First time in Dubai? Here's a day-by-day plan that blends the must-sees with genuinely good local spots, while steering clear of the tourist traps.
Day 1 — Downtown & Burj Khalifa
Start early at the Burj Khalifa. Book the "At The Top" slot for 10am–11am: the view is clear and the queue is short. Allow 2 hours there. Leave through the Dubai Mall: walk past the giant aquarium (free to admire from outside), cross the shopping arcade, then come back out at the foot of the Burj Khalifa for that iconic photo.
Lunch at the Time Out Market in Souk Al Bahar (opposite the Burj Khalifa): 17 food stalls handpicked by Time Out. Budget 80-150 AED.
Afternoon: head to Old Dubai. Take the metro to Al Fahidi station. Visit the Dubai Museum (3 AED), then cross the Creek by abra (1 AED, and paying any more would be almost criminal). Wander the gold, spice and textile souks in Deira.
Evening: the Burj Khalifa fountain show (every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm, free). Dinner at Atmosphere on the 122nd floor if your budget allows. Otherwise, note that At.mosphere has since been renamed; an alternative is Sucre at Address Sky View.
Day 2 — Desert & local life
Morning: Jumeirah Mosque (the only one open to non-Muslims, with a free guided tour at 10am or 2pm). Stroll along La Mer Beach or Kite Beach with the Burj Al Arab as your backdrop. Brunch at Salt (a food truck turned local institution).
Afternoon/evening: sunset desert safari (220 AED shared, 990 AED private). You're picked up from your hotel by 4×4. Dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride and a BBQ at a Bedouin camp with belly dancing. Back around 10pm.
Tip: choose the private tour if you're a group of 4-6. Shared tours cram 25 people into the camp, which spoils the experience.
Day 3 — Marina, beach & sky views
Morning: the free public beach at Kite Beach, or a beach club such as White Beach (300 AED entry, but you get an infinity pool, a DJ and service at your sun lounger).
Lunch on Bluewaters Island or in the Marina at Couqley (a French bistro).
Afternoon: the Sky Views Edge Walk at the top of Address Sky View, a walk along the very edge, 219m up. Adrenaline guaranteed.
Evening: a Marina dhow cruise (~150 AED with dinner) or a rooftop bar such as Cé La Vie (54th floor of Address Sky View).
Estimated total budget
- Budget: 2500 AED / person (€650) — 4★ hotel, metro, food courts
- Comfort: 5000 AED / person (€1300) — 5★ hotel, taxis, mid-range restaurants
- Luxury: 12000+ AED / person (€3100+) — palace hotel, helicopter, Michelin-starred restaurants
What to avoid
- Taxi scams near the Gold Souk: use Careem or Uber (8-10 AED is plenty for the ride)
- Dubai Marina Walk in the middle of the day (40°C in summer)
- The evening cabaret shows bundled with the safari: pay for the drinks option separately if you want alcohol, as it costs 4× more when included.
See our activities in Dubai to book everything mentioned in this article.
