How to spend five days in Dubai
With so many iconic activities and attractions, planning a longer trip to Dubai can be overwhelming.
From a glittering downtown and a charming old town to world-class waterparks and unforgettable desert adventures, five days in the city will fly by.
The best way to make the most of your time in Dubai is to lay out your itinerary before you begin your trip – and that’s exactly what we’ve done to save you a job.
We’ve compiled a thrilling five-day itinerary that includes visits to all the city’s most famous sights and a host of unique experiences you’ll only find in Dubai.
Day one: New Dubai
Your first day in Dubai will take in its phenomenal downtown area, the symbolic district which the city is most commonly associated with.
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Morning: Burj Khalifa
When it comes to famous Dubai landmarks, there are perhaps none as recognisable as the Burj Khalifa.
That being said, this remarkable feat of engineering makes for the perfect first stop on your Dubai trip. Head to the world’s tallest building in the morning to enjoy the breathtaking view it affords under the rising sun.
While the beautifully designed skyscraper is a mind-bending sight from the ground, the best way to truly appreciate its height is by making your way up the record-breaking tower.
When you book tickets to At The Top, you’ll be able to take the world’s fastest elevator to Levels 124 and 125 where you’ll find a remarkable open-air viewing platform.
Here you can gaze out over the sensational Dubai skyline as you stand some 456m above the city bustle. After soaking in these 360-degree views, you can snap some brilliant pictures using a green screen system or enjoy an immersive VR experience – which are both available for an additional fee at the venue.
As well as the superb lighting, the other benefit of a morning trip to the Burj Khalifa is that you’ll be visiting outside of prime hours (3pm-6pm). Book from any time from 9am to 3pm with Arabian Adventures and you’ll pay a discounted rate.
Afternoon: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Situated in Dubai Mall, right next to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo makes for the perfect second stop on your first day.
After standing on top of the world, you’ll plunge underground into a world-class aquarium featuring over 30,000 marine animals.
You can walk through a 270-degree tunnel, 11 metres underwater, watching sharks, rays and colourful fish glide above you in a surreal experience.
There are themed zones – Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean – to explore too, with each home to unique collections of vibrant underwater wildlife.
You can even get up close and personal with the local inhabitants, with shark, ray, penguin, otter and even crocodile encounters all available to book at the aquarium for the most daring of visitors.
Evening: Dubai Mall and Fountain
As you depart the aquarium and your first day in Dubai draws to a close, it would be difficult not to be tempted in by the dazzling Dubai Mall.
Described as a ‘city within a city’, this luxury shopping destination is brimming with luxury brands - not to mention its endless dining options and entertainment like an Olympic-sized ice rink and virtual reality theme park.
After exploring the mall, the perfect conclusion to your day awaits just outside, near the Burj Khalifa. The magnificent Dubai Fountain hosts vibrant shows throughout the evening, choreographing water jets, lights and atmospheric music in a beautiful display.
Shows run every 30 minutes and from 6pm to 11pm on an evening, so whatever time you wrap things up at the mall, you won’t have too long to wait.
Day two: Culture and nature
Your second day in Dubai will be a mixture of cultural experiences and wondrous nature in a unique setting.
Morning: Museum of the Future
To kick things off on your second day, you’ll head to the instantly recognisable Museum of the Future.
Housed in one of the world’s most beautiful buildings – a torus-shaped structure with an elliptical void (essentially a 77m tall hoop) - the museum is a fascinating showcase of future possibilities.
Interactive exhibits across five levels explore a range of themes, including AI-driven wellness and ecosystem restoration to simulated space travel.
On an immersive journey through the museum, you’ll visit a space station, dive into a virtual-reality view of Dubai and the world in 2027 and come face-to-face with futuristic technologies like drones and robots.
There’s even a ‘Future Heroes’ area for children – an interactive play space with missions and games aimed to inspire the younger generation.
A visit to the museum can be as long or as short as you desire, but people generally spend 2-3 hours enchanted by its exhibits.
Afternoon: The Green Planet
The Green Planet is another landmark indoor activity in Dubai and one of the more unusual ways to spend an afternoon.
Roughly a 10-minute drive from the Museum of the Future, this spectacular indoor biodome transports you to a humid, jungle-like world.
It’s home to more than 3,000 plants and animals – as well as the world’s largest man-made indoor tree that rises some 25m. You’ll spot birds, sloths and reptiles as you wander through this lush, living ecosystem.
