Planning 7 days Dubai itinerary? Discover my exact itinerary when I traveled to Dubai for the first time!
Plan for Dubai trip the easy way with the help of these travel ideas as your first timer’s guide!
Spark travel ideas and learn how to spend 7 days in Dubai and how to travel Dubai to have the best time!
By Karen Mae | April 19, 2025
I have visited Dubai twice as a solo traveler and I always had an amazing time.
On my first trip, I traveled in Dubai in one week, which I am going to share my 7 days Dubai itinerary including the best sight-seeing, the best tours, the best purchases, the best activities, and the best Dubai attractions!
If you’re searching about how to plan a Dubai tour for the first time with Dubai travel tips, where to book your day-to-day tours, and things to know before you go, let this be your Dubai travel guide to help you plan your Dubai trip. May this Dubai itinerary guide you on how to spend 7 days in Dubai and what to do!
Discover The Perfect 7 days Dubai Itinerary Travel If You’ve Never Visited
This is a first timer’s guide on 7 days Dubai itinerary — how to plan a trip to Dubai and how to travel in Dubai as a tourist.
| Is Dubai safe for solo female travelers? |
|
| Travel Requirements & Visa |
|
| Best Time to Visit Dubai |
|
| Transportation (How to get around Dubai) | |
| Where to Stay in Dubai | Where I stayed – comfortable & affordable prices:
|
| How long to stay in Dubai? |
|
| Dubai Trip Cost | Budget |
|
| Best Things to Do in Dubai | |
| My favorite Dubai attractions + activities | |
| Shopping |
|
| Best restaurants in Dubai with a view
|
|
| Must-try foods in Dubai |
|
| Dubai dress code for tourists | What to wear |
|
| Connectivity |
|
A Detailed 7 days Dubai Itinerary Travel Breakdown
Hello! My name is Karen 🙂 Here’s the most ideal Dubai travel itinerary I’ve done and experienced when visiting Dubai.It’s perfect if it’s your first time in Dubai as a tourist and/or solo traveler!
I experienced this itinerary myself and am happy to share it to make your Dubai planning and travel go smoothly.
A Detailed 7 days Dubai Itinerary Travel Breakdown
Day 1: Big Bus Dubai Tour + Massage + Sunset Dinner Cruise
My Hotel + Transportation:
- Accommodation ~ Where I stayed ~I recommend ~ Book discounted links below:
- Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Jumeirah (4-star hotel)
- JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai (5-star hotel)
- Travel Tips: I recommend choosing a hotel that provides a FREE complimentary shuttle service to The Dubai Mall and/or other attractions like these two hotels where I stayed during my two trips in Dubai.
- Transportation: Book airport transportation HERE.
- How to travel Dubai? I took my hotel’s complimentary shuttle service, taxi, and metro to get around Dubai.
My detailed 7 Days Dubai Itinerary Breakdown ~ Day 1
~ Exactly how I spent my first trip in Dubai traveling solo ~
Morning: Arrival. Breakfast. Take the Big Bus Tour for two hours.
Sit on the top-decked bus and spend your first day simply taking in the beautiful sights of Dubai. The tour is a great way to begin your trip to Dubai because it includes an audio-guided overview of the city’s history and culture while showing you its main attractions.
Dubai Travel Tip: If you’re arriving in the morning just like I did, I recommend storing your luggage at your hotel. Have breakfast. Then, take your hotel’s free shuttle service to go to the Dubai Mall and start your 2 hours Big Bus Tour there.
- Purchase in advance ~ Big Bus Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour ~ Tickets
Afternoon: Lunch at Dubai Mall + rest/take a nap upon check in at your hotel
After the two-hour Big Bus Tour, if you’re exhausted, you can get off the bus at the Dubai Mall, where you started, and enjoy lunch. After that, return to your hotel via the complimentary shuttle service to check in and rest for a bit. Since it was my first day and I was exhausted from traveling, I slept for longer than I had intended. If you’re not feeling tired, you can stay and spend as much time as you wish at the Dubai Mall by sightseeing, taking pictures, and/or watching the fountain show. Then, head back to your hotel to freshen up before going to the sunset dinner cruise before 5 PM.
Evening: Have a relaxing massage. Dinner at your hotel OR go on a Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music
If you have the time, you can do both, but I decided to have a soothing 90-minute massage with Moroccan body scrub + flower bath at my hotel because I was so tired from traveling and ended up taking longer naps than I had planned. Then, I had dinner at the hotel and rested for the night.
Travel tips: I recommend relaxing and gaining some strength back when first arriving in a new country so you’ll have the energy needed to travel Dubai energetically and enthusiastically for the rest of your trip. Remember self-care while traveling!
