Traditional 7-Day Dubai Itinerary: One Week In The UAE

What are you able to do in Dubai in a single week? [+ more ideas if you have longer!]

Dubai is a blinding and eclectic metropolis sitting on the azure waters of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula.

Identified for its steamy scorching summers and unimaginable fashionable skyline to its huge plains of rolling desert dunes, is it attainable to slot in all the pieces this mega metropolis has to supply into simply 7 days in Dubai?

It’s powerful, however we’re definitely prepared to attempt!

We’ve set out for you beneath a reasonably well-paced one-week plan that takes into consideration all of the totally different features of Dubai, from the fashionable skyscrapers and architectural feats to extra conventional components of town, procuring alternatives, desert excursions and naturally, methods to easily calm down and take in the year-round sunshine.

This can be a tremendous detailed Dubai itinerary for 7 days, so do bookmark this web page for later in your browser or reserve it to Pinterest

Issues to Know Earlier than Visiting Dubai

Earlier than we dive into the juicy particulars of WHAT TO DO, be sure you’ve checked out our important planning data too. We cowl in a lot better element:

• Dubai eating guides – all our favorite locations to eat, eating specialities, bars and particular events.

• Greatest time to go to Dubai – don’t be caught out by the climate or spiritual occasions; listed below are the perfect instances of 12 months to go to Dubai.

• Take out journey insurance coverage! We’re in an ever-changing world at current; while Dubai stays open for enterprise, don’t get caught brief; be sure your journey is comprehensively insured.

Transport in Dubai for One Week

Over the course of 1 week in Dubai utilizing this itinerary, you will want to take a mix of taxis, the Metro and personal excursions.

We’ve given primary instructions on one of the simplest ways to get to every place by public transport, if attainable, or the place you could want a taxi to get door-to-door with ease. You’ll find our full information to Dubai Transport choices right here.

Metro: In case you keep in Dubai for one week and wish to use the Metro traces, it is strongly recommended to get a Silver Nol and prime it up with a 7-Day Move (The cardboard prices 25 AED with 19 AED in credit score, then a daily weekly Metro cross is 110 AED). We clarify all of the fares in additional element right here.

A notice on taxis: Within the hottest a part of the 12 months (i.e. about Might to October!), be cautious of how far you’ll be able to stroll in the course of the day. Locations could look comparatively shut and inside strolling distance on a map, however beneath the warmth of the solar, a brief taxi/Uber experience could very a lot be value it (noting a minimal fare applies of 12 AED for taxis).

Hiring a automotive: Until you’re a super-confident driver or plan on taking a number of journeys out of town, you might be greatest counting on taxis and excursions on your out-of-town journeys throughout a one-week keep in Dubai. You possibly can study extra about self-driving in Dubai right here, or when you’re nonetheless interested by renting a automotive in Dubai, take a look at how a lot it prices right here:

What Can I Match Into A Dubai Itinerary 7 Days?

With solely 7 days in Dubai, you could watch out along with your time administration and little question e-book a couple of actions upfront, particularly when you’re visiting at peak tourism instances.

When planning out your days, notice that the weekend in Dubai is now Friday afternoon by way of Sunday (2.5-day weekends); today are MUCH busier with native residents additionally out and about, particularly Friday afternoons after prayer time.

We set out for you right here a balanced itinerary for seeing all the pieces that Dubai has to supply, but in addition included beneath is a desk of extra actions that you could combine and match to your tastes.

For a complete record of all the pieces there’s to see and do in Dubai, pop over right here – now we have 150+ concepts!.

Day 1 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Calm down Into Dubai

Calm down, unwind and get to know one in all Dubai’s fashionable beachfront districts.

Whether or not you might be staying in one in all Dubai’s luxurious beachfront motels or not, with 7 days, there’s no have to rush into sightseeing day 1. Many motels embody their very own superb resort services, or head out to discover one in all these beachfront areas on foot:

JBR, Bluewaters, Dubai Marina

Numerous first-timers discover the world of JBR and Dubai Marina an important place to start out. Familiarise your self with The Stroll & The Seaside – catch these rays and shake off the jet lag.

