Dubai Experience in a Whirlwind 5 Days Tour
- Amy
- Jul 22
- 17 min read
Updated: Aug 7
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I'm not one to boast, but after eight years of living in Dubai, it's hard not to be swept up by the Dubai effect. Dubai's been a blissful part of my married life, and even welcoming our two kids into the world there adds to the opulence (fitting word I say). With my sister and her family still calling Dubai home, my insider tips and suggestions are as fresh as ever. Every time someone asks me about Dubai, I feel like I'm leveling up my game.
Table of Contents: Dubai Experience in a Whirlwind 4 Days Tour Is Dubai amazing for families with kids on a vacation? Day 1: Waterfront Wonders and Arabian Charm Day 2: From Peaceful Prayers to Sandy Adventures Day 3: Downtown Dubai Day Done Right Day 4: From Old Streets to Global Beats Day 5: Beach Vibes and Atlantis Fun Dubai's Bonus Adventures Closing Thoughts |
Is Dubai amazing for families with kids on a vacation?
Let's jump head in by just asking if it's going to be amazing or just more amazing! Dubai is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, even in just four days. Dubai's tourism appeal is as undeniable as its desert heat. It's like the city saying, "Come for the sights, stay for the shopping, and don't forget to Instagram it all." It's like a theme park for adults, but with skyscrapers instead of roller coasters. Dubai for kids is like stepping into a giant candy store. They will just go crazy trust me! And even the littlest travelers feel like VIPs, with adventures around every corner and more fun than you can shake a camel at. Just be prepared for them to ask, "Can we stay forever?"
Just remember to pack your sunscreen and a good camera, you're going to need both!
Where to Stay in Dubai?
When it comes to where to stay, Downtown Dubai is probably the most convenient—it sits right between New Dubai (like Marina, JBR, and Palm Jumeirah) and Old Dubai (Bur Dubai, Karama), making it easy to get around. That said, I personally love staying in New Dubai. The hotels here often come with amazing views, and the vibe is modern, buzzing, and full of expats, it really reflects the Dubai lifestyle.
Old Dubai definitely has its charm, especially if you're into culture and budget stays, but it’s a little quieter and more traditional.
Some great hotel picks:
Zabeel House by Jumeirah – The Greens: cool, artsy, and mid-range with a great breakfast
Ramada by Wyndham Bur Dubai: Budget-friendly and close to the souks
Hilton Garden Inn Al Mina: Close to La Mer beach and not far from Downtown
Millennium Place Marina: Great location in Dubai Marina, walking distance to JBR and the metro
Holiday Inn Express Dubai – Safa Park: Budget-friendly with easy access to Business Bay and Downtown
Tryp by Wyndham Barsha Heights: Trendy vibe, metro access, and lots of food options nearby
DoubleTree by Hilton Al Barsha: Close to Mall of the Emirates, comfortable for families
Which are the Best Months to Travel to Dubai?
The best time to visit Dubai is from November to February. The weather is pleasantly cool, with daytime temperatures ranging between 18°C to 28°C, which makes it ideal for outdoor adventures like desert safaris, beach days, and walking tours.
This period also lines up with major events like Dubai Shopping Festival, Global Village, and New Year celebrations, so there’s always something happening. Just keep in mind that hotel prices and flight rates can be on the higher side during these months.
How Can I Commute in Dubai?
Getting around Dubai can be a bit tricky if you don’t rent a car. You can rent a car in Dubai from major companies like Hertz, Avis, or Thrifty at the airport or malls, or use apps like Selfdrive.ae and eZhire for quick doorstep delivery. Alternatively, you can also rent a car in advance from my BOOKING link. Ubers and ride apps like Careem are super convenient and comfortable, but the costs can add up, especially over long distances. The Dubai Metro is clean, affordable, and connects a lot of major spots like the airport, Downtown, Marina, and Old Dubai. That said, reaching areas like Jumeirah or Al Wasl can be a hassle since the metro doesn’t go there. There are also trams and buses around Marina and JBR, but coverage is limited, so you might still end up needing a cab or a fair bit of walking.
