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Right here’s what to do in Dubai for 3 days – an action-packed Dubai itinerary
Dubai is an intriguing and eclectic coastal metropolis within the Center East; it’s undoubtedly one of many world’s most fascinating and unbelievable fashionable cities, dominated by towering skyscrapers with a backdrop of rolling desert dunes.
Identified for its year-round sunshine and huge vacationer providing, what can guests hope to expertise with only a brief 3-day stopover in Dubai?
It could be inconceivable to see every thing the most important metropolis within the United Arab Emirates has to supply in simply three days, however we’ve put collectively a packed schedule so that you can see the highlights of Dubai. If any of the times or itinerary gadgets don’t suit your style, now we have an in depth listing of add-on concepts on the finish you’ll be able to combine and match to make this itinerary your personal!
It is a tremendous detailed information, so do bookmark this web page for later in your browser or reserve it to Pinterest
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Issues to know earlier than visiting Dubai
Earlier than diving into the juicy particulars of WHAT TO DO, make sure you’ve checked out our important planning info, too. We cowl in a lot larger element:
- Dubai eating guides – all our favorite locations to eat, eating specialities, bars and particular events.
- Greatest instances to go to Dubai – don’t be caught out by the climate or non secular occasions; listed below are the perfect instances to go to Dubai.
- Take out journey insurance coverage! We’re in an ever-changing world at current, while Dubai stays open for enterprise, don’t get caught brief; make sure that your journey is comprehensively insured.
Transport in Dubai for 3 days
Utilizing our 3-day itinerary, you will want to take a mix of taxis, the Metro, and personal excursions.
We’ve given fundamental instructions on easy methods to get to every place by public transport if doable, or the place you might want a taxi to simply get door-to-door. You’ll find our full information to Dubai Transport choices right here.
Metro Price: If you happen to keep in Dubai for less than 3 days, it is suggested that you simply get a Crimson Nol and high it up solely as you want it (the cardboard prices simply 2AED + add your fare). We clarify all of the fares and several types of Nol in additional element right here.
A notice on taxis/Careem/Uber: Within the hottest a part of the yr (i.e. about Might to October!), be cautious of how far you’ll be able to stroll through the day. Locations might look comparatively shut and inside strolling distance on a map, however beneath the solar’s warmth, a brief taxi or Uber could also be price it (noting a minimal fare applies of 12 AED for public taxis).
Hiring a automobile: Throughout a brief keep in Dubai, it’s best to depend on taxis and excursions until you’re a super-confident driver or plan on taking a number of journeys out of the town.
What can I match into 3 days in Dubai?
With solely 3 days in Dubai, there are undoubtedly some highlights you’ll have to miss out on. We’ve got set out a blended itinerary right here that can enchantment to a broad viewers; these with youngsters to contemplate might wish to prioritise the theme parks extra, or culturally curious might want to add on some further day journeys and skip the seashore and fashionable elements of Dubai.
Relying on the time of yr you might be visiting, we suggest that when you’ve determined in your itinerary, you e-book upfront the sights and excursions you wish to assure your spot, as numbers could be restricted. (Utilizing a reserving app equivalent to Get Your Information, you get a money-back assure in case your journey must be cancelled.)
When planning out your days, notice that Dubai’s weekend is now Friday afternoon to Sunday. As of late are MUCH busier with residents additionally out and about.
Day 1: Outdated Meets New
Journey from Dubai’s bustling buying and selling port previous to the futuristic fashionable metropolis
In your first day of sightseeing in Dubai, it actually helps to return to the roots of what the town is about—a busy buying and selling port metropolis primarily based round Dubai Creek. Later, you’ll be able to resolve whether or not to spend a full day in “Outdated Dubai” or soak up a number of the fashionable features of the town in your night.
Get your bearings at Dubai Body
Let’s begin your exploration of Dubai, taking within the views from the Dubai Body. Just about what it says – it’s an enormous image body! One of many first vacationer highlights you’ll seize coming from the airport into the town.