In case you’d wish to stretch your legs additional, take a stroll over to the ultra-modern man-made island, Bluewaters Island, to dine and marvel on the Dubai skyline alongside Jumeirah Seaside and maybe add in a flight on Ain Dubai, the biggest statement wheel on this planet for spectacular metropolis views [NB still temporarily closed in 2023].

You possibly can simply spend a complete day within the JBR space between actions alongside the seashore (inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high eating – learn extra right here!) and onward for dinner within the Dubai Marina space or catch a dinner cruise.

Getting there: Jumeirah Seaside Residence/Dubai Marina is the good place to remain for one week as a result of excessive variety of spacious resort residences, or by Metro take Purple Line to DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Station

Lar Mer

One other ultra-modern beachfront space of town to contemplate for relieving into your first day in Dubai is La Mer. An eclectic mixture of palm-tree-lined walkways, retail, eating & play alternatives. There’s even a mini water park right here. As fairly at night time as it’s by day La Mer is a stylish new addition for households and singles alike to get pleasure from Dubai’s fashionable vibes.

In case you don’t wish to spend the entire day merely on the seashore, La Mer sees you near each the Jumeirah Mosque – the biggest mosque in Dubai open to the general public for every day excursions – and Etihad Museum, telling the story of the nation’s unification in 1971.

Getting there: No direct Metro cease (nearest is Monetary Centre then a 10-minute taxi), or take bus 8, 9 or 88 alongside Jumeirah Seaside Street

Relaxation up now, as we’ve now bought some fairly busy, action-packed days forward!

Day 2 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Outdated Meets New

Step again into the Dubai of the previous, from Bedouin roots to bustling Dubai Creek.

Your first day of actual sightseeing wants to return to the grassroots of what Dubai metropolis is about; a busy buying and selling port metropolis based mostly round Dubai Creek.

Get your bearings at Dubai Body

Let’s begin your exploration of Dubai by taking within the views from the Dubai Body. Just about what it says – it’s an enormous image body! One of many first vacationer highlights you’ll seize coming from Dubai Worldwide Airport into town.

You ascend up one facet of the 150m excessive body (48 flooring) after which stroll throughout the highest. The see-through floored sky deck offers you fabulous views of Outdated Dubai, Dubai Creek to Sharjah and past in a single route, and the fashionable skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai within the different.

Study extra about visiting the Dubai Body right here | Purchase tickets with PlatinumList

Getting there: Nearest Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park nevertheless it’s a good stroll, you could choose a taxi/Uber drop off

Wander Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood

That is the oldest a part of Dubai metropolis, a labyrinth of slender laneways that date again to the nineteenth century. The world of Bur Dubai is protected in order that town’s heritage doesn’t develop into misplaced endlessly beneath the sprawling skyscrapers. Many of the conventional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings at the moment are galleries, museums and small cafes.

Inside this space, you will see that the Dubai Museum, housed throughout the Al Faihi Fort, which dates again to 1787. At solely 3 AED you need to positively pop your head in for extra perception into the nation’s Bedouin previous and the pre-oil period of Dubai. {CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS SINCE 2020 – NO INDICATION OF REOPEN DATE YET}

There are lots of different Dubai museums to be found throughout the laneways; the Espresso Museum (entry price 10 AED) is one in all our favourites value in search of out.

Getting there: Al Fahidi Bus Station or Al Fahidi Metro station

Lunch at Al Seef Waterfront

By now, you’ve gotten most definitely labored up an urge for food, so when you’ve not stopped for lunch in XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea Home located inside Al Faihidi Historic Neighbourhood, now could be time to go to one in all many eating places on this waterfront improvement. Seamlessly mixing previous with new it’s straight throughout the road, subsequent to the Al Faihidi Marine Transport Station.

Al Seef is about up like a conventional souk so that you’ll have the ability to do your procuring right here too. Children could get pleasure from popping into the Museum of Illusions or having some enjoyable with photographs within the instagrammable laneways.

Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra

An absolute should for an genuine previous Dubai expertise! While there are way more fashionable strategies today of crossing town, a conventional abra from Bur Dubai to Deira at 1 AED per individual continues to be a steal!

Discover the Conventional Deira Souks

Relying on the warmth, you might spend a number of hours misplaced within the laneways of Deira, the preferred stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. It’s all open-air, so it may be heavy going and a little bit of strolling mid-afternoon within the hotter months.

You’ll discover a couple of extra museums on this space of town, too, Naif Museum and Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili are value in search of out for historical past lovers.

If you could escape to airconditioning at this level, Al Ghurair Centre in Deira affords an indoor procuring choice – a extra fashionable mall you’ll be able to nonetheless choose up low-cost(er) clothes and electronics right here earlier than beginning your night exploration.

Take a meals tour in Outdated Dubai

For the night, it’s time to soak up some native cuisines. Being the multicultural metropolis that Dubai is, you could be positive many dishes are vying for consideration as “native” delicacies, along with conventional Emirati or Bedouin-style dishes.

One of the crucial extremely advisable meals excursions in Dubai is Frying Pan Adventures, who supply varied choices for small teams to have genuine experiences within the streets of Dubai. Or do that extremely counseled small group tradition and meals tour. Most guided excursions begin and finish in Deira.

A ship cruise on Dubai Creek

In case you didn’t head out on the water night time one in Dubai Marina, attempt it on night time two. Nightly dinner cruises on Dubai Creek will let you tackle a brand new perspective of simply how busy and bustling Dubai nonetheless is as a busy seaport.

An alternate is to rent a information for Day 2, you’ll get informative commentary alongside the best way in addition to assist with transportation.

TIP: While the gown code in Dubai is kind of free across the seashore, heading to the older components of city it’s positively advisable and well mannered to cowl up extra – we discuss extra about what’s acceptable when right here.

Day 3 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Fashionable Dubai

Discover round Downtown Dubai, from towering heights to mighty fountains and all the pieces in between.

In full distinction to Day 2, let’s take you over to the glimmering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai and the ultra-modern facet of town.

Dubai Mall

Usually touted as the most important shopping center on this planet (although technically it’s not!), there are a plethora of indoor experiences to have simply inside Dubai Mall, apart from procuring! Particularly when you’re visiting in the summertime, it’s simple to spend two days simply exploring all the pieces this mega mall has to supply.

Let’s be real looking, although and assume with half a day; you’ll be able to discover one in all:

There are a lot extra issues to see and do indoors and a few simply exterior and on the roof – see the total record of Dubai Mall points of interest right here.

Getting there: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station on the Purple Line Metro, then there’s an air-conditioned travellator connecting you to your complete surrounding space of Downtown

Scale the Burj Khalifa

It will be exhausting to set out a Dubai itinerary and never embody THE most iconic constructing within the metropolis – the world’s tallest constructing on this planet, no much less! Sure, you’ll be able to journey to the statement deck of the constructing on the 124th and 125h flooring (further packages take you to the 148th flooring!), and even dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Stage 122.

In case you’re not sure what expertise may swimsuit you, head over to our full customer’s information to visiting the Burj Khalifa, the place we set out all of your visiting choices – no exterior climbing permitted, Mission Unattainable-style!

If there’s one a part of your Dubai itinerary you merely should e-book upfront; it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets on the door are extortionately dearer and may promote out. Do enable a superb 2 hours for queuing and having a superb go searching. Be aware sundown and dawn slots (weekends solely) value extra.

Souk Al Bahar

One other spot to discover close by is Souk Al Bahar. Accessed over a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, this contemporary market is made within the design of a conventional souk providing handicrafts by way of to advantageous eating and spectacular views over Burj Lake.

You’ll find a wide variety of locations to seize a drink and chew round downtown Dubai right here.

Sky Views Dubai

A model new different to scaling the Burj is to attempt Sky View Dubai. This sensational new expertise is just not for the fainthearted as you are taking a glass elevator to the 52nd flooring of Sky Views Observatory above Downtown. Stroll the 46m glass-floored walkway between two towers, then take a clear slide-ride over town!

