7 Days in Dubai: Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary

A week in Dubai: what to do and see in 7 days?

Have you decided to go to Dubai for a week and want to know all about the best things to do?

You are in the right place!

To help you organize your stay, I have prepared an optimized week-long Dubai itinerary for you.

Thanks to my good plans to avoid queuing and my program of visits to do for each day, you will know exactly how to organize your days!

In this article, I also give you my selection of the best hotels to stay during these 7 days in Dubai and a list of special activities for a family trip.

So what to do in Dubai in 1 week? 

The climb to the Burj Khalifa, included in the Dubai Explorer Pass

Visit Dubai in 1 week: the best itinerary

I now invite you to discover my 7-day itinerary in Dubai.

It’s time to give you the details of the visits to be made each day accompanied by a map to find your way around. You will be able to easily and quickly optimize your holidays!

For this schedule, I assume that you are going to go to Dubai for a whole week and that you have taken your Dubai Explorer Pass or skip-the-line tickets to be able to visit as many places as possible.

If you still have questions after reading this article or if you need help organizing your vacation, do not hesitate to ask me your questions in the section dedicated to comments, at the very end of the article.

So what to visit in Dubai in 1 week?

Day 1: Old Dubai

Visit Dubai in a week: Day 1

The visits of day 1:

A. Deira
B. Bur Dubai
C. Dubai Museum
D. Dubai Frame
E. Dubai Garden Glow

A. Deira district

We begin this week-long stay in Dubai with the oldest part of the city, Old Dubai. Here the buildings have not yet invaded everything and we soak up the typical atmosphere of the Middle East.

I advise you to start by strolling through the Deira district, which includes several types of souks:

To visit Deira, it can also be very interesting to book a guided tourThe guide (who is super friendly!) will give you a very comprehensive overview of Old Dubai and the culture of the city in general.

During these 3 hours, he can even help you negotiate prices at the souks if you want to make purchases.

*After the guided tour, resume this schedule at step D of day 1.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

To get to Deira, take the metro to Al Ras station.

Visiting this area first is a great idea as it is the best place to change your money in Dubai. Exchange offices in the area offer better rates than at the airport or in shopping malls.

Please note that since Friday is a holy day (like Sunday in Europe), shops in Deira (and other places in Dubai) are generally closed in the morning and reopen in the late afternoon.

Deira Gold Souk

B. Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai is the other very old district of Old Dubai not to be missed.

It is easily reached from Deira because it is just opposite, on the other side of the river. Borrow an abra (a small traditional boat) for AED 1 per person and you’ll be there in minutes.

Once disembarked, here are the must-sees in Bur Dubai:

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

Bur Dubai being located next to the river (the Creek), every evening cruises with meals are offered. This very popular activity allows you to enjoy a stroll on the river and contemplate the view.

This boat trip is offered in 2 versions (click on the links in orange to access the details):

A cruise is part of the Dubai Explorer Pass list. It must be reserved in advance using the information you will receive after purchasing the pass.

The Old Souk in Bur Dubai

C. The Dubai Museum

Always to familiarize yourself with the history of the city and understand its evolution, I recommend that you visit the Dubai Museum.

It contains all the explanations of the origins of Dubai, starting from the first tribe that settled there until the economic boom of the 1960s, ending with the modern and ever crazier projects in development.

I found the museum well presented and very complete, with high quality exhibits.

It is also one of the cheapest visits to do in a week in Dubai with a symbolic entry price of 3 AED.

*Please note that the museum is closed on Friday mornings.

The Dubai Museum, a must on this week-long itinerary in Dubai

D. Dubai Frame

Visiting Dubai in 7 days also means discovering the modern part of the city. And for that, what better than to visit the latest attraction open: the Dubai Frame.

We completely change the universe compared to Old Dubai with this structure 150 meters high in the shape of a giant photo frame. From the top, you can contemplate the 2 totally different parts of the city: old Dubai and modern Dubai with its most representative example: the Burj Khalifa.

Part of the floor is also glazed to add a little adrenaline.

The Dubai Frame is already a great success and there is often a queue to get on it. As it is not in the list of activities of the Dubai Explorer Pass, I advise you to buy your ticket online in advance.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

To reach the Dubai Frame from Old Dubai, you have 2 solutions:

Dubai Frame

E. Dubai Garden Glow

End this first day with a visit to the Dubai Garden Glow, a vast park where large, truly impressive light decorations have been installed . They are very elaborate and there are dozens, most representing animals.

It is an ideal family outing but it will please everyone.

The Dubai Garden Glow entrance fee is AED 65.

This also includes a visit to a park dedicated to dinosaurs located in the same enclosure and which exhibits several specimens that interact by moving and growling when passing by.

I also advise you to start there while it is still daylight and to visit the Garden Glow after dark.

