So many people think Dubai is all about the shopping malls and no more – but I am here to crush that myth! In fact, there is SO much to do, it can be seriously overwhelming!

From hidden alleys to traditional souks, the magnificent desert, and plenty of activities that involve experiencing the traditional Emirati culture, the list is endless, and it will be hard to choose!

So read my Itinerary for Dubai that will help you plan the perfect 7 days in this unique Middle Eastern destination.

How many days in Dubai is enough?

Contrary to popular belief, no amount of days can be enough to experience all of Dubai at once. However, 7 days is pretty perfect for a single visit!

In these 7 days, you can enjoy the highlights – like theme parks, malls, sights, markets, and safaris and still have some downtime to relax!

What can you do in Dubai in 7 days?

Put your comfortable shoes on, because you will be exploring A LOT of Dubai with this itinerary for Dubai! Let’s break it down day by day!

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Dubai

Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the wings of Mexico

Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment, and leisure, located next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

The Dubai Mall features hundreds of shops, restaurants of every cuisine, and for every budget, cinemas, hotels and so much entertainment! For example, the world-class Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo featuring thousands of aquatic animals and a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel.

Then, a haunted house, a virtual reality room, a dinosaur exhibition, 22 screen cinema rooms and SO much more!

So I suggest you start there because you could literally spend entire days and not manage to see everything!

Foodies will be in heaven here – Japanese cheesecakes, incredible steak, bespoke burgers, sushi, ice cream, and more are right there. I literally couldn’t stop eating!

Even if you don’t do a whole lot of shopping, there is so much to see and do here. You will be overwhelmed for sure.

Dubai Fountains

At the mall, you absolutely must see the famous Dubai fountains! They are a choreographed fountain system located on the 12 hectares of manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, right outside the doors of the mall.

The shows begin at 6 pm and are every half hour until 11 pm. The fountains dance along to pop, classical and Arabic music, and it is seriously magical!

I watched a show both in the evening and the daytime and loved both! Although the evening shows are extra cool, with the whole lake and hotels being lit with thousands of lights!

Burj khalifa

The pride and joy of the UAE, Burj is the world’s tallest man-made structure and seriously impressive.

Incredibly, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands at a huge 829.8 meters, compared to 324 meters of the Eiffel Tower!

This iconic building offers the most jaw-dropping views of the whole of Dubai. To get to the top ( via elevator) you can buy tickets online here. Tickets cost from 35 euros, and go up to 170 euros, depending on the tickets and tour you choose

Wings of Mexico

A fantastic place for Instagramable photos! The Wings of Mexico is a sculpture specifically designed for the park by Mexican artist Jorge Marin, an expert in Mexican figurative art.

With Burj Khalifa right in the background, this beautiful sculpture is worth visiting if you are Downtown.

The statue is right by the manmade Burj Khalifa Lake. It is surrounded by such beauty and impressive architecture it is definitely worth a visit!

After you finish taking your photos, you can walk along the lake ( around 20 minutes) to the mall.

I was unfortunate enough to miss my photo opportunity here! The day I visited, police closed it off to the general public due to Covid regulations and social distancing! Apparently, a huge crowd gathered there the day before!

Day 2: Dive into Emirati culture

Take a water taxi and discover Old Dubai ( Bur Dubai)

After a whole day of taking in the wonders of modern architecture, fountains, and the mall, do a 180 turn and dive into the culture!

Venture into the old city of Dubai ( called Bur Dubai) via water taxi, and explore the souks and traditional markets!

Bur is a historic district in Dubai, located on the western side of Dubai Creek. The name literally translates to Mainland Dubai. It is a reference to the traditional separation of the Bur Dubai area from Deira by the Dubai Creek.

Definitely worth a spot in your Itinerary for Dubai!

For just AED1 (25 cents!), you can hop aboard one of many traditional boats, known as abras, to cross the creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira, Dubai’s city center.

Take a ride in the mornings, to observe local traders drop anchor for trade, wooden dhows parked in a colorful array and the occasional ships sail past.

Admire spectacular views of old and new Dubai including traditional houses, towers, and minarets.

The boat ride takes no more than 10 minutes, and upon arriving you feel like you have arrived in a different country!

Dubai Gold and Spice Souk

Dubai Gold Souk or Gold Souk is a traditional market located in Dubai’s commercial business district in Deira. The souk consists of over 380 retailers, most of whom are jewelry traders.

Retail gold rates in Dubai today are: 24K = 218.50 AED, 22K = 205.25 AED, 21K = 195.75 AED, and 18K =168.00 AED.