You ascend one facet of the 150m excessive body (48 flooring) after which stroll throughout the highest. The see-through floored sky deck offers you fabulous views of Outdated Dubai, Dubai Creek to Sharjah and past in a single route, and the fashionable skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the opposite.
Study extra about visiting the Dubai Body right here
Getting there: Nearest Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park, but it surely’s a good stroll; you might desire a taxi/Uber drop-off
Wander Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood
That is the oldest a part of Dubai metropolis, a labyrinth of slender laneways relationship again to the nineteenth century. The historic al-Fahidi space is protected in order that the town’s heritage doesn’t grow to be misplaced endlessly beneath the sprawling skyscrapers. A lot of the conventional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings are actually galleries, museums, and small cafes.
NB the Dubai Museum is usually touted as a high attraction on this a part of the town, but it surely has been closed for renovations since 2021. You’ll find a number of different small museums amongst the laneways to go to, or spend a while within the Al Shindagha Historic District as an alternative if you happen to actually wish to be taught extra in regards to the metropolis’s previous.
The Heritage Specific is one other newer addition to this a part of city. Reserving one in every of these trolley bus excursions from Al Faihdi will take you to a number of of the town’s most essential historic websites on a four-hour guided journey.
Getting there: Al Fahidi Bus Station or Al Fahidi Metro station
Lunch at Al Seef Waterfront
By now, you’ve most actually labored up an urge for food, so if you happen to’ve not stopped for lunch in XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea Home inside Al Faihidi Historic Neighbourhood, now can be time to move to one in every of many eating places on this waterfront growth. Seamlessly mixing outdated with new, it’s immediately throughout the road, subsequent to the Al Faihidi Marine Transport Station.
Al Seef is about up like a standard souk, so that you’ll have the ability to do your buying right here too. Children might take pleasure in popping into Museum of Illusions or have some enjoyable with images within the instagrammable laneways.
Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra
An absolute should for an genuine outdated Dubai expertise! While there are way more fashionable strategies nowadays of crossing Dubai Creek, a standard abra at 1 AED per particular person continues to be a steal!
Discover the Conventional Deira Souks
Relying on the warmth, you could possibly spend a number of hours misplaced within the laneways of Deira, the preferred stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. It’s all open-air, so it may be heavy going and a little bit of strolling mid-afternoon within the hotter months.
On a brief Dubai itinerary with simply 3 days, we propose you resolve whether or not to spend your night in Outdated Dubai or skip to fashionable Dubai to complete your day 1 – within the hotter summer time months, we propose the latter.
Night in Outdated Dubai
Prolong your journey to the Dubai Souks by becoming a member of in with a night meals tour. Being the multicultural metropolis that Dubai is, you could be positive many dishes are vying for consideration as “native” delicacies, along with conventional Emirati or Bedouin-style dishes.
One of the crucial extremely really useful meals excursions in Dubai is Frying Pan Adventures, who supply numerous choices for small teams to have genuine experiences in Dubai’s streets. Most group excursions begin and finish in Deira.
Alternatively, hop on one of many dinner cruises that function alongside Dubai Creek to style Outdated Dubai from the water.
A night in fashionable Dubai
Now, once we say fashionable Dubai, we might be speaking about a number of the town! On this itinerary, we’re referring particularly to exploring Dubai Mall and the Downtown space of Dubai, house to lots of the metropolis’s fashionable skyscrapers, together with Burj Khalifa.
If buying’s not your factor, don’t worry; Dubai Mall is solely a stopping level for exploring downtown. There are many enjoyable household sights, sports activities and adrenaline actions to take pleasure in throughout the Mall, or step out and discover round Burj Lake, even soak up a present at Dubai Opera.
Souk Al Bahar
Simply throughout a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, you’ll discover Souk Al Bahar. This contemporary market is made within the design of a standard souk providing handicrafts by to high quality eating and spectacular views over Burj Lake. Don’t count on to pay the identical costs as on the outdated souks, however nonetheless, a enjoyable Dubai expertise on the coronary heart of the motion.
You’ll find a wide selection of locations to seize a drink and chew round downtown Dubai right here.
