Feb 7, 20206 min read

Amazing 5-Day Dubai Itinerary

Updated: Aug 30, 2020

Save yourself the hassle of planning everything from scratch as you read this 5 days Dubai itinerary from guest blogger Neha from Dubai Wikia.

Shaped by the desert, lined by beaches and growing with architecture, Dubai is a peerless tourist city. Scroll down and find everything from the most adventurous destination to the tranquil place, from trying the international buffet to meeting the rarest desert animals.

Day 1:

Downtown Dubai

Kick start your trip by immersing in the opulence of the city, for what Dubai is famous for. Take a look at the riches, innovation, and luxury around which will have your jaw touching the floor.

Overlooking the Burj Khalifa, a span of perfectly-manicured grass is laid out in the Burj Park. Bask in the morning sun here, gaze around and breathe in the fresh air. This is definitely perfect for family picnics but also a cool spot for solo tourists. Make it exciting as you opt for the cycle ride.

Set by its side is the outdoor venue, Burj Plaza where there are many shops and restaurants for families and friends getaway.

Don’t be bothered with those straight sunrays, because you would be spending the afternoon in the largest mall, Dubai Mall. Firstly, check out the fashion avenue, which is a paradise for shoppers. Over 200 top labels are found here, delivering for all kinds of occasions and festivals. You can enjoy great discounts during DSF.

Wandering around, you would have already realized the place is fascinating and interesting.

The enormous waterfall with life-size divers falling from it, the huge ruin of dinosaur named Dubai Dino, and the Dubai Fountain will give you an idea that this is going to be the best experience of your life.

Cool down on the Olympic-sized ice rink, take the children to KidZania, watch movies in never-before comfort at Reel Cinemas, feel your world upside down at VR (Virtual Reality) Park, and face your fears at Hysteria.

The 10-million liter suspended tank of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is the highlight of all attractions. Hang out with the 140 species of marine life and dive with the sharks.

Burj Khalifa, the extraordinary feat of engineering and the tallest building in the world, is a few steps away from the mall. Get your combo tickets to avoid the delays and get straight entry to the 124th floor in the fastest elevator! See the world appearing closer as you peek through the telescope.

Following, enjoy the breathtaking 360° degree view of Dubai, from desert to Marina on the 125th floor. Then climb up to the world’s highest observation deck, on the 148th floor, which shows you the city’s sweeping panorama. Sip the tea, savor sweets and get a unique perspective of the city.

At the 122nd floor is the world’s highest restaurant called At.Mosphere. The exquisite design, benchmark services and out of the world taste make it a real treat. Slurp soup, sip wine and devour the handpicked delights.

Seen the famous Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas? Made by the same folks, the Dubai Fountain is the largest choreographed dancing fountain.

Soak in its uninterrupted views from this legendary tower or reserve a restaurant from one of the nearby outdoor observation decks.

Day 2:

Marina and Jumeirah

Begin the next day at Dubai Marina, which is an affluent neighborhood with sky-piercing architecture. The skyscrapers are poised across the canal and give picturesque sight.

There is an array of restaurants and food trucks to give your morning hunger pangs a rest. There are also shopping areas thriving with unlimited goods, something for everyone.

Thanks to XLine, that you can now hang on to the world’s longest zipline in Dubai at a speed of 80kms/ hour.

Thereafter, sit in a yacht for the 2-hour ride which boasts incredible architecture and scenery, making its way to the Palm Jumeirah.

Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago that is lined with 5-star hotels, swanky restaurants, luxury villas, and swimming pools.

On the Crescent Road is the Atlantis, The Palm, which has heart-pumping rides to coffee-spiked spas. The Aquaventure Waterpark has umpteen rides (one that will shoot you in the shark tank), private beaches to spend some quality time, and the Lazy river to let you refresh and rejuvenate.

Jumeirah Beach is a calm and clean beach with facilities like showers, washrooms, changing rooms, outdoor gym, children play areas and more. Travelers can lounge on beach pads, stroll on the 1.7km stretch of the Walk at JBR, and browse the fashionable boutiques and cafes. Since there is no dearth of shopping and dining options, you can have your brunch here.

