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Dubai is a contrast of sorts. The mix of desert, sea and skyscrapers is endlessly fascinating to me. Dubai’s rise from a sandy desert to the magnificent skyline it is today is nothing short of a wonder.
This vibrant city draws me back again and again and it is one of the cities I have visited multiple times and keep going back. Dubai is the utlimate destination in the Middle East that must be on everyone’s bucketlist.
If you are planning a trip to Dubai, 5 days is perfect! You will hit all the highlights without feeling rushed and have enough time to take short day trip to Abu Dhabi and go on a desert safari.
With my 5 day itinerary to Dubai, you can cover most of the popular attractions like the marvel of Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall), explore the old Dubai in Al Fahidi and the souks, chill by the beach, take a desert safari and visit the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre, Abu Dhabi.
Table of Contents
5 DAYS IN DUBAI – OVERVIEW
Day 1
Explore Downtown Dubai.
Climb the world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa, Shop and dine at Dubai Mall, visit Souk Al Bahar and end the day with the Dubai fountain show.
Day 2
Venture on an overnight desert safari.
Experience dune bashing in a 4×4, camel rides with desert photoshoot. End the evening with a traditional dinner at a Bedouin camp.
Day 3
Experience Old Dubai and other Dubai attractions.
Spend the morning exploring Bur Dubai and the traditional spice and gold souks.
Visit the colorful Global Village or Miracle Garden in the evening (only open during winter months).
Day 4
Day trip to Abu Dhabi.
Take a private day tour of Abu Dhabi, captial of the United Arab Emirates.
Explore the marvelous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, visit Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
End the day with dinner and sunset on Corniche beach.
Day 5
Chill by the beach at JBR, Dubai Marina and The Palm
Check out JBR beach, Mall of the Emirates and Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Visit Atlantis at The Palm or dine at the many restaurants in Dubai Marina.
5 DAYS DUBAI ITINERARY
DAY 1 (Downtown Dubai and top attractions)
Allocate your Day 1 to explore the most popular atttractions of Dubai in the heart of Dubai Downtown – The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain show.
Morning: Breakfast and Burj Khalifa
Before heading to Burj Khalifa, start your morning with breakfast at one of Downtown Dubai’s top spots. Some options include –
Angelina in The Dubai Mall. This famous Parisian cafe is known for its delicious hot chocolate and classic French flair.
For a fusion of French and Middle Eastern-inspired bites, try La Maison Ani in Dubai Mall.
We chose to stay at Palace Downtown so we enjoyed the delicious Buffet at the hotel with the views of Burj Khalifa as a bonus!
At the Top observation deck at Burj Khalifa
After breakfast, head to the Burj Khalifa. At 828 meters, it is the tallest building in the world.
To be honest, I love chasing the views of the Burj from other viewpoints but I do recommend going inside the world’s tallest building at least once. It is not everyday that you get to see inside such breathtaking structure!
The main observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors offer sweeping views of the skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and the surrounding desert.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, upgrade to the 148th-floor “At the Top Sky experience“, with exclusive lounge access and a 90-minute visit. It is definitely worth it for spectacular views from above.
Afternoon: Lunch and shopping at Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar
From Burj Khalifa, head to Dubai mall – the largest shopping mall in the world! It is one of the best malls in the world for luxury shopping!
One of the best things to do in Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. The main highlight is the walk through a long tunnel with sharks, rays and fish swimming above.
It was definitely a must-do for my toddler. We visited as soon as it opened at 10 a.m. to skip the crowds and seeing her joy was definitely worth it!
Dubai mall also has an amusement park, an ice rink, and even gaming lounges if you need a break from shopping.
And make sure to swing by Arabica Coffee -one of the most Instagram worthy cafes in Dubai.
After exploring Dubai Mall, cross the short bridge to Souk Al Bahar.
This Arabian-style market showcases Middle Eastern crafts, jewelry, perfumes, and souvenirs. The architecture adds a wonderful backdrop for photos, and it’s a spot I always recommend for a unique glimpse of local design in Downtown.
For lunch, both Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall have plenty of options with a direct view of Burj Khalifa.
Carluccio’s, GIA in Dubai Mall are great Italian restaurants, Social House and NAZCAA offer amazing views of the fountain show and the Burj.
At Souk Al Bahar, Asado is one of the best restaurants offering Argentinian steaks amid Arabic-inspired decor. Abd el Wahab is my go-to for classic Lebanese dishes and fountain views.
Evening: Dubai Fountain Show and Dinner with Fountain Views
Evening in Dubai is just magical and the Dubai Fountain show makes it even more special.
Dubai Fountain show is a must-see for its incredible water and light display with Burj Khalifa as the backdrop.
You can watch it for free from various spots near Dubai Mall, Souq Al Bahar and Palace Downtown. When we stayed at Palace Downtown, I would watch the show every hour until it ended at 11pm!
