So, you're thinking of going to Dubai for the first time. Maybe you've heard stories—some say it's futuristic and extravagant, others call it soulless and too shiny. Honestly? It's a bit of both. I didn't really know what to expect the first time I landed at DXB, bleary-eyed after a red-eye flight and sweating through my hoodie (note to self: layers were a mistake). But by the end of my trip, I was genuinely surprised—by the weird contrasts, the little moments, the sheer variety packed into that desert metropolis.
This Dubai itinerary isn't a rigid checklist. It's more like the "I've done this, learned that, and here's what I'd do differently next time" guide. Think of it as the itinerary I wish someone handed me before I went.
Day 1: Ease In — Don't Try to Conquer the City in Flip-Flops
Alright, slow down. You just got off a long flight, and trust me, Dubai's not going anywhere. Check into your hotel (I stayed at this mid-range spot in Al Seef—super charming and not as sterile as those high-rise business hotels) and give yourself half a day to just... adjust.
Do yourself a favor: take a lazy stroll by the Dubai Creek. Hop on an abra (those little wooden boats, about 1 dirham to cross—yes, really), and let the city introduce itself at its own pace. There's something calming about the old part of Dubai, especially after hearing so much about the glitz.
Day 2: Old Dubai Has Stories, If You're Willing to Listen
Start at the Al Fahidi Historical District. It's dusty and slow and full of character—kind of the opposite of what you expect from Dubai. Wander into the art galleries and peek into the coffee museum (even if you're more of a tea person, it's oddly fascinating).
I had a long chat with a man at the calligraphy house—ended up buying a postcard with my name scribbled in Arabic gold ink. Totally touristy, but I don't regret it.
For lunch, hit up the Arabian Tea House. It's tucked into a quiet courtyard and feels a bit like a time machine. Order whatever the guy next to you is having—that's how I discovered the chicken machboos.
Day 3: The Skyline Isn't Just for Photos
You can't not do the Burj Khalifa, but here's my two cents: skip the regular observation deck. Spring for the At the Top SKY experience—it's more expensive, but fewer crowds and better views (plus free tiny pastries, if that matters to you, which it did to me).
Afterwards, take a moment at the Dubai Fountain. Yeah, it's a bit over-the-top. But standing there, music blaring, water shooting 500 feet in the air... there's something oddly moving about it. Maybe it's the scale. Maybe it's just the sugar crash from the dessert I ate an hour earlier.
Case in point: I saw a family next to me crying—turns out it was their last stop before flying home after a tough year. You never know what's going on around you.
Dinner? Time Out Market in Souk Al Bahar. Pick what looks good. (I tried this Korean bao thing and ended up going back the next day for more.)
Day 4: Get Out of the City — Seriously
Desert safari day. I know, I know—it sounds cheesy. But listen, riding across the dunes in a 4x4, sand blasting into your ears while your driver laughs maniacally, is weirdly therapeutic.
My driver, Kareem, had done this for 12 years and still grinned like a kid every time we hit a steep drop. We talked about everything from Egyptian politics to camel racing.
Some tours include BBQ dinners, belly dancing, even henna tattoos. Go for it. Or don't. But do stay long enough to watch the sunset in the desert. It's... quiet. Like the kind of quiet that makes your phone feel irrelevant for once.
Day 5: A Mall, But Make It Weird
Okay, malls. You can't avoid them in Dubai—they're practically cultural institutions. But if you're going to do one, make it The Dubai Mall. Not just because of the size (although, yeah, it's absurd), but because it's a whole experience.
There's an ice rink, a dinosaur skeleton, an aquarium, and the kind of stores that make you question your life choices. I once watched a guy buy a gold-plated iPhone like it was gum at a checkout counter.
And if you're into books (or pretending you are), Kinokuniya inside the mall is a gem.
Day 6: Beach Day, With a Side of Perspective
JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) is a bit of a scene, but it's fun. Rent a sun lounger, get some overpriced coconut water, and people-watch like it's your job. Tourists, expats, locals—it's a strange mix.
Later, stroll to Bluewaters Island. There's this massive observation wheel, and though I didn't ride it (long story: fear of heights + full stomach = nope), I hear the views are wild at night.
Dinner? Somewhere low-key. I ended up at a Lebanese place tucked behind The Walk that had the best fattoush I've ever had. Like, I still think about that salad sometimes.
Day 7: Wrap-Up, Your Way
Use this day for whatever you missed. Maybe the Museum of the Future (looks like a giant silver bagel, but in a cool way). Or head to the Marina for a dhow cruise.
I spent my last afternoon wandering aimlessly. Bought dates for my mom, knocked back one too many saffron lattes, and accidentally joined a wedding procession near Deira (don't ask how, long story).
And that's kind of the thing about Dubai. It's layered. It's messy. It's part spectacle, part sincerity. You'll roll your eyes at the luxury cars—but then you'll get caught up in a conversation with a Pakistani cab driver who tells you how much he misses home, and it'll humble you.
Final Thought (Not a Wrap-Up, I Promise)
If you're expecting Dubai to make sense immediately, it won't. It's a city of curated chaos, with rules that bend and histories that tangle. But that's what makes it worth exploring—not just ticking off the big attractions, but letting the odd, beautiful, frustrating parts soak in.
So don't just follow my itinerary. Get lost. Miss a bus. Try something you wouldn't normally. And if all else fails—find the nearest café with outdoor seating, order something iced, and just watch. You'll learn more than you expect.
And yeah... pack sunscreen. Like, a lot.
