While planning a trip to visit a new country, you need to make a to-do list. Just like you do for your grocery shopping, you do not want to skip on the essentials, especially if the trip is to Dubai for five days.
Yes, five days might sound too short for a trip, but you can make the most out of it. If you plan correctly, know where to visit, where to dine and shop in luxury, and where to get the out-of-the-world experience, you can make the trip worthwhile.
We know that Dubai is the land of luxury and fine dining and one of the most anticipated destinations in the world. As there is so much to experience and so much your eyes can capture (not only your smartphone), you do need a plan to tackle the city.
With the short time in mind and to make the most out of it, we have brought together the Dubai Itinerary for 5 Days.
Following this itinerary, you can enjoy your Dubai trip like no other and have memories of a lifetime. So, let’s start with it!
Dubai Itinerary: 5 Days in the UAE
Any good occasion, celebration, or trip requires planning. Why? Because you don’t want to be less prepared for the trip or forget the places you want to visit.
This includes everything! By everything, we mean your documents (passport, visa, hotel, and flight tickets), packing your bags, and the list of places you want to visit. Also, this includes what kind of activities you want to do.
UAE is a country where the desert meets the sea. On the other hand, the cities are full of luxury and modern infrastructure. The rides both in the streets and the water are just breathtaking, while the dining is exquisite!
Another thing you should keep in mind is the weather in Dubai. The UAE is a desert country, meaning you will experience temperatures exceeding 38°C (100°F) in the summer months of April to the beginning of October. Winter starts around the end of October and ends in mid-April. The temperature goes around 22 °C (72 °F) to 12 °C (54 °F) during the night.
As Dubai has two different seasons (summer and winter), you should consider your favorite time of the year and pack your bags accordingly. You can also read more about the weather from Climate of UAE to get a better understanding of it.
With everything now ready, let’s venture out to the first process of making the trip, your travel itinerary.
Get Prepared Before Your Journey
Preparation is key to a successful journey. In this case, your trip to Dubai. You should keep everything handy and in order before your trip starts.
It’s more of a story to tell at dinner tables, and you do not want to mess anything up, like a perfect frame.
The first thing you need to do is apply for your UAE visa. Which we will guide you through to make it a bit easier for you.
Apply for Dubai Visa
To start your journey to Dubai, you will need a visa. There are some countries whose nationals do not need a visa, but that’s a different story.
But for the majority, you have to apply for a Dubai visa. Luckily, you can apply for your visa online with just a few clicks. All you need is your valid passport, recently taken photo, flight ticket booking, and the address of the place you are going to stay.
With all that, you can apply for and get your UAE visa from the comfort of your home and start your trip to Dubai with ease! This is the first thing you should do before even planning your list of things you want to do in Dubai. Why? Because it takes a little time to process the visa. In the meantime, you can go with the other things on the list.
As we are talking about visas, you do need a place to stay. The address is sometimes required to process the visa application. So, let’s talk about that now.
Book your Hotel Ahead
Securing a place to stay is the second most important thing you should do before starting your journey. You do not want to be stuck in a place without a place to crash.
Dubai, although a luxurious city, has a very wide range of accommodation options. You can go for a budget stay, mid-range, and a high-end luxurious hotel room any time of the year.
You can go for a hostel if you are traveling solo or go up a notch for a budget hotel room. Mid-range options are also available.
If you are wondering about the price range, hostels start at $30. A budget hotel in Dubai will cost you around $50-$100 or above.
Mid-range hotels come at $150 or above. At the same time, high-end hotels run around $350 and go up from there, depending on the facilities and location.
All of the prices are for one person. So, if you have a partner, add one more person to the cost.
Surely, we cannot let you go blind without some suggestions. The Oasis Hostel Dubai, Rove Hostel City Centre, and The Hide Dubai Hostel are some of the renowned hostels in Dubai. These are surely the top hostels to check out. As they are budget-friendly, you can check them out if you are on a solo trip.
Budget hotels don’t fall behind on the list. Ibis Deira City Centre, Premier Inn, and Rose Rayhaan by Rotana are some of the mention-worthy hotels that won’t break your bank account. So you will have some savings to enjoy Dubai more.
However, if you want to gear up a notch and want something in the mid-budget range, Rove Downtown, Aloft Palm Jumeirah and Melia Dubai are amazing options. They are also located near iconic sites like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Canal, so you will be living in the heart of the city.
To go all out on with the luxurious hotels, we cannot go without mentioning Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Atlantis, The Palm, and Jumeirah Al Qasr. These are the top-notch hotels you can go to while on your trip to Dubai. They include all the facilities and amenities that you would ever dream of and some more.
