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If you’re planning a visit to Dubai but have a limited amount of time, check out our flexible itineraries designed for both short and extended stays. Especially ideal for friends, couples, or solo travelers, this Dubai itinerary can be mixed and matched to create the perfect trip, or you can simply follow our suggested routes to have the best Dubai experience. Find below the comprehensive guide on ideas for 3 or 5 days in Dubai. Read to guide until the end, find the best ticket options, and get ready for a fun and convenient trip in the lively city of Dubai!

A Quick Look at Dubai’s Itinerary, Day by Day

This Dubai itinerary is customizable and can be mixed, changed, and picked individually based on your taste, budget, and preferences. Each day’s activities offer something unique and each destination has been carefully chosen with distance in mind for a convenient trip.

To learn more about the activities mentioned on the list and to explore more options, take a look at the top-rated activities to do in Dubai here. This guide is more likely to suit you if you are not traveling with children, so pack your bags, book your tickets, and prepare yourself for an energetic Dubai trip!

Day 1: Discover the Downtown Area

From Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to the La Perle Show, Downtown Dubai is home to several must-see attractions. Even if you have just one day in the city, do not miss these places.

Museum of the Future: Start the day by exploring the future of Dubai. The best time to visit this museum is usually in the mornings to avoid crowds, and you can book the best ticket here to plan your visit. (Duration: 2 to 3 hours)
Dubai Mall: Visit the Dubai Mall and discover one of the largest malls in the world. Do some shopping and have lunch if you like. You can also visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo located in the mall, one of the must-visit destinations in Dubai.
Burj Khalifa: Burj Khalifa looks beautiful in the evenings, especially if you are planning to book a ticket to the observation deck. At night, you can watch the light show on the building between 7:45 and 10:45 pm. (Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Dubai Fountain: You can see the Fountain Show right outside of the Dubai Mall. The best viewpoint to watch the show is the Waterfront Promenade, which is at the foot of Burj Khalifa. The show takes place daily, from 6 pm to 11 pm, and each show lasts for 5 minutes.
La Perle Show: You can find the best ticket here to watch the La Perle Show by Dragone from Tuesday to Saturday, between 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm. Even though the venue is not located in the Downtown area, it can be reached within 10 minutes from the area by car. (Duration: 90 minutes)
Rooftop Restaurants: End the day by having a couple of drinks in one of the stylish rooftop restaurants in the Downtown area. Find here the best rooftops in Dubai, and enjoy a drink against the magnificent city skyline.

Day 2: Sightseeing Day in Dubai’s Historical Side

You shouldn’t miss the historical side of Dubai, often referred to as the “Old Dubai” while you’re here. Book an Old Dubai sightseeing tour to take a peek into the past of the city, and you’ll see that Dubai is much more than just luxurious buildings.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Start the morning with a traditional breakfast at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, or in the Arabian Tea House.
Al Seef: Take a walk at the waterfront promenade Al Seef after breakfast. It’s located near Al Fahidi and is home to various cafes where you can have a cup of coffee and find small heritage-themed boutiques to shop.
Coffee Museum: Explore the Coffee Museum in Al Fahidi and learn about the history and culture of coffee through various displays. (Duration: 30 minutes)
Abra Ride on Dubai Creek: Take a traditional abra ride from Bur Dubai to cross Dubai Creek, to reach Deira. It’s a good way to experience the culture, and you can also find the best guided tour here, which includes abra boat rides.
Traditional Souks in Deira: After crossing the Creek, head to the famous Gold Souk and Spice Souk. These are the two most known souks in Dubai, and here you can find souvenirs and other stuff to take back home. (Duration: 1 to 2 hours)
Dubai Frame: Enhance your cultural tour with a visit to the Dubai Frame. Here, you can learn about the past and future of Dubai, visit exhibitions, and take in the city view from the observation deck. You can find here the best entry ticket to Dubai Frame. (Duration: 1 to 2 hours)
Dhow Cruise Dinner on Dubai Creek: End the day with a dhow cruise dinner on Dubai Creek. These cruises usually take about 2 hours and the guests are provided with a buffet or a menu. Find here the best ticket for a dhow cruise dinner. (Duration: 2 hours)

Day 3: Cultural Day Trip to Abu Dhabi From Dubai

An Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai is one of the bucket list items if you are staying in the city for a longer time. The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi offers a more traditional journey than in Dubai, a great opportunity to learn more about the Emirati culture.

