Dubai is a huge city with so many places to visit from Dubai too. Planning is key to help you see the best places of Dubai in 5 days. Here is a concise 5 day Dubai itinerary to help you out!
Dubai is one of the most exciting destinations to visit in recent years, with countless ongoing developments and transformations, otherworldly experiences and incredible artefacts – there is so much to explore! This meticulously crafted 5 day Dubai itinerary outlines how to make the most of your trip to Dubai to see the best sights in Dubai and try out all the best spots and activities in Dubai.
5 Day Dubai Itinerary
My biggest tip for planning your 5 day Dubai itinerary is to visit the city in sections. Dubai is a big city and you don’t want to be crossing the city back and forth every day as you’ll waste so much time (especially if you get caught in rush hour traffic) and if you are using taxis these will soon add up.
Plan your 5 day trip to Dubai using the guide below and be aware of what Dubai attractions are close to one another to help save time as 5 days in Dubai will go by in a flash!
This Dubai travel blog gives you information not only on how to spend 5 days in Dubai but how to get around Dubai, the best area to stay in Dubai and the best time to visit Dubai!
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Arriving from Dubai airport
Arriving at Dubai International Airport is a seamless experience with state-of-the-art facilities and helpful staff. After disembarking, make your way through immigration and customs, ensuring you have all necessary travel documents on hand. At present, most visitors can get a 30-Day Tourist Visitor Visa on arrival. Please check the government website to refer to specific visa eligibility and requirements for your country.
To reach popular spots in Dubai like downtown Dubai, the iconic Palm Jumeirah, or the bustling Marina district, you have several convenient options. The Dubai Metro, located within the airport, is a swift and cost-effective way to reach the city center, with direct connections to all three destinations. Alternatively, taxis are readily available and provide a comfortable and direct journey. Services like Uber and local equivalent Careem also operate in the area, making your Dubai tour plan for 5 days even more accessible.
5 Days in Dubai
Be sure to tailor this 5 days Dubai itinerary to your preferences and the season of your visit, for example, if you visit in the summer months (May-August) it may be too hot to do all of the outdoor activities in Dubai, and ensure that you secure reservations and make bookings in advance for popular activities and dining spots as the winter months in Dubai get busy and things book up fast!
Day 1: Exploring Downtown
Morning:
If you’re new to Dubai or just on a Dubai trip for 5 days and want to soak in the bustling atmosphere, downtown Dubai is a great place to start. There is plenty to see and do here to keep you occupied for the entire day.
Start your morning with a good breakfast at one of the best cafes in Dubai. Cafes in Dubai are known for their aesthetic decor and healthy menus. Popular spots across the city include La Nena, Brunch and Cake, Josette, Friends Avenue, The Circle Cafe and Lime Tree Cafe (to name a few)!
Heading towards downtown, make your way to Burj Park, where you’ll find some of the city’s famous attractions like Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. A leisurely stroll in the park around the Burj Lake and Dubai Fountain is a great way to take in the city’s incredible skyline and make your 5 day Dubai itinerary memorable.
Afternoon:
Stroll around Dubai Mall
If you’re on a Dubai trip for 5 days or following a Dubai tour plan for 5 days, escaping the hot afternoon sun with a visit to the infamous Dubai Mall is a must. It’s one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations in Dubai. There is plenty to explore in the mall, from world-class shopping to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
The mall also has an incredible range of restaurants, a large cinema, and plenty of arcades and fun zones to keep children entertained, ensuring your Dubai tour plan for 5 days is packed with excitement.
How to Get to Dubai Mall?
By metro: To Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station.
By car: Dubai Mall has 14,000 parking spaces across 3 car parks.
By Taxi: The easiest way to reach the mall is via taxi. The most affordable and reliable option is the Careem app, which is the local alternative to Uber.
Head up The Burj Khalifa
For those following a 5 Day Dubai itinerary, a trip up the Burj Khalifa is a must. It’s a highlight in the best Dubai itinerary for 5 days. Another great way to spend your afternoon in the downtown area is by taking a trip up the tallest building in the world. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building since 2009 with a total height of 829.8 meters. You can head up the Burj all the way up to level 148, with tickets available to purchase online and at the door.
