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Dubai Itinerary : How To Spend 3 days in Dubai

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Planning to visit Dubai in 3 days? We will help you build an awesome Dubai itinerary and hit all the top things to do. 

Dubai is bold and beautiful. Offering it’s tourists the world of attractions all in one place, this city is extraordinary. It’s hard to imagine that the area was once a quiet fishing village. Whatever you look around, either there is a record-breaking attraction or the place promises jaw-dropping entertainment. Its effortless charm, natural wonders, towering skyscrapers, shopping bonanzas, theme parks, amazing food, culture-inspired activities, and endless desert will have you in amazement.

Here’s your 3 Days in Dubai Itinerary to have a magnificent getaway.

Dubai Itinerary : 3 Days in Dubai

Day 1: Explore The Best Of Downtown Dubai

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall - Dubai Itinerary
Dubai Mall – Dubai Itinerary

You are in Dubai to explore its extravagance, and there is no better place in the city than the largest shopping and entertainment destination, Dubai Mall. It has premium collection of the world’s most prestigious brands in attire, electronics, beauty, home decor and more. If you are in Dubai for splurging, this place will force you to dust off your wallet.

Later dive into the array of recreational options. There is an Olympian-sized ice rink, VR park, kid theme park, cinema hall and horror rooms. The one major draw of this mall is the giant Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which has 33,000 marine creatures in the 10-million litre suspended tank. Take a 270-degree look in the overlapping tunnel, dive with sharks or take a private guided tour.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa - Dubai Itinerary
Burj Khalifa – Dubai Itinerary

After spending half of the day in the mall, take a few more steps to its neighbor, the iconic structure, Burj Khalifa. This is the tallest building with the highest number of storeys and one of the fastest elevators in the world. Spend your time gawking at the unparalleled view of the city from the 148th floor, which is the highest observation deck. There are luxurious lounges, virtual experiences, telescopic view and fabulous restaurant to enjoy the atmosphere in style.

Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountains - Dubai Itinerary
Dubai Fountain – Dubai Itinerary

The world’s largest choreographed fountain, Dubai Fountain is an exceptional attraction. Gushing water at 500 feet and illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors, it concludes for an eye-popping show. You can stand on the Boardwalk and admire the spectacle from just 9 metres away or get the front row seats in the Burj Lake ride.

Day 2: Visit The Beautiful Jumeirah And Marina

Palm Jumeirah  

Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah – Dubai Itinerary

Begin your morning with a casual and calm stroll on the Palm Jumeirah Broadwalk. 6-metre wide and 11-kilometre long, the walkway hugs the coastline and is loaded with several food trucks, refreshment stands and souvenir vendors. And you will not find a better place to bask in the sunshine, watch the metropolis and eat snacks— without any cars and cycles around.

Speedboat Tour

Keep the walk short or arrive early because Jumeirah is a hub of activities. There are hair-raising adventures like free-falling and helicopter tour. Well, you could not do everything here in the 3-Day in Dubai, so, the best is to book a seat on the speedboat tour and run across the landmarks of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah for 90 minutes. You will then spot the rose-hued Atlantis.

Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis The Palm
Atlantis The Palm

This is the famous attraction of Jumeirah which is home to celebrity chef restaurants, a 5-star hotel, and heart-pumping range of leisure and entertainment venues. Unleash your inner child at the No. 1 water-park, Aquaventure Water-park which has over 30 rides and slides, a lazy river and a private beach. Have a vertical fall, splash in the pools, or just sip a cocktail by the sand. Take a break for lunch and check out Palm’s amazing interior. If you have got time on your hand, visit the fascinating Lost Chambers Aquarium, get paddle board lessons, go for a kayak tour, get a coffee-spiked spa treatment or have fun at the beach club.

Dhow Cruise Marina

Dhow Cruise in Marina
Dhow Cruise in Marina

After a day of adrenaline rush at Jumeirah, cruise down the splendid shoreline of Marina. This is another affluent neighborhood in the city that has sky-soaring towers, apartments and buildings. These skyscrapers brightly lit under the night sky and reflecting on the 3 km long artificial canal is a treat to watch from the dhow cruise. As you sail there is an arrangement of sumptuous buffet and live shows. The trip promises a fantastic experience for the whole family. Sailing on the Dhow cruise is one of the best things to do in Dubai.

Day 3: Discover The Old Dubai Area And Take A Desert Safari Trip

Souks

dubai souks

Begin Day 3 in the winding alleyways of the Arabian markets, the souks. These are the traditional style of selling and purchasing things. The gold souk is the favorite of all — where you can buy authentic jewelry at the lowest prices found anywhere in the world. Continue scrolling to the spice and perfume souks, browse the textile, Persian rugs and carpets and get interesting souvenirs.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Sail on the Abra ride at 1 Dirham and flock from one side of the Old Dubai to the other. Squeezed between Dubai Creek and the Bur Dubai district, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood or Bastakiya Quarter takes you back to the time when Dubai was a fishing village. Lined with old-fashion wind-towered buildings, this place lets you imbibe the old lifestyle in its truest forms and escape from the modernity.

Desert Safari Dubai

Desert Safari Dubai
Desert Safari Dubai

After days of pooling around the New and Old Dubai, head towards the desert in the afternoon. The evening desert safari Dubai is the quintessential option to explore the adventurous and cultural side. In the golden expanse of sand, feel the calm and excitement surrounding you. The first session includes dune bashing, camel riding, sand-boarding and quad biking. Capture beautiful pictures of the sun setting into the sand. Then reach the elegant camp staged and decorated in the middle of the stunning desert for your comfort. Watch the belly dancing, eat delicious buffet, get your hands designed and take countless pictures of you in Arabian dress.

It is impossible to see everything in the 3 days in Dubai, however, ticking off these major sightseeing and activities will give you a comprehensive outlook of the city. Pack your bags and we can vouch for your brilliant time in the rich emirate.

cheerfultrails

Anjali Wadhwa (cheerfultrails) is a travel consultant and enthusiast who has traveled to 15+ countries. She shares about her explorations through her writings. You will find detailed itineraries, best travel tips and well experienced recommendations for food, transportation and hotels on her blog.

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