Two girls mess about on a Dubai beach

How to enjoy 5 days in Dubai

By Ian Packham

One of the world’s top stopover destinations, it’s easy to add a sojourn in Dubai to a long haul trip. Breaking your journey for a few days rarely adds much to the overall price of your flight, and many nationalities are able to visit as tourists without having to worry about visas. What’s more, Dubai has attractions other destinations would cry out for. Not only does it feature the world’s tallest building, but top museums, prestigious beaches and one of the world’s largest gatherings of amusement parks. There’s easily enough to fill 5 days in Dubai to brimming. Not convinced? Take a look at the following 5 day Dubai itinerary and we think it will change your mind completely.

Day 1

Image of City, Building, Cityscape, Urban, Outdoors, Water, Waterfront,

Start your exploration of all that glitters at Dubai Marina. Grab some brunch – an especially popular pastime with expat workers on the weekend but possible any day of the week – at one of the café-bars which line this man made harbor filled with yachts from around the world.

Having absorbed some of the genteel ambience of this part of town, follow the marina promenade towards Ain Dubai, the city’s giant coastal observation wheel. Reaching a height of 250 meters above the Persian Gulf, or twice the reach of the London Eye, rides take around 40 minutes and provide a constantly changing view of many of Dubai’s top sights, including the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel and the fronds of the Palm.

Time it right and you can then take advantage of the passenger craft that connect Dubai Marina with Dubai Creek further north several times a day. Skirting the Palm and sailing along Dubai’s long waterfront, it’s just one way to take in your first glimpses of the emirate as a whole and much more fun than the metro system too.

If the metro has a benefit – beyond cleanliness, air conditioning and excellent service – it’s that it has its own stop at the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The mall contains around 1200 stores and 200 places to eat and drink, as well as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Views from its western exits take in Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, with sunset the perfect time to visit At The Top – the name given to its observation decks.

Day 2

Image of Water, Waterfront, Nature, Outdoors, Sky, City, Urban, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Metropolis, Female, Woman, Boat, Vehicle, Scenery, Cityscape, Handbag, Pier,

If the Burj Khalifa represents the future of the region, Old Dubai remains its gateway into the past. Roughly delineated as the area at the northern entrance of Dubai Creek, it’s here you’ll find the oldest parts of the city.

Dubai Museum occupies the oldest structure in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort. Constructed in 1787, and used for everything from a defensive post to a prison, it became a museum in 1971. Its open courtyard and mix of old and new architecture display a collection detailing the culture and traditions of its people.

Then cross the creek on an abra, a vessel that has been making the same journey since the Bur Dubai neighborhood was first settled. It will see you arrive at Deira, a district known for souks sweeping inland from wharfs where dhow trading boats continue to be unloaded with all a city could need: spices, fridges and huge sacks of rice amongst them.

Despite their maze-like reputation the souks – marketplaces for gold, spices and fabrics – are relatively easy to navigate. A stop at a tea or coffee house makes people watching a cinch before ending the day amid the quiet streets and historic homes of Al Shindagha back across the creek.

Day 3

Image of Fun, Amusement Park, Person,

If – somehow – you’re still wondering what to do in Dubai for 5 days we’d recommend adding one or two of its theme parks to your bucket list.

Families with younger kids can do much worse than LEGOLAND Dubai. With more than 60 million individual bricks used in its creation, it is made up of six different lands or zones, with attractions both indoors and outdoors. You won’t want to miss the miniland of Middle Eastern landmarks, nor the 40-plus rides suitable for those aged two to 12.

Recreating the razzamatazz of Indian cinema, BOLLYWOOD PARKS is the first theme park of its kind in the region. Visitors are able to go behind the scenes of the movie making process in between taking a seat on rides including the world’s tallest swing ride.

But for a full-on adrenaline rush, save your afternoon for IMG Worlds of Adventure. The five worlds in question include the Jurassic setting of Lost Valley, with one of Dubai’s fastest and tallest roller coasters, The Velociraptor. Another zone is based around some of Marvel’s best loved comic book superheroes, including Thor Thunder Spin and Spider-man Doc Ock’s Revenge.

