Located along the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is best described as an oasis of architectural marvels in the middle of the desert. It is the second-largest city in the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi and is outshone by its fascinating tourist attractions.
Dubai blends urban stylish skyscrapers, bustling malls and high-end entertainment attractions with the charming neighborhoods, flourishing traditional souks and historic museums. The city became prosperous after the discovery of oil in 1966, transforming from a modest trading hub into a global city.
Best Time to Visit
Dubai can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cooler winter months. It falls between October and March, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 25°C. It does not snow, of course, but the climate has mildly warm days and cooler nights. This is a time when you can sunbathe on the beach and explore outdoors without the stress of getting sunburned. Most prominent events, including the iconic Dubai Shopping Festival, take place during these months.
Summer typically starts in April, and temperatures can reach their peak of 50°C in June and July. The city is scorching hot and humid, so you can come for its extensive array of shopping malls and indoor theme parks. Fewer crowds are expected, and you can enjoy lower prices on accommodation and discounted tickets for city attractions.
Getting There
By Plane
Dubai International Airport (Airport Code: DXB) is well-connected to many cities across six continents. Thanks to the reputable Emirates and Flydubai, travelers can fly to Dubai from more than 150 cities in Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Africa.
The most affordable way to get into downtown is by the Dubai Metro. The Metro Red Line is connected to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with stations located in front of the arrival halls. You can also take the Metro Green Line near the Airport Free Zone, which serves Terminal 2.
Getting Around
Dubai boasts one of the world’s most efficient and convenient public transportation systems. You can buy an Nol card from vending machines and ticketing counters at all metro stations throughout Dubai. This card can be used on the metro, buses, trams and water taxis.
The Dubai Metro is the most prominent mode of transportation. The automated metro has stations approximately every kilometer, making it easy to travel from one attraction to another via its Red and Green Lines.
If you’re visiting the traditional souks and Dubai Creek, the small boat known as an “abra” is the best way to explore the historic sites along the river. Abra stations are located near the famous souk markets and cost only AED 1 for per ride.
Uber and taxis are convenient alternative transportation if you want to visit attractions farther from the city center or metro stations, as the metro does not provide direct access to the Etihad Museum and Jumeriah Mosque. It is important to note that Uber rides are slightly more expensive than taxis in Dubai.
The Best Activities for 3 Days in Dubai
Dubai is a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, delicious food and tradition. Over the next three days, you can explore the traditional souks along the Dubai Creek, marvel at the modern skyline, dive into the golden dunes and savor the best local cuisine.
Venture into Burj Khalifa
Begin your Dubai trip by visiting the impressive Burj Khalifa in the heart of Dubai. Standing at 828 meters high, it is the tallest building in the world, making it a remarkable piece of architecture. Transport yourself on a breathtaking elevator ride in under one minute and enjoy panoramic views of Dubai’s skyscrapers, desert and ocean.
The Hotel At. Atmosphere is located at Level 122 of the Burj Khalifa, 442 meters above ground. If you have free time, dine at the restaurant to sample the culinary wonders of Dubai while admiring beautiful views through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Although visitors can access three different levels of the building, I personally think that levels 124 and 125 offer the best views of downtown and an unbeatable perspective of the city below.
Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai
Getting There: Take the Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm
Entrance Fee to Level 124 and 125: General: AED 149 to 165/ Visitors with Disability: AED 117 (Available only in ticketing office)/ Level 124, 125 and 148: General: AED 399 to 599
Learn local culture at the Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque was built in 1979 as a gift from his fatherto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is one of only two mosques in Dubai open to the public. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-see for anyone who wants to discover the city’s culture and heritage.
Constructed from soft yellow-pink sandstone, the mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. Its two elegant minarets and grand central dome are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings inspired by Fatimid and Mamluk styles.
To truly appreciate the mosque, take a guided tour by knowledgeable staff and be fascinated by the history of the mosque, Emirati culture, religion, rituals, traditions, cuisine and daily life. Tours are offered at 10 am and 2 pm and you are welcomed with light Emirati refreshments before the tour begins—a lovely touch that perfectly reflects Dubai’s warm hospitality.