I didn’t buy a single thing at the Gold Souk but still loved the experience of window shopping and strolling the markets!

Next up, is the Spice Souk, which is located in eastern Dubai, in Deira. It is adjacent to the Dubai Gold Souk.

The smells and colors are incredible, so a stroll there is highly recommended in your itinerary for Dubai.

Among the many spices, you can buy in the spice souk are saffron, chamomile flowers, dried hibiscus flowers, sumac, cardamom, turmeric, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, chili, and pepper of all colors and varieties.

One of the most expensive spices you’ll find here is oud, a block of aromatic wood and saffron.

Dubai Spice Souk is open:

• Sun – Sat 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sat – Thu 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Tia’s Tip: If the spices aren’t already pre-packaged, they should be placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid to travel.

Day 3: Adventure day and more sights

The Frame, And Ski Dubai

The Frame

The Dubai Frame is an architectural landmark in Zabeel Park, Dubai. It holds the record for the largest frame in the world.

The Frame beautifully signifies the passing from Old to New Dubai – and the stark contrast of the two.

It serves as a metaphorical bridge connecting the emirate’s rich past with its magnificent present. They 100% hit the nail on the head with this one, so do add this to your Itinerary for Dubai

 Completed in 2018, it offers visitors unbeatable views of the city’s old and new areas.

It’s cheap to visit ( 12 euros ) and we just bought our tickets at the entrance! You take the elevator up to the top ( 150 meters) and you get to walk on a glass floor – so much fun!

On your way down, there is a super cool 3D show – taking you on a journey of Old Dubai all the way into Future Dubai and how technology is expected to change in the next decades. It was fantastic ( and free of charge to watch).

There is a souvenir shop too filled with cool memorabilia!

It is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm. However, I would suggest visiting in the morning or during sunset if you want to take pictures!

Ski Dubai

A ski center INSIDE A MALL? oh yes, please!

Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of ski area. The park maintains a temperature of -1 degrees.

It is inside the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.

I couldn’t quite believe how they managed to create a ski center at -1 degrees when outside it was 45 degrees, but this is Dubai for ya!

Such a cool activity for winter sports enthusiasts and a great way to entertain the kids too!

Dubai Marina at night

Dubai Marina is a luxurious residential neighborhood with al fresco dining, beach clubs, Smart cafes, and pop-up craft markets.

The Dubai Marina Mall is packed with chain and luxury fashion brands. Upscale yachts cruise through the large man-made marina, where activities range from jet-skiing to skydiving.

It is of course, excellent to visit at all hours of the day, but it is the place to be at night! So many bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as beach bars and famous parties, happen there!

It’s a chance to get dolled up and go out for some seriously good food, and elevated cocktails!

Day 4: Fill Your Eyes With Wonder At The Green Planet Dubai !

The Green Planet

Welcome, to a tropical rainforest within a bio-dome sheltering over 3000 species of colorful birds, plants, reptiles & sloths!

The Green Planet is a conservation partner of the Silent Forest Campaign. The objective is to save and protect songbirds by spreading awareness of the dangers like deforestation and illegal trade.

I thought long and hard before visiting because you already know I am so firmly against animal cruelty and exploitation. But I took the decision to visit, and I am glad I did

It really is a tropical rainforest and the attention to detail is incredible, to say the least!

Birds, sloths, and rabbits all roam and eat free here. The 5 floors of the rainforest revolve around this gigantic tree that all creatures live in.

Every hour, there is a live thunderstorm – the ceiling literally rains on the rainforest, along with all of nature’s sounds and smells during a storm.

It is fascinating to see how different species react to the rain – something you would have to travel deep in the jungle to observe.

By the time I got to the basement, I was in love with the Green Planet Dubai. But then I saw some snakes in a glass conservatory.

While I understand the safety reason for it, I still would have preferred them NOT to be there.

All in all, a fantastic activity, for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and children too.

Tickets cost 25 euros ( 110-120 AED), and you can book them here! It is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm (It is indoors).

Museum of Illusions

Enter the fascinating world of illusion which will trick your most fundamental senses, and amaze you in the process! This world will confuse you completely, but also educate you!

It is a small museum so at first, you think there isn’t much to see! But give your camera to one of the staff and ask them to guide you… and you will love it!

We spent over an hour hysterically laughing, It was so much fun! Tickets cost around 20 euros for adults, and 13 for children aged between 5-15. Check out the special prices for families and groups too to save some cash!

Day 5: Brunch And Desert Safari

Brunch

Hello, awesomeness! Any foodie ( but especially vegans) will love this place, that brings Northern California to Dubai!

