The big question. How to spend 3 days in Dubai and see everything!
Despite being a small emirate, Dubai is gigantic and things tend to be a little further than expected. Follow this itinerary to clump together the must-see destinations by location.
No itinerary is going to do Dubai justice, but with a thorough plan ahead you can certainly cross off the top attractions. Planning to see things that are close to each other is key; follow this itinerary to get the most out of your stay! Here’s our best shot at a detailed travel itinerary to visiting Dubai.
Tips on where to stay in Dubai
I like staying in the Marina area because it’s a bit more central. Here are my favorite (budget friendly) places to stay while visiting Dubai. City Premiere Hotels, Marina Byblos Hotel, Millennium Place Hotel and Espace Holiday Homes.
DAY 1
Arabian Tea House – Start the day at this hidden gem. Make sure to go to the Bastakiya Branch located on the edge of the Fahidi Neighborhood. What’s Fahidi? Keep reading.
Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Bastakiya Quarters)
Overshadowed by the city’s modern skyscrapers, is this peaceful slice of Dubai. A true reflection of the history of the emirate and a glance at how the city looked back in the day. This heritage site remains one of my favorite stops in Dubai for its authenticity and for being the photography haven that it is.
From there, walk through a pedestrian path to reach the abra (boat) station.
Dubai Creek & the Historical Souqs
Head to the Dubai Creek and take a abra across the water to reach the historical souqs. In mid day this area can get really crowded and traffic coming in is a hassle. This is why it’s important to head to the souq in the morning.
The souqs are filled with opportune shops for souvenirs, gold, spices, unique clothing pieces and beautiful architecture.
The Frame
Visit the architectural landmark in Zabeel Park offering a unique vantage point of Dubai through its gold plated observation tower.
La Mer Beach
A blissful venture at Dubai’s eclectic beachfront. The art is endless. The view is breathtaking, and you’re by the beach!
Lunch Break
Either have lunch at La Mer at one of its many top-quality restaurants on the beach like The Duchess, or head to Farzi Café at City Walk and get closer to your next stop.
The Duchess at La Mer – I read online that this is the online version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and quite frankly – it is.
Farzi Café at City Walk – Enjoy decadent Indian dishes with a contemporary twist and magnificent presentation.
Green Planet
Need a friendly eco-space to enjoy nature? Green Planet recreates a world of a tropical forest stemming around a central manmade tree. Interact with a plethora of species from bats, to sloths to toucans and turtles.
Burj Khalifa
An hour or two before the sunset get to Burj Khalifa. Enjoy the stunning views from up top and make your way down at sunset. The dancing fountain starts around 6 p.m. This is the perfect time to witness the magic of the fountains and get a glimpse of the lit towers at night.
Call it a night or head to VIDA Pool Lounge to enjoy a relaxing break by the pool.
DAY 2
The Miracle Gardens
Beat the lines to this massive flower garden in Duabiland. Home to more than 50 million blooming flowers dispersed around the garden and showcased in impressive life-sized sculptures & designs.
Nadi Al Quoz – Alserkal Avenue
Within minutes, this off the beaten path destination became my favorite pit stop of all time. Don’t expect anything more than pure relaxation. Its surreal atmosphere invites those looking for a break from the busy city. (we hear that Nadi Al Quoz has since closed, but we’ll double check and get back to you).
Grab a bite at Wild & the Moon. Just a few steps away is this all vegetarian/vegan hole in the wall that offers everything from snacks, decadent salads and sesame ice cream. They follow the simple belief that food should be good for you, good for the planet and above all delicious. And they certainly deliver.
Madinat Jumeireh
This luxury resort is a tourist must. Walk through the labyrinths of the indoor souq and purchase a ticket to take a abra ride or small boat through the narrow rivers of the resort and peek a gorgeous view of Burj Al Arab.
Jumeireh Al Qasr Hotel
Designed in the style of a Sheikh’s residence is an impressive stop. Be greeted by gold horse statues, beautiful views of Madinat Jumeireh from afar and luxurious décor.
Jumeireh Beach Residence
Take a stroll to JBR located in the heart of the Dubai Marina. Think of this as walking down a boardwalk, with the beach to the side and hundreds of shops and restaurants along the coast. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a 20-minute flight up the flying cup! Most importantly, capture the street art along the strip.
Marina Walk
If you’re looking for a really cool photo of the sky rises, the Marina walk will deliver. Take a promenade and wander the Marina Yacht Club surrounded by cafes and shops.
