Expertly crafted trip plans for 3, 5, and 7 days. Experience the best of Dubai's futuristic skyline, luxurious shopping, desert adventures, and cultural treasures without the planning stress.
Dubai is unlike anywhere else on Earth. After helping hundreds of travel agents create Dubai packages, we've distilled our expertise into these practical itineraries that maximize your time in this extraordinary city.
Each itinerary balances iconic must-sees with unique experiences, considers Dubai's scorching summer heat by suggesting indoor activities during peak hours, and includes realistic travel times between districts. We've also factored in prayer times and the Friday-Saturday weekend when planning mosque visits and shopping experiences.
Perfect for stopovers and first-time visitors
Most PopularStart at the world's largest shopping mall. Book your Burj Khalifa ticket for 4-5pm sunset slot (book weeks ahead online). Explore the mall's aquarium, ice rink, and 1,200+ shops before your tower visit.
Choose from hundreds of options - from Lebanese shawarma at Zaroob to Japanese ramen. Budget-friendly with air conditioning.
Walk through the 48-meter tunnel with sharks and rays swimming overhead. The 10-million-liter tank visible from the mall is impressive even without a ticket.
Ascend the world's tallest building (828m). Sunset timing lets you see Dubai in daylight and after dark. The view is genuinely spectacular - you can see the Palm Jumeirah and beyond.
Free choreographed fountain show at Burj Lake (every 30 minutes from 6pm). Watch from the waterfront promenade outside Dubai Mall. The 7:30pm show is less crowded than 8pm.
Take taxi to Marina (15 minutes). Waterfront dining with options from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Walk the Marina promenade to see the skyscrapers lit up.
Explore Dubai's oldest neighborhood with traditional wind-tower architecture. Visit the Dubai Museum (AED 3) housed in Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787. The narrow lanes and art galleries offer glimpse of pre-oil Dubai.
Traditional wooden water taxi (AED 1 per crossing). The 5-minute ride from Bur Dubai to Deira offers authentic local experience and creek views.
Wander through traditional markets in Deira. The Gold Souk glitters with window displays of jewelry. Spice Souk offers saffron, frankincense, and every spice imaginable. Practice bargaining - initial prices are inflated.
Try Al Mallah (AED 20-40) for Lebanese street food or Ravi Restaurant for Pakistani curry. Both are Dubai institutions frequented by locals.
Return to hotel to rest before desert safari. The desert heat is intense, arrive refreshed. Safari pickup usually between 3-4pm.
Pickup from hotel, drive to desert conservation area. Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles (thrilling but bumpy), camel riding, sandboarding. Watch sunset over dunes. At Bedouin-style camp: henna, shisha, BBQ buffet dinner, belly dance show. Return by 9-10pm.
Take the monorail from Gateway Station to Atlantis The Palm. The elevated track offers unique views of the palm-shaped island and Dubai skyline.
Full day at one of the world's best waterparks. Aquaconda (world's largest waterslide tube), Leap of Faith (near-vertical drop through shark tank), lazy river through The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Access to private beach included.
Multiple food outlets within the park - from burgers to Lebanese. Prices are resort-level but convenient.
Relax at Aquaventure's private beach or walk along Palm Jumeirah boardwalk. Alternatively, visit free public JBR Beach if leaving Atlantis early.
52nd floor observation deck at Palm Tower (AED 100). Stunning 360-degree views of the Palm, Arabian Gulf, and Dubai skyline. Less crowded than Burj Khalifa with equally impressive views.
Beach clubs and restaurants with Ain Dubai (world's largest observation wheel) views. Casual beachfront atmosphere to end your Dubai trip.
The ideal duration to explore Dubai properly
RecommendedThis itinerary includes everything from the 3-day plan plus two additional days for shopping, theme parks, and unique Dubai experiences. Days 1-3 follow the express itinerary above.
Dubai's second megamall with 630+ stores. Ski Dubai (AED 200) offers indoor skiing and snowboarding in the desert - yes, really. Watch penguins, ride chairlifts, or just enjoy snow park.
Food court or restaurant options. Try Eataly for Italian or PF Chang's for American-Chinese.
Outdoor shopping and dining district with street art, fountains, and Burj Khalifa backdrop. More relaxed atmosphere than the mega-malls. Green Planet biodome (AED 105) houses tropical rainforest indoors if interested.
150-meter tall picture frame structure (AED 50). One side showcases Old Dubai (Deira, Karama), the other New Dubai (Downtown, DIFC). Glass-floored sky bridge connects the two sides. Clever concept, great views, less crowded than observation towers.
