Dubai United Arab Emirates 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Dubai

  • Morning: Check-in at your hotel (recommended: JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or Burj Al Arab Jumeirah). Familiarize yourself with the hotel facilities and grab a quick breakfast.

  • Afternoon: Start your day by visiting Burj Khalifa. Book a ticket to ascend to the observation deck on level 124 for a panoramic view of the city. Afterwards, stroll around Downtown Dubai and visit the Dubai Mall, where you can explore over 1,200 stores, including the world’s largest golden retail store, Gold & Diamond Park.

  • Evening: Take a short walk to Dubai Fountain. Enjoy the mesmerizing water dance show accompanied by music from various genres. Dine at one of the restaurants in Souk Al Bahar or The Dubai Mall for an authentic Arabian or international cuisine experience (recommended: Rivington Grill or Thiptara).

Things to know: Dress modestly when visiting mosques, religious sites, and public places. Avoid public displays of affection. Be aware that Friday is the holy day of rest in the UAE; most shops and attractions will be closed.

Transportation: Use Dubai Metro (Red or Green Lines) for easy navigation within the city. Taxis are also widely available, and the ride-hailing app Careem is popular among locals.

Day 2: Discover Old Dubai & Culture

  • Morning: Begin your day by exploring Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood, also known as Bastakiya. Wander through the narrow streets, admiring the traditional Arabic architecture and visiting museums like the Al Fahidi Fort (Al Seef Museum) and the Coffee Museum.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Dubai Creek. Take an Abra (traditional water taxi) ride across the creek to Deira and visit the Gold & Spice Souk for shopping, followed by the Textile Souk for a wide array of textiles and fabrics.

  • Evening: Visit the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims. Afterwards, dine at a local restaurant in Jumeirah (recommended: Al Dawaar or Al Nafoorah).

Day 3: Experience Modern Dubai & Beach Time

  • Morning: Travel to Palm Jumeirah. Take a monorail ride to Atlantis The Palm and explore the Aquaventure Waterpark (if you prefer water activities) or visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Alternatively, relax on the beach or opt for a boat tour around the palm island.

  • Afternoon: Head to Bluewaters Island to see the Ain Dubai (the world’s largest and tallest ferris wheel). Have lunch at Caesar’s Palace Bluewaters or The Wave Break Café by Nick & Scott, overlooking the Ain Dubai.

  • Evening: Explore La Mer for water activities, dining options, and leisurely walks along the beach. Try out popular restaurants such as Shake Shack, PF Chang’s, or La Mer Beach Club.

Day 4: Adventure & Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit IMG Worlds of Adventure, an indoor theme park with various rides and attractions based on popular movie characters like Marvel, Cartoon Network, and dinosaurs.

  • Afternoon: Relax at a spa or wellness center (recommended: Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Al Naseem or Shisi Spa at Madinat Jumeirah). Alternatively, you can explore other attractions like Global Village (open during the winter season) or Ski Dubai (indoor ski resort).

  • Evening: Have a farewell dinner at one of Dubai’s iconic restaurants. Al Mahara at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah offers an exceptional seafood experience, while Seville’s, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, is famous for its Spanish cuisine.

Tips:

  • Carry cash (dirhams) as some shops and small restaurants may not accept credit cards.
  • The UAE has a tropical desert climate, so bring lightweight clothing, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • To avoid long queues at attractions, consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets or visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon).
  • Respect local customs and traditions to ensure a smooth travel experience.