Rooftop Pool Experience
Wrap up day two and enjoy a relaxing day at one of Dubai’s many infinity pools. Check out the Sofitel Downtown, or for a more budget friendly option go to Gevora Hotel.
DAY 3
We’ve jam packed everything to do in the city of Dubai in two notorious sightseeing days. Now, on day three venture out into the depths of the sahara and plan a tour of Dubai’s most iconic activity.
There are hundreds of these tours available, so I’m going to tell you what to expect! This is my favorite tour that you can book for yourself.
You’re going to flying over dunes in 4X4s for a solid hour at least, and then you’ll reach your campsite where the true desert experience begins. The slopes are harsh, so be ready for a bumpy ride and dress comfortably.
Greeted by wonderful local Bedouins, you’ll begin your adventure with a bit of assimilating to the environment; it’s inhabitants and their movements.
Somewhere along the tour, you’ll get a chance to ride camels, enjoy some Emirati tea, belly dancing and an enormous feast at Al Khayma Camp!
Of course, the photo-ops are endless. Gaze at the sun as it sets behind the hills of soft sand.
Additional time? Extra days?
Take a day trip to the impeccable Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. You can rent a car and drive over yourself, or opt for a full day tour here!
Eric Gamble
Wow, does the sun ever set in Dubai? I ask because your 3 day itinerary in Dubai sounds amazing but 100% packed. By the time I got down to the end of day 1 I was like, “holy moly” there is still more!” That is great. I have been a bit leery about Dubai because it sort of reminds me of Las Vegas. But I had no idea that there is still a preserved history in the Fahidi Neighborhood. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of the famous modern structures like the Frame and such. But I could probably spend 1 day alone strolling around the Fahidi and checking out the Souks.
Love that you were able to hit up the beach and then the desert too. Sounds Dubai has something for anyone!
Michael Hodgson
Will one day have to visit Dubai, but color me a bit jaded … having now spent time in Doha (Qatar) for the second time in the last decade, and having friends who live in Doha and Dubai, watching the growth of both is like watching an arms race between two countries who have so much money they simply want to recreate scenes from the best of the world no matter the cost. It is spectacular, to be sure, but often seems a bit contrived. Then again, what the heck … they have the money, they should be able to create whatever attractions they want, and if they build it, the tourists will come, for sure. And there is no doubt … it IS stunning to see.
trimmtravels
Wow, you really knocked a lot out in 3 days. Dubai has long been on my destination bucket list and recently it has crept up there. I’m glad to know that it can be done in three days. Burj Khalifa is like my target point. I’m zeroed in on it. I love heights and city lights at night and just can’t wait. But I must say that my love of color now also has me focused on the Miracle Gardens. Holy cow they are beautiful!!
nitnatshredder
Thank you for making an itinerary where places to visit are grouped by location. The tea houses and souqs sound very interesting to me. The Sahara experience speaks to me loud and clear! Flying along in a 4X4 is my kind of trip! Your pictures are fabulous and make Dubai inch its way a little further up the list of places to see!
Yukti
Wow, you have the most wonderful things to do in Dubai. La Mer Beach and JBR Beach is my favorite spots in Dubai. Al fahidi historic area is also very interesting and especially the Arabian Tea house. Thanks for sharing all the places.
Erica
Wow, I´ve never been particularly interested in visiting Dubai, but this may have changed my mind! I´ve always thought of it as just being glitz, glamour and gold, but I´d love to visit Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and the Arabian Tea House. The Jumeireh Beach Residence looks like a blast and I´d love to take a boat to a souk. Great post!
sunsetsandrollercoasters
I would have never thought you could see so much in Dubai in three days. I’d love to visit the souks and the miracle gardens!
Wherever I May Roam (@melodytravels)
Green Planet and Miracle Gardens would be the top picks on my trip to Dubai. Thanks for sharing. This will be a very helpful guide to those traveling there. 😉
Lara Dunning
Dubai hasn’t had much allure for me but many of your suggestions are things I would enjoy doing. I would most certainly start my day off with tea in the Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and wander around. 🙂
Love Your Travels (@loveyourtravels)
What an awesome post! Dubai is on my bucket list, it looks amazing to visit!!! I would love to go in a 4×4 over the dunes! That would be fun! Looks like you had a wicked time and jam packed so much in!! Happy Travels 🙂
La Rose Sylvie Nsumba
Thank you for this, it sounds great, I have been looking for a starting point and now i have it.So with this parked 3 days, where does one sleep?? AM looking at around 99 AED per night, and am toking about 2 of us.thank u,