Day 4

Image of Car, Suv, Vehicle, Desert, Nature, Outdoors,

The adventures can continue on day 4 in Dubai’s desert regions. Just a short drive from downtown and Old Dubai, the desert inland is far from being the barren landscape of our imaginations. Begin the day with a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon to take in the majesty of the area. You might even witness the solitary figures of rare Arabian oryx in the dunes.

For the chance of a close up encounter with these animals, join one of the handful of operators permitted to run safaris to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It’s an area which has helped bring the species back from the brink of extinction, with no animals remaining in the wild at the creation of the United Arab Emirates in 1972.

Additional ways to discover the desert aren’t hard to find. The ultimate in desert adventures is perhaps the opportunity to roar over the dunes on top of a 4x4 quad bike. Including hotel pickup, you’ll be taken to a part of the desert reserved for quad bike rides and will also have the chance to jump on the back of a camel and sandboard!

Day 5

Image of Accessories, Sunglasses, Person, Swimming, Water, Adult, Female, Woman, Glasses, City, Tree, Jewelry, Necklace, Pool, Swimming Pool,

After a hectic 96 hours, use the last of your 5 days in Dubai to take things easy. Dubai’s climate means that even in the winter months when Emirati’s are wrapped up in thicker fabrics most visitors won’t need much more than a T-shirt.

Opt for a few hours on one of the beaches and you won’t even need that. The closest to most accommodation is Jumeirah Public Beach. Sometimes known as Sunset Beach – for obvious westward facing reasons – it’s a broad expanse of clean sand with a full range of facilities, from showers to WiFi. The waves are gentle enough for swimmers, with floodlights allowing nighttime dips, but also suitable for those looking to get onto a surfboard for the first time.

Whilst a day by the beach is relaxing enough, a treatment or two at one of Dubai’s spas is sure to bring your heart rate down even further. All the top hotels have their own inhouse spas and treatment rooms, with plenty of traditional style hammams brought to new audiences too.

Making the most of 5 days in Dubai

Few other destinations can offer the range of attractions as 5 days in Dubai. Make your trip with Go City and you can experience many of them whilst making significant savings on advertised admission costs. For the very latest, check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook!

