A First-Timer's Guide to Dubai: What to See in 3 Days

Dubai rewards a little planning. Here's how we'd spend three days if it were our first visit.

Day 1 — Downtown

Start at the Burj Khalifa observation deck in the morning before the heat and the queues build up, then spend the afternoon around Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain. Catch the fountain show after sunset — it runs every 30 minutes in the evening.

Day 2 — Old Dubai

Cross Dubai Creek by abra (the traditional wooden ferry) between Deira and Bur Dubai, and spend the morning in the Gold and Spice Souks. In the afternoon, head to Al Fahidi Historical District for a look at the city before the skyline existed.

Day 3 — Desert

Save the desert for last. A morning or evening safari — dune bashing, a camel ride, and a BBQ dinner under the stars — is the experience most visitors remember longest. See our Desert Safari page for the options.

Three days moves fast, but it's enough to leave with a real sense of the city — not just the skyline.