Navigating Your Way Around the Emirates

We explain your tour and public transportation options below if you do not have your own car to self-explore the Emirates. For further reading, we also suggest you pop over to our guides on:

• How to hire a car and self-drive from Dubai
• Transportation routes across the United Arab Emirates

Distances are calculated from Downtown Dubai, and timing is subject to traffic and type of transportation.

1. Best Dubai Day Trip: Abu Dhabi

Dubai to Abu Dhabi distance: approximately 160km / 1 hour 15 mins

Dubai is often mistaken as the UAE’s capital, but, in fact, it is neighbouring Abu Dhabi that holds this crown. Home to the country’s Federal Supreme Council and President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed al Nahyan, it’s also home to some of the country’s most magnificent architecture and cultural sites.

So many stops that it is challenging to see them all on a Dubai day trip, but here are a few that we recommend you should try to fit into a single-day trip from Dubai:

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: one of the most stunning buildings in the world, we have a detailed guide on exactly how to visit the Grand Mosque on a day trip from Dubai here. Entry is free for all, but be respectful of prayer times; closed on Fridays until 3:00 PM.

• Qasr al Watan: The Presidential Palace: Home of the Federal Supreme Council and UAE Cabinet meetings, where foreign dignitaries are greeted and offices of the President, Vice President & Prime Minister, and the Crown Prince – a detailed guide here on what to expect inside.

• Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: Take on the Journey Through Humanity permanent display and many seasonal exhibits in one of the city’s finest modern buildings (closed Mondays) – a detailed visitors guide can be found here.

Top Tip: the Grand Mosque can be pretty packed from mid-morning as this is when most coach tours arrive from Dubai on day trips. If you want the Mosque to yourself, aiming for first thing in the morning (9:00 AM opening but you can arrive earlier) or mid-afternoon may prove much less crowded, this is the huge benefit of taking a private tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Recommended Day Tours to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

• This best-selling day tour option from Dubai includes a full day trip to the Grand Mosque and the Presidential Palace, as well as the famed Etihad Towers observation deck as part of a shared coach group.

• Short of time? This half-day Grand Mosque-only tour from Dubai includes just your shared coach transfers to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with plenty of time to look around.

• If you’d prefer to include the Louvre in your itinerary, we’d recommend this Abu Dhabi day tour from Dubai which includes the Grand Mosque and Louvre with English speaking guide.

• For the best Abu Dhabi tour experience, we recommend taking a Private small group tour to Abu Dhabi from Dubai so your itinerary can be as flexible as possible.

• Want to go it alone and save some cash? Check out this neat new service, the Cultural Express, that will take you to the door of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan for FREE! The schedule lacks flexibility but it can be a great cost-saving (note, it doesn’t include a stop at the Grand Mosque).

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If you are seeking to make your own way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi we suggest you read this detailed guide on all your transport options along with this detailed guide to the best Abu Dhabi attractions to plan out your own day trip or overnight trip to the capital.

2. Best Dubai Day Trip: Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Dubai to Khasab distance: 196km / approx 2.5 hours

Transporting you to a whole different country but within reasonable driving distance from Dubai, the “Norway of Arabia” awaits in the Omani exclave of Musandam. Sitting to the northeast of the northern Emirate Ras Al Khaimah, the regional capital of Khasab, Musandam can be easily reached by road – an incredibly picturesque and often breathtaking coastal drive.

From Khasab, there is a small harbour with a plentiful choice of traditional dhow boats and more modern cruising vessels. Sail out to the stunning rocky fjords where the Hajar Mountains that run through the length of Oman and the UAE dramatically end at the Strait of Hormuz.

Dolphin spotting is a favourite activity and in the warmer shoulder season, snorkelling and scuba diving are popular, albeit the better diving is on the eastern coast of the peninsula.

You will want an early start to fit in a full day of fun, and taking an organised day tour, they will help you with the Omani visas and border crossing process. It is possible to hire a car and do it all alone, but first-timers will no doubt appreciate a guide to take you through the Al Darah border crossing point and the formalities involved.

Recommended Day Tours from Dubai to Musandam

• Try this full-day tour from Dubai to Musandam if you’d like assistance throughout your journey. It includes a meet-and-greet border crossing, a dolphin cruise, lunch, and snorkelling gear.

• If you want to make your own way to Khasab, then join this half-day Dolphin-Watching Dhow Cruise, which includes a boat tour, snorkeling kits, and snacks with an English-speaking guide.

Your drive to Musandam will also take you on a scenic tour through five of the seven Emirates! You can see the changing landscapes as you exit the big cities and many interesting stops along the way, such as Al Rams and Dhayah Fort on the way through Ras al Khaimah (more on RAK below!)

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Recommended Day Tours from Dubai to Dibba

If you do not want the formality of crossing the border, it’s also possible to take a dhow cruise to a different part of the Musandam coast, coming via Fujairah and the east coast of the UAE to an area known as Dibba.

Your boats here do not need to make a formal land crossing into Oman, so no border crossing is required. However, you will still be richly rewarded with dramatic coastal views.

• Check out this full-day dhow cruise option from Dibba, which includes transfers from Dubai and a full day out on the water with swim and snorkelling opportunities as well as dolphin-spotting.

Musandam’s raw beauty and isolation are simply breathtaking, making it one of our top picks for nature lovers visiting Dubai.

Top Tip: You get a lot more visitors to Musandam over the local weekend which starts Friday afternoon through to Sunday night. If possible, time your trip for Monday through Thursday for fewer lines at the border.

3. Best Dubai Day Trip: Al Ain

Dubai to Al Ain distance: approximately 130km / 1 hour 30 mins

Sitting southwest of Dubai, you will find the Oasis City of Al Ain. With deep historical roots believed to date back to the Neolithic period, this is our top-pick day trip for history lovers. You will find the UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered in several locations across the city – a full guide to these sites can be found here.

Much of the country’s more recent history also stems from the township of Al Ain, the hometown of the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al Nahyan, and the birthplace of the second ruler of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan.

Well-worth visiting spots include Al Jahili Fort, Qasr al Mawaji, Al Ain National Museum (closed indefinitely for renovations), and the Al Ain Palace Museum (the former Royal homestead – closed from Summer 2024 for renovations). 

You may also be fascinated by the supposedly healing hot springs of Al Mubazzarah, at the foot of Abu Dhabi Emirate’s tallest peak, Jebel Hafeet.

Those travelling with kids will definitely want to try and squeeze in a trip to the Al Ain Zoo too. The best in the country, the zoo is set on large grounds with many new installations worth a trip of its own, including the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, which is perfect for history lovers of all ages with lots of interactive displays.

You can make the trip to the historic center of Al Ain, in approximately 1.5 hours from Dubai. However, if you plan a trip up the winding road to the top of Jebel Hafeet, add another 40 minutes. You will be rewarded with spectacular views over Al Ain and neighbouring Oman.

Recommended day tours from Dubai to Al Ain

If you are unfamiliar with the UAE roads, it is recommended that you join an organized group to get between the highlights, as the city is well spread out.

• Try this full-day tour option taking in the city’s museums and nature highlights leaving from Dubai.

• If you’d prefer the intimacy of a small private group with more local experiences thrown in, try this private tour to Al Ain with all transfers included and a flexible itinerary.

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Al Ain also makes a great stopover point if you are undertaking a Visa Border Run to Oman. There is plenty to fill a day, but you could fit a lot more into two days as many of the city’s highlights are well spread out.

We have a detailed post here on how to plan your own trip to Al Ain here

4. Best Dubai Day Trip: Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai to Ras al Khaimah distance: approximately 110kms / 1 hour 15 minutes

Ras al Khaimah – affectionately referred to as RAK, is best known as the UAE’s outdoor adventure playground. The stunning Hajar Mountains range runs through the Emirate and is home to the country’s tallest peak, Jebel Jais.

Jebel Jais is an adrenaline junkie’s dream, with plenty of new attractions being added every year. The world’s longest zipline allows you to speed up to 150km/hr 1680m above sea level for nearly 3kms. You can also experience Via Ferrata and the newest additions, the Jebel Jais Sky Tour – 7 different courses over 5kms through the mountains (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Recommended Day tours from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah

• You can try this tour, which will pick you up from Dubai and arrange everything for your ziplining experience.

• Experience one of the UAE’s most incredible nature spots Wadi Shawka with a desert tour thrown in including Camel Rock and Fossil Rock.

• If you are seeking something a little more sedate, try this 5-hour private cultural highlights tour around the city of Ras Al Khaimah, including the Museum, Heritage Village, Fish Market, and ghost town (departs from locations in RAK).

• Another favourite for a truly unique cultural experience is heading to the tiny village of Al Rams and taking a tour of the active pearl farm Al Suwaidi Pearls – learn about this treasured part of local culture and see a live pearl diving demonstration.

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We recommend that those on a one-week+ Dubai itinerary spare a few nights of their trip to stay up in Ras Al Khaimah. Plenty of luxury resorts line the shores of RAK and man-made Marjan Island—see some top accommodation choices in RAK here.

6. Best Dubai Day Trip: Yas Island Theme Parks

Dubai to Yas Island distance: approximately 115km / 1 hour

Arguably, the UAE’s best theme parks can be found on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, only around 45 minutes from Dubai Marina or an hour from Downtown Dubai down the E11 Freeway, you can easily spend a whole day – or ideally two if you are going to enjoy everything on offer.

The four big theme parks on Yas Island are:

• Yas Waterworld (outdoor water park)
• Ferrari World (indoor adrenaline and Italian-themed park)
• Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi (indoor theme park based on DC Comic characters and Looney Toon favourites)
• SeaWorld Yas Island (Indoor marine park)

Each is a top-rated attraction with plenty of thrill rides and entertainment, and there are limited lines for large parts of the year.

Recommended Day Tours from Dubai to Yas Island

• See shared transfer options from Dubai to Yas Island

• Buy Yas Waterworld Tickets online in advance here (no transfers included). If you are staying in Abu Dhabi, you can combine your hotel transfer and Yas Waterworld ticket.

• When you purchase this day tour to Yas Island your Ferrari World Tickets are included, along with your transfers (this can work out cheaper than paying separately for your transfers and tickets).

• Want some culture along with your thrills? Try this Abu Dhabi day tour which includes the Grand Mosque, a drive by Abu Dhabi’s many highlights then finish your day at Ferrari World, Yas Island.

• If you love your motorsports, perhaps an Aston Martin passenger experience will be your thing. Even better, the opportunity to drive a Formula Yas 3000cc race car around the track is your preferred experience.

• CLYMB Abu Dhabi is also well worth a stop. It has the world’s largest indoor climbing wall and the largest indoor skydiving centre. It is located inside Yas Mall, immediately adjacent to Ferrari World.

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Top Tip: Yas Island has a small plaza of hotels and restaurants, as well as the lively Yas Marina and Yas Bay waterfront entertainment districts. It is well worth an overnight trip at least to this adventure-filled island to experience everything on offer.

There’s a good guide here on how to make use of the Yas Island Theme Parks shuttle bus service from Dubai.

7. Best Dubai Day Trip: Hatta

Dubai to Hatta distance: approximately 105km / 1 hour 20 minutes

One of the most exciting destinations in the Dubai Emirate is the area of Hatta and Hatta Dam. Sitting south of Dubai near the Omani border, a large amount of tourism development has been poured into this rugged area of the Emirate to create a brand new nature playground.

This destination offers so much, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. After exploring the Heritage Village, try kayaking or mountain biking, and enjoy the adventure sports at Hatta Wadi Hub and the Hatta Jump water park.

For an unforgettable experience, extend your stay overnight to stay at the Hatta Damani Lodges or stay in an Eco Dome Tent at Hatta Wadi Hub. They are limited in number, though, so book well in advance if you’re looking at a winter weekend. They are available only in the winter season.

Recommended Day Tours from Dubai to Hatta

• See this full-day tour from Dubai, which includes transfers from your Dubai hotel and takes you through all the major highlights of Hatta.

• This Hatta safari day tour provides not just a desert tour away from the city crowds, but you’ll also stop at Hatta Dam and one of the more unique local attractions, the Hatta Honey Bee Garden.

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Top Tip: It gets much busier on the local weekend which is now Friday afternoon through Sunday. Visit mid-week and out of school holidays, it’s beautifully secluded (though do check attraction opening times mid week).

Find all your transport options between Dubai and Hatta here, including the new Intercity bus service from Dubai Mall to Hatta.

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We always recommend visitors to Dubai to leave plenty of time to take in the highlights in the other Emirates as well.  Much of the natural beauty and culture of the country and region lies far beyond the city. 

If you’d prefer to make your own way around the Emirates to experience some of these highlights, we recommend you head over to our guide to driving in Dubai. There, you can learn more about driving conditions, car rental options, and whether self-driving is the better option for you.

If you’re interested in hiring a driver for a set number of hours, try a service such as GetTransfer. Drivers can bid on your journey, making it highly competitive and at a fixed price for all-day convenience, which you may not find with a group tour.

This is a super detailed guide to Dubai, so bookmark this page for later in your browser or save it to Pinterest

Things to Know Before Visiting Dubai

Before we dive into the juicy details of WHAT TO DO, make sure you’ve checked out our essential planning information too. We cover in much greater detail:

• Things to know before planning a visit to Dubai – Visas, laws, customs & religious aspects to be aware of.

• What to pack for Dubai – dress code advice and a comprehensive packing list for Dubai can be found here.

• The best places to stay in Dubai – let’s talk budget and location in more detail over here.

• Dubai dining guides – all our favourite places to eat, dining specialities, bars and special occasions.

• Best times to visit Dubai – don’t be caught out by the weather or religious events, here are the ideal times to visit Dubai.

• Take out travel insurance! Don’t ever get caught short; make sure your trip is comprehensively insured.

Transportation in Dubai for 1 Day

Over the course of using our 1-day itinerary the best way to get around is either selecting a private tour that includes your pick-ups and drop-offs or use a combination of public transportation – taxies and the Metro.

We’ve given basic directions on how to get to each place by public transport if possible, or where you may need a taxi to get door-to-door with ease. You can find our complete guide to Dubai Transport options here.

Metro Cost: If you’re staying in Dubai for less than a few days, it is recommended to get a Red Nol and top it up only as you need it (The card costs just 2AED + add your fare). We explain all the fares and different types of Nol in more detail here.

A note on taxis: In the hottest part of the year (i.e., about May to October!), be wary of how far you can walk during the day. Places may look relatively close and within walking distance on a map, but under the sun’s heat, a short taxi/Uber/Careem may be worth it (noting a minimum fare applies of AED 12).

Hiring a car: Unless you are a super-confident driver or plan on taking a trip out of the city, you are best off relying on taxis and tours during a short stopover in Dubai.

What Can I Fit Into One Day in Dubai? Practical Considerations

With only 24 hours in Dubai, there are undoubtedly some highlights you’ll need to miss out on. We have set out below some different half day itineraries to appeal to different tastes, then a mix and match of add ons and additional ideas; especially if this isn’t your first stopover in Dubai you may be looking for some unique experiences away from the usual “Top 10” for exploring Dubai.

With such a tight timeframe, you will want to book tours and attractions in advance, not leave things to chance, especially if you’re visiting in the peak winter tourism periods. If you’re self-planning your trip, we recommend using a booking app such as Get Your Guide, which has a money-back guarantee if your plans change.

Taking a city tour is an excellent way to see a new city in one day, and Dubai is no exception. Although it can be a little more costly than putting together a DIY itinerary, bus tours are a great way to cram a lot in.

You can either opt for the group approach and use something like Big Bus or CCity Sightseeing or hire your own private tour driver. These are some suggestions:

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Dubai passes for one day – a cost saver even if you’ll only be in the city for 24 hours! Learn more about the one Stopover Pass on Dubai Pass option over here. The optimal combination is taking the city sightseeing bus to get around + entry to one of the listed attractions.