Travel Tips: Both men and women must dress modestly by covering their legs and shoulders to enter the mosque. Women also have to cover their hair with a headscarf.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm
Entrance Fee: Free (AED 40 for guided tour)
Visit the Etihad Museum
Just 15 minutes from the Jumeirah Mosque is the striking Etihad Museum. This manuscript-shaped building tells the story of the unified United Arab Emirates. The museum beautifully captures life before and after the nation’s formation, offering a deeper understanding of how the country was created.
Through documentaries, testimonies and futuristic interactive video, you can learn about the UAE’s history. You’ll learn about the era before and after leading up to the federation, its vision and the founding fathers- the seven emirate sheikhs—whose leadership shaped the modern nation you see today.
Location: 1 Jumeira St – Al Mina – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Entrance Fee: Adults: AED 25/ Students: AED 10/ Visitors with Disability: Free
Explore the massive Dubai Mall
Located below Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world. It has a whopping 1,200 retail outlets, over 150 eateries, a 22-cinema multiplex, VR Park and an ice rink. Don’t miss the Waterfall with the diver sculptures on the lower ground floor.
Location: Downtown Dubai
Getting There: Take the Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 11 pm/ Friday to Sunday: 10 am to 12 am
Enjoy the Dubai Fountain Show
After sunset, make your way outside the Dubai Mall to enjoy the magical Dubai Fountain Show. The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11.30 pm. The water performance uses different choreographies as the water dances with the beats of the songs with colorful lights.
Location: Downtown Dubai
Getting There: Take the Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station
Enjoy the tasty Emirati breakfast at the Arabian Tea House
Located in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, the Arabian Tea House Restaurant is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in traditional Arabic culture while enjoying authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. They served some of the best traditional dishes in Dubai, preserving the rich flavors and warm hospitality of the region’s heritage.
The most popular choice here is the Emirati Breakfast Tray, a generous spread featuring balaleet, dates, molasses, cheddar cheese, melted cheese, baked beans, apricot jam, dango, bajella and traditional bread. Most of all, complementing your meal with the best Arabic coffee that is brewed lightly with cardamom and poured fresh and warm from a traditional Dallah.
Location: Bastakiya Opposite Musalla Post Office, Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Getting There: Take the Metro Green Line to Sharaf DG Station and take a 15-minute walk to the tea house
Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 11 pm
Wander around the ancient Al Fahidi neighborhood
Tucked away from the modern side of Dubai, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, also known as the Al Bastakiya Quarter, offers a refreshing glimpse into the city’s past. Set along the bank of Dubai Creek, this heritage area feels worlds apart from the glittering skyscrapers Dubai is famous for today.
Soak in the timeless atmosphere of this charming old neighborhood and be amazed by its rich historic past. Dating back to the late 1800s, the houses and buildings were built using traditional materials such as gypsum, coral, teak and sandalwood, showcasing the architectural ingenuity of the time.
The Al Fahidi neighborhood is home to several important cultural landmarks, including the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, the Dubai Museum and the Coin Museum. As you wander through the maze of cobbled streets, you’ll discover open public squares lined with traditional wind towers, quaint art galleries, cozy cafés, local restaurants and small heritage motels.
For coffee enthusiasts, stop by the Coffee Museum and savor freshly brewed Arabic coffee while learning about local brewing traditions. Then, tour around the museum to admire the collection of Dallahs and unveil the rich history of coffee from around the world.
Getting There: Take the Metro Green Line to Sharaf DG Station
Take an unforgettable Desert Safari
Whether you’re going on a 4-hour or a full 7-hour desert safari, this adventure is definitely the thrilling experience of a lifetime. Just a 35-minute drive from Dubai’s futuristic skyline, the scenery transforms dramatically, revealing a completely different side of the city. Before you know it, you’re surrounded by an otherworldly landscape that is surrounded by seas of golden dunes.
Hop into a 4×4 and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping dune bashing ride that sweeps you straight into the heart of the desert. As the vehicle glides and slides over golden dunes, you’ll be treated to breathtaking desert views at every turn. The evening safari is packed with unforgettable experiences, from a gentle camel ride and exciting sandboarding to henna tattooing and optional quad-biking.
