Dubai holds a very special place in my heart as it was my first ever international trip and the only till date. I visited Dubai with my family in March 2016, when the sun was still bearable. A family holiday that lasted for 6 days of binge eating, hopping from one touristy place to another and shopping. If you’re a first timer in Dubai, worry not! Here is a perfect Dubai itinerary covering all the main spots in the city to help you get the most of your Dubai trip!
Day 1
Dubai’s enormous architecture can be overwhelming for a first timer. Get going with a half-day city tour around the historic district of Bur Dubai, where you explore the roots of the city.
See the oldest existing building, the Al Fahidi Fort inside of which resides the Dubai Museum. Stop by the Za’abeel palace where the city tour guide takes you straight to the palace gates. Drive through the beautiful driveway from Marina to Jumeirah and take a pitstop at the Jumeirah beach to admire the beauty of Burj Al Arab. Lastly head back to Bur Dubai to explore the gold, spice and textile souks’.
After a hectic drive around the city, it’s now time to sit and relax. A Dhow Cruise on the Creek with delicious kebabs and wine is all you need to complete the day.
Day 2
Kick start your day by the ocean side. Visit Atlantis Hotel also known as the gate of Dubai and explore the world’s first artificially made island. Slide down the Leap of Faith at Aquaventure waterpark, interact with the friendly Dolphins at Dolphins bay and get close to the mighty creature of the lost city of Atlantis at the Lost Chambers.
Head to the Arabian Desert where adventure awaits. A trained guide takes you through a rollercoaster ride where you can’t stop yourself from laughing. Pose, click and watch the sun turning the colour of orange sand into a fiery red. Then, you stop by a traditional campsite where sizzling food, camel rides and belly dance awaits.
Day 3
Dubailand is the most entertaining and colourful part of the city. Head to the Miracle Garden (if you’re visiting between November and May). Walk around the world’s largest vertical garden and see beautiful structures covered entirely in flowers. Then head to the world of leisure, shopping and entertainment, the Global Village (Runs from November to April). Spend your evening binge eating, shopping and experiencing cultures around the world.
Dubai trip is incomplete without a visit to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Enter through the Dubai Mall and head to “At the Top” main entrance. The superfast lift takes you up in 60 seconds to the 125th Floor. See the city from above and admire the beauty of a planned city.
Stroll along the largest mall in the world (by area), the Dubai Mall. Explore the exclusive Gucci and Coco Chanel collection. Enjoy amazing Italian food and wine at Eataly and visit the Underwater Zoo and Aquarium to see the world largest Crocodile and other aquatic creatures.
After all, that walk around the mall, sit back and enjoy the amazing dancing fountain outside the mall. The Dubai Fountain is the largest in the world and the best too.
If you find some extra time, then take a day out from Dubai and visit the other gems of UAE, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. They are worth a look!
Dubai Tips & Tricks:
- If you want to try the local authentic food, then head to Meena Bazaar. There are several small outlets serving kebabs and other delicacies.
- It is best to buy souvenirs from the supermarkets or “1 to 10” or “1 to 20” stores where you get nice souvenirs at a decent price.
- The connectivity is good within the city and travelling is easy via local transports such as the metro and buses. Taxis can be difficult during the night.
- If you’re visiting between June and November then you can visit Bollywood Park instead, as the Global Village & Miracle Garden will be closed. Moreover, you can add Dubai Frame to your itinerary, it’s worth a visit!