Timing tight? Many flights land and depart in the middle of the night, making your one day in Dubai rather odd! We recommend grabbing a bit of sleep before tackling your day out. Not many things are open to see first thing in the morning, and the Metro only starts at 5 a.m. on weekdays, so you’ll find yourself at a loss.

You can stroll some of the public beachfront or visit a park early in the day before tourist attractions open.

When planning your day in Dubai, note that Dubai’s weekend is now Friday afternoon to Sunday. These days are much busier, with residents also out and about enjoying their free time.

For a comprehensive list of everything there is to see and do in Dubai, pop over here – we have 150+ ideas!.

Dubai 1-Day Itinerary Suggestions

1. Dubai Half Day For Culture Seekers

Journey between Dubai’s bustling trading port past to the futuristic modern city

For your first day of sightseeing in Dubai, it really helps to go back to the roots of what the city is about—a busy trading port city based around Dubai Creek. Later, you can decide whether to spend a full day in “Old Dubai” or take in some of the modern aspects of the city for your evening.

Get your bearings at Dubai Frame

As your first stop on this itinerary, we recommend you start by taking in the views from the Dubai Frame. Granted, it’s not as tall as the Burj Khalifa; you’ll travel up just 48 floors/150 metres. However, the queues are shorter, it’s super close to the airport, and you’ll get some intriguing insights into old meets new from the top of the frame.

The see-through floored sky deck gives you fabulous views of Old Dubai, Dubai Creek to Sharjah and beyond in one direction, and the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai in the other.

Learn more about visiting the Dubai Frame here

Getting there: The Nearest Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park, but it’s a decent walk; you may prefer a taxi/Uber drop-off

Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Not far from the Dubai Frame, you’ll find Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This is the oldest part of Dubai city, a labyrinth of narrow laneways dating back to the 19th century. The area is protected so that the city’s heritage is not lost forever under the sprawling skyscrapers.

Most of the traditional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings are now galleries, museums, and small cafes. While the Dubai Museum and Al Faihisi Fort remain closed for significant renovations, why not try some of the city’s other museums in the area, such as the Coffee Museum or the Coin Museum?

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre For Cultural Understanding is another top recommendation we have for first-time visitors. Their program varies throughout the year but includes heritage tours, meals and interactive Q&A sessions with locals (9:00 am and 11:15 am daily)

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

Dine at Al Seef Waterfront

By now, you have most certainly worked up an appetite, so if you’ve not stopped for lunch or a coffee in XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea House situated within Al Faihidi Historical Neighbourhood, now would be time to head to one of many restaurants in this waterfront development. Seamlessly blending old with new, it’s directly across the street, next to the Al Faihidi Marine Transport Station.

Al Seef is set up like a traditional souk, so you can do your souvenir shopping here, too. Kids may enjoy popping into Museum of Illusions or have some fun with photos in the instagrammable laneways.

2. Half Day For Foodies and Shoppers

Next, let’s look at more opportunities to shop in the markets on your trip to Dubai. As the traditional markets are open-air, this could be a weather-dependent activity.

Explore Dubai Creek

You are well placed from Al Fahidi and Al Seef to continue your journey by water to cross to another older area of the city, Deira. There are quite a few ways to get around the city by water these days, but the traditional method of catching an abra across the Dubai Creek is still an absolute steal at 1 AED per person! Pop over to the marine station to see all the current routes and options, which are all inexpensive.

Explore the Traditional Deira Souks

Depending on the heat, you could spend several hours lost in the laneways of Deira, the most popular stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. These are traditional open-air souks in Dubai, so it can be heavy going and a bit of walking mid-afternoon in the hotter months.

If your trip is on a winter evening, we highly recommend you join a guided walking tour. Frying Pan Adventures is a renowned mob who’ll see you navigating the back streets of Deira like a pro, or try one of these evening walking tours:

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Alternatively, hop on one of the dinner cruises that operate along Dubai Creek to taste Old Dubai from the water. Or if you’re after a truly unique Emirati meal experience, seek out one of these local restaurants.

3. Half Day in Modern Dubai

Now, when we say modern Dubai, we could be talking about a lot of the city! In this itinerary, we are specifically referring to exploring the Middle East’s largest mall, Dubai Mall, and the Downtown area of Dubai.

Downtown Dubai

Home to many of the city’s modern skyscrapers including Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building, look in awe at the modern wonders and how far the city of Dubai has come in the last 50 years.

If shopping’s not your thing not to fear, Dubai Mall is simply a stopping point to start exploring Downtown. There’s plenty of fun family attractions, sports and adrenaline activities to enjoy within the Mall (from the Olympic-sized ice rink to go-karting), or step out and explore around Burj Lake, even take in a show at Dubai Opera.

Souk Al Bahar

Just across a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, you’ll find Souk Al Bahar. This modern market is made in the design of a traditional souk offering handicrafts through to fine dining and spectacular views over Burj Lake. Don’t expect to pay the same prices as at the old souks, but nonetheless, a fun Dubai experience at the heart of the action.

Another good spot for grabbing a bite, Souk Al Bahar has literally dozens of restaurants. Head upstairs for the Time Out Market, which provides a great variety of dining choices (and a bar) if you can’t decide!

You can find a good selection of places to grab a drink and bite around downtown Dubai here.

Dubai Fountains

This brings us nicely to one of Dubai’s most popular free things to do at night! Starting at 6:00 PM nightly, every half hour, watch the fabulously choreographed light and sound show on Burj Lake, sitting at the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later in the evening, the Burj Khalifa lights up for half-hourly shows.

For a close-up view of the Dubai Fountain show, you can take an abra ride on the lake. Alternatively, our favourite is to pick out one of the restaurants with uninterrupted views in either Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine whilst getting to see the show a few times over without the crowds.

Burj Khalifa

There’s nothing quite like ticking off a bucket list item like scaling the heights of Burj Khalifa, the World’s tallest tower. There’s an observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors (extra packages even take you to the 148th floor!) or you dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Level 122.

We have a detailed guide here that sets out all your Burj Khalifa visiting options.

If there’s one part of your Dubai itinerary you simply must book in advance, it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets at the door are extortionately more expensive and can sell out. Do allow a good 2 hours for queuing and having a good look around. Note that sunset and sunrise slots (weekends) cost more and book faster.

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• On a tight itinerary for time or money, you may want to skip going up Burj Khalifa. Particularly if you already went up the Dubai Frame in the morning, you do get views way further into the distance but the ticket price and queuing time can eat into your budget and time.

Sky Views

For a new twist on seeing the city, why not try Sky Views? Situated in the Downtown area of the city, you’ll get some of the best urban views back to the Burj Khalifa. Depending on how brave you’re feeling, you could simply walk the glass floor or enjoy the glass slide from the 53rd floor.

Sky Edge Walk is another adrenaline-pumping add-on for your daredevils, which will see you strap on your safety gear and walk around the outside of the building, suspended nearly 220m above the ground!

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

4. Half Day in the Dubai Desert

If you’re not interested in high-rises and museums and want to catch the wonderful warm sun rays in the Middle East, this is the itinerary for you!

You can tackle this day in two ways—hitting the desert first or last thing in the day—but just avoid being out in the desert in the middle of the day no matter which way around you plan it, especially as you hit the summer months.

Dubai Desert Safari

Forget the concrete; it’s time to experience the real Dubai out in the desert! One of the best things to do in Dubai is to take a 4×4 tour beyond the city. Don’t worry about transport as all tour operators will pick you up from your city accommodation and drive you into the dunes on the city outskirts.

There are broadly two different types of desert safari: those focused on the desert habitat itself and those focused on dune bashing and sand sports for a higher adrenaline thrill. The evening camps tend to be more focused on the latter, ending in a BBQ dinner and shisha in a camp – we help you compare what to look for in a desert safari here.

There are only a limited number of operators who can work in the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Our favourite provider is Platinum Heritage; a little more pricey than some but smaller groups and a more genuine desert experience, whether you choose early morning, evening or even an overnight safari.

Desert Glamping

This can actually tick two boxes for your short stopover in Dubai: not only will you get to experience the desert, but your accommodation will be taken care of, too! Every year, we see more and more operators venturing into this market to provide luxury accommodations in rustic settings.

Check out our complete guide to Desert Gamping in Dubai if you’d like to try this unique experience—which could even be paired with an early morning hike, safari ride, or hot air balloon ride.

Getting there: No need to worry about your 4×4 skills, tour operators will pick you up from your hotel or a convenient city location and drop you back

5. Half Day by The Water

Let’s be honest: with a 24-hour stopover through Dubai, your interest may be to simply flop and drop for half a day, at least. Even if you are not staying at a resort-style hotel, there are still plenty of places you can explore beachside and some free and paid options for enjoying Dubai’s beaches along the shores of the Arabian Gulf.

JBR, Bluewaters & Dubai Marina

Many first-timers to Dubai find the area of JBR and Dubai Marina a great place to start. Familiarise yourself with The Walk & The Beach precincts, then if you’d like to stretch your legs further, take a walk over to the ultra-modern Bluewaters Island to dine and marvel at the Dubai skyline along Jumeirah Beach.

You can easily spend a whole afternoon and evening in the JBR area between activities along the beach – think inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high dining – and plentiful dining options read more on what to do around JBR here!

Getting there: JBR/Dubai Marina is the perfect place to stay in Dubai due to the large number of spacious hotel apartments and resorts with direct beachfront access—but it’s quite far from the airport if you’re only on a short stop. If you’re coming by Metro from Old Dubai or Downtown, you want to alight at DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Stations.

Hit The Water By Boat

If time allows, you may also want to head out into the stunning Gulf waters with a cruise. Plentiful operators can be found in Dubai Marina, from speed boat tours around Palm Jumeirah to jet ski adventures, or for a more sedate experience at a fraction of the cost, try the RTA Ferry!

Other Dubai Public Beaches

Dubai also has plenty of public beaches. Some are completely free, and others have a small Dubai municipality charge but great facilities. Local favourites include Al Mamzar Park (which has recently introduced the option of night swimming), and Kite Beach, which has slightly bigger waves than others.

You can also head to Sunset Beach for iconic views of the Burj Al Arab—naturally, around sunset for the best views!

Private Beach Clubs

Alternatively, even if you’re not staying at one of Dubai’s fancy beachfront resorts, it’s easy to pick up a day pass to one of the incredible beach clubs to spoil yourself for an afternoon and enjoy late afternoon sundowners on the beach.

If you are visiting in the peak of summer, you would likely need to modify or scratch this largely outdoor day of play and replace it with some further activities from our indoor guide to Dubai

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

A trip to Souk Madinat Jumeirah is the perfect place for a little retail therapy, amazing views, and unique water experiences. This modern souk (market) is built in traditional style, with indoor and outdoor (seasonal) stalls and shops offering tourist tat to genuine souvenirs and a superb range of eateries to choose from.

You can get some brilliant Burj Al Arab views here and even take an abra out on the waterways around the extravagant Jumeirah hotels (a bit more pricey than the AED 1 on Dubai Creek, but what an amazing backdrop!). Plentiful bars and restaurants cater to all tastes here, so it’s an ideal stop to plan a meal around.

Getting there: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is not on the Metro, but you can take a short taxi to the Mall of the Emirates or stop at Internet City and hop on Bus 88.

6. Half Day of thrills at Dubai Theme Parks

If you’re visiting Dubai with kids, there’s a very high chance the Dubai theme parks are going to be heavily weighted on their wishlists. Whilst it’s hard to fit these really into half a day, we’re still including this option on our Dubai one-day itinerary list as we know this might be the only thing on some agendas!

If you’re visiting in the beautiful shoulder seasons (approximately March to May and October to November), our top pick would be one of the mega water parks – choose from Atlantis Aquaventure or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah.

• (NB if you stay at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah hotels, your water park entry will be included!)

Over the coolest part of the year (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our top choice. Here, you can choose between four connected theme parks (ideally, you can fit in two of these in a day – three at a squeeze):

• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate
• Real Madrid World

And if it’s the peak of summer, the top pick goes to IMG Worlds of Adventure—think Marvel characters to Cartoon Network-themed rides and activities. IMG is entirely indoors to beat the heat.

What Does Our 1-Day Dubai Itinerary Exclude?

With only one day, we have cut back on an awful lot from our classic 7-day Dubai itinerary to try to squeeze everything in.

Firstly, you will likely have to rule out any day tours or heading further than the outskirts of Dubai. Whilst all the other major cities of the UAE are within a 2-hour drive of Dubai, one day in Dubai is too tight to fit anything extra in (unless it’s a subsequent trip and you’re looking to build on previous Dubai experiences by checking out the other Emirates). We include a list of suggested day trips below if you’d still like to try!

Relaxing time – what we haven’t really built into this action-packed 1-day itinerary is downtime! If you’re coming to Dubai for the glorious sunshine rather than the sightseeing, you could quickly scrap the whole lot and spend your time in a beautiful beachside hotel recovering from your jet lag and enjoying the best of the Arabian Gulf; totally up to you (and I know we used to do it that way before we lived in Dubai) – but if you’re a first-timer, look what you’d be missing out on!

Alternative Activities for Your Dubai Itinerary

There were only so many suggestions we could squeeze into your one-day Dubai itinerary. We’ve included some suggestions below that you may want to mix and match with the itinerary suggestions we’ve made above.

More Important Tips For a Short Stopover in Dubai

Exactly how long will you have between flights? Whilst there’s a lot you could cram into your day, sleep between long flights is also probably important to you! You may also want to read our guides to:

• Are you eligible for Dubai Connect FREE hotel for unavoidable long layovers with Emirates? This could take care of your few hours of kip before exploring the city further
• Less than 24 hours, you may want to seek out layover-only suggestions for Dubai designed to fit into less than half a day
• Staying close to the airport helps with those early morning or very late at night flights- these are our pick of the best airport hotels

This is a super detailed guide, so do bookmark this page for later in your browser or save it to Pinterest

Things to know before visiting Dubai

Before diving into the juicy details of WHAT TO DO, ensure you’ve checked out our essential planning information, too. We cover in much greater detail:

• Things to know before planning a visit to Dubai – Visas, laws, customs,and religious aspects to be aware of.

• What to pack for Dubai – dress code advice and a comprehensive packing list for Dubai can be found here.

• The best places to stay in Dubai – let’s talk budget and location in more detail over here.

• Dubai dining guides – all our favourite places to eat, dining specialities, bars and special occasions.

• Best times to visit Dubai – don’t be caught out by the weather or religious events; here are the ideal times to visit Dubai.

• Take out travel insurance! We are in an ever-changing world at present, whilst Dubai remains open for business, don’t get caught short; make sure your trip is comprehensively insured.

Transport in Dubai for 3 days

Using our 3-day itinerary, you will need to take a combination of taxis, the Metro, and private tours.

We’ve given basic directions on how to get to each place by public transport if possible, or where you may need a taxi to easily get door-to-door. You can find our complete guide to Dubai Transport options here.

Metro Cost: If you stay in Dubai for only 3 days, it is recommended that you get a Red Nol and top it up only as you need it (the card costs just 2AED + add your fare). We explain all the fares and different types of Nol in more detail here.

A note on taxis/Careem/Uber: In the hottest part of the year (i.e. about May to October!), be wary of how far you can walk during the day. Places may look relatively close and within walking distance on a map, but under the sun’s heat, a short taxi or Uber may be worth it (noting a minimum fare applies of 12 AED for public taxis).

Hiring a car: During a short stay in Dubai, you should rely on taxis and tours unless you are a super-confident driver or plan on taking several trips out of the city.

What can I fit into 3 days in Dubai?

With only 3 days in Dubai, there are undoubtedly some highlights you’ll need to miss out on. We have set out a mixed itinerary here that will appeal to a broad audience; those with kids to consider may want to prioritise the theme parks more, or culturally curious may wish to add on some extra day trips and skip the beach and modern parts of Dubai.