The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Dubai is a great way to explore the city’s highlights at your own pace, covering landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Old Dubai, and more across multiple routes. A 24-hour ticket costs around USD 72 (approx. AED 265 or ₹6,000), while a 48-hour pass is about USD 87 (AED 320 or ₹7,200). There are also extended passes like the 5-day Deluxe option which includes extras like a dhow cruise, Desert Safari, Dubai Frame, and more, priced around USD 109–136 (AED 400–500 or ₹9,000–11,000). The tickets come with multilingual audio guides and free onboard WiFi, and you can hop on and off as many times as you like within your pass duration. |
Day 1: Waterfront Wonders and Arabian Charm
Start your day with a stroll around JBR and Dubai Marina, then explore the charming Souk Madinat Jumeirah with views of Burj Al Arab, and end with a dhow dinner cruise for a magical night on the water.
Souk Madinat Jumeriah and Burj Al Arab
Start your day at Souk Madinat Jumeriah, a typical Arabic souk which emanates the typical Arabian charm. Its my most favourite place in Dubai, because in a city with an abundance of malls, the Souks are a refreshing change with a very old-world charm with its stone walkways, lanterns, and canal views. Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the outdoor courtyard (if the weather is good) or indoor restaurants lined by the canal.
Next head to the 7 star hotel Burj Al Arab. One of those classic Dubai experiences is to have breakfast with a gorgeous sea view. Breakfast at the Burj Al Arab is exactly what you’d expect, fancy, pricey, but worth doing once. It’s usually at Sahn Eddar or Al Iwan, with a massive spread of pastries, fruits, eggs, Arabic dishes, and all the teas and juices you can think of. If you’re lucky to get a window seat, the sea view makes it even better. Costs around AED 400–500 per person.
Noteworthy: You can take a tour of the Burj Al Arab.You can book your tour via this LINK.
The guide will meet you at the Valet Parking of Jumeriah Beach Hotel.
Jumeirah Beach Residence
If you're not keen on heading back to the hotel and prefer to relax, Jumeirah Beach Residence offers a fantastic option with its vibrant atmosphere, sunny beaches and lazy beach beds. It offers top-notch dining, shopping, and exciting water sports. But beware of the summer sun, it can royally toast you.
Indulge in a delicious brunch experience at Eggspectation at JBR.
Dubai Marina
We used to do this all the time, my gang and I would head down to Dubai Marina, hop on a yacht just before sundown, and cruise past the glittering skyline as the city lit up around us. Later, it became more of a family thing too, and honestly, it worked just as well—music playing, breeze in our hair, dinner on deck, and views that never got old. Most of these yachts leave from spots near the Dubai Marina Mall or Pier 7, and prices usually start from around AED 150–250 per person depending on the package (dinner, live music, drinks, etc.). It’s one of those classic Dubai evenings you don’t really get tired of.
You can book your tour on this link HERE.
OR walk along the Marina starting from the Dubai Marina Smart Fountain and walk towards Pier 7 which is a highend harbour side dining spot. You don’t need to walk it till there but if you fancy a walk, it’s a nice stretch.
There are plethora of great eateries/restaurants in the adjoining neighborhood of Jumeriah Lake Towers, namely: Streetery Food Hall , Vietnamese Foodies, Pitfire Pizza, Bait Maryam, Latino street food, Bombay Bungalow (Indian cuisine), and Saarangaa Bhojan Shala Dubai Marina (South Indian food). |
Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise
When we lived in Marina, we always recommended the Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise to friends and visitors, it was such a fun way to experience the city by night. The cruise departs from the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and lasts about two hours on a traditional wooden dhow, offering stunning views of the skyline. It includes an international buffet with BBQ, along with live belly dancing, Tanoura performances, and sometimes even a fire show that adds a bit of wow to the evening.
Price: AED 145–180 per person (₹3,300–4,100) Timing: Boarding from 8 to 8:30 PM, cruising till 10 or 10:30 PM Booking: www.dubai-tickets.co
Day 2: From Peaceful Prayers to Sandy Adventures
On this day, you will be heading to the capital emirate Abu Dhabi. The itinerary for the day includes Grand Mosque, lunch and Desert Safari. Plan your day accordingly because pick up for Desert Safari is normally around 3 pm from your pickup point.
Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Plan your day visiting the Abu Dhabi mosque first thing in the day. The Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi is the 8th largest mosque in the world and is a wonder to behold! All details for visiting the Grand Mosque is included in this LINK. You can purchase your tickets at the mosque or online from their website and you don’t need a guide because you will be provided with an audio guide but for ease of convenience and managing transportation from Dubai, you can also book your tour HERE.
OR just hail an Uber to Grand Mosque and back. See what works out cheaper and convenient for you.
Punjab Grill Abu Dhabi or Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant are both great options for lunch which are very close to the mosque.
Desert Safari
The driver will come to pick you up in a 4WD vehicle. The rest of the exciting day is driving into the desert, dune bashing, camel riding, buffet dinner in the Bedouin camp with belly dancing and fire show. Please make an arrangement with your driver beforehand for drop off to your hotel in Dubai or you will need to hail a taxi to Dubai from Abu Dhabi.
You can inform your driver to pick you up from the Grand Mosque or any other location at a set time.
Alternatively you can also visit the Grand Mosque in the morning and head back to your hotel in Dubai. And then book your Desert Safari experience in Dubai. The Dubai experience is more popular than the one in Abu Dhabi. That way you are ensured easy pick up and drop off to your hotel. Book your Dubai Desert Safari experience here.
Heads up: This is going to be the most touristic thing but it’s worth it because it’s what Dubai offers.
Day 3: Downtown Dubai Day Done Right
On this day, you will spend the day exploring Dubai Mall and its massive aquarium, caught the magical musical fountain show, admired the Burj Khalifa up close, wandered through Souk Al Bahar, and checked out the eye-catching Museum of the Future.
Dubai Mall
In a whopping space of 12 million square feet, The Dubai Mall flaunts a treasure trove of 1,300 retail stores and an impressive array of 200+ culinary delights. You need an entire day at this mall. Dubai mall itself has a ton of attractions - Dubai Aquarium, Dubai ice rink, the world’s largest musical fountain, at the top of Burj Khalifa. When at Dubai Mall, make sure to treat yourself to the heavenly cheesecakes at Cheesecake Factory and ignite your taste buds with P.F. Chang's dynamite shrimps served in a cocktail glass.
Walk across from the mall to Souk Al Bahar to experience a world of rich tradition and exotic charm.
Buy Dubai’s best dates from Cafe Bateel and enjoy some great Lebanese food at Abd El Wahab, Souk Al Bahar with the view of the Burj Khalifa (ask for outside seating).
If you fancy Indian food, then I will recommend Patiala l Indian Restaurant & Bar in the souk itself. Even Rang in Dubai Mall has excellent food.
Burj Khalifa at the Top
Welcome to the tallest building in the world at a towering height of 452 meters - Burj Khalifa! Its an engineering marvel my friends. It has 163 floors, with a high end restaurant Atmosphere on the 122nd floor, 'At the Top' situated on the 124th and 125th floor, 'At the Top Sky' on the 148th floor, the Armani Hotel Dubai, residential apartments, and corporate suites.
To avoid the queues at security and elevator for the Burj Khalifa at the top, Purchase Your Ticket Here. This also gives you the option of selecting the sunset hours for your tour.
Pro Tip: I strongly suggest choosing the SKY VIP experience. With its serene atmosphere at the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa for enjoying the views and the excellent hospitality offering complimentary drinks and snacks in the lounge, it's an experience worth trying.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater zoo
Would you believe that inside a mall lies an underwater zoo and aquarium showcasing more than 140 species of marine life? Only in Dubai can you find the wit to believe such extraordinary occurrences within a mall. You can literally walk through a see-through tunnel surrounded by sharks, manta rays, and all kinds of fish. In the underwater zoo, you can discover unique interactive exhibits, including a touch tank and a virtual reality underwater experience. People even book their adventure to meet penguins up close and witness feeding sessions with fascinating aquatic creatures. It surely is an unforgettable underwater journey many families from what I've heard, however I have never been too impressed by the thought of cuddling up with wild animals in captivity.
For an immersive experience of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater zoo in dubai mall, purchase your tickets from here. If you want access to the penguin cove too, you need to Purchase Your Tickets On This Link.
