Dubai is a city that offers so much that you are likely to be confused as to what to see and what to miss when on a vacation in this Emirate city. Here we have provided a detailed itinerary on how to spend your 3 days holiday in Dubai.
Day 01 In Dubai
#1 – Burj Khalifa
You can begin your exciting holiday in Dubai with a visit to the Burj Khalifa. Being the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa is the pride and honour of the people of Dubai.
Towering above all the skyscrapers of the city, the Burj Khalifa is one thing that you would notice, right from the time you land in Dubai. Start your day with a Burj Khalifa tour that takes you to the observation deck either on the 124th or 148th floor.
There you get to enjoy an incredible view of the city. You can also visit one of the fine-dining restaurants in the building for a unique dining experience.
#2 – Dubai Mall
Right next to the Burj Khalifa is the enormous Dubai Mall. In fact the entrance of the Burj Khalifa is on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall.
Known to be one of the largest malls in the world, the Dubai Mall is a haven for shopping lovers as it has more than 1200 stores that sell everything from clothes and accessories to electronics and home decor.
Apart from shopping, it is also a great place for having fun, as the mall is home to an ice rink, a gaming zone, a multiplex theatre, and an indoor aquarium and underwater zoo as well. There is also a huge food court, where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines at reasonable rates.
#3 – Dubai Fountain Show
A day at the Dubai Mall can really exhaust you. However, before calling it a day and retiring to your hotel, step out of the mall to watch one of the most marvellous light and sound show at the Burj Lake.
The manmade lake hosts the most amazing Dubai Fountain Show every evening from 6 PM to 11 PM. The show lasts for 5-10 minutes depending on the song and happens every 30 minutes. Each show is different and equally mesmerizing, especially when the fountains dance on the tunes of the music.
Day 02 In Dubai
#4 – Dubai Museum
Although Dubai is a glitzy and glamorous city today, it was not always the same. If you want to know about the rise of Dubai, you must head to the Dubai Museum in Old Dubai.
The museum is located inside the premises of the Al Fahidi Fort, which is considered to be the oldest building of the city. The interesting exhibits at the museum would give you a glimpse of what life was in the olden days.
Do not miss the audio-visual presentation at the end of the tour, where you would get to know about the transformation of the city during the past few decades.
#5 – Bastakiya Quarter
Close to the Dubai Museum is the Bastakiya Quarter, the oldest neighbourhood of the city. The Bastakiya Quarter is a reminder of the fact that the city was a modest fishing village just a few decades ago.
Built by the Persian Merchants, the Bastakiya Quarter is characterized by narrow alleyways, traditional houses and unique wind towers. Some of the houses have been converted into art galleries and museums, most of which you can explore for free.
#6 – Abra Ride and Shopping at the Souks
As you are in Old Dubai, it is important to visit the Dubai Creek, which is known as the heart of the city. It is also historically important, as the Arabs settled on the banks of the creek when they moved to the city from the desert.
The Dubai Creek divides the city into two: Bur Dubai and Deira. Hop on to an abra to enjoy the views of both sides of the city and to know how people of Dubai travelled during the past.
You must also take this opportunity to shop at the souks of Dubai. Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, Spice Souk and Textile Souk of Dubai are worth visiting.
#7 – Desert Safari
After spending your day in the old part of the city, it is time to head to the place where the Arabs originally lived, the desert. To make it more interesting, opt for a Dubai desert safari, where you get to enjoy both adventurous and entertaining activities.
The highlight of the desert safari is definitely the dune-bashing ride followed by sand boarding, quad biking and camel riding. As the sun sets, you would be enthralled by the performances of the belly dancer and Tanoura dancer.
The Dubai desert safari ends with a sumptuous BBQ with the choicest of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Day 03 In Dubai
#8 – Atlantis Aquaventure
If you tired of sightseeing, it is time to chill and have fun at one of the water parks in the city. One of the best water parks here is the Atlantis Aquaventure, which is located inside the premises of Hotel Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah.
The star attraction of the water park is the thrilling rides, slides and pools that it offers. Moreover, the place also has a grand aquarium and a dolphin bay as well. Apart from all this, Atlantis Aquaventure also has a private beach where you can enjoy water sports and even have your favourite drink.
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#9 – Dubai Parks & Resorts
If water parks are not your cup of tea, Dubai is also home several amusement parks, and the best is Dubai Parks & Resorts. Here you would be spoilt for choice, as you would get to pick from 3 theme parks and one water park.
It has a Hollywood-themed amusement park: Motiongate Dubai, a Bollywood-themed amusement park: Bollywood Parks Dubai, a Lego-based theme park: Legoland Dubai and Lego-based water park: Legoland Water Park.
The place also has a central dining, entertainment and relaxation destination i.e. the Riverland Dubai, where you can shop, eat and enjoy. It also has a luxury Polynesian-themed luxury hotel, Lapita Hotel.
#10 – Dhow Cruise
Theme parks and water parks are exciting and fun, and at the same time quite tiring. So, end your day as well as your holiday with a relaxing dinner on a dhow. Dhow cruise dinner happens on both Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina.
But as you have already enjoyed an abra ride on Dubai Creek, opt for a dhow cruise dinner on Dubai Marina. The Dubai Marina is the most glitzy area of the city and cruising here is something you should not miss.
Moreover, the dhow cruise dinner is not just about the view. On the other hand, you get to ride in the traditional dhows and enjoy a delicious dinner. The Tanoura dance performance on board is the cherry on top.
Conclusion
You are free to shuffle the days and activities as per your convenience. Another great way of exploring Dubai is by going on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It is a great way of saving time and checking only those things that interest you the most.