Dubai Fountains
This brings us properly to one in every of Dubai’s hottest free issues to do at evening! Beginning at 6:00 PM nightly, each half hour, watch the fabulously choreographed mild and sound present on Burj Lake, sitting on the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later within the night, the Burj Khalifa lights up for half-hourly reveals.
For a close-up view of the fountain present, you’ll be able to take an abra experience on the lake. Alternatively, our favorite is to pick one of many eating places with uninterrupted views in both Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine while attending to see the present a couple of instances over with out the crowds.
Burj Khalifa
End your first day by scaling the heights of Burj Khalifa, the World’s tallest tower. There’s an commentary deck on the 124th and a hundred and twenty fifth flooring (further packages even take you to the 148th flooring!) and even dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Stage 122.
If there’s one a part of your Dubai itinerary you merely should e-book upfront, it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets on the door are extortionately costlier and may promote out. Do permit a great 2 hours for queuing and having a great go searching. Notice sundown and dawn slots (solely weekends) value extra and e-book up sooner.
On a tight itinerary for time or cash, you might wish to skip going up Burj Khalifa. Notably if you happen to already went up the Dubai Body within the morning, you do get views approach additional into the space however the ticket worth and queuing time can eat into your finances and time.
Getting there: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station on the Crimson Line Metro then there’s an airconditioned travellator connecting you to all the surrounding space of Downtown
Alternate: New then Outdated Dubai
After all, you’ll be able to plan Day 1 in reverse. You may like to start out your day at Dubai Mall and go to the Burj Khalifa early on with out lengthy queues, get your bearings over the town, and catch lunch round Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar earlier than spending the afternoon and night in Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood and crossing Dubai Creek within the night to spend time within the markets or catch a dinner cruise.
Day 2: Hit the sand! Desert & Seashore
A day put aside for sand and surf – dune browsing that’s!
You’ll be able to deal with this present day in two methods—hitting the desert first or last item within the day—however simply keep away from being out within the desert center of the day irrespective of which approach round you intend it, particularly as you hit the summer time months.
Dubai Desert Safari
Neglect the concrete; it’s time to go and expertise the true Dubai out within the desert! Tour operators will choose you up out of your metropolis lodging in 4×4 and drive into the dunes on the town outskirts, or a restricted variety of operators can work within the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for your morning desert safari.
There are broadly two several types of desert safari: these targeted on the desert habitat itself and people targeted on dune bashing and sand sports activities for a better adrenaline thrill. The night camps are likely to focus extra on the latter, ending in a BBQ dinner and shisha in camp. Each morning and night desert excursions are more likely to embody a camel experience of their itinerary.
Our favorite supplier is Platinum Heritage. It’s a little bit extra expensive than some, but it surely provides smaller teams and a extra real desert expertise, whether or not you select an early morning, night, and even in a single day safari.
Getting there: No want to fret about your 4×4 abilities; tour operators will choose you up out of your lodge or a handy metropolis location and drop you again
Seashores in Dubai
It’s time to discover one in every of Dubai’s thrilling fashionable beachfront districts and get out on the water. A visit to Dubai isn’t full with out no less than touching the nice and cozy waters of the Persian Gulf (or Arabian Gulf, relying on who you ask!).
JBR, Bluewaters & Dubai Marina
Many first-timers to Dubai discover the realm of JBR and Dubai Marina an incredible place to start out. Familiarise your self with The Stroll & The Seashore precincts, then if you happen to’d wish to stretch your legs additional, take a stroll over to the ultra-modern Bluewaters Island to dine and marvel on the Dubai skyline alongside Jumeirah Seashore.
Probably the most distinguished landmark right here is the large Ain Dubai—the world’s largest commentary wheel. Or, as it’s presently changing into recognized, the world’s largest statue. It solely opened for a few yr in 2021 and has been closed ever since for ‘refurbishment works’.
You’ll be able to simply spend a complete afternoon and night within the JBR space between actions alongside the seashore—assume inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high eating, and plentiful eating choices. Learn extra on what to do round JBR right here!
