Day 1: Downtown Dubai
- Morning: Museum of the Future (book a timed ticket) near Emirates Towers metro.
- Afternoon: The Dubai Mall and its aquarium.
- Sunset: Burj Khalifa observation deck. Sunset slots sell out first, so book ahead.
- Evening: the Dubai Fountain shows on the lake (free), then dinner in Downtown.
Base: Downtown Dubai.
Day 2: Old Dubai
- Morning: Al Fahidi Historical District and the Al Shindagha Museum in Bur Dubai, before the heat.
- Midday: cross the creek by abra to Deira's Spice Souk and Gold Souk.
- Afternoon: the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park for views of old and new Dubai.
- Evening: a dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek.
Day 3: Desert
- Morning and afternoon: rest, pool or beach.
- Afternoon to night: a desert safari with dune driving, sunset in the dunes and dinner at a desert camp. Most operators collect you from your hotel.
Day 4: Beach and the Palm
- Morning: Kite Beach or La Mer, with the Burj Al Arab view from the public beach beside Madinat Jumeirah.
- Afternoon: Palm Jumeirah: Aquaventure waterpark or the View at The Palm.
- Evening: Dubai Marina Walk and JBR for dinner by the water.
Day 5: Pick your favourite
- Families: Dubai Parks and Resorts (Legoland, Motiongate) or IMG Worlds of Adventure.
- October to May evenings: Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden or Dubai Safari Park.
- Outdoors: a day trip to Hatta for kayaking and hiking.
- Indoors: Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates.
Only 3 days?
Do days 1, 2 and 3. If you would rather skip the desert, swap day 3 for day 4.
Tips that save time and money
- Book timed tickets (Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future) online in advance; walk-up slots often sell out.
- Use the metro for Downtown, the Marina, Al Barsha and Old Dubai; taxis are better for the beaches and the Palm.
- Friday afternoons and weekends are busiest at malls and beaches.
- Opening times change during Ramadan and in summer, so check before you go.
Planning where to stay? See the best areas to stay in Dubai.