Dubai is the ultimate bucket list destination for those with wanderlust. The stunning vision of scintillating, soaring towers piercing the sky and dominating the monotone desert landscape has allured many globe-trotters to visit this city. Not to mention many of the architectural wonders that have earned Dubai the tag of ‘City of Superlatives’. The city has everything, from modern architectural landmarks and golden deserts to cultural neighbourhoods and natural splendours.
The city takes pride to showcase its natural, cultural and contemporary fusion to its visitors. Moreover, the city’s skyline is ever-changing, adding more extraordinary attractions to it. And, how can we not talk about the grandeur and luxury it exudes in its facade as well as its services? Even if you have just 5 days to explore the city, you can manage to discover a lot. Not sure how to go about it? We are here to help you! This Dubai itinerary for 5 days will give you an idea of how to have an epic time in the city.
Things to Know Before Planning Your Dubai Itinerary
But first, let’s take a look at what you should keep in mind before you start planning your Dubai holiday.
Dubai Visa
A Dubai visa may or may not be needed depending upon your nationality. Citizens of a few countries like UK, USA, Canada and Australia can visit with a visa on arrival. Some nationalities require a pre-approved visa for Dubai travel. It is essential to understand the visa types and whether you need a pre-approved visa. If so, apply for the same and acquire it before you arrive in Dubai. For a tourism visit, you require a Dubai tourist visa of 30 days for a Dubai Itinerary 5 days visit plan. You can apply visa online via airlines like Emirates or through a reputed visa agency. Check your visa eligibility early to avoid last-minute stress.
Dubai Currency
The currency used in the UAE is AED, the Arab Dirham. US dollars are extensively used and international cards are accepted in high-end spots, malls, attractions and dining venues. However, it is best to have some cash in hand in local currency for enjoying street food or shopping in local souks.
The best time to visit
October to April is prime time with perfect weather of around 20 to 30°C. However, during these months, the prices for flights and accommodations are higher as it is peak tourist season in Dubai. On the other hand, shoulder season months like September and May offer lower prices with weather that is comparatively more pleasant than the harsh summer months of June to August. This time is suitable for those having a budget limit for their Dubai holiday.
Culture Guidelines
Dubai is quite welcoming and lenient in dressing rules compared to other emirates of the UAE. However, a visitor should respect tradition and dress modestly in public for a hassle-free vacation. Carry a light scarf for covering shoulders in traditional and religious areas. Visitors must also avoid PDA and refrain from clicking pictures of locals without permission.
Dubai Itinerary for 5 Days
The following Dubai itinerary suits all travellers and offers a mix of budget-friendly and luxury experiences to provide a balanced version of the best of Dubai. We have crafted this trip with the understanding that you have 5 full days to spend in Dubai. In other words, you would have arrived in Dubai a day before and will depart the city the day after the itinerary concludes. Let’s get on with what you can experience on a Dubai 5 Day itinerary without further ado.
Day 1: Discover Old Dubai
Start your journey at the very beginning of Dubai. Explore how Dubai, once a sleepy seaside village, looked like before its grand transformation into a global metropolitan city. Kick off your Dubai visit with a blast from the past amid the Bedouin heritage and scenes from a bygone era. Today, we recommend you spend:
Morning at Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood
Have your breakfast at the Arabian Tea House and savour hot, piping coffee with delicious treats. Then, wander around the monochrome alleys lined with wind tower-fitted houses, shops, courtyard cafes, and galleries. Stop by Al Fahidi Fort and visit the Dubai Museum for an in-depth glimpse into the lives of Dubai’s early settlers.
Afternoon at Dubai Creek and Dubai Souks
You must be famished after a stroll through the old-world charms of Al Fahidi Neighbourhood. Just a few minutes ahead at Dubai Creek, take an abra ride to the other shore and stop at Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant to relish lip-smacking Arabian dishes like Machboos. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the lively souks and pick something for yourself such as an Arabic perfume from the Perfume Souk or a piece of gold jewellery from the Gold Souk.
Evening at Dubai Frame
In the evening, head to Zabeel Park to witness one of Dubai’s most scintillating sights – the illuminated Dubai Frame. With Dubai Frame tickets, you can witness the past of Dubai’s humble years. Then, zoom up to the observatory bridge to view old Dubai and modern Dubai in a panoramic way. Stay back for a while to snap some gorgeous pictures before you proceed to witness the futuristic visions of Dubai as you descend to the ground level. Once you have marvelled at this gigantic frame, stop at Zam Zam Mandi Restaurant to have a scrumptious Arabian dinner before you call it a night and head back to your hotel.
