A Perfect 3 days Dubai Itinerary : What not to miss!

A Guest Post by Neha who writes from DUBAI WIKIA. Do check her website for more of such interesting articles!

Dubai’s attractions are so amazing and endless that it may sound almost impossible to explore Dubai three days. That’s why we have chalked out this exclusive 3 days Dubai itinerary for you to have a great time in Dubai. This not only covers the region’s top neighborhoods and hot spots but also includes a visit to some of its classic sights and hidden gems. So are you ready to fall in love with this city of superlatives? Just read on this Dubai travel blog!

Is Dubai Worth Visiting?

Dubai is the “pearl in the crown” that is the Middle East. The first thing that comes to one’s mind when you think of Dubai is sky-high skyscrapers, sun setting in the sand dunes, air conditioned grand Shopping Malls, adventure activities that give you an adrenaline rush and much more. So Indeed, Dubai is worth visiting, be it as a girl’s trip or with one’s family.

Is Dubai Expensive?

Planning a trip to Dubai? Wondering how much does a 3 day trip to Dubai cost?

Dubai is no doubt an expensive city and there are untempt options to splurge on. However like with most cities, it really depends on the choices you make. The most expensive part of your trip to Dubai would be flight and hotel cost. If one avoids certain adventure activities then some money can be saved there. Food and transport cost are modest.

Does one need Visa to visit Dubai

Considering the current pandemic situation, it is better to check the Visa requirement for your country in advance before embarking on your trip. You can check the requirements here

The Dubai government has relaxed restrictions for visitors coming from India, Nigeria and South Africa from June onwards.  Sinopharm, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sputnik V and Oxford-AstraZeneca are 4 vaccines that have so far been approved by the Dubai government. Visitors who have successfully been administered 2 doses of the vaccines mentioned above are welcome to visit Dubai. In addition to this, RT – PCR negative test has to be presented before flying. The test should be taken 48 hours before flying. One will also be required to take the test upon lading in Dubai.

Note: UAE nationals and foreign diplomats are exempted from the above.

How to get around in Dubai

Dubai has 2 world class international airports. DXB is one of the busiest airports in the world what with most flights halting at DXB.

The RTA manages the public transportation system in Dubai. Trams, Buses, Metro, Water taxi and Abras form a part of the transport system. Getting around Dubai is now such an easy task what with the NOL card.  NOL is a Smart card that allows users to explore Dubai via any mode of transport with the help of a single card.

If you have limited time at disposal then you can also opt to explore Dubai via an Uber ride or Careem (local version of Uber) both available at affordable rates.

Best time to visit Dubai

There is no in between weather when it comes to Dubai – Its either extremely hot or cold. Depending on your budget, you can plan a visit to Dubai.

The best time to visit Dubai is from September to April when the weather is pleasant and not too hot. This is the time that attracts most amount of tourists so if you are planning a budget trip then you can consider travelling from May to Aug. This is the time when crowds disperse and the hotel prices are at the lowest in Dubai. However be prepared to face scorching heat and carry sunscreen and a hat to cover yourself.

Is Dubai safe?

This beautiful city of gleaming skyscrapers has the lowest crime rate in the world. Apart from some petty theft such as pickpocketing, scams, Dubai is safe to travel to.

The Sharia law is very strict and conservatives. There are a couple of things one has to bear in mind before visiting Dubai. Kissing in public, cross dressing, dressing immodestly, swearing, having Israeli citizenship are all illegal in Dubai.

Soaring skyscrapers, Uber Grande hotels, sprawling shopping malls selling the most exquisite luxuries, pristine beaches, Dubai has so much to offer. Here’s how one can spend perfect 3 days in Dubai.

Day 1: Desert Safari & Palm Jumeirah

Main Attractions of Day 1: Morning Desert Safari, Atlantis, The Palm Resort, the View at the Palm Jumeirah and Palm Fountain Show

Desert Safari

 

Early Morning: No trip to Dubai, especially your first time visit to Dubai, is complete without taking a desert safari. So start your Dubai holiday with a soulful journey into the Dubai’s desert. Catch the magical desert sunrise views (dependent on your chosen package) and feel the thrill of the lifetime as you embark on a 4X4 dune bash which further promises you a captivating display of the desert beauty and tranquility. You can choose to add more activities to your desert safari with a session of camel ride, sandboarding, quad biking or dune buggy ride.

You may also like to read : Bungee jumping in South Africa here

Palm Jumeirah

Mid-Morning till Evening: Utilize this time to appreciate the wondrous sights that abound the iconic Palm Jumeirah. With its stunning palm-tree design topped by a crescent, it is one of the world’s most futuristic man-made islands. Among the must-dos here is a walk along the Boardwalk which directly faces the Arabian Gulf. You can further visit Atlantis, The Palm – it is not only famed for its luxurious accommodations; you get to make the most of its Aquaventure Water Park (which is one of the best Dubai water parks), spend some quality time with dolphins at Dolphins Bay, and also take a look at some distinct marine species at Lost Chamber Aquarium.

Looking for more exciting ways to explore Palm Jumeirah? Take a monorail ride that covers almost the entire of the island or more ideally, visit the View at the Palm Jumeirah. This standpoint on the Palm Tower’s 52^nd level guarantees you the most comprehensive display of Palm Jumeirah. In fact, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to witness this island in its true grandeur.

 

The Pointe

Evening: After all action and fun, your final treat of the day await you at the Pointe. This stylish waterfront spot at Palm Jumeirah is a hub of striking dining and shopping options. But in recent times, it grabbed the headlines, being home to Palm Fountain – the world’s largest fountain show. So don’t wrap up your second day until you witness this record-breaking show. You can expect this choreographed water performance to be a grander version of Dubai Fountain at Downtown Dubai.

