How do you profit from Dubai in 4 days?
Dubai is actually one of many world’s most fascinating and unimaginable trendy cities. With a historical past relationship again to the early nineteenth century, it’s solely actually because the discovery of oil within the Nineteen Sixties that the town has flourished from a small buying and selling port to a hub metropolis of the Center East for commerce & tourism.
Dubai is equal components welcoming and intriguing, stuffed with unimaginable feats of structure and bathed in year-round sunshine. What can guests anticipate on a 4-day stopover within the largest metropolis of the United Arab Emirates?
It will be unimaginable to see all Dubai has to supply in simply 4 days, however we’ve put collectively a packed schedule so that you can see the highlights of Dubai and the UAE with a Dubai 4-day itinerary.
If any of the times or itinerary objects don’t really feel to your style, now we have a bumper listing of add-on concepts you’ll be able to alternate from theme parks to day journeys and additional cultural experiences.
On this 4-day Dubai itinerary, we’ll cowl:
It is a tremendous detailed information, so do bookmark this web page for later in your browser or reserve it to Pinterest
You might also wish to dive additional into our Dubai itineraries for: 3 days | 5 days | 6 days | 7 days
Issues to know earlier than visiting Dubai
Earlier than we dive into the juicy particulars of WHAT TO DO, be sure you’ve checked out our important planning info too. We cowl in a lot higher element:
- Dubai eating guides – all our favorite locations to eat, eating specialities, bars and particular events.
- Greatest occasions to go to Dubai – don’t be caught out by the climate or spiritual occasions, listed below are the perfect occasions to go to Dubai.
- Take out journey insurance coverage! We’re in an ever-changing world at current; while Dubai stays open for enterprise, don’t get caught brief; ensure your journey is comprehensively insured.
Transport for Dubai in 4 days
Over the course of utilizing our Dubai 4-day itinerary, you’ll need to take a mix of taxis, public transportation and personal excursions.
We’ve given fundamental instructions on the right way to get to every place by public transport if attainable, or the place you might want a taxi to get door-to-door with ease.
Metro Price: When you keep in Dubai for less than 4 days, it is suggested to get a Pink Nol and high it up solely as you want it (The cardboard prices simply 2 AED + add your fare) We clarify all of the Metro fares and various kinds of Nol in additional element right here.
Water Transport: This may be an effective way to get across the metropolis whereas additionally sightseeing! Try Dubai ferry routes, in addition to water taxi and water bus choices in Dubai Marina, to work into your journey plans
A observe on taxis: Within the hottest a part of the yr (i.e. about Might to October!), be cautious of how far you’ll be able to stroll throughout the day. Locations might look comparatively shut and inside strolling distance on a map, however beneath the warmth of the solar, a brief taxi or Uber journey might very a lot be value it (noting a minimal fare applies of 12 AED).
Hiring a automobile: Until you’re a super-confident driver or plan on taking a number of journeys out of the town, you’re greatest counting on taxis and excursions in your out-of-town journeys throughout a brief keep in Dubai.
What can I match into 4 days in Dubai?
With a Dubai itinerary for 4 days, there are undoubtedly some highlights you’ll have to miss out on. We’ve set out a combined itinerary right here that may attraction to a broad viewers; these with youngsters to contemplate might wish to prioritise the theme parks extra, or culturally curious might wish to add on some further day journeys and skip the seashore and trendy components of Dubai.
You might be really helpful when you’ve determined in your itinerary to e-book upfront the sights and excursions that you simply wish to assure your spot as numbers could be restricted (utilizing a reserving app corresponding to Get Your Information, you get a money-back assure in the event you’re journey must be cancelled).
When planning out your days, observe that Dubai’s weekend is Friday afternoon by way of to Sunday; lately are MUCH busier with residents additionally out and about, particularly Friday afternoons after prayer time. Some sights might open in a while a Friday and Saturday night time.
Day 1 – 4 Day Dubai Itinerary: Previous Meets New
Step from Dubai’s bustling buying and selling port previous to the futuristic trendy metropolis
To your first day of sightseeing in Dubai, it actually helps to return to the grassroots of what Dubai metropolis is about; a busy buying and selling port metropolis primarily based round Dubai Creek.
Get your bearings at Dubai Body
Let’s begin your exploration of Dubai by taking within the views from the Dubai Body. Just about what it says on the tin – it’s a large image body! The Dubai Body is likely one of the first eye-catching landmarks of the town you will note coming from DXB airport into the town.
