A Four-Day Dubai Itinerary
If you chose Dubai as your next holiday destination, you made the right choice! But we also know that you’re probably getting overwhelmed by all the details right now – and we can’t blame you.
There’s so much to see, do and experience in Dubai that planning an itinerary that packs everything can easily get stressful!
But before you hit that panic button, relax because we’re here to help you with an itinerary for four days in the city of gold. If you’re ready, read on!
Best Time to Go to Dubai
First thing’s first: when is the best time to visit Dubai? That depends on your preference, actually.
If you don’t want the crowds – and high prices on tickets, hotels and flights – you should go between April and October during low season when most locals are away on vacation and tourists are few.
Be advised though that these months are also some of the hottest in Dubai, so your outdoor activities might be limited because of the heat.
Now, if you want to visit Dubai for good weather, the winter months between November and February are the best time to be in the city because temperatures are low and the weather is generally fair.
During this time, you can spend more time outdoors, although it also means peak season, so you have to book everything as early as possible.
Things to Know
To make sure you enjoy your holiday to Dubai, we have some nifty tips and tricks for you:
- Choose a mid-week flight. Airline tickets are generally cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a lot more expensive on weekends. It’s also best to use a flight protector with a price drop guarantee, so you can get credit back if ticket prices drop after your booking.
- Be smart with hotel bookings. If you’re on a budget, booking the cheapest hotel might be your first move. But with so many hotels around Dubai, the cheapest might not be your best option.
Do your research and choose a hotel that’s in an ideal location for your trip. Of course, if you don’t mind paying more, Dubai has the best hotels in town for you.
- Get a Nol Card. The Nol Card is a must if you’re using Dubai’s public transport network. With just a single card, you can pay for the metro, tram, bus, taxi, monorail, ferry, water bus, water taxi and even an abra ride.
- Learn about the Dubai Explorer Pass. The Dubai Explorer Pass is one of the best ways to stretch your travel budget while enjoying as many attractions or activities during your trip. This pass will let you choose between three to seven attractions around Dubai.
How to Get Around Dubai
Day One: Exploring Old Dubai
Your first day in Dubai should be spent learning about the city’s history and culture. Here, you get to explore Deira, Bur Dubai, the Dubai Frame and the Dubai Garden Glow.
| Costing: | |
| Abra Ride | AED 1 for every ride |
| Shopping Money | At least AED 100 |
| Dubai Museum Entry Fee | AED 3 per person |
| Dubai Frame Entry Fee | AED 50 for adults / AED 20 for children |
| Dubai Garden Glow Entry Fee | AED 65 per person |
Deira
The old Deira district is the perfect starting point for exploring Old Dubai, and getting to this area is already a trip back in time with an abra ride, which used to be the city’s primary form of transportation.
The souks are the main attractions in Deira, so start your trip by exploring these alleyways that lead to the gold souk, perfume souk and of course, the spice souk.
Take this time to buy some souvenirs since local sellers in these souks offer the best prices for local products as compared to buying them in the mall.
Spend at least two hours in Deira and make sure to set a budget to keep yourself from overspending during your shopping trip.
Bur Dubai
Next stop on the list is Bur Dubai, which is just right across the river from Deira. For AED 1, you can cross the river through an abra and start exploring this side of town.
You have to visit the former residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum that contains important documents about the city. For more history, stop by the Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Center.
Of course, you can’t be in Bur Dubai without visiting the souks, bazaars and markets starting with the Old Souk where you can buy everything from magnets to stuffed animals.
Then, there’s Al Seef Market where you can see replicas of traditional houses that are now home to different stores and restaurants.
And you can’t miss Hindi Lane and Meena Bazaar, the Hindu town of Dubai where you can find Indian restaurants and shops.
The Dubai Museum
Before leaving Bur Dubai, you have to make a stop at the Dubai Museum. In fact, if you’re going to visit one museum during your trip, make it this one.
For AED 3, you get to learn so much about Dubai’s past through exhibits and photos showing the evolution of this city from a humble fishing village.
But more than that, the Dubai Museum also gives you a glimpse of the city’s future projects.
The Dubai Frame
To complete your first day in Dubai, you need to stop by the Dubai Frame, the largest frame in the world and a symbol of Dubai’s past and present.
Head to the top of the frame at 150 meters high and take photos with the panoramic views of Old Dubai on one side and new Dubai on the other.