The site is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

At the ticket office, you will be offered to visit:

Dubai Garden Glow

Day 2: What to do and see?

Visit Dubai in a week: day 2

The visits of day 2:

A. The Etihad Museum
B. The Jumeirah Mosque
C. The Sea
D. The Dubai Mall
E. The Fountain Show
F. The Burj Khalifa

A. Etihad Museum

It’s day two of this week-long Dubai itinerary .

Head to the Etihad Museum, a museum dedicated to the founding of the United Arab Emirates through the creation of the Union Treaty in 1971.

You will discover testimonials, films and interactive terminals explaining the whole process and focusing on the main actors in the implementation of the treaty: the 7 sheiks of the Emirates.

The best way to have a global vision of the country, very complementary to the visit to the Dubai Museum the day before.

Count approximately 1 hour of visit. Entrance ticket at 25 AED.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

To get to the Etihad Museum, take the metro to World Trade Center and then a taxi.

Etihad Museum Dubai

B. Jumeirah Mosque

Another good way to discover a little more of the culture of the Emirates is to visit the Jumeirah mosque.

It is the only one in Dubai to be accessible to non-Muslims, but visits are, on the other hand, obligatorily guided. Which is not so bad because your guide will take the opportunity to explain the 5 pillars of Islam and the ritual of prayer.

These visits take place around 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., every day, except Friday (which I remind you is a holy day). They last about 1h15.

You have to respect certain conditions to enter the mosque: hair covered for these ladies and legs + shoulders covered for everyone. No shorts or tank tops.

The Jumeirah Mosque is located a 10 minute walk from the Etihad Museum and on the next leg route. So, even if you don’t want to take the guided tour, you can still admire its architecture as you pass.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

For those who wish to take the guided tour, it is better to reverse and do the mosque first then the Etihad Museum because the latter only opens at 10am. You will therefore not be able to visit it before.

Given the short distance between the 2, it does not change the program for the future.

The Jumeirah Mosque

C. The Sea

Just after the mosque, reach the seaside through an area with restaurants and cafes with terraces facing the water.

“La Mer”, from its name, is really a very nice place to have a drink or have lunch. You will also have access to several beaches and a family water park with swimming pool and slides.

The place also offers an unobstructed view of the entire Dubai skyline and its emblem, the Burj Khalifa.

“The sea” and its view of the Dubai skyline

D. The Dubai Mall

After strolling around a bit, get back in a taxi to travel the 5 km that separates you from the Dubai Mall. It is one of the main places of interest to see during your 1 week Dubai itinerary.

The most visited shopping center in the world has nearly 1200 shops for all tastes and all budgets. It is very likely that your credit card heats up a bit!

The Dubai Mall being really huge, you can start to identify the shops that interest you thanks to this map of the shops.

There are also cinemas, a kart track, an ice rink inside the mall itself, but the most popular visit is to its aquarium and the Underwater Zoo.

Here you can admire sharks, rays, fish from all over the world and one of the world’s largest living crocodiles, the King Croc.

To avoid queuing and pay less, I recommend that you take your tickets online in advance.

There are 2 types of Dubai Aquarium tickets ( click on the links to book):

For those who have taken the Dubai Explorer Pass, the discovery of the aquarium is offered in the choice of activities.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

In the Dubai Mall and public places in general, it is necessary to have a decent dress (covered legs and shoulders). Signs of affection such as kisses or holding hands are not allowed.

Dubai Mall – Visit Dubai in a week

E. Fountain Show

At the end of the day, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m., head to the artificial lake outside the mall to watch the Dubai Fountains show.

There’s one every 30 minutes. The ballet of Dubai’s water jets is very touristy so to hope to have a good place, be there a little early.

Otherwise, you can also have a breathtaking view and without the crowds, by choosing to attend the show directly on the lake by riding in an abra (traditional boat).

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

To get an overview of the fountains, you can also land on the 2 terraces of the Apple Store, in the Dubai Mall. The entrance is guarded by security guards but everyone has access.

Dubai fountains

F. Burj Khalifa

Nothing better to end this second day than to then climb to the Burj Khalifa. It is for me the visit to do absolutely when you have the chance to spend a week in Dubai!

You have certainly photographed it from all angles during the day, but don’t miss access to the 124th and 125th floors of the tallest tower in the world. At night, with the lights of the skyscrapers, the view is simply breathtaking.

We really realize the height of the buildings and the excess of the city.

And that’s not all, it is also possible to climb even higher! At 555 meters above sea level, on the 148th floor, you will find the highest viewing platform in the world.

The climb to the Burj Khalifa being clearly number 1 in the list of things to do in 7 days in Dubai, there is always a queue.

It is therefore imperative to buy your ticket in advance on the internet in order to avoid at least the queue at the counter. It will even cost you less!