You ascend one facet of the 150m excessive body (48 flooring) after which stroll throughout the highest. The see-through floored sky deck offers you fabulous views of Previous Dubai, Dubai Creek to Sharjah and past in a single route, and the fashionable skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the opposite.
Getting there: Nearest Metro is Al Jafiliya for Zabeel Park, however it’s a good stroll; you might want a taxi/Uber drop off
Wander Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood
That is the oldest a part of Dubai metropolis, a labyrinth of slim laneways that date again to the nineteenth century. This small and historic space is protected in order that the town’s heritage doesn’t develop into misplaced perpetually beneath the sprawling skyscrapers. A lot of the conventional sandy-coloured low-rise buildings are actually galleries, museums and small cafes.
Inside this space, you can find the Dubai Museum, housed throughout the Al Faihi Fort, which dates again to 1787. At solely 3 AED you must positively pop your head in for extra perception into the nation’s Bedouin previous and the pre-oil period of Dubai. {CLOSED FOR SIGNIFCANT RENOVATIONS SINCE EARLY 2021; no reopen date has been given but}
There are various different Dubai museums to be found throughout the laneways; the Espresso Museum is certainly one of our favourites value in search of out.
Getting there: Al Fahidi Bus Station or Al Fahidi Metro station
Lunch at Al Seef Waterfront
By now, you’ve got most actually labored up an urge for food, so in the event you’ve not stopped for lunch in XVA Cafe or Arabian Tea Home located inside Al Faihidi Historic Neighbourhood, now can be time to move to certainly one of many eating places on this waterfront growth. Seamlessly mixing previous with new, it’s immediately throughout the road, subsequent to the Al Faihidi Marine Transport Station.
Al Seef is ready up like a conventional souk so that you’ll be capable to do your procuring right here too. Children might get pleasure from popping into Museum of Illusions or have some enjoyable with photographs within the instagrammable laneways.
Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra
An absolute should for an genuine previous Dubai expertise! While there are much more trendy strategies lately of crossing Dubai Creek, a conventional abra at 1 AED per particular person remains to be a steal!
Discover the Conventional Deira Souks
Relying on the warmth, you may spend a number of hours misplaced within the laneways of Deira, the preferred stops being the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. It’s all open-air, so it may be heavy going and a little bit of strolling mid-afternoon within the hotter months.
On a brief itinerary with simply 4-days in Dubai, we propose you resolve whether or not to spend your night in Previous Dubai or skip to trendy Dubai to complete your day 1 – within the hotter summer season months, we propose the latter.
Night in Previous Dubai
Prolong your journey to the Dubai Souks by becoming a member of in with a night meals tour. Being the multicultural metropolis that Dubai is, you could be positive many dishes are vying for consideration as “native” delicacies, along with conventional Emirati or Bedouin-style dishes.
Probably the most extremely really helpful meals excursions in Dubai is Frying Pan Adventures, who provide varied choices for small teams to have genuine experiences in Dubai’s streets. Most guided excursions on foot begin and finish in Deira.
Alternatively, hop on to one of many dinner dhow cruises that function alongside Dubai Creek for a style of Previous Dubai from the water.
A night in trendy Dubai
Now after we say trendy Dubai, we might be speaking about a whole lot of the town! We’re referring particularly on this itinerary to exploring the nation’s largest mall, Dubai Mall and the Downtown space of Dubai.
If procuring’s not your factor to not concern, Dubai Mall is just a stopping level to start out exploring Downtown. There are many enjoyable household sights, sports activities and adrenaline actions to get pleasure from throughout the Mall, or step out and discover round Burj Lake, together with the beautiful Dubai Opera.
Souk Al Bahar
Simply throughout a pedestrian bridge from Dubai Mall, you’ll discover Souk Al Bahar. This contemporary market is made within the design of a conventional souk providing handicrafts by way of to high quality eating and spectacular views over Burj Lake.
Dubai Fountains
This brings us properly to certainly one of Dubai’s hottest free issues to do at night time! Ranging from 6:00 PM nightly, then each half hour, watch the fabulously choreographed gentle and sound present on Burj Lake, sitting on the foot of Burj Khalifa. Later within the night, the Burj Khalifa additionally lights up for a spectacular gentle present.
For a close-up view of the fountain present, you’ll be able to take an abra journey on the lake. Alternatively, our favorite is to pick one of many eating places with uninterrupted views in both Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar and dine while attending to see the present a couple of occasions over with out the crowds.
Burj Khalifa
End your day by scaling the heights of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest constructing. There’s an remark deck on the 124th and a hundred and twenty fifth flooring (further packages even take you to the 148th flooring!), or you’ll be able to even dine at At.mosphere restaurant and lounge on Stage 122.
