The Ultimate Dubai Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Five Days

So you have five days in Dubai and you want to make sure you squeeze every last moment of luxury, sunshine and wow factor out of them? My Dubai itinerary will help you plan your trip, whether you’re staying in Dubai for five days, a week or longer.

There’s so much to see and do in Dubai, from record-breaking heights to world-famous restaurants and buzzing nightlife, so you’ll want to pack as much as possible into your stay.

Let an ex-expat do the hard work and use my day-by-day itinerary to plan your trip to Dubai.

This Dubai itinerary covers all the best things to do in Dubai and has helpful hints gained from my time living there, as well as additional activities and places to go if you have a week or more in Dubai.

I created this guide while I was living in Dubai to help visitors like you decide what to do if you have five days in Dubai. I updated this guide in August 2023 to ensure all information is current.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s important to follow an up-to-date destination guide because Dubai is constantly changing!

This is an updated version of the Dubai itinerary I used when I had guests and want to knock their socks off by showing them all the unique things the emirate has to offer.

My Instagram followers and friends still living in Dubai help me keep it fully loaded with the newest attractions and hottest restaurants.

My Dubai itinerary: five days, day-by-day

Watch my full Dubai expat life video on Youtube

While lots of travellers opt for a stopover in Dubai on their way to a far-flung destination like Thailand or India, I think you need to spend a little longer exploring to fully appreciate the place.

When people ask me how long to spend in Dubai, I typically advise them to book between five and seven days to see all of Dubai’s most impressive attractions, bars and restaurants.

With that in mind, this guide covers all the top tourist attractions and things to see in Dubai in five days or more. I’ve included helpful information for your holiday at the end such as where to stay in Dubai, when to visit and how to prepare for your Dubai holiday.

If you’re a woman planning to visit Dubai alone, check out my solo female travel guide for Dubai before you go. Even if you’re not going solo, it’s packed with information you need to know for your trip.

How to save money on your trip to Dubai

Check out these buy-ahead passes that are guaranteed to save you money on a five-day holiday in Dubai.

ATTRACTIONS: Dubai is definitely an expensive destination, especially if you want to do a lot of activities on your trip. If you want to tick off all of this destination’s most iconic sights it’s worth buying a Dubai Unlimited Pass online before your trip to save money in the long run.

If you’re on a tighter budget, buy a Dubai Explorer pass here – it gives you access to your choice of three to seven attractions for a lower price than you would pay if you purchased entry for each attraction separately.

GETTING AROUND: Dubai is a sprawling city and although the metro is quick and cheap, it doesn’t go everywhere and taxis can really add up. A Hop On – Hop Off bus ticket is an easy way to save, particularly if you plan to do the bulk of your exploring over two days. Buy yours here.

Anyway, let’s dive into the Dubai itinerary…

Day One: The glamour of Downtown Dubai

Begin your Dubai experience with a dose of the glitz and glamour that has become synonymous with the emirate.

This is a destination that prides itself on being bigger and better than everywhere else, so the first day of your five-day trip to Dubai should be dedicated to seeing its record-breakers.

First, you’ll need to fuel up for a day of sightseeing. The best breakfast places in Downtown Dubai are Amaya for beautiful sharing platters with views of the Burj (opens at 10am) and F.R.N.D.S Grand Café, which serves breakfast with a side of chic French ambiance. F.R.N.D.S opens at 8am so it’s a better option for earlier risers.

I wouldn’t normally recommend shopping as a tourist activity but The Dubai Mall is an attraction in itself — it’s bigger than 50 football pitches so expect to get lost!

You can easily spend a whole day here, so it’s good to get an idea of the main attractions you want to see inside to plan your route.

Browse all things to do in Dubai Mall

Aside from the 1,200 shops, ranging from designer stores to souk-style villages, and 200 eateries, there’s also the excellent Dubai Aquarium, an ice skating rink, an indoor theme park and a 120-screen cinema.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, check out Hysteria, the ‘haunted house’

Grab lunch at a fountain-side restaurant and if the weather permits, sit outside. If you prefer something a little more special, head to Palace Downtown’s ground-floor restaurant Ewaan for an impressive Arabic and Oriental lunch buffet.

