3 Days in Dubai: The Perfect First-Timer’s Itinerary (+Map & Tips)
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Visiting Dubai for 3 days and wondering what to see and how to best plan your time? In this article, we share a detailed itinerary for first-timers and our experience-based tips to make the most of your short visit to this bustling metropolis.
This itinerary brings you to all the top places in Dubai that you can realistically see in three days. It’s based on our own trips and includes everything you shouldn’t miss on a first visit: the city’s most iconic landmarks, traditional souks, a desert adventure, and an option to make a short side trip to Abu Dhabi to see the famous Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.
To avoid backtracking and save travel time, we grouped all the attractions by area. Throughout the article, you’ll also find practical tips and recommendations, such as which tickets you need to prebook or how to get from one place to another.
Wondering where to stay? With just three days in Dubai, the best base is Downtown Dubai, close to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. It’s central, easy to reach by metro, and ideal for sightseeing. For this itinerary, we recommend Sofitel Dubai Downtown (5★) or Leva Hotel and Suites (4★) for a more affordable stay in the same convenient area. For more info, see our guide to the best areas to stay in Dubai.
Itinerary Overview + Map
Here’s our recommended 3-day Dubai itinerary at a glance – click the links or scroll down for all the details. Below, you can also see a map showing all the main sights mentioned in this guide.
- DAY 1: The Icons of Downtown Dubai
- DAY 2: Old Dubai & the Desert
- DAY 3: Burj Al Arab (or Sheikh Zayed Mosque), The Palm, Marina
PRO TIP: If you’re visiting during the cooler months (Dubai’s peak season), book your hotels and activities early. On our February trip, several tickets were sold out over a week in advance – and that’s not even the holiday period! For more practical advice, see our Dubai travel tips.
Day 1 – The Icons of Downtown Dubai
HIGHLIGHTS: Museum of the Future, Sky Views Observatory, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Fountain Show.
Start your first day in Dubai with its most iconic sights in Downtown Dubai. Here’s how we recommend planning your itinerary to make the most of your day and avoid backtracking:
Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future is one of the most impressive architectural landmarks in Dubai. It explores technology, sustainability, and space through interactive exhibits. Even if you aren’t interested in the futuristic theme, it’s well worth visiting for the architecture alone.
This museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai, and tickets often sell out weeks in advance. Book as early as possible, especially if you want to choose a convenient time slot without paying premium rates for flexible skip-the-line tickets.
- Timing: 9:30–11:30 AM.
- Tickets: Check availability here and reserve the earliest time slot if still available.
Sky Views Observatory
Next, head to Sky Views Observatory, just two metro stops or a short taxi ride from the Museum of the Future. This viewing platform is the best place to enjoy sweeping views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai.
They also have a glass walkway and a short glass slide – see the picture below. It’s fun, but I’d skip it if you have to wait longer than 10-15 minutes. If you are looking for a real adrenaline rush without wasting time in lines, pre-book the Edge Walk experience instead.
- Timing: 12–1:30 PM.
- Reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance to avoid wasting time. See the best ticket options here.
Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain Show
Next, walk to the Dubai Mall (10-15 minutes via the covered walkway). You could easily spend several days here and still not see everything, but on a short visit, don’t miss the main highlights: the Dubai Mall Waterfall, Aquarium, and Souk Al Bahar.
For lunch, you’ll find countless options, from quick bites to upscale restaurants with Burj Khalifa views.
Then, visit the observation decks at Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. The entrance is located on the lower ground level of Dubai Mall. If you want to catch both daytime and evening views, book a time slot about 1.5–2 hours before sunset.
End your day at Burj Lake to see the world-famous Dubai Fountain show. The fountains dance every 30 minutes after sunset. For the best front-row views, book a Boardwalk ticket or a Burj Lake boat ride.
- Timing: Afternoon + evening.
- Burj Khalifa tickets are timed and often sell out, so book well ahead! If you’re on a budget, get a regular ticket for the 124-125th floors and go early in the morning or late in the evening when tickets are cheaper. Check all ticket options here.
PRO TIP: For the best price/quality experience at Burj Khalifa, book Sky Level tickets (124-125+148th floor) – it gives priority access for security and the elevator, which can save you a lot of time. It also includes lounge access with snacks and drinks.
If you want to go even higher, visit the 152nd–154th floors, which include access to the World’s Highest Lounge and an outdoor terrace. These premium tickets also come with several extra perks – check all the details here.
Day 2 – Old Dubai & the Desert
HIGHLIGHTS: Al Fahidi Historical District, Dubai Creek, Souks of Deira, and a desert safari.
On your second day, discover the more traditional side of Dubai. It gives you a glimpse into the city’s roots and local culture, and is a nice contrast to the modern skyline of Downtown.
