Dubai itinerary: 1 to 7 days
Plans for one to seven days in Dubai, day by day: the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain and the Dubai Mall first, then old Dubai's souks, creek and Al Shindagha, Jumeirah Beach, the Palm and Madinat Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina as you add days. Every stop has a typical visit length.
How long do you have?
Map: 3 days
Dubai in 1 day
Day 1
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai's restored old quarter, with sand-coloured wind-tower houses, courtyards, art galleries, cafes and small museums on shaded lanes.
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, with an aquarium and an ice rink.
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, 828 metres high, with observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
The Dubai Fountain
A choreographed fountain on the Burj Khalifa lake, with water shows set to music, mostly in the evening.
Dubai in 2 days
Day 1
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai's restored old quarter, with sand-coloured wind-tower houses, courtyards, art galleries, cafes and small museums on shaded lanes.
Emirates Towers
Twin triangular skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road with offices, a hotel and a shopping boulevard.
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, with an aquarium and an ice rink.
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, 828 metres high, with observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
The Dubai Fountain
A choreographed fountain on the Burj Khalifa lake, with water shows set to music, mostly in the evening.
Day 2
Jumeirah Beach
A long public beach of white sand along the Jumeirah coast, with views of the Burj Al Arab.
Grand Mosque
Dubai's grand mosque in Bur Dubai, with the city's tallest minaret, next to the Al Fahidi quarter.
Dubai Spice Souk
A small market of spice, herb and incense stalls in Deira, near the creek.
Dubai Gold Souk
A covered market in Deira with hundreds of gold and jewellery shops.
Dubai in 3 days
Day 1
Deira Clocktower
A 1960s clock tower on a Deira roundabout, one of Dubai's first modern landmarks.
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, with an aquarium and an ice rink.
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, 828 metres high, with observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
The Dubai Fountain
A choreographed fountain on the Burj Khalifa lake, with water shows set to music, mostly in the evening.
Day 2
Emirates Towers
Twin triangular skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road with offices, a hotel and a shopping boulevard.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai's restored old quarter, with sand-coloured wind-tower houses, courtyards, art galleries, cafes and small museums on shaded lanes.
Dubai Spice Souk
A small market of spice, herb and incense stalls in Deira, near the creek.
Saeed Al Maktoum House
The restored 1890s home of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum in Al Shindagha, with old photographs of Dubai.
Al Shindagha
The historic quarter at the mouth of Dubai Creek, with restored courtyard houses and the Al Shindagha Museum.
Day 3
Jumeirah Beach
A long public beach of white sand along the Jumeirah coast, with views of the Burj Al Arab.
Etihad Museum
A museum at the site of Union House where the UAE was founded in 1971, telling the story of the federation, with the original agreement.
Dubai in 4 days
Day 1
Deira Clocktower
A 1960s clock tower on a Deira roundabout, one of Dubai's first modern landmarks.
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, with an aquarium and an ice rink.
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, 828 metres high, with observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
The Dubai Fountain
A choreographed fountain on the Burj Khalifa lake, with water shows set to music, mostly in the evening.
Day 2
Emirates Towers
Twin triangular skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road with offices, a hotel and a shopping boulevard.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai's restored old quarter, with sand-coloured wind-tower houses, courtyards, art galleries, cafes and small museums on shaded lanes.
Dubai Spice Souk
A small market of spice, herb and incense stalls in Deira, near the creek.
Saeed Al Maktoum House
The restored 1890s home of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum in Al Shindagha, with old photographs of Dubai.
Al Shindagha
The historic quarter at the mouth of Dubai Creek, with restored courtyard houses and the Al Shindagha Museum.
Day 3
Jumeirah Beach
A long public beach of white sand along the Jumeirah coast, with views of the Burj Al Arab.
Etihad Museum
A museum at the site of Union House where the UAE was founded in 1971, telling the story of the federation, with the original agreement.
Day 4
Palm Jumeirah
The palm-shaped artificial island of hotels and beaches, with Atlantis at its tip, reached by monorail.
Burj Al Arab
The sail-shaped luxury hotel on its own island off Jumeirah Beach, the city's best-known landmark, seen from the public beach and the shoreline.
Madinat Jumeirah
A resort built like an old Arabian town, with canals, abras and the Souk Madinat, near the Burj Al Arab.
Ski Dubai
An indoor ski slope with real snow inside the Mall of the Emirates, also home to a group of penguins.
Dubai in 5 days
Day 1
Deira Clocktower
A 1960s clock tower on a Deira roundabout, one of Dubai's first modern landmarks.
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, with an aquarium and an ice rink.
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, 828 metres high, with observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
The Dubai Fountain
A choreographed fountain on the Burj Khalifa lake, with water shows set to music, mostly in the evening.
Day 2
Emirates Towers
Twin triangular skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road with offices, a hotel and a shopping boulevard.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai's restored old quarter, with sand-coloured wind-tower houses, courtyards, art galleries, cafes and small museums on shaded lanes.