Additionally, if you don’t want a hostel or hotel and want to feel at home, do some cooking and stuff, Airbnb got you covered. Airbnb start from $150 in Dubai with all the amenities a home should have. You will find them on the Airbnb app for your convenience. The mention-worthy ones are the Studio apartment in Bur Dubai, Jumeira Beach residences, and Palm Jumeirah villa with a pool. They all range from $150 to $500 per night.
If you fancy a resort to yourself to enjoy with friends and family, then JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Sofitel Dubai, The Palm Jumeirah, and One Only The Palm are worth looking into. They include stunning views and bars; some are out of the city to give you a feel of the emptiness and have all the necessary amenities.
You can get a better idea of the prices from the chart below. The prices also change depending on the tourist season and availability. So keep that in mind.
| Type of Accommodation in Dubai | Price Range (USD per night for one person) |
|---|---|
| Hostel | $30-$90+ |
| Budget Hotel | $50-$100 |
| Mid-Range Hotel | $100-$300 |
| High-End Hotel | $300-$500+ |
| Airbnb (Apartment) | $150-$500+ |
| Resort | $500-$1000+ |
Make your Flight Reservation
The last essential thing before you can land in Dubai is getting your flight reservation! It sounds obvious, but it is one of the requirements that you need before you can apply for a visa, which is why it is extra important.
Make sure you book ahead of time, as the ticket prices are much higher when your arrival date nears. Booking ahead also gives you a peace of mind for your trip, and you are all set to go.
All you have to do now is pack your bags, sit back, enjoy the itinerary list, and wonder what else you want to do in Dubai.
So let’s start with the things you are going to do after you arrive in Dubai from day one!
Day 1: Explore the Modern Dubai
Your day one starts with the Modern city tour of Dubai. You cannot ignore the landscapes, skyscrapers, and the view of the whole city. Also, it will give you a perspective of where you are, what you want to do, and how you should proceed on the rest of the days.
To mark the start of your trip, start by visiting Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. As this is the iconic monument that sets Dubai apart from the world, what better place to start here?
Move to the observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Feel the lightness along with the clouds in the air, and enjoy being on top of the world.
If you want to see even over the clouds, move to the 148th floor and enjoy the view. We have always seen the top of the clouds from the plane, but not from the ground. This is your chance to do that.
In the afternoon, you can have lunch at the Dubai Mall and start exploring it. The Mall is a paradise for shopaholics and has all the renowned global brands, luxury boutiques, and more. There are also entertainment options like an indoor cinema, a skating rink, and a VR Park.
When you are done with the mall, you can check out the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. It has over 33,000 marine animals.
Apart from that, you can walk under an underwater tunnel and get a 270-degree view of the marine creatures roaming around. For romantic couples, you can take a boat ride, which is also underwater under an encapsulated tunnel.
You can also enjoy different types of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates in the Aquarium.
With everything covered for the day, move over to the Dubai Fountain in the evening to witness the sunset. The captivating view of the dying sun in the fountain starts, and it shows right after choreographed water jets, music, and colorful lights.
It is located at the bottom of Burj Khalifa, so you can also dine in any of the restaurants there. There are different cuisines available from all around the world. You need to energize yourself for day two afterward.
Day 2: Desert Adventure
While you are in the desert country of UAE, you cannot miss out on the desert adventures. We have planned your day two to experience the wonders, thrills, and traditions of Dubai itself.
Start your morning with a desert safari on the second day. You get to do a lot here. Just like the sea, you can do dune bashing instead of sea surfing, and that too on 4×4.
Make sure you ride a camel, the majestic ‘ship of the desert.’ Their tolerance for heat and sand storms is astonishing. The ride is a whole lot different, as they have humps on their back.
We suggest you wear quick-dry fabric clothes or any easy-to-breath material.
While you are out in the desert, what better way to experience the life of the Bedouin than to try out their lunch? There are a lot of tourist destinations in the deserts where you can enjoy a lunch cooked right in front of you.
Also enjoy their friendly hospitality, as well as heritage. After that, check out the hot air balloon to take a flight and witness the vast desert and landscape of the city. It is located in The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR).
As the day is all about the desert, enjoy the spectacular Tanoura dance under the moonlight with a bonfire. A BBQ dinner would be amazing, which is what we suggest to end the day. It’s all about relaxing the next day.
Day 3: Leisure and Relaxation
After two days of adventure and surfing the city and its outskirts, you do need some pampering. Dubai has the world’s top-notch spa services, with refreshing gardens and waterparks. So make this day a relaxing day for yourself, as you deserve it.
