Dubai in 3 days: our day-by-day itinerary

In short: day 1, old Dubai and the Creek, then the Burj Khalifa at sunset and the fountain; day 2, the Museum of the Future and the Dubai Frame, then the Marina and JBR; day 3, the beach and Palm Jumeirah, before an evening in the desert. Book the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future.

Before you go: what to book

• The Burj Khalifa: book a slot, especially at sunset.
• The Museum of the Future: online tickets, with a time slot.
• The desert evening: book with a reputable operator; hotel pick-up is usually included.

Always check opening days and times on the official websites: they can change.

Day 1: old Dubai and the Burj Khalifa

Morning: Al Fahidi. Start in the historic Al Fahidi district, with its wind-tower houses and lanes.

Midday: the Creek by abra. Cross the Creek by abra, a traditional boat, to the gold and spice souks.

Afternoon: a cool break. Take a break at the hotel or in a mall during the hottest hours.

Evening: the Burj Khalifa and the fountain. Go up the Burj Khalifa for sunset, then watch the Dubai Fountain come alive to music.

Day 2: the Museum of the Future, the Marina and JBR

Morning: the Museum of the Future. Visit the Museum of the Future, in its spectacular building, with your slot.

Midday: the Dubai Frame. Go up the Dubai Frame, a giant frame between old and new Dubai.

Afternoon: the Marina. Stroll along the Marina and its towers.

Evening: JBR. End on the JBR promenade, facing the sea, for dinner.

Day 3: the beach, Palm Jumeirah and the desert

Morning: the beach. Enjoy a public beach in Jumeirah, with a view of the Burj Al Arab.

Midday: Palm Jumeirah. Discover Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped artificial island.

Afternoon: off to the desert. In mid-afternoon, head out to the desert: dunes and sunset.

Evening: an evening under the stars. Have dinner at a desert camp before returning to your hotel.

A fourth day? Day trips

• Abu Dhabi: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Sharjah and its museums.
• Hatta, in the mountains, for kayaking and hiking.

Our tips to make the most of 3 days

1. Avoid the hottest hours outdoors, especially from April to October.
2. Take the metro: it links the airport, Downtown and the Marina.
3. Dress modestly in religious sites and old Dubai.
4. Respect local rules on alcohol and dress in public.
5. During Ramadan, opening hours change: check ahead.

Where to stay for these 3 days

Downtown is ideal for this itinerary, the Marina and JBR for the beach, old Dubai for atmosphere and smaller budgets. Every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Dubai. To go further, see Things to do in Dubai.