Depending on the time of year you are visiting, we recommend that once you’ve decided on your itinerary, you book in advance the attractions and tours you want to guarantee your spot, as numbers can be limited. (Using a booking app such as Get Your Guide, you get a money-back guarantee if your trip needs to be cancelled.)

When planning out your days, note that Dubai’s weekend is now Friday afternoon to Sunday. These days are MUCH busier with residents also out and about.

For a comprehensive list of everything there is to see and do in Dubai, pop over here – we have 150+ ideas!.

Day 1: Old Meets New

Journey from Dubai’s bustling trading port past to the futuristic modern city

For your first day of sightseeing in Dubai, it really helps to go back to the roots of what the city is about—a busy trading port city based around Dubai Creek. Later, you can decide whether to spend a full day in “Old Dubai” or take in some of the modern aspects of the city for your evening.

Get your bearings at Dubai Frame

Let’s start your exploration of Dubai, taking in the views from the Dubai Frame. Pretty much what it says – it’s a giant picture frame! One of the first tourist highlights you will capture coming from the airport into the city.

You ascend one side of the 150m high frame (48 floors) and then walk across the top. The see-through floored sky deck gives you fabulous views of Old Dubai, Dubai Creek to Sharjah and beyond in one direction, and the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the other.

Learn more about visiting the Dubai Frame here

Getting there: Nearest Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park, but it’s a decent walk; you may prefer a taxi/Uber drop-off

Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

This is the oldest part of Dubai city, a labyrinth of narrow laneways dating back to the 19th century. The historic al-Fahidi area is protected so that the city’s heritage does not become lost forever under the sprawling skyscrapers. Most of the traditional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings are now galleries, museums, and small cafes.

NB the Dubai Museum is often touted as a top attraction in this part of the city, but it has been closed for renovations since 2021. You will find several other small museums amongst the laneways to visit, or spend some time in the Al Shindagha Historic District instead if you really want to learn more about the city’s past.

The Heritage Express is another newer addition to this part of town. Booking one of these trolley bus tours from Al Faihdi will take you to several of the city’s most important historical sites on a four-hour guided journey.

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

Lunch at Al Seef Waterfront

By now, you have most certainly worked up an appetite, so if you’ve not stopped for lunch in XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea House within Al Faihidi Historical Neighbourhood, now would be time to head to one of many restaurants in this waterfront development. Seamlessly blending old with new, it’s directly across the street, next to the Al Faihidi Marine Transport Station.

Al Seef is set up like a traditional souk, so you’ll be able to do your shopping here too. Kids may enjoy popping into Museum of Illusions or have some fun with photos in the instagrammable laneways.

Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra

An absolute must for an authentic old Dubai experience! Whilst there are far more modern methods these days of crossing Dubai Creek, a traditional abra at 1 AED per person is still a steal!

Explore the Traditional Deira Souks

Depending on the heat, you could spend several hours lost in the laneways of Deira, the most popular stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. It’s all open-air, so it can be heavy going and a bit of walking mid-afternoon in the hotter months.

On a short Dubai itinerary with just 3 days, we suggest you decide whether to spend your evening in Old Dubai or skip to modern Dubai to finish your day 1 – in the hotter summer months, we suggest the latter.

Evening in Old Dubai

Extend your trip to the Dubai Souks by joining in with an evening food tour. Being the multicultural city that Dubai is, you can be sure many dishes are vying for attention as “local” cuisine, in addition to traditional Emirati or Bedouin-style dishes.

One of the most highly recommended food tours in Dubai is Frying Pan Adventures, who offer various options for small groups to have authentic experiences in Dubai’s streets. Most group tours start and end in Deira.

Alternatively, hop on one of the dinner cruises that operate along Dubai Creek to taste Old Dubai from the water.

An evening in modern Dubai

Now, when we say modern Dubai, we could be talking about a lot of the city! In this itinerary, we are referring specifically to exploring Dubai Mall and the Downtown area of Dubai, home to many of the city’s modern skyscrapers, including Burj Khalifa.

If shopping’s not your thing, do not fear; Dubai Mall is simply a stopping point for exploring downtown. There are plenty of fun family attractions, sports and adrenaline activities to enjoy within the Mall, or step out and explore around Burj Lake, even take in a show at Dubai Opera.

Souk Al Bahar

Just across a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, you’ll find Souk Al Bahar. This modern market is made in the design of a traditional souk offering handicrafts through to fine dining and spectacular views over Burj Lake. Don’t expect to pay the same prices as at the old souks, but nonetheless, a fun Dubai experience at the heart of the action.

You can find a good selection of places to grab a drink and bite around downtown Dubai here.

Dubai Fountains

This brings us nicely to one of Dubai’s most popular free things to do at night! Starting at 6:00 PM nightly, every half hour, watch the fabulously choreographed light and sound show on Burj Lake, sitting at the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later in the evening, the Burj Khalifa lights up for half-hourly shows.

For a close-up view of the fountain show, you can take an abra ride on the lake. Alternatively, our favourite is to pick out one of the restaurants with uninterrupted views in either Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine whilst getting to see the show a few times over without the crowds.

Burj Khalifa

Finish your first day by scaling the heights of Burj Khalifa, the World’s tallest tower. There’s an observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors (extra packages even take you to the 148th floor!) or even dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Level 122.

We have a detailed guide here that sets out all your Burj Khalifa visiting options.

If there’s one part of your Dubai itinerary you simply must book in advance, it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets at the door are extortionately more expensive and can sell out. Do allow a good 2 hours for queuing and having a good look around. Note sunset and sunrise slots (only weekends) cost more and book up faster.

On a tight itinerary for time or money, you may want to skip going up Burj Khalifa. Particularly if you already went up the Dubai Frame in the morning, you do get views way further into the distance but the ticket price and queuing time can eat into your budget and time.

Getting there: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station on the Red Line Metro then there’s an airconditioned travellator connecting you to the entire surrounding area of Downtown

Day 2: Hit the sand! Desert & Beach

A day set aside for sand and surf – dune surfing that is!

You can tackle this day in two ways—hitting the desert first or last thing in the day—but just avoid being out in the desert middle of the day no matter which way around you plan it, especially as you hit the summer months.

Dubai Desert Safari

Forget the concrete; it’s time to go and experience the real Dubai out in the desert! Tour operators will pick you up from your city accommodation in 4×4 and drive into the dunes on the city outskirts, or a limited number of operators can work in the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for your morning desert safari.

There are broadly two different types of desert safari: those focused on the desert habitat itself and those focused on dune bashing and sand sports for a higher adrenaline thrill. The evening camps tend to focus more on the latter, ending in a BBQ dinner and shisha in camp. Both morning and evening desert tours are likely to include a camel ride in their itinerary.

Our favourite provider is Platinum Heritage. It’s a little more pricey than some, but it offers smaller groups and a more genuine desert experience, whether you choose an early morning, evening, or even overnight safari.

Getting there: No need to worry about your 4×4 skills; tour operators will pick you up from your hotel or a convenient city location and drop you back

Beaches in Dubai

It’s time to explore one of Dubai’s exciting modern beachfront districts and get out on the water. A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without at least touching the warm waters of the Persian Gulf (or Arabian Gulf, depending on who you ask!).

JBR, Bluewaters & Dubai Marina

Many first-timers to Dubai find the area of JBR and Dubai Marina a great place to start. Familiarise yourself with The Walk & The Beach precincts, then if you’d like to stretch your legs further, take a walk over to the ultra-modern Bluewaters Island to dine and marvel at the Dubai skyline along Jumeirah Beach.

The most prominent landmark here is the giant Ain Dubai—the world’s largest observation wheel. Or, as it is currently becoming known, the world’s largest statue. It only opened for about a year in 2021 and has been closed ever since for ‘refurbishment works’.

You can easily spend a whole afternoon and evening in the JBR area between activities along the beach—think inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high dining, and plentiful dining options. Read more on what to do around JBR here!

If time allows, you may also want to head out into the stunning Gulf waters with a cruise. Plentiful operators can be found in Dubai Marina, from speed boat tours around Palm Jumeirah to jet ski adventures, or for a more sedate experience at a fraction of the cost, try the RTA Ferry!

Getting there: JBR/Dubai Marina is the perfect place to stay for 3 days in Dubai due to the high number of spacious hotel apartments and resorts with direct beachfront access. If coming by Metro from Old Dubai or Downtown, you want to alight at DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Stations.

J1 Beach

Another ultra-modern beachfront area of the city to explore is J1 Beach (the site was previously known as La Mer). Unfortunately, the colourful and eclectic La Mer and Laguna Waterpark were bulldozed a couple of years ago. This new ultra-chic destination promises beach clubs and luxury waterfront dining, so watch this space as it opens in autumn 2024.

Cultural attractions near the beach

If you don’t want to spend the whole afternoon at the beach—or it’s simply too hot to be out long—J1 Beach is close to both the Jumeirah Mosque—the largest mosque in Dubai open to the public for daily tours—and the Etihad Museum, which tells the story of the country’s unification in 1971.

Getting there: No direct Metro stop (nearest is Financial Centre then a 10 minute taxi), or take bus 8, 9 or 88 along Jumeirah Beach Road

Other Beach Experiences in Dubai

Dubai also has plenty of public beaches, some are completely free and others have a small Dubai municipality charge but great facilities. Local favourites include Al Mamzar Park and Kite Beach has slightly bigger waves than others, or head to Sunset Beach for iconic views of the Burj Al Arab – naturally around sunset for the best views!

Alternatively, even if you’re not staying at one of Dubai’s fancy beachfront resorts, it’s easy to pick up a day pass to one of the incredible beach clubs to spoil yourself for an afternoon and enjoy sundowners on the beach.

If you are visiting in the peak of summer, you would likely need to modify or scratch this largely outdoor day of play and replace it with some further activities from our indoor guide to Dubai

Day 3: Theme Parks, Shopping & Something Special OR a Day Trip

Thrill-seekers, shopaholics and adrenaline junkies will never be left disappointed in Dubai.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or have little ones in tow, you’re bound to want to fit in a theme park day while you’re in Dubai, offering some of the best in the world!

(If this isn’t your thing, skip below to another shopping & sightseeing experience + only in Dubai special treats!)

Dubai Theme Parks

Dubai has a superb selection of world-class theme parks to choose from in Dubai. If you’re visiting in the beautiful shoulder seasons (approximately March to May and October to November), our top pick would be one of the mega water parks – choose from Aquaventur World at Atlantis or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah.

(NB if you stay at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah hotels, your water park entry will be included!)

Over the coolest part of the year (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our top choice. Here, you can choose between four connected theme parks (ideally, you can fit in two of these in a day – three at a squeeze):

• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate
• Real Madrid World

And if it’s the peak of summer, the top pick goes to IMG Worlds of Adventure—think Marvel characters to Cartoon Network-themed rides and activities. IMG is entirely indoors to beat the heat.

Getting there: The Theme Parks in Dubai are all quite spread out and really do take the best part of a day: Atlantis Aquaventure is on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah, and Wild Wadi is close to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Parks & Resorts is in Jebel Ali, beyond the Metro and IMG Worlds of Adventure sits south of the city.

Only in Dubai experiences

If you’ve decided to skip the theme parks and shopping, then there’s still plenty of exhilarating experiences to try in their place, including these sensational “only in Dubai” experiences:

• Enjoy a sunrise balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Try afternoon tea at the “7-star” Burj Al Arab
• Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
• Zipline across Dubai Marina
• Seaplane journey over the city
• Dine in the world’s highest restaurant

Day Trips From Dubai

A 3-day itinerary leaves you very tight for time if you’re considering a day trip, but it can still be done! Here are some of our suggested favourites to try if extreme activities and theme parks aren’t your thing:

• Take a coach tour to the UAE capital city Abu Dhabi to see the incredible Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre and the Presidential Palace
• Head over the mountains to the east coast and spend some time in Fujairah, including snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.
• Scale to the UAE’s tallest peak in Ras Al Khaimah, zipline through the Hajar Mountains and experience a modern pearl diving farm
• Cross the border into the remote Omani enclave of Musandam for a day of sailing, dolphin spotting and snorkelling
• Check out the amazing outdoor adventures, hikes and water sports on offer at Wadi Hub, Hatta

See our complete guide to Dubai day trips here

Finally, if you’ve not had the opportunity yet, find one of Dubai’s dramatic rooftop bars (seasonal) to finish off your incredible three days in Dubai with dramatic views over the city skyline or the Arabian Gulf.

Alternative Activities for Your Dubai Itinerary

There was only so much we could fit in an initial 3-day itinerary! We’ve included some suggestions below, particularly if you’re not a theme park fan, and you may want to try one of these instead.

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Things to do in Dubai with Teenagers: Best Activities

Go Wild at Wild Wadi

Not to be forgotten, a very close runner-up in the best Dubai waterpark stakes, in fact, some of our teens have preferred it more as there are fewer crowds, is Wild Wadi Waterpark. Located in front of the Burj Al Arab, some of our favourite rides with teens include the Jumeirah Sceirah, Master Blasters and Tantrum Alley.

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Top Tip: Just like Atlantis & Aquaventure, guests staying at Jumeirah Beach Hotel – or any of the Jumeirah group hotels in Dubai can get free passes to the water park included with their stay.

The only thing that has frustrated us about Wild Wadi and the reason it didn’t top our list of best water parks is the frequent closures for maintenance. They did briefly reopen in 2023 after a long closure for improvement works and promptly closed again in early 2024 – but the good news for summer 2024 is that they look to have fully reopened with all rides.

Thrilling Roller Coasters at Motiongate Dubai

You may be aware that Dubai has a Legoland and a Legoland Water Park, but perhaps you didn’t know it’s actually part of the much larger Dubai Parks & Resorts, three theme parks, and a water park all in one destination! They are all interconnected by an area known as Riverland, which gives plenty more dining and attraction options for families.

Motiongate Dubai is our top pick for teenagers: a Hollywood-themed park packed full of thrilling rides and themed attractions focusing on Dreamworks Animation, Columbia Pictures, the Hunger Games, Ghostbusters, and The Smurfs, to name but a few. At Motiongate, you’ll find the largest concentration of roller coasters for any theme park in the Middle East!

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There used to be a third theme park here at DPR with a few thrilling rides our tweens and teens loved, but sadly, Bollywood Dubai closed its doors in early 2023. Stay tuned though, thrill-seekers, as Real Madrid World – the first-ever football theme park in the world has just taken it’s place.

A few other attractions in the Riverland area that may appeal to older kids are Neon Galaxy and JumpX, the largest inflatable play park in the world, perfect in winter.

If you stay at the adjoining Lapita Resort or Rove at the Park, theme park tickets can also be included with your stay so it is worth shopping around for a deal.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Dubai’s largest indoor theme park, this is our favourite alternative in the hottest months. With many themed sections, including Marvel, the Lost Valley, the Haunted Hotel and Cartoon Network, this is the preferred theme park for many tween and teen fans.

With a mixed group of ages in your family, we’re not going to lie; Motiongate does a better job of catering to the whole family. But if your teens love their thrills and independent exploration, this is the perfect place.

• Buy your IMG Worlds of Adventure here

Planning to visit several of Dubai’s theme parks? We highly recommend you look at a multi-attraction pass such as GoCity or Dubai Pass which will help discount the overall cost, given you’ll be paying adult prices for your whole group.

Play DXB (Formerly VR Park Dubai)

Found in Dubai Mall, amongst all the fabulous shopping and attractions, we know our teens are drawn to Play DXB is the world’s largest virtual reality theme park.  Popular attractions include the Dubai Drone, Speedway, and Cozmojet, along with a UAE-themed favourite Dune Bash.

It’s actually free to enter if you just want to look around the Park, then you need Pay & Play credits to participate in the rides and games.

