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What to do in Dubai in 3 days? Our day-by-day itinerary
Dubai is huge, hot and very well organized: without a plan, you lose time in transit. Here is a three-day program we recommend to our French-speaking travelers, which limits travel and keeps the highlights for the best hours.
Day 1: Downtown, Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa
- Morning: arrival, hotel check-in, rest if you have just landed. If you are arriving at the airport, a private transfer saves you the queues.
- Afternoon: the Dubai Mall, its aquarium and its big waterfall. If you have children, add the Burj Khalifa + Aquarium combo.
- Sunset: trip up the Burj Khalifa, time slot 30 to 40 minutes before sunset. Our guide helps you choose between 124/125 and 148.
- Evening: fountain show at the foot of the tower, dinner on the promenade.
Day 2: old Dubai and desert safari
- Morning: old Dubai, the Al Fahidi district, an abra ride across the creek, the spice and gold souks. A city tour lets you see everything in half a day with a guide. Consider the Dubai Frame for the panorama over old and new Dubai.
- 2pm-3pm: hotel pickup for the desert safari.
- Evening: Bedouin camp, BBQ dinner, shows. Back between 9pm and 10pm. Compare the options in our safari article.
Day 3: Palm Jumeirah, beach or park, cruise
- Morning: Palm Jumeirah. If you want the views, The View at The Palm offers the best panorama. For a family day, Aquaventure (from 295 AED) or Wild Wadi.
- Afternoon: Jumeirah beach, relaxation, shopping, or an indoor activity.
- Evening: dhow cruise or dinner cruise to finish in style, with the illuminated skyline.
If you have 1 or 2 extra days
- Abu Dhabi in one day: Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Grand Mosque, Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld.
- Thrills: a helicopter flight over the Palm, or thrill activities.
- Family: our guide Dubai with kids.
- An exceptional evening: our dinner in the sky (750 AED per person).
Practical tips
- Book ahead for the safari and the Burj Khalifa, especially at sunset.
- Avoid cramming everything into midday, especially from May to September: outdoor activities in the morning and evening.
- Dress: casual, with shoulders and knees covered at religious sites and some shopping malls.
- Weather: see our article When to go to Dubai? to adapt the program.
- Check what is closed: some attractions are under renovation in 2026, see our up-to-date overview.
Plan your stay
Burj Khalifa, safari, cruise, transfers: book online, tickets sent within a few hours.
See all activitiesAsk a question on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Are three days enough to visit Dubai?
Three days let you see the essentials: Downtown and the Burj Khalifa, the desert, the sea and the historic districts. To add a theme park or Abu Dhabi, allow 5 days.
How do you get around Dubai for three days?
The metro is convenient and cheap along the main line. For the desert and excursions, the hotel transfer is included in our packages. Taxis and ride-hailing easily cover the rest.
What budget should you plan for three days of activities?
Allow roughly 180 AED to 390 AED for the Burj Khalifa, 190 AED to 220 AED for an adult safari, and more for a cruise or a park depending on your wishes. Prices are per person and detailed on each page.
Do you need to book in advance?
Yes for the safari and the Burj Khalifa, especially at sunset and during school holidays. Our bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance.