Dubai 7-Day Itinerary: Discover the Best of Dubai in One Week

Dubai has become one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The city keeps growing and reinventing itself every year, opening new attractions that make travelers want to return again and again.

Dubai is famous for its world records: the tallest building, the largest Ferris wheel, and even the biggest flower garden. Yet there’s so much more to see beyond the glamorous image. The city is clean, safe, and very traveler-friendly, with great restaurants, hotels, and experiences for every budget.

In this article, you’ll find my detailed 7-day Dubai itinerary, covering the city’s best sights, hidden gems, and local favorites.

I’ve combined all my travel experiences into one easy plan, filled with practical tips and useful information to help you make the most of your trip.

So it’s a busy but realistic itinerary that shows the best of Dubai in just one week.

First, I’ll give you a quick overview of the 7-day Dubai itinerary, and then we’ll go day by day to explore what to do and where to go. At the end, you’ll also find general travel tips to help you prepare for your trip.

So, let’s dive in and start with the quick overview of the 7-day Dubai itinerary:

7-day Dubai itinerary in detail: How to spend one week in Dubai

After the overview, let’s check out the details of the one-week Dubai itinerary.

Of course, you can easily swap or personalize the days depending on your interests and pace.

I planned this itinerary to include as many of Dubai’s highlights as possible within 7 days. It’s a full plan, so if it feels a bit too busy, you can always stretch it into a 10- or 14-day trip for a more relaxed experience.

Throughout the guide, I’ll also mention optional stops and ideas in case you want to adjust your route or if the weather changes your plans.

So here’s how I would spend one week in Dubai to see as much as possible:

Day 1: Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain Show

Let’s start your first day in Dubai by exploring the city’s most famous landmarks: the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain. These three highlights are located right next to each other in Downtown Dubai and perfectly capture the city’s luxury and energy.

Morning: Dubai Mall

Begin your day at the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world.

It’s not just a shopping mall, it’s an attraction in itself. You’ll find hundreds of stores, cafés, restaurants, and even entertainment options like an ice rink and the Dubai Aquarium.

💡 Tip: If you’re arriving by car, you can park in one of the huge parking areas near the mall. From here, you can walk comfortably to all nearby attractions, including the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

The Dubai Mall is also a great spot for lunch, there’s a restaurant for every taste and budget.

Don’t miss the mall’s highlights: the indoor waterfall, the Dinosaur skeleton, the Chinatown area, and the Dubai Aquarium.

Afternoon: Burj Khalifa

Next, it’s time to visit Dubai’s most iconic landmark: the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 828 meters and 163 floors.

You can see it from almost anywhere in the city, but standing beneath it is an unforgettable experience.

The entrance is located inside Dubai Mall, under the name “At The Top”. Buy your tickets online in advance and choose the skip-the-line option, it saves a lot of time.

You can visit the 124th and 125th floors, or go higher with premium tickets to the 148th or 152nd floors, where you’ll find lounges with snacks and drinks.

💡 Pro tip: Visit before sunset to enjoy the view in daylight and see Dubai’s skyline light up at night, all with one ticket.

Plan about 2–3 hours for your visit.

Evening: Dubai Fountain show

After sunset, stay in the area for the magical Dubai Fountain show, held every 15–30 minutes in front of the Burj Khalifa. The water and laser displays are truly world-class and best enjoyed from the bridge near Souk Al Bahar or one of the nearby restaurants.

If you have some extra time, take a walk through Burj Park or go for a short abra boat ride on Burj Lake.

This is an amazing way to end your first day in Dubai.

Day 2: Museum of the Future, Old Dubai, Dubai Frame, Dubai Garden Glow

On the second day in Dubai, you’ll also discover some of the city’s most fascinating landmarks.

The pace will be a bit busy, but it’s a perfect day to explore Dubai’s contrasts.

Morning: Museum of the Future

Start your day with one of Dubai’s most spectacular modern landmarks: the Museum of the Future.

Opened only a few years ago, it’s already one of the city’s most photographed buildings. Its unique silver, oval shape with Arabic calligraphy cutouts makes it one of the most stunning architectural masterpieces in the world.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s absolutely worth visiting for its exterior design and the atmosphere around it.

If you have enough time, explore it from the inside too. The museum showcases Dubai’s vision for the next decades, with exhibitions on space, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and future technology.

Afternoon: Old Dubai & Dubai Frame

In the afternoon, it’s time to explore the traditional part of Dubai.

Old Dubai

Start around Al Seef Street and the Heritage Area, where you can wander among old-style Arabic houses, narrow alleys, and cozy shops.

Don’t miss the famous Starbucks Al Seef, designed in a traditional style and one of the most beautiful Starbucks stores in the world.