For a unique experience and unobstructed views, take a traditional abra boat from the Dubai Fountain Promenade. It is the best way to watch the show if you’re visiting with kids without crowds.
End your perfect day with dinner at Thiptara, Zeta Seventy Seven or one of the several restaurants in Dubai Mall.
DAY 2 (Desert Safari and Sunset Desert Tour)
Desert Safari and Sunset Dinner
If you, like me, have always been fascniated by the desert, you cannot miss Dubai’s desert safari.
You can either do an overnight desert tour or a day trip ranging from half day to full day safari.
Start your desert tour with a thrilling desert safari in a 4×4. Dune bashing is an adrenaline-packed experience as your driver takes you up and down the red sand dunes.
Note that it can get pretty intense if you are prone to nausea.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed adventure, you can skip the dune bashing and opt for a quieter ride through the desert landscape.
As I traveled with my toddler at that time, I had to skip the 4×4 ride as it is not suitable for kids. Also, watching the vehicles cruise through the desert was exhilirating enough for me, haha.
After the safari, take a camel ride and snap some photos against the stunning desert backdrop as the sun begins to set. The golden hues make for the perfect sunset photography opportunity.
End your day with dinner under the stars at a traditional Bedouin Camp. The dinner experience was one of the highlights of our trip. Enjoy a Middle Eastern dinner with kebabs and falafel with fresh hummus and traditional bread. The best part is live entertainment with belly dancing and music. My daughter enjoyed it so much!
DAY 3 (Old Dubai and Miracle Garden or Global Village)
Spend Day 3 experiencing traditional Dubai and cultural understanding of the city. I’m a big fan of luxury travel, but I never miss the chance to delve into history and culture of a place.
The best place to see the Old Dubai is Bur Dubai, particularly Al Fahidi and Al Seef. These neighborhoods trace the city’s evolution from a small fishing port to the modern marvel.
You will find the classic wind towers here. The window like structures were used as a way to keep buildings cool in the hot climate.
Morning in Al Fahidi and Al Seef
Start your day with a relaxed stroll along Al Seef’s waterfront. This picteresque place is filled with artisinal shops, local crafts and cultural exhibits.
Don’t forget to stop at one of the most famous and unique Starbucks. It is one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Dubai.
Next, check out the historic Al Fahidi District, also called Bastakiya. Persian merchants established it in the late 1800s, making it one of the oldest parts of the city. Its narrow alleys, wind towers, and mud-brick homes give a sense of Dubai before the skyscrapers.
Visit Dubai Museum and cultural center that is set inside the 200-year-old Al Fahidi Fort. It is a great place to learn all about Dubai’s history.
Lunch at Arabian Tea House
Just steps away from Dubai Museum, Arabian Tea House is a must visit if you’d like to get a taste of local cuisine. It is well-known and famous for its perfect backdrop of bright blue seating and white canopies.
I always order the Arabic tea infused with mint (an absolute must and my favorite), the Mezze platter, and Machboos. This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Dubai.
Explore traditional souks
If you like to have more authentic experiences, check out the Deira Grand souk or the Gold souk across from Dubai Creek. There are several traditional souks here and the spice souk is an absolute must.
You could easily dedicate a day exploring Old Dubai, the shops, taking a Dhow cruise, or riding an abra boat on the Creek for a peek at the city’s older trading roots.
Dubai Miracle Garden/Global Village in the Evening
Spend your evening either at Dubai Miracle Garden or Global Village or both. Both exhibits are only open from November – April/May.
While you can also visit the Miracle Garden during the day, visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden at night is a unique experience with thousands of flowers lit up against the dark sky.
Some of the most famous exhibits are the Emirates A380 flower structure and the butterfly garden.
The floral clock and the heart-shaped archway are very popular for perfect photo opportunities.
You can also check out Global Village on the same night as it is open pretty late.
Global Village is a massive outdoor theme park where you can take “a world tour” without leaving Dubai. It brings together pavilions from over 70 countries, each showcasing their unique culture, food, crafts, and performances.
You’ll find everything from shopping stalls offering traditional goods, live performances, street entertainers, and cultural shows.
DAY 4 (Day trip to Abu Dhabi)
Abu Dhabi is a fairly easy day trip from Dubai and definitely a must do. As the capital of UAE, it offers a very different vibe from Dubai. It is unique and offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
Getting to Abu Dhabi and tour options
Abu Dhabi is about 1.5 hours drive and a perfect day trip from Dubai.
You can either drive yourself or take a private tour.
If you prefer convenience, group tours are a popular option, offering guided visits to top sights like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
For flexibility while traveling with kids, we chose a private Abu Dhabi tour option. With private tours, you get a more personalized experience and option to tailor your itinerary.
Best places to visit in Abu Dhabi
Most group tours take you to the best attractions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi and last about 8 hours (including travel time).