And while you’re in Za’abeel Park, end the night at Dubai Garden Glow where you can enjoy a magnificent display of different light structures for AED 65.
Day Two
For your second day in Dubai, spend it exploring Downtown Dubai and the surrounding areas to really soak in the vibe of the city.
This day will be packed with a lot of walking, eating and maybe even some shopping, so better be ready.
| Costing: | |
| Average Taxi Fare | AED 20 |
| Burj Khalifa At the Top Experience | Starts at AED 159 per person |
| Burj Khalifa SKY Experience | Starts at AED 379 per person |
| Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Entry Fee | AED 199 for adults and children 2 years and above |
Burj Khalifa
Begin your day bright and early at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. If you’re on a budget, you can take photos outside the building for free.
But if you want the full sky high experience, you can always book tickets to At the Top where you get to choose between Levels 124 and 125.
At Level 124, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city on the outdoor observation terrace or go a floor higher where you get to be on a spacious deck offering a 360-degree view of the city.
Now if you want more adrenaline, go all out and book the Burj Khalifa SKY experience where you get to see the city from Level 148.
Burj Park
While you’re in the Burj Khalifa area, stop by Burj Park, one of the lesser known tourist spots in Dubai but still worth a visit. And yes, you can come here for free!
The park is a great place to have a break from all the buildings in Downtown Dubai and you also get to see a lot of beautiful sculptures around the property including the famous Wings of Mexico by Mexican artist Jorge Marin.
You can also ride an abra on the Dubai Fountain Lake or ride a bicycle around the park.
The Dubai Mall
When in Dubai, you can’t miss shopping at the city’s biggest mall and one of the biggest in the world! The Dubai Mall is considered a tourist destination in itself with everything it has to offer.
For starters, you’re in for some serious retail therapy with over 1,200 shops to choose from. If you’re hungry from all that shopping, dine at one of the 120 restaurants and cafes inside the mall.
The Dubai Mall is also home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and Dubai Ice Rink.
Dubai Fountain Show
There’s no better way to end your day in Downtown Dubai than watching the Dubai Fountain Show, which runs every five minutes on a 30-minute interval throughout the evening.
You can watch the show outside the Dubai Mall and in strategic areas around the property. You can also dine at Asado, Al Bayt, Tribes Carnivore or Armani where you can see the show.
Day Three
They say that you’ve never truly been to Dubai if you haven’t seen the desert. So for your third day, you’re going to take a trip outside the city to experience the best of what the Arabian desert has to offer.
| Costing: | |
| Dubai Desert Safari Day Tour | Starts at AED 275 per person |
| Dubai Desert Safari Overnight Stay | Starts at AED 380 per person |
| Dubai Marina Private Boat Tour | Starts at AED 400 |
Dubai Desert Tour
To make your desert excursion fast and easy, it’s best to book a Dubai desert tour package depending on what you want to experience during this trip.
Fortunately, you have plenty of options including a half-day desert safari or a full day safari with camel rides, red dunes and lunch or dinner in the desert.
If you’re going on a day tour, you’ll be picked up at your hotel early in the morning, so you can be in the desert right when the sun rises.
Here, you can enjoy activities like dune bashing, camel riding and sandboarding. If you want to, you can even spend the night in one of the bedouin camps in the desert to really get the full experience.
Dubai Marina
If you’re only going for a desert safari day tour, you can head straight to Dubai Marina after getting back in the city.
This beautiful community reminds you of the French Riviera with its beautiful condos and yachts parked on the pier.
But if you have some extra travel budget, you can book a private yacht tour to go around Dubai Marina and admire its beauty from the water.
There’s also The Beach and The Walk, two beautiful promenades where you can take a walk, dine at one of the many restaurants and end the day with some drinks while enjoying a serene view.
Day Four
On your final day in Dubai, it’s only fitting that you spend it on the beach and by exploring some of the many water parks in the city.
Prepare for a day packed with water activities, beach fun and some more.
| Costing: | |
| Atlantis Aquaventure Watepark Entry Fee | AED 990 for adults and AED 695 for children |
| Sunbed Rental at La Mer Beach | AED 60 per sunbed and AED 100 including a towel and umbrella |
| Cabana Rental at La Mer Beach | AED 600 per cabana for a group of four people |
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm
The Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is the place to be if you want a day filled with adventure on the water.
Covering 17 hectares, this massive waterpark has 105 water slides including a 2.3-kilometer long river.
