The Ultimate 5-Day Dubai Itinerary
Discover Dubai: Old souks, futuristic skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife.
Dubai is a city where tradition meets futuristic ambition, offering a perfect blend of luxury, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, a well-planned itinerary can help you make the most of your experience. In just five days, you can dive into Dubai’s rich culture, explore its impressive architecture, enjoy thrilling desert adventures, and indulge in some of the world’s finest shopping and dining. Let’s get started on your ultimate Dubai adventure!
Day 1: Discover Dubai's culture and history
Morning: Old Dubai
Start your adventure by delving into the city’s history in Old Dubai. Head to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, a charming district that offers a glimpse into Dubai’s past, with narrow alleyways, traditional wind towers, and restored houses that now serve as museums, cafes, and galleries. Stop by the Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort for an introduction to the city’s evolution from a fishing village to a global metropolis.
Top tip:
Visit the design district of Bastakiya, where you’ll find art galleries and the textile market. Shop for some traditional textiles and take a break at one of the area's many cafés or tea houses.
Tour the Al Fahidi neighborhood
Afternoon: Spice Souk and Gold Souk
You’re in for a treat at Dubai’s souks. The sights, sounds, and smells of these bustling markets will overwhelm your senses in the best possible way. Start with the Spice Souk, where you’ll be surrounded by fragrant spices, dried fruits, and traditional incense. Then, head to the Gold Souk, home to over 300 jewelry shops filled with intricate designs and glittering displays. Even if you’re not in the market to buy, it's worth a visit just to take it all in. And remember, haggling is part of the fun in Dubai's souks—so don't be shy!
Top tip:
To reach the Souks, you can take an inexpensive abra ride across Dubai Creek and combine your visit with nearby attractions like Al Seef.
Visit the Souk markets in Dubai
Evening: Dinner at Al Seef Waterfront
End your day with a relaxing dinner at Al Seef, a waterfront promenade that merges old-world charm with modern amenities. Choose from a variety of restaurants offering local Emirati dishes and international cuisines. The beautifully lit creek adds to the magical evening atmosphere.
Top tip:
Explore Al Seef from the water on a dinner cruise for a unique and luxurious experience.
Take a Dhow cruise from Al Seef
Day 2: Iconic Dubai – Modern marvels and luxury
Morning: Burj Khalifa
No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Book your ticket in advance for At the Top, the observation deck on the 124th and 148th floors, where you’ll get panoramic views of the entire city, desert, and sea.
Top tip:
Arrive early at the Burj Khalifa to avoid the crowds and enjoy quieter moments on the observation deck.
Address and opening hours:
Burj Khalifa, 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Open daily 8:00 AM-11:00 PM.
Visit Burj Khalifa
Image: Domenico Convertini, Flickr
Afternoon: Dubai Mall
Right next to the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers, known for luxury stores like Louis Vuitton and Rolex. In addition to luxury shopping, it offers entertainment options like an Olympic-sized ice rink.
Address and opening hours:
Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. Retailers are open Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM-11:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.
Visit Dubai Mall
Evening: Sunset at Jumeirah Beach
Relax at Jumeirah Beach, the longest public beach in Dubai, stretching from the Dubai Marine Beach Resort to the Four Seasons. Take a dip in the Arabian Gulf, go on a thrilling jet ski adventure, or simply sit back and watch as the sun sets behind the Burj Al Arab in the beautiful beachscape.
Top tip:
Most Dubai tours stop at Jumeirah Public Beach for visitors to take photos and enjoy the incredible view of the Burj Al Arab. Hop-on hop-off buses also stop here, allowing you to get off and enjoy the beach at leisure.
Address and opening hours:
Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates. Open 24/7.
Visit Jumeirah Beach
Morning: Desert safari adventure
No visit to Dubai is complete without a desert safari. Spend the morning dune bashing in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, an exhilarating experience where skilled drivers take you on a thrilling ride in a 4x4 vehicle over the dunes.
Top tip:
Many tours also offer camel riding, sandboarding, and opportunities to spot wildlife like gazelles and oryx.