Dubai Spice Souk
A small market of spice, herb and incense stalls in Deira, near the creek.
Saeed Al Maktoum House
The restored 1890s home of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum in Al Shindagha, with old photographs of Dubai.
Al Shindagha
The historic quarter at the mouth of Dubai Creek, with restored courtyard houses and the Al Shindagha Museum.
Day 3
Jumeirah Beach
A long public beach of white sand along the Jumeirah coast, with views of the Burj Al Arab.
Etihad Museum
A museum at the site of Union House where the UAE was founded in 1971, telling the story of the federation, with the original agreement.
Day 4
Palm Jumeirah
The palm-shaped artificial island of hotels and beaches, with Atlantis at its tip, reached by monorail.
Burj Al Arab
The sail-shaped luxury hotel on its own island off Jumeirah Beach, the city's best-known landmark, seen from the public beach and the shoreline.
Madinat Jumeirah
A resort built like an old Arabian town, with canals, abras and the Souk Madinat, near the Burj Al Arab.
Ski Dubai
An indoor ski slope with real snow inside the Mall of the Emirates, also home to a group of penguins.
Day 5
Museum of the Future
A ring-shaped steel building covered in Arabic calligraphy, holding immersive exhibitions on technology and the future.
Grand Mosque
Dubai's grand mosque in Bur Dubai, with the city's tallest minaret, next to the Al Fahidi quarter.
Dubai Gold Souk
A covered market in Deira with hundreds of gold and jewellery shops.
Al Seef
A creekside promenade with old-style lanes, cafés and shops, best at sunset, with abra boats crossing the water.
Dubai in 6 days
Day 1
Deira Clocktower
A 1960s clock tower on a Deira roundabout, one of Dubai's first modern landmarks.
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, with an aquarium and an ice rink.
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, 828 metres high, with observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
The Dubai Fountain
A choreographed fountain on the Burj Khalifa lake, with water shows set to music, mostly in the evening.
Day 2
Emirates Towers
Twin triangular skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road with offices, a hotel and a shopping boulevard.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai's restored old quarter, with sand-coloured wind-tower houses, courtyards, art galleries, cafes and small museums on shaded lanes.
Dubai Spice Souk
A small market of spice, herb and incense stalls in Deira, near the creek.
Saeed Al Maktoum House
The restored 1890s home of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum in Al Shindagha, with old photographs of Dubai.
Al Shindagha
The historic quarter at the mouth of Dubai Creek, with restored courtyard houses and the Al Shindagha Museum.
Day 3
Jumeirah Beach
A long public beach of white sand along the Jumeirah coast, with views of the Burj Al Arab.
Etihad Museum
A museum at the site of Union House where the UAE was founded in 1971, telling the story of the federation, with the original agreement.
Day 4
Palm Jumeirah
The palm-shaped artificial island of hotels and beaches, with Atlantis at its tip, reached by monorail.
Burj Al Arab
The sail-shaped luxury hotel on its own island off Jumeirah Beach, the city's best-known landmark, seen from the public beach and the shoreline.
Madinat Jumeirah
A resort built like an old Arabian town, with canals, abras and the Souk Madinat, near the Burj Al Arab.
Ski Dubai
An indoor ski slope with real snow inside the Mall of the Emirates, also home to a group of penguins.
Day 5
Museum of the Future
A ring-shaped steel building covered in Arabic calligraphy, holding immersive exhibitions on technology and the future.
Grand Mosque
Dubai's grand mosque in Bur Dubai, with the city's tallest minaret, next to the Al Fahidi quarter.
Dubai Gold Souk
A covered market in Deira with hundreds of gold and jewellery shops.
Al Seef
A creekside promenade with old-style lanes, cafés and shops, best at sunset, with abra boats crossing the water.
Day 6
Dubai Frame
A giant gold picture-frame tower in Zabeel Park; the glass-floored bridge between its legs gives views of old Dubai on one side and the skyline on the other.
Dubai Creek
The saltwater inlet dividing Bur Dubai and Deira, crossed by wooden abras and lined with trading dhows.
Jumeirah Mosque
A white stone mosque in the medieval Fatimid style, one of the few in Dubai open to non-Muslims on guided tours.
Dubai in 7 days
Day 1
Deira Clocktower
A 1960s clock tower on a Deira roundabout, one of Dubai's first modern landmarks.
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, with an aquarium and an ice rink.
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, 828 metres high, with observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
The Dubai Fountain
A choreographed fountain on the Burj Khalifa lake, with water shows set to music, mostly in the evening.
Day 2
Emirates Towers
Twin triangular skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road with offices, a hotel and a shopping boulevard.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai's restored old quarter, with sand-coloured wind-tower houses, courtyards, art galleries, cafes and small museums on shaded lanes.
Dubai Spice Souk
A small market of spice, herb and incense stalls in Deira, near the creek.
Saeed Al Maktoum House
The restored 1890s home of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum in Al Shindagha, with old photographs of Dubai.
