Explore Dubai in 7 Days: Ultimate One-Week Dubai Itinerary

March 6, 2024

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and is becoming a more popular destination every year for many reasons. Located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, it is a true gem in the Middle East worth visiting not just once, but multiple times.

Dubai is famous for its records, being home to the world’s tallest building, the largest Ferris wheel, the biggest flower garden, and much more. The city offers countless attractions for people of all ages and backgrounds. It gives visitors the feeling that every little detail has been carefully thought out to ensure a perfect vacation.

Our next article will present a true classic – a one-week trip to Dubai, detailing each day with the most useful information, travel tips, and recommendations. First, we will address the most frequently asked questions that arise when planning a trip to Dubai. Then, we will provide a day-by-day itinerary for a 7-day trip, highlighting the best places and things to do in Dubai within a week. Finally, we will offer some suggestions to enhance or make your Dubai trip even more active if you want to see more.

Let’s begin with the essential information you need to know when you plan your trip to Dubai.

What to know when planning a trip to Dubai

Is Dubai worth a visit?

Dubai is not only worth a visit, it’s a place every traveler should go. It’s one of the most interesting destinations in the Middle East, providing unforgettable experiences that you shouldn’t miss.

How to get to Dubai

If you’re traveling to Dubai, unless you’re coming from one of the neighboring countries, you can get there by plane. The city has a large airport, the Dubai International Airport – DXB (there is another one, but most international flights land at DXB).

If you want to save money, consider looking into flights heading to the nearby capital city, Abu Dhabi.

Dubai International Airport has three terminals, with terminals 1 and 3 located together, and terminal 2 a bit farther away. We don’t recommend arriving at terminal 2 because it can be more challenging to rent a car, and sometimes, you might need to taxi to terminals 1 or 3. Additionally, there is a direct metro line only to terminals 1 and 3.

So, if you plan to rent a car or use the metro, it’s better to choose flights arriving at terminals 1 and 3.

Which airline to choose largely depends on your budget. The renowned Emirates airline represents excellent service quality, and if you can afford it, it’s worth paying for.

If you have a smaller budget, many cities offer low-cost flights. While these budget airlines may provide less luxurious service, they are suitable for shorter trips.

Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai’s hot desert climate makes winter the best time to visit, roughly from November to April.

In November and March, April, you can experience summery warmth and enjoy beach activities.

December, January, and February bring slightly cooler sea temperatures, and with air temperatures ranging from 18-25°C, it’s ideal for city exploration.

In summer, Dubai is only worth a trip if you can’t make it at other times. Prices are much lower, but the heat is so intense that you can’t spend much time outside, and many attractions are closed in summer.

Best places to stay in Dubai

Nowhere else have we experienced higher service quality and greater hospitality than in Dubai, which is notably evident in the hotels.

The hotels are generally extremely clean, well-equipped, and surprisingly affordable. In Dubai, you can find accommodation in almost every price range, from budget-friendly hostels and 3 to 4-star hotels to genuine luxury hotels.

We recommend considering a few options from various categories:

Budget-Friendly

  • Rove Dubai Marina: a very well-priced three-star hotel on Dubai Marina, close to more other attractions like Ain Dubai or Palm Jumeirah
  • Rove Expo City: we can also recommend other hotels in the Rove chain, such as the Rove Expo 2020 in Expo City, which is a very affordable and well rated hotel. It’s a bit far from the other attractions, but for the price it’s on our list

Mid-Range

  • Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah: a four-star hotel opened in 2022, located on the Palm Jumeirah, offering an almost five-star experience with breathtaking views, beautiful interiors and its own private beach
  • Vida Creek Harbour: a good value hotel near Creek Harbour with fantastic views from its terrace and pool, two restaurants and free private garage
  • Courtyard by Marriott Dubai, Al Barsha: a well-priced four-star hotel in the Barsha district, close to the Mall of the Emirates. If you want to stay in a central location at a good price, this hotel is a good choice
  • Al Bandar Rotana: a five-star hotel close to the DXB airport and the Creek, very good value for money, has a private parking garage, great views of Downtown and excellent breakfast
  • Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, an IHG Hotel: a five-star hotel in Downtown, relatively close to the Burj Khalifa. A very good value hotel in its category and with excellent reviews

