Travel & transfer: Arrival at DXB Airport
Arrival at the airport, passport control and baggage. The flight is not booked, so plan to arrive in the late morning.
3 days · 24 stops
Dubai in 3 days
Three relaxed days in Dubai, arriving in Deira and Old Dubai, a day full of modernity and architecture in Downtown and Jumeirah, and a calm departure day with food and history.
- Pace
- Balanced
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Season
- February
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Plan with your own wishesDay 1 · Dubai
Arrival and Old Dubai
Arrival in Dubai, check-in in Deira and an afternoon in Old Dubai with souks, an abra ride across the Creek and dinner at Al Ustad Special Kabab.
10:30
11:15
25 min by taxi
11:40
12:10
Travel & transfer: Transfer from the airport to Deira
By Metro (Red Line) or taxi it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get to Deira. With luggage, a taxi is the most comfortable.
Ramada by Wyndham Dubai Deiraapprox. 35–60 AED pp5 min on foot
12:15
12:40
Stay: Luggage drop-off at the Ramada by Wyndham Deira
You drop off your luggage; the room is ready from about 15:00. Alternative if needed: Rove Downtown.
20 min by taxi
13:00
14:10
Lunch: Lunch at Al Ustad Special Kabab
This long-established Iranian kebab restaurant is a classic. Try the lamb kebab with fresh bread. Alternatively: Ravi Restaurant.
Al Ustad Special Kababapprox. 45–80 AED pp10 min on foot
14:30
15:15
Activity: Abra ride across Dubai Creek
The traditional wooden boat takes you across to Deira for a few dirhams, and you get a view of both banks.
Bur Dubai Abra Stationapprox. 1 AED pp8 min on foot
15:30
16:30
Sightseeing: Spice Souk in Deira
Among saffron, frankincense and dried limes, you can wander and haggle.
Deira Spice Soukapprox. 0–30 AED pp5 min on foot
16:35
17:15
Shopping: Stroll through the Gold Souk
The shop windows full of gold are worth seeing even without buying, and are only a few steps from the Spice Souk.
8 min on foot
17:30
18:15
Café: Karak tea at Al Ras Heritage Café
A short stop for spicy karak tea and dates, a break after the bustle of the souk. Alternatively, a tea stall in the alleys.
Al Ras Heritage Caféapprox. 10–25 AED pp10 min on foot
19:30
21:00
Dinner: Dinner at Al Nahda Restaurant
Good, straightforward food in Deira, ideal for the first evening. Try the grill platter with fresh bread.
Al Nahda Restaurant Deiraapprox. 50–90 AED pp
Day 2 · Dubai
Modern Architecture and Downtown
A day full of modernity in Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the fountain show and dinner at Souk Al Bahar, plus a few local breakfast and coffee tips off the tourist trail.
08:30
09:30
Breakfast: Breakfast at Al Mallah
Al Mallahapprox. 25–45 AED pp30 min by public transport
10:15
11:45
Sightseeing: Burj Khalifa At the Top
Burj Khalifa At the Topapprox. 170–220 AED ppBook tickets online in advance and choose a morning slot; this is considerably cheaper than at the counter and saves waiting time.
10 min on foot
12:00
13:15
Lunch: Lunch at Karak House
Karak Houseapprox. 40–80 AED pp10 min on foot
13:30
15:45
Sightseeing: Stroll through the Dubai Mall
10 min on foot
16:00
17:00
Café: Coffee break at Mokha 1450
Specialty coffee with Yemeni tradition, quiet and away from the bustle of the mall. A restful stop in the afternoon.
Mokha 1450 Caféapprox. 30–60 AED pp3 min on foot
17:15
18:15
Sightseeing: Souk Al Bahar and Burj view
8 min on foot
18:30
19:00
Sightseeing: Dubai Fountain show
10 min on foot
19:30
21:00
Dinner: Dinner at Operation Falafel
Operation Falafelapprox. 70–120 AED pp
Day 3 · Dubai
History, Culture and Departure
Last day in Dubai: breakfast in Deira, then history in Al Fahidi and Bur Dubai, lunch with local favourites and a relaxed trip to DXB Airport.
08:00
09:00
Breakfast: Breakfast at Ravi Restaurant
A Pakistani institution in Satwa with chapati, dal and sweet chai. If it's too crowded there, switch to a café nearby.
Ravi Restaurantapprox. 15–30 AED pp20 min by taxi
09:30
11:30
Sightseeing: Walk through Al Fahidi
8 min on foot
11:40
13:00
Sightseeing: Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort
The oldest surviving building in the city tells the story of Dubai through dioramas, from pearl diving to the present day.
Dubai Museum im Al Fahidi Fortapprox. 3–10 AED pp10 min on foot
13:15
14:30
Lunch: Lunch at Bait Al Mandi
Cosy place for Yemeni mandi with tender lamb or chicken on rice, which many locals appreciate. A restaurant in Bur Dubai is an alternative.
Bait Al Mandiapprox. 40–80 AED pp12 min on foot
14:45
15:30
Café: Coffee at Mailis Majlis
A quiet coffee break by the Creek with Arabic coffee and dates before heading to the airport. Alternatively, a café in Al Seef.
Mailis Majlis Al Seefapprox. 25–50 AED pp15 min by taxi
15:45
16:20
Break: Pick up luggage and check out
Pick up your luggage at the hotel and get ready for departure.
Ramada by Wyndham Dubai Deiraapprox. 20–35 AED pp20 min by taxi
16:40
Travel & transfer: Transfer to DXB Airport
Take a taxi or the Metro to the airport and allow plenty of time for check-in.
Flughafen Dubai DXBapprox. 30–50 AED pp
Planned with AI and checked with OpenStreetMap. Opening hours and prices can change – please double-check on site.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Dubai?
Three to four days are enough for the main sights, the old town, the beach and a desert tour. With two days you will have to limit yourself to Downtown, the old town and the souks.
Where is the best place to stay in Dubai?
On a first visit, Downtown Dubai is central, while the Marina is well suited to the beach and nightlife. You will find cheaper accommodation in Deira or Bur Dubai.
Is Dubai expensive?
Accommodation and attractions are often expensive compared with many European cities, especially in winter. Food, taxis and public transport, on the other hand, are cheap.