Start the day by going to a trendy cafe like Cafe Society, The Croft, or SCAFE by Mauro Colagreco for breakfast. Followed by a relaxing spa day. There are tons to choose from, and you can go for any one of them.
A massage and skincare routine, along with a sauna, would be refreshing for your body, mind, and soul.
We have all watched The Aquaman and how he originates from the lost city of Atlantis. Well, in Dubai, you can experience something similar in the Atlantis, Located in The Palm.
The man-made island consists of all the details from the book, transporting you to the world. It’s an architectural marvel, with a resort and the sea and everything else.
Move on to visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden, where you will find 50 million flowers blooming at once. It’s like a mini Disneyland story or a Smurf village itself.
By this time, you would like to take a shower, and what is better than going to the Aquaventure Waterpark? Indulge yourself in some fun activities like water slides, vertical drops, and water coasters. This will surely refresh your body.
In the evening, take a stroll through Jumeirah Beach and enjoy the sunset. There is also a Kite Beach where you can enjoy the sunset way better. End the day with a dinner around the beachside restaurants to your delight and craving.
Day 4: Adventure and Entertainment
As you are all relaxed and replenished with energy, it is time for some adventure again. Because let’s face it, Dubai has the most adrenaline-rushing, heart-stopping thrills you can ever imagine. So, day four would be one of the days in your life to remember.
Start the morning with skydiving with SkyDive Dubai. Yes, we are serious! If it was always on your bucket list to fall out of the sky with a parachute in your back, then you should cross it out. Obviously, you will get a guide with you who will accompany you on the dive.
If the height is not your thing, you can also go for some watersports like jet skiing, wakeboarding, flyboarding, or even kayaking. Everything is fun while you are in the Arabian Gulf. For sea thrill seekers, go for flyboarding, as it is a whole lot different from regular watersports.
We cannot leave out the race tracks; if you like the smell of gas, motor oil, and heart-pumping speed, then Dubai AutoDdrome is the place to experience some circuits and outdoor racing.
Finish it off with a hearty breakfast at any restaurant like the Park House, Bounty Beets, or The Surf Cafe for something different.
After a fun-filled morning, you thought it was over? No sir! Head on to Ski Dubai to be amazed at their one-of-a-kind ski resort.
It is located in the Mall of the Emirates, where you will witness negative temperatures, snowboarding, skiing, and a full-on snow park.
You can ski and zipline and also encounter penguins in the desert, which is astounding, to say the least.
Finish the afternoon with a lunch at the mall, as it has diverse culinary options to choose from.
With a day full of activities, thrills, and adventures, take a walk in the evening on the City Walk or La Mer area. The City Walk is a modern, trendy, and vibrant shopping destination where you will find live music, street art, and cafes.
La Meris is also a place where you will find street foods, water sports, and other fun activities. Enjoy the nightlife, and visit different places for a drink and fun.
Head on to dinner with Ossiano as a dinner under the sea to have a different experience, as well as impeccable foods. You can also go to any of the restaurants in Palm Jumeirah, as your heart desires. Tomorrow is the day with a shopping spree, and you need to be prepared in your belly and mind.
Day 5: Explore Dubai Shopping Spree
We cannot leave out a shopping day in Dubai. You are in the heart of the brand city, the luxury that money can afford, and a whole lot more. So, let’s get on to it. You can also check this Dubai shopping guide for better idea.
Start slow in Madinat Jumeirah, or Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional marketplace full of mazes and allies. Just like in any game, you have to find your way through this place for different sections and varieties of items.
You will come across handicrafts, jewelry, spices, and textiles. All of which are traditional to the UAE. Buy souvenirs here, gifts, and, if you are a cooking fanatic, then spices.
Move on to checking out the boutiques to check out designer clothes and luxury goods. If it looks good on your eye, it is for you to buy. Hand-painted ceramic plates, women’s pashminas, and oud perfumes are the best choices from this market.
Shop till you drop at the Mall of the Emirates, home to luxury brands and indoor skiing at Ski Dubai; explore local markets like Global Village or Al Fahidi Street for souvenirs and cultural finds.
As the day progresses, move on to the real deal. Check in to Mall of Emirates, the home of luxury brands, fashion labels of the world, and designer boutiques. It’s a true ‘Shop till you drop’ experience here. So do it with your heart’s content.
The mall does not only have luxury goods and items but also electrical sections, sports apparel, children’s clothes, and homeware. If you are a gadget enthusiast, then it’s heaven for you. Check out the sneakers and walking shoes if you are a sneaker buff. Pick some for the little ones at home.