Tip: If you’re on a 4 nights 5 days Dubai itinerary level up your experience by making a reservation at the Burj Atmosphere Restaurant, where culinary mastery meets some epic panoramic views.
Evening:
With nightfall, the city takes on a new allure. The Dubai Fountain show takes place every 30 minutes daily from 6 p.m to 11 p.m, and is the best thing to do in Dubai. The 3-minute show is a mesmerizing symphony of water and light against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa and is the world’s largest choreographed fountain show. You can watch the fountain show for free from the public area next to the lake outside Dubai Mall, or from any of the restaurants nearby.
Tip: One of the best ways to admire the fountain show is from a traditional boat called Abra on Burj Lake, which takes you close to the action on the water to really get the best seat in the house!
Another great thing to do in Dubai is to stroll around Souk al Bahar, a traditional Arabic-style retail and dining market with antique, carpet, and clothing stores. Here you’ll also find a great place to grab dinner, Timeout Market, a high-rated food court with a range of different cuisines.
Day 2: Bur Dubai (Old Dubai), Deira and Dubai Creek
Take a day to explore Dubai’s cultural heritage district located on the shores of the Dubai Creek. What was once the Gulf’s most successful pearl diving port, Dubai Creek exists today as a trading port and a tourist attraction with plenty to do in the area. On the banks, you’ll find the gateway to Old Arabia – the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. There is plenty to do here from shopping to museums and traditional Emirati restaurants.
How to get to Old Dubai:
By metro: Take the metro to the Al Fahidi Station which is only a few minutes walk to old Dubai. Even if you have a car, better to go there by metro as parking is limited.
By taxi: Taxis, especially Careem, can be a convenient and affordable option to get to the area directly.
Morning:
Start your day with a cultural stroll through the historic neighbourhood of Al Fahidi. Here you’ll also find the Dubai Museum within the walls of Al Fahidi Fort. Please note, Dubai Museum is currently under renovation and is closed to the public until further notice. There are many other museums in the area, such as the Coffee Museum where you can try a range of local coffee beans (the entrance fee is 10 AED).
Afternoon:
As you stroll along the banks of the Creek, you’ll find plenty of great food options. One of the must-do cultural experiences in Dubai is trying traditional Emirati food at the Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe. Here, an Emirati lunch costs between 60 and 70 AED and is the best way to experience local cuisine.
After some lunch, head out to the Dubai Old Souk, an Arabian street market with plenty of local crafts, Arabian perfumes and souvenirs for keen shoppers. You’ll also find plenty of Indian street food here like Pakora and traditional Karak (milky tea).
Tip: Most souks close for a long lunch break, so it’s best to visit the markets in the early or late afternoon.
Evening:
As the sun sets, take a traditional Abra boat over the Creek to Deira, where you’ll find some more bustling markets. The Grand Souk Deira (also known as Al Souk Al-Kabeer) is a popular tourist attraction in Dubai for its weaving alleyways filled with exotic spices, dry fruits, herbs, and more.
Deira’s Gold Souk is another famous spot in Dubai and is part of the Grand Market. It has over 300 stalls of gold and jewellery for the best possible prices in the area.
Day 3: Desert Adventure
One of the best thing to do on your 5 day Dubai itinerary is to go on an adventure in the desert. There is a wide range of great tour companies that offer comprehensive and thrilling desert excursions from Dubai, although most follow a pretty similar itinerary.
Depending on where your pick-up point is in the city, it can take around 30-45 minutes to reach the desert and begin your safari. Most tours last around 4-7 hours, beginning in the morning and ending with a sunset barbecue.
Desert Safari Dubai is one of the most popular tours to visit the Arabian desert from the city. They specialize in a range of desert-based experiences and have a selection of tour packages to choose from. From dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding and even a trip to Lahbab to visit the ‘Big Red’, Dubai’s tallest and most famous sand dune.