Al Shindagha
The historic quarter at the mouth of Dubai Creek, with restored courtyard houses and the Al Shindagha Museum.
Day 3
Jumeirah Beach
A long public beach of white sand along the Jumeirah coast, with views of the Burj Al Arab.
Etihad Museum
A museum at the site of Union House where the UAE was founded in 1971, telling the story of the federation, with the original agreement.
Day 4
Palm Jumeirah
The palm-shaped artificial island of hotels and beaches, with Atlantis at its tip, reached by monorail.
Burj Al Arab
The sail-shaped luxury hotel on its own island off Jumeirah Beach, the city's best-known landmark, seen from the public beach and the shoreline.
Madinat Jumeirah
A resort built like an old Arabian town, with canals, abras and the Souk Madinat, near the Burj Al Arab.
Ski Dubai
An indoor ski slope with real snow inside the Mall of the Emirates, also home to a group of penguins.
Day 5
Museum of the Future
A ring-shaped steel building covered in Arabic calligraphy, holding immersive exhibitions on technology and the future.
Grand Mosque
Dubai's grand mosque in Bur Dubai, with the city's tallest minaret, next to the Al Fahidi quarter.
Dubai Gold Souk
A covered market in Deira with hundreds of gold and jewellery shops.
Al Seef
A creekside promenade with old-style lanes, cafés and shops, best at sunset, with abra boats crossing the water.
Day 6
Dubai Frame
A giant gold picture-frame tower in Zabeel Park; the glass-floored bridge between its legs gives views of old Dubai on one side and the skyline on the other.
Dubai Creek
The saltwater inlet dividing Bur Dubai and Deira, crossed by wooden abras and lined with trading dhows.
Jumeirah Mosque
A white stone mosque in the medieval Fatimid style, one of the few in Dubai open to non-Muslims on guided tours.
Day 7
JBR Beach
A public beach and promenade, The Walk, lined with cafés and shops, with views of Ain Dubai and a lively atmosphere around sunset.
Dubai Marina
A canal district of high-rise towers with a waterfront promenade, next to Jumeirah Beach Residence.
Watch: Dubai in 3 days
A one-minute look at the plan: every stop, day by day, with the map.
When to go to Dubai
November to March is the best time to visit, with sunny, warm days and pleasant evenings; it is also the busiest and most expensive season. From June to September temperatures often pass 40 °C with high humidity, and hotel rates drop. During Ramadan, which shifts earlier each year, many restaurants keep reduced daytime hours.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Where to stay: hotels in Dubai on Booking.com or Trip.com
- Skip-the-line tickets: museums and sights in Dubai on Tiqets
- Tours and day trips: things to do in Dubai on GetYourGuide or on Viator
- From the airport: a private transfer in Dubai with Kiwitaxi
- Sightseeing pass: save on Dubai's top attractions with Go City
- Data on arrival: an eSIM for United Arab Emirates from Airalo
- Last day: leave your bags in Dubai with Radical Storage and keep sightseeing
Some of these are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for Dubai
- Book Burj Khalifa observation deck tickets ahead, especially for sunset time slots.
- Cross Dubai Creek by abra, the wooden water taxi between the Bur Dubai and Deira souks.
- A Nol card works on the metro, tram, buses and water buses.
- Jumeirah Mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors on guided tours; dress modestly there and in the old districts.
- From June to September the midday heat is extreme; plan outdoor sights for the morning or evening.
Make it your own
Open the guide in Andiamo Places to see every stop on a map with walking directions, move places between days, check opening hours for your dates, and add your own finds. After the trip, your photos become a journal and, if you like, a printed photo book.
Guides are made with the help of AI and public sources such as Wikipedia, and may contain errors. Opening hours and prices change, so check before you go. Spotted a wrong photo, a pin in the wrong place, a missing stop or a better one? Write to andiamotravelapp@gmail.com: the e-mail opens with this guide filled in.
Photo credits
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Phil6007, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Al Shindagha: Michael Gaylard, CC BY 2.0
- Burj Khalifa: imran shahabuddin, CC BY 2.0
- Deira Clocktower: Musthaq90, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Dubai Creek: Noor Ali, Public domain
- Dubai Gold Souk: Imre Solt, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Dubai Marina: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 3.0
- Dubai Spice Souk: Syedphotography, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Emirates Towers: Ting read ( Diskussion ), CC BY-SA-3.0
- Grand Mosque: ZI Jony, CC BY-SA 4.0
- JBR Beach: pe-sa, CC BY 3.0
- Jumeirah Beach: CT Cooper, Public domain
- Jumeirah Mosque: Vicharam, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Madinat Jumeirah: Donaldytong, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Palm Jumeirah: Member of the Expedition 22 crew., Public domain
- Saeed Al Maktoum House: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ski Dubai: Jason7825, CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Dubai Fountain: Iwona Rege, CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Dubai Mall: Shahroozporia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Opening hours change; check before you go. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
