Total Days: 6 Days | Accommodations: Hotel in Downtown Burj Dubai and Abu Dhabi | Transportation: Taxis mostly, a public bus to Abu Dhabi | Traveled: With a girlfriend| Type of Trip: Experiencing Middle Eastern culture, food and some striking landmarks | Highlights: Souks, Desert Safari, Mosques
The slightly adjusted itinerary, with a reasonable amount of luxury, because it’s all relative when you’re in the city of opulence! If you want to raise the bar, try 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 Taikun with East Asian cuisine and izakaya-style dining (ask for a garden-terrace table!) 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: Relax on the beach and get pampered in Dubai
Travel agenda: Wake up with breakfast and specialty coffee at Roseleaf Café. Head to the gorgeous public Kite Beach for sunbathing and stand up paddle boarding. When the afternoon wind picks up, watch or partake in kitesurfing or wind surfing. For lunch, grab a burger from the fan-favorite SALT.
In the evening, it’s time to get pampered at the award-winning SPA in the Palazzo Versace Dubai. Go for the Traditional Hammam massage that include a black soap application, exfoliation and infused shower milk! Now that you’re relaxed, 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 grounds around the Dubai fountains. Your spot for lunch, Baker & Spice, will have 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!
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 Al Khyama Camp tour is a 6 hour excursion that features a quad bike ride on the steep dunes of the desert, sand boarding, camel riding situated next to a home base camp that offers a buffet style dinner and a local Tanoura and Belly Dancing performance to end the night.
DAY 5
At a glimpse: Bus to Abu Dhabi with a focus on grandiosity
Travel Agenda: From the Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta Stations, hop on a 1.5-hour public bus to Abu Dhabi that leaves every 20 minutes. Once in Abu Dhabi, the 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 (wishful thinking). 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 it’s off to Ferrari World. Don’t miss the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster, and the Karting Academy.
Once you’ve had your highspeed fill, enjoy an afternoon at Corniche beach, with lovely sand and sections divided for singles and families. Around sunset, experience the Louvre Abu Dhabi from the water on a kayaking tour. Get dinner at Marakesh, a Moroccan restaurant with entertainment and performances. Take it all in on your last enchanting evening and toast to your Middle East adventure!