To explore the culture and heritage of over 70 countries, you can check out the Global Village. You will find handcrafted souvenirs, foods from those countries, and live performances to witness.
You cannot leave Dubai without checking out the historic Al Fahidi District. The souk will take you back in time as it is situated in the old town, with handicrafts, species, and textiles around you.
At the end, treat yourself to a fancy dinner, a farewell to Dubai, in a waterfront restaurant. It would be unbeatable as there are a lot of options; check out the ones you like best.
As Dubai has a diverse culture, you can not only find regular local cuisine but also international ones. Give yourself a pat on the back, and indulge in a memorable dinner.
There is also the part of how you are going to check out all these itineraries, like moving around Dubai. Let’s talk about that a little up next.
How to Move Around in Dubai?
Dubai is one of the most well-developed cities in the world. So the transportation is impeccable. You can get around the city with the famous Dubai metro, buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, and, obviously, luxury cabs.
The Dubai Metro costs a minimum of $0.82 for a single trip, which might change due to the destination and time of your travel. It’s a clean and efficient service that connects major tourist destinations.
You can also use the tourist bus or regular public bus transportation to go around the city. This can cost you around $0.54 and go up from there. You can also check out the public transportation site of UAE for a better idea of the pricing.
There are two types of taxi services available in the UAE. The regular cream-colored taxis and the iconic pink top taxis. The price range starts from $3 with the flag-down fee and meter charge. The pink top taxi charges a bit more as it is considered the safest one.
Additionally, you can also use UBER and Careem for ride-sharing. The price varies depending on their charge and the service you pick.
We cannot leave out the luxury cabs; after all, it is Dubai. You can choose different luxury cars as your transport vehicle, with chauffeur services.
As we have covered everything till now, let’s get you hooked up with a few tips that will come in handy while you are visiting UAE.
Dubai Travel Tips
When you are planning your trip to the UAE, you need to know a few things like any traveler or tourist should. The vibrant city is a mix of culture and tradition along with a modernistic twist to it.
Here are a few tips that will help you with your trip to Dubai:
- Pack lightweight clothes, loose-fitting, and breathable material. This will help you cope with the warm climate, as well as the desert safari.
- Always be modest with clothing while visiting the mosques. After all, it's a Muslim country, so make sure you cover your shoulders and legs while you are visiting any of the religious sites, as well as the old market.
- Make sure to pack sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
- Sunglasses and a hat would be great to keep in your tote bag.
- Do not show affection, such as excessive hugging and kissing in public; it's frowned upon in the culture.
- You can carry a little bit of cash for safety. Cards are widely accepted in UAE.
- Drinking is legal for any non-muslim tourists above 21. Make sure you are drinking in a licensed establishment.
- Drugs are prohibited, both use and carry; it will end you up with a penalty of jail time, fine, or worse.
FAQ
Is 5 days enough to visit Dubai?
The answer is yes; five (5) days is enough to visit Dubai. The tourist spots can be covered during this time, along with a day to refresh and enjoy.
How much does it cost for a 5 day Dubai trip?
The daily cost for a Dubai trip is $248 (AED 911). This includes local transport, hotels, and meal expenses. Keeping that in mind, a five-day trip to Dubai can cost you around $1240 (AED 4,554.52). It is based on a single person’s travel cost, so if you have a partner or company, double the amount. The price will also increase or decrease depending on your lifestyle and choice of enjoyment.
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months of November to March. This is the best time due to the temperature being tolerable, around 20 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius ( 68°F-86°F). You can get a detailed picture of the best time to travel Dubai from this article, too.
Which month is expensive in Dubai?
The winter season is the most expensive month in Dubai as most tourists gather here. You can expect a rise in hotel prices as well as flight ticket prices. Booking ahead will help you with the costs, and you can have a smooth trip afterward.
Are taxi expensive in Dubai?
The taxi price is quite reasonable. There are two types of taxi services available in Dubai: cream and pink. The pink tops are the expensive options as they are considered more safe.
Can a girl travel alone to Dubai?
The answer is yes, a solo girl can travel in Dubai. As one of the safest countries in the world with the highest level of public security, a girl can travel and explore the country with ease. Make sure you learn all the local laws and safety regulations before you arrive.
Conclusion
UAE is one of the countries that need to be on your top 10 to-do lists in exploring the world. You can not get any diverse culture, tradition, weather, and scenic views from any other country. While you are visiting Dubai, make sure your days count.
As there is a lot to do and experience in the country, our list will definitely help you with your trip. Try not to miss any of them, and squeeze in a few other places like visiting the Dubai museum, renowned mosques, and old town establishments.
Let us know about your Dubai trip and how you enjoyed it when you come back!