As the sun sets, enjoy a barbecue dinner at the desert camp with henna painting, live entertainment, and traditional dance shows. This is also a great opportunity to try some local delicacies. Some tours also offer overnight stays, where you can camp out in the desert and admire the stars near a campfire.
Day 4: Palm Jumeirah, Museums and Marina
Morning:
On day 4 of your Dubai trip for 5 days, explore the unique wonder of Dubai which is the Palm Jumeirah, the biggest man-made island in the world. A great way to do this is by visiting the iconic Atlantis The Palm Hotel.
Dubai’s Aquaventure Waterpark at the Atlantis is a great thing to do with children in Dubai (but is also extremely fun for all ages), with a huge range of thrilling water slides. Here you’ll also find Dolphin Bay, where you can meet and swim with dolphins in the water. The Lost Chambers in the Atlantis hotel is also a popular spot in Dubai to observe 65,000 marine animals in a giant water tank, from sharks to sea horses.
To get to the Atlantis, you can either take a taxi or hop on the Palm monorail. You can take the metro to the Damac Properties (Dubai Marina) station, and then change for the tram to Palm Jumeirah, and then take the walk to the Palm Gateway to reach the monorail. A return ticket for the monorail costs only 30 AED and can be bought on the site.
Another great way to visit the Palm is at Pointe Beach, which is a public beach overlooking the grounds of the Atlantis. It is a great place to have some food and take in the sights. Or why witness the Palm from above? The View at The Palm is a new, popular attraction in Dubai that offers panoramic, 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf at a height of 240 meters. Ticket prices start from 100AED and include access to the Palm museum.
Afternoon:
There are plenty of sights and monuments to explore on your 5 day Dubai itinerary. Take the afternoon to visit one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai.
The eye-catching Museum of the Future, with its unique round structure, is a great place to visit during the afternoon when it gets too hot outside. Or take a ride up the iconic Dubai Frame to walk on glass floors above the towering skyscrapers of the city. Other popular spots to visit in Dubai include Miracle Garden, Butterfly Garden, and the Global Village.
Evening:
Spending the evening in The Dubai Marina area is a must-do activity in your 5 day Dubai itinerary. Take a stroll along the 7km Dubai Marina Walk for incredible views of Dubai’s dazzling skyline and some truly luxurious hotels and yachts.
There are plenty of great restaurants in Dubai Marina to complement your long evening walk.
After dinner, there are plenty of fun evening activities to try in Dubai. Topgolf Dubai is an increasingly popular roof-top driving range with incredible views of the skyline. It also has an arcade, live music, dining, and more to entertain the entire family.
Day 5: Beach and Pool Day
Morning:
There is no better way to spend your last morning of your 5 day Dubai itinerary in the city than relaxing at the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool. Aura Skypool is a new attraction in Dubai and is a one-of-a-kind experience to relax in an incredible infinity pool overlooking the Dubai skyline, Palm Jumeirah, and over to the vast Arabian Gulf.
In addition to traditional pool lounge access, there are a range of great experiences to choose from at Aura, including sunrise yoga and boxing classes.
Tip: Weekend skypool slots fill up weeks in advance, so it’s best to book ahead with this one!
Afternoon:
Take the afternoon to try out one of the famous Dubai beach clubs on your 5 day trip to Dubai. Dubai has a huge selection of beach clubs, offering a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and entertainment. One of the most coveted spots is Zero Gravity, known for its stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline and lively atmosphere.
Cove Beach in Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a great spot for a trendy yet laid-back vibe, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists. Another popular spot is Nikki Beach, perfect for those seeking a lively day by the sea.
Alternatively, if relaxing in the sun is not for you, why not take on a famous Dubai brunch? Dubai’s brunch scene is truly extraordinary, offering an all-you-can-eat spread of food and drinks for an affordable price-point. The focus is on extravagance, serving delectable dishes and drinks, often with live entertainment and themed events.
