3 Days in Dubai; Itinerary for an incredible weekend

I’ve lost count of how many friends and family I’ve helped plan their Dubai trips over the last decade. My experience helps them avoid the most common mistakes but the biggest I see is when people don’t plan for how far away Dubai’s different attractions are. So they end up spending their holiday stuck in taxis going from one end of the city to the other. Which when you only have 3 days, can mean missing out on some of the best things to do and see.

This is the exact 3-day itinerary I give everyone to save them from making that mistake. It’s designed to make the most of each area with a dedicated day, plus what I’d advise skipping when you’re short on time. You’ll hit all the iconic spots, a couple of hidden gems, and come home feeling like you’ve genuinely seen Dubai.

I first moved here in 2013 and I still get excited every time I show someone this city for the first time. Trust me, you’re in for something special.

Travelling with kids? This itinerary works brilliantly for families too, I’ll flag the best family-friendly options and alternatives throughout each day.

Where to stay in Dubai

Choosing the right area in Dubai can genuinely make or break your trip and choosing the right area is more complicated than many cities due to how different the areas are. I recommend staying in Dubai Creek for a 3-day visit. It sits right between Downtown Dubai, the historical district and the airport, which means cheaper taxis, less time travelling and more time actually seeing what the city has to offer.

#1 Top Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Le Meridien Dubai Hotel Royal Club & Conference Centre

✅ Adults only & family outdoor pools

✅ Luxury Buffet Breakfast

✅ Spacious rooms

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#2 Pick

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel

✅ Incredible gym & spa facilities

✅ Luxury Buffet Breakfast

✅ Allows Pets

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#3 Pick

Aloft Dubai Airport

✅Co-working space

✅ Modern hotel

✅ Gym & Outdoor swimming pools

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Day 1: Downtown Dubai & Burj Khalifa

Downtown Dubai is where I always start every visiting friend’s trip and for good reason. Everything is within walking distance, the views are extraordinary, and it immediately gives you that “wow, I’m actually in Dubai” feeling the moment you arrive.

This is a bit of a whirlwind tour of the main attractions, but it is possible to see all of them in one day if you’re determined to do it.

Attractions you’ll get to see:

• Dubai Mall
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Burj Khalifa
• Souk Al Bahar
• Dubai Fountain
• Dubai Opera House

Dubai Mall

Start your morning here, it’s usually quieter before midday (however, in recent years sadly that isn’t always the case as Dubai’s popularity has grown massively) and you’ll be able to take photos of the indoor waterfall nickname ‘Falling Man Fountain’ or just have a general wander around without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

My personal favourite parking that I always recommend to friends is Cinema Parking, if you’ve rented a car, as it’s close to Dubai, Fountain, Souk Al Bahar and is easier to get into and out of. The Grand Parking by the main entrance usually has the biggest queue to get into. If not you can easily walk from Dubai Metro from the Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall stop.

Inside you’ll also find Candylicious, the world’s largest sweet shop, which kids absolutely love plus the famous indoor waterfall, a huge Apple Store with a terrace overlooking Dubai Fountain, and pretty much every brand you could ever want to browse.

It’s also a great spot for breakfast before a big day, grab something at Parker’s or one of the many cafés on the lower ground floor before the crowds arrive.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Inside Dubai Mall is also Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and it’s one of the attractions I love seeing people’s faces react to it when they see it for the first time. The huge aquarium with sharks and rays gliding above never gets old.

Travelling with kids? The Dubai Mall aquarium is visible for free from the ground floor and is always a hit with little ones even before you’ve even paid for anything!

If you do decide to go inside, it’s definitely worth paying extra for the Ultimate Experience which includes meeting the penguins and a glass-bottom boat ride, creating beautiful lasting memories for the whole family. You’ll need around half a day to see everything properly.

However if you don’t have kids or you’re a bit short on time, then just seeing the outside is still pretty cool.

If you’re planning to hop over to another attraction such as Burj Khalifa or Sky Views, combination tickets can be cheaper than buying individually but keep in mind that they’re basic entry tickets without queue jumps for Burj Khalifa or the experiences at Dubai Aquarium.

Check availability for Dubai Aquarium 🐟

Burj Khalifa

Next on our stop is the Burj Khalifa and the best time to visit is late afternoon at 4 pm. This gives you around 2 hours before sunset to get through security and up the elevator. I always recommend going for SKY Level 148 tickets, not just for the queue jump (the standard line can take well over an hour on a busy day) as it gives you access to the higher level with a lounge.