Here are the different types of tickets you can choose from (click on the link in orange for info and reservations):

If you have the Dubai Explorer Pass, access to Burj Khalifa is offered as 1 activity.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

To access the Burj Khalifa, go to the LG level of the Dubai Mall and follow the signs “At The Top Burj Khalifa”.

View from the Burj Khalifa viewing platform

Day 3 – Places of interest to visit in Dubai

For the third day of your one-week Dubai tour , I leave you the choice between 2 options.

Option 1: The Dubai Marina area

Visit Dubai in a week: Day 3

The visits of day 3:

A. The Walk and The Beach
B. Dubaï Marina
C. Mall of the Emirates
D. Global Village ou show « La Perle »

A. The Walk and The Beach

Start the day with a short stroll to The Walk, a seaside avenue with several chic shops and restaurants.

You will also have access to The Beach public beach where you can swim or try out some water activities. From the beach, you will not fail to see one of the future attractions of Dubai: Ain Dubai, the tallest Ferris wheel in the world.

To reach The Walk and The Beach, take the metro to DAMAC station and then the tram to Jumeirah Beach Residence.

The Walk and The Beach / JBR
B. Dubai Marina

Still located at the water’s edge, you can also walk around the Marina area.

You can admire the yachts moored on the quays or even better embark on a luxury cruise!

For 2 to 3 hours, you will be able to discover Dubai from a new angle, even going to the famous Atlantis hotel, known for its characteristic architecture. The boat trip also includes a barbecue lunch.

Departure of the luxury boat tour at the Marina around 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

To book your Dubai cruise here.

The yacht cruise is also one of the attractions offered in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

In the Marina District, you can also shop at the Dubai Marina Mall.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

It is also in the Marina district that you can jump off the highest urban zip line in the world!

With a start at the top of a building and a maximum speed of 70 km/h, it is better to have a strong heart to do this unique and incredible activity.

And you will also have an unforgettable memory of your exploit because photos and video are provided.

To book your zipline trip in Dubai here.

If the ticket is not available, you can also try by clicking here.

Dubai Marina
C. Mall of the Emirates

After coming back to earth (this applies to those who have done the cruise or who have tried the zip line!), take the metro to the Mall of the Emirates.

If you didn’t have your shopping fix yesterday at the Dubai Mall, you can catch up in this other great mall.

And if you want to do an unusual activity, you are also in the right place because you can ski!

And yes, you read correctly it is possible to hit the slopes in Dubai. An indoor artificial snow track with chairlift and small mountain-style wooden chalets has been recreated in the Mall of the Emirates.

No need to bring you back with your ski suit and your hat, everything is provided.

The entrance ticket for Ski Dubai can be reserved by clicking here.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

On the top floor, there is also an area reserved for children with plenty of arcade games and a mini funfair.

Mall of the Emirates
D. Global Village or “The Pearl” show

For the end of day program , you also have 2 options.

1) Visit the Global Village.

Take advantage of being at the Mall of the Emirates to take bus 106 from there to the Global Village. It will cost you AED 20 round trip for a 30 minute ride.

The Global Village is a huge area built outside the city and which hosts pavilions representing countries around the world such as Japan, ThailandChina but also Europe and of course the Middle East.

The decorations are impressive, but that’s not all: inside each pavilion, there are dozens of stalls selling local products, clothes and other objects of all kinds.

It takes at least 3 hours to see everything, especially if you want to taste a bit of everything because there are also a lot of food stalls.

The place is super well done and well thought out, you will not be disappointed.

Tickets are on sale directly here.

I give you some practical information to organize your visit:

Global Village Dubai

2) Attend the show “La Perle”.

If you prefer to stay in town for this evening, I suggest you discover the show “La Perle”.

Dubai’s most famous show welcomes many artists and acrobats presenting superb acts in an equally beautiful setting.

High quality performances and staging are on the agenda!

As there are only 2 performances every evening, you must reserve your place in advance.

The closest metro station to the venue is Business Bay. The best is then to take a taxi to do the remaining 4 km.

La Perle Dubai

Option 2: Palm Jumeirah + Aquaventure Park

Instead of the marina and the various activities that I have just proposed to you for this day 3, you can also spend your day on the island of Palm Jumeirah.

This is where the famous Atlantis hotel is located, which you can photograph from all angles before heading to the largest water park in Dubai: Aquaventure Park.

With its spectacular slides, I can assure you that you will have fun all day long. Whether you’re taking this week-long Dubai itinerary as a couple, with friends or with your children, it’s really an excellent choice!

Still at the hotel and water park level, you can also:

You must book your tickets for these attractions by clicking on the following links:

There is also a combined Aquaventure + The Lost Chambers ticket, to be purchased here.

* The Aquaventure is one of the attractions offered in the Dubai Explorer Pass.

In the evening, after a brief visit to the hotel to get changed, I recommend that you go and see the show “Le Perle” which I mentioned a little earlier.