You’ll typically start your exploration at the top of the forest and work your way down through four interactive levels:
- The Canopy (Level 4): The rainforest’s ‘roof’, defined by its green canopy that’s home to birds, bats and reptiles
- The Midstory (Level 3): The middle layer of the rainforest where monkeys, lemurs, and various sloth species reside
- The Forest Floor (Level 2): The ground level of the rainforest that brims with colourful flora and even bug-eating plants
- The Flooded Rainforest (Level 1): A large aquarium teeming with aquatic life, including piranhas and arapaima
You’ll want to spend at least a couple of hours getting acquainted with the local inhabitants.
If you’re getting peckish, there’s a fantastic rainforest-themed restaurant in the venue as well as a number of dining spots on City Walk, an outdoor retail complex nearby.
Evening: Global Village
For a riveting evening on your second day in Dubai, there are few locations as diverse as the bustling Global Village.
This brilliant celebration of global cultures is situated on the outskirts of the city, around 30 minutes from the Green Planet. You’ll be welcomed by a glorious melting pot of cuisine and entertainment from across the globe, making the perfect spot for your evening meal.
Whether you fancy tantalising Asian street food on the bouncing Road of Asia or simply want to try a tasty snack from each of the country-themed pavilions throughout the village, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice.
After sunset, you’ll be treated to a carnival-like atmosphere, with colourful neon lights illuminating the dark. Cultural shows, stunt performances and concerts run long into the night while there are thousands of rides and games to keep all ages entertained.
After spending hours at this multicultural destination, you’ll certainly be ready for bed and a welcome recharge ahead of day three.
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Day three: Desert thrills and old Dubai
On your third day in Dubai, you’ll be introduced to the wonders of the desert and step back in time in the mesmerising old city.
Morning: Dune Buggies
On day three you will be introduced to the stunning Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), around a 45-minute drive from the city.
And what better way to experience this glorious expanse of golden sands than behind the wheel (or in the passenger seat) of a purpose-built dune buggy.
When you book a dune buggy adventure with Arabian Adventures, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Dubai and transported to the desert.
After a full safety briefing with a trained instructor and receiving all the necessary safety equipment, you'll have the unforgettable opportunity to drive a dune buggy along a dedicated circuit among the rolling dunes.
There are options to book your own private buggy or take turns to drive a shared buggy. If driving isn’t your thing but you still want that rush of adrenaline, you can simply book a passenger experience.
Either way, you’ll feel your heart racing as the engine roars, the wind hits your face and you glide across the sand.
After a two-hour session, you’ll refresh with complimentary soft drinks and water before a return transfer back to Dubai – still buzzing with excitement.
Afternoon: Dubai Frame
On your return to the city, before heading to the old town, a stop at the famous Dubai Frame is a must.
Located in the beautiful Zabeel Park, the frame is another architectural masterpiece that offers awe-inspiring angles of the city.
On one side, you’ll see the ultra-modern downtown area where you spent your first day, and on the other, the charming old town where you’ll be heading later on. This striking contrast makes for an interesting snapshot of the emirate’s rich past and innovative present – but the best way to observe this phenomenon is by ascending the frame itself.
Tickets to the attraction offer access to the incredible Sky Bridge via a high-speed elevator, climbing 48 floors in less than a minute. Here you can stroll across a transparent walkway, admiring dramatic views of the city as well as the greenery of the park below your feet.
You should also make time for the compelling multi-sensory multimedia exhibition that celebrates Dubai’s transformation.
The Future Gallery on the mezzanine level, where interactive projections and virtual reality showcase the world decades into the future, is worth visiting too before you make the short journey to Al Fahidi.
Evening: Al Fahidi
Just a 10-minute drive from Dubai Frame, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is an enchanting place to spend your evening – and offers a completely different ambience to Dubai’s sleek downtown.
You’ll be transported back to the mid-19th century as you stroll through this immaculately preserved district along Dubai Creek. The area is a wonderful tapestry of winding alleyways and traditional wind towers, with each sandstone structure telling a centuries-old story.
The neighbourhood is a hotbed for mouth-watering traditional food, and you’ll have no problem finding a secluded courtyard or creek-side spot to dine.
There is a plethora of art galleries and craft shops to explore too – and if you’re looking for more local produce, the buzzing souks of Deira across the water are well worth visiting.
Before you conclude your evening, take a traditional abra boat across the creek – which will be a truly spellbinding experience under the setting sun – to reach the souks, where you will be inundated with vibrant colours, aromatic spices and perfumes and dazzling gold jewellery.