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At this end of Dubai Mall, you’ll find plenty of things to keep older kids entertained, with attractions like Reel Cinemas offering a huge number of unique cinema experiences from Dine to Max4D and ScreenX, as well as Dubai Ice Rink, Hysteria haunted-house, and Infinity des Lumieres art exhibit.

Another fun activity just a short walk away and attached to Dubai Mall is Ekart Zabeel for some adrenaline-pumping go-kart action.

We have a complete guide to Dubai Mall family attractions here.

Admire Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain Show in Downtown Dubai

Pretty high up on every visitor’s list for Dubai is visiting the Burj Khalifa. Whether you travel up to the observation deck At The Top – Burj Khalifa or enjoy it from ground level, it’s hard not to be impressed by this incredible record-breaking building, jutting nearly a kilometre into the air.

From ground level, you can also enjoy the Dubai Fountain show in the evening, every 30 minutes for an hour and half-hour, interspersed in the quarter past and quarter with a light show on Burj Khalifa. You will frequently see the Burj lit up at night for special occasions such as national days or in support of charities.

The Downtown area of Dubai (all attached to Dubai Mall) is a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions. If the World’s tallest building doesn’t impress your teen, there’s an absolute plethora of top-notch dining in the area to enjoy. Time Out Market in Souk Al Bahar is always a winner with our teens wanting to dine with fountain views and a huge range of cuisines.

Scale New Height at Ain Dubai [Temporarily Closed]

Reach some incredible heights on Dubai’s latest man-made island, Bluewater Island, home to Ain Dubai, the tallest observation wheel in the world. Standing an impressive 250 metres tall, Ain Dubai takes passengers on a 38-minute flight with towering views over some of the city’s most impressive nightlights, including JBR, the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab.

As an alternative, whilst Ain Dubai remains closed, why not try The View at The Palm, another stunning observation floor with brilliant views over Palm Jumeirah and the modern side of Dubai?

Slide Through Downtown Dubai at Sky Views

Skyviews Dubai is an exhilarating destination for families with teens, offering the chance to walk on a glass-floor viewing platform 219.5 meters above the ground.

Teens will love the thrill of the Edge Walk, encircling the tower’s rim high above the city, and the Glass Slide, a unique ride through a transparent tube from the 53rd to the 52nd floor. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and breathtaking views, guaranteeing unforgettable Insta and Snap-worthy moments.

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Test your balancing skills at Aqua Fun

Next up, head to the beachfront of JBR to experience the giant inflatable water park Aqua Fun. Built in the shape of “I Love Dubai”, work your way around the largest inflatable obstacle course in the world on the Persian Gulf.  

There are over 70 challenging obstacles to work your way around, a fun and physically challenging day out; this is one of the best things to do in Dubai with teens in Dubai.

Sky-High Dining at Flying Cup

A unique dining experience for teens to enjoy in Dubai is Flying Cup. Set on JBR, adjacent to AquaFun, guests are elevated an impressive 40 metres above the ground to enjoy a drink and a bite (supplied by Operation Falafel) overlooking the beautiful beachfront “the Beach” and Ain Dubai.

Zipline Across Dubai Marina

Officially the longest urban zip line – XLine Dubai – is a spectacular arial experience. Open to anyone over the age of 12 (plus must be over 130cm/50kg). Young Adventurer guests can take on the thrilling 1km flight between Amwaj Towers and Marina Mall at 80km/hr.

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Mix with Celebs at Madame Tussauds

Looking for something slightly less adrenaline-pumping, Madame Tussauds is always a crowd-pleaser. The first Middle East museum to open, Madame Tussauds Dubai, can be found on Bluewaters Island, adjacent to Ain Dubai.

Expect to see over 60 celebrity waxworks, including 16 exclusive to the Middle East collection reflecting local pop icons and regional celebrities. A highlight for teens is bound to be the A-list party room which includes a dancefloor and live DJ, no less!

The Arcade by Hub Zero

A relatively new entrant to teen entertainment in Dubai, The Arcade by Hub Zero at Khawaneej Walk is an immersive virtual reality gaming park. With over 50 games to choose from, including virtual reality, artificial intelligence and motion capture systems, this indoor entertainment centre is ideally set up with the teen crowd in mind.

Scuba Dive at Deep Dive Dubai

Another unique new entrant to Dubai – the world’s deepest swimming pool! In a city of extremes, it should come as no surprise you can go indoor scuba diving in the UAE. Deep Dive Dubai teaches children as young as ten all the basics of scuba diving before hitting the open waters.

Fully qualified instructors are on hand, and friends and family can watch from the observation deck or restaurants as your teen takes on the giant 14 million litre tanks with depths up to 60 meters!

Dune Bash on a Desert Safari

A desert safari is one of the top Dubai tourist activities to enjoy with teens. Join an organised tour (each family is normally allocated their own 4×4 and driver), and you’ll be transported from your city hotel into the heart of the Dubai desert.

Popular desert safari activities include dune bashing, quad biking, and dune buggies, sandboarding, and camel rides. This is followed by an evening Arabian BBQ in the desert, normally accompanied by entertainment from oud playing to belly dancing (not all traditional Bedouin offerings!). Add to your desert experience with henna art – a truly memorable finish to your Dubai trip.  

Swing Your Way Through Aventura Parks

A fun and unique way to enjoy the outdoors in Dubai is at Aventura Parks. Aventura Parks is a ziplining and ropes course that will see your teens surfing their way through the ghaf forests of Mushrif Park. It’s hard to believe that such natural greenery exists this close to the city; there’s a variety of courses that teens will enjoy, some of the most challenging require kids to be aged 16+.

Hit the Arabian Gulf on a Speedboat Experience

Water is everywhere in Dubai! And if it wasn’t there before, Dubai will create it! So, it’s no wonder there’s a huge range of watercraft experiences teens can enjoy.

Your teens may be too young still to take charge of their own jetski, and a dhow cruise may sound a little slow and boring for them, but what’s always popular with our teens is speedboating!

A speedboat tour can take you from Dubai Marina out around the Palm Jumeirah and enjoy some of the city’s most famous sights from the water.

Of course, don’t miss off a traditional abra ride too. It’s a little slower-paced, but seeing the liveliness of Dubai Creek from the water is an unmissable cultural experience.

Shop ’til you Drop in Dubai

Between the old souks and modern shopping malls, there are plentiful shopping options in Dubai. If browsing designer brands is your teen’s thing, then the Fashion Avenue in Dubai Mall is where they’ll want to be seen. Bargain hunters willing to experience more of “old Dubai” might feel more at home in the lesser-known areas of the city like Karama.

Your teens can definitely pick up their Dubai souvenirs at Souk Madinat Jumeriah – a modern souk in traditional Arabic styling. This is also a favourite spot to catch some iconic snaps back to the Burj Al Arab while enjoying some balcony mocktails.

Daring Escape Rooms

If your teenagers are into the concept of escape rooms and love problem-solving challenges, they’re going to enjoy an impressive selection of options in Dubai. Some we can recommend you look into (perfect for a hotel summer’s day when you want an indoor activity):

• Brain Game Escape Rooms – 6 different rooms with different difficulty levels with challenges set over 60 minutes, found in Jumeirah 1.
• Phobia Escape Games – found in two locations in JLT, they offer a combined total of 6 escape room experiences.
• Escape Hunt Dubai – highly commended escape rooms and virtual reality experiences, including Prison Break, Jack the Ripper and The Bank Job.
• No Way Out – can be found in JLT and City Walk, offering a total of 8 different escape room experiences.
• Countdown Challenge – found in JBR, this is a great place in the heart of Dubai’s tourist district, offering five challenge rooms (The Basement, Stolen, Last Will, Escape Plan, and Crime Evidence), all of varying difficulty.

Relax on the Beach

After all this action-packed excitement, at the end of the day, your teens are more than likely to be perfectly happy simply relaxing at the beach.

If budget permits and you want a special treat, why not splash for a day pass to one of Dubai’s incredible beach clubs, or there are several free (or nominal fee) beachfronts you can enjoy simply pulling up a towel – learn more about all of Dubai’s best beach fronts here.

Exploring More of the UAE with Teens

These next few are a little beyond Dubai in other Emirates of the United Arab Emirates, but definitely still achievable within a Dubai family vacation.

Take on the longest zipline in the world

Have you already tackled the longest urban zipline and are looking for the next thrill? Next, head to the Northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the Hajar Mountains (yes, the UAE has mountains!) to experience the thrilling experience of the world’s longest zipline Jebel Jais Flight.

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On Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest point, you’ll also find a sky maze set at 1480 metres above sea level! This is a fabulous day trip to experience the country’s different landscapes and enjoy a thrilling adventure experience somewhere truly unique.

Learn more about the Jais Adventure Park & book tickets.

Ride the Fastest Roller Coaster in the World

Take on an action-packed day trip to Ferrari World on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Situated just an hour away by road, Abu Dhabi is an easy day trip from Dubai, either in a small group tour or hire your own wheels.

The highlight is always Formula Rossi, but there are more than a dozen thrill-seeking rides that can be enjoyed as well as driving and simulator experiences. You can also combine your trip here with Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld and Yas Waterworld, all nearby.

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If your teens are super theme park fans, you’ll need at least two days to get through everything on offer at Yas Island. We’d highly recommend allocating several nights of your itinerary just to Abu Dhabi for this crowd.

Go Dolphin Spotting in Oman

Now, what’s more fun for your teen travellers than ticking another country off your list!

The tiny Omani exclave of Musandam is just two hours away from Dubai, at the very tip of the Arabian Peninsula. With a tour guide, you are driven to the regional city of Khasab and board a boat out into the stunning waters around Kumzar, almost touching Iran!

You are treated to the opportunity to see dolphins at play in their natural element and may even get the chance to go snorkelling in among the mountainous khors – earning the area the nickname “Norway of Arabia” – a truly spectacular finish to your teenagers’ trip to Dubai.

Where to Stay in Dubai with Teens

For more than just a quick city stopover in Dubai, we highly recommend families base themselves around Dubai Marina or the JBR/Jumeirah Beach area of the city.

Not only do you then have the marina and the beach in easy reach but there’s also a great range of hotel apartment options available which can give families the luxury of separate bedrooms – teen parents will be grateful for this!

There’s also a great range of private apartments and Airbnb rental options in this part of the city.

• Our beachfront favourite is Doubletree by Hilton with spacious 2 and 3 bed apartments
• We’ve found really good value apartments with kitchens at JA Oasis Beach Towers

Alternatively, if your primary reason for visiting Dubai with teens is the theme parks, we’d highly recommend staying at either Atlantis the Palm for Aquaventure or any of the Jumeirah group hotels for Wild Wadi.

If you don’t want to kill your whole holiday budget, arrange for a few amazing nights at a resort, then transfer to a cheaper apartment for the remainder of your trip.

Check out more options around Dubai Marina here:

How Long Do I Need in Dubai With Teens?

If you’ve seen the list of ideas above, you can easily see how quickly you’ll fill a week – ideally, you’d want 10 days to build in some rest days too.

We know Dubai is a popular stopover city too, in which case we’d recommend allowing a minimum of 3 nights to fit in the highlights from this list. If you want to include one of the day trips we’ve mentioned, you’ll want at least 4-5 days to not feel rushed (we know our teens don’t mind a sleep in!).

What Should I Budget When Taking My Teen to Dubai?

As a teen parent, you’re undoubtedly very aware of how much our little darlings can cost!

They’re big now for the kiddy menu and not yet an adult to pay their own way. Unfortunately, Dubai tends to start charging kids over the age of 12 at full price for attractions, meals, and entertainment—and hotels count them as an adult, so there’s no more stacking the kids up on a sofa bed!

Budget your Dubai trip with teens in mind. We’d recommend keeping an eye out for 2-4-1 deals, purchasing the Entertainer App if you are dining out over more than a few days, and keeping your eye out for happy hours and early dining offers.

We have a good guide over here to help you plan for Dubai if you are on a budget, plus this great guide of things to do for free or really cheap if you want to save a little bit but still have an enjoyable time as a family in Dubai.

Further Tips for Taking Teens to Dubai

Before taking off on a trip to Dubai with teens, there are a few more things you may want to be aware of:

Sensible Packing for Dubai

It may not always feel like it when you’re walking around in Dubai these days, but it’s important to remember it is a Muslim country, and modesty in the way you dress is important; there is a time and a place for certain outfits.

If you’re at a waterpark, hotel pool, or at most beaches, it’s fine to walk around in your bathers and summery resort wear. Elsewhere, however, such as in shopping malls and cultural attractions, it’s important that your teens adhere to the basic dress code in Dubai.

No one is asking your teens to wear a full head covering, but perhaps leave the super-short shorts and spaghetti-strap tops at home. Many places will publish these rules (which are frequently ignored), but remember, security guards are well within their rights to call the police if rules are being flouted. It’s highly unlikely they’re going to arrest your teen for an outfit, but do talk to them about decency and respect in a Muslim country.

And don’t forget a few other essentials in your case, including the right adapter for Dubai sockets, sunhat and sunglasses, sunscreen, deodorants and antiperspirant wipes.

You can find our full suggested packing list for Dubai here.

Alcohol in Dubai

Not that teens should be drinking anyway, right? But please do note that there are strict rules on alcohol consumption underage drinking in Dubai. The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21, and whilst things have become more relaxed in recent years for those eligible to drink, underage drinking is still strictly forbidden.

On the plus side for your teens, thanks to the largely Muslim population who don’t drink alcohol, you will find a wide variety of mocktails on offer if your teens would still like to join you for a fancy sundowner drink.

Teen Safety in Dubai

Dubai is considered a very safe city for families – in fact Dubai is often ranked within the top 10 safest cities in the world according to The Economist.

Just remind your teens to keep their behaviour in check; no profanities, rude gestures, or offensive sloganned t-shirts. Petty crime is almost unheard of, but does take sensible precautions and keep an eye on everyone’s belongings.

Unfortunately, some men do tend to stare at girls and women—usually harmlessly, but another reason to remind your teen girls about sensible clothing for the region.

Weather in Dubai

If you’ve not picked it up in your research for visiting Dubai already, Dubai can be HOT! Really, really hot, edging up over 45°C/113°F in mid-summer. The best time for visiting Dubai is always in the cooler winter months. Generally, November to April is most pleasant.

This doesn’t mean a summer stopover in Dubai is out of the question – just plan your time wisely. A water park may be bearable in July, but you’re unlikely to be swimming in the ocean or going on a desert safari until things have substantially cooled off.

With so many indoor attractions, though (even air-conditioned bus stops!) Dubai in the summer or even the shoulder seasons can still be a doable trip with tweens and teens (we’d not recommend it so much with toddlers and younger children).

This is a super detailed Dubai itinerary for 7 days, so do bookmark this page for later in your browser or save it to Pinterest

Transport in Dubai for One Week

Over the course of one week in Dubai using this itinerary, you will need to take a combination of taxis, the Metro and private tours.

We’ve given basic directions on the best way to get to each place by public transport, if possible, or where you may need a taxi to get door-to-door with ease. You can find our complete guide to Dubai Transport options here.

Metro: If you stay in Dubai for one week and want to use the Metro lines, it is recommended to get a Silver Nol and top it up with a 7-Day Pass (The card costs 25 AED with 19 AED in credit, then a regular weekly Metro pass is 110 AED). We explain all the fares in more detail here.

A note on taxis: In the hottest part of the year (i.e. about May to October!), be wary of how far you can walk during the day. Places may look relatively close and within walking distance on a map, but under the heat of the sun, a short taxi/Uber ride may very much be worth it (noting a minimum fare applies of 12 AED for taxis).

Hiring a car: Unless you are a super-confident driver or plan on taking several trips out of the city, you are best relying on taxis and tours for your out-of-town trips during a one-week stay in Dubai. You can learn more about self-driving in Dubai here, or if you’re still interested in renting a car in Dubai, check out how much it costs here:

What Can I Fit Into A Dubai Itinerary 7 Days?

