Your 5-Day Itinerary Needs These Awesome Things to Do in Dubai

If you’re interested in planning a Dubai itinerary, then staying about five days is the best amount of time to visit all of the tourist hotspots in this illustrious Middle Eastern gem. From luxury to style to architecture, Dubai really has it all—including the tallest building in the whole world: the Burj Khalifa. There's absolutely no doubt as to why the city's tourism is skyrocketing and is expected to just keep growing. But with so much to do in this city, tourists everywhere are wondering exactly what the best places to visit in the UAE are.There’s a range of things to do in Dubai, from fine dining to dune bashing, skydiving to skiing, and kayaking to clubbing. The city has something for everyone.

There’s a range of things to do in Dubai, from fine dining to dune bashing, skydiving to skiing, and kayaking to clubbing. The city has something for everyone.

Did you know that you can experience even more of the best things to do in Dubai with just one pass? The Klook Pass Dubai will give you access to two to six amazing attractions and at a great deal! With a Standard Pass, you’ll be able to select from 30+ attractions, while the Super Saver Pass lets you choose from 15+ of Dubai’s top attractions. Explore incredible sights and experiences like Ferrari World, LEGOLAND, the Dubai Frame, and more—which you can keep reading about below—all while saving up to 45%!

Choose the attractions you want for your Dubai travel itinerary; here’s some inspo to help you out: 

Morning: It would be best to arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the evening to get the most out of your Dubai vacation. Hotels are one of Dubai’s great talents. A stay in any one of the hotels would not only be comfortable, but also luxurious. Any of the hotels owned by the Jumeirah Group would be excellent options. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you head off for your first Dubai adventure!

Afternoon: Start off with the most obvious sights in the city. One of Dubai’s shining attractions is its stunning and seemingly inconceivable architecture. And one of the first things tourists need to do when they head to this impressive city is to check out its two iconic structures that stand like beacons in the desert: the Burj Khalifa and Burj al Arab. Lucky for tourists, there are plenty of guided tours that help give them what they want. 

On Day 1, take the At the Top tour on the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck in order to get a jaw-dropping view from the tallest building in the world which is a hotel, a residence, a mall, a spa, and a restaurant/bar. There are also combination tickets that include a tour of the aquarium in the Dubai Mall (more on that later). It’s good to get a daytime view of the city dwarfed by its king tower. Here’s a closer look at what each floor holds:

The 124th and 125th levels both boast 360-degree observation decks to help you take in the world-famous view. The 124th floor provides access to an outdoor terrace and high-powered telescopes that you can look through for an even better view of the city. The 125th floor, at 456 meters high, showcases Arab arts and culture through its decor. Plus, take part in the virtual reality experience and green screen photo opportunity to make this experience even more memorable. 

The 148th floor is also known as the Burj Khalifa SKY. It’s the highest observation deck in the world at 555 meters high and you can take in the bird’s-eye view on its outdoor terrace or in the comfort of the premium lounge. There’s also a SKY exhibit detailing the Burj Khalifa’s history.

From the 152nd floor to the 154th, indulge in a world-class viewing experience from 585 meters above the ground. Visitors can enjoy glasses of champagne and cups of coffee and tea, along with gourmet bites that will undoubtedly give your sightseeing experience an upgrade! They also have live entertainment to keep you company as you relax.

Evening: About a 20-minute drive from downtown and Burj Khalifa, you'll reach the dhow boat-shaped building alongside the coastline called the Burj al Arab. Not only is it an amazing structure, but the Burj al Arab is also a seven-star hotel. Go for dinner in this amazing hotel with a selection of Arab and international food of the highest quality and enjoy great views of the sea. Book a dinner and perhaps, since you’re on holiday, even an overnight stay or a spa day!

You can’t leave Dubai without checking out these two incredible mascots of the city, and the first day is a great day to check them off of your itinerary.

That’s right. Dubai has the biggest mall in the world—no surprise there. The Dubai Mall has around 1,200 shops ranging from Zara to the Hershey Store. It also contains excellent restaurants, a giant aquarium, an impressive ice rink, and an incredible indoor skiing resort. This is a great way to spend a day because there is plenty to do and see all in just one location! 

Morning: Eat breakfast at any of the Dubai Mall restaurants, and select from a range of American to Japanese to Arabian cuisine. You could also enjoy your meal by the Dubai Mall Fountain, especially since the fountain does a light and music show every hour.

Afternoon: At the center of the mall, the Dubai Aquarium is slightly visible from the outside, but you can only get access to all levels with a ticket. There’s also Ski Dubai, which is an incredible place for ski lovers. Experience the cool slopes even in the middle of a desert! Buy a pass to get full access to the park, as well as winter clothes! If you upgrade your package, it will also include a visit with the Ski Dubai penguins! Penguins and the Middle East? Seems like an oxymoron.

Evening: Keep treating yourself until dinner with the variety of dining options at Dubai Mall. Here are a few of your choices:

Tribes is easily one of the most well-known restaurants in Dubai. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by African cuisine with exotic flavors featuring influences from all over the world. They have everything from fresh prawns and salmon to perfectly grilled wagyu, venison and other steaks. You’ll be spoiled for choice at Tribes that you’ll just have to come back to try more plates on the menu!

This restaurant is every pizza lover’s dream! Circle of Crust serves handmade pizzas topped with premium meats and fresh vegetables that will make regular pizza never taste the same again. If you think you’re in for a typical pizza experience, you’d be wrong. 

Head over to Carluccio’s for your Italian cravings to be satisfied. The restaurant exudes cozy vibes that those traveling with families will love. Their menu consists of the best of Italian cuisine, with risottos, pizzas, pastas, as well as Italian desserts like profiteroles and cannolis. 

