Start your day off right with an authentic Emirati breakfast (Day 1, Morning)

Starting with Arabian culture is the ideal way to begin your trip to the Arabian Peninsula. The excitement of the Arabian spices, which awaken their taste buds, energises travellers throughout the day. Visit Old Dubai and the Creek to kick off your journey. Head straight to Bur Dubai to visit the renowned Arabian Tea House. This quaint coffee shop is located in Bur Dubai’s Al Fahidi neighbourhood and is renowned for its timeless appeal and exquisite Emirati design. In 1997, the Arabian Tea House was established so that guests could unwind and converse while sipping Karak tea or Arabian coffee. Not only that, but the tea house also prepares delectable Emirati dishes, including the traditional Emirati breakfast of date molasses, cheddar cheese, melted cheese, baked beans, watermelon jam, and traditional bread with balaleet (vermicelli with cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron topped with an omelette). For more information, go to arabianteahouse.net (04 353 5071).

Location: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai

Exploring Old Dubai 

It’s time to explore since you’ve arrived in Old Dubai. Additionally, there is a tonne of things to do in the city’s historic district. Take a stroll along the water’s edge to continue exploring the Bur Dubai side of the Creek while taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of what was once the centre of the city. Bur Dubai is home to many souks, the majority of which sell goods like clothing, materials, and trinkets. In search of some history? The Dubai Museum is now located at Al Fahidi Fort, which is a short distance from the Creek. The museum itself is currently closed, but the old building and the cannons outside are interesting to look at. After you’ve had your fill of culture, return to the creek and board an abra, a traditional vessel that transports people back and forth across the flowing water all day long. You can travel to Deira, which is located on the other side of the creek, by handing over a dirham. You can see historical palaces, traditional dhows (larger boats), and the skyscrapers of the area that once housed the business district on either side of the Creek during this delightful short trip. 

Explore the Dubai Mall (Day 1, Afternoon)

The world’s largest mall is right here in Dubai, so it’s time to break out the credit card or just open your eyes for some window shopping. There are more than 1,500 stores and eateries there, ranging from high-end brands to high-street chains. There are numerous kids’ stores, jewellery stores, and cosmetics stores. It even has a Fashion Avenue where you can find the most expensive brands, including Dior, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, and others. If you need the newest gear, you know where to go: the Dubai Mall is also home to the world’s largest Apple and Nike stores. But it’s not just about shopping; there’s also an e-karting track, a huge Reel Cinema, and a Dubai Ice Rink. Love marine life? Here you can also visit the biggest aquarium in the world and an underwater zoo, where you can swim with sharks and meet penguins. However, if you don’t have time for that and are on a tight budget, you can still get a good view of the aquarium from the outside as shoppers pass by and see the enormous glass panels showcasing the fishy inhabitants. Visit one of the many eateries in the mall, such as Carluccio’s, Wagamama, Black Tap, Yo Sushi, Gia, Magnolia Bakery, and others, if you start to feel peckish. For more details, visit thedubaimall.com.

Location: Downtown Dubai

Sunset at the Top (Day 1, Evening)

The tallest structure on Earth also happens to be the most well-known structure in Dubai. Try to capture the Burj Khalifa in the ideal shot from the ground up because it’s hard to miss it. After that, it’s time to ascend and get a new perspective on the city. The Burj Khalifa, which stands over 828 metres tall and has more than 160 stories, has the highest outdoor observation deck and the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. For a view of the city both in the light and the dark, reserve a room at ‘ The Top for Sunset’. You can also enjoy the city’s stunning golden glow at that time of day. You can choose from a variety of packages, including those that take you to Level 125 for Dhs169 or Level 148 for Dhs399, respectively. Booking into the World’s Highest Lounge on Levels 152, 153, and 154 (a staggering 585 metres above sea level) costs Dhs769 and includes a glass of bubbly, canapes, and an exclusive tour of the outdoor terrace. From this well-known vantage point in Downtown Dubai, you can look down on the city below, see the Dubai Fountain from a completely different angle, and get 360-degree views of Dubai. For more details, visit burjkhalifa.ae.

Dubai Time Out Market

The massive dining destination Time Out Market Dubai is only a hop, skip, and jump away from the Burj Khalifa, so if you’re hungry, you’re in the right place. All that is looking down at the world will have worked up an appetite. In fact, once you arrive and secure a spot on the terrace, it’s a great spot to look up and take in your surroundings. Time Out Market Dubai, located in Souk Al Bahar, is a great place to see your next attraction. The Dubai Fountain is also a great place to take pictures of the incredibly tall tower. Every 30 minutes on nights from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., The Fountain puts on an amazing show of music, lights, and dancing water. The Fountain is the tallest structure in the world and has a maximum annual output of 22,000 gallons of water. The performance, which takes place in the Burj Lake in front of the Burj Khalifa, includes more than 6,600 super lights and 25 different colour projections. You’re sure to be amazed by the show. It’s time to get some snacks from one of the 17 premier restaurants housed in Time Out Market Dubai while you enjoy the impressive performance. Everyone can find something they like, including bao at BB Social Dining, pho at Vietnamese Foodies, truffle pizza at Pitfire, chicken burgers at Pickl, sushi at Reif, pasta at Fulvio’s, and Balkan specialities at 21Grams.

