The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dubai Itinerary | Attracations, Themeparks & More
Dubai is a tourist paradise with a world-class experience for everyone. From beautiful beaches and world-class shopping to fantastic restaurants and luxurious hotels, the City of Gold has it all. With so much to offer, it can be helpful to have a plan in place before you set out on your Arabain odyssey. Our detailed itineraries will ensure you make the most of your time in Dubai and take home fond memories for a lifetime.
Sure, Dubai's sheer magnificence can't be covered in just a couple of days, but, our well-planned itineraries capture the true essence of Dubai even if you're visiting for just 24 hours!
1-Day Dubai Itinerary
Average Budget Per Person: AED 359.5
Explore Views from Burj Khalifa
City Landmark | Tallest Building in the World
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Downtown Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Dubai Mall - 300m
- Dubai Lake - 280m
Spend Quality Time at Dubai Aquarium
Aquarium | Kids-Friendly
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Address: Unit SF - 115 - Downtown Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Dubai Mall - 300m
- Dubai Mall food court - 370m
Visit the Sprawling Dubai Mall
Mall | Must-Visit
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours
Address: Financial Center Street, Next to Burj Khalifa, Find on map
Nearby:
- Dubai Ice Rink - 350m
- Dubai Fountain Shows
Enjoy an Evening Desert Safari
Safari | Outdoor Adventure
Duration: 5 - 6 hours
Things to do:
- Go on a camel ride
- Try your hand at sandboarding
2-Day Dubai Itinerary
Average Budget Per Person: AED 402.5
City Landmark | Tallest Building in the World
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Downtown Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Dubai Mall - 300m
- Dubai Lake - 280m
Aquarium | Kids-Friendly
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Address: Unit SF - 115 - Downtown Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Human Waterfall, Dubai Mall - 550m
- VR Park - 290m
Ice Rink | Indoor Sports
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours
Address: Unit GF - 207 - Financial Center Rd - Downtown Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Burj Park - 1.5km
- KidZania theme park - 400m
Cruise | Sightseeing | Dining Experience
Duration: 3 - 3.5 hours
Nearby:
- Stroll Through Dubai Marina
- Go bar-hopping
Outdoor Activity | Adventure
Duration: 5 - 6 hours
Things to do:
- Go dune-bashing in a 4x4 SUV.
- Go on a thrilling camel ride.
Zoo | Kids-Friendly
Duration: 3 -4 hours
Address: 5CCW+H5 - Al Warqa 5 - Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Dubai Pets and Birds Market - 8.7km
- Head to Mushrif Park - 6.1km
Sightseeing Cruise
Duration: 3 - 3.5 hours
Nearby:
- Take a walk on quaint Dubai streets after dinner
3-Day Dubai Itinerary
Average Budget Per Person: AED 788.5
City Landmark | Tallest Building in the World
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Find on map
Nearby:
- View the Dubai Fountain
- Shop at Souk al Bahar - 1.4km
Aquarium | Kids-Friendly
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Address: Unit SF - 115 - Downtown Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Infinity des Lumières art museum - 290m
- Catch a show at the Dubai Opera - 1.8 km
Skiing | Indoor Adventure
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Barsha 1 - Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Shop at the Al Barsha Mall - 2.7 km
- Visit the Mall of the Emirates - 1.3 km
City Walk | Dining
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours
Address: Dubai Marina, Find on map
Nearby:
- Visit the Dubai Harbour - 1.5 km
- Head to the Marina Beach - 2.7 km
Safari | Outdoor Adventure
Duration: 5 - 6 hours
Things to do:
- Go quad-biking on the desert sands,
- Explore the desert on camelback.
Zoo | Kids-Friendly
Duration: 3 -4 hours
Address: 5CCW+H5 - Al Warqa 5 - Dubai, Find on map
Nearby
- City Centre Mirdif mall - 9.6km
- Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary - 12.6km
Cruise | Sightseeing | Dining Experience
Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Nearby:
- Visit the Dubai Opera
- Explore Dubai's nightlife
Garden | Must-Visit
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Address: Al Barsha South 3 - Dubai, Find on map
Nearby :
- Check out the Dubai Butterfly Garden - 120m
- Visit the Dubai Autodrome - 6.7 km
Golfing | Kids-Friendly
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours
Address: Golf Club - Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Visit the Ain Dubai Observation Wheel - 7.1 km
- Take a dip at the JBR Beach - 5.4 km
Mall | Shopping
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Address: Crescent Drive - Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Go-kart at the Mania Sport Tracks - 100m
- Head to BOUNCE-X, an indoor trampoline park - 100m
Sightseeing | Tourist Hotspot
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Address: Bluewaters - Dubai, Find on map
Nearby:
- Visit Madame Tussauds Dubai - 100m
- Grab dinner at one of the beach-facing cafes
Plan Your Trip to Dubai
Time Zone: GMT +4
Currency: Arab Emirate Dirham (AED)
Country code: +971
Emergency Numbers: 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance), 997 (Fire Department)
Dubai Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Dubai
- Best Time for Staying Outdoors in Dubai: November, December, January, February, March, April
