The Ultimate Itinerary to 5 Days in Dubai

Planning to spend 5 days in Dubai, one of the most unique cities in the world? Dubai is a land of glitz and glamor, an over-achiever and a city that is not afraid to show off its wonders. The city is bustling with an excellent choice of man-made wonders juxtaposed with natural attractions creating a sprawling metropolis with plenty of things to do.

It’s the type of place that will surely treat your case of wanderlust, appealing to all types of travelers. Do you want to visit historical sights? Explore the most incredible skylines in the world? Gawk at the futuristic architecture? Enjoy the food scene? Go to a desert safari?

You can do all of that and more in Dubai, and with 5 days at hand, you’ll easily be able to explore all of the city’s main attractions and get a taste of the multi-faceted city that has blown away many.

Save up to 55% on the cost of admission at 3, 4, 5 or 7 attractions in Dubai. Benefit from discounts on tours, at theme parks, on museum entrance and more. Book your Dubai Explorer Pass today! Read my review of Dubai Pass.

Airport to Hotel transfer

Upon arrival to Dubai International Airport you can save time and money by pre-booking a private transfer to hotels in UAE. You can specify your exact time of arrival and you will also have direct contact with the driver in order to inform of any delays. I have used this service several times and not only in Dubai. The drivers are professional, the vehicles are clean and you are guaranteed to have a pleasant experience. Book Your Dubai Airport Transfer

How to spend 5 days in Dubai

5 Days in Dubai – Day One

The first day in Dubai should be spent exploring the top attractions, so you can get over that itch of seeing all the monuments you’ve been long hearing about.

Start at:

Dubai Mall

Malls in Dubai are a whole different ordeal, and typically when you visit a city for the first time you’re not really set on going to its mall, but Dubai Mall is not your typical mall, it’s Dubai’s main entertainment and cultural hub. You’ll be spending at least a few hours in there, and you’ll find that every floor offers a different array of stores, there are countless food shops, souqs, and much more. After all, this is the biggest mall in the world.Spend your day skating along the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, visit the famous Galerie Lafayette and get lost in this shopper’s haven, reminisce over the 90’s at Sega Republic with its video games, and experience the lavishness of the Gold Souq.

Dubai Aquarium and Zoo

If you’re not going to be exploring Dubai Mall, make sure you at least visit the Aquarium. This attraction tops the list of things to see in Dubai every year and for good reason. There are over 33 thousand marine animals inside, and you check the five main areas of the Aquarium. You can go scuba diving, swim with sharks, explore all the species of fish, and learn about the incredibly unique life of this underwater world.

See two of Dubai’s most significant monuments with a combined ticket to the Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa. Buy your tickets today here.

Here are some of the things you can do:

Enjoy the interactive approach of the aquarium where you’ll get to interact with diverse ecological zones.
Let go of your fear and dive with sharks!
Have a cage experience and get suspended in water with sharks, crocodiles and manta rays.
Take a boat ride on a glass bottom boat where you can see all the species floating majestically around and under your boat.

Save time by pre-booking your Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Day Admission Ticket online.

10 minutes walk to…

Burj Khalifa

One of the top attractions in Dubai, the world’s tallest building and an iconic symbol of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is worth all the hype that it draws in yearly.

It rises majestically over the city like a futuristic sci-fi edifice with an impressive exterior and reflective steely armors. The attraction can be seen from many parts of Dubai, standing proudly, begging to be explored.

Feel like you’re on top of the world as you climb to the 125^th floor or the 148^th floor and enjoying sweeping vistas of the entire impressive skyline. Make sure you time your visit with the sunset as the golden hues paint the skyscrapers and the skyline in shades of red, orange and yellow, and enjoy the shimmering changes of colors.

Skip the line by pre-booking your tickets to the Burj Khalifa online for floor 124+125. If you want to also visit floor 148 click here

Dubai Fountain

The sound of Arabic tunes echoes through the hair every 30 minutes and the water splashes in a choreographed fashion.

It’s the largest of its kind in the world, and the show brings people of all ethnicities and nationalities together, huddled around the attraction, enjoying the beauty of the attraction.

