From skyscrapers to the desert: discovering the best of Dubai in 3 days
Welcome to Dubai, the city of luxury, innovation, and adventure. If you're planning a trip to Dubai and want to see all the highlights of this vibrant city in just 3 days, then you're in the right place!
Dubai is a city of superlatives, from the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, and the biggest man-made island, the Palm Jumeirah. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip, especially if you have limited time.
In this blog post, we'll take you on a 3 day itinerary of Dubai, exploring the must-see attractions and experiences that the city has to offer. Get ready to indulge in the beauty, culture, and excitement that Dubai has in store for you!
Things to do and see in Dubai: 3-day itinerary
Day 1
CE LA VI
For the first day of our Dubai adventure, we stayed in a hotel for most of the morning to rest after a long journey. We went straight for lunch at CÉ LA VI, a restaurant with amazing views of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes with both indoor and outdoor seating options, and the breathtaking views of the city's iconic tower are sure to leave you in awe.
You can book a table and check their menu online from their website celavi.com.
Dubai Mall
After lunch, we headed to Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls, for an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing. The Dubai Mall is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping centers in the world, and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Dubai. With over 1,200 stores and 200 restaurants, the mall offers an unparalleled shopping and dining experience that attracts millions of visitors every year.
Aside from its impressive retail offerings, the Dubai Mall also boasts several world-class attractions that make it a destination in its own right. One of the most popular attractions is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which houses over 33,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, rays, and other exotic marine species. Visitors can take a walk through the 270-degree tunnel to get an up-close look at these magnificent creatures.
The mall also features an indoor ice rink, a cinema complex, an indoor theme park, and even a luxury hotel!
Burj Khalifa
While in the Dubai Mall, we couldn’t miss a visit to the top of the Burj Khalifa. The Burj Khalifa is an iconic landmark of Dubai and the tallest building in the world, standing at an impressive height of 828 meters. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. We booked our skip-the-line Burj Khalifa tickets to the 124th and 125th floors with GetYourGuide.
The Burj Khalifa has a total of 163 floors, with the lowest observation deck located on the 124th and 125th floors. Visitors can take a high-speed elevator that travels at a speed of 10 meters per second to reach the observation deck in just 60 seconds. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding desert. I recommend booking tickets just before sunset for the best views!
For those looking for a truly unique experience, the Burj Khalifa also offers the opportunity to visit the observation located on the 148th floor, which also gives access to the 124th and 125th floors. This ticket offers an even higher viewpoint than the observation deck, with 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
In addition to the observation deck, the Burj Khalifa is also home to several luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and exclusive residences. The Armani Hotel, located on the lower floors of the building, offers guests a luxurious and sophisticated experience with stunning views of the city.
At night, the Burj Khalifa lights up with a stunning light show, featuring an array of colors and patterns. Although pricey, a visit to the Burj Khalifa is a must for anyone visiting Dubai. The awe-inspiring height and stunning views make it a truly unforgettable experience.
The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is another must for all visitors. This spectacular water and light show located at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa starts every evening from 6pm in 30 minute intervals. It is the world's largest choreographed fountain system, with water jets that shoot up to 500 feet into the air and dance to a carefully curated selection of music.
The fountains perform twice every evening, with the Dubai skyline serving as the perfect backdrop for the show. The colorful lights and synchronized water movements create an unforgettable visual experience that is best enjoyed in person.
Visitors can watch the show from the Burj Park, the Dubai Mall, or from one of the many restaurants and cafes that line the waterfront. For the best view, head to the Burj Khalifa promenade, where you can see the fountains up close and enjoy the stunning view of the Burj Khalifa.
The Dubai Fountains is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Dubai. It is free to watch, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. The show is a perfect way to cap off a day exploring the city, and it is sure to leave you in awe.
Day 2
Madinat Jumeirah
On day two, we immersed ourselves in traditional Arabian architecture and culture by visiting Madinat Jumeirah, a luxurious resort that features a souk (traditional market), several hotels, restaurants, and a theater, all set around a series of canals and waterways.
You can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the resort, take a traditional abra (water taxi) ride, or sip a refreshing drink at one of the rooftop bars and restaurants.
Burj Al Arab
We next made our way to the iconic Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
Situated on a man-made island, 280 meters offshore in the Persian Gulf, the hotel's distinctive sail-shaped silhouette has become an iconic symbol of modern Dubai. The Burj Al Arab stands at a height of 321 meters and is the fourth tallest hotel in the world.
The interior of the sail-shaped building is just as impressive as its exterior, with lavish decor and stunning design elements. You can take a guided tour of the hotel or indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon tea experience at the Skyview Bar, located on the 27th floor.
Palm Jumeirah
Afterward, we headed to Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree, and one of Dubai's most famous landmarks. The Palm is home to several luxurious hotels, including the iconic Atlantis, which boasts an impressive aquarium, water park, and numerous restaurants. You can take a leisurely walk on the boardwalk or hop on a monorail ride to explore the island.