With only 7 days in Dubai, you need to be careful with your time management and no doubt book a few activities in advance, especially if you’re visiting at peak tourism times.

When planning out your days, note that the weekend in Dubai is now Friday afternoon through Sunday (2.5-day weekends); these days are MUCH busier with local residents also out and about, especially Friday afternoons after prayer time.

We set out for you here a balanced itinerary for seeing everything that Dubai has to offer, but also included below is a table of additional activities that you can mix and match to your tastes.

For a comprehensive list of everything there is to see and do in Dubai, pop over here – we have 150+ ideas!.

Day 1 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Relax Into Dubai

Relax, unwind and get to know one of Dubai’s modern beachfront districts.

Whether you are staying in one of Dubai’s luxury beachfront hotels or not, with 7 days, there’s no need to rush into sightseeing day 1. Many hotels include their own amazing resort facilities, or head out to explore one of these beachfront areas on foot:

JBR, Bluewaters, Dubai Marina

A lot of first-timers find the area of JBR and Dubai Marina a great place to start. Familiarise yourself with The Walk & The Beach – catch those rays and shake off the jet lag.

If you’d like to stretch your legs further, take a walk over to the ultra-modern man-made island, Bluewaters Island, to dine and marvel at the Dubai skyline along Jumeirah Beach and perhaps add in a flight on Ain Dubai, the largest observation wheel in the world for spectacular city views [NB still “temporarily” closed in 2024].

You can easily spend a whole day in the JBR area between activities along the beach (inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high dining – read more here!) and onward for dinner in the Dubai Marina area or catch a dinner cruise.

Getting there: Jumeirah Beach Residence/Dubai Marina is the perfect place to stay for one week due to the high number of spacious hotel apartments, or by Metro take Red Line to DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Station

La Mer (Now Closed: To be replaced by J1 Beach later in 2024)

Another ultra-modern beachfront area of the city to consider for easing into your first day in Dubai is La Mer. An eclectic mix of palm-tree-lined walkways, retail, dining & play opportunities. There’s even a mini water park here. As pretty at night as it is by day La Mer is a trendy new addition for families and singles alike to enjoy Dubai’s modern vibes.

If you don’t want to spend the whole day simply at the beach, La Mer sees you close to both the Jumeirah Mosque – the largest mosque in Dubai open to the public for daily tours – and Etihad Museum, telling the story of the country’s unification in 1971.

Getting there: No direct Metro stop (nearest is Financial Centre then a 10-minute taxi), or take bus 8, 9 or 88 along Jumeirah Beach Road

Rest up now, as we’ve now got some pretty busy, action-packed days ahead!

Day 2 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Old Meets New

Step back into the Dubai of the past, from Bedouin roots to bustling Dubai Creek.

Your first day of real sightseeing needs to go back to the grassroots of what Dubai city is about; a busy trading port city based around Dubai Creek.

Get your bearings at Dubai Frame

Let’s start your exploration of Dubai by taking in the views from the Dubai Frame. Pretty much what it says – it’s a giant picture frame! One of the first tourist highlights you will capture coming from Dubai International Airport into the city.

You ascend up one side of the 150m high frame (48 floors) and then walk across the top. The see-through floored sky deck gives you fabulous views of Old Dubai, Dubai Creek to Sharjah and beyond in one direction, and the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai in the other.

Learn more about visiting the Dubai Frame here | Buy tickets with PlatinumList

Getting there: Nearest Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park but it’s a decent walk, you may prefer a taxi/Uber drop off

Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

This is the oldest part of Dubai city, a labyrinth of narrow laneways that date back to the 19th century. The area of Bur Dubai is protected so that the city’s heritage does not become lost forever under the sprawling skyscrapers. Most of the traditional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings are now galleries, museums and small cafes.

Within this area, you will find the Dubai Museum, housed within the Al Faihi Fort, which dates back to 1787. At only 3 AED, you should definitely pop your head in for more insight into the country’s Bedouin past and the pre-oil era of Dubai. {CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS SINCE 2020 – NO INDICATION OF REOPEN DATE YET}

There are many other Dubai museums to be discovered within the laneways; the Coffee Museum (entry fee 10 AED) is one of our favourites worth seeking out.

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

Lunch at Al Seef Waterfront

By now, you have most certainly worked up an appetite, so if you’ve not stopped for lunch in XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea House situated within Al Faihidi Historical Neighbourhood, now would be time to head to one of many restaurants in this waterfront development. Seamlessly blending old with new it’s directly across the street, next to the Al Faihidi Marine Transport Station.

Al Seef is set up like a traditional souk, so you’ll be able to do your shopping here too. Kids may enjoy popping into the Museum of Illusions or having some fun with photos in the utterly instagrammable laneways.

Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra

An absolute must for an authentic old Dubai experience! Whilst there are far more modern methods these days of crossing the city, a traditional abra from Bur Dubai to Deira at 1 AED per person is still a steal!

Explore the Traditional Deira Souks

Depending on the heat, you could spend several hours lost in the laneways of Deira, the most popular stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. It’s all open-air, so it can be heavy going and a bit of walking mid-afternoon in the hotter months.

You’ll find a few more museums in this area of the city, too, Naif Museum and Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili are worth seeking out for history lovers.

If you need to escape to airconditioning at this point, Al Ghurair Centre in Deira offers an indoor shopping option – a more modern mall you can still pick up cheap(er) clothing and electronics here before starting your evening exploration.

Take a food tour in Old Dubai

In the evening, it’s time to try some local cuisine. Being the multicultural city that Dubai is, you can be sure many dishes are vying for attention as “local” cuisine, in addition to traditional Emirati or Bedouin-style dishes.

One of the most highly recommended food tours in Dubai is Frying Pan Adventures, who offer various options for small groups to have authentic experiences in the streets of Dubai. Or try this highly commended small group culture and food tour. Most guided tours start and end in Deira.

A boat cruise on Dubai Creek

If you didn’t head out on the water night one in Dubai Marina, try it on night two. Nightly dinner cruises on Dubai Creek will allow you to take on a new perspective of just how busy and bustling Dubai still is as a busy seaport.

An alternative is to hire a guide for Day 2, you will get informative commentary along the way as well as help with transportation.

TIP: Whilst the dress code in Dubai is quite loose around the beach, heading to the older parts of town it’s definitely advisable and polite to cover up more – we talk more about what’s appropriate when here.

Day 3 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Modern Dubai

Explore around Downtown Dubai, from towering heights to mighty fountains and everything in between.

In complete contrast to Day 2, let’s take you over to the glimmering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai and the ultra-modern side of the city.

Dubai Mall

Often touted as the biggest shopping mall in the world (though technically it’s not!), there are a plethora of indoor experiences to have just inside Dubai Mall, other than shopping! Especially if you’re visiting in the summer, it’s easy to spend two days just exploring everything this mega mall has to offer.

Let’s be realistic, though and assume with half a day; you can explore one of:

• The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Kidzania
• Play DXB (formerly VR Park)

There are plenty more things to see and do indoors and some just outside and on the roof – see the full list of Dubai Mall attractions here.

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

Scale the Burj Khalifa

It would be hard to set out a Dubai itinerary and not include THE most iconic building in the city – the world’s tallest building in the world, no less! Yes, you can travel to the observation deck of the building on the 124th and 125h floors (extra packages take you to the 148th floor!), or even dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Level 122.

If you’re unsure what experience might suit you, head over to our complete visitor’s guide to visiting the Burj Khalifa, where we set out all your visiting options – no outside climbing permitted, Mission Impossible-style!

If there’s one part of your Dubai itinerary you simply must book in advance; it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets at the door are extortionately more expensive and can sell out. Do allow a good 2 hours for queuing and having a good look around. Note sunset and sunrise slots (weekends only) cost more.

Souk Al Bahar

Another spot to explore nearby is Souk Al Bahar. Accessed over a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, this modern market is made in the design of a traditional souk offering handicrafts through to fine dining and spectacular views over Burj Lake.

You can find a good selection of places to grab a drink and bite around downtown Dubai here.

Sky Views Dubai

A brand new alternative to scaling the Burj is to try Sky View Dubai. This sensational new experience is not for the fainthearted as you take a glass elevator to the 52nd floor of Sky Views Observatory above Downtown. Walk the 46m glass-floored walkway between two towers, then take a transparent slide-ride over the city!

The super brave may even want to take on Edge Walk for a hands-free leap of faith! Scale your way around the outside of the Address Sky View Hotel. Although not as high as the Burj Khalifa, we’d argue Sky View offers a more unique view of the city.

Evening in Downtown Dubai

There are several ways to continue enjoying Downtown Dubai well into the evening, its the hub of Dubai nightlife alongside JBR/Dubai Marina.

The Dubai Fountain show is one of the most popular free things to do in Dubai. Starting from 6:00 PM nightly, then every half hour, watch the fabulously choreographed light and sound show on Burj Lake, sitting at the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later in the evening, the Burj Khalifa also lights up for half-hourly shows.

For a close-up view of the fountain show, you can take an abra ride on the lake. Alternatively, our favourite is to pick out one of the restaurants with uninterrupted views in either Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine whilst getting to see the show a few times over without the crowds.

If your trip happens to align with something you enjoy at Dubai Opera, this is another sensational Downtown Dubai experience to get glammed up for.

If concrete and modern Dubai is really not you, then head to the listing below of the best cultural activities to continue on a few more activities we couldn’t squeeze in Day 2. A day trip to the Heart of Sharjah may be preferable.

Day 4 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Beach & Desert

A day for sand and surf – dune surfing, that is!

One thing Dubai definitely does well, and in copious quantities, is sand!! So why not dedicate Day 4 to our two favourite Dubai activities, hitting the beach and hitting the desert?

If you’re not staying at a resort hotel, pick out one of Dubai’s popular beach clubs and enjoy the rays for a few hours with the comfort of a sunbed and table service. For more extreme adventures, you could add in a jet ski tour, or if you’ve not hit the waters yet, a boat cruise to see the unique Dubai skyline.

Dubai also has plenty of public beaches, some are completely free, and others have a small Dubai municipality charge but great facilities. Local favourites include Al Mamzar Park and Kite Beach has slightly bigger waves than others, or head to Sunset Beach for iconic views of the Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel.

Shopping alternative

If it’s getting hot out or you’d prefer a little retail therapy, spend the morning at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Similar to Souk Al Bahar in Downtown, this is a modern souk (market) built in traditional style, with indoor and outdoor (seasonal) stalls and shops offering tourist tat to genuine souvenirs and a superb range of eateries.

Again, you can get some brilliant Burj Al Arab views here and even take an abra out on the waterways around the extravagant Jumeirah hotels (a bit more pricey than the 1 AED on Dubai Creek but an amazing backdrop!).

Getting there: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is not on the Metro, but you can get to the Mall of the Emirates and a short taxi from there, or stop at Internet City and then hop on Bus 88.

Desert Experience

In the afternoon, get set for the Dubai desert. There are numerous tour operators who have camps set up in the dunes just outside of the city, as well as a select few operators in the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

A typical desert safari trip in Dubai will include city pickups; then you’ll travel by 4×4 into the dunes, doing some dune bashing along the way before an offering of sand sports – pick from quad bikes, fat bikes, sandboarding, camel rides, henna painting, shisha then join a communal BBQ dinner.

Alternatively, if you are more interested in seeing the desert wildlife than the sand sports, opt for premium options offered by Platinum Heritage, a little more pricey but for smaller groups, a more genuine desert experience.

Getting there: No need to worry about your 4×4 skills, tour operators will pick you up from your hotel or a convenient city location

You can do day 4 in reverse too; If you take an early morning desert safari you can get out and beat the heat, then spend your afternoon and evening enjoying shopping, wandering the souk or a beach club afternoon with sundowners to finish.

If you are visiting in the peak of summer, you would likely need to scratch this outdoor day and replace it with some further activities from our indoor guide to Dubai eg, Ski Dubai or Green Planet

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

No trip to the UAE is complete without seeing the Capital, Abu Dhabi.

The most iconic of buildings to visit in Abu Dhabi is the simply stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Whilst it is possible to squeeze in a trip to the Grand Mosque only on a half-day trip to Abu Dhabi – it’s less than 90 minutes on a tour coach Dubai to Abu Dhabi – you’d be doing yourself an injustice not to see more of the city.

Getting there: If you want to move at your own pace, then definitely hire a car for your Abu Dhabi day trip, but catching a tour is the easiest option – the big price differential is whether you join a shared tourist coach or take a private tour

We have more details here on the spectacular places in Abu Dhabi you can squeeze in on a one-day trip from Dubai – including the Louvre Museum and Qasr al Watan, the Presidential Palace (there’s even a free bus for these two top attractions!)

A longer itinerary would see at least 2 to 3 days spent in Abu Dhabi to capture the highlights of the capital properly.

If you are a theme park junkie, you may want to even stay overnight and enjoy Day 6 at the Yas Island theme parks, just as good (if not better!) than their Dubai counterparts – Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi & Ferrari World.

Abu Dhabi is but one of the other 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (albeit by far the largest in size and the richest in oil!). Dubai is quite central in the country, so it is a great base for exploring the rest of the Emirates. We have more ideas listed below for alternative or additional day trips from Dubai.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi? For the Yas Island theme parks, definitely overnight in the brand 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 choices closer to Dubai end of town.

Those staying longer in Abu Dhabi, pop on over to our Abu Dhabi Travel Planner website.

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

Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies will never be left disappointed in Dubai.

Now if you have littles travelling with you (or big kids at heart!), you may well need to move theme park day further up the itinerary or dedicate two full days.

There’s a superb selection of world-class theme parks to choose from in Dubai. If you’re visiting in the beautiful shoulder seasons (approximately March to May and October to November), our top pick would be one of the mega water parks – choose from Atlantis Aquaventure or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah.

(NB, if you stay at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah hotels, your water park entry will be included!)

Over the cooler winter months of the year (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our top choice. Here you can choose between four connected theme parks (ideally, you can fit in two of these in a day – three at a squeeze):

• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate
• Real Madrid World

And if it’s the peak of summer, the top pick goes to IMG Worlds of Adventure – think Marvel characters to Cartoon Network-themed rides and activities. IMG is entirely indoors to beat the heat.

If theme parks really aren’t your thing, we strongly suggest checking our alternate suggestions for day trips & cultural activities you could add on below.

Getting there: The Theme Parks in Dubai are all quite spread out, Atlantis Aquaventure is on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah and Wild Wadi is close to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Parks & Resorts is in Jebel Ali, beyond the end of the Metro and IMG Worlds of Adventure sits south of the city. In a group, it’s worth getting a taxi for this day

Day 7 – 7 Day Dubai Itinerary: Splurge on something unique

On your last day, it’s time to tick off anything you’re yet to see and do from our ideas above and engage in something uniquely Dubai.

Some top suggestions for “only in Dubai” experiences include:

• Enjoy a sunrise balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Try afternoon tea at the “7-star” Burj Al Arab
• Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
• Zipline across Dubai Marina
• Helicopter journey over the city
• Dine in the world’s highest restaurant

If you’ve not had the opportunity yet, find one of Dubai’s dramatic rooftop bars (seasonal) to finish off your incredible week in Dubai with dramatic views over the city skyline or the Arabian Gulf.

Additional Activities for Your Dubai Itinerary

There was only so much we could fit in an initial 7-day itinerary!

If some of the above activities do not appeal, were out of your budget, or perhaps you’d like to add some additional days to make it a 10-day or two-week itinerary, here’s what you could look to add:

Frequently Asked Questions about Dubai itineraries

This is a super detailed guide, so do bookmark this page for later in your browser or save it to Pinterest

Things to Know Before Visiting Dubai

Before we dive into the juicy details of WHAT TO DO, make sure you’ve checked out our essential planning information too. We cover in much greater detail:

• Things to know before planning a visit to Dubai – Visas, laws, customs & religious aspects to be aware of.