- Best Time for Beach Goers: March, April, September, October
- Best Time for Honeymooners: December, January, February
- Best Time for Budget Travelers: May, June, July, August
- Best Time for Shopaholics: January, July
What to Wear in Dubai
1. Summers in Dubai are extremely hot and humid, so it is best to dress in light, airy clothing.
2. Be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses as well. Winters are milder, but can still be chilly at night, so pack a light jacket or sweater.
3. It is generally acceptable to dress modestly in Dubai. Shorts and skirts should be knee-length or longer, and shirts should cover the shoulders.
4. It is also advisable to avoid wearing too much jewelry or showing too much skin.
What to Wear in Dubai?
What to Pack for Dubai
- A power adapter if you plan on using electronic devices such as a laptop or phone. Dubai uses a type G plug.
- Secondly, women should pack clothing that covers their knees and shoulders. Dubai is a Muslim city and modest dress is appreciated.
- Comfortable sandals, walking shoes, and flip-flops are ideal for exploring the city.
- Swimsuits, sunscreen, and hats are necessary for spending time at the beach.
- And finally, don't forget to bring sunglasses and a head covering for the hotter days.
Getting Around Dubai
- Buses: Dubai's comprehensive bus network connects most tourist sites and landmarks in the city. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes and charge a starting fee of AED 2. Major bus stations.
- Dubai Metro: The Dubai Metro is the world's longest completely automated network, and it's one of the most efficient ways to get around town. Metro timetables.
- Tram: The Dubai Tram is a great way to get around the city. It's clean, efficient and affordable. Plus, it offers great views of the cityscape.
- Taxi: Taxis are the most popular mode of transportation in Dubai. They are cheap, and can take you to any part of the city. Fares start anywhere around AED 3-4 based on the distance.
Hacks & Tips to Visit Dubai
- There are plenty of ways to save money while in Dubai. One way is to take the Dubai Metro. The metro is a quick and easy way to get around the city, and it's also affordable.
- Another great way to save money is by eating at local restaurants instead of expensive tourist traps.
- Carry a portable hand fan and some rosewater in a misting bottle to cool yourself down while you’re out in the summer heat of the city.
- There are several accommodation options in Dubai, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. However, it is important to book a stay in advance as most hotels and hostels tend to fill up quickly during the peak season.
- Dubai also experiences high levels of humidity, especially during the summer months. This can make the weather feel even hotter than it actually is. It is important to stay hydrated when traveling to Dubai and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- It is best to pack lightweight clothes for summer days and a light jacket for winter days.
All Your Questions About Dubai Itineraries Answered
Yes, you can visit Dubai for a day. However, you won't be able to see everything that Dubai has to offer in just one day. If you're only in Dubai for a day, then we recommend focusing on the city's main attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
If you have two days in Dubai, be sure to visit some of the city's main attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. You can also explore the city's markets, go on a desert safari, or take a trip to one of Dubai's famous beaches.
Visit some of the city's main attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Additionally, you can visit the Dubai Aquarium, embark on a desert safari, or view fascinating animals at the Dubai Safari Park.
The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months between October and April.
Dubai is a very large city, so you'll likely want to explore on foot or take taxis. Dubai also offers plenty of public transit options, including the metro and buses.
Dubai is a great place to go if you have kids! There are lots of fun things for them to do, like swimming in the pool, going to the beach, and playing in the parks.
Dubai is a great place to go shopping because of all the high-end fashion malls and markets throughout the city. Dubai Mall, in particular, is home to hundreds of international fashion brands and retailers. You can also visit the Gold Souk for gold, silver, and other jewelry.
Getting around Dubai isn't necessarily expensive, but it can be costly compared to other cities in the region. You can save money by using public transit, but using taxis is generally the most affordable option.
You can expect to spend AED 359.5 on tickets for one person. You can expect to spend anywhere between AED 150 - 200 on food and getting around the city.
Dubai is a conservative city, so it's important to dress appropriately when visiting. Some of the most common dress codes in Dubai include wearing long pants and shirts that cover your shoulders. Additionally, it's generally a good idea to avoid wearing skin-exposing clothing.
Dubai is generally considered to be a safe city. However, like most major cities, you should take precautions and always remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
The best way to get around Dubai is by using public transit or taxis. It can be expensive compared to other cities in the region, though, so it's also worthwhile to walk or ride a bike.