If Dubai has been on your bucket list, then I would say that go ahead and do it! If the idea of a modern and futuristic city with a stunning cityscape, intricate architecture, iconic landmarks, beautiful culture, happening night life, world class dining and luxury shopping excites you, then Dubai is just the right place for you. It’s one thing to see and hear about the marvels this city has created but it’s a whole different thing to actually witness them in person. I think it would be an understatement to say that I was astonished at some of these marvels when I saw them for the first time.
My husband and I visited Dubai in April of 2022 and spent 4 days there. We also managed to squeeze in a day for Abu Dhabi in this 4-day trip. So if you’re able to plan for longer, I would say take more time with you because there is a lot to discover in and around the city. However, 4-5 days should also be fine and give you enough time to enjoy the best. So, this blog is going to cover some important travel tips and a 4-day travel itinerary for Dubai to help you plan your trip.
Before I jump into the Dubai itinerary, here are some important questions that I want to answer for you all as you plan your trip.
How to get to Dubai?
We were flying in from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi so it was a 3 hour flight for us to the Dubai International Airport (DXB). This airport is the major international hub for this city so I would recommend flying in here, even though there are other airports. Also, this airport is only about a 20-minute drive to Downtown so it would be easier and closer.
However, a good alternative could be to fly into Abu Dhabi and catch a bus or taxi from there to Dubai if the total cost of that comes out to be cheaper. Abu Dhabi is about a 90-minute drive to Dubai and it’s not very expensive. Besides, Abu Dhabi is also a great place to spend a day so you would also get to explore this city as well. So you could consider this option if it works out well for you.
What is the best time to go?
We visited in April and it was really hot. The weather was in the upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and it also crossed 100 degrees on some days. So, I would recommend planning in the winter months i.e. November through March. After March, the weather starts to peak and it can get super hot.
How to get around the city?
The best way to commute is by car. You can either go for a rental car and drive around on your own. For us, that wasn’t an option because we are used to the American style of driving and Dubai is totally different. Plus, the traffic can get crazy there because the streets are always busy. And, hiring a taxi was cheap and almost about the same price as it would have been to hire a rental car. So, we wanted to just have that convenience and enjoy our trip without worrying about driving through the traffic and finding parking everywhere.
So, I would recommend just getting taxis or Ubering if you’re only there for 3-4 days because it would not be so expensive. There is an abundance of taxis in the city so you would never run out of options.
Where to stay in Dubai?
If it’s your first time here, I bet you have all the top sights like Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah on your Dubai itinerary. And these top spots are not at a walkable distance from each other. The distance between these different places is enormous so I would suggest staying in the Downtown because that is kind of central to most of these places. Plus, you will get the whole experience of living in the Downtown which is one of the most bustling areas. However, if you really want a different experience, you could also stay at the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). These are some of the best areas to stay in so check the hotels out here as well.
We stayed at the Gevora hotel which is a 4-star hotel located 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai. I would totally recommend this hotel because not only was it affordable given its location, but also beautiful and felt so luxurious. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable, and their staff is so friendly. They also have a very nice rooftop restaurant which gives you an amazing view of the Burj Khalifa. Plus, it is the tallest hotel in Dubai so if you get a room on one of their top floors, which is what we got, you get amazing views of the city.
How to dress in Dubai?
Given that it was my first time traveling to Dubai, I did have this question on my mind. I was unsure of how women dress in Dubai and what an appropriate dress code is. I did some research on this topic and found that Dubai is not as strict as some other Islamic cities. So, you can take all your dresses, skirts, shorts and whatever else you were planning on. If you’re going to be spending time in the tourist areas then it should be fine to dress the way you like. I saw many other tourists wearing skirts, shorts, short dresses and such. However, some places like Dubai Mall do have a dress code of not wearing anything revealing or skimpy. So keep that in mind and try to not dress up like that anywhere in Dubai. It’s better to err on the side of caution when visiting as a tourist.
How to pay in Dubai?
The currency of Dubai is Dirham so I would suggest taking some cash in the local currency to pay for taxis or any other local activities where you may need cash. However, for shopping, restaurants, and most places, credit cards are widely accepted so you should be fine using your cards. US Dollars are also widely accepted.
And now, here goes our 4-day Dubai itinerary. Enjoy!
DAY 1 – BURJ AL ARAB AND PALM JUMEIRAH
Burj Al Arab
We started our day with breakfast and the most stunning views at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel. This iconic hotel is the world’s only 7-star hotel. So if you’re in Dubai, you absolutely should not miss a tour of this luxurious hotel. Staying at this stunning hotel will definitely be an experience of a lifetime but will also strain your wallet. So if you want to skip the stay, you can still explore it as a visitor.