In the afternoon you can head to ‘At the Top’ within Dubai Mall. Whenever anyone asks me what to see in Dubai, this is always top of the list.

At The Top is the entrance to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world (at the moment anyway), spiking Dubai’s skyline at 555 meters. Take in the view from either the 125th or 148^th floor and you’ll gain a new perspective on Dubai.

It’s best to buy tickets for the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa online in advance to save money and skip the queue.

If you don’t want to go to the very top floor, you can buy cheaper tickets that only take you to level 125 here.

I recommend timing your trip to the top for sunset when you can enjoy the most spectacular views.

Back on the ground, make your way outside as the sun sets to take in the world-renowned Dubai Fountain Show. The show runs every 30 minutes from 6pm and I promise you’ll be in awe of the dazzling display.

It’s best viewed at dusk, so make sure you don’t miss it out on your Dubai trip itinerary!

You can book a 30-minute cruise by traditional “abra” water taxi on Burj Lake to see the amazing fountain show from the water.

After the show, cross the bridge and enter Souk Al Bahar, an Arabian-style resort housing more shops and most importantly, bars and restaurants.

You won’t get a pint or glass of wine with dinner if you choose to east at the mall restaurants, but you will here.

Try Karma Kafe for Asian food or Patiala Restaurant for Indian cuisine. Time Out Market is a local hotspot too.

Depending on the weather (your first day will introduce you to Dubai’s breathtaking temperatures if you’re visiting during summer), you can enjoy drinks on one of Souk Al Bahar’s restaurants’ balconies.

I’ve taken my family to The Tap House in Souk Al Bahar for nighttime views and they really enjoyed it.

If you’re still thirsty, head to the nearby Taj Hotel for late-night drinks at Greenhouse (closed during the summer months) or go to At.mosphere‘s sky lounge in the Burj Khalifa for dizzying views.

Day Two: Old Dubai’s history and culture

Today is the day to discover the ‘other side of Dubai‘. The emirate wasn’t always the billionaire’s playground it is today and I created this Dubai itinerary to show you both sides of the place!

Dubai Creek flows between Deira and Bur Dubai and is one of the best places to visit in Dubai if you have more than two days. It’s the place to go to immerse yourself in the Dubai of not so long ago.

Browse all Dubai Creek tours and activities

One of the few remaining areas that retain their original character as more and more skyscrapers are erected, the Creek is the antithesis to the rest of the emirate. I think it’s a shame when tourists visit Dubai and don’t see it!

The Creek and surrounding area will show you that amid the flashy cars and futuristic architecture, there are cultural attractions to be found in Dubai.

Of course, you’ll need to cover up a little more in this area to avoid stares.

The best way to truly experience this area is to do a tour (check prices here), where you’ll get the inside story as you explore.

Marvel at how much this crazy place has changed in the past thirty-odd years as you wander the area that was once Dubai’s center of commerce.

Even now, cargo boats loaded with goods depart to Iran, Pakistan and further afield.

Enjoy a late breakfast on the water at The Boardwalk in Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (weekends only) or Arabian Teahouse in Al Bastakiya.

Al Bastakiya is also known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. You can do a walking tour or simply wander the labyrinth of charming streets.

You can pay just 1 dirham for a ride across Dubai Creek on a traditional abra. This is the cheapest tourist activity in Dubai and not to be missed, especially if you’re there with kids!

On the other side of the Creek, explore the atmospheric Spice Souk, inhaling the heady aromas of exotic spices.

You may experience a tiny bit of hassle in this area and if you aren’t used to it, it can be a little unnerving. I enjoy the banter, and it’s nothing compared to a walk through the souks of Marrakech or even some markets in Europe.

Check prices for a guided tour of Dubai’s Spice Souk here

Next, walk through the Gold Souk. There are almost 400 jewellers in this space, some of whom have been trading there for 40 years (that’s long in Dubai terms!).

Some of the Arab and Indian pieces are truly fascinating, so it’s an interesting place for window shopping.

Check prices for Dubai Gold Souk tours here

As the sun sets, treat yourself to a dhow dinner cruise on one of the many wooden boats docked at the creek.

Day Three: Channelling Jumeirah Jane

Sightseeing in Dubai can take it out of you, so it’s a good idea to spend a day unwinding on the beach.

