Dubai in 5 Days: Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Five days in Dubai gives you the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. You have enough time to explore famous landmarks, enjoy the desert, shop at luxury malls, visit cultural museums, ride boats, and eat amazing food.
At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we help travelers plan smooth and exciting Dubai trips. Our 5-day itinerary balances must-see places, hidden gems, and relaxing moments. You’ll move between old Dubai and new Dubai, beach and desert, malls and souks, all in a way that’s easy to follow and full of unforgettable moments.
Day 1: Explore Downtown Dubai & Dine by the Water
Start at Burj Khalifa
Begin your journey at the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Book your ticket to reach Levels 124 + 125 and enjoy the morning view over the city and desert.
| Ticket Type | Price (AED) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Peak Hours | 179 | 49 |
| Prime Hours | 259 | 71 |
Visit Dubai Mall & Dubai Aquarium
Right next to Burj Khalifa is Dubai Mall, where you can visit the Aquarium Tunnel, grab snacks, or watch the Dubai Ice Rink.
Lunch at Souk Al Bahar
Walk to Souk Al Bahar and enjoy lunch with a view of the Dubai Fountain.
Evening Fountain Show
Watch the Dubai Fountain dance to music every 30 minutes after 6 PM.
Optional Add-On: Visit Sky Views Deck for Glass Slide Adventure
Day 2: Old Dubai & Creekside Cruise
Visit Al Shindagha Museum
Learn about Dubai’s history at the peaceful Al Shindagha Museum, located beside the Dubai Creek. You’ll see traditional boats, perfumes, and Emirati homes.
Walk Around Al Fahidi
This historic district is full of art galleries, small museums, and pretty alleys.
Take a Traditional Abra Ride
Cross the Dubai Creek in a wooden abra for only AED 1. A fun local experience!
Afternoon Shopping at the Gold & Spice Souks
Walk through the shiny souks and shop for souvenirs, spices, and gold.
Dinner on a Dhow Cruise
End your day with a Dhow Cruise Dinner on the calm waters of Dubai Creek or the modern Dubai Marina.
Day 3: Adventure in the Desert & Outdoor Fun
Morning Desert Safari
Book a luxury Platinum Desert Safari with dune bashing, camel rides, and falcon shows. Choose morning to avoid heat.
Optional Add-On: Buggy Adventure for thrill lovers.
Lunch & Relaxation
After the desert, return to your hotel and enjoy a quiet lunch.
Sunset at The View at The Palm
In the evening, head to The View at The Palm. Enjoy stunning views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.
| Ticket Type | Price (AED) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| General Ticket | 100 | 27 |
| Prime Time | 158 | 43 |
Day 4: Water Fun & Beach Time
Visit Aquaventure Waterpark
Spend the day at Aquaventure Waterpark on Palm Jumeirah. With over 100 slides, beaches, and rivers, it’s great for all ages.
| Ticket Type | Price (AED) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Pass | 320 | 87 |
| Child Day Pass | 265 | 72 |
Late Afternoon: Relax at Kite Beach
Relax on soft sand, watch kite surfers, or grab snacks from food trucks.
Dinner with a View
Try one of the best view restaurants in Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah.
Day 5: Culture, Gardens & Last-Minute Fun
Morning at Dubai Miracle Garden
Start with a peaceful walk at Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest flower garden. Open from November to April.
Explore Expo City Dubai
Visit the smart, futuristic Expo City to see amazing pavilions, art displays, and eco-friendly zones.
Lunch Nearby
Choose a café inside Expo City or in Dubai Design District.
Final Stop: Museum of the Future
Visit the unique Museum of the Future for tech dreams, peaceful rooms, and photo moments.
