How to Spend 3 Days in Dubai

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Are you planning to spend a long weekend in Dubai or extending your layover? Well, the city brims with such an amazing array of activities and attractions, that no amount of day is enough. We have already written about How to spend 2 days in Dubai. However, 3 days in Dubai is a safe choice to tick off the major highlights of the city. Would you like to extend your stay to one week? We’ve got you covered with this 7 Days in Dubai Itinerary.

From Burj Khalifa to Old Dubai, diner cruises to desert safari, here we have made the most practical 3 Days in Dubai Itinerary:

Day 1: Palm Jumeirah 

Start your morning early, bright and fresh on the world’s most mind-blowing development, the man-made island, Palm Jumeirah. A walk in this poshest location will show you some of the luxurious homes, hotels, recreational centers, restaurants, and beach clubs. Grab your breakfast, take a sneak peek of Atlantis The Palm, and explore marine creatures. Matter of fact, you won’t be able to do it all, so, here are choices of things that you can choose from according to your interests and sense of thrill-

• For an ultimate adrenaline rush, jump out of the plane that cruises over the eye-popping views of Palm Jumeirah.
• Got extra cash but short on time — take a helicopter ride to observe the island’s opulence, skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road, and the heritage architecture of Dubai Creek and the old town.
• There are pristine free public beaches where you can bask in the sun, kick back in the cabanas, shop around, and revel in wild watersports.

Dubai Mall

Spend the rest of the day in Downtown Dubai. The largest mall, and the biggest epicenter of shopping and entertainment, Dubai Mall is the right escape from the afternoon heat. Browse the latest collection of your favorite brands in fashion, electronics, beauty, and more. Besides extensive shopping, visitors can dive into the fun zone. We would suggest going for the giant Dubai Aquarium, which is a 10-million liter tank with 140 species, 270-degree view tank, and scuba diving opportunity. There are other exciting places like Dubai Ice Rink, VR Park, Hysteria, and Reel Cinemas.

Burj Khalifa

The iconic structure, the world’s tallest building, and the manifestation of innovation, Burj Khalifa shows the entire city from its highest observation deck on the 148th floor. Sit in its lounges and feel like you are having snacks in the clouds. Level 124 has an exhilarating outdoor terrace with a telescopic view and level 125 offers a tribute to art and culture. Soak up in the unmatched views of the Arabian Gulf as you dine in the tallest restaurant, At.Mosphere. Here is a detailed guide on how to visit Burj Khalifa on your own, without a tour.

Dubai Fountain

Placed as its neighbor, on the 30-acre Burj Lake is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, Dubai fountain. You can watch this spectacle of music, light, and dance atop the Khalifa, or its neighboring podiums like Boardwalk and Souq Al Bahr. To catch this astonishing performance that shoots water at up to 150m, get front row seats in the Burj Lake boat ride.

Dubai Fountain is best observed at night. Have a look at this guide to find out about 25 more places to visit at night in Dubai!

Day 2: Souks

See the historic side of Dubai, that is steeped in heritage. While Dubai might be famous for city-size malls, its traditional bazaar or Arabian marketplace is equally enchanting and tucked away in the narrow lanes in Old Dubai. Nevertheless, the Dubai dress code is quite liberal than the rest UAE, still, the outrageous and revealing clothes are a big no — especially in old parts of Dubai, religious places, govt offices, and public spaces. You will reach the Old Dubai by metro. On the Deira side, take a look at the best gold market in the world. It sells an amazing array of authentic jewelry and wide-ranging designs at prices you have never heard before. Just like the gold souk, you can bargain in other sets of souks as well. Wandering in the alleys, a place will enthrall you with fragrances ranging from cinnamon to vanilla pods and ginger root. It has spices, perfumes, textiles, rugs, carpets, and souvenirs.

Al Fahidi Historical District

On crossing the Creek by the traditional dhow at Dirham 1, there is the city’s oldest heritage site called Al Fahidi District. It has houses with wind towers and brown doors. In the 1800s, it was a trading hub for textile and pearl merchants, however, now it has transformed as home to the Dubai Museum. It also has galleries, art exhibitions, where you can check old photos of Dubai, traditional fishing boats, water tanks, old weapons, and scenes depicting traditional ways of life in the UAE over hundreds of years. Satiate your appetite at the Arabian Tea House – formerly known as Basta Art Café with coffee and a bite.

Desert Safari

By the afternoon, your booked safari driver would arrive at the pickup spot to drive you all the way to the Arabian desert. To visit desert safari Dubai, you can consult a reliable agent beforehand and plan your customized itinerary. They provide pick up and drop off services. Travelers can experience dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, dune buggy riding, shisha smoking, henna designing, and plenty of other outdoor activities in the endless desert. Revel in the camp as you admire the belly dancing and Tanoura performance. This exhilarating session ends with a mouth-watering array of Arabic dishes in a gourmet buffet. In case, you feel this is a lot of time to be invested, you can switch it to the morning desert safari. A 2-hour safari that will introduce you to the adventurous side of the desert with a good breakfast meal.

Day 3: IMG Worlds of Adventure

Leaving Dubai without visiting one of its incredible theme parks? It won’t do justice to your holiday. Book your entry tickets to the largest temperature-controlled indoor themed entertainment destination in the world, IMG Worlds of Adventure. In a staggering area of 28 football fields, it brings Marvel and Cartoon Network characters to life with state-of-the-art rides. There are 4 zones, live shows, fascinating artwork, and cinema screens offering non-stop entertainment. From superheroes to life-size dinosaurs, enjoy in 22 adrenaline-fueled rides and roller coasters. The place is even packed with dining and shopping retailers making it a treat for the entire day.

One more great idea for your 3-day visit to Dubai – Dubai Frame and Global Village.

Dinner Cruise

Combining the world of sightseeing and comfort of a 5-star restaurant, the dhow cruise in Marina is your best bet to depart with the wonderful memories of Dubai. Also, after an action-packed day, it is relaxing to be pampered on a cruise. Under the starlit sky, glide past the glittering skyscrapers and feast on the delicious multi-course buffet. The cruise arranges live entertainment for the guests that promise a delightful trip. In this 2-hour cruise, you can marvel at the Dubai attractions like the Dubai Marina Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Cyan Tower, the Palm Jumeirah, and major residential buildings.

Conclusion

Dubai has tremendous choices to fulfill the expectations of travelers. In 3 days, looking at these places and exploring the fun activities will help you have an unforgettable vacation.