 

Top Tips for Day One  

• As desert safari is a journey into the isolated and untouched part of Dubai, make sure that you opt for a guided desert safari with hotels transfers, arranged by an experienced service provider.
• Attractions in and around Palm Jumeirah are mostly pricey, but you can down on their entry tickets with combo tickets.
• Palm Fountain is a free attraction, but you can watch it up-close, crowd-free by stepping into a dining venue that overlooks the fountain.

 

Day 2: Old Dubai & Downtown Dubai

Main Attractions of Day 2: Al Bastakiya Quarter, Dubai Museum, Souks, Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall

Al Bastakiya Quarter

Morning: Dubai is an ever evolving and dynamic city with brand-new attractions to discover on every Dubai trip. That said, it is hard to miss the city’s classic and historical sights mostly in Old Dubai. So start your second day in Dubai right off by checking out these timeless attractions. Head to the beautifully preserved Al Bastakiya Quarter in Dubai’s Bur Dubai’s area, also known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood; this gives you a glimpse into the ancient Emirati lifestyle before the discovery of oil. You can visit many museums and cultural landmarks in the region, such as Dubai Museum, Camel Museum, and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.

 

Dubai Creek

Mid-Morning till Evening: Following this, walk down to the Dubai Creek area, just a few blocks away from Al Fahidi area. For those who don’t know, this saltwater creek is one of Dubai’s most significant historical attractions. It divides the city into two regions: Bur Dubai (old Dubai) and Deira. In fact, a must-experience is to take a traditional Abra ride which takes you to Deira at a minimal cost of AED 1. Once in Deira, you can walk into its many souks or Arabian bazaars, mainly Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, and Spice Souk. Enjoy bargain shopping and don’t hesitate to haggle as you own your favorite gold jewelry or unique souvenirs at discounted rates. With plenty of dining options to chose from, you will never go hungry or tired once in Deira or Bur Dubai.

 

Burj Khalifa

Evening: Get ready to take in Dubai’s iconic as well as the most modern landmarks as you make your way to Downtown Dubai. One of the prominent sights here is Burj Khalifa. It’s up to you whether you wish to limit your Burj Khalifa Dubai expedition with a selfie or make it grander by taking to its ‘At The Top’ observation decks on 124^th, 125^th and 148^th level.  Another must-visit attraction without which your trip would be incomplete is the Dubai Mall. Adjoining Burj Khalifa, it is one of the world’s largest malls. Things to do here is not all about shopping; it has loads of leisure and amusement options as well. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, Ekart Zabeel, and KidZania Dubai are just a few to mention. Before you wind up your first day in Dubai, be sure to watch the Dubai Fountain Show – the breathtakingly choreographed aquatic show.

 

Top Tips for Day Two

• Opt for a guided tour, preferably Heritage Express Dubai tour, to take in the old part of Dubai.
• If you’re planning to go inside Burj Khalifa, make sure that you book your tickets in advance.
• To save money, go for a combo pass that offers access to Burj Khalifa as well as other attractions at Dubai Mall, such as Dubai Mall Aquarium, Dubai Ice Rink etc.
• Dubai Fountain is a free attraction, but you can watch it from an exclusive vantage point for a nominal charge; just take to Dubai Fountain Boardwalk or sign up for an abra ride at Burj Lake.

 

Day 3: Theme Park Visit, Shopping & Dhow Cruise

Main Attractions of Day 3: Ski Dubai, Last-Minute Shopping & Evening Dhow Cruise

Ski Dubai

Morning till Afternoon: A Dubai trip is not complete without spending some time at one of its theme parks. And Ski Dubai is one park that appeals to even those who are not much inclined to theme parks. Located inside Mall of the Emirates, this snow-themed destination allows you to ski, sled, and snowboard year-round, including when the outside temperature is at its peak. Looking for an alternative? You can head to the largest of its kind IMG Worlds of Adventure and the region’s first of its kind Dubai Parks and Resorts with four incredible parks.

 

Shopping in Dubai

Afternoon till Evening: Use this time to set out on a shopping spree, get a soothing spa treatment or simply take a catnap at your hotel room.

Shopping in Dubai is a never ending activity! Right from authentic souks to mega malls to fancy retail shopping districts, Dubai boasts of all this and more.

The Gold Souk and the Spice souk are both must visits. If you don’t wish to run around much and prefer having all things at one place than the Dubai Mall is your go to place. You will never a bucket load of money and some comfy shoes to explore this mammoth. In fact you can easily spend all 3 days here:)

Dubai Marina

Evening: As the sun sets in, head straight to the cruise point at Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina where you will board a traditional Arabian dhow for an imposing sail along Dubai’s stunning cityscape. The two-hour cruise assures you of a perfect end to your Dubai holiday as you sit back in its rustic ambience, relish majestic views, enjoy buffet dining, and watch cultural shows (such as Tanura) onboard.

 

Top Tips for Day Three

• Pre-reserve your theme park tickets to avoid last-minute hassles.
• If you are here to do some serious shopping, be sure to sign up for a professional shopping tour.
• For absolute peace of mind, be sure to add transfers at the time of booking your dhow cruise.

 

Conclusion

Precisely, spending 3 days in Dubai is not as difficult as it may sound. Just make sure that you have the right travel program to make the most of your Dubai holiday. In other words, the main thing is to determine the attractions and experiences that you would like to include in your Dubai checklist. Have all travel documents in place and make pre-booking wherever possible; that’s it – you can be rest assured of an unforgettable Dubai getaway.

About the Author

Neha loves traveling, seeing different places, and learning about their history. She also likes adventure sports like skydiving, bungee jumping, and zip-lining. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, sketching, and chilling with her pet dog.

You can visit her website here to check out more of such interesting articles.