3 days in Dubai
Desert dunes, record-breaking towers and a creek full of old trade. A 3-day plan.
Dubai mixes extreme modernity with the older city around the Creek, where abras still ferry people between spice souks. The desert begins less than an hour from downtown.
Day by day
Day 1: Old Dubai
Explore Al Fahidi, ride an abra across the Creek and browse the gold and spice souks.
Day 2: Downtown
Visit the Museum of the Future, go up the Burj Khalifa at sunset and watch the Dubai Fountain.
Day 3: Beach and desert
Swim at Kite Beach in the morning and head into the dunes for an evening desert safari.
Make it work
- Best months: Nov–Mar. See the season calendar.
- Book ahead: the most popular sights and restaurants, especially in peak season.
- Where to eat along the way: Al Ustad Special Kebab, Arabian Tea House, Ravi Restaurant.
- Getting around: The Dubai Metro covers the main corridor; use a Nol card.
Short on time, or staying longer?
With less time, keep the first days and skip the day trip. With more, add a slower day for a neighbourhood from our best areas to stay, or choose more from the full list of things to do.
Opening days and times change, and some sights close one day a week. Check before you go. Last reviewed October 2026.