For amazing views of this man-made wonder, we booked skip-the-line tickets with GetYourGuide to the View at The Palm, an observation deck located on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai's skyline and the Persian Gulf. The experience begins with a high-speed elevator ride that takes you to the top in just a few seconds. Once you reach the observation deck, you will be treated to stunning views of the city, including the Burj Al Arab and the Dubai Marina.
The View at The Palm offers a unique and immersive experience that combines state-of-the-art technology with interactive exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Dubai.
Dubai desert safari
We headed back to the hotel for lunch and some rest before embarking on an incredible adventure with a safari tour with VIP BBQ exploring the stunning desert just outside of Dubai. We were picked up at 3:30pm from our hotel and the drive took a bit over 1h. As the vast expanse of red sand dunes stretched out before us, I felt exhilarated just being in the middle of such a wild and rugged environment.
The first stop gave us the opportunity to take other optional activities, such as renting a quad bike experience or riding a camel. We opted to skip this and went straight for the dune bashing with our driver. It was an incredibly thrilling experience as we climbed up and down the dunes, sometimes at seemingly impossible angles. Not recommended at all if you suffer from motion sickness!
As the day turned to dusk, we arrived at a traditional Bedouin-style camp for dinner and a night show. The entertainment was a bit touristy but entertaining, with belly and folk dancers performing while we ate a delicious barbecue dinner.
Day 3
Old Town walking tour
On our last day in Dubai we took a morning walking tour of the Old Town, Dubai Creek, souks and street food with GetYourGuide. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip!
As we started our journey, I felt like I was transported back in time as we explored the Al Fahidi district, learning about the history of the UAE. We visited the Coffee Museum and many traditional houses, where the guide educated us about the cultural significance of coffee in shaping the country's history.
We continued to Al Seef, an old-world heritage area, and strolled through the narrow alleyways of the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood, admiring the stunning architecture of the old heritage buildings. We even passed by an old mosque, which added to the historical ambiance of the area.
The highlight of the tour for me was crossing Dubai Creek on a traditional abra water taxi. As we sailed along the creek, I couldn't help but be in awe of the huge trading ships and towering buildings that surrounded us. The views were simply breathtaking.
After the abra ride, we arrived at the spice souk where my guide introduced me to various spices and their uses in traditional Emirati cuisine. I also tried bargaining for some deals at the local shops.
Finally, we made our way to the gold souk. The market is lined with more than 300 gold stores, each showcasing their finest jewelry, silver, and precious stones. You can even see the biggest gold ring in the world!
My guide also explained to me the process of bargaining for deals, which is a common practice in Dubai. We stopped at a few stores and I was able to try my hand at haggling for some pieces to bring back home as souvenirs.
Overall, the Al Fahidi district walking tour was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the rich history and culture of Dubai. The tour was well-planned, informative, and interactive. Riding the traditional abra water taxi and taking in the views of Dubai Creek was a highlight, as was exploring the spice and gold souks. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Dubai who wants to learn more about the city's past and present.
The tour included trying the local shawarma and a fresh juice, so after the visit we headed back to the hotel to escape the sweltering midday heat. On the way, we passed by two of the most recent and exciting attractions in Dubai: The Museum of the Future and The Frame.
The Museum of the Future is a cutting-edge facility that showcases the latest advancements in science, technology, and innovation. It's a place where visitors can explore some of the most mind-bending concepts and ideas that are currently being developed and experimented with.
The Frame is another incredible display of engineering and design, and it's quickly become one of Dubai's most popular attractions. The Frame is a towering, 150-meter-tall structure that's shaped like a giant picture frame. It's located in Zabeel Park and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. From here, you can see all of Dubai's most iconic skyscrapers. The structure itself is a work of art, with a sleek, modern design that's both visually striking and functional. It's made of steel and reinforced concrete and is designed to withstand winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour.
Dubai Marina
We ended our trip to Dubai in the impressive Dubai Marina, a bustling and vibrant district located in the heart of New Dubai. It's a hub of activity, filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options for tourists to enjoy.
One of the most popular things to do in Dubai Marina is to take a stroll along the marina walk. The marina walk is a beautiful promenade that offers stunning views of the marina and the impressive skyline. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or cafes along the way, or simply enjoy the views and the atmosphere.
For those who love water sports, Dubai Marina offers plenty of options. You can take a boat tour of the marina and enjoy the sights from the water, or why not take a yacht cruise around the marina? Many companies offer yacht rental services that allow you to explore the area at your own pace. You can also take a dinner cruise, which offers a romantic and luxurious way to experience the marina.
For those interested in shopping, Dubai Marina Mall is a must-visit destination. It's a modern shopping mall that offers a wide range of stores and restaurants. We only had one evening, but you can easily spend a whole day here, shopping, eating, and enjoying all the activities on offer.
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