Day 2: Desert Safari Experience
Day 2 is a standout because it swaps Dubai’s urban buzz for the desert’s unspoiled tranquil beauty, offering a mix of adrenaline thrill, culture, and serenity. Gear up for a journey beyond the city limits and into the authentic landscape of Dubai – the Arabian Desert. A desert safari is the best way to enjoy and discover this stunning sandy expanse that flanks Dubai city. You can select your preferred tour according to the time and adventure you desire. You have the option of:
Morning desert safari with hot air ballooning
Start with an early morning drive to the desert for a smooth glide over the golden dunes in a giant hot air balloon. It is serene, luxurious, and perfect for snapping the picturesque sunrise in the desert. Later, stay back for a delightful breakfast in the desert. You can also extend your experience by adding dune bashing or camel ride experiences. Check out more tips for Dubai morning desert safari before you plan one. You will be back in the city by noon, leaving the afternoon free.
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Afternoon till sunset desert safari tour
This 4-hour tour, starting around 2 pm, is packed with adventure sports and thrills, ending with a desert sunset. This is the most popular option, balancing thrill and cultural immersion in the right dose. You can enjoy desert sports and activities like:
Dune bashing: A heart-pounding 20 to 30-minute 4×4 ride that takes you over steep dunes.
Sandboarding: Strap on a board and slide down dunes like snowboarding.
Camel riding: Climb on top of a camel for a short ride in the desert and feel like a Bedouin explorer.
Quad biking: Get more control and an adrenaline kick with a high-speed ride on a quad bike that zooms across the dunes as you desire.
Sunset views: Watch the sun dip below the dunes, casting a golden glow. This is the best time for taking stunning desert photography.
The afternoon till sunset desert safari tour checks off all the desert highlights in a compact timeframe, leaving you back in the city by 8 or 9 pm.
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Overnight Desert Safari Tour
Extend your desert adventure way into the inky nights with an overnight desert safari experience. After your desert sports such as sandboarding and dune bashing, and enjoying a mesmerizing sunset, you will arrive at the camp for refreshment and a night of Arabian entertainment followed by a lavish BBQ dinner. Unwind and relax in a Bedouin-style tent for a cosy night’s sleep in the silence of the Arabian night, a perfect way to unplug from the buzzing modern world. Then, you will return to the hotel the next day after a sunrise view and breakfast in the desert.
Any free time you get before or after the desert safari experience, you can plan as you wish, enjoy the beachside or simply unwind with a spa session.
Day 3: View Iconic Landmarks With a City Tour
On your 3rd day in Dubai, it’s time to meet the superheroes of the city – the dominant structures that put Dubai on the world map and caught the attention of travellers. Today, we recommend you have breakfast at the hotel or try out a few international breakfast options with contemporary vibes at Le Pain Quotidien, Saya Brasserie, or Black Coffee by Cafe. Since these restaurants have multiple outlets, you can also plan to have brunch while enjoying the Dubai city tour. You have plenty of ways to explore the city. You can either:
- Â Book a full-day Dubai city tour with a Rayna Tours.
- Â Enjoy a Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour where you enjoy the sights on a comfy bus ride and hop off at key spots to explore in-depth.
- Â Splurge on a sleek limousine that will be your royal carriage for a day and enjoy a luxe ride with a driver-cum-guide at your service.
Whatever experience you choose, we insist that you visit these recommended sights
- Â Burj Khalifa: Purchase Burj Khalifa tickets for an amazing view from the top of the world’s tallest tower.
- Â Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: Take snapshots of this iconic landmark.
- Â Palm Jumeirah with View at the Palm: Amazing way to witness the first-ever inhabited man-made island in its full splendours.
- Â Dubai Miracle Gardens: A floral feast for your eyes, a seasonal attraction open only from October to April.
-  Ain Dubai: Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Persian Gulf, the beautiful shore and the stellar Dubai skyline.
Whenever you feel famished, you can
- Stop for lunch at Operation Falafel or Zaroob.
