Dubai 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Dubai Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown Dubai

  • Stay at: JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai (5-star luxury) or Rove Downtown Dubai (budget-friendly)
  • Activities: Visit Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take a tour to the 124th floor of the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city. Explore The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
  • Eat at: Al Dawaar (rotating restaurant at the top of the JW Marriott Marquis) or The Cheesecake Factory (The Dubai Mall)
  • Things to Know: Dubai operates under Islamic law, so dress modestly and respect local customs. Business hours may vary from what you’re used to, with many places closing in the afternoon and reopening later in the evening.
  • Transportation: Dubai Metro is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. Taxis are also widely available.

Day 2: Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

  • Activities: Visit the Dubai Museum located in Al Fahidi Fort to learn about the city’s history. Explore the traditional Arabic architecture of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Al Seef).
  • Eat at: Karak House for traditional Emirati cuisine or Cafe Arabia for a variety of Middle Eastern dishes.
  • Things to Know: Haggling is not common in Dubai, but you can negotiate prices at the markets and souks.
  • Transportation: Continue using the Dubai Metro, or take an abra (traditional Arabian water taxi) across Dubai Creek for a unique experience.

Day 3: Dubai Parks & Resorts

  • Stay at: Legoland Hotel Dubai or Lapita Hotel by Disney’s Aulani Resort (if you plan to visit both Legoland and Motiongate theme parks)
  • Activities: Spend the day at one of the parks within Dubai Parks & Resorts, such as Legoland, Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, or motiongate Dubai.
  • Eat at: The Smurf Cafe (Legoland), Kebab & Kurry (Motiongate)
  • Things to Know: Pack sunscreen and water, as the parks can be quite hot during the day. Check the park’s schedule for special events or shows.
  • Transportation: A shuttle service is provided from the hotels to the parks, but taxis are also an option if you prefer.

Day 4: Dubai Marina & Jumeirah Beach

  • Activities: Take a walk along Dubai Marina promenade, visit the Dubai Eye (world’s largest ferris wheel) and explore The Walk at JBR for shopping and dining. Relax on Jumeirah Beach.
  • Eat at: Sea Fu (Jumeirah Al Naseem) or Rivington Grill (The Walk at JBR)
  • Things to Know: Beaches in Dubai can be segregated by gender, so check before you go if you wish to visit a mixed beach.
  • Transportation: Water taxis are available for traveling between the Marina and The Palm Jumeirah, or take a taxi directly.

Day 5: Traditional Markets & Departure

  • Activities: Visit the Gold & Spice Souks in Deira for unique shopping experiences. Take a traditional abra from Deira to Bur Dubai for a cheap and authentic experience.
  • Eat at: Al Mallah (Deira Fish Market) or Ravi Restaurant (Gold Souk)
  • Things to Know: Bargaining is common in the souks, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.
  • Transportation: Taxi back to the airport for your departure.