Amazing 5 Day Dubai Itinerary: Best Things to do in Dubai with Family

With famous water parks, lavish resorts, and fabulous malls - endless fun for the family awaits in Dubai! Explore Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and so much more with this comprehensive five-day guide.

Day 1:

Burj Al Arab

A landmark of architectural grandeur, exceptional hospitality, a spectacular spa, infinity pool terrace, and marvelous experience, Burj Al Arab is the award-winning hotel in Dubai. Its cutting-edge engineering has shaped the silhouette like a sail, which you can gaze from the free public beach. Admire this awe-inspiring structure by lying on a hammock, or stroll along the unending coastline, and dive and snorkel in the azure waters. If you want to go down every detail, book an inside tour that runs you through Michelin-star kitchen to beautiful lounge.

You can have a sumptuous breakfast or buffet in the different classic restaurants in Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Mall

Before the sun reaches your head and the heat starts panicking you, duck into the biggest mall in the world. That's not a surprise, after all, it's Dubai — the city that dares to major in superlatives. It houses 1200 stores, with over 200 coveted brands, from Cartier to Ocyana Perfumes.

Besides being the solution to retail therapy, here are other family and kids activities in Dubai. You will be startled by the charming waterfall with man-like divers and the giant dinosaur skeleton. But the bigger picture is the rest attractions, an ice rink, a colossal aquarium, a kid school of role-playing, a virtual park, a luxurious cinema experience, opera theatre, and the first haunted house in the region. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is an unbelievable 10-million liter suspended tank that had the world's most mysterious marine life. Kids love this place because they can see the colorful fishes, dive with them, and even feed them.

Refuel and relax with a delicious spread of delights/ cuisines brought from around the world, in the array of restaurants as Angelina, Eataly and Markette and more.

Burj Khalifa

Spend your evening sipping the tea on the highest outdoor observation deck of the tallest freestanding structure in the world, Burj Khalifa. Piercing the sky at 828 meters, this global milestone has many feathers in its hats. Observe the unparalleled views of the city from the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors. Be in awe of the picturesque sunset and the magical Dubai Fountain. Refresh yourself with signature refreshments at the SKY lounge. Later, indulge in fine-dining with picture-perfect views in At.Mosphere at Level 122.

Day 2:

Kick start your next morning of the 5-day Dubai itinerary on Old Dubai. Since you have checked out the iconic structures that stand like beacons in the desert, whisk away to the pre-oil lifestyle.

Dubai Creek

The lifeblood of the city for years and the center of trading in the past, Dubai Creek is a bustling waterbody. Hop on the traditional Abra and ride from Bur Dubai to Deira at 1AED. These water taxis are a much popular option for people to travel and check out the ancient traditional houses, towers, and minarets, that passes by. There are 150 of these operating between two major ports, where each of them holds 20 passengers for a 5-minute journey.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Tucked along the Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a preserved heritage site that embodies social life, cultural development and pearl-trade times. The homes are made of stone, teak, gypsum, has wind towers and reflect the old style of engineering. Meander through these winding pathways and discover a plethora of cultural activities, museums, art galleries, special events. There is a Coffee Museum around to give you a sip of authenticity.

Dubai Museum

Located in the Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum is a journey of prehistoric civilization to the advanced metropolis. The tourists can get acquainted with the history of Dubai through pottery, weapons, tombs, buildings, original samples, drawings and diagrams, audio and video media scattered around.

Gold Souk

Next to having an appetite-filled Arabic lunch in the Basta Art Cafe, get ready to hit the buzzing streets of the markets in Old Dubai, the souks. Firstly, take the route through weaving pathways of gold souks, where you discover a jaw-dropping collection of original golds, windows after windows. Not just great prices, the shops are opened for a friendly haggle as well. So, go ahead and load everything you see.

As you move forward through the labyrinth of walkways, when you smell the strong flavors, realize that this is spice souks. The mounds of colorful and pure herbs and spices are available. Then you will stumble upon shops of perfumes, textiles, carpets, rugs and much more.