• What to pack for Dubai – dress code advice and a comprehensive packing list for Dubai can be found here.

• The best places to stay in Dubai – let’s talk budget and location in more detail over here.

• Dubai dining guides – all our favourite places to eat, dining specialities, bars and special occasions.

• Best times to visit Dubai – don’t be caught out by the weather or religious events; here are the ideal times to visit Dubai.

• Take out travel insurance! We are in an ever-changing world at present; whilst Dubai remains open for business, don’t get caught short; make sure your trip is comprehensively insured.

Transport for Dubai Itinerary 4 days

Over the course of using our Dubai 4-day itinerary, you will need to take a combination of taxis, public transportation and private tours.

We’ve given basic directions on how to get to each place by public transport if possible, or where you may need a taxi to get door-to-door with ease.

• You can find our complete guide to Dubai Transport options here.

Metro Cost: If you stay in Dubai for only 4 days, it is recommended to get a Red Nol and top it up only as you need it (The card costs just 2 AED + add your fare) We explain all the Metro fares and different types of Nol in more detail here.

Water Transport: This can be a great way to get around the city while also sightseeing! Check out Dubai ferry routes, as well as water taxi and water bus options in Dubai Marina, to work into your travel plans

A note on taxis: In the hottest part of the year (i.e. about May to October!), be wary of how far you can walk during the day. Places may look relatively close and within walking distance on a map, but under the heat of the sun, a short taxi or Uber ride may very much be worth it (noting a minimum fare applies of 12 AED).

Hiring a car: Unless you are a super-confident driver or plan on taking several trips out of the city, you are best relying on taxis and tours for your out-of-town trips during a short stay in Dubai.

Day 1 – 4 Days in Dubai Itinerary: Old Meets New

Step from Dubai’s bustling trading port past to the futuristic modern city

For your first day of sightseeing in Dubai, it really helps to go back to the grassroots of what Dubai city is about; a busy trading port city based around Dubai Creek.

Get your bearings at Dubai Frame

Let’s start your exploration of Dubai by taking in the views from the Dubai Frame. Pretty much what it says on the tin – it’s a giant picture frame! The Dubai Frame is one of the first eye-catching landmarks of the city you will see coming from Dubai International Airport into the city.

You ascend one side of the 150m high frame (48 floors) and then walk across the top. The see-through floored sky deck gives you fabulous views of Old Dubai (Bur Dubai and Deira), Dubai Creek to Sharjah and beyond in one direction, and the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the other.

• Learn more about visiting the Dubai Frame here

Getting there: Nearest Dubai Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park, but it’s a decent walk; you may prefer a taxi/Uber drop off

Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

This is the oldest part of Dubai city, a labyrinth of narrow laneways that date back to the 19th century. This small and historic area is protected so that the city’s heritage does not become lost forever under the sprawling skyscrapers. Most of the traditional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings are now galleries, museums and small cafes.

Within this area, you will find the Dubai Museum, housed within the Al Faihi Fort, which dates back to 1787. At only 3 AED you should definitely pop your head in for more insight into the country’s Bedouin past and the pre-oil era of Dubai. {CLOSED FOR SIGNIFICANT RENOVATIONS SINCE EARLY 2021; no reopen date has been given yet}

There are many other Dubai museums to be discovered within the laneways; the Coffee Museum is one of our favourites worth seeking out.

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

Lunch at Al Seef Waterfront

By now, you have most certainly worked up an appetite, so if you’ve not stopped for lunch in XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea House situated within Al Faihidi Historical Neighbourhood, now would be time to head to one of many restaurants in this waterfront development. Seamlessly blending old with new, it’s directly across the street, next to the Al Faihidi Marine Transport Station.

Al Seef is set up like a traditional souk so you’ll be able to do your shopping here too. Kids may enjoy popping into the Museum of Illusions or have some fun with photos in the instagrammable laneways.

Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra

An absolute must for an authentic old Dubai experience! Whilst there are far more modern methods these days of crossing Dubai Creek, a traditional abra at 1 AED per person is still a steal!

Explore the Traditional Deira Souks

Depending on the heat, you could spend several hours lost in the laneways of Deira, the most popular stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. It’s all open-air, so it can be heavy going and a bit of walking mid-afternoon in the hotter months.

On a short 4 day Dubai itinerary, we suggest you decide whether to spend your evening in Old Dubai or skip to modern Dubai to finish your day 1 – in the hotter summer months, we suggest the latter.

• This is a really good guided tour option that takes in Al Fahidi, Dubai Creek crossing, and the spice souk, small group options are available.

Evening in Old Dubai

Extend your trip to the Dubai Traditional Souks by joining in with an evening guided tour for foodies. Being the multicultural city that Dubai is, you can be sure many dishes are vying for attention as “local” cuisine, in addition to traditional Emirati or Bedouin-style dishes.

One of the most highly recommended food tours in Dubai is Frying Pan Adventures, who offer various options for small groups to have authentic experiences in Dubai’s streets. Most guided food tours on foot start and end in Deira.

Alternatively, hop on to one of the dhow dinner cruises that operate along Dubai Creek for a taste of Old Dubai from the water.

An evening in modern Dubai

Now when we say modern Dubai, we could be talking about a lot of the city! We are referring specifically in this itinerary to exploring the country’s largest mall, Dubai Mall and the Downtown area of Dubai.

If shopping’s not your thing not to fear, Dubai Mall is simply a stopping point to start exploring Downtown. There are plenty of fun family attractions, sports and adrenaline activities to enjoy within the Mall, or step out and explore around Burj Lake, including the stunning Dubai Opera.

Souk Al Bahar

Just across a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, you’ll find Souk Al Bahar. This modern market is made in the design of a traditional souk offering handicrafts through to fine dining and spectacular views over Burj Lake.

• You can find a good selection of places to grab a drink and bite around downtown Dubai here.

Dubai Fountain Show

This brings us nicely to one of Dubai’s most popular spots free things to do at night! Starting from 6:00 PM nightly, then every half hour, watch the fabulously choreographed light and sound show of the Dubai Fountains on Burj Lake, sitting at the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later in the evening, the Burj Khalifa also lights up for a spectacular light show (timing varies seasonally).

For a close-up view of the fountain show, you can take an abra ride on the lake. Alternatively, our favourite is to pick out one of the restaurants with uninterrupted views in either Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine whilst getting to see the show a few times over without the crowds.

Burj Khalifa

Finish your day by scaling the heights of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. There’s an observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors (extra packages even take you to the 148th floor!), or you can even dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Level 122.

• We have a detailed guide here that sets out all your Burj Khalifa visiting options.

If there’s one part of your Dubai itinerary you simply must book in advance, it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets at the door are extortionately more expensive and can sell out. Do allow a good 2 hours for queuing and having a good look around. Note sunset and sunrise slots (weekends) cost more and book up faster.

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

New, then Old Dubai

You can, of course, plan Day 1 in reverse. You might like to start your day at Dubai Mall and visit the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, get your bearings over the city and catch lunch around Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar before spending the afternoon and evening in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and crossing Dubai Creek in the evening to spend time in the markets or catch a dhow cruise on Dubai Creek.

Day 2 – Dubai 4-Day Itinerary: Hit the sand! Desert & Beach

A day set aside for sand and surf – dune surfing that is!

You can tackle this day in two ways; with the desert first or the last thing in the day – avoid being out in the desert in the middle of the day no matter which way around your plan it, especially as you hit the summer months (but even in the winter months midday is too hot to be out in the sand dunes for long).

Dubai Desert Safari Tour

Forget the concrete; it’s time to go and experience the real Dubai out in the desert! Desert safari tour operators will pick you up from your city accommodation in a 4×4 and drive into the sand dunes on the city outskirts, or a limited number of operators can work in the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with an eco-conciois approach for your morning desert safari.

There are broadly two different types of desert safaris; those focused on the desert habitat itself and those focused on dune bashing and sand sports for a higher adrenaline thrill. The evening camps tend to be more focused on the latter, ending in a BBQ dinner, camel rides and shisha in a camp.

Our favourite provider is Platinum Heritage, a little more pricey than some but smaller groups and a more genuine desert experience, whether you choose early morning, evening, or even an overnight safari. Also check out Sand Sherpa, operating in the DDCR for a camp seup experience like no other!

Getting there: No need to worry about your 4×4 skills, tour operators will pick you up from your hotel or a convenient city location

Beaches in Dubai

It’s time to explore one of Dubai’s exciting modern beachfront districts and get out on the waters of the Persian Gulf.

JBR, Bluewaters & Dubai Marina

Many first-timers to Dubai find the area of JBR and Dubai Marina a great place to start. Familiarise yourself with The Walk & The Beach, then if you’d like to stretch your legs further, take a walk over to the ultra-modern Bluewaters Island to dine and marvel at the Dubai skyline along Jumeirah Beach.

NB the new observation wheel Ain Dubai opened briefly in 2021/22 but has since remained closed – there’s still a great selection of dining and entertainment on Bluewaters Island to enjoy; the nightly drone show is a must if you visit during DSF (Dec – Jan)

You can easily spend a whole afternoon in the JBR area between activities along the beach – think inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high dining – read more on what to do around JBR here!

You may also want to head out into the stunning Gulf waters with a cruise. Plentiful operators can be found in Dubai Marina, from speed boat tours around Palm Jumeirah to jet ski adventures, or for a more sedate experience at a fraction of the cost, try the RTA Ferry or water taxi!

Getting there: JBR/Dubai Marina is the perfect place to stay with 4 days in Dubai due to the high number of luxury hotels and spacious hotel apartments, with easy access to Metro Red Line – DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Station.

La Mer (Now Closed: To Be Replaced with J1 Beach later in 2024)

Another ultra-modern beachfront area of the city to explore is La Mer. An eclectic mix of palm-tree-lined walkways, retail, dining & play opportunities. As well as a beautifully groomed beach with plentiful water sports on offer, there’s even a mini water park, Laguna!

(NB as of January 2023, parts of La Mer are closed for renovations – now it looks like the entire area is being bulldozed and rebuilt).

As pretty at night as it is by day, La Mer is a trendy new addition for families and singles alike to enjoy Dubai’s modern vibes.

If you don’t want to spend the whole afternoon at the beach – or it’s simply too hot to be out long – La Mer sees you close to both the Jumeirah Mosque – the largest mosque in Dubai open to the public for daily tours – and Etihad Museum, telling the story of the country’s unification in 1971.

Another short hop away is the Shindagha historic district near Mina Port, a great way to learn more about Dubai’s past.

Getting there: No direct Metro stop (nearest is Financial Centre then a 10-minute taxi), or take bus 8, 9 or 88 along Jumeirah Beach Road

Day 3 – 4 Day Dubai Itinerary: Abu Dhabi Day Trip

No trip to the UAE is complete without seeing the Capital, Abu Dhabi.

The most iconic of buildings to visit in Abu Dhabi is the simply stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Whilst it is possible to squeeze in a trip to the Grand Mosque only on a half-day trip to Abu Dhabi – its less than 90 minutes on a tour coach Dubai to Abu Dhabi – you’d be doing yourself an injustice not to see more of the city once you’ve made an effort to get that far!

Getting there: If you want to move at your own pace then definitely hire a car or private group driver for your Abu Dhabi day trip, but catching a tour coach is the easiest & cheapest option

We have more details here on the spectacular places in Abu Dhabi you can squeeze in on a one-day trip from Dubai – including the Louvre Museum and Qasr al Watan, the Presidential Palace. A longer itinerary would see at least 2 to 3 days spent in Abu Dhabi to capture the capital’s highlights properly.

If you are a theme park junkie, you may want to stay overnight and enjoy Day 4 at the Yas Island theme parks (Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi & Ferrari World) before finishing out your last night in Dubai. They’re just as good – if not better! – than their Dubai counterparts.

Abu Dhabi is but one of the other 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (albeit by far the largest in size and the richest in oil!). Dubai is quite central in the country, so it is a great base for exploring the rest of the Emirates. With only 4 days to spend in total in the UAE, you’ll likely only squeeze in time for one day trip from Dubai.

We have more ideas listed below for alternative or additional day trips from Dubai.

Those staying longer in Abu Dhabi, pop on over to our Abu Dhabi Travel Planner website for more detailed guides to top attractions in the capital.

Day 4 – 4 Day Dubai Itinerary: Theme Parks, Shopping & something special!

Thrill-seekers, shopaholics and adrenaline junkies will never be left disappointed in Dubai.

Now if you have littles travelling with you (or big kids at heart!) you may well need to move theme park day further up the itinerary or dedicate at least a day and a half. If theme parks aren’t your thing, read on below!

Dubai Theme Parks

There’s a superb selection of world-class theme parks to choose from in Dubai. If you’re visiting in the beautiful shoulder seasons (approximately March to May and October to November), our top pick would be one of the mega water parks – choose from Atlantis Aquaventure or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah.

A day out at Atlantis can be combined with aquatic animal experiences at Atlas Village (formerly Dolphin Bay) or explore the giant Lost Chambers Aquarium.

(NB if you stay at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah hotels, your water park entry will be included!)

Over the coolest part of the year (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our top choice. Here you can choose between three connected theme parks (ideally, you can fit in two of these in a day – three at a squeeze):

• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate
• Real Madrid World

And if it’s the peak of summer, the top pick goes to IMG Worlds of Adventure – think Marvel characters to Cartoon Network-themed rides and activities. IMG is entirely indoors to beat the heat.

Getting there: The Theme Parks in Dubai are all quite spread out and really do take the best part of a day: Atlantis Aquaventure is on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah, and Wild Wadi is close to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Parks & Resorts is in Jebel Ali, beyond the Metro and IMG Worlds of Adventure sits south of the city.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

The perfect place for a little retail therapy to finish up your Dubai trip is Souk Madinat Jumeirah. A modern souk (market) built in traditional style, with indoor and outdoor (seasonal) stalls and shops offering tourist tat to genuine souvenirs and a superb range of eateries to choose from.

You can get some brilliant Burj Al Arab views here and even take an abra out on the waterways around the extravagant Jumeirah 5-star hotels (a bit more pricey than the 1 AED on Dubai Creek, but what an amazing backdrop!). Plentiful bars and restaurants can also be found here, catering to all tastes, the perfect way to end your 4 day Dubai itinerary.

Getting there: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is not on the Metro, but you can get to the Mall of the Emirates and a short taxi from there, or stop at Internet City, then hop on Bus 88.

Only in Dubai experiences

If you’ve decided to skip the theme parks and shopping, then there are still plenty of exhilarating experiences to try in their place, including these sensational “only in Dubai” experiences:

• Enjoy a sunrise balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Try afternoon tea at the “7-star” Burj Al Arab
• Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
• Zipline across Dubai Marina
• Seaplane journey over the city
• Dine in the world’s highest restaurant

If you skipped Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai on Day 1, this is also an opportunity to catch up on some of these modern attractions.

And finally, if you’ve not had the opportunity yet, find one of Dubai’s dramatic rooftop bars (seasonal) to finish off your incredible 4 days in Dubai with dramatic views over the city skyline or the Arabian Gulf.

Additional activities for your Dubai itinerary

There was only so much we could fit in this Dubai 4 days itinerary! If some of the above activities did not appeal or were out of your budget, here’s what you could look to add or substitute:

Frequently asked questions about Dubai itineraries

This is a super detailed guide so do bookmark this page for later in your browser or save it to Pinterest

Things to know before visiting Dubai

Before we dive into the juicy details of WHAT TO DO, make sure you’ve checked out our essential planning information too. We cover in much greater detail:

• Things to know before planning a visit to Dubai – Visas, laws, customs & religious aspects to be aware of.

• What to pack for Dubai – dress code advice and a comprehensive packing list for Dubai can be found here.