Luxury

  • One&Only Royal Mirage Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: a top luxury hotel close to Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, with a private beach, breathtaking outdoor facilities and stylish interiors
  • Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai: a real luxury hotel on Pearl Jumeirah, with excellent restaurants, a huge private beach and wonderful interiors
  • Palace Downtown: The Palace Downtown is one of Dubai’s most famous luxury hotels. It has breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa, is built in a magnificent Arabian style and its palm-fringed pools are a big favorite among tourists
  • Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai: a popular five-star luxury hotel on the Palm Jumeirah. It has fantastic restaurants, with by far the best breakfasts we have ever tried. The nightlife is quite active at this hotel, so we recommend it especially for young people. There are also frequent star DJ nights. It has a private beach and a fabulous pool

What fits into one week in Dubai

One week in Dubai is less than you might initially think. Indeed, on our first trip in 2021, we set off with the idea of “bring enough swimwear, we’ll get bored anyway”, and surprisingly, we didn’t even have time to go to the beach in a week! There are so many attractions, fantastic views, buildings, activities, and experiences that in 7 days, you can only squeeze in the highlights, the absolute must-sees.

Our 7-day itinerary is well thought out and doable, allowing you to see the best places in Dubai. However, if you’d like to explore the other recommended spots, travel to the capital, Abu Dhabi, or venture into the countryside, we suggest spending more time in the United Arab Emirates, perhaps 10 or 14 days.

Costs of a trip to Dubai

Traveling to Dubai is possible with a moderate budget, but you can also spend any amount you wish.

A general observation is that flight tickets to Dubai are usually more expensive compared to other destinations. However, hotels are often more affordable than accommodations in Western Europe or the USA. Restaurants tend to be pricier in Dubai, and you’ll notice higher food prices in stores as well. The range of activities varies. You can choose affordable options, around $10-20, but there are also many activities that cost $100 or more.

If you arrive on a budget airline, opt for a three-star hotel, use public transportation, and have no specific preferences for dining, meaning you are open to eating anywhere, you can manage your week-long trip to Dubai at a reasonable cost.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in 5-star accommodations, want to experience luxury, explore unique places, and indulge in special experiences, it can get expensive. The cost depends entirely on your plans, and the sky’s the limit.

What currency to carry

The official currency of the UAE is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED).

The best idea is to take euros or US dollars with you and exchange some money at a local exchange office in the UAE.

You can pay by card in most places, so you won’t need too many dirhams.

How to get around Dubai

By car

While not everyone may prefer this idea, we believe that exploring Dubai is best done by car. Traffic might seem a bit chaotic at first, but it’s not difficult. Most drivers follow the rules, likely because the city is full of cameras. Parking is well-managed everywhere. The only challenge we faced (aside from speed cameras, haha) was with GPS apps common in Europe, which didn’t work as smoothly. Try different apps to find the most accurate one.

Renting a car is easiest at the airport, but be cautious as many companies have poor reviews. We realized this years later and understood why. Many rental companies try to charge extra later, claiming you returned the car damaged or received a fine in your name (even years later, as we experienced).

Due to bad experiences, we can’t recommend a specific car rental company. Our advice is to thoroughly research any company you consider renting from, no matter where you rent the car.

By public transport

If you prefer public transport, buy a so-called Nol card. You can use this card for the metro, bus, even sometimes boats. They also offer discounts on certain tickets within the Nol Plus service.
You can find out more about the Nol card on the official website.

By taxi

Another commonly used solution is taking a taxi. If public transportation doesn’t reach your desired destination, and you haven’t rented a car, just call a taxi. Dubai Taxi services are affordable, and you can easily get to almost anywhere by taxi. For more information, you can check the official website.

Is there a dress code in Dubai?

You can wear anything you like in Dubai, there are no strict rules. However, it’s a good idea to bring more simple and modest clothes. It’s not good to see Western tourists in a Muslim country wearing revealing clothes.

By the way, only certain places require clothing that covers shoulders and knees, e.g. mosques, and many high-class hotels and restaurants have a dress code.

Food in Dubai

In Dubai, you can find a variety of delicious cuisines almost anywhere and at different price ranges. Seriously, the options are incredible. I don’t know if there’s a country whose cuisine isn’t represented in Dubai.

The city is famous for having restaurants by many celebrity chefs, and one of the most exclusive places in this regard is the two Atlantis hotels.

Additionally, you can find the popular fast-food restaurants, plenty of affordable eateries, and it’s relatively easy to find options for various diets.

