Anda
If you have 3 days in Dubai, there are pretty much all sorts of activities to add to your itinerary that will give you the feel of the city in your time frame. With a futuristic vision, glitzy neighborhoods, sky-piercing skyscrapers, manicured gardens, pristine beaches, gigantic aquariums, desert safari, and also man-made islands, it is easy to be mesmerized by the spellbinding beauty of Dubai. It is a petite, compact city with a wealth of things to do.
Guest post by Neha Singh
To help you explore the city for the first time, here is a roundup of a perfect Dubai itinerary that will deal with all your interests.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
You must make a trip to Dubai when the climate is right. Between November to April, the climate and the city are at their best. Then, the place buzzes with the excitement of millions of people. The weather is pleasant for outdoor ventures and activities. Vibrant festivities are going around, shopping discounts are breaking records, and gardens are blooming.
The perfect 3 days in Dubai itinerary
This itinerary is thought out to give you a complete Dubai experience in only 3 days. Visit the most famous buildings and man-made islands, but also dive into the traditional souks or have an authentic Arabian evening in the desert.
A. First Day in Dubai
Spend your morning in Palm Jumeirah
Built on land recovered from the sea, the Palm Jumeirah is one of the daring developments in the world. It is an artificial archipelago and the poshest location in Dubai. Kick start your morning by taking a stroll in this enticing neighborhood, dotted with luxurious homes, swanky malls, five-star hotels, and beachside villas. Before plunging into a beehive of activity, grab a bite at one of the fancy restaurants and cafes nearby.
The best way to explore this area is to take a speedboat tour. Also, adventure enthusiasts can go skydiving and fall from thousands of feet high. It is a sight to behold as the islands are branching out of the sea.
Make a splash at Aquaventure Waterpark
Stay on the adventurous spree as you head towards the Middle East’s No. 1 Waterpark. Aquaventure is located inside the upscale resort, Atlantis The Palm. Your senses will be exhilarated by the spotless, opulent ambiance of this five-star destination. Cool down in this award-winning water park that features over 30 rides and slides, 90-foot slides, a custom-built kids area, a shark-filled lagoon, lazy riverboat rides, and up-close interaction with marine animals. Thereafter, relax by the 500 m private beach or take a break at several dining options.
Cruise down the Marina
Dubai Marina is perched on a two-mile stretch of immaculate sand, facing the Arabian Gulf. When you are not luxuriating in one of its spacious suites, observe the sunset on a gleaming yacht. Sailing in the Dubai Marina will show you some of the most luxurious residential areas, shimmering skyscrapers, city-sized malls, opulent hotels, and sandy stretches. It is your choice to hop on one of these contemporary yachts or choose the historic dhow cruise. Drink and dance the night away as the cruise glides along the smartly-lit skyscrapers reflecting on the gentle waves. You will be swept off your feet as you turn your neck towards the tallest block of skyscrapers in the world.
Second Day of your 3 Days Dubai Itinerary
Take a metro for Old Dubai
You will understand more about the local culture and history of Dubai while you meander through the winding alleyways of Bastakiya Quarter. This is the oldest residential neighborhood that is still preserved and remains a must-place to add to your Dubai itinerary. Take a walk around its brown homes with wind towers and explore mosques, galleries, cultural spaces, and heritage buildings. Go museum hopping before finishing up at the nearby Dubai Museum and sipping a cup of Arabic tea at the cafe. Find a rare chance to meet with locals and have breakfast at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
Reach on the other side of the Creek and browse the Souks
Then, catch an abra to cross the legendary Creek and find yourself in the bustling Deira souqs (or souks). It is time you show off your bargaining skills at this Arabian marketplace. Come across the dazzling jewelry in the Gold souq which has the best quality and cheap prices. Also, visit the other souks, where you can shop the aromatic spices, sniff the traditional perfumes, and buy souvenirs.
Another option is to take a guided tour of the Old Town and souks.
Keep your evening reserved for the desert
Offering an intriguing contrast to Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle, it’s time to survey the desert’s calm and serenity. Pre-book the Dubai desert safari experience and whiz through the towering skyline towards an endless stretch of golden sand. The desert safari offers an escape from the world of chaos and monotony. Surf the sand, bash the dunes and ride the quad bike. It is here that you will hop on the camels and explore the desert in the nomadic style. To taste the Bedouin culture, stay in the camp, dine the Arabic buffet, get your hands painted, wear the traditional dress and admire the Tanoura dance.
The third day in Dubai
Bask in the sun and play at Kite Beach
Leave your hotel rooms with beach gear and hit the popular family-friendly Kite Beach. Get some serious dose of Vitamin D as you lounge on the recliners. For adrenaline-seekers, Kite Beach has plenty of challenges to test your watersports skills. Try kitesurfing, wakeboarding, or stand-up paddleboarding, or you may keep your feet dry by playing beach volleyball. As the pleasant breeze passes by, go for a morning walk or jog on the 14 km track, before you sip the lotus shake at the popular SALT.
Beat the heat in the air-conditioned Dubai Mall
This is not your typical mall, rather goes an extra mile to provide all-around service to its visitors. It houses 1000s of shops on the most sought-after brands. Before you give your credit card a tough workout in Fashion Avenue, take a spin around the biggest entertainment destination. It is extraordinary to watch the waterfall with man-like divers, lifesize dinosaurs, VR Park, and an Olympian-standard ice rink. But what tops the bucket list is the giant Dubai Aquarium with 33,000 aquatic animals, including sharks and rays. Dive into the aquarium and enjoy a thrilling session of cage snorkeling, scuba diving, and shark feeding. Click below to buy your Aquarium and Underwater Zoo ticket.
Witness the magic of Dubai Fountain
As you check out from the Burj Khalifa, watch the never-seen spectacle of music, light, and water at the foothill. Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that jets water 500 m high towards the sky and performs jaw-dropping water expressions on world-class music. Enjoy the splash of the fountain and gaze at it from the nearest junction on the Burj Lake boat ride. At night, you can book a table at one of the fine dinings in Souk Al Bahar and savor the views along with palatable food. Follow up with a digestive stroll in these Arabian-themed, shop-lined alleyways.
Ascend the Burj Khalifa
At a 3-min walk from the Dubai Mall, you will stumble upon the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Watch the sunset from the lofty observation terrace on the 148th floor. Continue your journeys to the 124th and 125th floor which have multimedia exhibits, high-powered telescopes, virtual reality experience, green screen photography, and a public outdoor observation terrace.
Click here to get your skip-the-line ticket for levels 124, 125, and 148 of famous Burj Khalifa.
Conclusion
In this well-packed 3 days in Dubai itinerary, you will get to fly above the skyscrapers, go under the water, hike the tallest building, ride the camels in desert safari and dine in an exclusive restaurant. You will enjoy the Middle East’s rich and varied heritage without any hassle.
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Disclosure
Some of the above may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend companies, activities, or products that I use myself. Thank you for your support in keeping my blog live!
Where are you going next? Planning a trip to the UK? Find here the complete London itinerary.
Have you been to Dubai? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
Tha ks for the great itinerary. So great stuff to do number one would be to see the Old part of Dubai, that’s something that would really interest me
Thanks for such am in depth itinerary of what to do here, I have Dubai onnmy bucket list and hope to get there possibly in another year or 2 this was great information. I will def be reading your blog.
Thank you so much! I hope you get there soon!
Thanks for sharing, this itinerary looks great, with plenty to do 🙂