Too many Dubai itineraries don’t give you time to slow down, so I wanted to give you my tips for a brilliant beach day (or pool) day. This is how I spent my days off in Dubai.

Before you hit the beach, stop for breakfast at The Hamptons Cafe on Jumeirah Beach Road.

I also love Kaftan, a Turkish restaurant that does a mean breakfast (I’ve got a review of breakfast at Kaftan if you’re unsure).

Now, let’s talk about Dubai’s best beaches…

You can sunbathe for free at Kite Beach, where Dubai’s kite surfers like to show off. If you go there, be sure to grab lunch at SALT, the coolest burger place in town.

If you’re staying in the Marina, spend the day at JBR, the public beach around Jumeirah Beach Residence near the Marina.

JBR is popular because it’s bordered by The Walk, a promenade filled with restaurants and shops that will keep you entertained even after sundown. It’s one of my favourite spots in Dubai.

Some of Dubai’s other popular beaches are Sunset Beach (also free) for THAT Burj Al Arab shot, Palm West Beach for skyline views and Dubai Islands, a dog-friendly public beach near Diera.

There are loads of beach activities in Dubai. Check out a few options below!

Not a beach person? Spend a relaxing day at a hotel pool. Some of the most popular pool days in Dubai right now are W Dubai – WET Deck on the Palm and Aura Skypool, the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool.

If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, it has to be Zero Gravity. I must have spent half my life there while I lived in Dubai!

For dinner on your third night in Dubai, try one of the current hottest places to eat.

Depachika Food Hall on the Palm offers something for all tastes in a casual environment, or Sushi Samba located on the 51st floor of The St Regis is a more refined alternative.

Day Four: A Dubai desert safari

No visit to Dubai would be complete without seeing the desert, so your final day should be spent on the sand dunes.

While you can hire a vehicle and explore unaided, there are a number of tour companies that can guide you.

Before you head for the desert, grab a casual breakfast at McGettigans, one of my favourite spots for breakfast in Dubai.

Read my McGettigans breakfast review for information about the menu.

There are plenty of Dubai desert safari tour operators who offer various desert experiences ranging from private 4×4 dune-bashing sessions to dinner after dark at a traditional Boudioun camp, complete with a belly dancing show and the chance to see how the desert people used falcons to hunt for food.

Check prices for Dubai desert tours and activities

You can even camp out under the stars on an overnight Dubai desert safari – just make sure you bring plenty of water!

Read my review of Arabian Adventures Desert Safari for full details on this day trip. Visiting the desert is a real Dubai must-do and very memorable.

If you’d prefer to end your day back in civilisation, head back to the bright lights of the city after your desert experience.

On the journey back, stop to take pictures at Dubai Frame.

After freshening up back at your hotel, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or two at one of the best rooftop bars in Dubai.

If there’s one city you’ll want to splash out on a drink with a view, it’s this one, right?

If you’re in Dubai for a special occasion, check out these options for dining at the Burj Al Arab. Book one of these experiences in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.

Just want to splash out on a truly memorable experience? You’re in the right place. I’ve compiled some of the best ‘bucket list’ things to do in Dubai below.

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For dinner, head to another of my favourite places to go in Dubai. Madinat Jumeirah is designed to evoke old Arabia and comprises three spectacular hotels: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam and the newer Jumeirah Al Naseem.

The entire resort is stunning and it’s packed with bars and restaurants. Book a table with a view of the water for a truly special dining experience.

Day Five: Spa or Splash?

Dubai is a destination that lets you indulge all (okay, most) of your passions, so how you spend your final day is up to you.

I wanted to create a guide to the best things to do in Dubai to suit everyone, so here’s your chance to tailor your Dubai travel itinerary to suit you!

If you want to head home from your Dubai holiday feeling refreshed and well-rested, head for the spas. I personally love the spa at Fairmont The Palm.

Read my review of my Willow Stream Spa experience for details.

Dubai knows how to pamper its guests, so there’s no shortage of alternatives. The Talise Spa at Burj Al Arab is on my Dubai bucket list.

Check prices for all Dubai spa day packages

More of an adrenalin junkie, or can’t escape from the family during your Dubai holiday? I’ve got you covered.