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

abu dhabi day trip
Blog

Dubai Day Trips - Tours From Dubai

Dubai is great - you've decided to vacation there, after all. But there's a whole wide world out there to explore, and it isn't going to explore itself. Instead, grab the travel bull by the travel horns, ignore that terrible turn of phrase, and plan some day trips and tours out of Dubai! Whether you're in the market for some culture, fancy getting your heart pumping, or simply want to ride an exotic animal, there's something for everyone. So, let's talk about the best day trips and tours from Dubai, which you should not miss! Including: Qasr Al Watan Thrill Buggy Rides in Dubai's desert Abu Dhabi's Highlights Day Trip from Dubai 4x4 Quad Bike Ride in Desert (Sahara Adventure) Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi and more! Visit Qasr Al Watan Learning might not be top of your list when it comes to fun. But learning about another culture is one of the coolest things about a vacation. So, why not gain a deeper understanding of Arabic culture and how the area contributed to the arts and science on a day trip to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi? On the outside, you'll be treated to a magnificent white palace housed in the Presidential Palace compound. On the inside, you'll discover buckets of information about Arab heritage and culture that shaped the history of the United Arab Emirates. By studying artifacts from the UAE's history, you'll learn how local traditions have evolved over the centuries. Then, there's the Qasr Al Watan Library, which culture vultures will love to dive into. All in all, Qasr Al Watan makes for one of the most fascinating day trips from Dubai. Enjoy a Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert Switching gears now to something a bit more adrenaline-pumping. If you've never ridden over the dunes outside Dubai in a dune buggy, you've never truly lived. Change all that, and get behind the wheel on this amazing day trip out of Dubai. After you're escorted from your hotel in a 4x4, your journey to the dunes will be full of photo ops. Cameras at the ready, boys and girls. Then, you'll arrive at base camp, board your metal hog, and take the beast for a spin. For 30 glorious minutes, you'll be free to carve some sick sand or something. And your guide will be on hand to make sure you don't hurt yourself, or them, or their buggy. Ever felt 800ccs of pure, unadulterated dune buggy chugging beneath you? Nothing quite compares to it. Dubai Day Trips to Abu Dhabi For those who don't know, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It may not be as well known or as beloved as its younger brother Dubai, but it's still well worth a visit. So, why not visit and experience one of the best day trips out of Dubai? The capital is a mix of culture and modernity, offering a decidedly different atmosphere than its neighbors. Kicking off on the coast, you'll pass by famous spots such as the vast Jebel Ali Port, the National Exhibition Centre, Etihad Towers, the Louvre Museum, and Emirates Palace. All of them are worthy of more than a few pictures, so keep your phones charged and your memory free. The perfect answer to Dubai's extravagance, go see what all the fuss is about. Enjoy a 4x4 Quad Bike Tour in the desert If dune buggies don't quite do it for you, why not try a quad bike instead? These four-wheeled wonders can make quick work of Dubai's dunes, so consider doing some sweet dune jumps on this tour of the desert. After your ride drops you at camp, you'll hop on a freaking camel to tour the surroundings. After you've fulfilled your dream of embodying Indiana Jones, you'll reach a specially designed track nestled deep in the beautiful dunes. And then, well, it's game on. Race to your heart's content. Race like nobody's watching. Race like your life depends on it. And then, when you're done, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel. Nice. Take the Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner If you'd rather do the desert safari sans the thrillseeking, then you're in luck. Thanks to this desert safari and BBQ dinner, you can have your cake and eat it too. Well, not cake, mainly grilled meats and veg, but you see what we're saying. You'll still get your 4x4 tour of the dunes, from hotel to sandy sea. And yes, you'll still have plenty of time to snap pics of the mesmerizing scenery. But when you reach the desert camp, you'll be treated to a traditional BBQ meal and feast on grilled meats and other Arabian specialties. Doesn't that sound just delightful? But wait, there's more! Because on top of the grilled goodness and laid-back vibes, you'll be able to enjoy belly dancing, a traditional Egyptian dance show, some smoky shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and more. But if you just want to lounge the night away, go right ahead. You make the rules. You are the golden god. Enjoy camel trekking in Abu Dhabi And finally, if dune buggies don't cut it, you're not interested in quad bikes, and you prefer living matter to machine, why not trek across the beautiful dunes on camelback? Do your best 'Laurence of Arabia' impression on this fantastic natural tour of the dunes. Like before, you'll be escorted in comfort (and air conditioning) to a camp deep in the dunes. From there, you'll saddle up, and ride these curious creatures for a half-hour track into the distant sands. Then, when you're done, you'll be taken back to camp, where you can refuel, relax, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, dates, and more before heading back to the city. Very nice. And those were our picks for the best day trips and tours out of Dubai! If this has inspired you to make more plans during your vacation, do yourself a favor and check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
Aquaventure Waterpark | Go Dubai Pass
Blog