If you decide to go by yourself or select a private tour, I highly recommend adding Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace to your itinerary.
If you love turquoise beaches, Yas Island is another great place to visit.
You will be pretty tired by the end of the tour. I suggest ending Day 4 with dinner at a restaurant near your hotel.
DAY 5 (Dubai Marina, Jumeirah and The Palm)
Dedicate the last day of your trip to relaxing beach time and The Palm.
Morning beach time and Dubai Marina
Spend your morning in the Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab area. Souk Madinat is an absolute favorite place of mine in Dubai. You can take an Abra boat ride with views of Burj Al Arab and explore the beautiful Souk.
On our second trip to Dubai, we stayed at a beach resort in JBR and enjoyed the beach early morning before it got too hot and then headed to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. It was such a peaceful experience after all the exploring.
In the afternoon, visit Dubai Marina, have lunch and take a stroll along the beautiful Dubai Marina Walk. There are many restaurants in the area.
Asia Asia, Buddha Lounge and Rhodes Twenty10 are my favorite restaurants to dine here.
You can also chill at beach clubs in the JBR area. The most popular are Nikki Beach Club and Barasti.
If you love outdoor activities, Dubai Marina is a great place to stay.
Palm Jumeirah and The Atlantis
In the evening, check out Palm Jumeirah, the world-famous man-made island shaped like a palm tree. It is a must-see for any first-time visitor.
For an incredible view of The Palm, visit The View at The Palm in the Palm Tower.
If you prefer something more thrilling, take a helicopter tour.
Skydiving is a great way to experience bird’s-eye view of the island.
If you have time, check out Atlantis, The Palm. It is home to Lost Chambers Aquarium, a stunning underwater world filled with over 65,000 marine creatures and the famous Aquaventure waterpark.
We did not visit the Atlantis at Palm because we visited the one in The Bahamas and have a full travel guide to Atlantis Bahamas here.
Where To Stay And Best Hotels In Dubai
Dubai is home to some of the best luxury hotels in the world!
Dubai is vast and figuring out Where to stay in Dubai can be quite overwhelming. It is important to choose the best location based on your convenience and preference.
I have a detailed blogpost on best hotels and locations to stay in Dubai but here are a few best options.
Dubai Downtown – Palace Downtown
JBR, Dubai Marina – Le Meridien Beach Resort
The Palm – Atlantis The Palm
If this is your first time in Dubai, I highly suggest Downtown Dubai. It is closest to all the most famous attractions and best place to stay.
For families with kids, JBR and Dubai Marina are better with tons of beaches and kids activities. This is one of my favorite places to stay to just chill and relax.
If you prefer a more traditional experience, stay in Old Dubai.
For more details on best hotels, check out my detailed post on where to stay in Dubai and best hotels.
Dubai Itinerary: Travel Tips and FAQs
Is 5 days enough to visit Dubai?
5 days in Dubai are perfect to visit Dubai’s main attractions and then some more.
Unlike 3 days in Dubai which can feel a bit rushed, a 5 day itinerary gives you time to visit most of the popular attractions in Dubai without rushing and take a day trip to Abu Dhabi.
Best time to visit Dubai?
High season in Dubai is November – March and ideal time to visit Dubai.
The weather is perfect ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) without being too hot like in the summer.
Shoulder seasons are better with less expensive hotel options.
Best way to get around Dubai
Uber is your best option as it is most convenient and accessible. You can also use Careem taxi as an alternative.
Driving is not recommended as traffic in Dubai is a nightmare.
Is Dubai safe?
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. I had no issues walking late at night in Dubai Marina or Downtown area.
Of course, be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
How far is Downtown from Dubai airport?
Dubai International Airport is about 15Kms away from Downtown. It is about 20 – 30min drive.
Are you allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai?
Alcohol is mainly available restaurants, and licensed bars. Some of the hotels 5 star hotels we stayed in had no alcohol in the mini bar.
But note that drinking in public places is strictly prohibited.
Drinks are also quite expensive in Dubai.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Dubai truly offers something for every type of traveler, and with this 5-day Dubai itinerary, you’ll have the chance to experience the best of the city.
From world class Malls, theme parks, skycrapers to pristine beaches and deserts, Dubai has it all. A 5-day trip gives you opportunity to explore a bit of everything.
Start with the best tourist attractions – the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall on Day 1 and explore the rich history of Old Dubai, Al Fahidi and the Souks on Day 2.
On Day 3, venture into the desert on a desert safari and a traditional dinner under the stars at a Bedouin camp. On Days 4 and 5, you can take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, check out Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and chill by the beach.
If you have extra time, check out the incredible Museum of the Future and Dubai Frame for a picture perfect image of Dubai Downtown.
With 5 days in Dubai, you get a chance to visit the major attractions in Dubai but also visit Abu Dhabi, the desert and other attractions like Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village.
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