If time permits, you might also wish to head out into the beautiful Gulf waters with a cruise. Plentiful operators could be present in Dubai Marina, from pace boat excursions round Palm Jumeirah to jet ski adventures, or for a extra sedate expertise at a fraction of the price, attempt the RTA Ferry!
Getting there: JBR/Dubai Marina is the excellent place to remain for 3 days in Dubai because of the excessive variety of spacious lodge flats and resorts with direct beachfront entry. If coming by Metro from Outdated Dubai or Downtown, you wish to alight at DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Stations.
J1 Seashore
One other ultra-modern beachfront space of the town to discover is J1 Seashore (the positioning was beforehand often known as La Mer). Sadly, the colorful and eclectic La Mer and Laguna Waterpark had been bulldozed a few years in the past. This new ultra-chic vacation spot guarantees seashore golf equipment and luxurious waterfront eating, so watch this area because it opens in autumn 2024.
Cultural sights close to the seashore
If you happen to don’t wish to spend the entire afternoon on the seashore—or it’s just too sizzling to be out lengthy—J1 Seashore is near each the Jumeirah Mosque—the most important mosque in Dubai open to the general public for every day excursions—and the Etihad Museum, which tells the story of the nation’s unification in 1971.
Getting there: No direct Metro cease (nearest is Monetary Centre then a ten minute taxi), or take bus 8, 9 or 88 alongside Jumeirah Seashore Street
Different Seashore Experiences in Dubai
Dubai additionally has loads of public seashores, some are utterly free and others have a small Dubai municipality cost however nice services. Native favourites embody Al Mamzar Park and Kite Seashore has barely greater waves than others, or head to Sundown Seashore for iconic views of the Burj Al Arab – naturally round sundown for the very best views!
Alternatively, even if you happen to’re not staying at one in every of Dubai’s fancy beachfront resorts, it’s straightforward to choose up a day move to one of many unbelievable seashore golf equipment to spoil your self for a day and revel in sundowners on the seashore.
In case you are visiting within the peak of summer time, you’d probably want to change or scratch this largely outside day of play and substitute it with some additional actions from our indoor information to Dubai
Day 3: Theme Parks, Buying & One thing Particular OR a Day Journey
Thrill-seekers, shopaholics and adrenaline junkies won’t ever be left upset in Dubai.
Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker or have little ones in tow, you’re sure to wish to slot in a theme park day whilst you’re in Dubai, providing a number of the greatest on the planet!
(If this isn’t your factor, skip beneath to a different buying & sightseeing expertise + solely in Dubai particular treats!)
Dubai Theme Parks
Dubai has an excellent number of world-class theme parks to select from in Dubai. If you happen to’re visiting within the stunning shoulder seasons (roughly March to Might and October to November), our high choose can be one of many mega water parks – select from Aquaventur World at Atlantis or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah.
(NB if you happen to keep at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah lodges, your water park entry might be included!)
Over the best a part of the yr (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our best choice. Right here, you’ll be able to select between 4 linked theme parks (ideally, you’ll be able to slot in two of those in a day – three at a squeeze):
- Legoland Dubai
- Legoland Dubai Water Park
- Motiongate
- Actual Madrid World
And if it’s the height of summer time, the highest choose goes to IMG Worlds of Journey—assume Marvel characters to Cartoon Community-themed rides and actions. IMG is completely indoors to beat the warmth.
Getting there: The Theme Parks in Dubai are all fairly unfold out and actually do take the very best a part of a day: Atlantis Aquaventure is on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah, and Wild Wadi is near Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Parks & Resorts is in Jebel Ali, past the Metro and IMG Worlds of Journey sits south of the town.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
The right place for a little bit retail remedy to complete up your journey to Dubai is Souk Madinat Jumeirah. A contemporary souk (market) inbuilt conventional model, with indoor and outside (seasonal) stalls and outlets providing vacationer tat to real souvenirs and an excellent vary of eateries to select from.
