Dubai with an Abu Dhabi day trip · 5 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Dubai

Dubai

• Burj Khalifa At the Top (levels 124/125; 148 optional) · 1.5 h. Sunset slots cost more and sell out — book 1–2 weeks ahead in Nov–Mar. Level 148 (At the Top SKY) is roughly ₹9,000–12,000 with a lounge.
• Dubai Frame · 1.5 h. Go an hour before sunset to see old and new Dubai in daylight and lit up.

Local tip: Sunset slots cost more and sell out — book 1–2 weeks ahead in Nov–Mar. Level 148 (At the Top SKY) is roughly ₹9,000–12,000 with a lounge.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Dubai

Dubai

• Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain show · 3 h. Fountain shows run every 30 min from about 6pm to 11pm; the boardwalk and lake boat ride cost extra.
• Museum of the Future · 2.5 h. Timed tickets sell out on weekends and holidays — book online a week or more ahead.
• Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal, about Nov–Apr) · 2 h. Closed in summer; opening dates move each year (sometimes from late September). Late afternoon is cooler. The Butterfly Garden next door is a separate ticket.

Local tip: Fountain shows run every 30 min from about 6pm to 11pm; the boardwalk and lake boat ride cost extra.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Dubai

Dubai

• Evening desert safari with dune bashing and BBQ dinner · 6 h. Book with hotel pickup (around 3pm). Dune bashing is not advised for infants, pregnant travellers or anyone with back problems; vegetarian dinner is standard on request.
• Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis · 2 h

Local tip: Book with hotel pickup (around 3pm). Dune bashing is not advised for infants, pregnant travellers or anyone with back problems; vegetarian dinner is standard on request.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Dubai

Dubai

• Global Village (seasonal, about Oct–Apr) · 4 h. Usually open mid-October to early May. Weekday entry is cheaper and far less crowded than Fri–Sun; the India pavilion and street-food rows are popular.
• Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, abra ride and Gold & Spice Souks · 3.5 h. The abra across the creek costs about AED 1. Go early morning or after 4pm; bargain in the souks and check gold hallmarks and weight.

Local tip: Usually open mid-October to early May. Weekday entry is cheaper and far less crowded than Fri–Sun; the India pavilion and street-food rows are popular.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Dubai

Dubai

• Dubai Marina walk & The Walk at JBR · 2 h
• Ski Dubai snow park, Mall of the Emirates · 3 h. Passes include jacket, trousers and boots but not gloves — carry or buy a pair. Penguin encounters cost extra.
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo · 2 h. The main tank is visible free from the mall concourse; the ticket adds the tunnel and upstairs zoo.

Local tip: Passes include jacket, trousers and boots but not gloves — carry or buy a pair. Penguin encounters cost extra.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Depart from Dubai

Dubai

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.