Family tip – Children under 3 go free but kids aged over 3 need a ticket. If you’re travelling with a toddler, pack snacks for the queue since outside food isn’t allowed past security. Also note that strollers aren’t allowed up either and must be left in the dedicated area downstairs, so it’s best to take a carrier if you’ve got little ones who can’t yet walk.

Dubai has been super busy over the last few years, so it’s best to book most attractions a minimum of 2 weeks in advance, otherwise the time you want might not be available. Sunset time is one of the best time to visit and often sells out first.

Best Burj Khalifa At The Top tickets 🤩

Souk Al Bahar & Dubai Fountain

After you’ve finished your Burj Khalifa tour, it’s now the perfect time to head over to Souk Al Bahar. The souq is a small, traditional-style market with local crafts, art and tourist souvenirs, plus some great restaurants and eateries with front-row views of Dubai Fountain. I actually prefer sending families here over rather than fighting the crowds at Dubai Mall. It’s noticeably calmer and easier to navigate with a stroller. Though the lifts can be a bit hidden!

This is also one of the few places you can get an alcoholic drink in the area, and Time Out Market offers a more affordable place to eat with great food. One downside is the terrace is not reserved, and it can be very hard to get seats with a fountain view. Also, people tend to stand in front of your table, blocking your view even if you did manage to get a seat.

Seeing the Dubai Fountain for the first time is truly a magical experience, and after over a decade living here, it still stops me in my tracks every single time. I always recommend to see it at night, this is when the lights and music make it the most impressive.

There’s also the Burj Khalifa laser show that features a show created by screens on the Burj Khalifa. These take place 15 minutes after the Dubai Fountain show, so there’s something to watch every 15 minutes.

Family tip – I wouldn’t call Time Out Market family-friendly, the atmosphere, smoking on the terrace, lack of children’s food options and bar like environment can feel a bit odd bringing kids into but they do allow children into the venue and on the terrace.

If you’re happy to pay the minimum spend of 400 per person (over 12 years old) you’ll get a much more premium and relaxing experience at Thiptara in Palace Hotel. It is also one of the few fine dining places with a Dubai Fountain view that allows children of all ages.

Once you’ve finished you can decide to go see Dubai Fountain up close or if you didn’t manage to watch it already from the restaurant or just want to watch it again. The pedestrian bridge that connects back to Dubai Mall is a great free spot for watching.

Family tip – If you go to the left, down the ramp, you’ll find a flat walkway that allows you to cross with a stroller without any steps.

More about Dubai Fountain & Burj Khalifa Laser Show

If you’re wanting to see more of Dubai Fountain or Burj Khalifa laser show, there’s quite a few options, either watching it for free at Dubai Mall Promenade, the Souk Al Bahar Bridge or head more towards the back. The walkway at the back is what leads to the very last part of Downtown Dubai that I recommend on this epic first day.

If you want to get up close, the Boardwalk ticket is an affordable way that puts you on the lake in front of all the crowds right for the show, or you can hop on a traditional abra for a more fun option that the kids will love. Both you’ll be so close you’ll feel the spray from the fountains.

The Dubai Fountain show times are every 30 minutes. The Burj Khalifa Laser show is every 30 minutes also, so there’s a show every 15 minutes alternating between the laser and the fountain show.

Dubai Opera House

What a day it’s been so far and if you’re not feeling too tired, there’s one final stop I recommend the late evening and that’s a walk over to to Dubai Opera and Burj Park. It’s a lovely walk, plus you’ll get to see the Opera House all lit up at night. Its dhow-inspired curved roofline makes it yet another unique building in Dubai.

If you love theatre, then you can choose to come earlier or swap an earlier activity to give you more time. If not, it’s still a lovely place to explore and the restaurant inside, Balcanto, is also highly commended.

Family Tip – The bridge close to the opera house will take you over to Burj Park. Here the kids can have a final run around if they aren’t too exhausted and there’s even a 19 metre metal slide open until 1 am.

If you’re not with kids, the park is still a nice spot to grab a bite to eat and just enjoy sitting on the grass for a little bit while watching the laser show from afar.

