Dubai is a destination that is all about indulgences. In other words, it’s all about your likings and whatever it’s, you’ll find them it here. If you’re looking to spend an unforgettable short trip in this city that radiates non-stop vibrancy, here is a proposed guide on how to roll out your perfect 3 days in Dubai itinerary. We’ve also included a few tips and resources to make your Dubai travel easier.
Top Travel Tips And Other Important Information
Travel Requirements:
A visa is mandate for those who are not qualified for any kind of visa exemptions such as visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival.
Flights:
Pre-book your flights months ahead of your travel to bag maximum savings on your airline fare. If necessary, get your OTB (Ok to Board) procedures also done well before you board the flight.
Accommodation:
While there is accommodation to suit every budget across Dubai, be sure to reserve your hotel or resort in advance to save on your Dubai stay considerably.
Travel Insurance:
Be it mandatory or not, we would urge you to carry a valid insurance, especially in this pandemic time. Make sure that it offers coverage for COVID-19 treatment and quarantine (if required.)
Getting Around:
From the swiftest and longest of its kind Dubai Metro to public buses, ferries and cabs, Dubai’s public transport is superbly efficient, reliable and affordable too.
Tours and Activities:
With just three days in Dubai, it’s highly recommended to purchase entry tickets to prominent landmarks and book your favorite activities and tours much in advance. This allows you to avoid all last-minute hassles and enjoy the place in absolute peace of mind.
Packing Essentials:
Dubai is an Islamic destination, so bring modest, comfortable clothes. Wear it with shawls when you visit a mosque or a conventional Emirati landmark. For your winter trip, don’t forget to carry your jacket. This is also a life-saver when you visit intensely air-conditioned malls or other indoor attractions.
3 Days In Dubai Itinerary
Day 1: Dubai City Tour And Downtown Dubai
Morning till Afternoon: Dubai City Tour
It’s never a bad idea to discover the city on your own. Given your limited time in the city, it’s most ideal to go on a city sightseeing tour to add to your 3 days in Dubai itinerary. But, make sure that you do it through a trustworthy company as they would arrange all transfers from your hotel or preferred spot anywhere in Dubai. Subject to your travel program or itinerary, your tour covers almost all major points of interest and prominent neighbourhood means you’ll:
- See all of Dubai’s legendary landmarks such as:
- Palm-tree shaped Palm Jumeirah
- Sail-shaped Burj Al Arab
- Jumeirah Mosque
- Atlantis, the Palm Resort
- Madinat Jumeirah
- Visit Dubai Museum (inside the region’s oldest fort, Al Fahidi Fort)
- Stroll down the ancient Al Bastakiya Quarter
- Discover Dubai’s traditional souks, mainly Gold Souk
- Abra Ride across the historic Dubai Creek
Afternoon: The Dubai Mall
After your half-day sightseeing, head off straight to Downtown Dubai.
Step straight into the Dubai Mall where an oasis of shopping, leisure and dining choices await you. Amble across its sprawling space which is one of the biggest in the world. There are over 1200 outlets and 200 plus dining outlets here. Amusement and leisure options are out of the world; a stop at the gigantic Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, Hysteria Dubai Mall, VR Park etc are a proof of this.
For your little ones who don’t want to join you in your shopping spree or crazy adventures, there is KidZania Dubai where your kids from 2 to 16 years can try their favorite adult profession and get paid too. Before you leave the Dubai Mall, don’t forget to capture a few cool snaps against Human Waterfalls and the 155-year-old skeleton of Dubai Dino (yes, it’s real!)
Evening: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain Show
Reach Burj Khalifa right in time to catch the marvelous sunset views from one of the city’s greatest vantage points perched on its 124th level.
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For those few who are not aware, this 828-meter-high structure is the world’s tallest man-made building. You can enter Burj Khalifa via Dubai Mall. Kicking off with a multimedia display on Dubai’s past as well as the diverse phases of its construction, this is followed by a super-rapid elevator ride that ascends you to the observation deck at 124th level in less than a minute.
See the whole of Dubai and beyond spread out right under your feet as you absorb the views from its floor-to-ceiling glass windows as well as cutting-edge telescopes installed here. You can also take to its balcony for unhindered vistas. If this isn’t suffice, you can upgrade your tickets to include a visit to its SKY Level on 148th floor which hosts the world’s tallest observation deck at an altitude of 555 meters.
