3 Days in Dubai for First Time Visitors
Updated: Nov 25
In a city of opulence, grandeur, innovative architecture and a large melting pot expat community, Dubai brings visitors from all over the world to see its sites. Rich in not only oil revenue and famous for gold, Dubai is known for its extravagant shopping malls (complete with indoor skiing!), and of course for the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building standing more than half a mile high.
Beyond the shopping malls and old Dubai souks, the modern city of Dubai offers visitors numerous attractions including both old and historical sites, religious sites, desert safaris, and incredible culinary offerings.
Here are the best things to do with 3 days in Dubai for first time visitors to this modern desert metropolis in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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In this article learn about:
Dubai Sites and Attractions
Old and Historical Dubai
I've detailed all the great places you can see in Old Dubai in this separate post. But, at a glance, here's a few things you'll want to add to your itinerary:
Jumeirah Mosque
Al Fahidi Fort and Historical area
Take an Abra boat ride
Visit the old souks and markets
Dubai Desert Safari
Generally speaking, Dubai is not known for being 'old'. I.e., there is no real 'old Dubai'. It's all been built out, commercialized, and overdone by tourism - much like a visit to Disney World.
Nonetheless, the souks like the Grand Souk and Textile Souk still retain their Aladdin-esque charms, and the Abra boat rides across the Dubai Creek are really cool. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk can be reached by Abra boat, and are also quite enjoyable, although not as full of hawkers and bargains.
You can easily see these sights on your own, but some may want to get a guide and do a walking tour of all the souks for added security and navigation. (Side note: Dubai is very safe, even for women - just be vigilant!).
As for the Desert Safari, you will definitely need to book a tour as this can not be done on your own. Learn all about the desert safari, which includes camel rides, belly dancers, dinner in the desert, dune buggying, sand boarding, henna tattoos and literally much, much more, at this link.
The link provided will take you to the tour I went with. For my experience, read and see pics at my Dubai Old Town guide!
Modern Dubai
In Modern Dubai, and much of the Middle East, it's all about the glitz. Browse marbled shopping lanes, show off your name brand Chanel and Prada (or Prado in my case) and go out to see and be seen.
The spots on this list are all fantastic places for photography, Sunshine, and a touch of "where am I again?" You may feel like you are in Las Vegas, or Los Angeles and forget that you are actually in the heart of the UAE.
Everyone looks well to do. Everyone looks like they probably struck gold (or oil) in their backyard, and you'll want to be a part of it.
Dine, shop, gawk. Enjoy Modern Dubai sites like:
The Dubai Fountain
Souk Al Bahar (an upscale version of a traditional Arabic souk)
Dubai Marina
Dubai Canal
Global Village theme park
Burj Khalifa
Yes, literally standing at more than half a mile high, the Burj Khalifa is 2,722 feet tall! You have to crane your neck to see it all, and good luck getting it in one good camera shot.
Visit the top of the infamous tower with this skip the line ticket. And trust me, based on the line I saw, you want this ticket.
And psst...the photo of me by the pool above is from the hotel where we stayed at the La Ville Marriott Dubai. I recommend it for being a little outside of town (it's more affordable!).
Hire a car and driver for the day from $158! With trusted transportation brand KiwiTaxi, take shuttles to/from the airport and major attractions, hire a car with a driver for a tour or simply to go at your own pace. Learn more here. |
Dubai Malls, Shopping and Markets
Visit the old souks and markets (found in my related post here) and then check out modern shopping malls at:
Souk Al Bahar
Dubai Mall
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Mall of the Emirates
Wafi City Mall
It's true that these are very much "just malls", but some of them are hiding outrageous interiors. I'm talking about full scale ski slopes indoors. And that's just the tip of it.
Even if you are not a shopper, you can easily spend hours wandering, people watching, and marveling at the opulence found in these malls.
Side Note: Please be respectful and wear appropriate clothing in these places. No exposed shoulders, thighs, etc. The culture dictates a conservative dress so please respect that. That's all I'm going to say about that!
Where to Eat in Dubai
Then, eat.
Remember, there's no pork and there's no alcohol. The resorts and some finer dining establishments will offer these things, but in general, as it is custom for Arabic and Muslim cultures, you will not typically find them.
You will, however, find lots of wonderful seafood, like at Bu Qtair Fish Restaurant, or at the charming Fish Beach Taverna - both waterfront. (Pro Tip: no matter how hot it is during the day, always bring a scarf for the evening chill!).
Find more traditional meals like at Bayt Al Wakeel with an airy creekside patio, or the Arabian Tea House near Al Fahidi Historical Area. Another Dubai old town restaurant to seek is Bastakiah Nights.
Enjoy quick casual lunches at City Walk or near any of the tourist spots. I personally recommend my family favorite, Wagamama - a popular ramen and Asian food spot hailing from the UK.
Make dinner special by browsing Souk Madinat Jumeirah and then pop offer to Shimmers, where you can sit on beach poufs and indulge in shisha and nibbles with views of the Burj al Arab.
An Ideal 3 Days in Dubai Itinerary:
Day 1: Old Dubai
Old town souks, Abra ride, lunch.
In the evening, dine at Fish Beach Taverna.
Day 2: Modern Dubai
See modern Dubai - shop 'til you drop!
Regroup, then later get tickets to see the Burj Khalifa at night.
Day 3: Desert Safari and More
Visit the Jumeirah Mosque followed by a casual seafood lunch.
For more about Dubai, visit my post about Old Dubai. Look forward to more content soon about cruises from Dubai, including ports like Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Muscat, Oman and Khasab, Oman.
As always, happy travels friends!
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