Old Dubai and its souks, Burj Khalifa and the fountain, a beach morning and the train to Abu Dhabi for the Grand Mosque, then the palace, the Louvre and the national museum.
5 days, 27 stopsBalanced paceNov to MarApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 4, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: Al Fahidi, the Creek and the Deira souks
Wind-tower lanes and a museum on old Dubai, lunch by the Creek, an abra across the water, the spice and gold souks and a seafood dinner.
1
8:30 AMAl Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodWalk the wind-tower lanes before the heat builds; in hot months this early start matters most.About 1 hour 15 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 15 min
2
10:00 AMAl Shindagha MuseumExplore Dubai's past, culture and traditions; allow about 2 hours. It opens at 10 AM, last entry 7 PM.About 2 hours 15 min here
AED[fee]
Taxi about 10 min
3
12:30 PMAl SeefHave lunch at a creekside restaurant in the heritage-style lanes; restaurants and cafes open from 10 AM.About 2 hours 15 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 15 min
4
3:00 PMBur Dubai abra stationCross Dubai Creek by wooden abra to the Deira side, a short walk from the spice and gold souks.
Pay as you go
Abra across the Creek, then walk, about 10 min
5
3:15 PMOptionalSpice SoukBrowse sacks of spices, teas, nuts and saffron. Vendors expect you to haggle.About 45 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 5 min
6
4:00 PMGold SoukWander the shaded gold lanes as the light softens; most shops open 10 AM to 10 PM.About 1 hour 45 min here
Free to visit
Taxi about 15 min
7
6:00 PMWaterfront MarketPick fish at the counters and have it cooked by a waterfront restaurant, or order from their menus.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Book these aheadBurj Khalifa, At the Top (day 2): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Book the Etihad Rail trainTrains link Dubai Station and Abu Dhabi Station in about an hour. Book up to four weeks ahead and check the live schedule.
Plan around the summer heatFrom June to September it can pass 50C. Keep beaches, souks and walks for early morning or after 4 PM, and carry water.
Follow the mosque dress codeAt the Grand Mosque women need loose clothing to the ankles, sleeves to the wrists and a headscarf; men are asked to cover their legs.
Book At the Top aheadAt the Top tickets are sold for a time slot on the official ticket site. Book before you go and arrive in time for your slot.
Never drink in publicDrinking or being drunk in public is an offence, including at airports, and alcohol is banned in the emirate of Sharjah.
Respect Ramadan hoursDuring Ramadan, expected to start around 7 Feb 2027, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.
Where to stay for this plan
Spend two nights in Dubai near Bur Dubai or Downtown, then two in Abu Dhabi near the Corniche or on Saadiyat; fly in to Dubai and home from Abu Dhabi.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 4, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