Have a cheerful interaction with the most friendly creatures at the Dolphin Bay, participate in the Splash Tours, go for a helicopter tour, and marvel at the 65,000 underwater marine species in the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Kite Beach is another popular destination for the tourists to play volleyball, lounge in the sun, try some unique snacks and see the amazing Burj Al Arab. With so much to do, the entire day could be wrapped here.

Day 3:

Old Dubai

In these 5 days in Dubai, take a break from the glitz and glamour of the modern city and head towards the traditional Old Dubai.

The range of souks in Old Dubai is delightful. One can come here to show off their bargaining skills and enjoy good deals. From gold jewelry to the diamond necklace, you’re guaranteed to find vast choices of intricate jewelry designs.

But why buy here? It is the cheapest gold market in the world.

As you reach the periphery of the Gold souk, ramble to the other souks. The aroma of spices, the odor of perfumes and display of textiles make it a long row of stores and shops.

The outlets sell Persian carpets, stylish outfits, silken shawls, vintage finds, quirky knick-knacks, and more.

The Old Dubai is jam-packed with heritage places, and to explore in one go, nothing beats the Abra ride. It costs you 1 Dirham. Hop aboard and sail on the Dubai Creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira.

Pay a visit at some major landmarks of the town. Built in the mid-1800s, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood was once a bustling trading hub for merchants and today has been restored as boutique hotels, art studios, and cafes.

Observe the simplicity of preserved homes and their minarets. On the way, visit the Dubai Museum, Sheikh Saeed’s House and Heritage Village.

Also, do try the local cuisine nearby.

Bow at the Jumeirah Mosque, the manifestation of true Islamic architecture. Learn about the Emirati way of life and religion in the guided tour.

Day 4:

IMG Worlds of Adventure & Dhow Cruise

For the adrenaline junkies, there is no better place than the world’s largest indoor theme and amusement park.

IMG Theme Park is categorized into 4 zones in the unbelievable space of 1.5 million square feet. Cartoon Network, Marvel, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard have numerous rides and attractions based on characters from The Hulk to Ben 10.

At times, feed your appetite in the restaurants or duck inside the 12-screen Novo Screen Complex.

Looking to catch your breath afterward?

Then make your way to the historic Dhow Cruise Marina. It is an elegant way to sightsee the startling skyline of the affluent side.

If the traditional and Old Dubai had a greater impact on your head and heart, you can also choose the Dhow Cruise Creek. In either, you have to sit back, admire the landscape, revel in live shows, savor the delicious buffet dinner and have a good time.

Day 5: Sheikh Zayed Road & Desert Safari

Mall of the Emirates is the next big thing after the Dubai Mall. It has the widest range of luxury, fashion, electronics, furniture & more.

Go on a culinary journey with the many cafes and fast food outlets around.

The main reason to visit this mall is the first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai. You can ski, toboggan, snowboard, zip line, and snowball fight. Meet snow penguins, learn skiing and have chills on the slope.

Besides that, go bowling, play games and win rewards.

Enveloping both sides of Dubai from the observation deck, Dubai Frame is the world’s largest picture frame. As you ascend this structure, stop by the mezzanine floor which introduces you to the past lifestyle and epic transformation of Dubai. Then, reach the Sky Deck that offers an awe-inspiring blend of 360-degree views, where Old Dubai is on the north and New Dubai to the south.

After the exploration, it’s time to check the most impressive thing in the city- the desert.

Take the last Dubai trip for the Evening Desert Safari. It is an out-of-the-box expedition where you can challenge your head from not fainting in the thrilling dune bashing.

The streak goes on with camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking. In the second session, you will be flocked to the Bedouin camp where several activities take the center stage.

Belly dancer and Tanoura artist serenade the ambiance, the flavors of the lavish spread of buffet fill the camp and the unlimited refreshments are served on the table.

Carry memories back home as you paint your hands with henna and click pictures in Arabian dress.

This is a top-rate tour that designed the authentic hospitality and if you want to spend the night here, book the overnight stay and sleep under the twinkling stars.

Is there anything you found interesting in Dubai? Leave it in the comments below! If you want to read more posts on the middle east, check our collection here.