3 perfect days in Dubai
Think of Dubai and what probably comes to mind first are superlatives. The biggest this. The tallest that. The deepest, the longest, the largest. The benefit of being a relatively young city means there are tons of opportunities to impress. And Dubai certainly doesn’t hold back.
While this massive roster of sights may result in a pretty hefty itinerary, our three-day guide ensures you’ll get to see all of the big(gest)-hitters without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it’s based on our personal experience and plenty of Tripadvisor reviews thrown in for good measure. The best part? Dubai is constantly beating its own records. Which gives you a solid excuse to book another trip ASAP.
DAY ONE
MORNING: See the city from new heights
Start your time in Dubai by ticking off the stars of the show, beginning with a trip up the tallest building in the world. While the 2,700-foot Burj Khalifa might offer spectacular views during sunset, that’s often its busiest time of day. Visiting early in the morning offers the same impressive panorama with far shorter queues (and better photo ops).
Tip: Skip the line for the elevator and instead book a table for brunch at At.Mosphere, the highest restaurant in the world. Want a more wallet-friendly spot? Wander through Souk Al Bahar for a range of breakfast/brunch spots or walk 15 minutes past the Dubai Opera to BohoX and try the wagyu Benedict or the French toast.
Travelers say: “The whole experience [at Burj Khalifa] was amazing. The elevator ride was unbelievable. It takes just 77 seconds and in that time you see a great display all around the lift walls showing the Burj Khalifa being built. It's a great light show.” —@Emma C
AFTERNOON: Shop until you drop downtown
With a full stomach, it's time to browse the hundreds of stores in the city's largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall. Even if you're not a big shopper, you'll find plenty to admire here. Check out the aquarium, home to 140 species of marine life, including sharks, rays, and crocodiles (and the occasional scuba diver), then get a breath of literal fresh air as you pass by the Olympic-sized ice skating rink. On your way out, watch the fountain show, which happens every 30 minutes throughout the day.
DOWNTOWN DUBAI TOUR OPTIONS
- Dubai’s skyscrapers shine brightly at night, but it can be tricky seeing them on your own. This Dubai by Night Tour takes you through the highlights and ends at the fountain show.
- Visit different restaurants, markets, and street food vendors on this Private Food Tour. Guided by a local, you'll try regional dishes and learn about Dubai’s fascinating culture.
EVENING: Eat your way around the world
Head a half hour south to see a completely different side of Dubai. First, you deserve to relax and unwind at Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest natural flower garden. It’s home to 50 million blooms and 250 million plants with gorgeous displays and the Guinness World Record-breaking Mickey Mouse (yup, made of petals).
When it’s time for dinner, drive 15 minutes up the road to Global Village, an entertainment destination that showcases the traditional food, dance, and handicrafts of 90 different countries. (Hint: Only go on an empty stomach, so you can sample many different cuisines, such as Uzbek dumplings, Italian pasta, and Korean desserts.) You'll find everything from spices and carpets to jewelry and clothes, as well as an amusement area with rides, games, and attractions. There’s also an awe-inspiring fireworks display each night.
Worthy detours along the way
DAY TWO
MORNING: Enjoy breakfast with a view
Take the metro or a taxi to Dubai Marina, where you can stroll along the water and watch the yachts depart. Walk onwards to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai’s version of Miami Beach, with shiny skyscrapers and sunseekers. On the seafront path, you’ll stumble upon a range of breakfast spots to suit all tastes. At Eggspectation, we recommend the southwest sunrise omelet (cheddar, Swiss, and gruyere cheese, sauteed peppers, and avocado). Or for something a little lighter, order coffee and an açai bowl at nearby Common Grounds.
DUBAI MARINA TOUR OPTIONS
- Adventurous travelers can get a bird’s-eye view of Dubai’s skyline during this Parasailing Experience. Soar up to 500 feet above the Arabian Gulf, Palm Island, Dubai Marina, and other incredible sites off the shoreline.
- Feeling a little envious of the yachts on the water? Glide around the Persian Gulf yourself on a Dubai Marina Yacht Tour.
- At the Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis is home to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can scuba dive with reef sharks, rays, and exotic fish.
AFTERNOON: Soak up the sunshine
Don’t confuse JBR with the Jumeirah district, the Jumeirah hotel chain, Jumeirah Beach, or Palm Jumeirah (a cluster of artificial archipelagos built in the shape of a tree). Designate a whole afternoon to the latter, hopping between Aura Skypool, the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, and the more laid-back Riva Beach Club, which has a temperature-controlled pool, cabanas, and sunbeds—all overlooking the Arabian Gulf. (Tip: A day pass costs half the price on weekdays and includes access to the beach, pool, and gym.)
Travelers say: “Palm Jumeirah is known for its glitzy hotels (Atlantis, The Palm, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray), posh apartment towers, and upmarket global restaurants. Food trucks offering snacks like shawarma dot the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, made popular for its views of the Dubai coastline and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel.” —@drjavedrasheed
EVENING: Sip cocktails by the skyline
After dark, get a taste of Dubai’s illustrious nightlife. If you’re staying at the Burj Al Arab hotel, check out Skyview Bar, overlooking the city’s twinkling lights from 650 feet in the air. (You can only enter the Burj if you’re a guest or have a restaurant reservation, so this is a good way to do both.) Right next door is Madinat Jumeirah, a complex designed to look like an old Arabian souk but with modern shops. A network of Venice-like canals connects the four resorts, with gondolas to shuttle visitors around. Hungry? We highly recommend Folly, one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Dubai.