Nevertheless, there is something that we all want to carry back and reminisce about. The souks here have wonderful pieces of souvenirs as well, mugs and plates to lamps and Emirati clothing.

Day 3:

Aquaventure Waterpark

One of the best things to do in Dubai with family is to visit Atlantis, The Palm — where you can stay, lounge, play, dive and dine. It has easy-access passes that let you tick off the major attractions here for a day or two. Beat the heat by splashing fun in the UAE's most-loved water park, Aquaventure. With over 30 rides and attractions, the place calls in for an adventurous party. Thrill-seekers can get their pulse racing as they enjoy record-breaking waterslides, while the little ones can revel in the safety Splashers Island.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

It would fascinate you to know that after searching for thousands of years, the lost city of Atlantis was believed to be submerged under the ocean. Witness the city here — the stunning 11-million liter aquarium, which is home to a magnificent collection of fishes, sharks, and stingrays. Join the tours where you get the opportunity to closely have an encounter with 65000 animals. Hear their tales, feed your inner water child with amazing snorkeling, and go diving.

JBR

Stay in the middle of the action, but also relax, as you flock to the interesting hangout place, the Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence. It is brimming with a world of options where anyone can kick back on recliners, go parasailing, do banana boat rides, taste the delicious food at cafes, or take a camel ride too. Or else, hit the 600m running track, outdoor gym, and beach volleyball court for a double dose of entertainment.

Day 4:

Dubai Frame

After a heartfelt breakfast in your hotel, or restaurants like McGettigans and Walnut Grove, reach the world's biggest frame, Dubai Frame. Treat yourself and the family to a visual feast first thing in the morning by ascending this impressive structure. The mezzanine floor charts the rapid transformation from a fishing village to a thriving city. Next to this, the elevator takes you to the observation deck, which offers sweeping panoramic views. The visitors remain awestruck as they see gleaming skyscrapers in the South and with a twist of neck gaze at the dhow-studded Old Dubai in the North. Do not miss out on the state-of-the-art clear glass bridge, that feels like you are walking on thin air. Leave the building with an impressive experience in the vortex tunnel at last.

Desert Safari

The trip remains incomplete without the adventurous desert safari in Dubai. The 6-hour excursion has flavors of fun, culture, and tradition. To begin with, get in touch with a reputed tour operator, and whizz to the desert in a robust, well-maintained, and air-conditioned vehicle. A range of unique hair-raising experiences is in the store — from exhilarating dune bashing to sandboarding and camel riding, the first session rushes the adrenaline. At the desert camp, you will be inundated with a host of activities - sheesha smoking, belly dances to a buffet dinner. Take the overnight trip and you can sleep under the blanket of stars.

Day 5:

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Have a blast on the last day as you book tickets for Dubai's first mega themed entertainment destination. This 1.5 million sq foot of playground is divided into 5 epic zones, which hold rides and attractions for both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the different themes Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, The Lost Valley and the Haunted Hotel. Sailing on the non-stop entertainment moto, IMG also has NOVO cinemas, dining and shopping outlets — enough to keep you engaged and entertained the whole day.

Dubai Marina Cruise

After an action-packed excursion that has let you sweating with joy, end the day on a delicious note. Leave the city with memories of its opulence and luxury as you sail along the shoreline of Marina in the well-constructed and embellished dhow. With choices of two decks, this 2-hour cruising is all about adoring the spectacle of modern and glitzy Dubai. The cruise hosts one of the unique buffets where you savor the flavorsome Arabic dishes and refreshments. As you talk about how delicious the food is, there are live shows that upgrade the experience. It ends with a tour of Dubai's pleasing skyline view.

Conclusion

We have done the hard part of creating this tested and proved 5-day Dubai holiday and sightseeing. All you got to do is pack your bags and don your vacation hat.