Then continue to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where you’ll find small museums and restored buildings that show how Dubai looked before the skyscraper era.

If you have time, take a short abra boat ride across the Dubai Creek. It’s one of the most authentic and affordable experiences in the city.

Across the Creek, you’ll find the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk, both worth visiting if you enjoy traditional markets.

Dubai Frame

Next, visit the Dubai Frame, located in Zabeel Park. This impressive structure literally frames the skyline, connecting old and modern Dubai.

Standing 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide, it offers panoramic views from the top deck: modern skyscrapers on one side, and the old city on the other.

Inside, you’ll also find interactive exhibits.

And don’t miss the glass-floored walkway at the top: it turns transparent when you step on it!

💡 Tip: The Dubai Frame can get crowded in the afternoon, so book your tickets online in advance and plan around 1–2 hours for your visit.

Evening: Dubai Garden Glow

End your day with a visit to Dubai Garden Glow, located right next to Zabeel Park.

It’s an evening park full of glowing sculptures, lights, and creative art installations made from recycled materials.

It’s not just for kids. Adults will also love the colorful atmosphere and photo opportunities.

There are several themed sections, including the Dinosaur Park and Art Park, all beautifully illuminated in the evening.

So it’s worth spending the evening here and walking around the beautifully lit park.

Day 3: Dubai Creek Harbour, Desert safari

I planned the third day of the 7-day Dubai itinerary to be a bit lighter:

Morning: Dubai Creek Harbour

Start your day at Dubai Creek Harbour, one of the city’s most beautiful and fast-developing areas. It has a waterfront promenade, stylish restaurants, and a stunning skyline view of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa.

I always come back here whenever I’m in Dubai: it’s peaceful, modern, and perfect for a relaxing morning walk by the water.

Spend a few calm hours here, have lunch at one of the restaurants, and enjoy the view of Dubai’s skyline.

Some of my favorite spots here are Vida Creek Harbour Hotel and Soulgreen Restaurant, which also offers great gluten-free dishes.

Afternoon & evening: Desert safari

In the afternoon, get ready for one of the most unforgettable experiences in Dubai: a desert safari.

The best time to go is around sunset, when the light turns golden and the sand dunes glow beautifully.

You can easily book your safari on GetYourGuide, choosing between group tours (more affordable) or private tours (more personal).

Activities often include dune bashing, camel riding, and quad biking. Many tours also include a desert dinner, Arabic coffee, baklava, and traditional dance shows.

If it’s your first time in Dubai, don’t miss this! A desert safari is one of the city’s most iconic experiences.

Day 4: Day trip to Hatta & Love Lake

For the fourth day, I planned a short escape from the city: a day trip to Hatta, one of the locals’ favorite weekend destinations in the Dubai countryside.

Morning & afternoon: Hatta

Hatta is about a 2-hour drive from Dubai, but if you don’t want to drive, there’s also a cheap bus service available.

The area is best known for the Hatta Reservoir, surrounded by mountains and calm turquoise water. You can rent a kayak or paddle boat and enjoy the view from the water.

💡 Tip: Park your car in one of the lower parking lots and take the free shuttle bus up to the dam.

If you have more time, you can also explore the Hatta Sign, Leem Lake (which hosts the Hatta Festival in winter), Al Wadi Park, or the Hatta Fort Roundabout.

It’s a calm and scenic area, perfect for a relaxing few hours away from Dubai’s busy downtown.

Evening: Love Lake

If you still have time in the evening, don’t miss a stop at Love Lake, one of my favorite walking spots near Dubai, right in the middle of the desert.

Located close to Al Qudra Lakes, Love Lake is made up of two heart-shaped lakes.

It’s a romantic and peaceful place, especially at sunset, when the sky turns golden.

You can walk around the lake, take photos from the shore, and simply enjoy the silence and the view.

It’s the perfect end to a slower day before heading back to the city for the night.

Day 5: Expo City, Miracle Garden, Global Village

For the fifth day, I planned some optional activities that you can easily adjust or skip depending on your interests.

These places are quite special — some travelers love them, others prefer to do something different.

But in my opinion, this is the best plan for Day 5 in Dubai:

Morning: Expo City

Start your day at Expo City, the former site of Expo 2020, one of the most impressive events Dubai has ever hosted. The area is still open today and has turned into a modern, sustainable district with pavilions, hotels, cafés, and event venues.

You can visit some of the original Expo pavilions, explore the stunning Al Wasl Plaza, or just enjoy a peaceful morning walk among futuristic buildings.

It’s a great place if you’re interested in modern architecture, technology, and innovation.

Afternoon: Dubai Miracle Garden

In the afternoon, head to the famous Dubai Miracle Garden, one of the city’s most colorful attractions.