Dubai Musical Fountain
If you want to experience the Dubai Fountain in its full glory by riding in a boat of the lake it surrounds, then there is the option of boarding a traditional Abra for front row seats to the world's largest performing fountain. Book your ticket here. Or, you can also step onto The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, offering a closer view of the captivating performances with a 272-meter stroll just 9 meters away from the fountains.
Museum of the Future
Adjacent to the mall, is the technology museum, Museum of the Future, if you’re interested at exploring that. Opened in February 2022, this museum is an architectural genius, and stands tall as a beacon of innovation, inviting visitors to delve into the forefront of ideas and solutions addressing global dilemmas. You can book your tickets on their website or here.
Day 4: From Old Streets to Global Beats
On this day, soak in the charm of Old Dubai with a walk through Al Fahidi and the bustling souks, then ended with a fun evening at Global Village, hopping between cultures, food stalls, and live shows.
Al Fahidi neighbourhood and Dubai Souks
First, go to Al Seef. Explore the old Al Fahidi neighbourhood called Al Bastakia. Arabian Tea house (middle eastern cuisine) is an amazing place to have lunch. After exploring the neighbourhood, from there walk towards Meena bazar (5 minutes walk) for Indian and Pakistani clothing. There are several textile trading shops here, namely: The wholesale market for clothes and fabrics Bur Dubai, Bur Dubai Souk Market, Bur Dubai Textiles, FASHION FABRICS L.L.C WHOLESALE and Rawnaq Albahar Textile Trading L.L.C. / Shagun Online Fashion.
At Bur Dubai Abra station, you can board the abra (dingy boat) to head to the spice and gold markets. You’ll walk through narrow alleys filled with colorful spices, dried herbs, and sweet-smelling incense. Just across the creek, the Gold Souk glitters with shop windows packed with gold bangles, necklaces, and even full bridal sets. Even if you're not buying, it’s a great place to wander and take photos.
If you’re looking for a record-breaker, head to Taiba Jewellery. They’re known for creating the world’s largest gold ring, the “Najmat Taiba,” which weighs over 60 kg and is on display right in their store! |
Dubai Museum
Dubai isn't an ancient city, but it definitely has a rich history and culture. A great place to explore its roots is the Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, the city’s oldest building, dating back to 1787. The museum gives a glimpse into traditional Emirati life, old trading practices, pearl diving, and how the city transformed from a fishing village into a global hub. It's open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and on Fridays from 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Global Village
Imagine 90+ countries coming together in one place—you’d expect a mix of cultures, food, shopping, music, and all the festive vibes, right? That’s exactly what Global Village is! It’s a 30 minutes drive from Dubai Marina. Gates to Global Village open 4 pm. There are plethora of rides, attractions and activities for adults and kids alike. You are guaranteed loads of entertainment and great food in Global Village. Dont miss out the spectacular fireworks that take place!
Tip: Explore the African pavilion as it’s the most cultural and have wares which are genuinely made in Africa. I can’t vouch for the wares from the other pavilions as they are all mostly china made.
Global Village Dubai Season 30 is expected to run from October 2025 to May 2026, open Sunday to Thursday from 4 PM to 12 AM and Friday, Saturday, and public holidays from 4 PM to 1 AM. It will take place at Wadi Al Safa 4, off Exit 37 on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
Tickets can be purchased from their website at €6 per person or from this link here - https://www.globalvillage.ae/buy
Day 5: Beach Vibes and Atlantis Fun
We had a laid-back day at Palm Jumeirah, snapped some photos along the crescent, and spent the rest of it diving into the fun at Atlantis with water rides, marine life, and some seriously cool views.
Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk
Sticking out into the Persian Gulf from southern Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah is an artifical palm tree-shaped island surrounded by a cool crescent barrier. It's the king of man-made islands and the world's largest, luring folks in with fancy hotels, fun theme parks, and loads of shopping spots. From the boardwalk, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea on one side and the luxurious hotels on the other. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll, stretching 11km long and 6 meters wide, dotted with numerous food trucks, refreshment stands, and souvenir vendors.