Day 1 recommended restaurants

There’s many great eateries in Dubai, here are a few of the best options in the Downtown area:

• Parker’s Dubai Mall – A casual spot inside Dubai Mall loved by locals for a great breakfast or lunch. Family-friendly with a kids-approved menu and their famous Matilda Cake has been viral across social media.
• Salt at Souk Al Bahar Bridge – Yummy decently priced burgers with views of Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. Perfect for families wanting something quick, casual and kid-friendly without blowing the budget.
• Jovee at Souk Al Bahar – I went here back when it was Serafina and loved the location. Right on the water at Souk Al Bahar with unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa and fountain, serving up a mix of Italian and Japanese dishes.
• Krasota Dubai at Address Downtown – A unique Japanese fine dining experience with immersive visual projections throughout the meal. It doesn’t have a view but it’s a really unique restaurant.
• Thiptara at Palace Downtown – A stunning Thai restaurant right on the water at Palace Downtown, with romantic, front-row seating for the fountain show and the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop. *Most restaurants have a minimum spend for outdoor seating with a view of Dubai Fountains

Day 2: Historical Dubai

For this day, I highly recommend to get a 48 hour hop-on and hop-off bus ticket as you’ll be able to easily travel to all of the tourist attractions (find out more about its route and benefits) below and the ones for tomorrow too. Otherwise, it can be a bit of a walk from the metro and this area has a lot of traffic, along with a lack of parking.

Attractions you’ll get to see on Day 2:

• Al Seef
• Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood
• Dubai Creek & Abra Ride
• Spice Souk
• Gold Souk
• Al Shindagha Museum
• Dubai Coffee Museum

Al Seef

If you’re doing the walking tour below, Al Seef is where you’ll meet your tour guide to begin. I recommend getting here early and having a breakfast here. One of my top picks for breakfast is Saba’a Restaurant inside Al Seef Heritage Hotel.

Al Seef is built in the traditional Emirati style, with shops and cafés tucked inside heritage-style houses. It’s a beautiful spot to have a wander around and you’ll see some well known brands but with unique Emirati historical designs which is pretty cool and definitely worth a photo!

With the walking tour you won’t see very much of this area, so that’s why I recommend to get a bit earlier and explore it first. If you’re not doing the tour, feel free to explore at your own pace and then move onto the next area when you’re ready.

Family tip – The waterfront path here doesn’t have much railings in most places, so keep a close eye on little ones.

Walking tour of Dubai’s Historical Neighbourhood

This is best done earlier in the morning, so you avoid the worst of the Dubai midday heat, and it’s a lovely way to get to know the historical district on foot without getting lost. As it’s definitely easy to get lost here! You’ll also get to try a few different nibbles too, which is always a highlight for me.

Another advantage of the tour is that you’ll taken across the creek on an Abra and to the Gold and Spice Souks as part of it. So you’ll tick a lot off your list in around 2 hours.

Our tour guide was hilarious and despite being a long time resident, he still taught me a few things I didn’t know about Dubai. He also took a great delight in firing most of the questions at me too since he knew I was a long time resident.

Family tip – The tour is suitable for strollers and young kids will also get a change to run around at the breaks but it is 2 hours of walking so the kids will likely be very tired by the end, so definitely take a stroller.

The walking tour I did personally 💫

Al Fahidi Historical Area

This area is a little bit difficult to explore because there’s still a lot of restoration going on, so you’ll frequently go down one alley and find out it’s a dead end. Below are the main sights I’d consider doing for the area. If you want to see every single one throughly, then you’ll need a full day and it’s also entirely possible to spend a few days here if you wanted to see absolutely everything.

A lot of people think this area is fake, it isn’t! This area has been carefully restored from the 1800s, unlike Al Seef that is indeed mostly modern buildings but built in what was the historical style of that area.

Dubai Coffee Museum

Close to Al Seef this is the perfect small museum to quickly pop into and have a look around. Especially if you’re a coffee lover! It’s packed with history, you’ll learn all about the origins of coffee and how it ties into UAE culture and hospitality along with tasting Emirati style arabic coffee and dates. It’s also very cheap to enter.

It does involve stairs and parts can be a bit narrow, there’s quite a bit to see on the ground floor if you didn’t want to go upstairs and the area to sit and try Arabic coffee is downstairs.

Family tip – It’s small enough to do in 30-45 minutes and there’s a kids play area upstairs while you explore the museum, which makes it an easy add-on between the souks without testing anyone’s patience. You will need to leave your stroller at the entry.

Al Shindagha Museum

This is probably my favourite museum in the entire historical neighbourhood, Al Shindagha Museum is one of my favourite spots in the historical district, it does a brilliant job of bringing the history of the UAE and Dubai Creek to life, right where it all actually happened. Plus many other amazing exhibits; the perfume house in particular was very interesting.