As an example, my gluten-free dining experience has been nearly trouble-free in few places as in Dubai. Even in mid-range restaurants, allergen information is available, for instance.

If you want to shop for groceries, it’s not difficult; you can find a store almost anywhere, including hypermarkets like Carrefour, Waitrose, or several others.

For delivery, the most popular apps are Talabat and Deliveroo. You can check food prices and the variety of options on these apps.

Overall, dining is a bit pricier than what we’re used to in Central Europe. In mid-range places, a complete meal for one person usually ranges between $10 and $25.

Is it legal to drink alcohol in Dubai?

As a tourist (adult) in Dubai, you can consume alcohol, but you can only purchase and consume it in authorized places or in your home (hotel).

The drug rules in Dubai are even stricter. Not only can you go to jail for drugs that are illegal elsewhere, but you can also face jail time for substances that are legal elsewhere, like CBD products.

7-day Dubai itinerary: How to spend 7 days in Dubai

After the basics, here’s our 7-day itinerary, day by day, containing the best places to visit in Dubai. Our one-week itinerary covers almost every part of Dubai, showing you the best of the city.

Day 1: Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall

After arriving, let’s start the first day by exploring the attractions of Dubai that most of you are likely curious about: the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and their surroundings.

The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, and its surroundings in Downtown are filled with equally impressive skyscrapers. As you drive along Sheikh Zayed Road, you’ll already see numerous skyscrapers, but reaching the Burj Khalifa gives a unique feeling – the whole area is exceptionally special.

Morning: Dubai Mall

If you arrive by car, you can leave it in one of the parking lots next to the Dubai Mall, near the Burj Khalifa. From the Dubai Mall, you can easily walk to the attractions through the shopping center.

However, it’s recommended to start by exploring the plaza, where you’ll find numerous excellent shops and restaurants. The Dubai Mall is one of the best places in Dubai for shopping.

Afternoon: Dubai Fountain, Photo Spots in the Downtown

Next, head to the famous Dubai Fountain, another popular attraction in the area. You can take a boat ride, stroll around, visit the nearby Souk al Bahar, and explore popular photo spots.

Such photo spots around the Burj Khalifa include the “I Love Dubai” Sign, the Wings of Mexico Statue, and the pool in front of the entrance to the Palace Downtown hotel, all with the Burj Khalifa in the background. It’s worthwhile to visit these during the daytime.

Sunset: Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa It’s advisable to schedule your visit to the Burj Khalifa during sunset.

The Burj Khalifa is famous not only for its record-breaking height but also for its magnificent views and its city-shaping appearance.

There are several tickets available for the Burj Khalifa, so it is up to you to decide which one to buy, depending on your budget.

We always recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa by booking online tickets in advance for the sunset hours. For example, if the sunset is at 6 pm (you should check online), buy tickets online in advance for 5 or 5:30 pm. With an online ticket, you don’t have to queue at the ticket office, allowing you to get to the upper floors faster.

We recommend the sunset period because you can see Dubai from the Burj Khalifa in both its daytime and nighttime beauty with one ticket.

Evening: Shows at the Dubai Fountain

In the evenings, the Burj Khalifa often dazzles visitors with a laser show, accompanied by the stunning Dubai Fountain located in front, which hosts marvelous fountain shows.

Additional activities

If you are interested, you can also visit other places in the Dubai Mall:

  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
  • Dubai Mall Waterfall
  • Dubai Ice Rink
  • KidZania

Day 2: Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame

On the second day of the 7-day Dubai itinerary, you can explore more of the must-visit places in Dubai: the Museum of the Future and the Dubai Frame.

Morning: Museum of the Future

Start your morning by visiting the Museum of the Future. There’s a lot of debate online about whether it’s worth exploring inside. In our opinion, if you have enough time, don’t miss it.

Pro tip: Buy your tickets online in advance, as they sometimes sell out weeks in advance.

From the outside, the building is a favorite among photographers. The best photo points are from the Jumeirah Emirates Towers area (from its upper parking lot) and from the other side of Sheikh Zayed Road, in front of the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel.

Walking towards the entrance of Emirates Towers is interesting in itself, as you might find freely roaming peacocks in a small green area – a unique sight in the heart of downtown.

Afternoon: Dubai Frame

In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Frame. The Dubai Frame is an iconic architectural structure in Dubai, connecting the city’s modern and traditional parts within a massive frame. Located in Zabeel Park, it impresses with its dimensions, standing at 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide, offering impressive views of both the city’s new skyscraper-filled area and the traditional historic district.