For an even more upgraded experience, enjoy a boat ride on the Abra and explore the lake with the backdrop of the dancing fountain.

A 10 minute car ride to…

Souq el Bahar

After a long day of going from one attraction to another, and exploring the top attractions in Dubai, unwind at Souq el Bahar. The epitome of Arabian designs, the true reflection of what an Arabian souq looks like and a place with an intoxicating oriental energy.

Arabic-style markets, oriental architecture, stone walkways, high archways and unique textiles and shapes all decorate the place to give you an authentic, yet extravagant, feel of the place. Choose one of the 22 restaurants that dot the place, and enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa and the fountain.

5 days in Dubai – Day Two

Many people claim that Dubai is “void” of culture, and they could not be more wrong. The Bedouin culture is still there as prominent as ever, and you can experience the “Old” traditional Dubai.

Start your day very early so you can have time to admire the spectacular surroundings from the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab, whilst enjoying a fantastic four-course French cuisine menu in Al Muntaha.

Old Dubai

If you want to get a taste of the authentic feel of Dubai then definitely head over to its Old Town where cultures and traditions intertwine, and the customs are showcased through souks and bazaars.

Things you can visit in Old Dubai:

Gold Souq – some of the world’s cheapest gold can be found there.
Grand Souq – Find a diverse collection of herbs, spices and fragrances.
Dubai Creek – Ride an Abra through the lake.
Dubai Heritage Village – Get a glimpse of Dubai before it’s extremely fast advancement into the future.

You might also like to Discover the real Dubai with a local guide. How about joining an Old Dubai Culture, History and Souks Walking Tour?

A 15 minute car ride to….

Jumeirah Mosque

Dubai is an Islamic city, and although that might not be quite obvious in this skyscraper-laden place, you can get a feel of true Islamic architecture at the Grand Mosque.

You’ll find white-washed marbles, 20^th century designs, and the tallest minaret in Dubai. Enjoy the nine large domes, the muezzin’s minaret, the 45 small domes and the stunning arches and towers. Tours are available daily from 10 am except Fridays. Registration begins at 9:30 am and no pre-booking are required. Ticket price 25 AED, children under 12 are free.

A 30 minute car ride to…

Burj Al Arab Tea Experience

Head over to the highly extravagant Burj Al Arab and have your “afternoon tea” there. The world’s only 7-star hotel offers a multi-course experience high above the city of Dubai.

The Skyview Bar hosts this afternoon tea with incredible vistas of the entire city bellow, and unlimited food and drinks.

It’s romantic, luxurious and special, and it’s a beautiful place to be at sunset.

Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden

There are millions of flowers in the Dubai Miracle Garden right in the heart of the desert. It feels like stepping into a Disney movie when you’re nestled in between floral-covered installations and structures that replicate major monuments in Dubai. You can also check out the indoors butterfly sanctuary to check out the 15,000 butterflies there. Pre-book your entry ticket online in order to skip the lines.

5 days in Dubai – Day Three

Dubai Marina

Have a fresh start at the Dubai Marina, one of the most luxurious promenades in all of Dubai. You’ll be surrounded by skyscrapers reflected upon the lake, with white yachts dotting the promenade and a wide array of places to have brunch at.

Take a thrilling 90-minute sightseeing tour by speed boat around the coastal landmarks of Dubai and get a view of the famous Burj Al Arab from the sea. Book your tour here.

Mall of Emirates

Another mall filled with activities, visiting Mall of Emirates is an incredible place to be at, and it’s s a crazy place to be at. Think ski slopes, ski bars, ski chalets, hundreds of stores, cinemas and much more.

You can head over to Magic Planet with 2 floors of computer games, rides and disco bowling or visit a theater, a cinema or spend your time at a spa. But the most important attraction however is:

Ski Dubai

Find yourself lost in an unreal winter wonderland, where you can have snowball fights, rush down 7 ski slopes, try tobogganing, play in the snow or sip on hot chocolate at a café inside.

It’s indescribable, the feeling of being suspended inside an ice-haven inside of a mall.

Experience the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort on a 2-hour or full-day pass. Pre-book your experience here.