Start by taking the palm monorail to Palm Jumeirah and stroll along the Boardwalk. The Palm Gateway station, the first stop, offers over 1,600 parking spots, allowing you to park at the tip of Palm Jumeirah and take the monorail for the day. Accessible via the Dubai Tram, the Palm Gateway station offers stunning views of the meticulously designed fronds. For fans of SRK, Shah Rukh Khan's Dubai villa, known as Jannat, is situated on the picturesque Palm Jumeirah Island, boasting a stunning beachfront location.
Please note: Bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited, as are dogs, games, seating areas, and shade.
More details on https://www.palmmonorail.com/
Atlantis
Explore the renowned Atlantis, the luxurious Palm resort, and its attractions, offering a myriad of entertainment and leisure options. You can spend a fun-filled day at Atlantis with your family, exploring its thrilling waterpark Aquaventure Waterpark, where you can experience heart-pounding rides and encounter marine life at the Lost Chambers Aquarium. This aquarium houses more than 65,000 marine animals and engaging interactive displays.You can enjoy a relaxing time at the pristine beaches if your stay includes a night at the resort. You may indulge in gourmet dining at the resort's world-class restaurants, and end the day with a performance of the Dolphin Bay show (I have concerns about the captivity of dolphins and the treatment of marine animals in entertainment venues, but thats my opersonal opinion, however if its your thing, there is an opiton for you here :)
Dubai's Bonus Adventures
There is so much to do in Dubai that one blog post isn't enough! In my 7 year stint there, I explored quite a bit and I'd love to share those with you in not-so-many words below (you could check them out on the links provided), so that if you have the time, inclination and also based on your likes and preferences, you could choose to tailor your itinerary.
If you love flowers and vibrant colors, a visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden might just be worth your while! My parents were huge fans, they went back year after year because the displays are never the same. It’s home to over 150 million flowers, making it the world’s largest natural flower garden. Located in Dubailand, it’s open from October to April, daily from 9 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and until 11 PM on weekends. Entry tickets cost around AED 75 for adults and AED 60 for kids (3–12 years).
Explore the waters and go Kayaking and Paddle Boarding at La Mer.
Dubai Parks and Resorts is a great place to spend a fun couple of days with Bollywood Parks, LEGOLAND, and Motiongate all in one spot. You can stay right inside the resort at hotels like Lapita or Rove At The Park, and enjoy easy access to rides, shows, restaurants, and more.
Kite Beach is one of Dubai’s most popular spots for watersports and is especially famous for kite surfing. Just lounge on the beach or surf or paddle, also explore the food trucks and flea markets.
Bluewater island - It has the iconic Ain Dubai, the world's largest observation wheel. You get breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf from on it.
Discover a vibrant blend of shops, dining, and entertainment at City Walk.
Experience snow in the desert with skiing, snowboarding, and snow play activities at the indoor ski resort Ski Dubai in Mall of Emirates.
Experience thrilling races and driving experiences at Dubai Autodrome.
Enjoy a day of arcade fun and entertainment at SEGA Republic.
Test your shooting skills and enjoy outdoor activities at Jebel Ali Shooting Club.
Race around the track and enjoy karting excitement at Emirates Kart Zone.
Try skydiving at Skydive Dubai for an exhilarating aerial adventure.
The Dubai Frame stands 150 meters tall and is the world’s biggest photo frame, showing old Dubai to the north and modern Dubai to the south.
Dubai Safari Park, located in Al Warqa 5 on Hatta Road, is a fun and family-friendly wildlife experience spread across themed zones like the African Village, Asian Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Explorer Village, and Kids’ Farm. Home to over 3,000 animals, the park offers drive-through safaris, animal shows, interactive encounters like giraffe feeding, pony rides, and shaded shuttle tours, making it a great outing for all age groups. Tickets start at AED 50 for adults and AED 20 for kids, and it’s open 9 AM to 5 PM daily from October to April.
Closing Thoughts
So as you can see, Dubai truly is a glitzy, glam city packed with endless entertainment for the whole family. Dubai is so much more than just skyscrapers and shopping malls. From desert safaris and dhow cruises to world-class theme parks, museums, beaches, and endless food options, there's something here for everyone. I’ve spent years here and still haven’t run out of new spots to explore. You could easily spend a month in Dubai and not get bored. It really is that full of fun, adventure, and everything in between.
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