Itinerary Summary
Arrive in Dubai for Burj Khalifa sunset, Palm Jumeirah and the old abra-and-souk quarter, then drive an hour and a half to Abu Dhabi for the Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island theme parks,…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Landing in Dubai, sunset from the Burj Khalifa
09:00
2h
Metro ride from DXB into Downtown Dubai
Clear immigration at Terminal 3 and ride the Red Line directly to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. Buy a Nol Silver card from the arrivals machines; the trip takes about 35 minutes and costs a few dirhams.
📍 DXB Terminal 3 to Downtown Dubai
17:30
2.5h
Sunset slot at the Burj Khalifa observation deck
Book the At the Top timed entry online for roughly an hour before sunset, then watch the city turn gold from level 124. Security queues peak at that hour, so arrive 30 minutes early with your booking code on your phone.
📍 Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
20:15
1.5h
Dinner beside the Dubai Fountain at Souk Al Bahar
Eat on a Souk Al Bahar terrace where the fountain show runs every 30 minutes after dark. Reserve a waterfront table a day ahead for a clear view; most restaurants here serve alcohol with dinner and add a service charge.
📍 Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai
💡 Pro Tip: Dubai International (DXB) is the main gateway, with Terminal 3 handling most Emirates flights. The metro Red Line links the airport to Downtown in about 35 minutes; a Nol Silver card covers metro, tram and abra fares. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the United Arab Emirates visa section before booking. Dress modestly in public with shoulders and knees covered. The UAE runs on UTC+4 with no daylight saving. Alcohol is served in licensed hotel bars and restaurants, and tap water is safe in hotels. Dishes worth trying: shawarma, machboos spiced rice, luqaimat and karak tea.
Days 2-7 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$63035%
Central Dubai and Abu Dhabi hotels, 6 nights
Food & DiningUS$36020%
Shawarma, hummus, machboos, luqaimat, karak tea, dates
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a combined Dubai and Abu Dhabi trip?+
Visa rules depend on your passport. US, Canadian, Australian and Japanese passport holders usually get visa-free entry for short visits of up to 30 days, while most EU countries and the UK get up to 90 days. Confirm current terms on the UAE Government Portal and with your airline before booking.
When should I visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi to avoid extreme heat?+
November to March is the comfortable window, with roughly 18-28 C and low humidity for outdoor sights and the Grand Mosque courtyards. April and October are warmer but cheaper and quieter. June to September is punishing for walking, so plan indoor attractions or skip it.
What does a 7-day Dubai and Abu Dhabi trip cost per person?+
For this comfort-level route, budget around $1,350-2,240 (about EUR 1,170-1,950) per person excluding international flights. That covers mid-range hotels, Burj Khalifa and theme park tickets, and a hire car or transfers for the Abu Dhabi leg. Peak December-January dates run higher.
How do you travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi without flying?+
The drive is about 90 minutes on the E11 highway, by hire car, taxi or ride-hail. Intercity buses also run from Dubai's Al Ghubaiba and Ibn Battuta stations to Abu Dhabi. If you plan to drive yourself, check whether your licence needs an international driving permit.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 7 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,350–2,240 (≈ €1,170–1,950), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: City Explorers
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