Best Water Parks in Dubai

Water - the great life-giver. While you're reading this, we'd like to remind you to have a drink of the good stuff. We don't drink enough water, and with temperatures rising across the globe, we need to stay hydrated to stay good. But water isn't just good for us, it can be a lot of fun too. And, with these hot days getting hotter and more frequent, what better way to cool off than at a waterpark? And where better to cool off than in Dubai, a city that lives in a near-perpetual heatwave during the brighter months? Unsurprisingly, Dubai is full of the watery wonders. So, if you want to know which ones to visit, read on and discover the best water parks in Dubai! Including: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Yas Waterworld LEGOLAND® Water Park Wild Wadi Waterpark Laguna Waterpark Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis The Palm Let's kick things off with arguably one of the best water parks in Dubai. Head to the grand Atlantis The Palm, and submerge yourself in pure, unadulterated fun. And water - lots of brilliant, flowing water. Built for kids and bigger kids alike, Aquaventure Water Park mixes it up with plenty of splashtastic fun while also providing plenty of places to relax and enjoy the weather. When you're vacationing in a hot desert oasis like Dubai, you'll need every opportunity to cool down! But what makes Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm one of the best waterparks in Dubai? Let's explore some of its highlights. Leap of Faith Imagine plunging down a nine-story slide through a transparent tube, all while you're surrounded by sharks and rays. That is Leap of Faith, and that's why it's awesome. Aquaconda Given the snake-like nature of this beast, the name does it justice. This windy slide hurls you through the dark before you drop into the world's largest fiberglass tube. Poseidon's Revenge Draw the ire of the great sea god, and feel his wrath as you plummet down at 60mph. Not for the faint of heart, but an adrenaline-fuelled ride for you daring sorts The Rapids Do your best River Wild impression as you hold on for dear life in this white knuckle, near 2-kilometer river ride. Splasher's Children's Play Area This kids-only play area has tons of mini slides, climbing frames, and even tipping buckets, so they won't miss out on all the fun. Aquaventure Beach Yes, this waterpark even has its own freaking beach. The perfect place to relax when you need a break from all the splashing. Yas Waterworld Located on the magical, mystical Yas Island, you'll find another of the best water parks in Dubai! Pretty much anywhere you turn, you'll run into a water park. And, with over 40 amazing rides, Yas Waterworld is well worth a visit. Appealing to all ages, sizes, and bravery levels, it's the perfect summer pitstop for flushed faces. Let's talk about its best bits. Bandit Bomber This brilliant ride is a suspended rollercoaster that darts, dives, and bombs around the park while inundating you with water, lasers, and other sensory delights. Liwa Loop Dubai sure love their plummeting rides! Liwa Loop combines the sheer drop with winding tubes and dumps you out with a splash. This one's for the brave. Sebag Go head-to-head with five other sliders as you race down this six-laner and see if you're aerodynamic enough to clinch first place. Falcons Falaj From a six-laner to a six-seater, this loopy ride will push you and five friends to the limit. Scream if you want, no one will judge you. Al Raha River Take your foot off the gas at this lazy river ride, which calmly carries you along beautiful streams and through dazzling caverns. Cinesplash If your idea of fun is a flooded cinema, you'll love Cinesplash. As the water rises to your knees, enjoy the 5D cinematic experience, which includes waterfalls, moving seats, and water explosions. Unmissable, in our book. LEGOLAND® Water Park While many of the best water parks in Dubai are child-friendly, LEGOLAND® Water Park is the only one that caters to them specifically. But just because it puts kids first doesn't mean older, bigger kids can't get in on the fun. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. And hey, maybe you will too. So let's see what they'll get up to. Build-A-Boat Challenge your kids to a boat-off, and see who can build the most impressive vessel. And let them win, yeah? Unless you're that type of parent. LEGO® Slide Racers Board your mat, and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you. Joker Soaker Face LEGO® Batman's arch nemesis as you splash and crash around his watery playground. Splash Out Another big drop ride, this one's a little more kid-friendly. But don't get it twisted - they still need to be brave to take the plunge! Red Rush Team up with the fam and steer your raft along the curving track. Twin Chasers Compete against one another as you race to the bottom of this twisting, spinning ride. Splash N Swirl Team up or go it alone on this swirling tube ride. DUPLO® toddler play area Perfect for the little little ones, they'll enjoy the slides, animals, water features, and other activities geared towards their wonder-filled minds. Wild Wadi Waterpark At the stunning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, you'll find this must-visit, Arabian-themed water park. Fun for the whole family, it caters to both young and old alike. Highlights include Jumeirah Sceirah, a nearly 400ft long tandem slide, where you and your sliding partner will reach speeds of up to 49mph! Breakers Bay is the biggest wave pool in the United Arab Emirates - do you have the will and determination to survive? Laguna Water Park Featuring four zones of fun, Laguna Water Park has it all. With each one dedicated to splashing, sliding, surfing, and relaxing, no matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find it there. Enjoy a relaxing float down the lazy river, or dare yourself to ride the thrilling slides - it's entirely up to you. Though the park is arguably more about beach vibes than thrill rides, we cannot leave without mentioning the WaveOz 180 Flowrider, the world's first 180-degree surf machine. It has to be seen to believed, and ridden to be respected. And those were our picks for the best water parks in Dubai! Looking for some drier, land-based activities to pair with your watery ones? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
view-dubai-canal-skyline
Blog

