Dubai has something for everyone, making it a great city to visit. For a great experience, follow a 3 days in Dubai plan that includes some of the best things to do in Dubai, whether you’re with family or just traveling for fun.
Table of Contents
Day 1 .
Getting From the airport to the center
With public transport
From the two metro stations at the airport in terminal 1 and terminal 3, several metro lines go to the center. Trains leave every 5 to 10 minutes in both directions, depending on the time. A one-way ticket to the center costs 8 AED, which is approximately 2 euros.
With the cab
You can choose to take a taxi from the airport. The fare starts at 25 AED. A trip to the city center costs around 80 AED (about 20 euros) and takes around 30 minutes. For safety, it’s best to use general taxis, which are beige with colored roofs (usually red, green, or blue). Taxis with pink roofs are driven by women and are for women or mixed groups only.
Visit Old Dubai- Deira
Start your 3-day in Dubai itinerary in Deira, one of the city’s oldest and most traditional districts. Deira is very popular for its authenticity.
In Deira, visit these three souks:
- The Gold Souk: Known for its stunning and shiny gold jewelry.
- The Perfume Souk on Sikkat Al Khail Street: Even if you’re not into perfumes, this souk offers beautifully designed bottles that make great souvenirs.
- The Spice Souk: Explore a variety of exotic spices like curry, chili pepper, and saffron.
To fully experience Old Dubai, consider a guided tour. The best tours last about 3 hours and cover Deira, the souks, and the Dubai Museum. Your guide will share insights about old Dubai and local life.
Burj Khalifa
The highlight of your day should be a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world since 2007, standing at 828 meters. You can buy a ticket online in advance for the ‘At The Top’ observation deck and choose a specific entry time. Once you reach the 124th floor via the world’s fastest elevator, you can enjoy the stunning views both indoors and outdoors. Ticket prices vary, costing around €30 or €50, with sunset times being more expensive.
Dubai Frame
After exploring Old Dubai, visit the Dubai Frame, a new attraction offering a stark contrast to the traditional atmosphere you’ve just experienced.
The Dubai Frame is a 150-meter-tall structure shaped like a giant photo frame. At the top, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view, showcasing the two distinct faces of Dubai: the historic side and the modern Downtown skyline, including the Burj Khalifa.
Adding to the thrill, part of the floor at the top is made of glass, offering a unique perspective. Despite being a recent addition, the Dubai Frame has quickly become a popular destination.
To save time and avoid queues, it’s recommended to buy your ticket online. This way, you can go straight to the elevator that takes you to the top.
Enjoy Dubai Garden Glow
After visiting the Dubai Frame, head over to Dubai Garden Glow for your final stop of the day.
This large park is filled with hundreds of sculptures, mainly animal-themed, which come alive with lights and music in the evening. It’s a fantastic experience for both children and adults, making it ideal for family outings.
The entry fee for Dubai Garden Glow is 65 AED, which also includes access to the nearby dinosaur park. In this park, some of the dinosaurs move and growl as you approach, a feature that children particularly enjoy.
To make the most of your visit, it’s best to explore Dinosaur Park before sunset and then enjoy Dubai Garden Glow after it gets dark. Dubai Garden Glow is open from 4 PM to 11 PM.
Day 2
On a desert safari
Get ready for an exciting day by booking a ‘desert safari’ tour. You’ll be picked up around 8:00 AM in a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a drive to the Lahbab desert, about an hour away. Enjoy quad biking and driving through the sand dunes. You can also try the unique experience of sand surfing.
Visit the Dubai Mall
Dubai is known for its many large and impressive shopping centers. Be sure to visit the Dubai Mall, which is right next to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. You can take the metro to Dubai Mall station, which has an air-conditioned tunnel leading directly to the mall. Inside the mall, you’ll find an aquarium with large fish, an ice skating rink, and an indoor waterfall. There are also many shops and places to eat. For a meal, try GrillShack restaurant, known for its great burgers and steaks.
Watch the fountain show
As night sets in, leave the mall and go outside to the fountains for the Dubai Fountain Show.
This show happens every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM. Each show is set to different music tracks, so if you have time in the evening, watching more than one show is a good idea!
The fountain show is very popular with tourists, and it can get crowded. To ensure you get a good viewing spot by the water, it’s advisable to arrive a bit early.
Shopping At The Mall
After enjoying the fountain shows, head back into the mall for some shopping. The Dubai Mall is usually lively, especially in the evenings, and stays open until midnight. With over 1,200 shops spread across four floors, it holds the title of the largest shopping center in the world. This makes it a perfect destination for an evening of browsing and shopping.
Day 3
Walk ‘The Walk’
Begin your day by visiting “The Walk,” a pleasant waterfront promenade along “The Beach,” a public beach area.
“The Walk” is lined with stylish boutiques and restaurants. At “The Beach,” you can rent deckchairs or participate in various watersports.
To get to “The Walk” and “The Beach,” take the subway to DAMAC station and then the tram to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).
Visit Kite Beach
For a relaxing beach day, visit Kite Beach. To get there: Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Mashreq Metro Station and then from Mashreq Metro Bus Stop Landside, take bus line 81 to the beach.
Kite Beach is one of Dubai’s most popular beaches, attracting sunbathers, food lovers, and sports enthusiasts. It’s ideal for those into watersports, offering activities like kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you prefer land activities, join in on a game of beach volleyball. The beach has a welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to make new friends.
You can also rent high-quality equipment right on the sand. Kite Beach, located near the Jumeirah neighborhood, is known for its mix of adrenaline-packed activities and a relaxed, casual vibe.
Don’t forget to visit the newly opened Common Grounds Cafe . It’s a great spot to try some of Dubai’s freshest salads, smoothies, and wraps.
Dinner
For your last evening in Dubai, consider visiting LaOla beachfront restaurant at Kite Beach. It’s a fantastic spot to relax after spending time at the beach. LaOla offers great food, including perfect bruschetta, and the seating on the top provides a beautiful view over the beach. It’s especially enjoyable after a swim.
