Over the years, Dubai has earned a reputation as a global hub for numerous aspects including cutting-edge technology, luxury, and convenience. Gold Souk, opulent shopping malls, and the one-of-a-kind Palm Jumeirah further add to the Emirates’ allure for tourists. Dubai has an abundance of skyscrapers, including the tallest building in the world — The Burj Khalifa.
The Complete 7-Day Plan for Tourists in Dubai
Although the most well-known things to do in this beautiful location may set you back a pretty penny, Dubai is a fantastic place for people on a medium budget who still want to see the sights and experience the local culture.
Here’s a comprehensive itinerary for the best possible vacation while you’re here, assuming one has a mid-range budget. If you are trying to decide which airline to use for a flight to Dubai, you might find it helpful to compare the 3 major Gulf options with our guide specifically designed for that purpose.
Similar Read: The Finest Gyms in Dubai.
Day 1
After arriving, get some rest so that you can see everything the area has to offer.
1. Visit Dubai Mall
A trip to The Dubai Mall should be on top of your list for shopping in Dubai. The Dubai Mall is the second-biggest shopping center in the world after China’s, and it also houses the world’s largest aquarium.
In front of the Aquarium, where you can view its perimeter, you can capture some truly Instagrammable snaps. Although entry to the Dubai Aquarium and The Burj Khalifa may set you back quite a bit, you can save money by purchasing a combo ticket. The Combo Ticket prices begin from $66.70.
2. Visit Underwater Zoo
You should check out the Underwater Zoo as well. Going through its underwater tunnel, which is 48 meters in length, is an out-of-this-world experience. The aquarium is directly across the street from a massive Candilicious store.
3. Enjoy the Cuisine
The food in Dubai is truly exceptional. If you are truly craving a Middle-Eastern experience, we recommend visiting Al Hallab or Awani. The average cost of lunch at restaurants in Dubai Mall is about 40 AED (10 Euro / 11 USD).
4. Enjoy Dubai Dancing Fountain
The performance is best seen at night, so plan accordingly. One of the most incredible ways to take in the breathtaking Dubai Fountain Show is from the comfort of a boat on the lake at night. Considering the event is offered at no cost, it quickly becomes one of Dubai’s most popular destinations.
The day-to-night dancing fountains are the next visit for the night which are held at intervals of 30 minutes from 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM. You can visit here before dining out.
5. Visit Burj Khalifa
You have probably taken hundreds of photos of the Burj Khalifa during the day. Now it’s time to ride the elevator up to the 124th and 125th floors of the world’s tallest building.
Even more impressive is the sight at night, when the lights of the city’s skyscrapers create a surreal atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the city’s towering skyscrapers and chaotic atmosphere.
Not only that, you can climb even higher! 555 meters above the earth, on the 148th level, is the world’s highest observation deck. At The Top Sky (148th floor), the entrance is 500 AED (135 USD) for each person, while entry to The Top (124th floor) ranges from 125 to 200 AED (35 to 55 USD) per person, depending on the time of day.
Day 2
1. Explore Dubai Marina
On your second day in Dubai, we advise visiting the Dubai Marina region, an artificial canal city. By using the DAMAC Properties Metro station, you can reach there. The excellent 7 km (4.3 mi) long Dubai Marina Walk runs alongside the canal in the Dubai Marina District.
2. Visit a Cafe or a Restaurant
You can also visit international cafés, eateries, and restaurants where the main course typically costs 60 AED (around 16 USD or 14 Euro). Prominent restaurants over here include Leonardo Restaurant Dubai, The Blacksmith Dubai, Nova Restaurant and Lounge, and Eeten Urban Kitchen.
Along the promenade, the street food is also delicious. A shawarma sandwich costs 25 AED, or about $7 or €6.
4. Go on a Speedboat Tour
A speedboat tour of Dubai’s highlights is the most efficient way to see the city’s most well-known landmarks, such as the Burj Al Arab, the Atlantis — The Palm Hotel, and the Dubai Eye. Get yourself some beautiful meals by embarking on a memorable breakfast cruise.
You can take a luxury yacht trip with breakfast or a BBQ if you want it more easygoing. Since no other boat tour includes a visit to the Burj Khalifa, you can save money by booking a 99-minute boat ride for 263 AED (71 USD).
Day 3 — Exploring Dubai Desert Safari
Typically, a desert safari will last between five and seven hours. You’ll be picked up at their designated meeting place between 3 and 4 p.m. (to see the sunset) or 9 and 10 o’clock (for a nighttime safari) and returned to the starting site.
Around 50 AED will be charged for an adult’s entrance, while 20 AED will be charged for a child’s.
Everything listed below is included in your 7-hour desert safari tour:
- Transportation From Your Hotel is Included.
