Dubai in 7 days

The future city in the desert. Luxury, souks, and sand dunes under 45 minutes from downtown. Best time to visit: November-March. Average daily budget: $120 to $300 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, fountains, the postcard Dubai.

Morning: Abra ride across Dubai Creek (1 dirham). The cheapest, most authentic experience in the city.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, fountains, the postcard Dubai.

Evening: Burj Khalifa at sunset (book Level 148). The observation deck at 555m. The city turns gold, then neon.

Eat: Shawarma at Al Mallah (Satwa)

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Al Fahidi & Bur Dubai, The original Dubai. Wind towers, abras on the Creek, the textile souk.

Morning: Dubai Fountain show at 6pm and 8pm. Stand at the bridge between Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar for the best angle.

Afternoon: Explore Al Fahidi & Bur Dubai, The original Dubai. Wind towers, abras on the Creek, the textile souk.

Evening: Desert safari with dune bashing and Bedouin dinner. Book a small-group operator. The sunset over the dunes is unforgettable.

Eat: Emirati machboos at Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: Jumeirah, Beaches, the Burj Al Arab, the most beautiful mosque views.

Morning: Wander old Dubai: the Creek and souks. Cross the Creek by traditional abra for a dirham, then the spice and gold souks of Deira. The old town shows the city before the skyscrapers, far more atmospheric than another mall.

Afternoon: Explore Jumeirah, Beaches, the Burj Al Arab, the most beautiful mosque views.

Evening: Desert safari with dune dinner. Late-afternoon 4x4 dune bashing, then a desert camp for a buffet under the stars with camels and falconry. Book a smaller, conservation-minded operator and time it so the dunes glow at sunset.

Eat: Gold-flake cappuccino at a Downtown café (at least once)

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Dubai Marina, Skyscrapers, yacht clubs, the Walk, nightlife.

Morning: Alserkal Avenue - warehouses turned galleries in Al Quoz.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Dubai Marina, Skyscrapers, yacht clubs, the Walk, nightlife.

Evening: The Coffee Museum in Al Fahidi.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Friday brunch at any hotel - it's a Dubai institution

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Deira, The spice souk, gold souk, and the real multi-cultural Dubai.

Morning: Hatta kayaking in the mountain dam (1.5 hours from downtown).. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Deira, The spice souk, gold souk, and the real multi-cultural Dubai.

Evening: Ravi Restaurant in Satwa - Pakistani food, $5 feast, Anthony Bourdain-approved.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Shawarma at Al Mallah (Satwa)

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, fountains, the postcard Dubai.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Downtown Dubai, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, fountains, the postcard Dubai.

Evening: Dinner at Emirati machboos at Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi), then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Downtown Dubai.

Eat: Emirati machboos at Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: Al Fahidi & Bur Dubai, The original Dubai. Wind towers, abras on the Creek, the textile souk.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Al Fahidi & Bur Dubai, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Al Fahidi & Bur Dubai, The original Dubai. Wind towers, abras on the Creek, the textile souk.

Evening: Dinner at Gold-flake cappuccino at a Downtown café (at least once), then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Al Fahidi & Bur Dubai.

Eat: Gold-flake cappuccino at a Downtown café (at least once)

Hidden gems

Alserkal Avenue - warehouses turned galleries in Al Quoz.
The Coffee Museum in Al Fahidi.
Hatta kayaking in the mountain dam (1.5 hours from downtown).
Ravi Restaurant in Satwa - Pakistani food, $5 feast, Anthony Bourdain-approved.

Getting around

The metro is clean and covers the main strip (Red Line). Taxis and Uber are everywhere and affordable. Rent a car only if you're going to the desert or Hatta. The Creek abras are the most fun way to cross old Dubai.

Safety

Extremely safe. One of the lowest crime rates in the world. Solo travellers, including women, are very comfortable. Respect local dress codes in souks and religious sites (cover shoulders and knees).

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