It’s the largest flower garden in the world, with millions of flowers arranged in creative shapes and designs. Every year, the garden introduces new themes, often inspired by fairytales.

Some of the highlights include the life-size Emirates Airbus A380, completely covered in flowers, and the heart-shaped flower tunnel, a favorite photo spot for tourists and Instagrammers alike.

I’ve visited the Miracle Garden several times, and it always surprises me with something new each season.

Keep in mind that the garden is only open during the winter months, usually from November to April.

Parking and tickets can be a bit pricey, and there are often traffic jams in the area, so try to visit early in the afternoon.

Still, it’s definitely worth a visit, it’s one of the most unique and beautiful spots in Dubai!

Evening: Global Village

End your day at Global Village, the famous evening attraction that combines an international market and an amusement park.

It’s also open only during the cooler months and is one of Dubai’s most popular evening destinations.

You can walk through pavilions representing different countries, try foods from around the world, and shop for unique souvenirs, crafts, and clothes.

There are also shows, games, and cultural performances for both kids and adults, making it a great place for families and couples alike.

Parking is paid, and the closest lots are quite expensive, so it’s better to park a little farther away and walk.

The entrance ticket itself is not expensive, but many activities inside require extra payment.

Even though it looks like a family program, I also recommend it for young travelers who want to spend an exciting and colorful evening in Dubai.

Day 6: Beaches, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab

The sixth day of this Dubai itinerary is a little more relaxed, focusing on the city’s coastal and scenic side. You’ll spend the day enjoying the beach, exploring one of Dubai’s most charming markets, and admiring one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.

This is how I’d plan the sixth day in Dubai:

Morning: Beaches

Start your day by the sea and enjoy some sunshine on Dubai’s famous beaches.

The most popular option is Kite Beach, known for its clean sand, jogging track, and food trucks. It’s a lively area with great views of the Burj Al Arab in the distance.

If you prefer something quieter, head to Secret Beach. It’s a lesser-known spot that’s not as developed, but offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the skyline.

Afternoon: Souk Madinat Jumeirah

After the beach, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most beautiful spots combining modern comfort with traditional Arabic charm.

It’s a modern version of an old-style market, with narrow alleys, canals, interesting shops, and cozy cafés.

Here you can buy souvenirs, jewelry, spices, and local crafts, or just wander around and take in the atmosphere.

Don’t miss the terrace views: from many restaurants and walkways, you can enjoy an incredible panorama of the Burj Al Arab in the background.

Evening: Burj Al Arab

End your day near the legendary Burj Al Arab, one of the world’s most luxurious and iconic hotels.

Shaped like a sail, it’s one of Dubai’s most photographed buildings and a true symbol of the city.

Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth visiting the area. You can also book a dinner at one of the nearby restaurants or beach clubs to enjoy the view while dining.

You can also visit the inside on a guided tour if you’re interested.

Tours can be booked on the hotel’s official website or on GetYourGuide, and they usually run until early evening.

So this was the sixth day of the 7-day Dubai trip.

If you’d like to spend the evening in a fun way, have dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, or watch a fireworks or drone show. They’re quite common in this area during the winter season.

Day 7: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island

The seventh and last day of this Dubai itinerary includes some of the city’s must-see attractions.

This time, I planned to explore the southwestern part of Dubai, where you’ll find several famous landmarks that were still missing from the trip.

Here’s how to spend your seventh day in Dubai:

Morning: Palm Jumeirah

Start your day on the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island.

The main highlights here are The View at The Palm and the two Atlantis hotels, including the famous Aquaventure Waterpark.

It’s worth buying a ticket to The View, as the panoramic scene of the palm-shaped island from above is truly breathtaking.

Even if you only walk around the Atlantis hotels and enjoy a stroll along the beachfront, it’s a lovely way to spend your morning.

Afternoon: Dubai Marina & JBR Beach

In the afternoon, head to Dubai Marina, one of the city’s most lively and modern areas.

There aren’t many big landmarks here, but it’s a great place to walk, admire the tall skyscrapers, or relax at JBR Beach.

This beach isn’t only for swimming, it’s full of restaurants, cafés, and beach clubs with beautiful views of the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel and the Address Beach Resort.

You can also try a camel ride, some water sports, or even join a boat trip from the nearby Bluewaters Marine Transport Station.

Evening: Bluewaters Island

In the evening, make your way to Bluewaters Island, either on foot from the Marina or by car.

In my opinion, this is one of Dubai’s most beautifully designed and relaxing areas.

Enjoy the amazing skyline views, ride Ain Dubai, the world’s largest Ferris wheel, and explore the island’s restaurants and boutiques. One of my personal favorites here is Pastamamma, an Italian restaurant that also offers gluten-free options.

You can also find some nice souvenirs at good prices (although the cheapest ones are usually in supermarkets).