In terms of waterparks, Wild Wadi and Atlantis Aquaventure are as fun for adults as they are for kids, while Splash n Party is better for little ones.

The newer Laguna Waterpark looks great too.

Alternatively, head to one of Dubai’s amusement parks. IMG Worlds of Adventure (the world’s largest indoor theme park), Motiongate Dubai and LEGOLAND are bound to keep the kids entertained.

Of course, you can always head to Mall of the Emirates to hit the slopes at Ski Dubai.

You can save money on amusement parks in Dubai by purchasing a 1 day pass for two parks, which gives you a hefty discount.

For a truly unforgettable dinner on your final night in Dubai, I recommend Carnival by Tresind. It’s a theatrical experience and a great way to toast the end of your Dubai holiday!

I’ve got a review of Carnival by Tresind at DIFC if you’d like a preview.

If you’re celebrating something special or looking for romantic things to do in Dubai on your final night, splash out on drinks at the Burj Al Arab.

Got more than five days in Dubai?

Four nights in Dubai isn’t enough to get around all of the destination’s best bits, but I’ve tried to include my must-dos in this guide.

If you have a week or even 10 days in Dubai, you still won’t exhaust all of the possibilities. Here are some more things to see and do in Dubai that I’ve learned about while living in the sandpit.

I hope this makes you extend your stopover!

Day six: Brunch like a billionaire

If you’re in Dubai on a Saturday, brace yourself.

Saturdays mean one thing for Dubai’s residents: brunch! Join the expat crowd at one of Dubai’s elaborate feasts. 

These social occasions take place at every decent eatery in the Emirate and you can expect delectable food (lots of it), bottomless booze and a party vibe. 

That being said, there’s a brunch to suit all tastes, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly atmosphere, a high-brow affair focused on the food or you’re just in it for the free-flowing bubbly. 

Whichever you choose, you should dress to impress. Brunches usually begin at 12pm and end around 4pm – trust me, you’ll be in bed early!

The brunch to be seen at right now is STK. It’s a party brunch located in Rixos JBR.

Day Seven: See more of the United Arab Emirates

Dubai is one of seven emirates and each one is unique. If you have a week in Dubai, it would be rude not to see more of the country!

Book a day trip to Abu Dhabi and see the exquisite Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. You can also book tours from Dubai to visit Louvre Museum or Ferrari World.

Fancy seeing somewhere that most tourists don’t venture to? You can go snorkelling and kayaking in Fujairah, which is known for its pristine beaches.

Dubai’s conservative neighbour, Sharjah is an interesting place to see but you don’t need to spend long there. A four hour tour from Dubai covers everything of interest.

You can cross the Hajar Mountains to explore a green oasis in the desert landscape on a day trip to Al Ain from Dubai which takes in all of the ‘Garden City’ cultural attractions like the renovated Old Palace of H.H. late Sheikh Zayed, former ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE’s founding President.

Want to go further? I once did a day trip on an old dhow boat to Musandam and the Gulf of Oman, which was very relaxing. It felt a world away from the fast pace of Dubai!

See more of the best day trips from Dubai

More inspiration and things to do in Dubai

1 Hire a yacht and have the most extra boat party ever with out my yacht party guide! If there aren’t enough of you to hire a private yacht, you can book a tour on a luxury yacht instead.

2 See the murals at City Walk

3 Go to Dubai Garden Glow, a park with creative installations that has lots of photo opportunities.

4 Soar above the city on a helicopter ride over Dubai

5 Go to Museum of Illusions to take more fun snaps

6 Have a drink in the Middle East’s only ice bar

7 Walk along Dubai Water Canal (not one for the summer months!)

8 Stroll around Dubai Marina and do a dinner cruise at sunset

9 Visit Dubai Butterfly Garden in Miracle Garden

10 Take a trip around the world and try international food at Dubai Global Village

11 Do a hot air balloon ride over the Dubai desert

12 Book a speed boat tour of Dubai’s best coastal sights

Top Dubai restaurant reviews

It seems there’s a new restaurant opening every week in Dubai, but here are some that I’ve written about in case you can’t decide where to eat!

My take on Saffron brunch at Atlantis the Palm. Is it really Dubai’s best party brunch?