And being located in Atlantis the Palm, you get some amazing views of the Arabian Gulf while having the time of your life on those water slides. You even have to feed cownose rays and see sharks up close.
La Mer
If you prefer a laidback day on the beach, head to the city’s best beachfront. La Mer is a beachside community that features a public beach, a promenade and a shopping, dining and entertainment strip.
Located between Jumeirah Bay and Pearl Jumeirah, La Mer offers stunning views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
Here, you can relax at one of the cabanas on the beach or try some of the many water activities offered in the area.
You can also go shopping at the different stores on the strip and end your day with a sumptuous meal at one of the restaurants and cafes.
Where to Stay in Dubai
Aloft Palm Jumeirah
Address: Crescent Road – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 247 5555
Pricing: $$$
Think that staying in Palm Jumeirah would blow off your budget? Aloft Palm Jumeirah will change all that.
This beautiful hotel in Dubai’s famous man made island is perfect if you’re traveling as a family because kids under 12 years old get to stay for free.
You also get to enjoy spacious and well-furnished rooms and suites with balconies overlooking the Arabian Gulf. That even includes a minibar and 24/7 room service.
And if you ever get hungry during your stay, Aloft has three top-tier restaurants serving everything from Italian to Mexican cuisines. Lounge at the outdoor pool or spend a day under the sun on the beach – all while staying within budget.
Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection
Address: Al Falea Street – Jumeirah Beach – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 399 5000
Pricing: $$$
Habtoor Grand Resort rises high on Jumeirah Beach with two 25-storey towers that has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.
Being near the beach, you get amazing views of the water. But on the other side, you also get a lot of green with the resort’s garden.
Have some extra on your budget? Upgrade your room to get a living room, a private balcony and even access to the hotel’s private lounge.
And you’ll never run out of dining options here with 12 restaurants ready to serve you a great meal, poolside snack and signature cocktail whenever you need it.
Al Seef Heritage Hotel
Address: Dubai Creek – Al Seef Street – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 707 7080
Pricing: $$$
Al Seef Heritage Hotel is not your ordinary accommodation because it puts you in the middle of Dubai’s rich history. In fact, looking outside your room will feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
The hotel is composed of 10 bayts or traditional Arabian homes that highlight Dubai’s beautiful architecture paired with modern amenities.
The best part? You get to choose between a view of the Souks or the Dubai Creek every morning. And of course, your quintessential Arabian experience wouldn’t be complete without a feast at the Sabaa restaurant.
25hours Hotel One Central
Address: Trade Center Street off Sheikh Zayed Road – Trade Center 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 210 2525
Pricing: $$
As unique as its name is, 25hours Hotel offers you a unique experience with views overlooking the Museum of the Future and a unique aesthetic that you won’t find anywhere else.
With 434 rooms and suites to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options at 25hours. But what really makes this hotel special is its personality.
Think 5,000 books in a library in the lobby, an open pantry and even a co-working space. Of course, you can’t miss hanging out at the pool while admiring the most unique museum you’ll ever see in your life.
Armani Hotel Dubai
Address: Burj Khalifa – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 888 3888
Pricing: $$$
For the ultimate hotel experience, you have to do it on the tallest building in the world. Armani Hotel is the only hotel in Burj Khalifa and you can expect nothing but the best during your stay here.
This modern hotel is designed and furnished by the great Giorgio Armani featuring luxurious Italan design elements. Combine that with the signature Arabian hospitality and you get luxury like no other.
Fancy some shopping? Don’t worry because the hotel gives you exclusive access to the Dubai Mall.
Planning a fancy dinner? Choose between the Armani/Lounge, Armani/Ristorante, Armani/Hashi, Armani/Deli, Armani/Amal or Armani/Mediterraneo.
Where to Eat in Dubai
Tresind Studio
Address: St. Regis Gardens – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 58 895 1272
Pricing: $$$
Tresind Studio is a two MICHELIN star restaurant that was also named the best restaurant in the Middle East and Africa. It even placed 11th out of the 50 best restaurants in the world for 2023.
But more than the accolades, it’s Chef Mohammad Zeeshan’s innovative and elegant take on Indian cuisine that makes Tresind Studio such a hit among diners.
The restaurant also seats just 20 guests overlooking the open kitchen giving you that sense of exclusivity that not many restaurants in Dubai can offer.
But the highlight of this experience is the multi-course tasting menu composed of four sections celebrating the north, south, east and west of India.
