The Ultimate Guide to Dubai: A Sample 7 Day Itinerary

By: Mucci Watson

Last Updated: 05/24/2022

Best times to visit:

If you can't take the heat, get the heck out the kitchen! FYI Dubai is scorching hot, during winter months the temperatures can go as high as the 80s to low 60s at night time, this is also tourist season so it may be a bit crowded In the summer months from May to August temperatures average a high of 110!

Dubai is a must take trip I've visited several times which as led me to created my first blog to outline everything a First Time Visitor must know. I don't know about you but I'm one of those people who needs to know everything before I travel to a city or country.

This post will consist of how I spent 7 days in Dubai and this will help you outline what exactly you want to do as well as tips and essentials for your first trip to Dubai. Here goes nothing!

How to travel to Dubai:

Departing on your journey to Dubai it's best to plan ahead at least 6 months in advance to get the best price ever. The last time I went to Dubai my flight was approximately $536 USD round trip through Gotogate - which you can click through my link to get the best deals possible on flights. I traveled from San Francisco flying with Lufthansa which was about a 23 hour flight with a 3 hour layover in Germany there and back home. Gotogate is one the absolute best website to get flights through because they are dirt cheap, along with other websites I book on.

Getting around in Dubai:

After my first experience in Dubai, I have just one thing to tell you about getting around in Dubai - DO NOT TAKE TAXIS!!!! Just like anywhere in America or any other country Taxi drivers will try to rip you off when it comes to getting you from one destination to the next. I recommend taking Uber anywhere you need to go rides averaged from $7-$18 per ride and it was super convenient, each driver came in less than 5 minutes and ironically everyone that picked us up drove a Lexus and provided compassionate care, how dope is that.

The Best Places to Stay:

Dubai has numerous amounts of hotels to choose from that it's actually hard to choose because they have so many fascinating options, its all a matter of what side of town you want to stay on. Two recommendations that I have stayed at are: The Tower Plaza Hotel and The Flora Inn, they are both located 10 minutes from the airport on Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounded by tons of restaurants, activities and walking distance to everything you want to get to. Both hotels I stayed at I would give them 5 stars, the service and staff was amazing and they went above and beyond to make sure my stay was great! If you ever been to Vegas, this is what Dubai reminds you of its very crowded around the Dubai Marina area with Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah close by. The Dubai Marina has things like: The Dubai Mall, beach resorts, shops and restaurants. I recommend near the Marina or near the airport for the best experience.

What to wear in Dubai:

As I stated previously depending on when you go it is VERY hot so you should bring clothes that are thin, and that keeps you almost covered depending on what areas you are in. Things that I brought on the trip were mostly jumpsuits, rompers, thin shirts and knee length shorts. Any regular clothes are acceptable, but during Ramadan you should be covered at all times to respect the Muslim religion. The only time that I wore the traditional hijab and abaya was when I was visiting the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi- which is also hotter than Dubai itself. I know when I say all this you're most likely getting scared, but don't be afraid near the Dubai Marina you'd be surprised what you see people wearing that is somewhat revealing but acceptable.

How much money to bring to Dubai:

If you are a average person like myself that loves to have fun but knows how to do it dirt cheap then I would have to say Dubai was CHEAP! I can't elaborate this enough but please use USD when you pay for everything I know looking at their money is nice and when I first went I wanted it also, but using USD is so much more cheaper when you convert their currency which is called "dirham" or AED to US money, just make sure you have a handy dandy currency app downloaded on your phone. also make sure you let your banks know before you leave that you will be out of the country so your card won't decline. You can also exchange any currency in the airport or any malls if that is something you want to do, but as given advice I wouldn't recommend.

Food and Alcohol:

The food is great if you are open to middle eastern dishes, and everything you want to eat they will have even if its American food you want! They have all the American restaurants you see at home, but I did notice no drive-thrus. 

Since most of the population in Dubai is Muslim religion, they do not offer pork in most places, but you will see every other option you like such as: beef, seafood, chicken and lamb. The most popular dishes you will see is hummus and if you love hummus like I do then you will be in heaven, it is so rich and pure! Also dates are really popular and you will come across them everywhere you go.