You will have the choice between the performance at 7:30 p.m. or 10 p.m., which allows you to make the most of the water park.

To book here.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

To go to Atlantis and Aquaventure you need:

Atlantis The Palm

Day 4 – Dubai Desert Excursion

On day four of your 7-day Dubai itinerary, it’s time to head out of the city to explore the desert.

The easiest way to get there is to book a day trip.

You will be picked up directly in front of your hotel and you will leave for a short 4*4 ride in the dunes. I prefer to warn you that it shakes quite a bit because the drivers play it pilot to spice up the experience a bit.

The day also includes many other activities:

And as the activities are hollow, you will end up having lunch or dinner in a Bedouin camp in the middle of the desert. Throughout the meal, you can enjoy dance demonstrations or get a henna tattoo.

To be sure to go through a serious and reliable agency, I recommend that you book your desert excursion by clicking on the following button.

It’s really the best choice for this essential outing around Dubai (especially since it is so good that it is guaranteed satisfied or refunded! )

Book quickly, as places are limited!

If you prefer something more sporty, you can opt for one of the following 2 excursions:

Both are really great, it’s up to you to choose which you prefer!

A desert excursion is also offered as part of the Dubai Explorer Pass activities.

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

If you want to discover the desert but in a less sporty and more intimate way, I recommend that you book a hot air balloon flight.

Enjoy a romantic moment for 1 hour watching the sunrise, a truly unforgettable sight!

The activity also includes a gourmet breakfast with caviar, smoked salmon and other exceptional dishes.

To book in advance directly here.

Dubai Desert Tour

Day 5: Amusement Parks

For day 5 of this 1 week itinerary in Dubai, you also have several choices depending on whether you prefer to spend a family day in an amusement park or continue to visit the city.

Option 1: Day at an amusement park

If you want to spend this day in an amusement park, I recommend that you choose between the 2 most famous in Dubai:

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Option 2 of day 5: Other things to see in Dubai

Visit Dubai in a week: Day 5 – Option 2

If you’re not a fan of amusement parks, you can still visit Dubai.

Here are the places I advise you to do today:

Here are the different formulas that are offered (click on the link to book):

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

Some practical tips for visiting the Miracle Garden which is located outside the city center:

Souk Madinat Al Jumeirah

Day 6: Day in Abu Dhabi

If you are lucky enough to go on a 1 week Dubai itinerary, you will have time to push a little further and discover Abu Dhabi.

The capital of the United Arab Emirates is only 1h30 drive from Dubai.

It is therefore very easy to visit it in one day and return to Dubai in the evening. To get there, you can rent a cartake the bus or opt for an organized excursion.

There are several possible combinations of visits, to be chosen according to your centers of interest. Do not hesitate to click on the links in orange to have all the details of the proposed visits:

For those who do not choose the organized tour, I strongly recommend that you read my article entirely dedicated to Abu Dhabi.

You will find all the information on the must-see sites such as the great mosque, the Louvre museum or the Qasr Al Watan (the presidential palace).

Tips for your Dubai itinerary:

As there is plenty to do in Abu Dhabi for 2 days, you can also plan to spend 1 night in Abu Dhabi.

On the seventh day of your 7-day Dubai itinerary you can still visit the city and return to Dubai in the evening.

The Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Day 7: What to do in Dubai?

I regret to inform you that you are coming to the end of your week-long stay in Dubai . But good news, you still have plenty to do to fully enjoy it!

If you want to continue discovering the surroundings, I recommend an excursion to Al Ain. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is 2 hours from Dubai.

The easiest way to get there and not bother with transport is to book an organized excursion.

For this last day, you can also visit other places of interest in Dubai or do some super cool activities:

You can also choose from Day 3 or Day 5 options that you didn’t have time to do.

Dubai canal walk

Accommodation in Dubai

That’s it, you now know how to visit Dubai in 7 days!

But do not forget to settle an essential question before leaving: to reserve your accommodation.

Here too, I make it easy for you thanks to my selection of the best hotels to sleep in according to your budget but also the geographical area.

And for all those who would like to spend an exceptional stay or have fun in one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in the city, I have concocted a special section for you.

To get the best rates, it is best to book as far in advance as possible.

The best hotels in Downtown Dubai (near the Burj Khalifa)

Palace Downtown – Luxury hotel at the foot of the Burj Khalifa

The best hotels in Old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai)

The best beachfront hotels in Dubai

The most beautiful luxury hotels to stay in Dubai

Burj al Arab – 7* hotel in Dubai

Map of your 7-day Dubai itinerary

To help you visualize your itineraries during these 7 days in Dubai, I have made a map listing the places to visit day by day. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow. You will then be able to view the routes for each day.

Need help planning your week-long Dubai itinerary? Do not hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments.

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