- Wind up your day with a rooftop dinner at the luxurious At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa or Cullinan, which overlooks the stunning Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. You have more options like CE LA VIE, 43 Sky Lounge, and Estrellas Rooftop Lounge to name a few.
Day 4: Adventure Day
Crank up the adrenaline! Today is for water slides, roller coasters, or jet skis! After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel or a nearby restaurant, get ready to shift to adventure mode. Today, you can either chill out and have a splashy day at Aquaventure Water Park or head to IMG Worlds of Adventure if you prefer an indoor adventure. But if you want something much more exhilarating with a high adrenaline rush, head to Jumeirah Beach or Dubai Marina for a day spent enjoying watersports. Whenever you feel famished with all the excitement, you can choose a restaurant inside the theme parks or near your adventure zones. Opt for a Dinner in the Sky experience to finish off your adventure day with a thrill!
Day 5: Shop and Dine!
On your last day, it’s all about retail therapy and indulging in the food scene. Today, check out two of Dubai’s most glamorous malls:
Mall of the Emirates
Start your morning at the Mall of the Emirates with a hearty breakfast. It offers a fabulous food scene with over 100 restaurants and two fantastic food courts where you can relish a good meal. Try the Cheesecake Factory, Lighthouse, Aspen Cafe, Emporio Armani Caffè, and more.
Ski Dubai
Now, leave behind the desert city for a while and step into an indoor wintry wonderland to chill and enjoy some skiing and winter sports. Once you have had your fill, hop on to the next mall.
Lunch at Dubai Mall
Head to this colossal mall in Dubai Downtown to enjoy a hearty lunch at Time Out Market or check out the chic Angelina. You have other options like Logma, New Shanghai, and Bombay Chowpatty, to name a few.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Next, proceed to explore a massive aquarium and saunter marvelling at the most fascinating sea creatures.
Go shopping!
Once you have explored the aquarium, wander on and explore this colossal mall’s sights and indulge in some high-end shopping. Visit Fashion Avenue for designer finds or the Souk Al Bahar section to buy Arabian perfumes and camel-milk chocolates. If you are visiting during Dubai Summer Surprise or Dubai Shopping Festival, you can score a good deal on merchandise. Don’t miss the Level Shoe District, a dream destination for shoe lovers, featuring over 200 brands.
As evening dawns, make your way to:
Dubai Marina
A glittering, picturesque waterfront lined with illuminated skyscrapers, yachts, and buzzing eateries. Arrive at Dubai Marina by 6:30 pm to soak in the vibe. Stroll the Marina Walk, a 7-km promenade with cafes and street performers. There are plenty of things to do at Dubai Marina at night. You can check out Marina Mall if you have time.
Dhow Cruise Experience With Dinner
This traditional boat journey is the perfect finale to your Dubai itinerary 5 days experience. The energetic vibe, with a buffet dinner, live music, and Dubai’s skyline as your backdrop combines dining, culture, and epic views, making it a memorable farewell to Dubai.
If you wish to cut short your trip to 3 days, check out our Dubai Itinerary for 3 days experience. Likewise, if you wish to extend your trip, get an idea from our 7-Day trip to Dubai itinerary.
FAQs
1. What free attractions can be included on a Dubai trip?
Dubai has many free attractions that can seamlessly blend with your time in Dubai. Al Qudra Lakes, Ras Al Khor Sanctuary, and Al Seef are a few options to consider.
2. How much does a 5-day Dubai trip cost?
The cost of your Dubai 5 days itinerary depends on your travel style. A basic stay at a 3-star hotel, meals at food courts or street food stalls, public transport with a Nol card, and budget activities would roughly cost around AED 2000 for 5 days.
3. Which activities should one include for a luxury Dubai experience?
There is no dearth of luxury experiences in Dubai. Right from a pampering session at Talise Ottoman Spa to private yacht tours and sipping on gold-sprinkled coffee, everything luxe is possible here. You can add private Burj Khalifa entrances, private desert glamping at Terra Solis, dinner at Burj Al Arab, private helicopter tour over Dubai to your 5 day itinerary.
4. Which are the best restaurants to check out for budget-friendly meals?
You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a wholesome, flavourful meal in Dubai. Check out places like Al Ustad Special Kabab, Calicut Paragon, Little Bali, Streetery Food Hall and Ravi Restaurant.
