A Comprehensive 7 Day Itinerary For Dubai
Get ready to shine in the City of Gold
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It is perhaps the world’s worst kept travel secret - Dubai is the ultimate destination for those in search of abundant sunshine, luxury dining, world-class retail therapy, and architectural wonders (with a side of Cartier, of course). Yet somehow The City of Gold has retained an air of unmatchable sophistication, despite its global popularity. It may live up to its reputation as the playground for the rich and famous, but its unique personality makes it irresistible for every type of visitor - whether you have a taste for the finer things, or just want to see what makes the place tick. Keep our Plum Guide insider itinerary for Dubai in your (Chanel) back pocket for a Dubai trip like no other - we are real travel experts, after all. Just leave some extra space in your suitcase, we beg of you.
Day 1: Shop like a local at The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall over blue water on a sunny day, Dubai, UAE
Caffeinate yourself for the day ahead with an iced coffee at The Espresso Lab - which arguably serves the best coffee in the city. Once energised, it’s time to engage in the activity Dubai locals do best - shopping - the Dubai Mall showcases luxury indoor shopping at its finest. It is the world’s second largest indoor shopping centre, and is a celebrated example of the city’s impressive contemporary architecture. Drenched in natural light, it has glass ceilings, undulating escalators, majestic water features, and a huge network of indoor pedestrian streets. You’ll find 1,200 stores, with two ‘anchor’ department stores inside; offshoots of Paris’ Galeries Lafayette, and New York City’s Bloomingdale's. Deep breaths.
Sense of Gold, Plum Guide home in Dubai, UAE
Day 2: Dine at a Michelin Star restaurant
Dubai is the proud owner of as many as 11 Michelin Star restaurants, offering innovative global cuisines dreamed up by some of the best chefs on Earth. Which makes slipping a few life-affirming meals into your itinerary for Dubai quite simple. Plum Guide recommends two-Michelin-Star STAY by Yannick Alléno, where delicate, refined French food is served beneath vaulted ceilings and black crystal chandeliers. For something just as chic but a little more laid back, book a table at 11 Woodfire. Located on the glittering Jumeirah Beach Road, this fiery spot celebrates the art of masterful grill techniques, with delights like Wagyu beef, crispy chicken and, of course, sumptuous steaks.
The Last Verse, Plum Guide home in Dubai, UAE
Day 3: Visit Dubai's finest market
A pile of green pistachios at a spice market in Dubai, UAE
If you find yourself in Dubai over the weekend (which, let’s face it, you ought to), don’t miss a visit to Ripe Market in Academy Park - the finest outdoor market in the city. Here, you’ll find gorgeous organic food, artisan goods, handmade jewellery (the good kind), fashion, and art. There is a rather delectable array of food trucks serving up locally-sourced, homemade street food to keep you fuelled for the rest of the day.
Palm Tree Domino, Plum Guide home in Dubai, UAE
Day 4: Enjoy a refreshing dip at La Piscina
After strolling in the sun, you might fancy a little cool-off - look no further than La Piscina by Palazzo Versace for such a refreshment. Slip into the cool blue water, catch up on some reading on plush sun loungers in the shadow of palm trees, and order a poolside platter of fresh sushi if the mood strikes. The perfect afternoon delight, we say. Just be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
Pearl in the Sky, Plum Guide home in Dubai, UAE
Day 5: Grab a drink in the Burj Khalifa
An aerial view of the Burj Khalifa in the city skyline on a foggy morning, Dubai, UAE
Dedicate the day to enjoying the kaleidoscopic colours and sounds of Kite Beach. Lie back in the white sand, dine at one of the many excellent restaurants, or lift off at the Kitesurf School Dubai. No itinerary for Dubai would be complete without a well-planned evening soirée. Time for a cocktail? Locals will tell you that the best cocktails are shaken at The Vault, where you’ll get exclusive cocktails with a side of 360° city views. If you want to go even higher (read: fancier), head to the 122nd floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa.
At its iconic Atmosphere (the world’s tallest bar and restaurant, we’ll have you know), you’ll find dizzying heights, luxurious cocktails and Champagne, and quite possibly a celebrity sighting or two. Not that you’d let them see you staring, of course. Dine on the beachfront at Fish, where tables are nestled into the powdery sand and twinkling lights are strung between the palm trees. Order the whole grilled fish, or choose from a menu of Turkish, Greek, and Mediterranean creations. After that, take a stroll around the Dubai Marina to take the bustling atmosphere - plus a few mega yachts. It is Dubai, after all.
Day 6: Take a stroll through Burj Park
Pick up a coffee from TEN 11 Coffee Boutique, and start the day with a stroll around Burj Park. It's a foot-friendly 2.5 kilometre walk, leading you through manicured grounds with views of the glistening Dubai Fountain Lake, The Dubai Opera, and the stratospheric Burj Khalifa - which, frankly, never ceases to amaze. Leave time for a long, leisurely brunch on the deck of The Farm, Al Barari, where you can feast on eggs Royale and fluffy waffles in a botanical oasis, right in the heart of the city. City Walk is an impressive open air, design-forward neighbourhood brimming with luxury stores, exclusive restaurants, and tree-lined avenues - and is more than worth your time. Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and perusing the kaleidoscopic street art murals. Afterwards, head for a dip at Koko Bay on the famous West Beach strip. This is one of Dubai’s more bohemian-feeling beach destinations, with rattan furniture, billowing linen, and golden sand. Share a couple of Asian-inspired small plates while you’re there.
Day 7: Peruse the works at XVA Gallery
A selection of blue plates with traditional Dubai artwork painted on at a gallery
Spend a couple of hours exploring the vibrant art community of Alserkal Avenue, and take in the latest work from Dubai’s contemporary art scene in sprawling industrial surrounds. After that, top up on even more culture at XVA Gallery, where you can feast your eyes on pioneering Middle Eastern art at one of the region’s best contemporary galleries. End the perfect Dubai trip with a bottle of something sparkling at Nammos, where you can watch the Arabian sun set on the Persian Gulf in the chicest setting imaginable. This fashionable restaurant is all waving palms and beachside bamboo, with a menu of fresh seafood - focused Mykonian dishes. Yamas, Dubai.
