5-Day Adventure and Foodie Itinerary in Dubai on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: City Exploration

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Start your day with a traditional Emirati breakfast at the Arabian Tea House, where you can savor Foul Medames, a delicious fava bean dish.
Take the Metro to Al Fahidi Station.
AED 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Al Fahidi Historical District Walk

Stroll through the charming narrow alleys of Al Fahidi, admiring the traditional wind-tower architecture.
Easy walking distance from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Dubai Museum

Visit Dubai Museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort to learn about the rich history and culture of the emirate.
Walk to the museum, 10-minute walk from Al Fahidi.
AED 3, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ravi Restaurant

Savor some authentic Pakistani biryani at Ravi Restaurant, a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Take a short taxi ride (~AED 10).
AED 25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Gold Souk

Experience the bustling atmosphere of the Gold Souk, where you can window shop and appreciate the intricate designs of gold jewelry.
Taxi to the Gold Souk, ~AED 15.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Bur Dubai Creek

Take an abra boat ride across Dubai Creek for a traditional mode of transport at just AED 1.
Walk to the abra station from the Souk.
AED 1, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dubai Mall Fountain Show

Witness the captivating fountain show outside Dubai Mall, a stunning display of water and lights set to music.
Metro from Bur Dubai to Dubai Mall Station.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Al Mallah

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal of shawarma and falafel at Al Mallah, a local favorite.
Taxi from Dubai Mall, ~AED 10.
AED 20, 1 hour

8:00PM

Explore Dubai Marina

End your day with a leisurely walk along the Marina Walk, taking in the stunning skyline.
Take the Metro to Marina Station.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure and Culture

Dubai, UAE

8:30AM

Breakfast at Dose Cafe

Fuel up for the day with a delicious avocado toast and freshly brewed coffee at Dose Cafe.
Metro to Emirates Towers Station.
AED 40, 1 hour

10:00AM

Desert Safari

Experience an exhilarating desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding.
Book a budget-friendly tour that includes pickup and drop-off.
AED 150, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Al Safadi

Refuel with a wholesome Lebanese lunch at Al Safadi, known for its grilled meats and tabbouleh.
Return to the city after the safari, short taxi ride.
AED 35, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dubai Frame

Visit the Dubai Frame for panoramic views of both old and new Dubai and understand the emirate's evolution.
Metro to Al Jafiliya Station.
AED 50, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Explore Zabeel Park

Enjoy a relaxing walk in Zabeel Park, a lovely green space ideal for unwinding and people-watching.
Walking distance from Dubai Frame.
AED 5, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Bu Qtair

Delight in fresh seafood served in a casual setting at Bu Qtair, renowned for its spicy fish and rice.
Taxi to Bu Qtair, ~AED 15.
AED 50, 1 hour

9:00PM

Beach Relaxation at Jumeirah Beach

Spend your evening relaxing on Jumeirah Beach, soaking in the stunning views of the Burj Al Arab.
Bus or taxi from Bu Qtair.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Insights

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Sum of Us

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at The Sum of Us, known for its artisanal coffee.
Metro to Burj Khalifa Station.
AED 45, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Burj Khalifa

Visit the world's tallest building and go up to the observation deck for breathtaking views of Dubai.
Walking distance from breakfast.
AED 160, 2 hours

12:00PM

Walk in Dubai Mall

Enjoy some window shopping in Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
Explore the mall vicinity.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Indulge in a delicious burger at Shake Shack located conveniently in Dubai Mall.
Still within the mall.
AED 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Explore one of the largest suspended aquariums and see exotic marine life.
Located inside Dubai Mall.
AED 100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Souk Al Bahar

Explore the picturesque market filled with shops and cafes overlooking the Burj Khalifa.
Connected to Dubai Mall via a bridge.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Zaroob

Enjoy an affordable meal of traditional Middle Eastern street food at Zaroob nearby the mall.
Take a taxi or walk (~AED 10-15).
AED 30, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dubai Opera Garden

End your day with a peaceful stroll around the Dubai Opera Garden, catching a glimpse of the iconic opera house.
Walking distance from dinner.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Nature and Leisure

Dubai, UAE

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Rider

Start your day with a unique breakfast at Café Rider, known for its motorcycle culture and specialty coffee.
Metro to Al Quoz Station, ~20 min total.
AED 40, 1 hour

10:00AM

Dubai Miracle Garden

Visit the stunning Dubai Miracle Garden, filled with millions of vibrant flowers and artistic displays.
Take a taxi, ~AED 25.
AED 50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Al Mashrabia

Enjoy a delicious budget-friendly meal at Al Mashrabia, which serves an array of Middle Eastern dishes.
Taxi from Miracle Garden, ~AED 20.
AED 30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Global Village

Explore the cultural hub of Global Village with exhibits from various countries, arts, and crafts.
Taxi from lunch, ~AED 25.
AED 15, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Urban Seafood

Relish a budget-friendly seafood dinner at Urban Seafood, known for its quality dishes.
Taxi from Global Village, ~AED 20.
AED 45, 1 hour

7:00PM

Relax at Kite Beach

Enjoy an evening at Kite Beach, a perfect spot for relaxation, with stunning sunset views.
Taxi, ~AED 15.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 5: Last Day of Relaxation and Shopping

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Carrefour (Hypermarket)

Grab a quick and budget-friendly breakfast containing a croissant and coffee at Carrefour's bakery.
Metro to Mall of the Emirates Station.
AED 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Skiing at Ski Dubai

Experience an indoor winter wonderland and go skiing or snowboarding at Ski Dubai.
Within Mall of the Emirates.
AED 200 (check for deals), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Baskin Robbins

Chill with a light lunch of ice cream and sandwiches at Baskin Robbins.
Still in Mall of the Emirates.
AED 35, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping at Mall of the Emirates

Spend your afternoon shopping at Mall of the Emirates, known for its luxury and affordable brands.
Explore the mall.
Free (shopping optional), 3 hours

5:30PM

Final Dinner at Shawarma House

Conclude your Dubai trip with a satisfying shawarma dinner at Shawarma House.
Taxi or Metro back to Al Fahidi, ~AED 20.
AED 25, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening at Dubai Fountain

Enjoy your final night watching the magnificent Dubai Fountain show one last time before departing.
Back to Dubai Mall by walking.
Free, 1 hour
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