- Four-Wheel-Drive Land Cruiser Dune-Bashing
- Vitamin-Enhanced Mineral Water
- Soft Drinks
- English-speaking Tour Guides
- Sandboarding
- Rapid Camel Ride
- Feeding Camels
- Traditional Arabic Food, Including Gahwa (coffee), Gaymat (candy), and Dates
- Henna art
- Acquaintance with Falcons
- A Night Out at The Shisha Bar
- Exposure to Traditional Dance
- BBQ feast with an Open Buffet
Day 4
Visit Old Dubai and Deira
In the older part of Dubai, you could find lots of places to eat at reasonable prices. You may have some delicious Indian Chicken Biryani and a cup of Karak Chai (milk tea) for around 13 AED (about 3 euros or 4 dollars) close to the metro station. Just a short distance from the metro stop lies the Dubai Museum, which is worth visiting. Only 3 AED (EUR 0.70 / USD 0.80) gets you in.
The top points of interest in Old Dubai may be reached on foot in only 23 minutes with this handy walking tour map. But before you go, let us fill you in on what you can anticipate from each location!
1. Visit the Coffee Museum — to learn about the rich history of coffee and its preparation. Whether you’re looking for a traditional siphon, a latte art pen, or a modern grinder, you’ll find them all here. As a bonus, if you want to relax and have a cup of coffee, there is a cafe available.
2. Art Gallery of Dubai — The Dubai Museum is the best place to learn about the history and evolution of the country. You can visit the Great Mosque of Bur Dubai (optional). Take a trip across the river in an abra, a traditional wooden canoe popular in ancient Arab culture.
The Dubai Museum is the city’s leading cultural institution. The Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai’s oldest structure, is located nearby. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is where the Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Center hosts its daily breakfast and lunch programs.
3. It’s All Here at The Spice Souq — Carpets, spices, and fragrances! Many vendors provide their most competitive prices in the souq, a type of market. While the robbery rate in Dubai is relatively low, you should remain wary and take precautions to protect your belongings.
4. Authentic Emirati Cuisine at Arabian Tea House — located near the Coffee Museum. Typical main dishes at Emirati restaurants cost between 60 and 70 AED (15 Euro / 16 USD). Don’t forget to visit the street market, which is characteristic of Arabia, yet most of the vendors are Indian.
Day 5
1. Take a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Schedule a trip to Abu Dhabi on your fifth day in Dubai for a truly unforgettable experience. Bus travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is the most reasonably priced option. From Abu Dhabi’s Ibn Battuta Station to the city’s central hub. Your NOL card will be accepted on this trip.
Costs for a single journey add up to 25 AED (6 € / 7 USD), 116 kilometers / 72 miles, and 1 hour and 40 minutes of your time. This is the best tour in Abu Dhabi because it visits all the top sights.
2. Visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque
This 8-9 hour excursion covers the city’s highlights. Take off from the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Admission is on the house. Proper modest attire is required within the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque requires women to cover their heads with a headscarf and wear an abaya when inside. At the door, you can pick one up for free.
3. Explore the Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace was only used for formal functions, such as entertaining visiting heads of state and top-secret holding meetings with the president. Even though the palace is accessible to the public, it is nevertheless used for these functions. The cost of entry is 60 AED (about $14 or 16 Euros).
4. Visit the Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace is a 5-star palace with exquisite Arabian decor that you must visit. Anyone who goes there will feel as though they have entered a storybook. You can visit for free, but unless you’re a visitor, you’ll only be able to see the lobby and any temporary exhibits.
5. Visit the Etihad Towers
The Etihad Towers are a mind-blowing complex of five buildings that you will view. They’re well-made, and we love the style. You will only have time to see them if you’re in Abu Dhabi for a day, but you can get a good look from the presidential palace’s grounds.
6. Stop by Corniche Public Beach
Corniche is an 8-kilometer-long beachfront promenade with a 5.5-kilometer-long beach, the Corniche Public Beach. There are some fantastic eateries in the Marina Mall and right on the beach for you to enjoy during your stay.
Head back to Dubai for the night!
Day 6
1. Visit Palm Jumeirah
The best time to go to Palm Jumeirah is on day six of your trip. Why? Because Day 6 is all about relaxing and experiencing an aesthetic environment.
Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest artificial island. It’s a palm tree-shaped archipelago, and it’s incredibly intriguing. Atlantis, The Palm, and other five-star hotels and resorts, as well as upscale apartment complexes and seaside mansions, may all be found there.
2. Stop by Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis, the Palm can be reached via taxi or monorail. The monorail is superior to taking a taxi since the scenery is more enjoyable. To get to Palm Gateway, ride the metro to Dubai Marina, where you’ll switch to the tram for Palm Jumeirah and a short walk. For the monorail, you’ll need to traverse a parking lot.
All tickets are available for immediate purchase only. The price of a one-way ticket is 20 AED ($5), and a round-trip ticket costs 30 AED (8 USD or 7 EUR). You’ll need to bring cash because at some places only cash is accepted.
3. Explore Waterpark Atlantis Aquapark
Waterpark Atlantis Aquapark is the best in the Middle East and is open in the afternoons. Extreme rides that will get your adrenaline pumping can be found here.