If you’re closer to the Marina/JBR, head to Bla Bla for a cocktail and live music (from 9 p.m., there’s usually an electronic DJ). Or, take a 10-minute taxi to Bluewaters, a floating entertainment district. Plan to arrive around sunset to watch the vibrant colors reflecting off the water. When you’re ready for dinner, grab a table at Sahelnom, a brilliant Syrian restaurant that specializes in grilled meats. Expect a lovely atmosphere and hearty portions perfect for sharing.
DAY THREE
MORNING: Explore the historic center
Old Dubai—which includes the northern neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai—is a stark contrast to the cutting-edge buildings and flashy shopping centers downtown. Jump on the abras or traditional wooden boats that ferry people across the Creek (it only costs one dirham!). Then, lose yourself in the souks of gold, textiles, and fragrances in Deira. On the other side of the canal in the Al Fahidi district (or Al Bastakiya quarter), there are endless galleries and museums. Highlights include: the Dubai Museum (housed within the Al Fahidi Fort), the Cultural Understanding Centre, the Coffee Museum, and the many fantastic mosques where you can learn about Islam. Further down the waterway, there's Jameel Arts Centre, which has impressive contemporary installations.
AFTERNOON + Evening: Swap sea for sand
Save the rest of your day for a trip to Dubai’s infamous desert. Almost all dune tours will pick you up from your hotel by request, and most safaris take you to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Here, you’ll drive you over the dunes in a guided 4x4, sandboard down the steep slopes, and eat dinner under the stars at a Bedouin-style camp. There are plenty of performances, too, including a falcon show, belly dancing, and tanoura folk dancing. If you prefer to stay the night, splurge on the magical Al Maha tented camp or the glamorous Bab Al Shams resort. (Tip: Pack plenty of sunscreen and a long-sleeve shirt with UV-protection, especially on sweltering days.)
Travelers say: “Dune bashing is fun but bring bags if you get car sick. If you have a private car, the driver can more easily adapt to your requirements. When you share with others, be prepared to also adapt to other people's wishes. We forgot to bring sweaters but they got us sleeping bags for the cold.” —@Johan L
DUBAI DAY TOUR OPTIONS
- The Dubai Aladdin Tour guides you through the Al Fahidi quarter, where you can enjoy street food, Arabic coffee, and other tastings.
- For an all-in-one desert tour, check out this bestseller, where you’ll go dune bashing, ride camels, drive ATVs, and eat dinner at a Bedouin-style camp.
- Although this full-day tour goes outside Dubai, it’s definitely worth the trip. You’ll explore neighboring Abu Dhabi, with its incredible Grand Mosque and jaw-dropping Louvre, all with a knowledgeable guide right by your side.
Know Before You Go
The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant. If you want to avoid the rush, you can opt for the shoulder months of April and May as well as September and October, when the temperatures are still bearable and the sea is warm. This shoulder season is also when rates tend to be a little lower. Coming in June, July, and August pretty much ensures you spend your time running from one air conditioned building to the next.
To get the sights to yourself, visit on Monday through Wednesday. Fridays and Saturdays are weekend days in Dubai although, recently, more companies are switching to Saturday and Sunday. This means Thursday nights are often treated like Fridays, with higher numbers of people in the malls, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Most coffee shops open early in the morning, around 7-8 a.m., and close late at night, around 10-11 p.m. Dubai has a great café culture (as the majority here do not drink alcohol), so some also offer 24-hour service or delivery. Restaurants tend to start serving dinner around 6 p.m. and close up around midnight or later. During Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, most restaurants are closed during the day and open after sunset, around 7-8 p.m. Stores typically open around 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. or later.
Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina: These popular areas are well-connected and close to the main tourist attractions. Hotels here tend to be pretty pricey, but you'll find plenty of reasonable Airbnbs/vacation rentals if you're not prepared to splash out. Some of the best hotels include the Address Dubai Marina and the Armani Hotel.
Jumeirah Beach and The Palm: Beach lovers and luxury seekers will love these two districts due to their stunning resorts and exclusive experiences. You've probably seen pictures of the famous Atlantis The Palm, but we personally adore the One&Only The Palm boutique hotel.
The Creek and Deira: History buffs and bargain hunters prefer these neighborhoods because of their authentic atmospheres. Radisson Blu Deira Creek and Sheraton Dubai Creek are two budget-friendly hotels in The Creek. Deira is also conveniently close to the airport, so you may want to check in the night before your departure.
It's easy and relatively cheap to get around Dubai. The metro and taxis are the most common modes of transport. The metro has two lines: the Red Line and the Green Line. It operates from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekends. You'll find women-only carriages on every train.
However, some areas aren't well connected, requiring a fair bit of walking between stations to reach your destination, which isn’t ideal when the weather's heating up. Taxis are everywhere in Dubai, with Uber and Careem being the most popular (and trustworthy) providers. Just keep in mind that traffic can be pretty intense, so always leave more time than you need.