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How To Spend 3 Days In Dubai, The Perfect Itinerary

Dubai is a relatively small and compact city in the United Arab Emirates and not actually its own country which most people seems think.

Dubai Frame
The new Dubai Frame

Dubai has an endless amount of possibilities for leisure, shopping and entertainment that it’s generally difficult to wrap them all in one trip to Dubai.

It becomes even harder if your intention to spend here only three days or a long weekend, which seems to be the most popular trips people do take here.

Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa

And if you’re visiting without any concrete travel plan or program, here is a suggested Dubai itinerary that gives you some ideas and inspiration to make the most of your limited time in the city.

But if you have more than 3 days to spend in Dubai so can you have a look at this 7-day itinerary for Dubai

Day 1: Heritage Express Dubai Tour And Modern Dubai Tour 

Dubai is an easy city to navigate.

And for those who wish to explore the city on their own, its mix of a well-integrated public transport network and reliable private transport options make it super flexible and convenient too.

But if you’ve limited time to spend here or would want to take the hassles out of itinerary planning as well as transfer arrangements, it’s most recommended to take a guided tour.

This not only makes you easy and relaxed on yourself but also gives you the chance to take in the region’s best sights and attractions in the company of an expert guide.

On this note, we’ve for you two amazing guided Dubai tour recommendations for day one.

The best thing is that it gives you a bite-sized insight into both old and new Dubai.

Morning:  Heritage Express Dubai Tour 

With this tour starting at the old Dubai district of Al Fahidi, you get to travel in a classic red heritage bus.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood in Dubai
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Known as Heritage Express – Essence of the Emirates and hailed as the Culture on Wheels, this is one of the cities recently launched experiences which journey you through Dubai’s timeless routes, effervescent Arabian bazaars, and inspiring traditions.

Yes, this serves as an authentic source to know about Dubai’s age-old customs and rich local heritage, being joined by a friendly Emirati guide throughout.

You also get to try some local delights, catch up with camels, and even participate in the region’s favourite pastimes like falconry.

Afternoon till Night: Modern Dubai Tour 

Dubai is an ever dynamic city with something new and most modern constantly added to its ultra-chic architectural landscape.

Madinat Jumeirah Dubai
Madinat Jumeirah with the Burj al Arab in the background

And this tour introduces you to the city’s unrivalled contemporary landmarks across some of its best neighbourhoods, such as the posh Downtown Dubai, the eclectic Palm Jumeirah, and the pulsating ever Dubai Marina, Sheikh Zayed Road etc.

This surely covers all must-sees in Dubai, from Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah, and Atlantis, The Palm resort to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, the biggest of its kind Dubai Mall and the one-of-its-kind choreographed show of Dubai Fountain.

Burj Khalifa dubai
Burj Khalifa The Tallest Building in the world.

After you enjoy a closer look at some of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, return to your hotel room with a rich understanding of Dubai’s contrasting cityscape with both uber futuristic sights and exemplary structures from the past.  

Day 2: Pick The Theme Park Of Your Choice And Go On A Dhow Cruise 

Morning till Evening – Theme Park 

If you’re seeking adventure and fun on your holiday, a Dubai trip is incomplete without enjoying a day at one of its amazing theme parks.

There is IMG Worlds of Adventure that is famous as the world’s largest indoor theme park; VR (Virtual Reality) Park set inside the Dubai Mall,; andthe game amusement park of Hub Zero at City Walk Dubai.

For a thorough theme park exploration, head straight to Dubai Parks and Resorts with multiple options, including Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, LEGOLAND Dubai, and LEGOLAND Water Park.

Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate

Renowned as the Middle East’s first integrated resort, it offers a collective of 100 plus rides, shows, events etc., themed around several iconic Hollywood movies, celebrated Bollywood characters, and cool LEGOs.

Want to let your hair down with an extraordinary twist?

Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates merits a mention in this department, thanks to its breathtaking wintry ambience enhanced by life-like mountain slopes and a massive snow park in the middle of the sweltering desert city.

Skiing in dubai
Skiing inside Dubai Mall

Evening: Dhow Cruise

Dhow Cruise
Dhow Cruise

After all hair-raising amusement and adventure at your desired theme park, wind up your second day in Dubai with a gentle and relaxed dhow cruise.

Sailing aboard a traditional wooden Arabian dhow, it promises you the most unforgettable evening here in the Middle east.

Depending on whether you wish to pass through all modern sights or meld of old and new sights, you can go on a cruise at Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek.

dubai cruise
Cruise around the old part of town.

Whichever location you choose, you can look forward to glide by the most mesmeric sights while relishing delectable buffet dining and taking in traditional live shows such as Tanura.

Day 3: Shopping Or Visit Dubai’s Latest Neighborhoods And Desert Safari 

Morning till Afternoon 

Option 1: Shopping 

Shopaholics are in for a real treat once in Dubai; that said, even those who are apathetic towards shopping will be drawn to its shopping scene.

So it’s fair to set aside at least an hour or two for retail therapy.

If you’re particular about brands, you’ll be excited to know that almost all the greatest brands in cosmetics, apparels and other merchandise have an outlet, if not a flagship store, in the city.

Moreover, 70 plus malls cater to every whim and price point here.

Apart from these, be sure to check out the city´s traditional Arabian bazaars or souks; you’ll find some of the most cherished local souvenirs such as ‘I love Dubai’ t-shirts, bags, and scaled-down versions of Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab etc. at unbelievable rates here.

Dubai market
The old market, full of tourist souvenirs
dubai souvenirs
a dew local souvenirs

Take an exclusive tour to get the best out of your shopping expedition with some of the best shopping in the world.

This tour is mostly customized in line with your distinct shopping expectations in Dubai.

Option 2: Visit one of Dubai’s Newest Neighborhoods

For those not inclined to shopping can while away their time till afternoon by checking out Dubai’s newest and, of course the trendiest neighbourhoods.

Take a relaxed stroll down the City Walk Dubai, where the European style streets and most stylish dining and leisure attractions such as Green Planet Dubai and Hub Zero are sure to take your breath away. dubai city walk

A perfect fusion of style, grace, and striking sights, the waterfront locale of Bluewaters Island is another go-to destination in this category.

The majority of its attractions are on its path to become the first / one of its kind in the region or the world itself.

There is the world’s largest observation and the Middle East’s first Madame Tussauds Museum, to name a few.

Evening – Desert Safari

Desert Safari Dubai
Dubai Desert Safri

Be ready to see a totally different side of Dubai as your chosen evening desert safari service provider comes to pick you up from your hotel or your preferred location.

There will be an exhilarating drive out to the unparalleled desert sands.

Step back in time as you visit the desert camp, relax in the modest tents and take part in a roster of cultural experiences such as camel ride, henna tattooing, falconry, Shisha smoking etc.

Before you bid farewell to this untouched part of Arabia and return to your hotel, you get to relish a scrumptious BBQ meal and even watch traditional performances such as Belly Dance and Tanura.

Conclusion 

3 days in Dubai is hardly enough to experience all that this wonderful city has to offer, but proper planning along with a clear idea on what to see and where to go in Dubai offer a guaranteed great time during your vacation.

But if you have more than 3 days, so do the United Arab Emirates have much more to offer, or you can head to neighbouring Oman or Saudi Arabia.

How To Spend 3 Days In Dubai, a itinerary for each day
How To Spend 3 Days In Dubai, an itinerary for each day