You will get some good Burj Al Arab views right here and even take an abra out on the waterways across the extravagant Jumeirah lodges (a bit extra expensive than the 1 AED on Dubai Creek, however what a tremendous backdrop!). Plentiful bars and eating places cater to all tastes.
Getting there: Souk Madinat Jumeirah isn’t on the Metro however you will get to Mall of the Emirates and a brief taxi from there, or cease at Web Metropolis then hop on Bus 88.
Solely in Dubai experiences
If you happen to’ve determined to skip the theme parks and buying, then there’s nonetheless loads of exhilarating experiences to attempt of their place, together with these sensational “solely in Dubai” experiences:
Day Journeys From Dubai
A 3-day itinerary leaves you very tight for time if you happen to’re contemplating a day journey, however it might probably nonetheless be achieved! Listed below are a few of our urged favourites to attempt if excessive actions and theme parks aren’t your factor:
- Take a coach tour to the UAE capital metropolis Abu Dhabi to see the unbelievable Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre and the Presidential Palace
- Head over the mountains to the east coast and spend a while in Fujairah, together with snorkelling and scuba diving alternatives.
- Scale to the UAE’s tallest peak in Ras Al Khaimah, zipline by the Hajar Mountains and expertise a contemporary pearl diving farm
- Cross the border into the distant Omani enclave of Musandam for a day of crusing, dolphin recognizing and snorkelling
- Take a look at the superb outside adventures, hikes and water sports activities on supply at Wadi Hub, Hatta
Lastly, if you happen to’ve not had the chance but, discover one in every of Dubai’s dramatic rooftop bars (seasonal) to complete off your unbelievable three days in Dubai with dramatic views over the town skyline or the Arabian Gulf.
Different Actions for Your Dubai Itinerary
There was solely a lot we might slot in an preliminary 3-day itinerary! We’ve included some ideas beneath, notably if you happen to’re not a theme park fan, and you might wish to attempt one in every of these as an alternative.
Further cultural actions in Dubai
Further journey actions in Dubai
Steadily requested questions on Dubai itineraries.
It actually relies upon if you happen to’re coming to get a taster for future journeys, a stopover on a protracted journey, or just to calm down within the solar. If you wish to “see all of it” and discover extra of the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula, no, it’s not sufficient. We’d suggest two weeks to cowl the United Arab Emirates completely and no less than one week to cowl Dubai’s highlights.
In 3 days, you’d nonetheless have many experiences to come back again and revel in on a subsequent journey, however actually don’t count on to ‘do all of it’ or get an entire image of what the UAE is about in such a short while.
Sure, in concept, you could possibly squeeze in an thrilling and action-packed journey to each cities in 3 days, however you can be exhausted and solely scratch the floor. You’ll be able to slot in simply the Grand Mosque for half a day or a few of the highest Abu Dhabi sights on a full-day journey, however there might be issues you should miss in each cities to squeeze this in.
Ideally, if you happen to’d wish to get a great overview of each cities, we’d counsel spending 2 to three days in Abu Dhabi and seven or 8 days in Dubai—14 days if you happen to actually wish to see the entire of the United Arab Emirates with a couple of break days built-in.
It will depend on what kind of finances you might be working on. We discuss extra about cash issues and budgeting your journey to Dubai right here.
If you happen to think about a cheapish lodge room for 2, near the Metro could be obtained for round AED 200, a day move on the Metro AED 20, meals, if you happen to go low cost and cheerful, might boil all the way down to 50-100AED a day.
So earlier than your airfares and any fancy extras like waterpark days or desert excursions, let’s say AED 300 per day or round AED 900 AED for 3 days in Dubai ($245USD). It’s not the most affordable metropolis however there are methods it can save you cash and sights you’ll be able to take pleasure in free of charge as we focus on in our finances information to Dubai.
Earlier than you go… Extra essential issues it’s best to know when planning a visit to Dubai
Take me again to the Dubai Journey Weblog
Please notice we aren’t a journey company. This web site is a journey weblog to assist newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their journey, we can not e-book your flights, lodges, visas or connections for you. We might make a small fee if you happen to click on on any of our advice hyperlinks.
Dubai Journey Planner
