Top destinations, hidden gems, costs, and tips for planning your trip
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Three days in Dubai gives you just enough time to hit the classics, Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Mosque, while squeezing in a desert adventure and a taste of old Dubai in Deira. Prioritize iconic views, souk hopping, and at least one fancy dinner with a skyline panorama. If you plan your routes well, you’ll cover the city’s contrasts without ever feeling rushed.
A 3 days in Dubai itinerary lets you experience the city’s futuristic skyline, historic souks, and a taste of the Arabian desert in one trip. You can see the Burj Khalifa, eat at authentic Emirati restaurants, shop for gold in Deira, and ride camels in the dunes all within a long weekend. If you’re looking to maximize your time, it pays to plan ahead and book your hotel near a metro line, search hotels in Dubai on Travorio for deals near Downtown, the Marina, or Deira, depending on your style.
Dubai’s public transit is affordable and efficient, with the metro connecting most major attractions. Taxis are everywhere, but apps like Careem offer fixed prices (about $7 for 20 minutes in the city center). Weather is best from November to March, when daytime highs hover around 77°F (25°C). Summer can reach 106°F (41°C), so plan for indoor activities if you arrive between June and September. Three days is short, but if you group neighborhoods and use the metro, you can see the best of the city without feeling like you’re just racing from one selfie spot to the next.
Start your first day with the city’s most famous landmark. Book a 9:00am ticket for the Burj Khalifa ‘At the Top’ observation deck (Level 124/125), which costs around 169 AED ($46) online. Early morning slots have smaller crowds and less haze, so your skyline shots will look incredible. The elevator ride takes less than a minute. After soaking up the view, walk straight into Dubai Mall. It opens at 10:00am, but the Souk and aquarium are accessible earlier. Grab a coffee and pastry at %Arabica (about 32 AED/$8 for a latte and croissant), then wander over to the Dubai Aquarium tunnel (entry 155 AED/$42).
By lunchtime, head outside to the Dubai Fountain promenade. The Burj Lake boats start running at noon if you want to glide past the fountains (65 AED/$18 per person). For a quick lunch, Social House inside the mall serves international dishes with mains around 70 AED ($19). If you prefer a taste of old Dubai, take the metro (Red Line, 23 minutes, 6 AED/$1.60) to Al Fahidi Station. Stroll through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, where restored wind-tower houses now host art galleries and cafes. Try Arabian Tea House for local sandwiches and mint lemonade (50 AED/$14 for a meal).
In the evening, hop across the Creek in a traditional abra (1 AED/$0.27, 5 minutes) to Deira. The Gold and Spice Souks stay open late, and even if you’re not shopping, the atmosphere is electric. Locals will tell you to haggle hard, expect to start at half the quoted price for spices and perfumes. Dinner in Deira can be casual: try Al Ustad Special Kebab (about 45 AED/$12 for a full meal) for Iranian grills and fresh bread. Metro back to your hotel or grab a Careem taxi if you’ve picked up too many souvenirs.
Kick off your second day at Jumeirah Beach. If you’re staying in Downtown, take the Red Line metro to DAMAC Properties (32 minutes, 8 AED/$2.20), then tram to Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 (10 minutes, free transfer). The public beach is clean and has changing rooms; sunbeds rent for about 50 AED ($14) per day. Grab breakfast at Eggspectation (JBR), where a classic eggs Benedict costs around 59 AED ($16).
By late morning, stroll along The Walk at JBR. You’ll find pop-up markets, gelato stands, and plenty of people-watching. For a little adventure, book a 30-minute speedboat tour with Xclusive Yachts (starting at 145 AED/$39) for a close-up of the Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis. Afternoon is prime time for exploring Dubai Marina. Walk the 7km Marina Walk (takes about 90 minutes at a leisurely pace), or rent an e-scooter (3 AED/$0.80 per 10 minutes) for a breezy ride.
Lunch at Pier 7 is a Dubai 3 day trip essential. There are seven restaurants stacked vertically. Cargo does Asian fusion (mains 60-90 AED/$16-$24), with happy hour from 12-5pm. For dessert, try the pistachio gelato at Amorino, a local favorite. If you’re an art fan, take a 20-minute taxi (about 35 AED/$10) to Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, Dubai’s creative district. The Leila Heller Gallery and Wild & The Moon café (smoothie bowls 45 AED/$12) draw a trendy crowd.
For dinner, head back to the Marina for sunset. The Observatory Bar & Grill at Dubai Marriott Harbour offers a panoramic view of the Palm. Book ahead for a window seat; mains start at 110 AED ($30). If you’re on a budget, Operation: Falafel serves classic wraps for 29 AED ($8). The metro and tram run until midnight, so getting back to your hotel is easy.
No Dubai itinerary 3 days is complete without a desert experience. Most tours pick you up from your hotel between 7:30 and 8:00am. Platinum Heritage’s morning safari (395 AED/$108) includes dune bashing in vintage Land Rovers, camel rides, and a traditional Emirati breakfast. Alternatively, OceanAir Travels offers a budget-friendly morning tour (165 AED/$45) with sandboarding and falcon photos. Expect to return to the city by 1:00pm. If you’re short on time or want a DIY option, take a taxi to Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve (about 115 AED/$31 from the city center, 45 minutes). Entrance is free, but guided activities are extra.
After freshening up at your hotel, spend your afternoon at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. It’s a modern take on an Arabian bazaar, with canals and indoor air-conditioning. Take the metro to Mall of the Emirates (15 minutes, 6 AED/$1.60) and a short taxi (17 AED/$5) to the souk. Browse boutique shops for souvenirs, or stop at Trattoria Toscana for a pizza lunch (mains from 85 AED/$23). The view of Burj Al Arab from the waterfront is a photo must.
