to buy an abaya for the mosque. Outside, the abra is a fun way to experience this area also.
As you wander, catch glimpses of the majestic Burj Al Arab towering in the distance, its sail-shaped silhouette is a symbol of Dubai’s modern elegance. The Burj Al Arab is also one of the most expensive hotels in Dubai.
Sushiyaki
Indulge your taste buds in fine Japanese cuisine. Sushiyaki, is an exquisite dining destination offering a fusion of Japanese and Korean flavours. The freshly prepared sushi was so tasty and mouthwateringly good. I just had to savour every moment as I indulged. Other places worth eating out at are Trattoria, Taverna Greek Kitchen, Shishka and The Meat & co to name a few in that are.
DAY 5: BURJ KHALIFA
Views of the Burj Khalifa
Ascend to up the Burj Khalifa very early before the crowds, the world’s tallest building, and marvel at the awesome cityscape of Dubai below. As you ride the elevator to the observation deck, not only do your ears pop but anticipation builds with each passing floor. Step out onto the spacious deck and be greeted by panoramic vistas stretching as far as the eye can see on every side! Going early in the day ensures you do not have long queues which was my preference when booking the 7:30AM slot. We went to the 1254th & 125th floors which cost 175.24 AEDs pp (£38). You can easily spend a long time up there trying to spot landmarks and taking endless photos. It is a nice experience to go up at night also which I would love to do next time. Make sure not to leave without a souvenir at the exit.
Tip: If going at a peak time, it may be worth paying extra for the higher floor level 148 for priority and less crowds.
Next time I want to experience the views from the 148th floor although the price is more expensive at 399AED pp (£86).
Wings of Mexico
From the Burj Khalifa make your way to the striking Wings of Mexico sculpture in Dubai, a captivating monument that stands amidst the city’s bustling streets. As you approach, most likely you will see a queue of people waiting to get the iconic shot and maybe one of those will be in a wedding dress. We did not have to wait too long and were behind a couple having wedding videography done with a team… impressive. The intricate details of this artwork was crafted to resemble the wings of a majestic bird in flight. This frame is a great spot for memorable photos against Dubai’s urban backdrop… the Burj Khalifa.
Dubai Frame
Another attraction to see in Dubai is the Dubai Frame. Although you can get a budget-friendly metro, I took the fast but more expensive Uber directly to the Frame. Catch a glimpse of Dubai’s past, present, and future from the unique vantage point of the Dubai Frame, an architectural marvel that offers a stunning perspective on the city’s skyline. As you approach the towering structure over the pedestrian flyover, marvel at its silhouette framed against the blue sky.
Hotel Beach
Unwind and soak up the sun’s rays on the pristine shores of the Sofitel hotel’s private beach. Sink your toes into the soft, powdery sand and lounge beneath a canopy of swaying palm trees, sipping on refreshing cocktails as you bask in the tropical oasis. There is even the option to do water sports activities right in front of the hotel. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply craving some well-deserved R&R, the hotel beach offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. We knew we wanted to enjoy the beach before our desert safari later on.
Dubai Desert Safari
The desert safari tour was booked with Siyyad Khan Tourism for 275 AEDpp which I found on facebook. The Nissan 4×4’s will pick you up from your hotel to embark on an exhilarating adventure through the golden sands of the Dubai desert. This thrilling safari experience will start at the desert where you can ride an ATV and gear up with some fashionable Arab style head scarfs. Next feel the adrenaline rush as you buckle up for a heart-pounding dune-bashing ride, speeding over towering sand dunes with expert drivers at the helm and loud Arabian music. Next have a go at the exhilarating sand-boarding, carving through professionally or sandblasting your face like I did. Sand does not taste any better in Dubai.
As the sun sets on the horizon join others as they gather around a traditional Arabian campsite for a feast fit for a king, complete with live belly dancing and mesmerising fire shows that light up the night sky. I had booked the VIP package which meant that we got served at our tables. The standard experience is buffet style but nonetheless, the hospitality was on point. Create memories that will last a lifetime like having henna done on your hands, riding camels and tasting Arabian treats. After an evening of fun and lots of sand, get dropped off at your hotel for a deep and well needed sleep.