We explored this hotel by booking a breakfast at the Sahn Eddar Lobby Lounge. The lobby lounge provides stunning views of the gold interior of this hotel. So it’s a great way to not only explore the hotel from inside but also enjoy a very unique breakfast experience. Be sure to make an advance reservation as they don’t allow walk-ins. Also, this lounge has a minimum spend rule of AED 200 per person. I ordered their signature gold cappuccino which is a blend of premium coffee, fresh milk and fine 24 carat gold. And it’s served with Cru Guanaja chocolate marshmallows. It is a must try when you’re here.
They also offer a guided tour of the hotel which is a butler-guided session that gives you a peek into the hotel’s most expensive accommodation – the Royal Suite. You can also tour its atrium which is the tallest of its kind and the UMA lounge. This tour is also a great way to get a closer look into this hotel’s magnificent architecture. You can book it through here.
Ain Dubai
Our next stop was Ain Dubai. It’s a short drive from Burj Al Arab and takes you to one of Dubai’s most stunning waterfront neighborhoods called the Bluewaters Dubai. Ain Dubai is one of the world’s largest and tallest observation wheels. We didnt take a ride on this wheel but here’s a tour if you want to experience this ride. The cabins are fully enclosed and air conditioned so it should be a comfortable and scenic ride.
JBR
The Walk at the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) was our next activity. The beach here is one of the most popular and lively beaches I have been to. It also has a shopping and dining promenade that offers a great mix of upscale entertainment, leisure and hospitality. It’s packed with beach clubs where you can spend some time and sip on a few drinks while enjoying the views of the Arabian Gulf. We also walked along the wooden pier and just enjoyed the vibe.
From here, you can walk to the Dubai Marina, which is a great place to take a cruise from. The cruise is a great way to discover Dubai from a different angle so you can do this activity if you have the time. It also has a very lively scene in the evening with live music and street performances so you can stay back to watch the sunset and then enjoy the nightlife.
Burj Khalifa
After spending the first half of our day and having lunch at the Walk, we then made our way to the most awaited part of our trip – Burj Khalifa. The observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors will give you the most amazing views. And the best time to go on the deck is in the evening when you can catch the sunset and also see the whole city lit up. If you want to go to the observation deck then I would advise on making an advance reservation. Here’s a link to make online reservations in advance.
Dubai mall
Dubai mall is the world’s largest mall in terms of land area. You can shop here for literally anything. And even if you don’t plan to shop, this mall still has to be on your Dubai itinerary. There are some really cool corners to check out in the mall like the Waterfall Wall, which depicts human divers plunging gracefully into the pool of water at the bottom. The mall also has an aquarium and an underwater zoo in case you have time.
Most importantly, don’t miss the fountain show that happens outside the mall every night. The show happens every 30 minutes between 6pm to 11pm and is worth watching. The best time is usually when it gets dark because the tower lights up.
Palm Jumeirah
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, I am sure Palm Jumeirah is on your itinerary because this is one of the most marvelous creations in Dubai. This artificial island built in the shape of a palm tree is a wonder to admire. It is lined with some of Dubai’s fanciest hotels, resorts, and restaurants. The best way to experience the beauty of Palm Jumeirah, according to me, is to view it from an observation deck. That way, you get to see this beautiful marvel from a top angle and you get a panoramic view.
We booked the tickets for The View at Palm Jumeirah, which is an observation deck on the 52nd level of the iconic Palm tower. And this observation deck provides amazing panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Here’s the link to book your tickets.
DAY 2 – DUBAI FRAME, OLD DUBAI AND DESERT SAFARI
Dubai Frame
We started our day with a nice coffee and breakfast at the Common Grounds Cafe located in the Dubai Hills Mall. This cafe is well known for its coffee and has an amazing avocado toast so I would definitely encourage you to try it out.
After breakfast, our first stop was the very famous Dubai Frame. The Dubai Frame is huge! You will be surprised to see that it looks so much taller than what you see in the pictures. It stands at a height of 150 meters, which is roughly about 45 to 50 floors. And it’s built in the shape of a beautiful picture frame, and hence the name. There are two ways to experience it – from the outside and from the inside.
From the outside, it’s free access and you can just walk around, marvel at this magnificent creation and take some pictures. If you want to go inside, there’s an admission fee which includes access to the top most floor from where you can get panoramic views of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai and the older parts of the city. Here’s their official website link if you want to buy the tickets. We just got the general access tickets without any add ons and the experience was worth it. The observation deck is lined with a strip of colorfully changing lighting that looks beautiful. If you have time, you should come back here after sunset because it lights up in the evenings and looks even more beautiful.
Old Dubai
While I was very interested in seeing all the modern and iconic landmarks this city has built, I also wanted to roam around the more traditional part of the city to understand the heritage. And the best neighborhood that will give you a very traditional feel is Al Bastakiya. Al Bastakiya was established in the 19th century and has a very Arabic feel to it. Here, you’ll see buildings made of stone, mud, teak and sandalwood. You’ll also walk across narrow winding alleys which are a signature style of Arab architecture.