From the Sky Deck atop the frame, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas and walk on a glass floor that turns transparent when stepped on. Exhibits inside the building showcase the development and future plans of Dubai.

The Dubai Frame is a great chance for visitors to understand how the city has grown and changed, enjoying amazing views from high above.

Evening: Dubai Fountain or Dubai Garden Glow

In the evening, since one day at the Burj Khalifa is not enough for anyone, you can go back for another fountain or laser show, which could be watched every day. 😊

If you are looking for an extra program, a good idea is to choose Dubai Garden Glow next to the Frame, which is an evening park with wonderful illuminated shapes and sculptures.

Optional attractions in the area

  • AYA Universe
  • Dubai Dolphinarium

Day 3: Old Dubai, Dubai Creek

For the third day of the 7-day Dubai itinerary, we have planned more relaxed and optional activities, focusing on exploring the old town and the creek.

We present a daily plan that we have put together, but feel free to choose from the attractions as you please.

Morning: Old Dubai

“Old Dubai” refers to the historic areas of Deira and Bur Dubai along the Dubai Creek. These parts of the city still have older-style buildings, traditional markets (souks), and cultural landmarks. Exploring Old Dubai provides a glimpse into the city’s past before modernization.

One of the best places to learn about Dubai’s history is Dubai Old City on Al Seef Street.
Here you can see traditional Emirati buildings, with a variety of heritage sites, hotels, cafés and restaurants.

Plus, here is one of Dubai’s famous Starbucks cafés in an old building that you may have seen on social media.

Not far from here, you can also find the Dubai Museum, an optional attraction.

In addition, on the other side of Dubai Creek, there are some interesting markets that tourists love, such as the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. If you like shopping, you’ll love these places.

Afternoon: Dubai Creek Harbour

Dubai Creek Harbour offers stunning views of the city and serves as a leisure destination with a variety of attractions. It’s worth taking a sunset stroll along the shore, as both the Flamingos Statue and the white arches offer wonderful photo opportunities, showcasing the Creek and the Downtown in the background.

Additionally, while walking, visit the Creek Harbour Public Viewing Deck, which is a new viewing platform in Dubai.

If you’re looking for something extra, not far away is the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see, among other things, flamingos.

Day 4: Miracle Garden, Global Village

On the fourth day, we have planned two spectacular attractions suitable for families, as well as young and older visitors: the Miracle Garden and the Global Village.

Morning: Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s biggest flower garden, showcasing flower arrangements in different shapes.

One highlight is a life-size Emirates Airbus A380 covered in flowers, drawing many visitors. Our other favorite spot was the heart-shaped arches adorned with flowers in a row, making it a perfect Instagram spot.

The garden introduces a new theme each year, often inspired by fairytales.

Situated on Dubai’s outskirts, it’s recommended to use a car or taxi.

Despite a slightly higher entrance fee, spending a few hours here is worth it for the stunning floral compositions.

Afternoon, evening: Global Village

Global Village is a unique blend of an amusement park and an extensive market, making it challenging to define precisely. It’s an ideal destination for families in Dubai, offering abundant entertainment for both kids and adults.

Vendors from various countries and regions showcase goods ranging from the USA to Asia.

Admission requires a ticket, and additional charges apply for various attractions inside.

Located on the outskirts of the city, the most convenient way to reach Global Village is by car or taxi.

Optional attractions in the area

  • Dubai Butterfly Garden
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina

On the fifth day of the 7-day itinerary, explore the best of another part of Dubai: Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, which are favorites among tourists.

Morning: Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah is a massive, artificially created palm-shaped island filled with luxury hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and attractions. Popular spots include the renowned Atlantis The Palm, the newer Atlantis The Royal, The View at the Palm observation terrace above Nakheel Mall, and the Aura Skypool.

Atlantis The Palm

Recommended for families seeking a luxury hotel, especially those interested in the adjacent Aquaventure Waterpark—a popular entertainment venue for families. Additionally, in this hotel, you can try restaurants by celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay.

If you prefer an external view, take a stroll along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk for fantastic photos of this spectacular building.

Atlantis The Royal

One of the newest and best hotels in Dubai. Ideal for young adults who can afford one of Dubai’s most sought-after luxury hotels. Offers a stunning view from its pools, making it a perfect Instagram-worthy location.