Yoga and breakfast at Aura Skypool (Day 2, morning)

Aura, one of the hottest spots in town right now, requires reservations ahead of time, and there are minimum spend requirements on some days, but it will be well worth it. The highest infinity pool in the world has breathtaking views from all angles (you may have noticed that Dubai holds many records), and it’s a special way to take in the splendour of Atlantis, The Palm. The enormous artificial island looks like a palm tree (obviously), and from here, you can see the fronds perfectly spreading out, a sight that was previously only accessible by helicopter or by skydivers. You’ll also have a great view of Atlantis the Palm, the renowned resort perched at the centre of the palm. Spend the morning swimming or posing for pictures (influence style), or if you’re more active, attend a yoga class three mornings a week for the ultimate flex (literally). For more information, go to auraskypool.com (04 566 2121).

Location: Aura Skypool, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah

At KYMA, a beach day

The team behind some of the top restaurants in the area (La Cantine Du Faubourg, Ninive, and Twiggy—and if you’re staying longer, those should also be on your to-visit list) recently opened this beach club and restaurant. On Palm West Beach, there is a gorgeous new area called Kyma, which is Greek for wave. Wear your best sunglasses because this is where the sophisticated crowd congregates. It’s all creams, coffee colours, and boho-chic. Swim while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Marina skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Ain Dubai, the tallest observation wheel in the world at 274 metres, will also make a good photo. Grab a bite to eat from the delectable menu, which features Greek-inspired dishes, mezze, grills, and more, before you relax on your sun lounger. For more details, visit kymabeach.ae (04 666 5999).

Location: Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah

Enjoy the sights with naiveté (Day 2, Evening)

Visit Souk Madinat Jumeriah for some of the city’s best Burj Al Arab views. Even though it’s easy to get lost in the winding lanes, wherever you go, you’ll pass stores and eateries and end up with a view of the opulent hotel. Pose for a photo in the sun before heading to the best location for sundowners at the folly. The rooftop is big and offers stunning views of the Burj Al Arab and the Madinat waterways in the distance. The best time to visit is at sunset when you can enjoy a mixed drink while being bathed in a beautiful golden light (don’t forget to try the famous folly pops, which come with an ice lolly). Stay around for dinner once the sun has set. The well-known restaurant offers some of the best European cuisines in the area, and you should definitely try the crispy hen’s egg before you leave. For more details, visit folly.ae (04 430 8535).

Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim

Gilt at the Burj Al Arab is the place to be

As a result, you’ve seen it from afar (from a variety of perspectives, as evidenced by your camera rolls). You can enter the Burj Al Arab without spending a fortune on an overnight stay if you make a reservation, but it is the only way to cross that famous bridge, past the tourists, and inside. You can enter one of the most opulent hotels in the world if you make a reservation for a drink at Gilt Bar. Before ascending to floor 27 for views of Umm Suqeim, take in the famous sail-shaped hotel’s impressive, colourful interiors and the aquarium that lines the walls by the escalator. Gilt is a suitably glitzy, opulent bar, as implied by its name, so anticipate excellent service and lots of photo opportunities (the massive gold bar is impressive). Order a unique concoction made with ingredients like green cardamom, brown butter, shisho leaf, and more since the bar specialises in mixed drinks. For more details, visit Jumeirah.com (800 323232).

Location: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim

The Five Palm Jumeirah is a must-see attraction.

This well-known party hotel will be mentioned if you use social media. At FIVE, which is well-known for its vivacious atmosphere, pool parties, brunches, and beach festivals, there’s always something going on (and usually a celebrity joining in the fun). If you enjoy parties, this is where you should end your night. There are many places to choose from, including Beach by Five, Maiden Shanghai, and Bling, a superclub that houses real supercars. Our top pick is The Penthouse because of the incredible views, in addition to the fantastic lineup of live DJs and events. This indoor/outdoor venue, located on the hotel’s 16th floor, has a sizable terrace on both sides of the structure. The best views, which include those of Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai, can be found on the Marina side. It’s unquestionably one for Instagram. It’s glam here, so dress up. If you enjoy parties, this is where you should end your night. There are many places to choose from, including Beach by Five, Maiden Shanghai, and Bling, a superclub that houses real supercars.