The best brunches in Dubai include Asia Asia, Saffron at The Atlantis, Bla Bla and CE LA VIE, to name a few. Whether you’re looking for a lively boozy brunch or just a luxurious spread of high-quality dishes, there is a Dubai brunch to suit everyone.
Evening:
Kite Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Dubai, as the sky turns bright orange on the horizon of the Arabian Gulf. Kite Beach is also known for the street food vendors and sporting facilities dotted along the beachfront, making it a great place to spend your evening in Dubai. Locals love to dine at Salt Burger at Kite Beach, one of the best burger restaurants in the city with unbeatable beachfront views.
From Kite Beach, you can actually walk along a path on the beachfront to the Burj Al Arab, another great place to visit in Dubai. The walk takes around 30-40 minutes, passing the newly-formed night beach in Jumeirah, where floodlights illuminate the ocean allowing people to swim at night to avoid the hot sun during the day.
From the Burj Al Arab, you can walk to the famous Madinat Jumeirah, an ancient Arabian mini-city with luxury hotels, souks, and some really great restaurants. The five-kilometre waterway is an Arabic take on the Venice canals, complete with traditional abra boats that can take you along the entire river system. Be sure to stop by Souk Madinat Jumeirah during your visit.
ADDITIONAL DAY: ABU DHABI + GRAND MOSQUE
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is an amazing city full of beautiful and fun places. The city is actually only just over an hour’s drive from Dubai, and many visitors choose to combine a visit to both cities in one trip.
While Dubai dazzles with its futuristic skyline and bustling atmosphere, Abu Dhabi has a bit more of a peaceful and traditional vibe. The city is renowned for its opulent cultural landmarks, such as the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the regal Emirates Palace.
Related Post: How To Visit The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque From Dubai!
Getting to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Tours: There are plenty of tour companies in Dubai that offer day trips to Abu Dhabi and its key attractions.
Car: Driving to Abu Dhabi independently is actually simple, and just over 1hr drive from Dubai.
Bus: Travelling to Abu Dhabi by bus is the cheapest way to get there from Dubai. From the Ibn Battuta Station in Dubai to Abu Dhabi Central Station. The buses start at 5 am and they run until midnight every 15 minutes. One way: 25 AED, 116 km / 72 mi, 1 h 40 min
Taxi: Taxis are the fastest way of travelling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, taking just over an hour with fares starting from 200 AED.
Related Post: 40 AMAZING Things To Do in Abu Dhabi!
Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque
Many tourists in Dubai opt for a day trip to Abu Dhabi’s Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque on your Dubai itinerary, which can be done independently or as part of a tour from Dubai. The incredible mosque was a project of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the former Ruler of Abu Dhabi for 30 years and the first president of the UAE.
The structure of the mosque is built to unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world and combine the modern with the historical. It really is one of the most impressive structures in the UAE.
Entrance to the mosque is free, but come prepared as you need to cover up during your visit
Women must wear a headscarf and abaya inside the mosque. You will get one free of charge at the entrance or you can buy one from the souvenir shops from 150 AED. Men must wear long trousers and a full-sleeved shirt.
Read my full post here on What To Wear in Abu Dhabi & Dress Code in Abu Dhabi For Tourists!
The Best Time to Visit Dubai
The best time to visit to Dubai on your Dubai itinerary for 5 days depends entirely on weather conditions and temperature. Dubai is known for its sunny blue skies year-round, with almost no rainfall. But the temperatures in the city change greatly with the seasons, therefore visitors must do their research beforehand to consider pricing, crowd levels, and the activities they want to do in the Dubai.
Winter, spanning from November to April, is undoubtedly the best and most popular time of year to visit Dubai. During this period, the weather is sunny and pleasantly warm, without being too hot. Winter is when Dubai truly comes alive, with limitless activities from watersports to beach parties and even hiking trails.
For those wondering about things to do in Dubai in 5 days, this season offers a plethora of options. As this is the peak tourist season, the city does see a surge in both visitor numbers and hotel rates, often tripling or quintupling compared to the summer months. Those considering a 4 nights 5 days Dubai itinerary will find this period to be the most enriching.
