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🇦🇪United Arab Emirates

Dubai & Abu Dhabi : Whistle-stop Tour
8 day travel itinerary

TripMapper
by TripMapper

Two UAE emirates with an astonishing blend of Arabian tradition and innovation

8 Days
Active
Architecture
Art
Beach
Culture
Food
Nature
Outdoor
Relax
Shopping
Image by Daniel Olah on Unsplash
Image by Agnieszka Kowalczyk on Unsplash
Image by Max Bovkun on Unsplash
Image by TripMapper Ltd on Unsplash

Abu Dhabi and Dubai are no longer little villages lining the water's edge, they are glittering, energetic metropolises where old-style souks nestle amongst spectacular architecture, where sand dunes surround the glitz and the glamour and where tradition provides the foundation for modern UAE society.

With its top rate hospitality, dynamic arts scene, ostentatious shopping, theme parks and stirring sand dunes, Abu Dhabi is a destination for fun and luxury.

The city's standout attractions are the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a marvel of modern Islamic architecture, the ultra opulent Emirates Palace hotel and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an architectural masterpiece which celebrates the contemporary Arab world and the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage.

Alongside the architectural marvels, you'll find thrills and spills at the world famous Ferrari World, the serene Mangrove National Park and luxury beach clubs!

Not far away lies evocative Dubai, a city like no other. Flamboyant and futuristic, it is home to astonishing developments like the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and Palm Jumeirah (the world's largest artificial island). Although extravagance is the norm, you can still get a taste of traditional Arabia when perusing the souks, enjoying the authentic taste of Emirati cuisine and hopping aboard a traditional ferry boat in the waterways of Dubai Creek.

Use TripMapper to plan your trip and for staying in control of your travel budget. If you are in need of a little inspiration to get you started click 'Customise' to use our interactive Dubai & Abu Dhabi itinerary (below) for the best things to see and do in Dubai & Abu Dhabi - then customise to make your own!

By combining both a trip itinerary app and a travel budget app, TripMapper is the best all-in-one travel itinerary app to help you craft your perfect trip!

* Please check all relevant government guidance prior to, and during, your travels. Please also check any opening & closing times for all establishments contained within our itinerary. Find our Terms of Service here.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s most extravagant places of worship (Abu Dhabi)
  • Immerse yourself in cutting-edge architecture and art in the Louvre Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi)
  • Buckle up at Ferrari World for a ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster (Abu Dhabi)
  • Have a sunset drink in the Emirates Palace hotel, the epitome of luxury, showcasing Arabian hospitality at its finest (Abu Dhabi)
  • Experience the timeless beauty of the desert and enjoy the ultimate sand dune adventures (Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
  • From upscale tasting menus to local eateries, enjoy unforgettable culinary experiences (Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
  • Get involved in the burgeoning beach club scene (Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
  • Visit Dubai's bustling spice and gold markets, full of intoxicating sights and smells (Dubai)
  • Taking in the sight of the Burj Khalifa is thrilling enough, but you will be in complete awe the moment you step onto the observation deck (Dubai)
  • The Dubai Mall, the biggest in the world, is a must visit for the sheer size and scale (Dubai)

Discover the Itinerary

Scroll right to view the days

Layout
  • Day 1

    • TRAVELHome to DXB Airport
      Dubai International Airport (DXB) - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • OTHERPick up hire car
    • ACTIVITYRelax (beach/ poolside)
    • ACTIVITYDubai Mall
      The Dubai Mall - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITY'At the Top' Burj Khalifa for sunset
      Burj Khalifa - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYDubai Fountain show
      Dubai Fountain - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • FOODTime Out Market Dubai (various)
      Time Out Market Dubai, Downtown - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
  • Day 2

    • ACTIVITYExplore the Gold Souk and Spice Souk
      Gold Souk - Gold Souq - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • FOODArabian Tea House Café
      Arabian Tea House Cafe, Bastakiya Opposite Musalla Post Office - Al Fahidi Street - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYWander Al Fahidi Historical District
      Al Fahidi Historical District (Bastakiya) - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYDubai Creek Harbour Marina for sunset
      Dubai Creek harbour Marina Walk - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • FOODMondoux
      Mondoux - South Promenade - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
  • Day 3

    • ACTIVITYRelax (beach/ poolside)
    • FOODDine at Madinat Jumeirah
      Madinat Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYStroll along JBR Beach Walk
      The Walk - JBR - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYStroll around Dubai Marina
      Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
  • Day 4

    • ACTIVITYDay trip - Desert activities
  • Day 5

    • TRAVELDrive to Abu Dhabi
    • ACTIVITYWarner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
      Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYYas Mall
      Yas Mall - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
  • Day 6

    • ACTIVITYSaadiyat Beach Club
      Saadiyat Beach Club - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYLouvre Abu Dhabi
      Louvre Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    • FOODBeirut Sur Mer Restaurant
      Beirut Sur Mer Restaurant - Jacques Chirac Street - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
  • Day 7

    • ACTIVITYSheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
      Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYQasr Al Watan - UAE Presidential Palace
      Qasr Al Watan - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    • FOODDrinks/ dine at sunset at BBQ Al Qasr
      BBQ Al Qasr - West Corniche Road - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
  • Day 8

    • FOODCoffee : % Arabica Al Bateen
      % ARABICA ABU DHABI MARSA AL BATEEN - Al Bateen - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYWander around Al Bateen Marina
      Marsa Al Bateen Marina - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    • ACTIVITYCorniche beach
      Corniche Beach - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    • FOODDine at Ethiad Towers
      Etihad Towers - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    • OTHERReturn car hire