We also stopped at the very famous restaurant in the area called Arabian Tea House. The outdoors and indoors of this restaurant are very beautifully built and it has a very nice ambience. The menu is extensive so you can order any kind of Arabic food. I also ordered Arabic tea from their wide range of teas.
Desert Safari
This part of the day was an adrenaline blast for us! Being in Dubai, how could we not experience the desert? So we booked a Desert Safari experience that included the dune bashing experience, camel riding, sand boarding, henna painting, dinner, shisha, fire and dance shows. This experience requires at least 5-6 hours so plan accordingly. And if you’re an adventure seeker, then you will love this experience.
Pickup from your hotel is included in this package. Our driver picked us up in the afternoon and there was one other group with us in our car. We headed straight to the desert and started with the dune bashing experience. It was a thrilling experience. My heart skipped a beat a few times when the car took those sharp and steep turns but that was the fun part of this whole experience. We were then taken to our camp where we had free time to take a camel ride and also do other activities like sand boarding.
After sunset, there were a couple of shows like the fire show and a dance show lined up. We had a nice dinner and shisha while watching the very talented performers. To sum up, it was a great experience overall and I would definitely recommend it. Here’s the link to our experience.
DAY 3 – ABU DHABI
On our third day, we made a day trip to Abu Dhabi. Because Abu Dhabi is a much smaller city compared to Dubai, there are fewer things to do and that’s why we decided to do it in a day. Its very easy to get to from Dubai by car and the ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is only 90 minutes. We didn’t want to drive, so we rented a car with a driver for the whole day. It wasn’t a very expensive option for us and was also much more convenient than driving on our own. But you can always drive on your own to get more flexibility. If it’s your first time, though, I would recommend hiring a car with a driver.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Our first stop was the spectacular and very famous Grand Mosque. This was one of the big reasons we decided to make a trip to Abu Dhabi. I have heard so much about the beauty and grandeur of this mosque that I really wanted to see for myself. And as expected, I was left speechless. I was in complete awe when I entered this magnificent mosque. Every element in the mosque such as the beautiful white marble, the solid gold chandeliers, the hand-knotted carpets and the intricately designed floor patterns are just stunning.
An important tip to prepare for your visit – Because this is a deeply religious place, you need to be modestly dressed. For women, they need to be wearing loose-fitted ankle length trousers and no shirts or skirts. Also, arms and head need to be covered. If you are not dressed appropriately, they will stop you at the entrance and have you go back. In case that happens to you, there are multiple shops outside the mosque from where you can rent or buy abayas or head scarves depending on what you’re wearing.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to tour the entire mosque as it’s huge and insanely beautiful. It’s surely one of the most Instagrammable places.
Emirates Palace
A short drive away from the mosque is the stunning Emirates Palace. It is one of the most expensive hotels in the world. Unlike Burj Al Arab where you can only access it if you have a hotel or restaurant reservation, Emirates Palace is free to access even if you’re not a guest. So I would definitely recommend going inside and checking the stunning interior out. You can stroll through their beautiful lobby or you can even sit down for a coffee or a meal.
Ferrari World on Yas Island
If you’re an F1 fan like me and my husband, then you will want to add this to your itinerary. Ferrari World is mostly an indoor theme park and it is the first Ferrari themed park in the world. It has the fastest roller coaster. Unfortunately, when we visited their roller coaster was closed so we couldn’t enjoy it. So make sure you check if this ride is open before you visit. There are other rides and experiences as well such as go karting that you can enjoy. There are also many dining options both inside and outside the park. We stopped at an Indian restaurant called Rasoi Ghar and tried their Gujarati thali. If you like Gujarati or Rajasthani food, then you will like this restaurant.
The tickets to the Ferrari World can be purchased from their official website. We purchased the Single day ticket and general admission which was enough for us since we only planned to visit it in one day. Allow yourself at least 2-3 hours here to enjoy it completely.
DAY 4 – GOLD SOUK MARKET
Our fourth day in Dubai was a travel day as we were heading back to Delhi in the evening. So we had the first half of the day and we decided to check out the very famous Gold Souk market in Dubai. If you’re in the market to buy gold then you would know that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to buy gold. Dubai, is in fact, known as the “City of Gold” because of the favorable gold trading regulations. We also wanted to shop for some souvenirs and traditional Dubai sweets so we also decided to make a stop at a couple of other markets like the Dubai Spice Souk market and Old Textile Market. All of these markets are pretty close to each other and walkable. You can also try local delicacies here like shawarma, falafel, Arabic coffee and tea etc. while walking through the streets, you can also smell the mouth-watering herbs and spices. We bought some chocolates and local sweets from a few stores here.
And that was all as far as the Dubai itinerary goes. I hope you found it useful and will bookmark it for your Dubai trip. Thank you for reading!
