5-Day Family Friendly Budget Itinerary in Dubai

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Zaatar W Ziet

Start your day with a delightful breakfast offering traditional Middle Eastern fare, with options for everyone.
Nearby Metro Station: Al Jafiliya.
AED 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Burj Khalifa

Experience stunning views from the top of the world's tallest building; pre-book your tickets for a cheaper price.
Take the metro from Al Jafiliya to Burj Khalifa Station (15 mins).
AED 149, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Dubai Mall Food Court

Grab a budget-friendly lunch at the expansive food court offering a variety of international cuisines.
Located within the Dubai Mall, a short walk from Burj Khalifa.
AED 80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Dubai Aquarium

Witness one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world and enjoy the underwater tunnel experience.
Located in the Dubai Mall, easy walking distance.
AED 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll Around Dubai Fountain

Enjoy the captivating fountain show just outside Dubai Mall; it’s absolutely free!
Right outside Dubai Mall.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Ravi Restaurant

End your day with delicious and affordable Pakistani food in Satwa, a favorite among locals.
Take bus 11 from Dubai Mall to Al Satwa (20 mins).
AED 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Old Dubai and Local Markets

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Arabian Tea House

Enjoy a traditional Emirati breakfast in a charming heritage setting.
Take Metro to Al Fahidi Station (20 mins).
AED 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Wander through this culturally rich area with preserved wind-tower architecture.
Nearby walking distance.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Dubai Frame

Capture views of both old and new Dubai from this remarkable frame structure.
Take bus 22 from Al Fahidi to Dubai Frame (25 mins).
AED 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Al Shorfa Cafe

Taste authentic Middle Eastern dishes at this budget-friendly cafe near Dubai Frame.
Walking distance from Dubai Frame.
AED 60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Gold and Spice Souks

Explore the traditional markets filled with gold jewelry and aromatic spices.
Take an Abra ride across Dubai Creek (1 AED).
AED 30 (for jewelry if you like!), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab

Experience delicious Persian kebabs that are popular among both locals and tourists.
Take the Metro to Al Ghubaiba Station (15 mins).
AED 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Beach Day and Cultural Discovery

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Surf Café

Kick off your day with a healthy breakfast at this beachfront café.
Take Metro to Jumeirah Beach Residence (30 mins).
AED 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kite Beach

Enjoy a relaxing morning at this lovely public beach, perfect for families.
Walking distance from Surf Café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Burger Joint

Savor delicious gourmet burgers that are budget-friendly near Kite Beach.
Walking distance from the beach.
AED 90, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Jumeirah Mosque

Take a guided tour of the only mosque in Dubai open to non-Muslims to learn about Islamic culture.
Take the bus to Jumeirah Beach Road (15 mins).
AED 35, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at La Mer

Stroll around the beachside promenade filled with shops and attractions.
Walking distance from Jumeirah Mosque.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at the Beach House

Dine with a beautiful beach view, offering various dishes for the entire family.
Walking distance from La Mer.
AED 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Modern Marvels and Shopping

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Paul Bakery & Restaurant

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee at this chic café.
Metro to Dubai Mall (30 mins).
AED 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Burj Al Arab Beach View

Take photos of the iconic hotel from the public beach nearby.
Take bus 81 from the mall (20 mins).
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shopping at Mall of the Emirates

Explore a variety of shops and maybe catch a glimpse of indoor skiing.
Take Metro from Burj Al Arab to Mall of the Emirates (30 mins).
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Enjoy a casual lunch of burgers and shakes in a vibrant atmosphere.
Inside Mall of the Emirates.
AED 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ski Dubai

Experience the snow and cold in the desert at this indoor ski resort.
Located in Mall of the Emirates.
AED 250, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Al Mallah

Feast on traditional Lebanese dishes with plenty of vegetarian options.
Take bus 81 back toward Al Dhiyafa (25 mins).
AED 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Desert Adventure

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hamptons Cafe

Experience a delightful breakfast in a cozy atmosphere before your desert adventure.
Take Metro to Jumeirah (35 mins).
AED 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Desert Safari (Self-Drive Option)

Set off into the desert on a budget-friendly self-drive safari; rent a car for the day.
Head out to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (1 hour drive).
AED 300 (including car rental and fuel), Half day (4 hours)

2:00PM

Lunch Picnic in the Desert

Prepare your own packed lunch to enjoy in the serene desert setting.
While in the desert.
AED 50 (for groceries), 1 hour

3:00PM

Homeward Journey

Wrap up your Dubai experience as you take in the last sights and sounds of this captivating city.
Return back to your accommodation (1 hour drive).
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Nando's

Treat yourself with some peri-peri chicken after an adventurous day.
Take Metro back to the city center (30 mins).
AED 90, 1.5 hours
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