• The best places to stay in Dubai – let’s talk budget and location in more detail over here.

• Dubai dining guides – all our favourite places to eat, dining specialities, bars and special occasions.

• Best times to visit Dubai – don’t be caught out by the weather or religious events, here are the ideal times to visit Dubai.

• Take out travel insurance! We are in an ever-changing world at present, whilst Dubai remains open for business, don’t get caught short; make sure your trip is comprehensively insured.

Transport in Dubai for 5 days

Over the course of using our 5-day itinerary, you will need to take a combination of taxis, the Metro and private tours.

We’ve given basic directions on how to get to each place by public transport if possible, or where you may need to book a taxi to get door-to-door with ease. You can find our complete guide to Dubai Transport options here.

Metro Cost: If you stay in Dubai for more than a few days and think you’ll catch the Metro more than a couple of times, you might want to consider getting a Silver Nol and loading it with a weekly pass, or simply a Red Nol and top it up as you need to use it. We explain all the fares in more detail here.

A note on taxis: In the hottest part of the year (i.e. about May to October!), be wary of how far you can walk during the day. Places may look relatively close and within walking distance on a map, but under the heat of the sun, a short taxi/Uber may very much be worth it (noting a minimum fare applies of 12 AED).

Hiring a car: Unless you are a super-confident driver or plan on taking several trips out of the city, you are best relying on taxis and tours for your out-of-town trips during a one-week stay in Dubai.

What Can I fit into 5 days in Dubai?

With only five days in Dubai, you need to be careful with your time management and book a few activities in advance, especially if you’re visiting at peak tourism times.

We recommend using a reputable ticketing agent such as Get Your Guide who offer a money-back guarantee in the case of needing to cancel your trip to Dubai.

When planning out your days, note that the weekend in Dubai is Friday & Saturday; these days are MUCH busier with local residents also out and about, especially Friday afternoons after prayer time. Some attractions may open later on a Friday.

We have created a balanced itinerary for seeing everything that Dubai has to offer, but below is a table of additional activities that you can mix and match to your tastes.

For a comprehensive list of everything there is to see and do in Dubai, pop over here – we have 150+ ideas!.

Day 1 – 5 Day Dubai Itinerary: Old Meets New

Step back into the Dubai of the past, from Bedouin roots to bustling Dubai Creek.

For your first day of sightseeing in Dubai, it really helps to go back to the grassroots of what Dubai city is about; a busy trading port city based around Dubai Creek.

Get your bearings at Dubai Frame

Let’s start your exploration of Dubai, taking in the views from the Dubai Frame. Pretty much what it says – it’s a giant picture frame! One of the first tourist highlights you will capture coming from the airport into the city.

You ascend up one side of the 150m high frame (48 floors) and then walk across the top. The see-through floored sky deck gives you fabulous views of Old Dubai, Dubai Creek to Sharjah and beyond in one direction, and the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the other.

Learn more about visiting the Dubai Frame here

Getting there: Nearest Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park but it’s a decent walk, you may prefer a taxi/Uber drop off

Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

This is the oldest part of Dubai city in Bur Dubai, a labyrinth of narrow laneways that date back to the 19th century. The whole Al Fahidi area (previously known as Bastakiya) is protected so that the city’s heritage does not become lost forever under the sprawling skyscrapers. Most of the traditional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings are now galleries, museums and small cafes.

Within this area, you will find the Dubai Museum, housed within the Al Faihi Fort, which dates back to 1787. At only 3 AED you should definitely pop your head in for more insight into the country’s Bedouin past and the pre-oil era of Dubai. {CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS SINCE 2020 – NO REOPEN DATE KNOWN YET}

There are many other Dubai museums to be discovered within the laneways; the Coffee Museum is one of our favourites worth seeking out.

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

Lunch at Al Seef Waterfront

By now, you have most certainly worked up an appetite, so if you have not stopped for lunch at XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea House, situated within Al Faihidi Historical Neighbourhood, now would be a good time to head to one of many restaurants in this waterfront development. Seamlessly blending old with new, it’s directly across the street, next to the Al Faihidi Marine Transport Station.

Al Seef is set up like a traditional souk so you’ll be able to do your shopping here too. Kids may enjoy popping into Museum of Illusions or have some fun with photos in the instagrammable laneways.

Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra

An absolute must for an authentic old Dubai experience! Whilst there are far more modern methods these days of crossing the city, a traditional abra at 1 AED per person is still a steal!

Explore the Traditional Deira Souks

Depending on the heat, you could spend several hours lost in the laneways of Deira, the most popular stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. It’s all open-air, so it can be heavy going and a bit of walking mid-afternoon in the hotter months.

You’ll find a few more museums in this area of the city too, Naif Museum and Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili are worth seeking out.

If you need to escape to air conditioning at this point, Al Ghurair Centre offers an indoor shopping option—a more modern mall. You can still pick up cheap(er) clothing and electronics here before starting your evening exploration.

Take a food tour in Old Dubai

For the evening, it’s time to take in some local cuisines. Being the multicultural city that Dubai is, you can be sure there are many dishes vying for attention as “local” cuisine, in addition to traditional Emirati or Bedouin-style dishes.

One of the most highly recommended food tours in Dubai is Frying Pan Adventures who offer various options for small groups to have authentic experiences in the streets of Dubai. Most group tours start and end in Deira.

A boat cruise on Dubai Creek

A great way to see how busy and bustling Dubai Creek can be, even at night, is by taking a dinner cruise on Dubai Creek.

An alternative is to hire a guide for your first day, you will get informative commentary along the way, as well as help with transportation and getting your bearing in the city before hitting modern Dubai on your own!

TIP: Whilst the dress code in Dubai is quite loose around the beach, heading to the older parts of town it’s definitely advisable and polite to cover up more – we talk more about what’s appropriate when here.

Day 2 – 5 Day Dubai Itinerary: Modern Dubai

Explore around Downtown Dubai, from towering heights to mighty fountains and everything in between.

In complete contrast to Day 1, let’s take you over to the glimmering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai and the ultra-modern side of the city.

Dubai Mall

Often touted as the biggest shopping mall in the world (though technically it’s not!), there are a plethora of indoor experiences to have just inside Dubai Mall, other than shopping! Especially if you’re visiting in the summer, it’s easy to spend two days just exploring everything this mega mall has to offer.

Let’s be realistic, though and assume with half a day, you can explore one of the following:

• The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Kidzania
• Play DXB (formerly VR Park)

There are plenty more things to see and do indoors and some just outside and on the roof – see the full list of Dubai Mall attractions here.

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

Scale the Burj Khalifa

It would be hard to set out a Dubai itinerary and not include THE most iconic building in the city – the tallest building in the world no less! Yes, you can travel to the observation deck of the building“At The Top” on the 124th and 125h floors (extra packages take you to the 148th floor!), or even dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Level 122.

If you’re unsure what experience might suit you, head over to our complete visitor’s guide to visiting the Burj Khalifa where we set out all your visiting options – no outside climbing permitted Mission Impossible-style!

If there’s one part of your Dubai itinerary you simply must book in advance it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets at the door are extortionately more expensive and can sell out. Do allow a good 2 hours for queuing and having a good look around. Note sunset and sunrise slots (only at weekends) cost more – it’s cheaper if you go after dark – see our guide to Burj Khalifa at Night!

Souk Al Bahar

Another spot to explore nearby is Souk Al Bahar. Accessed over a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, this modern market is made in the design of a traditional souk offering handicrafts through to fine dining and spectacular views over Burj Lake.

You can find a good selection of places to grab a drink and bite around downtown Dubai here.

Evening in Downtown Dubai

There are several ways to continue enjoying Downtown Dubai well into the evening, it’s the hub of Dubai nightlife alongside JBR/Dubai Marina.

The Dubai Fountain show is one of the most popular free things to do in Dubai. Starting from 6:00 PM nightly, then every half hour watch the fabulously choreographed light and sound show on Burj Lake, sitting at the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later in the evening the Burj Khalifa also lights up for half-hourly shows.

For a close-up view of the fountain show, you can take an abra ride on the lake. Alternatively, our favourite is to pick out one of the restaurants with uninterrupted views in either Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine whilst getting to see the show a few times over without the crowds.

If your trip happens to align with something you enjoy at Dubai Opera, this is another sensational Downtown Dubai experience to get glammed up for.

If concrete and modern Dubai is really not you, then head to the listing below of the best cultural activities to continue on a few more activities we couldn’t squeeze in Day 1. A day trip to the Heart of Sharjah may be preferable if the older side of the UAE interests you more.

Day 3 – 5 Day Dubai Itinerary: Beach & Desert

A day for sand and surf – dune surfing that is!

Whether you are staying in one of Dubai’s luxury beachfront hotels or not, with five days you really need to squeeze in some relaxing time in the sun too!

After two days of heavy touring, it’s time to leisurely stroll into day 3 at one of Dubai’s famous beachfront districts (choose one, you’ll never fit two into a day!) before heading to the dunes late afternoon.

JBR, Bluewaters, Dubai Marina

A lot of first-timers to Dubai find the area of JBR and Dubai Marina a great place to start. Familiarise yourself with The Walk & The Beach, then if you’d like to stretch your legs further, take a walk over to the ultra-modern Bluewaters Island to dine and marvel at the Dubai skyline along Jumeirah Beach.

From October 2021, two new attractions of interest open on Bluewaters, the incredible Ain Dubai observation wheel (temporarily closed) and Madame Tussauds Dubai – the famous waxworks museum. Each of these could easily extend your trip to the area for the best part of a day.

You can easily spend a whole day in the JBR area between activities along the beach – think inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski, and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high dining – read more on what to do around JBR here!

You may also want to head out into the stunning Gulf waters with a cruise. Plentiful operators can be found in Dubai Marina from speed boat tours around Palm Jumeirah, or for a more sedate experience at a fraction of the cost, the RTA Ferry is a winner (with kids at least – they love anything that goes!)

Getting there: JBR/Dubai Marina is the perfect place to stay with 5 days in Dubai due to the high number of spacious hotel apartments, or by Metro take Red Line to DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Station

La Mer (Now Closed, to be replaced with J1 Beach)

Another ultra-modern beachfront area of the city to explore is La Mer. An eclectic mix of palm-tree-lined walkways, retail, dining & play opportunities. There’s even a mini water park here. As pretty at night as it is by day La Mer is a trendy new addition for families and singles alike to enjoy Dubai’s modern vibes.

If you don’t want to spend the whole day simply at the beach – or it’s simply too hot after an hour or so – La Mer sees you close to both the Jumeirah Mosque – the largest mosque in Dubai open to the public for daily tours – and Etihad Museum, telling the story of the country’s unification in 1971.

Another short hop away is the Al Shindagha historic district near Mina Port, another great way to learn about Dubai’s past.

Getting there: No direct Metro stop (nearest is Financial Centre, then a 10-minute taxi), or take bus 8, 9 or 88 along Jumeirah Beach Road

Dubai also has plenty of public beaches, some are completely free, and others have a small Dubai municipality charge but great facilities. Local favourites include Al Mamzar Park and Kite Beach, which has slightly bigger waves than others, or head to Sunset Beach for iconic views of the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Desert Safari

In the afternoon, get set to experience the Dubai desert. Numerous tour operators have camps set up in the dunes just outside of the city, as well as a select few operators in the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – we compare the most popular options for Dubai desert safari operators here.

A typical desert safari trip will include city pickups, and then you’ll travel by 4×4 into the dunes, doing some dune bashing along the way before an offering of sand sports – pick from quad bikes, fat bikes, sandboarding, camel rides, henna painting, shisha then join a communal BBQ dinner.

Alternatively, if you are more interested in seeing the desert wildlife than the sand sports, opt for premium options offered by Platinum Heritage, they are a little more pricey, but for smaller groups and a more genuine desert experience.

Getting there: No need to worry about your 4×4 skills, tour operators will pick you up from your hotel or a convenient city location

You can do Day 3 of our 5-day Dubai itinerary in reverse too; If you take an early morning desert safari you can get out and beat the heat, then spend the rest of your day enjoying one of the beachfront areas, perhaps book yourself into a relaxing beach club experience at one of the nice hotel resorts and finish off your day with sundowners on the beach.

If you are visiting in the peak of summer, you would likely need to modify or scratch this largely outdoor day and replace it with some further activities from our indoor guide to Dubai

Day 4 – 5 Day Dubai Itinerary: Abu Dhabi Day Trip

No trip to the UAE is complete without seeing the Capital, Abu Dhabi.

The most iconic of buildings to visit in Abu Dhabi is the simply stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Whilst it is possible to squeeze in a trip to the Grand Mosque only on a half-day trip to Abu Dhabi – it’s less than 90 minutes on a tour coach Dubai to Abu Dhabi – you’d be doing yourself an injustice not to see more of the city.

Getting there: If you want to move at your own pace, then definitely hire a car for your Abu Dhabi day trip, but catching a tour is the easiest option – the big price differential is whether you join a shared tourist coach or take a private tour

We have more details here on the spectacular places in Abu Dhabi you can squeeze in on a one-day trip from Dubai – including the Louvre Museum and Qasr al Watan, the Presidential Palace. Its possible to visit these two key cultural attractions in Abu Dhabi using a free service called the Cultural Express.

A longer itinerary would see at least 2 to 3 days spent in Abu Dhabi to properly capture the highlights of the capital.

If you are a theme park junkie, you may want to even stay overnight and enjoy Day 5 at the Yas Island theme parks, just as good (if not better!) than their Dubai counterparts – Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi & Ferrari World.

Abu Dhabi is but one of the other 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (albeit by far the largest in size and the richest in oil!). Dubai is quite central in the country so it is a great base for exploring the rest of the Emirates. We have more ideas listed below for alternative or additional day trips from Dubai.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi? For the Yas Island theme parks, definitely overnight in the brand 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 choices closer to Dubai end of town.

Those staying longer in Abu Dhabi, pop on over to our Abu Dhabi Travel Planner website.

Day 5 – 5 Day Dubai Itinerary: Dubai Theme Park Day!

Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies will never be left disappointed in Dubai.

Now, if you have littles travelling with you (or big kids at heart!) you may well need to move theme park day further up the itinerary or dedicate two full days.

There’s a superb selection of world-class theme parks to choose from in Dubai. If you’re visiting in the beautiful shoulder seasons (approximately March to May and October to November), our top pick would be one of the mega water parks – choose from Atlantis Aquaventure or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah.

(NB if you stay at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah hotels, your water park entry will be included!)

Over the coolest part of the year (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our top choice. Here you can choose between four connected theme parks (ideally you can fit in two of these in a day – three at a squeeze):

• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate
• Real Madrid World

And if it’s the peak of summer, the top pick goes to IMG Worlds of Adventure – think Marvel characters to Cartoon Network-themed rides and activities. IMG is entirely indoors to beat the heat.

If theme parks really aren’t your thing, we strongly suggest checking our alternate suggestions for day trips & cultural activities you could add on below.

Getting there: The Theme Parks in Dubai are all quite spread out, Atlantis Aquaventure is on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah, and Wild Wadi is close to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Parks & Resorts is in Jebel Ali, beyond the end of the Metro and IMG Worlds of Adventure sits south of the city. In a group, it’s worth getting a taxi for this day

Alternative – only in Dubai experiences

If theme parks aren’t your thing, we’d suggest using Day 5 in Dubai to splurge on something truly unique and memorable in Dubai. Why not consider:

• A sunrise balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Indulge in afternoon tea at the “7-star” Burj Al Arab
• Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
• Zipline across Dubai Marina
• Take a seaplane journey over the city
• Dine in the world’s highest restaurant

If you’ve not had the opportunity yet, find one of Dubai’s dramatic rooftop bars (seasonal) to finish off your incredible week in Dubai with dramatic views over the city skyline or the Arabian Gulf.

Additional Activities for Your Dubai Itinerary

There was only so much we could fit in an initial 5-day itinerary!

