Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Dubai
Marvel at the futuristic skyline of Dubai, a city of superlatives offering luxury shopping, ultra-modern architecture, and vibrant desert nightlife.
Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest hubs, with excellent connections from Europe, Asia, and beyond. Winter (November–March) is the best time to visit—warm and sunny without the extreme summer heat. The Metro, taxis, and ride apps make getting around easy; many attractions are spread out, so plan by area. Book Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, and top restaurants in advance. Dress modestly in public areas, and be aware of local laws. Balance mall and beach time with the old souks, Al Fahidi, and a desert or marina experience.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Dubai.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
Spring
33°C / 21°C
Rapidly heating up, sunny skies
Summer
41°C / 30°C
Extremely hot and humid, mostly indoor activities
Fall
35°C / 23°C
Still hot, gradually cooling into winter
Winter
25°C / 15°C
Perfectly mild, peak tourist season
Day 1
Burj Khalifa
Spired 828-metre skyscraper with a viewing deck, a restaurant, a hotel and offices.
Morning activity: Burj Khalifa.
Time Out Market Dubai
Grand, sprawling food hall with a terrace offering vegan eats, pizza & fine dining, plus wine.
Lunch nearby: Time Out Market Dubai.
Dubai Mall
Huge shopping and leisure centre, with department stores, plus an ice rink, aquarium and a cinema.
Afternoon sightseeing: Dubai Mall.
At.mosphere
Upscale fine dining restaurant and bar on floor 122 of the iconic Burj Khalifa skyscraper.
Dinner in the area: At.mosphere.
Dubai Fountain Show
Massive fountain with displays of water jets reaching 140 m, set to a music & light show.
Evening experience: Dubai Fountain Show.
Day 2
Dubai Desert Safari
Morning activity: Dubai Desert Safari.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Area of traditional-style buildings in typical materials housing arts & cultural exhibits & museums.
Lunch nearby: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Dubai Gold Souk
Marked by a wooden arch, this bustling bazaar features many stores selling dazzling gold jewellery.
Afternoon sightseeing: Dubai Gold Souk.
Pierchic
Romantic Italian restaurant with deck and historic feel at end of an upmarket resort's private pier.
Dinner in the area: Pierchic.
Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
Evening experience: Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise.
Day 3
Palm Jumeirah
Artificial, palm tree–shaped island featuring high-end hotels & apartment towers, plus beach clubs.
Morning activity: Palm Jumeirah.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
World's largest water park with over 105 slides, attractions & experiences, plus a splash area for kids.
Lunch nearby: Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Vibrant garden with floral creations such as a life-size airplane, topiary animals & a heart tunnel.
Afternoon sightseeing: Dubai Miracle Garden.
Ossiano
Sophisticated, acclaimed hotel seafood restaurant with floor-to-ceiling views into a huge aquarium.
Dinner in the area: Ossiano.
Global Village
Elaborate shopping, dining & entertainment complex with an international theme, open October–April.
Evening experience: Global Village.