Dubai 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Dubai

Morning

  • Arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB)
  • Take a taxi or metro (Red Line) to your hotel in Downtown Dubai
  • Check-in at Rove Downtown Dubai or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world ( tickets from AED 125)
  • Take a stroll around the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world
  • Explore the Dubai Fountain Show, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system

Evening

  • Dine at Zaytinya, a modern Lebanese restaurant with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa
  • Take a walk around the Dubai Mall and enjoy the evening atmosphere

Tips

  • Buy your Burj Khalifa tickets in advance to avoid long queues
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at the Dubai Mall
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Arabic coffee and dates at a local café

Transportation

  • Taxi: readily available, but be sure to use the meter or agree on a fare beforehand
  • Metro: efficient and affordable, with a Red Line station near the Burj Khalifa

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Jumeirah Mosque, a beautiful mosque blending traditional and modern architecture (free admission, but dress modestly)
  • Explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, a historic district with traditional Arabic houses and souks
  • Stop by the Dubai Museum to learn about the city’s history and heritage (AED 3 entrance fee)

Afternoon

  • Take an Abra Ride (traditional wooden boat) across the Dubai Creek to explore the souks and markets of Deira and Bur Dubai
  • Visit the Gold Souk, a traditional market filled with glittering gold jewelry
  • Explore the Spice Souk, a bustling marketplace filled with aromatic spices and herbs

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Al Mallah, a popular restaurant serving traditional Emirati cuisine
  • Take a stroll around the Dubai Creek and enjoy the evening atmosphere

Tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques and cultural sites
  • Be prepared to haggle at traditional markets and souks
  • Don’t miss trying some local street food, like shawarma or falafel

Transportation

  • Taxi: readily available, but be sure to use the meter or agree on a fare beforehand
  • Metro: not convenient for this area, but buses and abras are available

Day 3: Desert Adventure

Morning

  • Take a Desert Safari tour (AED 150-200 per person), which includes:
    • Dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle
    • Camel riding
    • Sandboarding or dune surfing
    • Arabic coffee and dates at a Bedouin camp
  • Relax at the camp and enjoy the stunning desert scenery

Afternoon

  • Enjoy a Deluxe Buffet Lunch at the camp, with a variety of international and Arabic dishes
  • Take a leisurely walk around the camp and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere

Evening

  • Return to your hotel in Dubai and freshen up
  • Dine at The Observatory, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city

Tips

  • Book your desert safari tour in advance to ensure availability
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Be prepared for an adventurous day with some rough driving on dunes

Transportation

  • Private car or 4x4 vehicle: arranged by your desert safari tour operator

Day 4: Modern Dubai

Morning

  • Visit the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island with stunning beaches and luxury resorts
  • Take a monorail ride to the Atlantis, The Palm, a iconic hotel with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf
  • Explore the Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to over 20,000 marine animals (AED 120 entrance fee)

Afternoon

  • Relax at Nassimi Beach, a public beach with crystal-clear waters and powdery sand
  • Take a leisurely walk around the Palm Jumeirah and enjoy the modern architecture and scenery

Evening

  • Dine at Saffron, an award-winning restaurant serving Indian cuisine
  • Enjoy the evening atmosphere at the Atlantis, with its stunning views and luxurious ambiance

Tips

  • Book your monorail tickets in advance to avoid long queues
  • Be prepared for crowds and high prices at the Palm Jumeirah
  • Don’t miss taking some stunning photos of the modern architecture and scenery

Transportation

  • Taxi: readily available, but be sure to use the meter or agree on a fare beforehand
  • Monorail: convenient and efficient, with stations near major attractions

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and take a taxi or metro to Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Tips

  • Be sure to check your flight details and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare
  • Don’t forget to declare any purchased items, like gold or spices, when departing Dubai

I hope you enjoy your trip to Dubai!