Once back on the ground, make a quick stroll across Souk Al Bahar and then find your way to the waterfront promenade or sidewalk next to the souk to take in the celebrated Dubai Fountain show at Burj Lake. This splendidly choreographed water performance in perfect synchronization of music and light is definite to leave you slack-jawed. It’s a free attraction, but you can enrich its viewing experience by going on an abra ride at Burj Lake.
Day 2: Dubai Parks And Resorts And Desert Safari
Morning till Afternoon: Dubai Parks and Resorts
A visit to Dubai is not complete without visiting one of its amazing theme parks. So why not dedicate the major chunk of your second day to its theme park? Our top suggestion in this category is Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR). Those who are frenzied about theme parks would thank us, as this integrated resort accommodates four theme parks including a water park in its vast grounds.
The Hollywood-themed Motiongate Dubai is the biggest of all. The next is Bollywood Dubai where its rides, games, shows etc are dedicated to iconic Hindi cinemas. Finally, LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park are specially built for families of kids from 2 to 12 years. Well, it may not be feasible to visit all parks in a half-day or even a day. So pick the right pass which offers access to one or two of your favourite DPR theme parks.
Looking for more alternatives? Step into the biggest of its kind IMG Worlds of Adventure or visit Wild Wadi Park or Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis, The Palm. Want to skip theme parks altogether? Get out on Dubai’s sparkling waters along Arabian Gulf to enjoy some amazing fun-filled activities like parasailing, banana boat ride etc.
Evening: Desert Safari
Whether you’re an adventurist or not, don’t miss out to go on a desert safari once in Dubai. This is a trip to Dubai’s pristine desert landscape and is more like going back to a primitive era devoid of any development. To assure yourself of the best out of it, take your desert safari through expert service providers like Rayna Tours – they have their own desert camp with a huge fleet of vehicles and extensive live cooking stations, among other exclusive desert services.
Surrounded by golden sands, you can’t help but fall in love with its compelling allure and sheer silence. Take in this in its all majesty on a dune bash aboard a 4X4 vehicle. Follow it up with a camel ride as well as many other cultural activities such as Shisha smoking, falconry, and henna tattooing. A lavish BBQ dinner and traditional performances like Tanura and belly dance show would round out this exotic evening.
Day 3: Ski Dubai, Spa And Dhow Cruise
Morning: Ski Dubai
Feel a different side of Dubai’s theme parks as you take to Ski Dubai! It’s located inside the Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha region. This is particularly must if you’re travelling to Dubai for the first time and also makes a staple stop on your summer Dubai trip. After all, it’s one of the biggest indoor ski resorts in the world, with tonnes of snow on its ground at any given time. Not to mention, you’ll get to try all your favourite winter pastimes here, from skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and sledging to simply throwing snow and catching up with penguins. Yes, you can do all these and beyond to your heart’s desire surprisingly when the desert sun is at its harshest outside.
Afternoon: Spa
It’s now time to decompress and knead all stress of this whirlwind holiday away. For this, drop into one of Dubai’s premium or award-winning spas such as Armani Spa, Talise Ottoman Spa (Jumeirah Zabeel Saray), Talise Spa, Sofitel Spa (the Palm Dubai), the Spa Palazzo Versace, One and Only Spa. All come with sparking comforts and treatments, ranging from relaxation massages and effective facial treatments to aromatherapy and exclusive couples’ spa packages.
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Evening: Dhow Cruise
Once you reset both your body and soul, get ready to wind up your holiday with a laid-back dinner cruise aboard a dhow. Subject to your interest, you can pick your cruise route at the more traditional Dubai Creek or the uber classy Dubai Marina. The sail sets off after sunset and lasts for about two hours. This glides you around Dubai’s most iconic landmarks as you sink your teeth into a sumptuous buffet dining, mostly complete with starters, main course specialities and desserts. Live music, traditional entertainment like Tanura and unlimited refreshments add to your unperturbed evening.
Conclusion
Dubai is a city which you can’t easily tick off from your bucket list. There are zillions of things (both new and timeless) that would leave you coming back here for more. That said, we believe that this 3 days in Dubai itinerary will be of great help to prep you up for your dream Dubai holiday.
What would you add to your 3 Days in Dubai itinerary?
This is a Guest Post by the lovely Neha from http://dubaiwikia.com/!