The Palm is an area of luxury with beautiful housing as well as fancy bars and amazing hotels. From the air, the island looks like a palm tree spreading its fronds, and at the very tip of the Palm is the Atlantis Hotel, which is arguably one of the most beautiful hotels in Dubai.

Morning: If you’ve been lucky enough to arrive at the right time, you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity for an alcohol brunch at Saffron Restaurant at The Palm in the Atlantis Hotel. They have a variety of cuisines and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that will help make your trip extra fun. It’s a great way to enjoy the hotel, the sea views, and have a great time. So, grab some breakfast, put on your best outfit and head to Atlantis.

Afternoon: Book a ticket to the Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park, a popular Dubai attraction, for a full day pass to one of the best waterparks in the world. You could also take a dip in the ocean on the beautiful beaches and bath-like water, as well as book a kayaking tour between the fronds. And, if you’re more of a thrill-seeker, Skydive Dubai is a must-visit. It’s located in the Marina, but the plane drops the skydivers over Palm Island! But, if that’s too intense, but you like the height, then definitely check out the Dubai helicopter tour with HeliDubai. It’ll give you a bird’s eye view of the city without the risks.

Evening: For dinner, continue to appease your adventurous side with a visit to Fogo de Chāo Brazilian Steakhouse. This Southern Brazilian steakhouse offers premium meats and fresh seafood. They even have an all-you-can-eat service and a hot and cold buffet with a dish for everyone’s taste! Dine on lamb chops, flank steaks, pork ribs, and more before you head back to your hotel where you can enjoy the spa facilities to simply relax and prepare for the next two days! 

No one comes to Dubai without going on a desert safari, another one of the top 10 things to do in Dubai. It also reminds tourists that there is a desert out there. The shiny buildings, ice rinks, luxurious hotels, and ski slopes can distract from the sandy dunes, but you can’t forget about the beauty of the desert. Watching the sun set over the desert and seeing its peachy glow spread from dune to dune is one sight not worth missing.

Morning: A desert safari includes “dune-bashing” with a 4×4, camel-riding, getting henna tattoos, watching a belly-dancing show, and dining on delicious Arab cuisine. A dune-bashing driver will pick you and your group up from any hotel that you wish in the late morning.\

Afternoon: It will be about a 45 minute to an hour drive to the desert destination. Dune-bashing is done in a protected vehicle with an experienced driver. Once he arrives in the desert, he deflates his wheels, and away you go flying from dune to dune, sliding around, going down hills, and sliding over the sandy surface. It’s a bumpy ride but it’s super exciting, but still safe! The driver will also make stops in the middle of the desert in case you want to take pictures.

Evening: Then, as the sun is setting, you’ll return to the encampment, where you can hop on camels for a relaxing ride, receive henna tattoos from talented artists, and dine with a show! Enjoy a belly-dancing show among other acrobatic feats along with an Arabian style meal. Is there a better way to enjoy the desert life?

Morning: Don’t forget that Dubai is a beach city: you can feel it in the salty breeze and the bright sun. The beaches of this Arabian city are absolutely pristine and tourists can gain quality beach access through their hotel or another if they pay a small fee. A great beach choice is Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) (taxi drivers will know what you mean).

Afternoon: In the afternoon, go cafe-hopping and head out to one of Dubai’s best cafes, like the Rainforest Cafe, which is one of the most popular in the city and will fit your beach and tropical vibes. Look forward to different pastas, ribs, steaks, chicken, shrimps, and so much more with a menu of international and Middle Eastern dishes. Their star dessert is also definitely worth mentioning: the Sparkling Volcano—a rich, chocolate brownie cake stacked on top of each other. The delectable treat is served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, and is also topped with caramel and chocolate sauce.

Evening: Dubai tourism is growing because of all of the things there are to do and nightlife is no exception. As a general rule, with a few outliers, bars, clubs, and restaurants that serve alcohol can only be found in hotels. So, almost every hotel will have either a club or a restaurant or a bar. One of the best bar spots for tourists is Baristi Bar in the Marina in the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Hotel. It’s a half indoor/half outdoor tiki-type bar right on the beach that serves as a venue for concerts, parties, and sporting matches. 

Another great spot is the Observatory in the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel. It’s a fancy bar on the 52nd floor with floor to ceiling windows that reveal incredible views of the sea and the Marina. On this level, you’ll also find the perfect photo opportunity of the Dubai skyline at 240 meters high. There are also 360-degree views of the Palm Jumeirah to enjoy as you learn about The Palm with a short film that plays when you arrive.

Lastly, if you’re into dancing, there are plenty of places for you to visit. Brunches are a great place for dancing, but if you’re more of an evening nightclub type, Dubai has lots of options. Movida in Downtown Dubai is an amazing club with a VIP feel and great music. For Movida and for most clubs and bars in Dubai, there is a bit of a dress code, so don’t forget your evening wear!

The nightlife is so incredibly varied in Dubai that places to go range from hookah bars to swanky nightclubs to Irish pubs. You will not be lost for ideas of places to go in this happenin’ city.

So, there’s your comprehensive guide to exploring Dubai in just 5 days, but how can you get from one attraction to another? 

Taxis aren’t too expensive in Dubai, so you will have no problem getting from place to place. Dubai is used to tourism, so drivers are easy to come by and know where to go. But beyond taxis, there is also a metro line! It’s extremely easy to follow and unbelievably cheap. Dubai traffic can get a bit hectic at the busy hours, so the metro line is the perfect option for transport during those times. But, if you’re out on the town ‘til late, taxis are the way to go. There are also a lot of options for car rentals in Dubai if you prefer to explore the city at any moment and on your own time. It’s the best way to take control of your adventure in a city with so much to explore!

Your list of things to do in Dubai should be pretty filled up by now. What else is there left to do besides book your airline and tour tickets, right?