Dubai Peak Season
December, January, and February, make up Dubai’s peak season. Christmas is a really popular time of year to visit Dubai for 5 days. With great weather and optimal shopping opportunities, there’s no shortage of things to do in Dubai in 5 days. Although the days are shorter, offering less daylight, Dubai’s vibrant nightlife compensates for it. For travelers considering a 4 nights 5 days Dubai itinerary, this period ensures a rich and entertaining experience even after sunset.
Best Weather in Dubai
On the cusp of this peak season, November and March are the best months to visit the city for the best weather and less crowds. The weather remains consistently pleasant, and while the prices may be slightly lower and the crowds thinner, it’s an ideal time for the best Dubai itinerary for 5 days.
Off-peak season
Anyone who’s experienced it will tell you that summer in Dubai is unbelievably hot. Dubai’s scorching temperatures, often reaching as high as 45°C in July, make outdoor activities challenging, and high humidity adds an extra layer of discomfort. For many tourists, the sweltering conditions can detract from the enjoyment of their trip.
Nevertheless, this period sees reduced hotel prices, making it the cheapest time to visit Dubai. For those considering things to do in Dubai in 5 days during this time, indoor activities are recommended. And if you’re looking for a 4 nights 5 days Dubai itinerary, this off-peak season might offer some budget-friendly options.
Where To Stay in Dubai?
Dubai offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods to suit different preferences and interests. Downtown Dubai stands as a prime choice for first-time visitors, with access to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.
For those planning a 5 day Dubai itinerary, this area is a must-visit For a more relaxed coastal ambience, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Dubai Marina offer stunning beachfront views, upscale dining, and leisurely promenade walks, making them perfect for a Dubai trip for 5 days.
The historic district of Deira provides a taste of old Dubai, with bustling markets and cultural sites, ideal for those on a Dubai tour plan for 5 days. Sheikh Zayed Road is a strategic hub for business travellers, known for its proximity to major corporate centres and is a great inclusion in a 5 day trip to Dubai. Finally, for a touch of luxury and tranquillity, Palm Jumeirah Island is a popular pick for high-end resorts and private beach access.
How To Get Around Dubai?
Getting around Dubai is relatively straightforward, given the city’s advanced and efficient transportation system. Here are the primary modes of transport:
By Car
The best way to get around in the UAE on your 5 Day Dubai itinerary, in general, is by car. If you are on holiday in Dubai, car rentals are a great option to access parts of the city quickly and cheaply. There are plenty of car hire companies catering to tourists at affordable price points with full insurance coverage. The fuel prices are particularly affordable as well. Parking is between 2 -4 AED per hour depending on where you park in the city.
CAR HIRE IN DUBAI
If you’re reading this post with future dreams of doing a Dubai road trip but don’t have a car, visit Rentalcars to get a quote. They search all of the top rental companies like Budget and Hertz to get you the best price!
By Taxi
Taxis in Dubai are affordable and extremely reliable, especially when compared to other major cities. For those planning a Dubai tour plan for 5 days, to access the cheapest taxi fares, download the Careem app (the local alternative to Uber).
Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro runs across the city, with access to most of the main attractions of Dubai. It is one of the cleanest and most modern metros in the world and is a really quick and affordable way of getting around the city. The metro runs every 3 minutes and even connects the airport to the main parts of Dubai.
I hope this has helped you plan your 5 day Dubai itinerary and things to do in Dubai in 5 days on your 5 day trip to Dubai.
- For more of my UAE posts and posts from the region to help your plan your trip see:
- What To Wear in Dubai! PRACTICAL & HONEST Advice for Tourists to Dubai 2023-24!
- 8 Things To Do In Al Ain | Day Trip From Abu Dhabi Or Dubai!
- 10 Things To Do in Dubai on a Girls Trip to Dubai!
- How To Spend a Qatar Stopover & Spend 1 Day in Doha!
- Doha Itinerary & Guide | How To Spend 3 Days in Doha with TIPS!