5-Day Ultimate Dubai Itinerary: From City Skylines to Desert Wonders

Day 1: Iconic City Start

Dubai, UAE on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Sum of Us

Start your journey with excellent coffee and fresh pastries at this trendy café, open from 7am daily.
AED60, 1h

9:30am

Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

Visit the world’s tallest building for sweeping views of Dubai; the deck is open from 9am to midnight.
AED150, 1h30m

11:30am

Dubai Mall Exploration

Discover luxury shopping, the Dubai Aquarium, and indoor attractions in the vast Dubai Mall.
Free to enter; attractions vary, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Social House

Enjoy meals with views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, open throughout the day.
AED120, 1h

3:00pm

Dubai Fountain & Souk Al Bahar

Watch the spectacular fountain show and explore the nearby souk with boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Alserkal Avenue Art District

Delve into Dubai’s contemporary art scene with galleries and exhibits open until 9pm.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Zuma Dubai

Savour modern Japanese dishes at this stylish restaurant open until midnight.
AED250, 1h30m
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Day 2: More Downtown & Marina

Dubai, UAE on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Comptoir 102

Enjoy healthy, organic breakfast dishes in a cozy retail cafe setting, opens at 8am.
AED70, 1h

9:30am

Dubai Frame Visit

Walk on the sky glass bridge and view old and new Dubai; open from 9am to 9pm.
AED50, 1h

11:00am

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Experience thrilling rides and themed entertainment at this indoor amusement park, open 11am–10pm.
AED295, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, Dubai Mall

Choose from an extensive menu in a family-friendly restaurant open daily.
AED140, 1h

4:00pm

Dubai Marina Walk

Stroll the scenic waterfront walkway admiring yachts and skyline views; open 24 hours.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax at JBR Beach

Enjoy sunset by the Persian Gulf with options for cafes and water sports available late into the evening.
Free, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Pier 7

Dine in one of several chic restaurants with panoramic views of Dubai Marina, open till late.
AED200, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic & Cultural Dubai

Dubai, UAE on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Taste traditional Emirati breakfast in the heart of Al Fahidi, open from 8am.
AED50, 1h

9:30am

Al Fahidi Historical District Tour

Explore Dubai’s oldest neighborhood with art galleries and heritage houses, open daily.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Dubai Museum

Delve into Dubai’s fascinating past within Al Fahidi Fort, open 8:30am–8:30pm.
AED3, 1h

12:45pm

Abra Ride on Dubai Creek

Take an inexpensive traditional boat crossing for an authentic local experience.
AED1, 15m

1:15pm

Lunch at Al Ustad Special Kabab

Enjoy fresh grilled Middle Eastern fare in bustling Deira, open for lunch daily.
AED80, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Gold and Spice Souks

Wander vibrant bazaars filled with exotic spices, textiles, and gleaming jewelry; open until late.
Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Coffee Break at The Espresso Lab

Savour expertly brewed coffee in a modern setting, open till 8pm.
AED40, 30m

5:00pm

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

Visit this historic residence museum showcasing royal heritage, open 8am–8pm.
AED10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bu Qtair

Feast on popular grilled seafood at this casual beachside eatery in Jumeirah, open till 11pm.
AED100, 1h
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Day 4: Leisure & Shopping

Dubai, UAE on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Delight in organic fresh pastries and local ingredients in a quaint setting, opening at 7am.
AED70, 1h

9:30am

Mall of the Emirates

Explore luxury brands, dining, and Ski Dubai indoor ski slopes, open 10am–10pm.
Free entry; Ski Dubai separate fee, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Relish world-renowned Taiwanese dim sum and noodles in the mall, open till 10pm.
AED100, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at JBR The Beach

Enjoy the sea breeze, shopping, and casual cafes along this open-air beachfront destination, open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Ain Dubai Observation Wheel

Experience stunning views from the world’s tallest observation wheel, open 3pm–10pm weekdays.
AED130, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Catch 22

Dine on eclectic dishes with the vibrant JBR atmosphere and sea views, open till late.
AED180, 1h30m
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Day 5: Desert Safari

Dubai, UAE on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wild & The Moon

Enjoy healthy, organic breakfast options early in the day, opens at 8am.
AED70, 1h

9:30am

Morning Leisure at Kite Beach

Relax or engage in watersports at this famous beach open 24/7 with many dining kiosks.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at Salt

Grab casual burgers or fries at this popular food truck on Kite Beach before your desert adventure.
AED60, 45m

2:00pm

Desert Safari Pickup

Start an exhilarating desert safari with dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and sunset views lasting about 6 hours.
AED350, 6h

8:00pm

BBQ Dinner at Desert Camp

Enjoy traditional Emirati-style BBQ dinner with live belly dance and Tanoura shows included.
Included, 2h

10:00pm

Return to Accommodation

Conclude your Dubai trip by returning to your hotel after an action-packed desert sunset experience.
Included, 30m
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