The View at the Palm

An affordable observation point providing breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and even other parts of Dubai. It’s advisable to visit during clear weather conditions to avoid smog or haze.

Aura Skypool

One of Dubai’s trendiest luxury pools, offering impressive views similar to The View at the Palm since both locations are within the same building. It comes with higher prices, and tickets need to be booked well in advance due to high demand. Recommended for those wanting to experience a touch of luxury during their Dubai trip.

Extra activity

If you’d like to enjoy some beach time in the area, you can explore Palm West Beach, featuring stunning seashores, high-class restaurants, and bars.

Afternoon, evening: Dubai Marina

In the afternoon, head over to Dubai Marina, another stunning part of Dubai.

If you take a walk along the Marina, you can see breathtaking skyscrapers, take a boat trip from here, sit in one of the many amazing restaurants, and go down to the beach, where you can also spend a wonderful afternoon.

On nearby JBR Beach, you can enjoy free beach access and see Ain Dubai, the world’s largest Ferris wheel, located on nearby Bluewaters Island. Unfortunately, tickets for the Ferris wheel are currently not available as it has been out of service for some time, hopefully this will change in the future.

One of the best places to stay in the area is the Address Beach Resort, a luxury hotel with the world’s highest infinity pool on the 77th floor, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Pro tip: If you visit in December or January, check it out, because on JBR, there are regular spectacular drone shows and fireworks in the evenings.

Day 6: Dubai Desert, Beach

The sixth day of our itinerary is planned for a slightly more relaxed schedule. Whether you’re seeking active adventures or simply looking to unwind, this day offers flexibility for any preference.

The two activities of the day are the beach and the desert safari.

Desert Safari

The timing for the safari could depend on when you manage to book it—it might be scheduled for early morning or later in the evening. For desert safaris in Dubai, GetYourGuide and Viator are great options, offering good deals, although mostly standard tours.

For a more unique experience, Facebook groups might be helpful. There, you can connect with Dubai residents who organize special, distinct safari services at unique prices.

On most safaris, a driver will take you around a specific desert area where you can experience sliding down sand dunes. Additionally, camel rides and quad biking are often available. Many tours also offer opportunities to taste traditional Arabian food, and on longer trips, you might even enjoy belly dance performances.

Beach

For the rest of the day, if you have time, head down to the beach and enjoy some of Dubai’s beaches.

The most popular beaches are JBR Beach, Kite Beach and Jumeirah Beach.

Day 7: Burj Al Arab, Souk Madinat Jumeirah

For the seventh day, we’ve included two optional programs. While not must-visit places, they might interest many. These are the famous Burj Al Arab and the lesser known but impressive Souk Madinat.

Morning: Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai’s iconic buildings and one of the world’s best-known luxury hotels. Burj Al Arab is built on an artificial island. Its elegant design and ‘sail-shaped’ appearance make the building unique.

The Burj Al Arab is often referred to as a 7-star hotel, although this is not reflected in the official rating system. However, it is the hotel’s services, level of luxury and exclusive atmosphere that have led to the use of this designation.

You can only see the Burj Al Arab from the outside for free, but it is well worth a short stop. Inside, if you are not a guest, group or individual tours are available to take you around the complex and show you the places that attract tourists.

Afternoon: Souk Madinat Jumeirah

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a lively market space in Dubai, blending traditional Middle Eastern architecture with modern comforts. It’s designed to resemble a traditional souk.

Located near the stunning Burj Al Arab, it’s connected by picturesque waterways, and provides a scenic environment for both shopping and dining. Visitors can explore narrow pathways, enjoy the view of water canals, and experience the charm of an authentic Arabian market.

Besides shopping, Souk Madinat Jumeirah offers various dining options, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Additionally, it provides one of the most picturesque views of the Burj Al Arab, with the best photo spots around The Meat Co. Souk Madinat Jumeirah restaurant.

Optional places to visit in the area

  • Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah
  • Mall of Emirates
  • Ski Dubai

Extra day: Day trip to Abu Dhabi

If you want to visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, you can either plan an extra day or adjust your 7-day Dubai itinerary (for example, by skipping places of less interest). We personally loved Abu Dhabi and think it would be a shame to miss it.