If you choose an evening or overnight desert safari, then it’s time to unwind with the quaint ambience of the modest desert camp. Treat yourself to a fabulous barbecue dinner while traditional belly dancers perform beneath a sky sprinkled with dazzling stars. It is a perfect ending to an unforgettable desert night.
Take an Abra ride across the Dubai Creek
Riding an abra isone of the simplest yet most charming ways to experience Dubai Creek from the water. The ‘abra’ word means “to cross over” in Arabic, and this traditional water taxi became part of everyday life for generations. The abras ferry locals across the creek as they go about their daily routines.
While the city has always been known for its tall skyscrapers and luxury lifestyle, Dubai Creek tells a quieter, more authentic story. Here, the city slows down, and its old-world charm still lingers along the water’s edge.
For just 1 AED, the abra takes you across some of the busiest routes between Deira Old Souk near Spice Souk to Bur Dubai by the Textile Souk, or from Al Sabkha near Baniyas Square to Dubai Old Souk. It is an incredible way to discover the city from a different perspective.
Stroll around the colorful Spice Souk
Step into the Spice Souk and let the air fill your senses with the intoxicating aromas of exotic spices, incense and herbs. towering baskets overflow with colorful spices at every turn of the traditional market, creating a vibrant and unforgettable market scene. You can find a rich selection of nuts, oils, frankincense, cardamom, turmeric and saffron.
Whether you cook like a seasoned chef or a complete beginner, let the vendors guide you with great ideas and pick some of the best Arabic spices to bring home. Don’t forget to bargain with the merchants- it’s all part of the fun to get a great deal.
Beyond spices, some stalls also sell household items, textiles, rugs and artifacts in the utensil souk. A few shops even offer fragrant teas from around the world, adding another layer of discovery to this lively and colorful souk experience.
Location: Deira – Al Ras, Dubai
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Browse through the Gold Souk
Once you’ve finished exploring the Spice Souk, make your way to Deira’s iconic Gold Souk — one of the oldest traditional markets in the emirates. With more than 380 retailers, it’s a place where history and commerce continue to shine side by side.
From long-established gold traders to newer boutiques, the souk offers an impressive array of eye-catching pieces, including necklaces, earrings, watches and bangles. You can also find diamond-encrusted ornaments, pearls, silver, rubies and sapphires, all gleaming under the shop lights.
Bargaining is part of the experience here, and shop owners are usually happy to negotiate. Just remember to keep a fair price.
Location: Deira – Al Ras, Dubai
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Be ‘WOW’ by the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is the largest frame in the world, standing at an impressive 150.24 meters tall and 95.3 meters wide. From this unique vantage point, you can enjoy the beauty of the modern and traditional side of Dubai- all from a single observation deck.
Location: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf, Dubai
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Entrance Fee: Adults: AED 50/ Children: AED 20
Catching a glimpse of Burj Al Arab
A trip to Dubai would be incomplete without taking a glance of this iconic Burj Al Arab. It is considered the world’s only seven-star hotel. While a stay or dine-in in the hotel is reserved for the wealthy, others can walk down the Sufouh Beach to admire and take a selfie against the backdrop of the hotel.
Location: Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai
Indulge in international cuisines at Dubai Time Out Market
Spend the evening dining in at the Time Out Market in the heart of Dubai City.
Located on the third floor of Souk Al Bahr, the Time Out Market brings together the finest food from many parts of the world. It gives you the perfect opportunity to savor incredible local and international flavors under one roof.
With 17 establishments and 3 bars, the food hall is an excellent spot to experience international gastronomy brought to you by the finest chefs. There is literally anything here- Arabic, Asian, Spanish, Portuguese- you name it.
Location: Level 3, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai
Getting There: Take the Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 12 pm to 12 am/ Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 12 am
Fly to Dubai with Emirates
Planning to travel to Asia, Europe or the Americas soon? Then, fly with Emirates Airline and stopover for a few day to discover the old and new Dubai. Emirates is one of the best airlines in the world and they offer luxury, comfort and exquisite tastes of culinary above the sky. Come and take a glimpse inside the world-class airline on my journey with Emirates Airlines.
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