The evening of Day 7 marks the end of this 7-day Dubai itinerary.

But keep scrolling, because more useful travel info is waiting below!

General information before you travel to Dubai

If you plan to visit Dubai, it’s good to know a few things before you go.

Here are some general travel tips that will help you prepare for your trip:

Is Dubai worth visiting?

If you love to travel, Dubai is a place you shouldn’t miss.

This city is great for almost everyone: whether you want a sunny winter escape, enjoy exploring modern cities, want to experience Arab culture, or just look for a mix of luxury, adventure, and delicious food. With its beautiful beaches, amazing attractions, and friendly people, Dubai offers something special for every traveler.

How many days do you need to explore Dubai?

If you only want to see the most famous places in Dubai, you’ll need at least 2–3 days.

If you’d like to see all the main sights, relax on the beaches, enjoy restaurants with great views, do some shopping, and take a few day trips (for example to Abu Dhabi), I recommend staying at least 5 days, or even 7 to 10 days if you can.

Time goes by quickly in Dubai, so if you want to really enjoy the city, it’s worth staying a little longer.

Best time to visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is in the winter months, when the weather is nice and comfortable. From November to March, you can enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities without the extreme heat.

In summer (June to September), temperatures often go above 40°C (104°F), so it’s too hot to spend much time outside.

If you want to enjoy the beaches, October, November, March, and April are the best months: warm enough for swimming but still pleasant for exploring the city.

Is Dubai an expensive destination?

Yes, the whole United Arab Emirates is quite an expensive travel destination.

While hotels and restaurants may not look too costly at first, flight tickets are usually expensive almost all year.

Even though there are many free or low-cost things to do, the total cost adds up quickly: entrance tickets, parking, tolls, and shopping can make a big difference during a 7-day trip.

It’s hard to say exactly how much your trip will cost, as it depends on your travel style.

In general, plan around €2000–€3000 for two people per week. If you want to enjoy everything Dubai offers comfortably, €4000–€5000 is a better budget, and that’s still not a luxury trip.

How to get to Dubai

Unless you’re coming from a nearby country, the best way to reach Dubai is by plane.

Most international flights arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is why this itinerary starts here. The main airlines are Emirates and FlyDubai, but there are also many charter flights from Europe and other regions.

How to get around Dubai

I recommend getting around Dubai by car, as car rental is quite affordable and fuel prices are low compared to Europe.

Driving in Dubai can take a bit of practice: traffic moves fast, and drivers are sometimes impatient, so it’s best if you or your travel partner feel confident behind the wheel.

Parking is usually easy to find. Most malls and hotels offer free parking, but in popular areas like Downtown Dubai or JBR, you’ll find paid parking zones, and the fees can be high.

Keep in mind that you’ll also need to pay road tolls (Salik) when driving on the main highways. Each time you pass a toll gate, a small amount is charged automatically, which can add up during a week-long stay.

Always follow the speed limits, as Dubai has many traffic cameras and fines are expensive.

If you don’t want to drive, there are several easy ways to get around:

• Dubai Metro: Clean, modern, and cheap; perfect for main areas like Downtown and Dubai Marina.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Easy, fast, and reasonably priced.
• Hop-on hop-off buses or organized tours: Great if you prefer sightseeing without worrying about parking or navigation.

You can easily book tours and tickets through platforms like GetYourGuide, where local guides take care of everything.

Other useful things to know before planning your trip to Dubai

Dubai is an amazing travel destination, but there are a few things worth knowing before you go.

• One downside is the natural environment. Since most of the country is desert, there’s often a lot of dust in the air. This can be difficult for people with respiratory problems (even steroid nasal sprays didn’t help much in my case).
• The weather can also bring surprises. Sandstorms are not uncommon, and in recent years there have even been heavy rains and floods. The good news is that the drainage system is being improved to prevent this in the future.
• Another thing to keep in mind is that tap water comes from purified seawater. It’s officially safe to drink, but in practice, bottled water is recommended. Personally, I never had any issues, but it’s still recommended to use mineral water instead.

Now, for the positive side:

• The city is very clean everywhere.
• There are many options for special diets, including gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan choices.
• Dubai is also an excellent family destination, it’s very child-friendly and full of activities and attractions for kids.

So, this was the detailed 7-day Dubai itinerary, shared day by day and packed with travel tips and practical information to help you plan your perfect trip.

You’ve seen Dubai’s main highlights, the best things to do, and my personal hotel, restaurant, and beach recommendations — all based on my own experiences from multiple visits over the years. With all this information, planning your one-week trip to Dubai will be much easier.

If you’re feeling inspired to visit, go ahead and book your flight, hotel, and maybe even a desert safari, and get ready to discover one of the most exciting cities in the world!