How to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

Abu Dhabi is about 140 km away from Dubai, which takes about 1.5 hours by car. As the highway between the two cities is excellent (and there are actually more highways), this is the best way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Alternatively, a bus service is available from Dubai’s Ibn Battuta bus station, which will take you to Abu Dhabi in nearly 2 hours.
When it comes to public transport, it’s probably best to pay for a guided bus tour, in which case tour guides will take you around Abu Dhabi’s best attractions, and you won’t have to worry about getting from one point to another.

In addition to these, taxis are available, which are a little expensive for this distance, but can be organized individually.

Top attractions in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is a beautiful city, a little different in style to Dubai, but no less impressive.
If you have time, take a day trip to Abu Dhabi and see the main sights (or at least 2-3 of them), which are:

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a beautiful mosque in Abu Dhabi, known for its stunning design and spiritual significance.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art museum on Saadiyat Island, promoting cultural exchange with a diverse collection of artworks.

Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan is part of the Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace complex, offering visitors a glimpse into the UAE’s culture and politics.

Ferrari World Yas Island

Ferrari World on Yas Island is a thrilling theme park dedicated to the Ferrari brand, featuring the world’s fastest roller coaster and interactive exhibits.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Emirates Palace is a popular hotel in Abu Dhabi with luxurious interiors and excellent facilities. The place is particularly famous for its gold snacks and drinks, such as the gold coffee, gold ice cream and gold macarons.

Additional attractions to consider

  • Sky Views Observatory: Sky Views Observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline. In addition, here you have the opportunity to slide down a glass slide.
  • Dubai Museum: Dubai Museum showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, providing an insight into its transformation from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis.
  • Dubai Gold Souk and Spice Souk: Explore the vibrant markets of Gold Souk and Spice Souk, offering a wide array of precious metals and aromatic spices in the heart of Dubai.
  • Expo City: Expo City was the site of the 2020 World Expo, now a lively district with interesting pavilions from the past expo (our favorite was the pavilion of Saudi Arabia). Don’t miss the famous Fire Falls and the Garden in the Sky for a top view of Expo City.
  • Al Qudra Lakes: Al Qudra Lakes is a serene desert oasis, perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
  • Half Desert Dubai: This is an area outside the city where you can safely drive into the desert. There are many asphalt roads surrounded by sand dunes, making it a popular recreational spot. Some people capture iconic photos of Dubai with asphalt roads leading through the desert, showcasing the city skyline in the background. It’s worth noting that these images are digitally altered, but the roads among the sand dunes are real and can be found in this area.
  • Ski Dubai: Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates, offers an indoor skiing and snowboarding experience, allowing visitors to enjoy winter sports in a desert city.
  • The Green Planet: The Green Planet is a bio-dome that immerses visitors in a tropical rainforest environment, featuring diverse plant and animal species.
  • Dubai Safari Park: Dubai Safari Park is a wildlife reserve showcasing a variety of animals in their natural habitats, providing an educational and entertaining experience.
  • AYA Universe: The AYA Universe, located in the Wafi Mall, is an immersive entertainment park with 12 interactive rooms offering interactive experiences in art, science, technology, and history.

Family activities with small children

  • Aquaventure Waterpark: Aquaventure Waterpark, situated in Atlantis, The Palm, offers thrilling water slides and attractions for a fun-filled family day.
  • Dubai Garden Glow: Dubai Garden Glow is an enchanting light-themed park, captivating families with its illuminated displays and interactive exhibits.
  • KidZania – Dubai Mall: KidZania, located in Dubai Mall, is an interactive educational city where children can role-play various professions in a miniature world.
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure: IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor amusement park featuring cartoon characters and thrilling rides, promising an exciting day out for the whole family.
  • Motiongate Dubai: Motiongate Dubai is a theme park that brings Hollywood movies to life, featuring attractions based on popular films. It offers a variety of entertainment, including rides and shows suitable for different age groups.
  • Legoland Dubai: Legoland Dubai is a family-friendly theme park dedicated to Lego enthusiasts. It includes various Lego-themed attractions, rides, and shows, providing an enjoyable experience for visitors.

So, this was our itinerary for a 7-day trip to Dubai. We detailed what you can visit in Dubai within one week, provided additional tips for those seeking extra activities or arriving with young children, and highlighted the best views of Dubai, its beaches, and unique experiences.

In our itinerary for 7 days, our goal was to showcase the finest attractions the city of Dubai has to offer. From the iconic Dubai skyline to the historic gems of the Old City, each day promises a spectacular experience for those exploring the best of Dubai. The city truly stands out as a top destination, providing a diverse and enchanting journey for all.

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