United Arab Emirates · 3 days · 14 stops
3 days in Dubai – a ready-made itinerary
Dubai is sprawling and built for cars, with the old and the new kilometres apart. Day one covers the old town on the Creek, day two Jumeirah and Downtown with the Burj Khalifa, day three the Museum of the Future and the Marina. Between districts you take the metro or a taxi; within a district the stops are in walking order.
In short
- Length
- 3 days, 14 stops
- Highlights
- Al Fahidi (Al Bastakiya), Jumeirah Mosque, Museum of the Future, Spice Souk, Gold Souk
- Where to stay
- Downtown, Dubai Marina and JBR
- Getting around
- Dubai is too big to walk and too hot in summer.
- Best time to go
- November to March is the most pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 25 °C.
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Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. YesTrip editorial team · Updated: .
Day 1
Old town and souks on the Creek
Al Fahidi (Al Bastakiya)
The old quarter with clay houses and wind towers, galleries and cafés. In the morning it is still cool enough to stroll.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Al Fahidi (Al Bastakiya)about 10 min on foot
Abra across the Creek
Open wooden boats take you to Deira in a few minutes. You pay on board, and it costs very little.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Abra across the Creekabout 10 min on foot
Spice Souk
Lanes with sacks of spices, frankincense and dried fruit. Haggling is normal.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Spice Soukabout 10 min on foot
Gold Souk
A covered lane with hundreds of jewellers and windows full of gold. Looking costs nothing.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Gold SoukTaxi or metro to the Dubai Frame, about 20–30 min.
Dubai Frame
A giant picture frame in Zabeel Park. From the top you see old Dubai on one side and new Dubai on the other.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Dubai Frame
Day 2
Jumeirah and Downtown
Jumeirah Mosque
One of the few mosques in Dubai that non-Muslims can visit on a guided tour. Check times first.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Jumeirah MosqueTaxi to Madinat Jumeirah, about 20 min.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
A recreated souk along canals, with restaurants and a view of the Burj Al Arab. Good for lunch in the shade.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Souk Madinat JumeirahTaxi to Downtown, about 25 min.
Dubai Mall
One of the largest shopping centres in the world, with an aquarium and an ice rink. Air-conditioned through the hottest part of the day.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Dubai Mallabout 10 min on foot
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world. Book a sunset time slot for the viewing deck early.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Burj Khalifaabout 5 min on foot
Dubai Fountain
Water shows set to music in front of the Burj Khalifa, several times each evening. Free to watch from the promenade.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Dubai Fountain
Day 3
Museum of the Future and Dubai Marina
Museum of the Future
The oval building with Arabic calligraphy in its façade. Inside, exhibitions about the future – timed tickets only.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Museum of the FutureMetro (Red Line) to Dubai Marina, about 30–40 min.
Dubai Marina
Towers around a man-made yacht harbour. The waterfront promenade is easy to walk.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Dubai Marinaabout 15 min on foot
The Walk and JBR Beach
A promenade with restaurants right on the beach. Swim or sit by the water at sunset.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): The Walk and JBR Beachabout 10 min on foot
Dinner at the Marina
Around Marina Mall and the promenade there are restaurants for every budget, many with tables by the water.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Dinner at the Marina
Good to know
Best time to go
November to March is the most pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 25 °C. From June to September it is often above 40 °C – life moves indoors. During Ramadan special rules apply, and the dates shift every year.
Getting around
Dubai is too big to walk and too hot in summer. The metro's Red and Green Lines link the airport, the old town, Downtown and the Marina; buy tickets at the machines. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap and everywhere. Abra boats cross the Creek.
Where to stay
Downtown
Around the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, with metro links. Central for most outings.
Dubai Marina and JBR
By the beach, with a promenade and restaurants. Good if you want to combine city and swimming.
Your plan
Start with this plan.
Copy it into YesTrip, pick your dates and make it yours: move stops, drop them or let the AI add more. On the road the app shows you the next stop and how to get there.
Dubai: frequently asked questions
Are 3 days enough for Dubai?
For the best-known sights, yes – but it is short for a long-haul trip. A fourth and fifth day leave room for a desert trip, Abu Dhabi with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, or a beach day.
What should I wear in Dubai?
Cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks and the old town – mosques are strict about it. Swimwear only at the beach and the pool.
What should I sort out before the trip?
Check entry requirements with your government's travel advice before you go. Also check whether your trip falls in Ramadan – then rules apply to eating and drinking in public during the day.
How do I get from the airport into the city?
The metro's Red Line runs from DXB airport straight into the city. Taxis wait outside every terminal.
Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. Coordinates checked with Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Photon). Photo: Norlando Pobre, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. More in Sources & licences. YesTrip is a trip planner, not a travel agency – nothing is booked.
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