Cultural and entertainment destination with pavilions from 75+ countries. Shopping, street food, cultural shows, carnival rides. Open evenings only. Budget AED 15 entry plus food/shopping. If not in season, opt for Dubai Opera show or cinema at Dubai Mall.
Dubai's most beautiful mosque, one of few open to non-Muslims (guided tours 10am Sat-Thu, AED 25). Learn about Islamic culture, dress code, prayer rituals. Women given abaya and headscarf to borrow. Respectful questions encouraged.
Public beach with Burj Al Arab backdrop - the iconic sail-shaped hotel. Perfect for photos. Swim, relax, or rent jet skis. Kite Beach nearby offers kitesurfing and beach volleyball if feeling active.
Traditional-style souk with canals, abras, restaurants. Shimmers seafood restaurant or Pai Thai (set in traditional boats) offer upscale dining with Burj Al Arab views.
World's largest flower garden (AED 75) with 150 million flowers arranged in incredible designs - Emirates A380 replica, heart-shaped pathways, floral castles. Instagram heaven. If not in season, visit IMG Worlds of Adventure indoor theme park instead.
Traditional wooden dhow dinner cruise through Marina's canal. International buffet dinner, entertainment, views of illuminated skyscrapers. More intimate than Creek cruises with better skyline views. Book with drinks package if desired.
For those who want the ultimate Dubai experience
ComprehensiveThis week-long itinerary builds on the 5-day plan with two extra days for day trips, adventure activities, and deeper cultural immersion.
90-minute drive from Dubai (140km). Book tour or rent car. Public bus available but less convenient for full-day sightseeing.
One of the world's largest mosques, stunningly beautiful with white marble, gold details, chandeliers. Free entry but modest dress required (abayas provided for women). Photography allowed. Allow 2 hours minimum.
Upscale mall with dining options. Or try local favorite Li Beirut for Lebanese mezze.
Architectural masterpiece with Jean Nouvel's "rain of light" dome (AED 63). World-class art collection spanning civilizations. Budget 2-3 hours. The building itself is as impressive as the exhibits.
Option 1: Stroll Abu Dhabi Corniche's waterfront promenade. Option 2: Ferrari World (AED 295) - theme park with world's fastest roller coaster (Formula Rossa, 240 km/h). Choose based on energy levels.
Drive back to Dubai. Late dinner at hotel or near accommodation.
Sunrise balloon flight over desert (AED 900-1,200). Watch sunrise from 1,200m, spot wildlife (oryx, camels, gazelles), champagne breakfast in desert. Pickup 4-5am, return by 9am. If budget/time constrained, skip for shopping.
Contemporary art galleries in converted warehouse space. Free entry to most galleries. Coffee shops and design stores. Shows Dubai's creative side beyond shopping malls. Best on weekends when more galleries open.
Casual cafes near Alserkal or revisit a restaurant you loved earlier in the trip.
Gold Souk for jewelry, spice souk for saffron/spices, or Dubai Mall for international brands. Buy dates from Bateel, Arabic coffee, oud perfume for gifts.
Final sunset views of Burj Al Arab. The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah has fountain show (free) and waterfront dining.
Splurge on Pierchic (seafood over water with Burj Al Arab views) or At.mosphere (world's highest restaurant in Burj Khalifa). Book days ahead. Alternative: Casual dinner at La Mer beach clubs.
For those seeking the finest Dubai has to offer
VIP TreatmentThis itinerary focuses on premium experiences, Michelin-level dining, and exclusive access to Dubai's most luxurious offerings.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | AED 1,800-2,500 | AED 4,000-6,000 | AED 15,000+ |
| 5-Day Trip | AED 3,000-4,200 | AED 6,500-10,000 | AED 25,000+ |
| 7-Day Trip | AED 4,200-5,800 | AED 9,000-14,000 | AED 35,000+ |
Budget includes: Accommodation, meals, attractions, and local transport. Does not include flights.
November to March is ideal (20-30°C). Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February) offers deals but bigger crowds. Summer (June-September) is extremely hot (40-45°C) but hotels are cheapest.
Downtown Dubai for first-timers (near Burj Khalifa, Mall). Dubai Marina for beach and dining. Deira for budget and Old Dubai atmosphere. JBR for beach resorts.
Buy attraction combo tickets online (Groupon UAE, Klook). Eat at local restaurants off-Sheikh Zayed Road. Use metro (AED 3-8 vs AED 30-60 taxis). Many beaches and attractions are free.
Download: Google Maps, Careem/Uber (taxis), RTA Dubai (metro), Entertainer (dining deals). Get tourist SIM at airport (Du or Etisalat, AED 50-100).
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