So, if you’re planning on splurging a bit on a fancy dinner, you won’t regret booking a table at Tresind Studio.
Al Ustad Special Kabab
Address: Metro Station – Al Mussallah Road – Al Hamriya – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 397 1933
Pricing: $$
Al Ustad Special Kabab may not be your typical fancy restaurant, but this no-frills eatery has one of the best kebabs in Dubai. Ask the locals and they’ll point you to this place.
For more than four decades, Al Ustad has been serving delightful grilled meats with favorites like the kabab khas or mutton marinated in yoghurt and cholo barg or barbecued tenderloin meat.
Can’t decide what to choose? Al Ustad also has different mixes where you can get a little bit of everything.
Calicut Paragon
Address: Al Ghani Building – G Floor – Amman Street – Al Nahda 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 251 2545
Pricing: $$
Calicut Paragon is the place to get good authentic Indian food without breaking your bank. No wonder locals flock to the restaurant and tourists who discover it end up going back for another meal.
Calicut’s menu consists of classic Indian favorites as well as internationally inspired dishes and even vegetarian options for you to enjoy.
Our favorites include the mixed seafood chutty curry, moilee or fish cooked in thick coconut milk, masala fried chicken and paneer tika.
STAY by Yannick Alleno
Address: One&Only The Palm – West Crescent Road – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 440 1010
Pricing: $$$
STAY by Yannic Alleno is a two MICHELIN star restaurant serving elevated French cuisine at the prestigious One$Only The Palm.
Here, you need to bring out your beautiful cocktail dress and trousers for men as you’re treated to a fine dining experience featuring dishes made with classic French techniques and the best ingredients.
If you’re all about wine pairings, the restaurant’s Head Sommelier Danijela Tesic can take care of that for you.
Al Hadheerah
Address: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort – Al Qudra Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 809 6100
Pricing: $$$
For a complete Arabian dining experience, you have to travel an hour outside of Dubai to get to the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa where Al Hadheerah is located.
But we guarantee that your trip will be worth it because you’re not just visiting a restaurant, you’re in for a complete Arabian dining experience in the desert. In fact, we’d say prepare for a feast!
With 14 live cooking stations, a full-on show with traditional performers, falconers and musicians, and a dining area right under the stars. What more could you ask for?
Where to Shop in Dubai
Mall of the Emirates
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 663 6255
Before the Dubai Mall took over, the Mall of the Emirates wasthe most popular mall in Dubai, and it’s still a shopper’s paradise, especially if you’re looking for designer brands like Christian Dior, Bvlgari and Dolce and Gabbana.
The mall is also designed to look like a European building with a massive glass roof to let all the natural light in.
The Mall of the Emirates is also home to Ski Dubai, Magic Planet and VOX Cinemas. And if you just want to enjoy a good meal, there are a lot of restaurants to choose from.
The Dubai Outlet Village
Address: Jebel Ali Near Dubai Parks and Resorts – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 886 0670
The Dubai Outlet Village is not only home to more than 500 brands, it’s also designed to look like the streets of Italy covering more than 1.5 million square feet of retail space.
But the best part is, the Outlet Village offers some of the hottest deals in the city with a lot of stores selling off-season products at up to 90% off.
Souk Al Bahar
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 362 7011
Souk Al Bahar lets you experience traditional Arabian shopping in the souks right in the middle of Downtown Dubai.
This beautiful shopping center right across Burj Khalifa is home to local and international shops selling everything from artisan items to urban products.
The best part is, you get to shop while enjoying the views of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
Dubai Gold Souk
Address: Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
For the quintessential Arabian shopping experience, you need to visit the Gold Souk, a haven for anyone looking for unique gold pieces at affordable prices.
If you’re looking to invest in gold, this is the best place to do it because you get the best value for your money. You can even have your jewelry customized according to your preference.
Apps to Download When Visiting Dubai
Visit Dubai: An app that will help you plan your holiday with information such as top attractions, the best hotels and the hottest restaurants.
Dubai Calendar: The app that contains all the events that are happening in Dubai throughout the year.
Uber: Useful for booking a taxi or private car service
Careem: Dubai’s local version of Uber for booking a private car
RTA Dubai Drive: Useful for driving around Dubai because it has a detailed map of the city and even parking suggestions
S’hail: Contains information about the city’s public transport including the bus, train, tram and water taxis