If some of the above activities do not appeal, were out of your budget, or perhaps you’d like to add some additional days to make it a 10-day or two-week itinerary, here’s what you could look to add:

Frequently asked questions about Dubai itineraries

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Transport in Dubai for 6 days

Over the course of using our 6-day itinerary, you will need to take a combination of taxis, the Metro, and private tours.

We’ve given basic directions on how to get to each place by public transport if possible, or where you may need a taxi to get door-to-door with ease. You can find our complete guide to Dubai Transport options here.

Metro Cost: If you stay in Dubai for around one week, it is recommended to get a Silver Nol and top it up with a 7 Day Pass (The card costs 25 AED with 19 AED in credit, then a regular weekly Metro pass is 110 AED). We explain all the fares in more detail here.

A note on taxies: In the hottest part of the year (i.e. about May to October!), be wary of how far you can walk during the day. Places may look relatively close and within walking distance on a map, but under the heat of the sun, a short taxi/Careem/Uber ride may very much be worth it (noting a minimum fare applies of 12 AED applies to Dubai Taxis).

Hiring a car: Unless you are a super-confident driver or plan on taking several trips out of the city, you are best relying on taxis and tours for your out-of-town trips during a one-week stay in Dubai.

What can I fit into 6 days in Dubai?

With only 6 days in Dubai, you need to be careful with your time management and no doubt book a few activities in advance, especially if you’re visiting at peak tourism times. Given COVID restrictions, many venues continue to have capacity limits.

When planning out your days, note that the weekend in Dubai is Friday & Saturday; these days are MUCH busier with local residents also out and about, especially Friday afternoons after prayer time. Some attractions may open later on a Friday.

We set out for you here a balanced itinerary for seeing everything that Dubai has to offer, but also included below is a table of additional activities that you can mix and match to your tastes.

For a comprehensive list of everything there is to see and do in Dubai, pop over here – we have 150+ ideas!.

Day 1 – 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Old Meets New

Step back into the Dubai of the past from Bedouin roots to bustling Dubai Creek.

For your first day of sightseeing in Dubai, it really helps to go back to the grassroots of what Dubai city is about; a busy trading port city based around Dubai Creek.

Get your bearings at Dubai Frame

Let’s start your exploration of Dubai taking in the views from the Dubai Frame. Pretty much what it says – it’s a giant picture frame! One of the first tourist highlights you will capture coming from the airport into the city.

You ascend up one side of the 150m high frame (48 floors) and then walk across the top. The see-through floored sky deck gives you fabulous views of Old Dubai, Dubai Creek to Sharjah and beyond in one direction, and the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the other.

Learn more about visiting the Dubai Frame here

Getting there: Nearest Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park but it’s a decent walk, you may prefer a taxi/Uber drop off

Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

This is the oldest part of Dubai city, a labyrinth of narrow laneways that date back to the 19th century. The historic area (previously known as Bastakiya) is protected so that the city’s heritage does not become lost forever under the sprawling skyscrapers. Most of the traditional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings are now galleries, museums, and small cafes.

Within this area, you will find the Dubai Museum, housed within the Al Faihi Fort which dates back to 1787. At only 3 AED you should definitely pop your head in for more insight into the country’s Bedouin past and the pre-oil era of Dubai. {CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS SINCE EARLY 2021}

There are many other Dubai museums to be discovered within the laneways, the Coffee Museum is one of our favourites worth seeking out.

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

Lunch at Al Seef Waterfront

By now you have most certainly worked up an appetite, so if you’ve not stopped for lunch in XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea House situated within Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, now would be time to head to one of many restaurants in this waterfront development. Seamlessly blending old with new it’s directly across the street, next to the Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station.

Al Seef is set up like a traditional souk so you’ll be able to do your shopping here too. Kids may enjoy popping into the Museum of Illusions or have some fun with photos in the instagrammable laneways.

Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra

An absolute must for an authentic old Dubai experience! Whilst there are far more modern methods these days of crossing the city, a traditional abra at 1 AED per person is still a steal!

Explore the Traditional Deira Souks

Depending on the heat you could spend several hours lost in the laneways of Deira, the most popular stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. It’s all open-air so it can be heavy going and a bit of walking mid-afternoon in the hotter months.

You’ll find a few more museums in this area of the city too, Naif Museum and Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili are worth seeking out.

If you need to escape to airconditioning at this point, Al Ghurair Centre offers an indoor shopping option – a more modern mall you can still pick up cheap(er) clothing and electronics here before starting your evening exploration.

Take a food tour in Old Dubai

For the evening, its time to take in some local cuisines. Being the multicultural city that Dubai is, you can be sure there are many dishes vying for attention as “local” cuisine, in addition to traditional Emirati or Bedouin-style dishes.

One of the most highly recommended food tours in Dubai is Frying Pan Adventures which offer various options for small groups to have authentic experiences in the streets of Dubai. Most group tours start and end in Deira.

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A boat cruise on Dubai Creek

A great way to see how busy and bustling Dubai Creek can be, even at night, is by taking a dinner cruise on Dubai Creek.

An alternative is to hire a guide for your first day, you will get informative commentary along the way as well as help with transportation and getting your bearing in the city before hitting modern Dubai on your own!

TIP: Whilst the dress code in Dubai is quite loose around the beach, heading to the older parts of town it’s definitely advisable and polite to cover up more – we talk more about what’s appropriate when here.

Dubai Mall

Often touted as the biggest shopping mall in the world (though technically it’s not!), there are a plethora of indoor experiences to have just inside Dubai Mall, other than shopping! Especially if you’re visiting in the summer, its easy to spend 2 days just exploring everything this mega mall has to offer.

Let’s be realistic though and assume with half a day you can explore one of:

• The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Kidzania
• Play DXB

There are plenty more things to see and do indoors and some just outside and on the roof – see the full list of Dubai Mall attractions here.

Getting there: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station on the Red Line Metro then there’s an airconditioned travellator connecting you to the entire surrounding area of Downtown

Scale the Burj Khalifa

It would be hard to set out a Dubai itinerary and not include THE most iconic building in the city – the tallest building in the world no less! Yes, you can travel to the observation deck of the building on the 124th and 125th floors (extra packages take you to the 148th floor!), or even dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Level 122.

If you’re unsure what experience might suit you, head over to our complete visitor’s guide to visiting the Burj Khalifa where we set out all your visiting options – no outside climbing permitted Mission Impossible-style!

If there’s one part of your Dubai itinerary you simply must book in advance it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets at the door are extortionately more expensive and can sell out. Do allow a good 2 hours for queuing and having a good look around. Note sunset and sunrise slots (only on weekends) cost more.

Souk Al Bahar

Another spot to explore nearby is Souk Al Bahar. Accessed over a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, this modern market is made in the design of a traditional souk offering handicrafts through to fine dining and spectacular views over Burj Lake.

You can find a good selection of places to grab a drink and bite around downtown Dubai here.

Evening in Downtown Dubai

There are several ways to continue enjoying Downtown Dubai well into the evening, its the hub of Dubai nightlife alongside JBR/Dubai Marina.

The Dubai Fountain show is one of the most popular free things to do in Dubai. Starting from 6:00 PM nightly, then every half hour watch the fabulously choreographed light and sound show on Burj Lake, sitting at the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later in the evening the Burj Khalifa also lights up for half-hourly shows.

For a close-up view of the fountain show, you can take an abra ride on the lake. Alternatively, our favourite is to pick out one of the restaurants with uninterrupted views in either Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine whilst getting to see the show a few times over without the crowds.

If your trip happens to align with something you enjoy at Dubai Opera, this is another sensational Downtown Dubai experience to get glammed up for.

If concrete and modern Dubai is really not you, then head to the listing below of the best cultural activities to continue on a few more activities we couldn’t squeeze in Day 1. A day trip to the Heart of Sharjah may be preferable if the older side of the UAE interests you more.

Day 3 – 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Beach & Desert

A day for sand and surf – dune surfing that is!

Whether you are staying in one of Dubai’s luxury beachfront hotels or not, with 6 days you really need to squeeze in some relaxing time in the sun too!

After two days of heavy touring, it’s time to leisurely stroll into day 3 at one of Dubai’s famous beachfront districts (choose one, you’ll never fit two into a day!) before heading to the dunes late afternoon.

JBR, Bluewaters, Dubai Marina

A lot of first-timers to Dubai find the area of JBR and Dubai Marina a great place to start. Familiarise yourself with The Walk & The Beach, then if you’d like to stretch your legs further, take a walk over to the ultra-modern Bluewaters Island to dine and marvel at the Dubai skyline along Jumeirah Beach

(Ain Dubai, the largest observation wheel in the world was briefly open to the public in 2021/22 but has since remained closed, its reopening remains a bit of a mystery)

You can easily spend a whole day in the JBR area between activities along the beach – think inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski, and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high dining – read more on what to do around JBR here!

You may also want to head out into the stunning Gulf waters with a cruise. Plentiful operators can be found in Dubai Marina from speed boat tours around Palm Jumeirah, or for a more sedate experience at a fraction of the cost, the RTA Ferry is a winner (with kids at least – they love anything that goes!)

Getting there: JBR/Dubai Marina is the perfect place to stay with 6 days in Dubai due to the high number of spacious hotel apartments, or by Metro take Red Line to DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Station

La Mer (Now closed; To be replaced by J1 Beach later in 2024)

Another ultra-modern beachfront area of the city to explore is La Mer. An eclectic mix of palm-tree-lined walkways, retail, dining & play opportunities. There’s even a mini water park here. As pretty at night as it is by day La Mer is a trendy new addition for families and singles alike to enjoy Dubai’s modern vibes.

If you don’t want to spend the whole day simply at the beach – or it’s simply too hot after an hour or so – La Mer sees you close to both the Jumeirah Mosque – the largest mosque in Dubai open to the public for daily tours – and Etihad Museum, telling the story of the country’s unification in 1971.

Another short hop away is the Shindagha historic district near Mina Port, another great way to learn about Dubai’s past.

Getting there: No direct Metro stop (nearest is Financial Centre then a 10-minute taxi), or take bus 8, 9, or 88 along Jumeirah Beach Road

Dubai also has plenty of public beaches, some are completely free and others have a small Dubai municipality charge but great facilities. Local favourites include Al Mamzar Park and Kite Beach has slightly bigger waves than others, or head to Sunset Beach for iconic views of the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Desert Safari

In the afternoon, get set to experience the Dubai desert. There are numerous tour operators who have camps set up in the dunes just outside of the city, as well as a select few operators in the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

A typical desert safari trip will include city pickups, then you’ll travel by 4×4 into the dunes, doing some dune bashing along the way before an offering of sand sports – pick from quad bikes, fat bikes, sandboarding, dune buggies, camel rides, henna painting, shisha then join a communal BBQ dinner.

Alternatively, if you are more interested in seeing the desert wildlife than the sand sports, opt for premium options offered by Platinum Heritage, a little more pricey but smaller groups, and a more genuine desert experience.

Getting there: No need to worry about your 4×4 skills, tour operators will pick you up from your hotel or a convenient city location

You can do Day 3 of our 6-day Dubai itinerary in reverse too; If you take an early morning desert safari you can get out and beat the heat, then spend the rest of your day enjoying one of the beachfront areas, perhaps book yourself into a relaxing beach club experience at one of the nice hotel resorts and finish off your day with sundowners on the beach.

If you are visiting in the peak of summer, you would likely need to modify or scratch this largely outdoor day and replace it with some further activities from our indoor guide to Dubai

Day 4 – 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Abu Dhabi Day Trip

No trip to the UAE is complete without seeing the Capital, Abu Dhabi.

The most iconic of buildings to visit in Abu Dhabi is the simply stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Whilst it is possible to squeeze in a trip to the Grand Mosque only on a half-day trip to Abu Dhabi – it’s less than 90 minutes on a tour coach from Dubai to Abu Dhabi – you’d be doing yourself an injustice not to see more of the city.

Learn more here on border crossing requirements Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Getting there: If you want to move at your own pace then definitely hire a car for your Abu Dhabi day trip, but catching a tour is the easiest option – the big price differential is whether you join a shared tourist coach or take a private tour

We have more details here on the spectacular places in Abu Dhabi you can squeeze in on a one-day trip from Dubai – including the Louvre Museum and Qasr al Watan, the Presidential Palace. A longer itinerary would see at least 2 to 3 days spent in Abu Dhabi to properly capture the highlights of the capital.

If you are a theme park junkie, you may want to even stay overnight and enjoy Day 5 at the Yas Island theme parks, just as good (if not better!) than their Dubai counterparts – Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld & Ferrari World.

Abu Dhabi is but one of the other 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (albeit by far the largest in size and the richest in oil!). Dubai is quite central in the country so it is a great base for exploring the rest of the Emirates. We have more ideas listed below for alternative or additional day trips from Dubai.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi? For the Yas Island theme parks definitely overnight in the brand 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 choices closer to Dubai end of town.

Those staying longer in Abu Dhabi, pop on over to our Abu Dhabi Travel Planner website.

Day 5 – 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Dubai Theme Park Day!

Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies will never be left disappointed in Dubai.

Now if you have littles travelling with you (or big kids at heart!) you may well need to move theme park day further up the itinerary or dedicate two full days.

There’s a superb selection of world-class theme parks to choose from in Dubai. If you’re visiting in the beautiful shoulder seasons (approximately March to May and October to November), our top pick would be one of the mega water parks – choose from Atlantis Aquaventure or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah.

(NB if you stay at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah hotels, your water park entry will be included!)

Over the coolest part of the year (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our top choice. Here you can choose between four connected theme parks (ideally you can fit in two of these in a day – three at a squeeze):

• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate
• Real Madrid World

And if it’s the peak of summer, the top pick goes to IMG Worlds of Adventure – think Marvel characters to Cartoon Network-themed rides and activities. IMG is entirely indoors to beat the heat.

If theme parks really aren’t your thing, we strongly suggest checking our alternate suggestions for day trips & cultural activities you could add on below.

Getting there: The Theme Parks in Dubai are all quite spread out, Atlantis Aquaventure is on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah and Wild Wadi is close to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Parks & Resorts is in Jebel Ali, beyond the end of the Metro and IMG Worlds of Adventure sits south of the city. In a group, it’s worth getting a taxi for this day

Day 6 – 6 Day Dubai Itinerary: Shopping & splurge on something unique

On your last day, it’s time to tick off anything you’re yet to see and do from our ideas above and engage in something uniquely Dubai.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

The perfect place for a little retail therapy in Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern souk (market) built in traditional style, with indoor and outdoor (seasonal) stalls and shops offering tourist tat to genuine souvenirs and a superb range of eateries to choose from.

You can get some brilliant Burj Al Arab views here and even take an abra out on the waterways around the extravagant Jumeirah hotels (a bit more pricey than the 1 AED on Dubai Creek but what an amazing backdrop!).

Getting there: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is not on the Metro but you can get to Mall of the Emirates and a short taxi from there, or stop at Internet City and then hop on Bus 88.

Only in Dubai experiences

Finish off your trip to Dubai by partaking in some of the most unique “only in Dubai” experiences including:

• Enjoy a sunrise balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Try afternoon tea at the “7-star” Burj Al Arab
• Skydive over Palm Jumeirah
• Zipline across Dubai Marina
• Seaplane journey over the city
• Dine in the world’s highest restaurant

If you’ve not had the opportunity yet, find one of Dubai’s dramatic rooftop bars (seasonal) to finish off your incredible week in Dubai with dramatic views over the city skyline or the Arabian Gulf.

Additional activities for your Dubai itinerary

There was only so much we could fit in an initial 6-day itinerary!

If some of the above activities do not appeal, were out of your budget, or perhaps you’d like to add some additional days to make it a 10 day or two-week itinerary, here’s what you could look to add:

Frequently asked questions about Dubai itineraries