You’ll find artefacts and interactive exhibits spread across more the air-conditioned houses. Personally with kids I would spend more time here or you can choose the houses you’re most interested in for 2-3 hours. If you wanted to see every single house, then you’ll need a full day.

Family tip – There’s a dedicated Children’s Pavilion so it’s perfect for families but children cannot be left unattended here, so one parent or guardian will need to stay with them.

Check ticket prices for Al Shindagha Museum 🏺

Dubai Creek & Abra Ride

After the museum, you’ll walk back along the creek to Bur Dubai Abra stop and from here you’ll get a short ride over to Deira Old Souq stop. Make sure to have some cash to pay to cross, some routes accept nol cards but most people give the attendant driving the boat cash once on the boat.

It’s a quick ride to the other side of the creek, and this traditional wooden boat is the perfect way to do it. There’s just something special about being on a boat and it’s a quintessential experience for anyone interested in the culture & history of Dubai.

It’s also one of the cheapest things you can do in Dubai, costing only 1-2 AED per person depending on which route you take. If you do the tour, it’s included in the price.

Family tip – The abra operators are helpful if you have a stroller, so you can either strap your child in like I did and lift them onto the abra or you can fold the stroller if you feel more comfortable, keeping them on your lap. But be aware, they don’t have side railings so hold little hands firmly while boarding and during the crossing. If you don’t feel comfortable, you can get the hop-on-hop-off bus around to the other side.

Spice Souk

After your short abra ride, you’ll cross the road and enter the Spice souk. Smell the fragrant, exotic aromas the moment you step into this must-visit spot. You’ll find street sellers with large buckets brimming with herbs, spices, teas and nuts plus kids will be fascinated by all the different colours and smells.

If you’re after saffron or other spices to take home, this is a great place to buy, just make sure to haggle, as sellers will often start with inflated tourist prices.

As a general rule of thumb, whatever they quote at the beginning, you can usually get it for around 50% less. Haggling is expected here, so don’t feel awkward about it, it’s part of the experience.

Family tip – Keep kids close as it can get busy and the sellers are persistent plus kids love to pick things up! Older kids can gain confidence by haggling too.

Gold Souk

Right next to the Spice Souk is the Gold Souk, and it’s worth wandering through even if you’ve got no intention of buying, the sheer volume of gold on display, some pieces worth millions, is a spectacle in itself.

If you’ve done the tour, this is where you’ll finish so feel free to wander around afterwards or head back to some of the museums in Al Fahidi neighbourhood. If you are looking to purchase, Dubai is famous for its gold selling and all gold is sold by weight.

Dhow Cruise

I hope by now you’ve learnt a lot about Emirati culture and this is the perfect evening activity to finish off your day filled with historic Dubai. A Dhow Cruise can either be a romantic evening or genuinely great fun for the whole family. You’ll get a full dinner on aboard along with entertainment all on the larger traditional wooden dhow boats.

See an Egyptian Tanoura dancer, get henna painted (usually an extra cost) and see the beautiful Dubai Creek all lit up at night. The perfect ending for an unforgettable day. Just make sure to bring a jacket as it can get chilly with the sea breeze!

If you’ve bought the 48 hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket, the Dhow Cruise is included in your ticket price.

If not, I recommend purchasing a ticket for a dhow boat tour, as it’s really good value for everything you get and ideal for families.

Family tip – Dinner cruises typically run from around 8pm to 10pm, which can be a late finish for younger children. If you’re travelling with little ones, look for an earlier sailing time where possible, or treat this as more of an optional add-on rather than a must-do if bedtimes are tight.

Check timings for the Dhow boat dinners 🚣

Day 2 recommended restaurants

There’s many great eateries in Dubai, here are a few of the best options close to the historical district:

• Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant – Traditional Emirati food served in a stunning Arabic courtyard, this is my most recommended restaurant in the area as it has traditional Emirati cultural shows and free henna for the kids!
• Arabian Tea House Al Fahidi – Another Emirati and Arabic food restaurant that’s set in a beautiful traditional courtyard setting. This is the one you’ve most likely seen all over Instagram due to its pretty aesthetics.
• Mumtaz Mahal Indian Speciality Restaurant – Mughlai and North Indian dishes right on Al Fahidi Street opposite Dubai Museum. The area has a large South Asian population so it’s a great area for authentic Indian food.
• Bikanervala – A very casual restaurant with Indian food and sweets. It’s quick, affordable and great for grabbing something simple if you’ve had a big day of sightseeing and just want to sit down without the fuss.
• Doors Freestyle Grill Steakhouse – A high-end steakhouse and seafood grill right on the water at Al Seef. There’s interactive tableside cooking with fire shows and hot stone grilling that kids love watching, a great treat-yourself option if you fancy something a bit more special.

