Total Days: 6 Days | Accommodations: Hotel in Downtown Burj Dubai and Abu Dhabi | Transportation: Taxis mostly | Traveled: With a girlfriend| Type of Trip: Nothing but the best | Highlights: Souks, Desert Safari, Mosques
The more extravagant itinerary option, because, when in Dubai! If you don’t need the extra pampering or elaborate dinners, check out this itinerary instead.
DAY 1
At a glimpse: A feast for the eyes and stomach in downtown Dubai today
Travel agenda: Jump start your trip with traditional Emirati cooking at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café located along the Dubai Creek in Festival City (save room for the Leqaimat doughnuts!) From there, take a 20-minute taxi to the Miracle Garden (open November-May). Not your average garden, this sanctuary includes 150 million flowers in unique displays of colorful arches, patterns and shapes.
Head back to the hotel to get ready for the evening. Plan on dinner at Arabian cuisine at Amaseena in the Ritz. Then paint the town red starting with a performance, options that include La Pearle, a theatrical performance of fusion of immersive artistic performances, imagery and technology, or the Dubai Opera, worth every penny just to see the architecture and interior design.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: 7 star pampering views and pampering
Travel agenda: Wake up with breakfast and specialty coffee at Roseleaf Café. Head to Summersalt Beach and purchase a day pass for access to the pools, beach and showers, plus full-service drinks and food and activity options. At 2pm, make your way to the only 7-star hotel in the world for afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar in the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
In the evening, it’s time to get pampered at the One & Only Royal Mirage Spa which offers a full Moroccan Hamman ritual treatment! Now that you’re officially stress-free, head to Japanese restaurant Tomo for dinner and out-of-this-world city views.
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Experience the biggest and best in the heart of Dubai
Travel Agenda: Head to breakfast at Tom & Serg, a trendy café that’s all about good food and coffee. Take a 10-minute taxi to the Dubai Mall, the largest mall by total area in the world with over 1,000 shops. For entertainment, don’t miss the Dubai Aquarium, high-tech virtual-reality area called VR Park, the Human Waterfall, and the Dubai Dino in the Souk area.
From there, make your way to the Burj Khalifa, with the entrance in the mall. Get “At The Top” tickets for views from the 124th and 125th floor. Roam the ground around the Dubai fountains. Your spot for lunch, Asado, will have sophisticated dining and the best terrace views for the 1:00pm and 1:30pm choreographed water performance.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel pool. For dinner, check out no-frills, local hot spot AL Ustad Special Kabab. From there, walk 10 minutes to the Dubai Creek. Take a 5-minute abra, or water taxi, for the most authentic way to reach the Souks. Cross Baniuas Road to reach the Spice Souk or walk a couple block up Old Baladiua Street to get to the Gold Souk, the best place for souvenirs. The quintessential experience and recommended spot for souvenirs. Be prepared to haggle! For cocktails later, opt to head back to the Burj Khalifa because At.mosphere serves up great beverages and a mind-blowing view to match.
DAY 4
At a glimpse: Desert voyage
Travel Agenda: Start the day with breakfast at Pots, Pans and Boards. Then prepare for a desert adventure. Although there are many options, choose a reputable company that includes a camel ride and traditional camp-style dinner.
The Heritage Desert Safari includes a ride on a vintage land rover with stops for native wildlife and an authentic Bedouin camp home-base. Learn how to make Arabic coffee and bread, partake in henna painting, camel rides and traditional performances before the four-course dinner and shisha under the stars.
DAY 5
At a glimpse: 1.5-hour taxi to Abu Dhabi with a focus on grandiosity
Travel Agenda: First stop is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the most impressive and lavish mosques, large enough to accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. Get there in time to get a free black Abaya and join the 10AM tour.
Post-tour, head to the Etihad Towers. Enjoy the 360-degree view of Abu Dhabi and the Arabian Gulf at Ray’s Grill, a restaurant on the 63rd floor. Post lunch, head to the Emirates Palace Hotel. Make sure to stop by the world’s first gold-dispensing atm for a brick to bring home? Get settled at the hotel and then get dinner at Italian restaurant Cipriani and a lusciously creamy gelato at Vasa Vasa.
DAY 6
At a glimpse: Adventure in Abu Dhabi
Travel Agenda: Breakfast at Shay Madhboot, a small café that specializes in serving karak tea and brunch. Then spend the rest of the day on Zayana Island, a paradise with five-star service, amenities and food. It’s essentially tying up the trip in a nice little bow!