A 12 minute car ride to….

Atlantis

Get lost in an entire world at the Atlantis. After experiencing the winter heaven in Ski Dubai, juxtapose this with a visit to one of the world’s most incredible water parks.

Things to do:

Aquaventure – This gigantic water park is a place you absolutely cannot miss. Go down slides, relax by rivers or even face your fears and plummet through shark-filled lagoons.
Lost Chambers Aquarium – A themed aquarium with many interactive experiences. Book your conbo tickets online here.
Meet Sea Lions – Swim with dolphins for an unforgettable experience and great pictures to show your family back home!Pre-book your experience here.
Aquarium Dives – Dive alongside 65,000 marine animals!

A 20 minute car ride to…

JBR Dubai

This beach-facing development is a must-visit in Dubai. There you can find a wonderful beach promenade, golden sands and a bustling life all around.

The JBR is a pulsating area of Dubai, full of vibrancy and life, and is enough to satisfy all your cravings – from fashion, food to relaxation. Book your tickets to the new Ain Dubai and experience Dubai from above.

Check out the Covent Garden Market, visit boutiques, grab some food at a café, or watch a movie at an open-air cinema.

5 days in Dubai – Day Four

Mirdif City Center With over 430 stores, the Midriff City Center offers endless entertainment opportunities, from shopping, to going to relaxing spas. You can visit Soccer Circus Dubai, an interactive football attraction, go to Little Explorers, an educational center for children, or go for a bowling game at Yalla! Bowling. There are over 75 food and beverage outlets, and the entire shopping experience is simply unparalleled.

IFLY Dubai

Skydiving is on top of almost everyone’s bucket list, and it is one of the most incredible adrenaline-pumping activities, however, it’s not always easy to gather up your courage and go skydiving. iFLY offers you the best alternative in this little indoor adventure. Defy gravity and float up an indoor wind tunnel, and feel the sensation of skydiving! It’s the ultimate activity suitable for people of all ages, so it’s quite incredible family experience as well! For more family-packed activities check out our previous post on Top 10 Things To Do in Dubai for Families.

IMG World

In a day full of fun and adventure, head over to the largest indoor theme park in the world. The theme park is as big as 28 football fields (you will get lost!) and offers 4 zones with different concepts and games/rides. The 4 zones are modeled around Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard. The 17 themed rides are incredible to try.

Spend the day sightseeing around Dubai and also visit IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai. Pre-book your tickets online here.

5 days in Dubai – Day Five

Hot Air Balloon The closest you can get to a magical carpet ride over Dubai is by embarking on a journey on a hot air balloon. Float 1,200 meters above sand dunes as camels wander underneath you and the city rolls endlessly for miles. A tranquil experience as you soar over camels, gazelles, and the Arabian oryx.

Leave the city behind and head for the sky on a unique balloon expedition over the heart of the Arabian Desert! Book your experience here

Desert Safari

In the afternoon, experience Dubai at its rawest, most rugged form. A 4WD adventure in the middle of the golden dunes of Dubai, camel dies, henna paintings and shishas will all add you to your authentic Arabian experience for the best 5 days in Dubai.

Have a BBQ dinner under the stars as the moves of a belly dancer hypnotize your soul along with the echo of the Arabian drums.

Book your Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari and BBQ here.

Where to Stay in Dubai?

Rove Downtown Dubai

The Rove is the perfect millennial-friendly hotel. With Instagrammable rooms, contemporary art and décor, a Starbucks inside, a small market, and an outdoor pool – the hotel boasts a friendly and relaxed vibe. Revel in the outdoor pool while enjoying views of Burj Khalifa, and indulge in their breakfast buffet at The Daily with its large windows and sunny terraces! Check out the latest prices and details on Booking.com

Jumeirah Al Naseem

If 11 restaurants and bars don’t sound enough for you, the Jumeirah Al Naseem boasts 3 pools and a private beach! This modern hotel is refreshingly contemporary with an incredible location right next to Burj Al Arab and the Wild Wadi. There are all types of services there with a friendly staff. If you’re into marine life, you’d be happy to know that there’s a seawater lagoon for rescued sea turtles there.