DAY 6: ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Museum:
Spend the day in Abu Dhabi by getting a taxi ride early in the morning. We found a lovely Uber driver who said he would be be our driver for the day which worked out well. Step back in time and start at the free Heritage Museum to delve into the rich history and culture of Abu Dhabi. It used to be a fishing village but now a modern metropolis where you can admire ancient artefacts, traditional crafts, and intricate artworks that offer insight into the traditions of the region’s diverse communities. As it was Ramadan, the Mosque times changed to a later opening time so this is a great place to make up time.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
Make your way to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The rules on covering are strict in the mosque but there are many shops as you approach it. I wore my abaya that was bought at Madinat Jumeirah. As you approach the gleaming white marble facade, be captivated by the mosque’s majestic architectural domes and intricate floral motifs that cover every surface. Step inside the prayer hall, where sunlight streams through stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colours across the pristine marble floors. Basking in the courtyard, adorned with reflective pools and lush gardens looked amazing in the sunlight.
Yas Mall:
If in the area you must indulge in a shopping spree at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi’s premier retail destination. Lose yourself in a maze of designer boutiques, high-end fashion outlets, and speciality stores offering everything from electronics to gourmet delicacies. There are many fragrance stalls and my favourite shop, centerpoint which has many on trend modest clothing options.
In the mall you can go to Ferarri World for a day of roller coaster rides and adrenaline fun. After a day of retail therapy and excitement, recharge with a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants, or catch the latest blockbuster at the state-of-the-art cinema complex. We tried the restaurant Bosporus Turkish Cuisine which was very quiet because of Ramadan however, the food was perfect! After this filling meal head back to Dubai before the traffic starts.
Sunset on the Pier:
Once you arrive into Dubai, witness nature’s masterpiece as the sun dips below the horizon from the Palm Jumeirah. Feel the gentle sea breeze as you soak up the panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf stretching to the horizon. Sunsets on the pier is an unforgettable experience so I tried to make the effort to see it most evenings.
Global Village:
As Global Village opens at 4pm, head there to experience a multicultural extravaganza that celebrates the diversity of the world’s cultures. Wander through themed pavilions representing different countries and regions, each offering a vibrant showcase of traditional crafts, cuisine, and entertainment. Sample exotic delicacies from street vendors, haggle for treasures in bustling bazaars and marvel at live performances showcasing music, dance, and theatre from around the globe. From the colourful streets of India to the bustling markets of Morocco, see what delights you can try and pick up some souvenirs.
DAY 7: MIRACLE GARDEN
Dubai Miracle Garden:
Step into a floral wonderland at the Dubai Miracle Garden, where nature’s beauty blooms in vibrant abundance. Tickets cost 95 AED pp. As you wander through this enchanting oasis, you’ll be mesmerised by the kaleidoscope of colours created by millions of flowers meticulously arranged into impressive displays and sculptures. Every corner of the garden is a feast for the senses. Capture Instagram-worthy photos between the blossoms or simply immerse yourself in the tranquility of this botanical paradise.
Did you know? This botanical paradise holds the Guinness World Record for the largest natural flower garden in the world.
Ce La Vie – Lunch:
Experience culinary excellence with a touch of sophistication at Ce La Vie, where every meal is a journey of gastronomic delight. Indulge in a leisurely lunch affair amidst the chic ambiance and panoramic views of Dubai’s iconic skyline. Whether you’re savouring international delicacies or enjoying handcrafted cocktails, each dish is meticulously prepared to tantalise your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. With its impeccable service and stylish ambiance, Ce La Vie is the perfect spot to dine and indulge in the finer things in life with a view of the Burj Khalifa. You can even book slots for the infinity pool overlooking the Burj Khalifa which I would love to do next time.
Abra to the Gold/Spice/Perfume Souk:
Embark on a exciting adventure with a traditional abra ride along the historic Dubai Creek to the Gold, Spice, and Perfume Souks for just 1 AED. Feel the gentle breeze as you glide across the water, taking in the sights and sounds of Dubai’s bustling waterways. Arriving at the souks, you’ll be greeted with colours, aromas, and busy market stalls. Explore the labyrinthine alleyways, haggle with vendors for treasures, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these iconic marketplaces.
DAY 8: BEACH & LEAVING DUBAI
Last day in Dubai means making the most of the hotel beach after breakfast! You might as well leave feeling great and relaxed. For us, it took 20 mins to get to the airport ready to fly home.
This post was about the ultimate 7-day itinerary in Dubai
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5 Photos to inspire you to visit Dubai
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The Ultimate 7-Day Dubai Itinerary
/*! elementor - v3.22.0 - 17-06-2024 */.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block} Dubai, the glamourous destination in the United Arab Emirates, beckons with its futuristic skyline, luxurious resorts, and rich cultural heritage. This 7-day itinerary unlocks the best of Dubai with experiences