Things to Do in City Walk Dubai During Your Vacation

City Walk Dubai is one of the Emirate's newest and most exciting destinations. This city within a city features wide boulevards and scenic sidewalk cafes that would rival the likes of New York or Paris. There is also an enclosed mall with real, living trees and piped-in birdsong. The area is a peaceful oasis within Dubai's modern maze of soaring skyscrapers. The entire family will find a place to enjoy at City Walk Dubai, and it's especially a hotspot for dedicated shoppers. If you’re looking for things to do in City Walk Dubai during your trip, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... The Green Planet Mattel Play! Town Hub Zero 3D Art Luxury Shopping Dining Save on Dubai Creek Area Attraction Admission Admission to a number of these top Dubai attractions and activities are included on the Go Dubai Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Mattel Play! Town The family fun at City Walk Dubai continues at Mattel Play! Town. This action-packed 'edu-play' venue is designed for children from ages two to 10. Guests to Mattel Play! Town will be delighted with entertaining live shows, educational play experiences, and a ton of hands-on activities and crafts that prompt problem-solving skills and teamwork to induce children's creativity and social skills development. Your children's favorite characters will come alive as they meet Bob the Builder and help him in his mission to steady scaffolding and build a city. They will learn about health and safety precautions as they save the day with Fireman Sam. Or they can dress up for a dance performance with Angelina Ballerina at Camembert Academy. They can also delve into the world of Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends as they take part in the 4D experience. Or perhaps it's making crafts with Barney in his colorful create space that will tickle their fancy. No matter what their favorite character or experience is, there is always something to do at Mattel Play! Town. You can use your Go Dubai Card for entrance tickets into the attraction and many others like it all across the city. Getting In: Mattel Play! Town Dubai tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card. Hub Zero For older travelers, Hub Zero, the region's first immersive entertainment hub, will certainly strike their fancy. This is a collision of worlds, where the real meets the virtual to create the ideal gaming experience with a diverse range of games enhanced with crazy dimensions and cutting-edge special effects. Step into the future of gaming and technology at Hub Zero where you can immerse yourself in a number of interactive games, including a multi-level laser tag arena, 3D games and rides, shooting skill matches, climbing walls and even a race track to put your real life skills to the test. Most interestingly, Hub Zero is the only wireless virtual reality experience in the Emirate. For adults aged 13 and over your Go Dubai Card entitles you to unlimited access of the following games at Hub Zero: Gears of War Laser Siege, Hack Attack, Resident Evil Big Terror, Virtual Arena, Battlefield Armoured Assault, Asura’s Wrath, Hyper Drive, Double Agent, Plants vs. Zombies Backyard Brawl, Hero Zone Vertical Adventure, and Sports Academy featuring Pro Evolution Soccer. For children aged three to 12 they will have unlimited admission to the following: Plants vs. Zombies, Tiny Track Racers, and Double Agent. Getting In: Hub Zero Dubai tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card. 3D Art If you're lucky enough to be visiting Dubai during the more temperate winter and spring months you can catch a glimpse of the incredible 3D art produced at venues around the city, including City Walk Dubai. Selected artists from around the world have been picked by the city to showcase their work in the urban living destination of City Walk Dubai, converting the space into an open-air canvas for the Emirate's 3D Art Festival. Many visitors are even able to watch the artists in action as they craft their masterpieces. A few United Arab Emirates-based organizations will also host free workshops and art talks throughout the festival. Getting In: Public entry to this activity is free, and any specific events may be separately ticketed. Remember to Save on City Walk Dubai Attraction Admission There you have it – a few great recommendations for things in the City Walk Dubai area. Many of these fun attraction options and more are included on the Go Dubai Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these great options to your Dubai vacation plans.
Lindsay Eagan

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon