Dubai is a city bursting with options. If you need a roadmap, this itinerary is designed to kickstart your trip.
Route Map & Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Dubai
Dubai’s peak season is from October to March, providing an escape from the intense heat. During this time, daytime temperatures typically average a comfortable 20°C to 25°C.
Then, we have the Shoulder Seasons—April and September—when the temperatures rise but remain manageable, fluctuating between 26°C to 36°C.
During the summer months, Dubai experiences intense heat from May to September, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 36°C. If you happen to be in Dubai during April to July, be mindful that the city’s predominantly Muslim population will be observing the Holy Month of Ramadan (dates vary each year).
Leaving The Airport
Taxis are readily available at the airport. Join the fast-moving queue after Arrivals to access a metered taxi.
The Metro’s Red Line conveniently connects Terminal 1 and 3 of the airport to the rest of the city. Boasting air-condition and an expansive network, the Metro offers a cheap and comfortable way to explore. Plus, it’s an excellent way to avoid the notorious Dubai traffic.
If you plan to rent a car during your stay, the airport hosts numerous car rental agencies. Pick from a range of options, such as luxury sports cars and SUVs. While the roads in Dubai are relatively straightforward to navigate, remember to exercise caution, especially if you’re driving in the city for the first time. Pay attention to the multiple lanes on major roads, follow traffic rules and parking regulations and be mindful of speed limits to avoid speeding fines.
Where to Stay in Dubai
If you’re in pursuit of luxury and entertainment, Downtown Dubai is your destination. Set around the iconic Burj Khalifa and the bustling Dubai Mall, it’s the heart of the action, offering top-notch dining, world-class shopping, and proximity to attractions like the Dubai Fountain.
Dubai Marina offers a blend of upscale lifestyle and vibrant nightlife. With the man-made marina as a backdrop, it’s a paradise for waterside dining and yacht cruises. If sandy beaches and a family-friendly ambiance beckon you, Jumeirah Beach Residence is the ideal spot. With beautiful beaches and an array of dining and shopping options along “The Walk” at JBR, it’s beachside bliss.
Lastly is Palm Jumeirah, an iconic man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Synonymous with luxury, it offers resorts, private beaches, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
Booking.comItinerary
Day 1: Exploring Old Dubai
Our first day begins at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, home to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Immerse yourself in rich Emirati heritage as the center offers interactive sessions, traditional meals, and guided tours providing a deeper understanding of the UAE’s culture and customs.
As you wander through the narrow alleys of Al Fahidi, look out for the numerous art galleries. Don’t miss the opportunity to shop in the boutiques offering hand-painted bags, scarfs, perfume, musk, incense, fabrics, abayas and more. Al Fahidi is not just a glimpse into the past, but a vibrant artistic hub.
Next, step into the world of coffee at the Coffee Museum. Discover the fascinating history and cultural significance of this beloved beverage. Learn about various coffee beans, roasting techniques, and brewing methods that contribute to the diverse flavors and styles of coffee enjoyed worldwide. Understand the social and cultural significance of coffee – from being a catalyst for intellectual discussions in historic coffeehouses to becoming an integral part of modern social gatherings.
To traverse from the Al Fahidi District to the Deira District, hop on an abra, a traditional wooden boat, and set sail across the Dubai Creek.
Our first stop in Deira is the Spice Souk. The narrow lanes are alive with the vibrant colors and aromas of a variety of spices. Haggle with the vendors and purchase some souvenirs for your kitchen.
Day 1 concludes with a visit to the Gold Souk. A paradise for jewelry enthusiasts, the Gold Souk showcases intricate designs and craftsmanship in gold, silver, diamonds, and gemstones. It’s a treasure trove, where you can find not only traditional and modern jewelry but also unique custom-made pieces.
Day 2: Modern Dubai
Start your second day with some chill downtime at Cove Beach. Take your pick between lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun by the beach (or both!). Unwind, sip on refreshing beverages and eat your heart out.
Head to the word-renowned Burj Khalifa next. Completed in 2010, it was named in honor of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This towering skyscraper soars to a height of 828 meters with 163 floors. Admire the world’s tallest building from a distance or head up to the top floors to catch a bird’s eye view of Dubai.
Nearby is the Dubai Mall – a shopper’s paradise with stores such as Rolex, LEGO, IKEA, Gucci, Zara and H&M. No matter what’s on your shopping list, you’ll surely be able to find it here.
The Dubai Aquarium, situated within the bustling Mall, is a true delight for nature enthusiasts. From graceful sharks to vibrant coral reefs, the aquarium hosts a diverse range of underwater creatures.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Dubai Fountain for a mesmerizing display of water and light shows. Just a heads-up, it’s a popular spot, so it can get quite crowded during the show. Want a different view of this amazing show? Hop on a boat for a unique and magical perspective!
Day 3: Desert Adventure
Finally, it’s desert day! Most tours arrange a convenient hotel/accommodation pick-up, allowing you to relax during the approximate 1-hour journey. Catch up on a few Zs as the landscape transforms to red sand as you venture away from the city.
Typically, tours commence with a tea session in spacious tents whilst health & safety forms are completed by attendees. Then, it’s time for quad-biking or dune buggying, zooming over sandy waves like you’re on a desert rollercoaster. After a couple of thrilling hours, you return to the main camp for a camel ride – short, brief and slightly smelly. There might even be a falcon nearby that’s being used as a photo prop.
Dinner is an enchanting experience under the stars, complete with fire dance performances, belly dancing, music, and shisha. The desert safari is an absolute must-do, and equal parts exhilirating and tiring. We would be impressed if you find the energy to do much else that day after being dropped off back at your hotel, typically around 9 pm.
Day 4: Beach Day
After the previous day’s activities, this day is dedicated to some well-deserved rest & relaxation. Begin your leisurely day with an exploration of Palm Jumeirah, an architectural marvel and man-made wonder resembling a palm tree. Stroll along its elegant fronds, taking in the views of the Arabian Gulf.
Make sure to venture into “The Pointe,” a lively hub at the heart of Palm Jumeirah. This vibrant spot is home to numerous shopping and dining options.
Head to Jumeirah Beach to grab a well-deserved lounger. Today is all about you and that book you’ve been meaning to read for the past six months.
Day 5: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Today marks another exciting day of roaming; this time to Abu Dhabi. This is the capital of the UAE, approx 1 and 1/2 hours away from Dubai.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a true marvel of contemporary Islamic architecture. We cannot decide if it is better viewed at daytime or nighttime, so adjust the locations on this day based on your personal preference.
The construction of the mosque began in 1996 and was completed in 2007, named in honour of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and first president of the UAE. Do ensure you are appropriately attired; for women, an abaya and headscarf are required. Throughout your visit, guards will ensure compliance with photo restrictions, restricting certain areas and prohibiting offensive hand symbols.
Louvre Abu Dhabi hosts an extensive and diverse collection of art and artifacts that span various cultures, regions, and time periods. The iconic roof, resembling interwoven palm leaves, allows a “rain of light” to filter through, creating an enchanting display of light and shadows.
To round off your last day, let adrenaline course through you as you ride the attractions at Ferrari World on Yas Island. After all, the ultimate end to any trip is a raging howler!
Nightlife in Dubai
With the scorching Dubai sun, the city’s beach clubs are essential. During the day, people seek refuge under large umbrellas, taking occasional refreshing dips. As the sun sets, the beach clubs seamlessly transform into nightclubs, with DJ sets and live performances.
Weekends in Dubai often kick off with lively brunch parties – and yes their weekend spans Friday and Saturday! Expect delicious food, free-flowing beverages, and DJ sets. Popular venues include Ms. Lilys, Zero Gravity and Nikki Beach. It’s advisable to secure your reservations in advance, and during peak seasons, you might need to place a deposit given the high demand.
There are also numerous clubs and bars, promising nights of non-stop dancing, energetic beats and bottle popping. You’ll find an impressive lineup of international DJs spinning the latest tracks, state-of-the-art sound systems, stunning light shows and club-performers that will make your night one to remember.
For a more laid-back experience, Dubai’s rooftop and/or shisha lounges offer a perfect setting. Imagine sipping on your favorite cocktail with the breathtaking cityscape in the backdrop. Picture yourself enjoying your favorite cocktail against the backdrop of Dubai’s breathtaking cityscape. Notable venues include Iris Dubai, Clap and LPM.
Food
This section could easily be a blog post of its own, given the wide array of enticing food choices available.
Indulge in Middle Eastern classics like Shawarma, Hummus, Falafel, and Kebabs. One must-visit is Arabian Tea House, which offers an opportunity to try Middle Eastern cuisine. Their many branches also serve a specialty Emirati breakfast, which is a true experience.
The city also hosts an array of high-end restaurants run by renowned chefs. Restaurants like Sushi Samba, Nobu, and ROKA not only treat you to award-winning cuisine but also provide stunning views.
The Greek dishes served at Opa Dubai are sure to comfort your taste buds. You’ll also be offered plates to smash, a lively Greek custom that surprisingly adds to the enjoyment. You can replenish the plates from the bar at a cost, and at a certain point, the restaurant transforms into a lively party, featuring traditional Greek dancing, singing, warm embraces, and joyful conga lines. Who would have thought that breaking plates could be so much fun?
The Chat
Kat: Would you go back to Dubai?
Sim: No.
Kat: Why Not?
Sim: I don’t have anything else I particularly want to see or experience.
Kat: My trip was too quick so it felt incomplete. I’d like to go back to do all the classics.
Sim: What would you say are the classics?
Kat: The Safari…
Sim: Did that.
Kat: …And the Mosque.
Sim: Did that as well.
Kat: The Mosque would be what I’d be mainly going back for. I look at the pictures and how huge, majestic and ornate it is. I need to see it myself! But that’s actually in Abu Dhabi anyways.
Sim: It’s a long way to go for one building.
Kat: It’d be worth it.
Sim: Would you prefer to see it in the daytime or at night?
Kat: That’s a tough one. What do you think?
Sim: I honestly cannot choose. If you go in the daytime, you get to see the crisp white marble with the reflections. But at night, it was equally stunning. It was so serene and the gold was just sparkling in the lights.
Kat: I guess whatever works best for your schedule. I just think it shouldn’t be missed off the itinerary.
People expect Dubai to be very expensive and luxurious. What did you think?
Sim: I don’t think it’s soo expensive but there is an element of luxury pinned to everything they do. Even the choices of activities available to you: helicopter rides, skydiving, zip-lining, yacht cruises, jet ski-ing etc. Everything you want to do in Dubai, you can. And that even includes winter sports.
Kat: Everything is possible in Dubai! They even have their own Louvre.
Sim: Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen though.
Kat: I got so hot, I got sick afterwards! The transition from walking around in the heat to a cold building to a taxi/metro.
Sim: Why were you walking in the heat? During peak summer period, you shouldn’t even leave the house till the nighttime. And always stay hydrated!
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