Go on a desert safari
Afternoon: Bedouin-style camp
After the excitement, visit a Bedouin-style camp for an immersive cultural experience. Enjoy traditional activities like henna painting, falconry, and Arabian coffee tasting. Savor a BBQ dinner under the stars while watching a belly dancing or Tanoura dance performance.
Top tip:
Book a safari tour that includes both morning dune bashing and an afternoon camp experience for a full day in the desert.
Visit a desert village and camp
Day 4: Head to Abu Dhabi
Leave Dubai behind on an all-day trip to Abu Dhabi. Today is all about a change of pace. A day trip to the largest emirate, Abu Dhabi, will show you a different side of the UAE. After a 90-minute journey, start your tour with a visit to one of the largest mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It can hold 40,000 worshippers, and its pools, chandeliers, and columns are works of art.
Top tip:
Other highlights include a drive along the Abu Dhabi Corniche to see the Arabian Gulf, and a visit to the Qasr Al Watan Palace to learn about Arabian history.
Book a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Day 5: Relaxation and Luxury
Morning: Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is a stunning architectural landmark that offers incredible views of both old and new Dubai from its glass-floored observation deck. The frame itself is a metaphor for Dubai’s growth, with one side showing the older, historic districts and the other showcasing the modern skyline.
Top tip:
The floor level includes a fascinating museum about Dubai's history, and a separate exhibit imagines Dubai in the future.
Address and opening hours:
Zabeel Park, Al Kifaf. Open daily, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.
Visit Dubai Frame
Afternoon: Beach day on the Palm
On your final day, take some time to relax and enjoy Dubai’s pristine beaches once more. La Mer is a trendy beachfront destination with chic cafes, restaurants, and water sports, while Kite Beach is a favorite among locals for its laid-back vibe and kite-surfing.
Top tip:
You can also go jogging along the coastline if the weather permits; there’s an 8.5-mile track from KIte Beach, the perfect setting to get that runner high.
Evening: Final night at a rooftop bar
Toast to an unforgettable trip with drinks at one of Dubai’s incredible rooftop lounges. For breathtaking views, head to Level 43 Sky Lounge or At.mosphere in the Burj Khalifa for a glamorous end to your Dubai adventure.
Explore Dubai's nightlife and bar scene
FAQs
How do you get around Dubai?
Dubai’s got you covered with slick transport options. Hop on the futuristic Dubai Metro, flag down a taxi, or use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem. For a local twist, try the water taxis (abras) crossing Dubai Creek. Grab a Nol card for easy access to public transport and hassle-free payments.
How many days do you need in Dubai?
To truly soak in Dubai’s blend of futuristic marvels and traditional charm, aim for 5-7 days. This gives you time to explore iconic landmarks in Dubai like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, wander through historic neighborhoods, relax on Jumeirah Beach, and take a few days trips like the Abu Dhabi or on a desert safari.
How much would 5 days in Dubai cost?
Dubai isn’t super cheap, however, it can cater to various budgets, but for a comfortable 5-day trip, plan for:
- Accommodation: $500-$1000 (budget to mid-range hotels)
- Food: $200-$400 (mix of local eats and restaurants)
- Activities: $300-$600 (including major attractions)
- Transportation: $100-$200
- Miscellaneous: $100-$200
Total estimate: $1200-$2400 per person
What free attractions are in Dubai?
Dubai's not all about glitz and glamour – there’s plenty to enjoy without spending a dirham:
- Jumeirah Beach: Soak up the sun and admire the Burj Al Arab view
- Dubai Fountain Show: A spectacular water, light, and music display
- Wander through the historic Al Fahidi district
- Visit the Dubai Museum (small entrance fee, but worth mentioning)
- Explore the colorful souks in Deira
- Take a stroll along The Walk at JBR
What can my 5 day Dubai itinerary with kids include?
You can visit Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark where you and your kids can splash and slide to your heart’s content. Kids would also enjoy Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village. There are plenty. of family-friendly activities in Dubai.