The tremendous courageous could even wish to tackle Edge Stroll for a hands-free leap of religion! Scale your approach across the exterior of the Tackle Sky View Resort. Though not as excessive because the Burj Khalifa, we’d argue Sky View affords a extra distinctive view of town.

Night in Downtown Dubai

There are a number of methods to proceed having fun with Downtown Dubai nicely into the night, its the hub of Dubai nightlife alongside JBR/Dubai Marina.

The Dubai Fountain present is without doubt one of the most standard free issues to do in Dubai. Ranging from 6:00 PM nightly, then each half hour, watch the fabulously choreographed mild and sound present on Burj Lake, sitting on the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later within the night, the Burj Khalifa additionally lights up for half-hourly reveals.

For a close-up view of the fountain present, you’ll be able to take an abra experience on the lake. Alternatively, our favorite is to pick one of many eating places with uninterrupted views in both Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine while attending to see the present a couple of instances over with out the crowds.

In case your journey occurs to align with one thing you get pleasure from at Dubai Opera, that is one other sensational Downtown Dubai expertise to get glammed up for.

If concrete and fashionable Dubai is basically not you, then head to the itemizing beneath of the most effective cultural actions to proceed on a couple of extra actions we couldn’t squeeze in Day 2. A day journey to the Coronary heart of Sharjah could also be preferable.

Day 4 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Seaside & Desert

A day for sand and surf – dune browsing, that’s!

One factor Dubai positively does nicely, and in copious portions, is sand!! So why not dedicate Day 4 to our two favorite Dubai actions, hitting the seashore and hitting the desert?

In case you’re not staying at a resort resort, select one in all Dubai’s standard seashore golf equipment and benefit from the rays for a couple of hours with the consolation of a sunbed and desk service. For extra excessive adventures, you might add in a jet ski tour, or when you’ve not hit the waters but, a ship cruise to see the distinctive Dubai skyline.

Dubai additionally has loads of public seashores, some are utterly free, and others have a small Dubai municipality cost however nice services. Native favourites embody Al Mamzar Park and Kite Seaside has barely larger waves than others, or head to Sundown Seaside for iconic views of the Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious resort.

Procuring different

If it’s getting scorching out otherwise you’d choose slightly retail remedy, spend the morning at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Much like Souk Al Bahar in Downtown, it is a fashionable souk (market) inbuilt conventional type, with indoor and out of doors (seasonal) stalls and outlets providing vacationer tat to real souvenirs and an excellent vary of eateries.

Once more, you may get some good Burj Al Arab views right here and even take an abra out on the waterways across the extravagant Jumeirah motels (a bit extra dear than the 1 AED on Dubai Creek however a tremendous backdrop!).

Getting there: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is just not on the Metro, however you may get to the Mall of the Emirates and a brief taxi from there, or cease at Web Metropolis after which hop on Bus 88.

Within the afternoon, get set for the Dubai desert. There are quite a few tour operators who’ve camps arrange within the dunes simply exterior of town, in addition to a choose few operators within the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

A typical desert safari journey in Dubai will embody metropolis pickups; then you definitely’ll journey by 4×4 into the dunes, doing a little dune bashing alongside the best way earlier than an providing of sand sports activities – choose from quad bikes, fats bikes, sandboarding, camel rides, henna portray, shisha then be part of a communal BBQ dinner.

Alternatively, in case you are extra interested by seeing the desert wildlife than the sand sports activities, go for premium choices provided by Platinum Heritage, slightly extra dear however for smaller teams, a extra real desert expertise.

Getting there: No want to fret about your 4×4 expertise, tour operators will choose you up out of your resort or a handy metropolis location

You are able to do day 4 in reverse too; In case you take an early morning desert safari you may get out and beat the warmth, then spend your afternoon and night having fun with procuring, wandering the souk or a seashore membership afternoon with sundowners to complete.

In case you are visiting within the peak of summer season, you’d seemingly have to scratch this out of doors day and exchange it with some additional actions from our indoor information to Dubai eg, Ski Dubai or Inexperienced Planet

Day 5 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Abu Dhabi Day Journey

No journey to the UAE is full with out seeing the Capital, Abu Dhabi.

