Free 5-Day Dubai Itinerary: Morning, Afternoon & Night Activities

Souq Al Bahar Dubai

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This free 5 day Dubai itinerary explains how to see all of Dubai’s tourist attractions, where to eat close by to help save time and what to do in the evenings when night falls and the city lights up!

Each day covers what to see in Dubai during the morning, afternoon and evening.

It also includes pre-book tickets so you can just turn up and enjoy Dubai when you arrive!If this is your first time visiting, check out our Dubai travel guide and packing list too.

Dubai Skyline Woman Taking Photos

Itinerary for Dubai 5 days

Day 1: Hit the Beach, Shop & Burj Khalifa

Morning: Relax at the Beach

Since this is your first morning in Dubai you deserve some R&R before kicking off this fun itinerary!

Either spend time at your resort beach or the public Jumeirah Beach opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) which is packed with entertainment so if the sun gets too much you can go for a wander and get your bearings.

Brunch/Early Lunch

You will find a variety of casual cafes, delis and restaurants on and around The Walk.

Dubai travel tips - Jumeirah District Dubai Beach with skyline

Afternoon: The Dubai Mall  

In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Mall at Downtown Dubai to shop at over 1200 outlets.

If visiting with family, keep the kids entertained at KidZania Dubai, Dubai Ice Rink, VR Park Dubai or Ekart Zabeel.

Lunch

There are over 200 dining options at Dubai Mall.

Evening: Visit Burj Khalifa & Watch Dubai Fountain Show 

Before the sun sets, make your way to Burj Khalifa At the Top Observatory.

Pre-book your Burj Khalifa tickets for access to its two or all three observation decks (at 124th, 125th and 148th levels).

Following one of the swiftest elevator rides, you’ll see views of Dubai’s skyline, desert, ocean and beyond.

Watch multimedia presentations on Dubai’s past as well as the development of the tower’s structure and then enjoy the Dubai Fountain show.

Set on Burj Lake (outside Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa), this is a choreographed water show in sync to music.

Dubai Mall Light Show

Dinner

One of our top suggestions is to dine at a restaurant or café in the Downtown Dubai area, which directly overlooks the fountain show.

Dubai Sunset Beach People

Day 2

Morning – Burj Al Arab and The Palm

Visit the luxurious, sail-shaped hotel, Burj Al Arab, without shelling out a fortune.

Once only available to paying guests, now visitors can experience it too.

See the largest-of-its-kind atrium, make a tour of its Royal Suite (complete with choicest comforts), relax at UMA lounge and be part of several immersive experiences. 

After this, find your way to the View at The Palm which is less than 20 minutes by taxi.

It is the first and only vantage point that gives you a full display of the palm-tree-like, man-made island of Palm Jumeirah.

Located on the 52nd level of Palm Tower, you’ll see 360 degree views of the island and its stunning surroundings from a height of over 240 meters.

Book your observation tickets here.

Lunch

Both Burj Al Arab and the View at the Palm have some amazing dining choices but it can be costly.

Double check the dress code if you plan to dine at one of the restaurants inside Burj Al Arab. 

See our Dubai packing list too.

Palm Islands with blue oceanDubai

Afternoon: Atlantis & Aquaventure Water Park

Atlantis, The Palm, nestled on the crescent part of Palm Jumeirah, is a five-star resort and the next suggestion on our Dubai 5 day itinerary.

Luckily for you, you don’t need to stay at the resort to visit its Aquaventure Water Park.

If you don’t fancy a water park, consider a Dubai yacht cruise instead.

Late Lunch

Atlantis, The Palm has a variety of restaurants and cafes.

But, if you are looking for cheap eats, the food trucks along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk don’t disappoint. 

Evening: Palm Fountain Show 

Located at the Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, you are about to experience the world’s largest fountain show, bigger than the Dubai Fountain at Dubai Mall!

A must on your five days in Dubai itinerary.

Dinner

Dine at one of the restaurants that directly face the Palm Fountain. 

Day 3: Old Dubai & Dubai Creek

Morning: Dubai Creek Cruise

Start your day on this Old Dubai tour which includes a cruise on Dubai Creek in a traditional abra.

The tour also covers Dubai’s biggest and oldest Gold souk and the opportunity to try local tea and snacks like shawarma, falafel and Arabic desserts.

Afternoon: The Dubai Frame

In the afternoon, head to Zabeel Park to see the largest frame in the world and views over to the old city of Deira.

Day 3 Alternative: Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai & Dubai Marina

Morning: Madame Tussauds Dubai  

Madame Tussauds Dubai is the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Displaying life-like wax models, you can take pictures with your favorite celebs and iconic personalities.

Not fussed for Madame Tussauds?

Bluewaters Island has a variety of stores if you prefer to do more shopping.

Brunch

There are a variety of dining options such as Havana Social Club and Keventers in the vicinity. 

Afternoon: Ain Dubai 

Ain Dubai is the world’s largest and highest observation wheel at over 250 metres.

It takes about 40 minutes to go round Ain Dubai so you have plenty of time to enjoy the views across Bluewaters Island, JBR and Dubai Marina as you relax in your private or shared air-conditioned cabin.

Lunch

You can sign up for beverage-inclusive Ain Dubai experience or buy food and drinks from the outlets.

Evening: Dhow Cruise at Dubai Marina 

End the day with a 2- hour dhow cruise and diner on Dubai Marina.

The cruise includes a tour of many Dubai attractions all lit up and live entertainment (like Tanura).

Dinner is served buffet style and includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. 

Day 4: Desert Safari

Chill out in the morning to prepare for a seven hour, jam-packed desert safari tour!

Ride 4X4 in sand dunes, go sand boarding, watch the sunset and enjoy a traditional belly dance show.

BBQ food is also included in the tour.

Reserve your ticket here or read more about desert tours here.

Dubai quads on desert sand

Day 5: Theme Parks, Gardens & Museums

Morning: Visit a Theme Park 

Whether you are a theme park lover or not, your Dubai visit is not complete without visiting one of its world-class theme parks.

You can choose to visit the snow-themed Ski Dubai, the largest-of-its-kind IMG Worlds of Adventure or one or two of the parks within the huge Dubai Parks and Resorts. 

Lunch

Whichever theme park you choose, every park in Dubai has restaurants or cafes.

Alternatively, visit Dubai’s Miracle Garden and set aside 3-4 hours for your visit.

Morning: Dubai Miracle Garden

You’ve probably seen Dubai Miracle Garden on social media!

This is where the floral heart is located.

The gardens look like something straight out of a fairytale book or Disney movie!

Miracle Garden Hearts Dubai

Afternoon: Museum of the Future 

This is another must-see on your Dubai holiday.

True to its name, this museum walks you straight into 2071.

Apart from its super futuristic exhibits and high-tech galleries, you will be amazed by its architecture that appears like a giant silver oblong river in the heart of the city.

Dinner

From Leen’s Emirates Towers and Tashrifat Restaurant to La Cantine du Faubourg, there are a variety of restaurants nearby Museum of the Future.

Author

Neha is a travel writer whose whole world revolves around traveling and exploring new places, cultures, and attractions. When she is not traveling, she reads books and takes delight in cooking healthy food or trying new cuisines. As she grew up and has worked most part of her life in Dubai, she is well aware of Dubai and the UAE. 

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