Must-Know: If you would want to take the sunset dinner cruise instead, please make plans in advance as it begins at 5 PM. Make reservations here. Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
Highlights | Book your experiences:
My detailed 7 Days Dubai Itinerary Breakdown Breakdown ~ Day 2
Day 2: Take a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Full-Day Tour: An all-inclusive day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Make the most of your time by taking a trip that provides transportation and a guide to take you directly to Abu Dhabi’s top attractions, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Etihad Towers, Emirates Palace, and Ferrari World Yas Island. This will allow you to see the capital city’s well-known landmarks with convenience and comfort.
Must-know: Prepare for a long day (9-10 hours) and plenty photo stops/opportunities. Don’t forget to bring your Insta360 or GoPro!
Dubai Travel Tips | Reminders: Dress modestly with scarf and comfortable walking shoes for your mosque visit. Bring your passport.
- Book your experience in advance: Abu Dhabi Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai with Mosque Visit
My detailed 7 Days Dubai Itinerary Breakdown Breakdown ~ Day 3
Day 3: Half Day City Guided Tour + Dubai Souks + Burj Khalifa
Morning: Enjoy an half day Dubai city guided tour with photo stops at famous sites and traditional Abra ride
During this half-day Dubai tour, you’ll be given 10-15 minutes to take pictures and explore Burj Al Arab, Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, and Al Seef. The tour includes sightseeing the Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis the Palm, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, and Al Fahid.
Dubai Travel Tips: Bring Emirati Dirham cash/AED 1 for Abra ride and remember to dress modestly.
If you prefer a private tour, you can consider booking ~ Private Dubai City Tour: A Premium Experience of Old and New
Afternoon: Explore, shop and enjoy lunch at Dubai souks.
Explore the bustling Gold, Spice, Perfume and Textile Souks in the afternoon, where you can purchase souvenirs, gold, and spices.
Travel Tips: Bargain politely as haggling is expected. Remember to bring AED cash. Try before you buy dates, nuts, dried fruits.
More Tips: Learn some Arabic words
- “As-salaam alaikum” ~ Peace be upon you (greeting)
- “Kam al-thaman?” ~ How much?
- “Shukran” ~Thank you
Evening: Visit Burj Khalifa before sunset, watch the Dubai Fountain Show after, and have dinner at Alwani Restaurant at Dubai Mall
Travel Tips: If you want to get the best views, definitely visit from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm. From the very top, you will be able to take pictures and enjoy the views during the day and night. The best part is you will also witness the beautiful sunset and watch the beautiful buildings light up at night. The only downside about this time is that it tends to be the most popular so it is also the busiest time. So, expect to see many tourists. However, to avoid this and secure a good photo spot or sunset viewing, I highly recommend to book your tickets in advance online and make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes early.
One of unique places to visit in Dubai: Seeing the tallest building in the world Burj Khalifa modern architectural design from the outside is impressive, but you will be more amazed by exploring it inside while experiencing one of the fastest elevators and seeing the city skyline from the top. It would feel like you’ve never been to Dubai if you haven’t been to Burj Khalifa.
Consider watching the Dubai Fountain Show at night after visiting Burj Khalifa. Then, have dinner at Alwani Restaurant at Dubai Mall. It’s one of my favorite restaurant in Dubai with a nice view!
Highlights | Book your experiences:
- Half day Dubai City Guided Tour
- Private Dubai City Tour: A Premium Experience of Old and New
- Dubai: Burj Khalifa Sky Level Ticket, Levels 124, 125 & 148
My detailed 7 Days Dubai Itinerary Breakdown ~ Day 4
Day 4: Jet Ski Tour + Dubai Mall + Dessert Safari + Arabian Night
Morning: Go on a water adventure while sightseeing the city along the coastline of Dubai
Seeking for some thrilling activity while in Dubai? Why not consider Jet Ski to experience the city’s stunning skyline from the water? Have fun taking an exhilarating one-hour Jet Ski Tour that will take you along the spectacular coastline and include photo stops at some of the most well-known locations, such as the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah.
For me, I enjoyed it a lot! It’s the best way to see and appreciate the beautiful architecture of the city while also enjoying the thrill of riding along the coastline of Dubai! I found it safe as a first-timer!
Travel Tips: According to my instructor, the best time to do a jet ski tour is in the morning because the water is flat and safer to ride. There are also fewer tourists in the morning, so if you want a solo nice picture and actually have more time to take photos without waiting in line, the morning is definitely better. I did mine at 08:30am. It’s also less hot and sunny. Book in advance here.
Bonus Tips: Arrive 15 minutes early and pack clothes to change into. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof phone case and camera.