Old Dubai & Traditional Markets
Start in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, one of the oldest parts of Dubai. Wander through its narrow lanes, visit local museums, and enjoy a traditional breakfast or Arabic coffee at a local restaurant. Then take a short abra ride across Dubai Creek to explore the Gold and Spice Souks in Deira.
- Timing: 9 AM–12:30 PM.
- TIP: We highly recommend a guided walking tour of Old Dubai – it’s a great way to learn about the area’s history and daily life. We did this old town tour on a recent trip and loved it; it also included some local food.
Relax or Pool Time
Return to your hotel for a short rest and a light lunch before your evening desert tour. Most desert tours in Dubai include hotel pickup and drop-off, but pickup times vary depending on the operator and tour type. Our tour started around 3 PM, but some shorter evening tours begin later.
Dubai Desert Safari
No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing its desert. There are countless desert safari tours; the most popular options include dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner under the stars. The biggest price difference usually comes down to the main activity and the length of the tour.
We’ve done several of these tours over different trips, and honestly, they’re all quite similar, so one is enough. Just pick the option that focuses on the experience you’re most interested in. For example, this popular tour includes dune bashing in a jeep, whereas this highly-rated tour offers a longer camel ride. Both finish with dinner, shows, and a great atmosphere in a traditional desert camp.
- Timing: 3–10 PM.
- TIP: Don’t eat too much before dune bashing. Choose a tour that includes dinner and traditional entertainment, and bring a sweater or light jacket – it can get surprisingly chilly in the desert after sunset.
Day 3 – Abu Dhabi or Burj Al Arab, plus The Palm & Dubai Marina
HIGHLIGHTS: Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abu Dhabi) or Burj Al Arab & Souk Madinat Jumeirah, The View at the Palm, Dubai Marina, and a dinner cruise.
On your third day in Dubai, we recommend visiting some of the most scenic waterfront areas – Marina and The Palm. Depending on your interests, you can also consider an optional half-day trip to Abu Dhabi.
Morning Option 1: Half-Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
If you’d like to see more of the UAE, join a half-day tour from Dubai. It includes comfortable transfers (about 90 minutes each way) and a guided visit to the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s most impressive religious landmarks.
You’ll be back in Dubai around 1-2 PM, leaving plenty of time for the afternoon and evening activities.
Good to know: Dress modestly and wear loose, non-transparent clothing. Legs and shoulders must be covered, and women are also required to cover their arms and hair. If needed, you can rent an abaya on-site before entering. For more general information and tips, see our guide on what to wear in Dubai.
- Timing: 8 AM–2 PM.
- TIP: When you return to Dubai, take a taxi directly to your next stop instead of waiting for the group transfer back to your hotel – it’ll save you time and keep your day on schedule.
Morning Option 2: Burj Al Arab & Souk Madinat Jumeirah
If you prefer to stay in Dubai, spend your morning exploring the area around Burj Al Arab. Start with a photo stop at Jumeirah Public Beach for postcard-perfect views, or book an inside tour of this iconic hotel. For a truly unique experience, upgrade with an option that includes the famous gold cappuccino and a look inside the Royal Suites.
Afterward, wander through Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a modern souk with canals, boutiques, and restaurants overlooking the Burj Al Arab. It’s a great place for a relaxed lunch before continuing your day.
- Timing: 9 AM–1 PM.
- TIP: If you want to go inside Burj Al Arab, book the earliest morning tour (10 AM) so you’ll have more time to visit The Palm and Marina.
The View at The Palm
Next, head to The View at The Palm, located in Nakheel Mall. The easiest way to get there is by taxi. It may look close to Burj Al Arab on the map, but it’s about a 10-20 minute drive, depending on traffic.
This observation deck offers spectacular 360° views over the artificial Palm Jumeirah island and the Dubai skyline. It’s one of the best viewing platforms in the city and a great spot for photos.
- Timing: +-2 hours in the late afternoon.
- TIP: Tickets are timed, so it’s best to book in advance to secure your preferred slot.
Dubai Marina
End your Dubai trip in style at Dubai Marina, one of the most scenic and lively areas of the city. Stroll along the Marina Walk, admire the illuminated skyline, and join a dinner cruise to enjoy the views from the water.
We recommend this Dubai Marina dinner cruise – a relaxing way to wrap up your visit with good food, music, and great views of the city at night.
TIP: If you have a bit of extra time, stop by JBR Beach before your cruise for a sunset walk. In fact, you could take a taxi to the beach first, and then walk to the Marina from there.
- Timing: Late afternoon + evening.
I hope this 3-day Dubai itinerary gives you a clear idea of what to see and how to plan your time.
Want to explore further? Don’t miss our other Dubai travel guides below – from the best areas to stay to detailed tips on top attractions.
Our Dubai Travel Guides:
- Good to know:
- Things to do:
- Itineraries:
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