Day 3: Modern Dubai & MORE

We’ve explored mostly the city side of Dubai, it’s time to explore the other side to Dubai and it’s beautiful beaches. Everything that makes modern Dubai famous. First, you’ll take the red route to Museum of the Future and then take the blue route on the hop-on and hop-off bus to the beach.

The attractions you’ll see today:

• Museum of The Future
• Kite Beach
• Burj Al Arab
• Palm Jumeriah
• Atlantis

Museum of the Future

Start your morning here before it gets crowded! Just the building alone is stunning and one of the most photographed spots in the city. You can find a spot to take a photo by exploring the nearby area or pick a café with a view of the Museum. I highly recommend Leen’s in Emirates Tower, (which is in the photos above), and enjoying a breakfast here.

The Museum tickets are quite pricey for what’s inside, but the lobby is stunning (which you can access without buying a ticket). If you’re trying to save money, then feel free to skip the museum but I would recommend visiting at least once and especially for kids who love robots.

*The Museum is currently being refurbished until Q1 of 2027, so for the time being you can still enjoy from the outside.

Family tip – The Future Heroes floor is designed for children under 10 and tends to be the highlight of the visit for them, though older kids and teens might find it a little underwhelming. Whichever ticket you choose, make sure to book online in advance since they sell out and I most recommend the morning as it’s less crowded.

Check availability for Museum of The Future 💫

Kite Beach

Next on our final day is Kite Beach, this is one of the coolest areas in Dubai with a ton of activities, cafes and even markets spread out across this stretch of beach. You’ll see people swimming, joggers running along the track and teams playing volleyball.

It’s really a palce where you can spend as much or as little time as you like with a mix of free and paid for activities. You’ll also be able to see the Burj Al Arab in the background and take the perfect photo. It’s also a great spot to grab some lunch with a wide range of options.

There’s also outdoor play areas for kids, zip lines or you can just have a day at the beach building sandcastles. There’s both free sections where you can take a blanket or paid sections where you’ll rent a bed.

Burj Al Arab

If you’ve only spent a short time at Kite Beach, now it’s time to head inside the Burj Al Arab for a tour of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

The tour is my most recommended way to visit since you’ll learn about how it was built, see the huge luxury royal suite and enjoy a gold cappuccino at the end, which is definitely worth paying extra for on your ticket. You can buy a gold cappuccino there but it does cost more money than buying it with the ticket.

My most recommended time for seeing the Burj Al Arab is either in the day or just before sunset.

*The Burj Al Arab is currently closed for refurbishment; however you can still enjoy the outside by heading to Umm Suqeim Beach or enjoy a meal by the beach at Jumeriah Al Naseem

Don’t miss getting your Burj Al Arab tickets ✨

The View at The Palm

After you’ve finished from Kite Beach, its time to head to Palm Jumeirah. You can either use your Hop on Hop off bus or if you’re running low on time, grab a taxi down to Palm Jumeirah. The hop on hop off bus doesn’t stop at Nakheel Mall where ‘The View’ is and instead only at Atlantis, but it is a nice ride on the Palm monorail to Nakheel Mall from Atlantis. Make sure to check the monorail is working though!

You’ll head up in the elevator to the 52nd floor for an incredible view across Palm Jumeriah Dubai, experiencing a vantage point that is very different to the view from Burj Khalifa. There’s also a cafe at the top, so you can enjoy your time while taking in the sunset.

Looking to visit AURA Skypool instead? Sadly if you’ve got kids, they don’t allow children at the world’s highest 360 infinity pool, which you may have seen on Instagram on Palm Jumeirah. However, if you haven’t got kids or are hiring a nanny, then it’s definitely a bucket-list item that you can do instead of The View.

Check availability for The View 💫

Atlantis

Last but not least, it’s time to go explore Atlantis. You can have a stroll around some parts of the resort but only select areas are open to the public. It’s also popular to take some photos of the famous building from the roadside where you’ll be dropped off by the bus.

There are multiple options available at Atlantis, whether you love adventure and want to enjoy the waterpark or just want to enjoy a stroll inside the resort. Be aware not all parts are open to tourists however.

There’s a mix of restaurants, shops and experience including an aquarium.