Day 1: Exploring Dubai Old Town Start the day at Dubai Museum to learn about the history of the city, then move to the Bur Dubai Abra Dock to ride a traditional abra boat across Dubai Creek. Next, visit the Gold Souk and Spice Souk for some shopping, followed by a walk through the Al Fahidi Historical District. Finish the day with a visit to the Jumeirah Mosque.
Day 2: Luxurious Dubai Experience Start with breakfast at the famous Burj Al Arab hotel, then move to the Dubai Mall for shopping and a visit to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Ride to the top of the Burj Khalifa for a breathtaking view of the city. End the day with dinner at the Pierchic restaurant, sitting on the pier overlooking the beautiful Arabian Gulf.
Day 3: Theme Park Day Begin with a morning visit to the IMG Worlds of Adventure and then head over to the Dubai Parks and Resorts for some fun-filled rides and attractions. End the day with a visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden, which boasts the world's largest flower garden.
Day 4: Cultural Experience Start the day with a visit to the Burjuman Centre, then head to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to learn about the Emirati culture. Visit the Jumeirah Public Beach for swimming and relaxation, followed by a visit to the Madinat Jumeirah for shopping and sightseeing. End the day with a dinner cruise on a traditional Dhow boat.
Day 5: Thrilling Safari Adventure Begin with a morning visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden and then head out of the city for an exciting desert safari. Enjoy a thrilling dune bashing ride, camel riding, and a beautiful sunset view. End the day with a traditional Emirati dinner and a cultural show under the stars.
Time and Cost Estimates:
Dubai Museum (2 hours, AED 3)
Bur Dubai Abra Dock (1 hour, AED 1)
Gold Souk and Spice Souk (2 hours, AED 100+)
Al Fahidi Historical District (2 hours, Free)
Jumeirah Mosque (1 hour, Free)
Burj Al Arab (2 hours, Breakfast starting from AED 380)
Dubai Mall (3 hours, Free)
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo (2 hours, AED 100+)
Burj Khalifa (2 hours, AED 149+)
Pierchic (2 hours, AED 700+)
IMG Worlds of Adventure (4 hours, AED 299+)
Dubai Parks and Resorts (4 hours, AED 245+)
Dubai Miracle Garden (2 hours, AED 55+)
Burjuman Centre (2 hours, Free)
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (2 hours, AED 125+)
Jumeirah Public Beach (2 hours, Free)
Madinat Jumeirah (2 hours, Free)
Dhow dinner cruise (2 hours, AED 170+)
Desert safari (6 hours, AED 300+)
Total Estimated Costs (5 days, per person): AED 4,000+
Transportation:
Transportation in Dubai is mostly through taxis, buses, and metro. Taxis can be hailed off the street or booked through the RTA taxi app. The Dubai Metro is fast and reliable, and the NOL card can be purchased for easy transportation via metro, tram, and bus. With a rental car, getting around may be more convenient, but parking in the city may be costly. Estimated transport costs may range from AED 100-200 per day, depending on the mode of transportation.
Useful Tips:
If you have more time, add a day trip to Abu Dhabi to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Museum. For a unique experience, visit the Dubai Miracle Garden at night when the twinkling lights bring the flowers to life. If you have less time, consider skipping the theme parks and choose one or two that are more interesting to you. Book activities ahead of time to get a cheaper rate and avoid crowds.
Airports:
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is located 5 km southeast of Dubai city center, with plenty of transportation options to the city. The newly opened Dubai World Central (DWC) is located 60 km south of the city center, mostly serving budget airlines.