Such an aesthetically pleasing cafe, with some amazing dishes and no meat in sight! I had the vegan avocado pizza, and the eggplant quesadillas were apparently incredible too.

Great drinks too, incredible staff that is accommodating, but light and bubbly too.

On your way to a desert safari, you will probably get picked up at 3 pm from your hotel. My biggest advice? EAT A LIGHT MEAL!!

I have a strong stomach, but I know for a fact if I had eaten heavily I would most likely vomit at some point during that dune bashing haha!

Brambles Dubai is on the lobby level of the Citadines metro central, a 1-minute walk from the DusitD2 Kenz Hotel

Itinerary For Dubai – Desert Safari

Absolutely incredible, and the ideal way to explore the desert, along with a hearty dose of adventure! Every itinerary for Dubai should definitely include a desert safari!

You will need most of the day for this activity, and I wouldn’t plan to do much afterward – we were exhausted! Pick up from your hotel will be around 3 pm ( please remember not to eat a heavy lunch before).

The Safari Experience

The first stop, is a station where you can rent a quad bike for half an hour in the desert. I DO NOT recommend this – I saw a child being run over by this and she almost broke her leg! The activity is optional and not included in the price ( sneaky)

Next up, the fun begins! Your driver will take you back to your jeep. Then he will proceed to remove most of the air from the tires of the vehicle.

Once you have embarked on the jeep, he graciously hands you a sick bag, in the event that you feel nauseous!

I nearly fled that car at that moment I swear to God haha!

Once inside the desert, the driver skillfully began this strange, incredible ”dance” with the sand dunes. It felt like it went on for years – but it was probably 45 minutes haha!

It was exhilarating, and a little bit scary at times too, but for some reason, I felt safe throughout!

After the safari is done, you are taken to a campsite. There, you are served dinner, with a live belly dance show, as well as free camel rides ( please don’t).

Then, at around 9 pm you are taken back to your hotel, for a long-overdue shower trying to get the sand off your body ( good luck)

In conclusion, this is what you should expect from a desert safari in Dubai:

• Campsite and Sand Buggy.
• Sand Dune Bashing.
• Camels Up Close. ( please do not ride the camels)
• Dinner, Tanoura Dance and Belly Dance.
• Dubai Tip: Desert Dunes an Hour Away from the City.

Tia’s Tip: Wear sunglasses, to avoid sand in your eyes!

Day 6: Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah is an Arabian mini-city in Dubai, filled with five-star hotels, an indoor souk, and beachfront hotspots.

The most beautiful thing here is the 5km river, complete with its own fleet of traditional abra boats. You can take a tour around the river and stop along the way to observe and take it all in!

There are more than 50 restaurants, cafes, and bars for you to choose from! Take your pick from Mexican to Asian, seafood, and award-winning European cuisines!

The indoor ( and heavily airconditioned) souk is pretty great if you are traveling during the scorching heat or with young children!

Day 7: Live The High Life At A Beach bar

And either party into the night or watch a live show!

Barasti Beach Bar

My social media following went into a complete frenzy over this beach club, and I don’t blame you all! Gorgeous is an understatement for Barasti Beach Bar and the best part of it… it is FREE to get in!

That’s right folks, this is probably the only free beach club in Dubai, and when it looks like that…I have no complaints!

Sunbeds and use of the pool are free, but of course, you must order some type of drinks or food at some point in the day!

There is a beach area too, with incredible views, but I couldn’t peel myself from the coolness of the pool! The temperature is controlled, and the top is covered, so it is deliciously cool!

So many times, when traveling, we try to cram as many things as possible into each day! I am guilty of this too, and we somehow forget that this is a vacation!

So in your itinerary for Dubai…relax….and spent a lazy day (with parties that continue into the evening too) doing absolutely nothing 🙂

Tia’s Tip: Arrive by 11 am to find a spot – it gets busy!

Address: Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort & Marina – Dubai Marina

Itinerary For Dubai – La Pearl Show

A brilliant show, that resembles the incredible performances of the famous Cirque De Soleil. Prepare for acrobatics, jaw-dropping water tricks, and light shows – and thankfully, NOT A SINGLE live animal on stage!

Hours:

6:30-8:00 and 9:00 -10:30

Prices: From 57 euros per adult

For tickets and location, click here

Thank you for reading my detailed itinerary for Dubai! I hope I gave you some awesome ideas to plan the perfect trip to this magnificent city in the UAE!

Don’t forget to check out my Dubai Vlog, to see all these activities in action 🙂

Save this post for future trips

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Where To Stay In Dubai – My hotel recommendation

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