Afternoon and Evening: Enjoy a Dessert Safari Tour and Arabian dinner show
After your Jet Ski, you can grab lunch at nearby restaurants. Since I had plenty of time before my Dessert Safari Tour, I took a taxi and asked to be dropped off at Dubai Mall, where I did a bit of shopping and grabbed lunch at Black Tap Craft Burger. Then, I took a free shuttle back to my hotel to change, freshen up, and rest a bit before going to the desert safari tour that included a pickup and drop-off from my hotel.
If you want to experience the thrill of a bumpy ride through the desert, feel the soft, powdery brown sand in your hands, watch the stunning sunset while taking in the desert view from a distance, and enjoy a BBQ dinner with live belly dancing, tanoura, and fire shows, a desert safari tour with dinner show should definitely be on your itinerary.
You will get the opportunity to participate in sandboarding, a camel ride, quad riding (if you choose that option), take a sunset photo, and try henna painting or shisha pipe in addition to the transportation to the desert that is included. Water, soft drinks, coffee or tea, and a barbecue buffet dinner with a dance show are included in the trip package.
- Travel Tips: Plan ahead.Read reviews. Book in advance here.
Highlights | Book your experiences:
My detailed 7 Days Dubai Itinerary Breakdown ~ Day 5
Day 5: Jumeirah Beach/Burj Al Arab Tour + Miracle Garden + Global Village
Morning: Relax at Dubai’s stunning beach OR alternatives = Aura Skypool | Tour inside Burj Al Arab
Relax on the beach. One of the must-do in Dubai for the first time is exploring Jumeirah Beach, where you can take in the view of the Burj Al Arab.
Despite being a public beach, it remains clean. You can simply stroll along the beach, enjoy the view, and witness locals exercising or running while the tourists swim, paddle, parasail, and take photos.
Travel Tips: Because it can get very hot during the day, the best times to visit the beach are around sunset or at night. If you intend to go during the day, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Alternatives:
Afternoon: Miracle Garden (seasonal)
Visiting Dubai Miracle Garden is like entering a flower fantasy straight out of a fairy tale. It’s impressive to notice how exquisitely the flowers and plants are curved into distinctive, beautiful forms and stunning patterns.
If you enjoy seeing a variety of lovely flowers with unique shapes and designs, I suggest going! This place is undoubtedly one of the most unique things to do in Dubai. It has plenty of photo opportunities for anyone to enjoy!
Travel tips: Book in advance —>Miracle Garden Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfer
-
- OR combine it with Global Village Trip Package ~Miracle Garden and Global Village With Entry Tickets & transfers
Evening: Global Village (seasonal)
Do you want to feel as though you’ve traveled around the world, but all of it in one location? Then, Global Village is a must-visit when you travel to Dubai!
Travel during the season it’s open to have an unforgettable time.
Global Village showcases the renowned architecture, culture, cuisine, and entertainment of numerous countries. Explore each country’s pavilion dining options and shopping opportunities as they showcase their well-known cuisines and distinctive products.
I truly enjoy my time at Global Village because it’s packed with interesting places to see, entertaining performances, vibrant exhibitions, and cultural attractions. Even a fun fair with games and rides is available for families and children to enjoy.
Highlights | Book your experiences:
Alternative Things To Do in Dubai:
- The View at The Palm
- Sightseeing Helicopter Ride from The Palm
- Dubai: Marina Ziplining
- Museum of the Future
- Sky Views Dubai
- Dubai: Dinner in the Sky Experience
My detailed 7 Days Dubai Itinerary Breakdown ~ Day 6
Day 6: Dubai Photo Shoot + Expo City Dubai
Morning: Professional photoshoot at your chosen location.
Enjoy a fun photo session during your trip to Dubai!
Traveling to Dubai for a special occasion?
Perhaps, you wish to have and share high-quality pictures of your trip to Dubai? Then, why not consider booking a private photo session with a professional photographer to capture your special vacation moments and keep high-quality images?
I traveled solo in Dubai and was inspired to do a photo shoot inside the Dubai Mall for the experience and memories!
If you prefer the convenience of hotel transfers and photo shoots that allow you to change clothes at a different location for pictures, you can schedule a private photo session by planning and booking ahead.
Travel Tip: Book your photo session in advance: Dubai: Private Photoshoot with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Afternoon and Evening: Expo City Dubai
Admire the unique designs and atmosphere here! Spark your curiosity and learn about sustainability, innovation, and culture from various pavilions and exhibitions at Expo City Dubai. It is a haven for artistic spirits and imaginative minds. It’s one of my favorite places in Dubai!