Emirates Palace: Stop by the Emirates Palace, which is actually a hotel, and take photographs. This place is breathtaking with its architecture, and a perfect photography spot.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The largest mosque in the UAE, visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque to take the culture in. Here, you can join a guided tour outside of prayer hours. (Duration: 1 to 2 hours)
Louvre Abu Dhabi: Visit the permanent galleries and collections of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Spend a few hours there exploring the architecture and artworks. (Duration: 2 hours)
Qasr Al Watan: Explore the Qasr Al Watan, which is the presidential palace of the UAE. Just like the others, this building also features majestic architecture and visitors are allowed to take a tour inside. (Duration: 1-2 hours)
Ferrari World: Home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is an exciting theme park. This park is especially attractive to adrenaline seekers and Ferrari car enthusiasts. (Duration: 4-6 hours)
Yas Mall: Linked to the Ferrari World, you can have a meal at the Yas Mall and explore the various shops before ending your trip. If you don’t want to deal with the details alone, book a ticket here for a guided tour in Abu Dhabi!

Day 4: Dubai Desert Safari Day

It would be a shame not to book a desert safari tour in Dubai if you’re planning to extend your stay. From camel riding to a traditional camp experience, Dubai safari tours provide you with anything you need for an authentic desert experience.

Pick-Up From the Hotel: Safari tours typically start with a pick-up from your hotel or an arranged meeting point. Book the best desert safari ticket here and choose your preferred starting time for this tour.
Dune Bashing: Experience the thrill of dune bashing on a 4x4 vehicle. This is a must-do activity, especially for adrenaline-seekers.
Sandboarding: Enjoy the dunes of Dubai with sandboarding. Whether with your family, friends, or by yourself, this is a fun way to enjoy the desert.
Camp Activities & BBQ: Visit the camp to experience cultural activities, such as camel rides, shisha, coffee & dates, henna shows and finally, dining from the traditional buffets (including BBQ). You will also have free time to take photographs.
Live Entertainment: As you’re enjoying your time at the camp, watch traditional performances, including the Tanoura and Fire show.
Star Gazing: As the sun sets and before the journey ends, admire the gorgeous desert night sky full of stars that are visible to your eyes.

Day 5: Beach Day in Jumeirah

After all that sightseeing and traditional activities, it’s time to experience the beach life of Dubai. Whether you rent a jet ski, lay down on the sands of Jumeirah Beach or admire the Burj Al Arab, you should definitely give yourself a day at the beach while you’re here.

Relax on the Beach: Take a relaxing time on the golden sands of Jumeirah Beach. Whether you swim or just lay on the beach, this is a good opportunity to experience the beach life of Dubai.
Jet Ski: Take a jet ski tour to Burj Al Arab to continue your discovery. This is a thrilling experience to take in the magnificent Burj Al Arab. These tours often include sightseeing tours to Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis the Palm. Find here the best jet ski rental! (Duration: 30-90 minutes)
Burj Al Arab: Even just to admire from afar, Burj Al Arab is a must-see. There are also available tours inside Burj Al Arab, additionally, you can have an afternoon tea or lunch in its Skyview Lounge.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah to admire the traditional shops and get authentic souvenirs before ending your trip.
Dine at the La Mer: End the day by visiting the La Mer, an urban beachfront destination. La Mer is a popular destination for its entertainment, dining, and shopping options. Here, you can have dinner in a restaurant or have a drink in its cafes.

Bonus Day 6: Explore Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah

If you find out that you have an extra day to spend in Dubai,you can enjoy it in the Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Take in the beautiful Palm Jumeirah scenery during the day, explore the Marina’s nightlife at night.

Xline Dubai Marina: Start your day with the XLine Zipline, One of the longest urban ziplines in the world. Zipline across the Marina and take in the breathtaking scenery by booking a ticket here. (Duration: 30-45 minutes)
View at The Palm Observatory: To observe the artificial island of the Palm from a bird’s-eye view, head to the Palm Observatory. You can book your entry ticket with a skip-the-line option here. (Duration: 1 to 2 hours)
Marina Mall: Marina Mall is home to a wide variety of shopping brands and gourmet dining options. After you visit the Palm Observatory, you can have lunch here and visit the shops.
The Walk at JBR: This beachfront promenade is a popular spot for dining, entertainment, and shopping. It’s home to various small boutiques and shops, perfect for a leisure walk.
Dubai Marina: End the night back in Dubai Marina to experience its renowned nightlife. Dubai Marina hosts various restaurants, bars, and clubs, ideal for a quiet dinner or a vibrant night out.