If you want to make new buddies, why not consider dolphins? True, your time in Dubai will be filled with incredible adventures. At the Aquaventure Waterpark in the Atlantis Resort in Dubai, visitors can enjoy 30 minutes of swimming and play with friendly dolphins.
4. Explore The Pointe
The Pointe is a hip spot in Dubai that won’t break the bank. In addition to the stunning scenery, there are plenty of restaurants and fast-food places to select from. Weekend visitors may catch a glimpse of local artists performing or participate in kid-friendly events.
5. Go For Dhow Cruise Dubai
This is a small cruise trip where you are taken on short cruise trip lasting 2 hours where you can explore a variety of places as well as have an International-Style Buffet Dinner. There are many live entertainment shows on the ferry. This can be a great activity if you are a couple and love to enjoy a relaxing environment.
Cherish your stay in Dubai and have a close look at all the famous spots before you head back to your country. Prices begin from AED 75 / USD 20 / EUR 19.
Day 7- Exploring Dubai’s Top Attractions and Goodbye.
Your 7-day trip to Dubai is almost coming to a close. The bright side is that you still have time to do quite a bit of touring on your final day!
1. Visit Dubai Miracle Garden
Your vacation in Dubai can end with a visit to Dubai Miracle Garden or some souvenir shopping. Dubai Miracle Garden is a tourist hotspot despite the arid climate of the United Arab Emirates. Because of this, we often refer to it as a “wonder garden.” You can consider it one of the best places to take pictures in all of Dubai.
It’s not far from Dubai to a place called Al Ain, which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The trip to Dubai from this city takes about two hours. Staying in Dubai allows you to explore more of the city and partake in a wide variety of exciting activities, such as strolling along the Canal Walk to view the city’s skyscrapers and the Burj Khalifa. You can see the Jumeirah Emirates Tower, the Gate Building, and the World Trade Center.
After that, you can go shopping until you’ve spent every last Dirham. That brings close to seven glorious days in Dubai. What an exciting city! After a satisfying breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags and catch your trip back home.
The 7-Day Plan for Tourism in Dubai | Summary | |
Day 1 | Visiting The Dubai Mall Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo The Burj Khalifa At.mosphere (World’s Tallest Restaurant) |
Day 2 | Dubai Marina Dubai Eye Atlantis — The Palm Hotel Burj Al Arab |
Day 3 | Exploring Dubai Desert Safari |
Day 4 | Visit the Coffee Museum Art Gallery of Dubai Spice Souq Dubai Museum Arabian Tea House |
Day 5 | Sheikh Zayed Mosque The Presidential Palace Emirates Palace Etihad towers Corniche |
Day 6 | Palm Jumeirah Atlantis the Palm Waterpark The Pointe Dhow Cruise Dinner |
Day 7 | Miracle Garden Al Ain |
Things To Consider Before Visiting Dubai
Following are some of the most important things one should consider before a trip to Dubai. Take notes!
- Weather — Before planning a trip to Dubai, you must know what the weather will be like at different times of the year. Prices and crowd levels in Dubai throughout the year are also likely to play a significant role. The best time to visit Dubai is between November and April.
- Budget — Keeping your finances in order is always recommended, and trips typically cost a considerable chunk of money due to the high prices of transportation and lodging. We recommend having a budget of at least $1500 – $2400 for a mid-range experience in Dubai.
- Hotel Location — Downtown Dubai, The Palm, Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Deira are the five central districts of Dubai where you can find fantastic hotels. Locate yourself close to a metro stop so that taking the metro bus to your destination is quick and easy.
- MetroCard — Dubai is an expensive city, so it’s suggested that you purchase a MetroCard or NOL CARD. To put it simply, it’s a reloadable chip card. You can use the NOL Card on all modes of public transportation in Dubai, including subways, buses, taxis, and trams. Further, you can use the Nol Card to enter museums, pay for parking, access public parks, and even make grocery purchases to make your trip go smoothly without breaking the bank.
How Do We Pick Our Recommendations?
We’ve enlisted the knowledge of our team of seasoned travelers from all over the world and experts in the field who pay close attention to detail to guarantee the excellence of our recommendations. Zalah has been to Dubai several times and tried out something new every time which is why one can trust her recommendations. Each of our recommendations has been honed to stand out in some manner while still being helpful to as many people as possible. To provide our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information, our travel crew also considers the opinions of those who have already visited the destination. If you are seeking recommendations for specific types of food in Dubai, such as pizza, burgers, or seafood, we have separate guides available to assist you
Summing up!
You’ll have a “hell-of-a trip” to Dubai if you can check off all these activities during your stay. Not doing so is fine; what matters is that you have fun nonetheless. Take in the sounds and sights of Dubai, and relax while watching people and learning about the local culture. Have a safe and wonderful trip!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Staying in Dubai - FAQs
Generally, you can explore a range of destinations in Dubai during a 5-7 day trip.
Due to its hot climate, November through April are ideal for a trip to Dubai.
The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden, and Dubai Frame are among the city’s most popular tourist destinations.
For a mid-range vacation in Dubai, one should keep a budget of $1,575 – $2,360.