A spectacular brunch at Brasserie 2.0 in Le Royal Meridien

Asian brunch at Karma Kafe in Souk Al Bahar

Brunch on the Palm at West 14th Steak House

Booking accommodation in Dubai

Despite Dubai’s reputation for luxury, there are actually accommodation options for every budget.

In my opinion, the best areas to stay in Dubai near tourist attractions are the Downtown area, anywhere near Jumeirah beach or in the Marina. The Palm is also lovely.

If you’d like to immerse yourself in the cultural side of Dubai, try Bur Dubai or Deira.

Both areas have more budget options and you won’t find any of the glitz that immediately comes to mind when you think of Dubai there.

Budget accommodation in Dubai

BackPacker Dubai in Barsha Heights is perfect if you don’t mind hostels and it even has a pool. It’s near a metro station, which makes it easy to do Dubai on a budget.

The Premier Inn in Bur Dubai is a good cheap option if you prefer a proper hotel. I have friends who have stayed at Media One Hotel who liked it, and it’s cheap considering its location.

Midrange Dubai accommodation

DoubleTree by Hilton is in a handy position near JBR Beach. Meliá Desert Palm has great reviews and Rove Downtown is close to a lot of Dubai’s top tourist attractions.

I’ve stayed at JW Marriott Marquis and would definitely recommend. It feels very luxurious but isn’t extortionate. Read my JW Marriott Marquis hotel review for lots of pictures.

Luxury hotels in Dubai

The Burj Al Arab is of course iconic, known as the world’s only ‘seven-star’ hotel. It has a price tag to match, but staying there would be an unbelievable experience.

Atlantis The Palm is almost as famous, and then there’s One&Only The Palm, FIVE Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Al Qasr. I’ve never stayed in any of these but one can dream!

You can check locations, prices and availability for all Dubai hotels using the map below.

Booking.com

How to get to Dubai

Dubai International Airport is the world’s busiest airport. Emirates is the UAE’s airline, and flying with them to Dubai is always an absolute pleasure.

There are also budget airlines – check Skyscanner and set up email alerts to notify you of the best deals.

Getting a taxi at Dubai airport is pretty straightforward but often the drivers don’t know where things are. If you’re nervous, book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Getting around Dubai

Taxis and UBER are super convenient in Dubai, but the metro is handy depending where you’re going.

If you do choose to travel by metro, keep in mind that you may have to still get a taxi from the metro stop to your destination, especially in summer when walking outside is dangerously sweaty.

The hop-on-hop-off bus is an easy way to see all of Dubai’s sights in 24 hours.

If you’re planning to explore more of the United Arab Emirates or just prefer the ease of driving yourself, you can hire a car. Be prepared for some crazy fellow motorists though!

The best time to visit Dubai

The summer months get unbearably hot. It’s best to avoid visiting Dubai during the peak of summer because the heat makes outdoor activities (and even walking from your UBER to your hotel) difficult.

I remember walking outside of my building and my sunglasses immediately steaming up, and I once (very stupidly) tried to sunbathe then realised my phone had overheated and shut down because it was 46 degrees. I went back inside.

All of the indoor places you will go using this Dubai itinerary will have air conditioning so don’t worry about getting too hot indoors.

You should also check that your visit doesn’t coincide with Ramadan, when the city empties out and bars and restaurants are a lot more subdued.

Even while I lived there, I would vacate Dubai for most of Ramadan – although if you do manage to book a trip during that time, make sure you experience an Iftar.

I went to an amazing Iftar at Brasserie 2.0. It was lovely to learn more about the culture of the place I was living!

Get travel insurance for Dubai

It is absolutely essential that you get travel insurance if you’re visiting Dubai, even if you’re only there a few days. The healthcare there is very expensive, even for simple check-ups.

I recommend World Nomads because they cover most adventure activities and are widely acknowledged as trustworthy among the travel community. Use the box below to get a quote.

Check out my Travel Resources page before you book anything for your Dubai trip!

I hope this itinerary for Dubai is helpful and that it has shown you there’s more to the place than skyscrapers and high prices. It’s such a unique destination and I think everyone should experience Dubai once in their life. Enjoy your trip!

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