Alcohol: Which is something most tourist will be looking for you are allowed to drink at licensed hotels, restaurants and bars and you can also purchase from local liquor suppliers with your Passport and you also have to be non-muslim of course. You are NOT allowed to drink in public, including the beach. I recommend getting liquor in the airport at the Duty Free shop, it will save you the headache of trying to figure out where to go while in town and also save you a lot of time.

Sample 7 Day Itinerary:

First and foremost for any excursions/activities I recommend Get your Guide or Booking, they both offer cheap options on activities ranging from ($10-$30) per activity and easy to book. Most activities offer pick and drop off from your hotel and you cant beat that.

  • Day one:
    • Arrival and exploring the old Dubai
  • Day two:
    • Desert Safari - (expect a 7-8 hour tour and dress in things that you want to get dirty and shorts).
  • Day three:
    • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi - (expect a 7 hour tour).
  • Day four:
    • Atlantis/Dubai parks and Resorts
  • Day five:
    • Dubai Marina/Jumeirah Mosque and the Beach
  • Day six:
    • Seeing downtown Dubai
  • Day seven:
    • Shopping/Dubai Miracle Garden and Departure

Top places you should visit in Dubai:

  • Instagram Cafe - Hookah Lounge. One of the best hookah lounges I every been too. Gives you a homey feeling and the staff is remarkable. If you love hookah this street is just like the strip in Vegas, its surrounded by nothing but hookah lounges and get this the hookah is $9 USD! you can't beat that.
  • Dubai Creek Harbour
  • Dinner in the Sky
  • Ferrari World
  • Dubai Museum
  • Ski Dubai
  • Dubai Fountains
  • Shop at the Gold Souk
  • Emirates Palace
  • Kite Beach
  • Palm Islands
  • 3D World Dubai
  • Dubai Sky Views

Dubai has tons of things you can do and although 7 days seems like not a lot of time, you can manage to squeeze in so many things and have the best time of your life.

Must needs to pack for Dubai:

* = A link to the exact product

  1. Sunscreen - Hand luggage friendly, I suggest the spray sunscreen *
  2. Moisturizer - if you're like me you always need to me moisturized from getting cracked skin.
  3. Passport Holder - so many choices online to choose from and now that Covid is still present there are spaces for your Vaccination card. This passport holder comes in several colors, is a best seller and rated 5/5 stars. *
  4. Dubai Adaptor - UAE has a different electric socket so his will be useful to bring with you so you don't have to worry about charging your phone. *
  5. Reusable water bottle - keeps you from being dehydrated. *
  6. Battery Port - to charge your phone during layovers and while out in Dubai *
  7. IPAD/Laptop - To keep you busy especially on the plane, you can download your favorite games and movies on Netflix.
  8. VPN - a VPN gives you access to websites from home that may not be available in your host country.
  9. Currency App - Not saying they will get over on you, but its good to verify what you are buying especially if you are not really hip to their currency.
  10. Travel Insurance - If you are an experienced traveler, you NEVER travel without insurance. Common features include: lost or stolen luggage, flight cancellations, emergency medical expenses and they even have plans that cover "cancel for any reason."

Do's and Dont's in Dubai:

  • Avoid PDA: Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Sometimes simply kissing or holding hands in public are a big no-no especially if you aren't married.
  • Check your prescriptions: Drugs in Dubai are ILLEGAL so its best to take note of your medications and make sure you are not bringing any illegal drugs into the country.
  • Dress Conservatively: You don't have to dress in the full traditional wear but women should dress modestly and women should wear a head scarf when visiting religious monuments.
  • Respect the rules of Ramadan: If you visit during this time, respect the Muslim religion and remember eating, drinking, and smoking in public during the day is strictly forbidden.
  • BE RESPECTFUL
  • Don't be drunk in public: Alcohol consumption is illegal for the Muslim-majority population of Dubai. Non-Muslims with a passport can purchase alcohol and licensed bars, restaurants and hotels.
  • Don't take photos of people without their explicit permission.
  • Don't swear: Cursing and foul language are considered offensive. 
  • Don't insult Islam: Regardless of your personal opinion, don't say anything deemed as disrespectful.
  • Don't flaunt your homosexuality: Sadly homosexuality is illegal in the UAE and public displays of affection between members of the same (or opposite unless married) is a big NO-NO!