I think this place is underrated. However, I enjoyed my visit and the previous events that occurred here in the past as it continues the legacy of Expo 2020. A must-see and what you cannot miss when visiting Dubai is the famous Al Wasl Plaza in the heart of Expo City, which features breathtaking light shows that begin at sunset.
Travel Tips: Check their official website before planning your travel to Dubai for the events calendar and latest updates. Get the Attraction Pass if interested in exploring the main attractions.
Bonus Tips: I found it convenient to get here by Dubai’s metro as the designated route/line connects directly to Expo City! Consider eating here for the ambiance and dining options.
Highlights | Book your experiences:
Alternative/other exciting and unique things to do in Dubai
- Skydive – Dubai: Tandem Skydive Experience at The Palm
- Deep Dive Dubai Experience – The World’s Deepest Pool
- Atlantis Scuba Diving Experience at The Lost Chambers Aquarium Dubai
My detailed 7 Days Dubai Itinerary Breakdown ~ Day 7
Day 7: Dubai Frame + Palm Jumeirah Monorail + Dubai Mall
Morning: Explore Dubai Frame and Palm Jumeirah Monorail
Don’t miss seeing the biggest frame in the world!
Explore and take pictures of the impressive architectural landmark of Dubai Frame, which has a glass floor and offers panoramic views of both modern and old Dubai. 
Travel Tips: Avoid queues – **purchase your tickets early**. Don’t forget to take a photo outside to capture the iconic frame in the background.
Bonus Tip: As an alternative or before/after visiting Dubai Frame, consider visiting AYA Universe. Traveling by car or taxi typically takes around 10 minutes depending on traffic.
Another Dubai attraction you should add to your Dubai itinerary is the Palm Jumeirah Monorail.
A unique, picturesque, and affordable way of getting across Dubai’s famous Palm Jumeirah island is the Palm Jumeirah Monorail. The trip provides fantastic photo ops of the Palm’s coastline and architecture. Take in the view during the ten-minute ride.
Travel tips: Seat in the very front if you can or on the left side for the best views when heading to Atlantis. If you have more time, visit Atlantis Aquaventure, Nakheel Mall, or Al Ittihad Park in addition to the monorail ride. You can book a day pass for unlimited rides.
Afternoon: Last Minute Shopping at Dubai Mall or Souks or visit one of the top Instagrammable cafes in Dubai.
If you prefer to have a rested/relaxed last day, then you can skip the recommended attractions in the morning and instead you can take your hotel’s free shuttle service to get to Dubai Mall.
Dubai Mall, the biggest shopping center in the world, with more than 1,200 stores is an ideal place to make last-minute purchases because of its prominent location in Downtown Dubai and close access to the airport.
Travel tips: For high-quality chocolates to bring home as souvenirs, consider going to the Patchi Dubai Mall. Visit and indulge in one of Dubai’s most Instagrammable cafes if you have more time to spare.
Evening: Dinner and prepare for your flight the next day
Highlights | Book your experiences:
Summary: Dubai Itinerary 7 days Travel
|
Dubai Vacation |
Plan Your Visit | Book Your Experiences: |
| Day 1 | |
| Day 2 | |
| Day 3 |
|
| Day 4 |
|
| Day 5 |
Alternative things to do in Dubai: |
| Day 6 |
Alternatives / (optional) |
| Day 7 |
|
Bonus
Must Know Before You Go…
Cultural do’s and don’ts in Dubai
- Only enter mosques when invited or it is open to non-Muslims
- Footwear must be removed before entering prayer rooms
- Adhere to public transportation regulations:No eating; seats/metro for women/children only
- Use your right hand to hand things, eat, and greet people
- Dress modestly by covering your knees and shoulders in public
- Respect Ramadan by abstaining from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during the day
- Consult before snapping pictures, especially of locals and residential areas
- Be polite and respectful – NO swearing or rude gestures in person or online
- NO kissing/hugging in public
- NO public intoxication and NO loud arguments or fights
- Avoid criticizing religion and politics in conversations
Thank you for considering these Dubai travel ideas!
I hope I have sparked your Dubai trip planning!
May this Dubai itinerary for 7 days with Dubai travel tips help you travel safely, wisely, smoothly, and at peace!
Kindly share in the comments what you found helpful and
any other considerations/tips NOT mentioned and must be included.
Be safe and enjoy! I hope you’ll have an amazing and fancy first trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates (UAE)!
FIND RELATED IDEAS OR POSTS …
- 13 Best Vacation Ideas For Singles That You Have to Experience
- 53 Helpful Solo Travel Female Safety Tips To Stay Safe & Prepared
Leave a Reply