Pricing Summary for 5 Days in Dubai (Per Adult)
| Item | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa Ticket | 179 | 49 |
| The View at the Palm | 100 | 27 |
| Dhow Cruise Dinner | 180 | 49 |
| Desert Safari | 385 | 105 |
| Aquaventure Waterpark | 320 | 87 |
| Museum of the Future | 149 | 41 |
| Transport (Metro + Taxi) | 200 | 55 |
| Meals (average for 5 days) | 500 | 137 |
| Shopping + Extra Activities | 300 | 82 |
| Total Estimate | 2,313 | 632 |
Tips for a Great 5-Day Dubai Trip
- ✅ Use Metro & NOL Card for fast travel (NOL Card Dubai)
- ✅ Pack light with cotton clothes, sunscreen, and a hat
- ✅ Buy combo tickets to save time and money
- ✅ Respect the culture, check the dress code
- ✅ Stay hydrated and plan outdoor visits for mornings or evenings
Where to Stay in Dubai for 5 Days
| Area | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | First-time visitors | Central & Iconic |
| Palm Jumeirah | Luxury & Relaxation | Calm & Seaside |
| Dubai Marina | Families & Couples | Scenic & Modern |
| Jumeirah | Culture + Beach | Heritage & Seaside |
Best Restaurants to Try During Your 5-Day Dubai Trip
Dubai is known for its food diversity. From Michelin-star dishes to late-night snacks, here are some top options during your 5-day visit:
Recommended by Day:
| Day | Recommended Meal | Explore Restaurant |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dinner with Fountain View | Best Restaurants in Downtown Dubai |
| Day 2 | Creekside Emirati Cuisine | Best Emirati Food in Dubai |
| Day 3 | Rooftop Dinner | Best View Restaurants in Dubai |
| Day 4 | Marina Seaside Brunch | Best Restaurants in Dubai Marina |
| Day 5 | Local Food Tour | Best Restaurants in Old Dubai |
Budgeting Tips for 5-Day Dubai Trip
Dubai can be both affordable and expensive, depending on how you plan.
Smart Budget Ideas:
- Buy a NOL Card for metro/bus
- Eat at local cafés for lunch, splurge at dinner
- Visit free attractions like beaches and public parks
- Choose combo passes for attractions
- Stay in hotels with free breakfast
Dubai Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Dress modestly in public
- Greet people politely (say “Salam”)
- Use public transport or taxis with meters
- Respect prayer times during Ramadan
Don’ts:
- Don’t show public affection
- Don’t eat or drink in public during daylight in Ramadan
- Don’t litter or disrespect local laws (check Dubai laws)
- Don’t bargain too aggressively in malls
Where to Shop in Your Free Time
If you love shopping, Dubai will spoil you. Add quick stops during your free evenings:
- Dubai Mall – Designer brands, souvenirs, luxury
- Mall of the Emirates – Fashion, electronics, dining
- Souk Madinat – Traditional market with souvenirs
- Al Fahidi Souks – Bargain shopping in Old Dubai
- Online or concierge support – Use Personal Shopper VIP Service
Best Photo Spots in Each Day of Your 5-Day Dubai Trip
| Day | Location | Best Time for Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burj Khalifa Lake | Sunset (Fountain + Tower view) |
| 2 | Al Seef Creek Area | Morning (old buildings + boats) |
| 3 | Desert Dunes | Sunrise or sunset |
| 4 | Atlantis + Palm Views | Late afternoon |
| 5 | Museum of the Future | Night (with lighted structure) |
Also consider a session with Premium Photography Services if you want pro-level holiday pictures.
Add-On Experiences to Consider
If you want to upgrade your experience:
How BestDubaiPlaces.com Makes Your Trip Easier
Planning for 5 days sounds big, but with BestDubaiPlaces.com, it’s simple. We give:
- Daily plans that suit families, couples, or solo travelers
- Booking support for top attractions
- Food suggestions and transport tips
- Realistic budgets and time-saving advice
👉 Need help finalizing your 5-day dubai trip? Contact Us and we’ll do everything for you!
FAQs About Dubai in 5 Days
Is 5 days enough to explore Dubai?
Yes! You can visit iconic sights, the desert, beaches, and cultural spots with a smart plan.
What should I pack for Dubai in 5 days?
Light clothes, sunscreen, comfy shoes, and a water bottle. Also, bring a power bank and some modest clothing for cultural sites.
Can I do a day trip from Dubai during my 5-day stay?
Yes! You can plan a quick Abu Dhabi or Hatta trip if you want to see more of the UAE.
What’s the best time to visit Dubai?
The best months are from November to March. Weather is cooler and perfect for outdoor fun. Read our full month-by-month guide.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes, always book Burj Khalifa, desert safari, cruises, and waterparks online to save time and skip queues.