If you have a late flight, squeeze in a trip to the Dubai Frame (entry 50 AED/$14). It’s a quick metro ride to Al Jafiliya (Red Line, 12 minutes from Downtown, 6 AED/$1.60). The glass-floored skybridge offers views of old and new Dubai side by side. Allow an hour for the visit. When it’s time to head to the airport, the Red Line metro takes 22 minutes from Downtown to DXB Terminal 1 or 3, and costs 8 AED ($2.20). Taxis run 24/7 for about 45 AED ($12) from most central areas. For international flights, aim to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure, as security lines can be unpredictable.
Picking the right neighborhood can save you hours in transit and a lot of cash. For first-timers, Downtown Dubai is a solid choice. Hotels like Rove Downtown ($110/night) and Address Downtown ($370/night) are a quick walk to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. If you’d rather wake up to the beach, look at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). JA Ocean View Hotel ($170/night) and Sofitel Jumeirah Beach ($240/night) are right on the sand, with plenty of restaurants downstairs.
For a more local feel, Deira and Al Fahidi offer heritage hotels. XVA Art Hotel ($85/night) puts you in the heart of the old quarter, with quirky rooms and a leafy courtyard café. Backpackers and budget travelers can look at Premier Inn Dubai International Airport ($54/night), which has a free airport shuttle and is 15 minutes to Downtown by metro. If you want a high-rise view without the Downtown price, check out Millennium Place Marina ($100/night).
Most hotels accept credit cards and international debit cards. If you want to split payments, pay later hotels on Travorio let you reserve with Sezzle or PayPal Pay Later. This is handy if you’re booking a splurge hotel and want to spread out the cost. Always check if breakfast is included, since hotel breakfasts in Dubai can run 85-120 AED ($23-$33) per person if bought separately.
Travorio lets you lock in deals on flights, hotels, and activities with payment flexibility. You can book your flights from major US or Canadian cities, Emirates flies direct from New York, Toronto, Houston, and Los Angeles, with round-trip fares averaging $650-$1200, depending on season. If you want to pay in crypto, book with crypto for over 100 types, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. Sezzle and PayPal Pay Later both let you split your bill into four installments at 0% interest for US/CA customers.
Dubai is busiest from November through March, when the weather is ideal. Hotel prices spike around Christmas and New Year’s, so book at least two months ahead if you want the best deals. Summers are cheaper but outdoor activities are limited after 10:00am due to the heat (up to 106°F/41°C in July and August).
To save money, use the NOL card for public transport (25 AED/$7 for a day pass covers metro, tram, and bus), and book popular attractions at least a week ahead online. Dining out can be pricey, but there are plenty of local cafeterias where a meal costs 20-40 AED ($5-$11). Street food in Karama or Satwa is even cheaper. Always check if your hotel offers a shuttle to malls or the metro, especially if you’re staying further out.
3-Day Itinerary Overview
Estimated 3-Day Budget
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Three days is enough to experience Dubai’s main highlights if you plan your days carefully. You’ll cover the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the old souks, a desert trip, and at least one beach or marina spot. For a deeper dive into museums or theme parks, you’ll need more time, but most first-timers leave feeling satisfied after a 3-day Dubai trip.
Downtown Dubai is best for easy access to top attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is great for beach lovers. Deira and Al Fahidi have more budget options and a historic vibe. If you want nightlife, look at Dubai Marina, which is metro-accessible and packed with bars and restaurants.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is connected to the city by the Red Line metro, running every 4-10 minutes from Terminals 1 and 3. The metro costs 8 AED ($2.20) to Downtown or the Marina and takes about 22-40 minutes. Taxis are available 24/7 and average 45 AED ($12) to Downtown and 80 AED ($22) to the Marina. Many hotels near the airport run free shuttles, so check ahead.
The best time is from November to March, when daytime temperatures sit around 77°F (25°C) and evenings are cool. Hotel rates climb during winter holidays, especially in December and January. April and October can also be comfortable, but summers are extremely hot, with highs over 106°F (41°C).
Budget travelers can get by on $80-$120 per day, including metro, cheap eats, and free attractions. Mid-range visitors spend about $180-$250 per day with some paid activities and sit-down meals. Luxury travelers can easily spend $350+ per day on fancy hotels, fine dining, and private tours.
Don’t miss the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain in Downtown. The old Deira and Al Fahidi neighborhoods are great for souk shopping and traditional architecture. Make time for Jumeirah Beach or the Marina Walk, and try to fit in a desert safari or a visit to the Dubai Frame for contrasting city views.
Try Al Ustad Special Kebab in Deira for Iranian grills (meals around $12), or Operation: Falafel for quick Middle Eastern wraps ($8). Cafeterias in Karama and Satwa serve Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino dishes for $3-$7. For a splurge, Social House in Dubai Mall and Pier 7 in the Marina offer mains under $25.
Dubai is one of the safest cities for travelers, with very low crime rates and strict laws. You can walk around at night in most neighborhoods, but always watch your belongings in crowded souks or metro stations. Dress modestly in public areas and avoid public displays of affection, as local customs are conservative.
The Dubai Metro is clean, cheap, and connects most major sights, running from 5:00am to midnight (2:00am on weekends). Taxis are metered and reliable, with a $3 minimum fare. Apps like Careem and Uber work well. For short distances, try the tram in the Marina or hop on a traditional abra across Dubai Creek for just 1 AED ($0.27).
Pack light, breathable clothes for daytime, but bring a sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings from November to March. Women should bring a scarf for mosque visits. Sandals work for the beach, but sneakers are better for walking malls and souks. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle, tap water is safe to drink.
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