Essentially the most iconic of buildings to go to in Abu Dhabi is the merely gorgeous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

While it’s attainable to squeeze in a visit to the Grand Mosque solely on a half-day journey to Abu Dhabi – it’s lower than 90 minutes on a tour coach Dubai to Abu Dhabi – you’d be doing your self an injustice to not see extra of town.

Getting there: If you wish to transfer at your personal tempo, then positively rent a automotive on your Abu Dhabi day journey, however catching a tour is the simplest choice – the large worth differential is whether or not you be part of a shared vacationer coach or take a non-public tour

We have now extra particulars right here on the spectacular locations in Abu Dhabi you’ll be able to squeeze in on a one-day journey from Dubai – together with the Louvre Museum and Qasr al Watan, the Presidential Palace (there’s even a free bus for these two prime points of interest!)

An extended itinerary would see a minimum of 2 to three days spent in Abu Dhabi to seize the highlights of the capital correctly.

In case you are a theme park junkie, you could wish to even keep in a single day and revel in Day 6 on the Yas Island theme parks, simply nearly as good (if not higher!) than their Dubai counterparts – Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi & Ferrari World.

Abu Dhabi is however one of many different 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (albeit by far the biggest in measurement and the richest in oil!). Dubai is kind of central within the nation, so it’s a nice base for exploring the remainder of the Emirates. We have now extra concepts listed beneath for different or extra day journeys from Dubai.

The place to remain in Abu Dhabi? For the Yas Island theme parks, positively in a single day within the model new Hilton Yas Island. For views of the Grand Mosque, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi or Fairmont Bab Al Bahr on the Grand Canal are good selections nearer to Dubai finish of city.

These staying longer in Abu Dhabi, pop on over to our Abu Dhabi Journey Planner web site.

Day 6 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Dubai Theme Park Day!

Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies won’t ever be left dissatisfied in Dubai.

Now in case you have littles travelling with you (or huge youngsters at coronary heart!), you could nicely want to maneuver theme park day additional up the itinerary or dedicate two full days.

There’s an excellent collection of world-class theme parks to select from in Dubai. In case you’re visiting within the lovely shoulder seasons (roughly March to Might and October to November), our prime choose could be one of many mega water parks – select from Atlantis Aquaventure or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah.

(NB, when you keep at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah motels, your water park entry can be included!)

Over the cooler winter months of the 12 months (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our best choice. Right here you’ll be able to select between 4 linked theme parks (ideally, you’ll be able to slot in two of those in a day – three at a squeeze):

• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate
• Bollywood Parks

And if it’s the height of summer season, the highest choose goes to IMG Worlds of Journey – assume Marvel characters to Cartoon Community-themed rides and actions. IMG is fully indoors to beat the warmth.

If theme parks actually aren’t your factor, we strongly recommend checking our alternate options for day journeys & cultural actions you might add on beneath.

Getting there: The Theme Parks in Dubai are all fairly unfold out, Atlantis Aquaventure is on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah and Wild Wadi is near Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Parks & Resorts is in Jebel Ali, past the tip of the Metro and IMG Worlds of Journey sits south of town. In a bunch, it’s value getting a taxi for today

Day 7 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Splurge on one thing distinctive

In your final day, it’s time to tick off something you’re but to see and do from our concepts above and have interaction in one thing uniquely Dubai.

Some prime options for “solely in Dubai” experiences embody:

In case you’ve not had the chance but, discover one in all Dubai’s dramatic rooftop bars (seasonal) to complete off your unimaginable week in Dubai with dramatic views over town skyline or the Arabian Gulf.

Extra actions on your Dubai itinerary

There was solely a lot we may slot in an preliminary 7-day itinerary!

If among the above actions don’t attraction, had been out of your price range, or maybe you’d like so as to add some extra days to make it a 10-day or two-week itinerary, right here’s what you might look so as to add:

Steadily Requested Questions on Dubai itineraries

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