Day four: Island exploration
Day number four in Dubai will see you visit two famous islands nestled in the brilliant blue waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Morning: Ain Dubai
Your fourth day in Dubai will begin with yet another record-breaking attraction, this time on the impressive Bluewaters Island.
The man-made island is located off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence near Dubai Marina and is a gorgeous waterfront destination, dotted with high-end hotels, restaurants and stores.
However, its centrepiece is the colossal Ain Dubai, the world's tallest observation wheel. Take your seat on this 250-metre-high wonder and slowly rise to its peak, where you’ll be treated to astonishing panoramas.
The wheel offers a different angle of Dubai to the city centre attractions, with the vast expanse of the Arabian Gulf on one side and the entire city skyline on the other.
The island is connected to the mainland by a road bridge and a footbridge, with the latter joining up to the idyllic JBR Beach – the perfect spot to unwind for a short while after your ride.
Afternoon: Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Of course, you’ll be itching to continue your action-packed Dubai itinerary, so you won’t be hanging around for long – especially when the next stop is the unbelievable Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark.
Located on the Palm Jumeirah, another impressive man-made island, the waterpark is one of the largest in the world and brimming with record-breaking waterslides.
The Leap of Faith is a near-vertical 9-storey drop through a shark-filled lagoon, the Odyssey of Terror is the world’s tallest waterslide while the Slitherine is the world’s first twin-racing tube ride.
There’s plenty of space to relax and unwind too, from the winding lazy river to the Aquaventure Private Beach, a 1km stretch of sand dotted with palm trees and sun loungers.
The park remains open as the sun sets and creates a dreamy ambience, and in-house entertainment like shows and live DJ sets run until close at 10pm.
Evening: Palm Jumeirah
After spending hours in the world of Atlantis Aquaventure, you’d be forgiven for calling it a night.
But there’s still one more legendary location to tick off your bucket list – the Palm Jumeirah itself.
Wander along the promenade on this palm-shaped man-made island and find a serene location for your final meal of the day.
There is an array of stylish restaurants on the Palm, so whether you fancy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine or a more international flavour, you’ll be sure to end your fourth day satisfied.
Day five: Magical gardens and sunset dining
After a morning at a marvellous open-air garden, your final day in Dubai will conclude with the most premium and unforgettable of desert adventures.
Morning: Dubai Miracle Garden
Your fifth and final day in Dubai will start away from the city hubbub, in the soothing tranquillity of a natural flower garden.
The largest garden of its kind in the world, the Dubai Miracle Garden is famed for its record-breaking floral installations.
Discover a gigantic Emirates A380 aircraft made from vibrant flowers, floral castles and the tallest topiary structure in the world. On Disney Avenue, you’ll also find flower-laden characters from the Disney universe, including an 18m Mickey Mouse.
Re-designed each year and typically open from October to May, the Miracle Garden offers a truly unique experience to set the tone for your last day.
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Afternoon and evening: Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience
In the grand finale for your five-day itinerary, you will return to the DDCR for a desert experience like no other.
The Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience is a groundbreaking evening of high-class desert dining. In an experience epitomised by luxury and exclusivity, you’ll be collected from your accommodation in Dubai and transported to the desert in the opulent surroundings of a Mercedes Benz G-Class.
After exploring the DDCR Visitor Centre and a drive through the desert dunes, spotting captivating local wildlife with the help of your own safari guide, you’ll embark on a short yet memorable camel trek to your private sunset lounge.
Here you’ll be greeted by a beautifully designed, Bedouin-inspired space and welcomed with Veuve Clicquot champagne or sparkling bubbles and delicious canapés.
As you relax in the lounge to the tune of atmospheric music and a backdrop of the setting sun, you’ll be attended to by a private chef and sommelier.
You’ll indulge in a premium four-course menu, catered by JW Marriott Marquis Dubai and accompanied by specialist wine pairings that align perfectly with every plate.
After dark, you’ll sit by a crackling campfire and soak up the silence of the desert plains, gazing up at a twinkling blanket of stars that can only be seen in such a remote location.
Perfect for couples or even groups of up to eight guests, the Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience is a fitting way to complete what will be a special five days in Dubai.
Activity passes are ideal for a five-day trip
Since you’ll be spending five days in Dubai and booking multiple activities, an activity pass is a great way to save money.
You can purchase two different activity passes at Arabian Adventures – the Adventure Pass and the City Pass – with each including a vast selection of activities.
You’ll pay a fixed price for the pass and then pick from either three or five activities to book – saving you up to 40%.
There’s also a 10% discount available when you book two experiences with Arabian Adventures, so you’ll be likely to save when you book your five-day itinerary with us.