If there’s one a part of your Dubai itinerary you merely should e-book upfront, it’s the Burj Khalifa. Tickets on the door are extortionately costlier and might promote out. Do enable a superb 2 hours for queuing and having a superb go searching. Word sundown and dawn slots (weekends) price extra and e-book up quicker.
Getting there: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station on the Pink Line Metro, then there’s an air-conditioned travellator connecting you to all the surrounding space of Downtown
New then previous Dubai
You’ll be able to, after all, plan Day 1 in reverse. You would possibly like to start out your day at Dubai Mall and go to the Burj Khalifa, get your bearings over the town and catch lunch round Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar earlier than spending the afternoon and night in Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood and crossing Dubai Creek within the night to spend time within the markets or catch a dinner cruise.
Day 2 – 4 Day Dubai Itinerary: Hit the sand! Desert & Seaside
A day put aside for sand and surf – dune browsing, that’s!
You’ll be able to deal with this present day in two methods – with the desert first or the very last thing within the day – keep away from being out within the desert center of the day irrespective of which means round your plan it, particularly as you hit the summer season months.
Dubai Desert Safari
Overlook the concrete; it’s time to go and expertise the actual Dubai out within the desert! Desert safari tour operators will decide you up out of your metropolis lodging in 4×4 and drive into the sand dunes on the town outskirts, or a restricted variety of operators can work within the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for your morning desert safari.
There are broadly two various kinds of desert safaris; these targeted on the desert habitat itself and people targeted on dune bashing and sand sports activities for the next adrenaline thrill. The night camps are typically extra targeted on the latter, ending in a BBQ dinner and shisha in a camp.
Our favorite supplier is Platinum Heritage, a bit of extra expensive than some however smaller teams and a extra real desert expertise, whether or not you select early morning, night, and even an in a single day safari.
Getting there: No want to fret about your 4×4 abilities, tour operators will decide you up out of your resort or a handy metropolis location
Seashores in Dubai
It’s time to discover certainly one of Dubai’s thrilling trendy beachfront districts and get out on the waters of the Persian Gulf.
JBR, Bluewaters & Dubai Marina
Many first-timers to Dubai discover the world of JBR and Dubai Marina an important place to start out. Familiarise your self with The Stroll & The Seaside, then in the event you’d prefer to stretch your legs additional, take a stroll over to the ultra-modern Bluewaters Island to dine and marvel on the Dubai skyline alongside Jumeirah Seaside.
NB the brand new remark wheel Ain Dubai opened briefly in 2021/22 however has since remained closed – there’s nonetheless an important number of eating and leisure on Bluewaters Island to get pleasure from; the nightly drone present is a should in the event you go to throughout DSF (Dec – Jan)
You’ll be able to simply spend an entire afternoon within the JBR space between actions alongside the seashore – assume inflatable water parks, splash pads, jet ski and flyboarding, Flying Cup sky-high eating – learn extra on what to do round JBR right here!
You might also wish to head out into the beautiful Gulf waters with a cruise. Plentiful operators could be present in Dubai Marina, from velocity boat excursions round Palm Jumeirah to jet ski adventures, or for a extra sedate expertise at a fraction of the associated fee, strive the RTA Ferry!
Getting there: JBR/Dubai Marina is the excellent place to remain with 4 days in Dubai as a result of excessive variety of spacious resort residences and splendid accommodations, or by Metro take Pink Line to DAMAC Properties or DMCC Metro Station.
Lar Mer
One other ultra-modern beachfront space of the town to discover is La Mer. An eclectic mixture of palm-tree-lined walkways, retail, eating & play alternatives. In addition to a superbly groomed seashore with plentiful water sports activities on provide, there’s even a mini water park, Laguna!
As fairly at night time as it’s by day, La Mer is a classy new addition for households and singles alike to get pleasure from Dubai’s trendy vibes.
(NB as of January 2023, components of La Mer are closed for renovations although the beachfront stays open).
When you don’t wish to spend the entire afternoon on the seashore – or it’s just too scorching to be out lengthy – La Mer sees you near each the Jumeirah Mosque – the most important mosque in Dubai open to the general public for each day excursions – and Etihad Museum, telling the story of the nation’s unification in 1971.
One other brief hop away is the Shindagha historic district close to Mina Port, an effective way to study extra about Dubai’s previous.
Getting there: No direct Metro cease (nearest is Monetary Centre then a 10-minute taxi), or take bus 8, 9 or 88 alongside Jumeirah Seaside Street
Dubai additionally has loads of public seashores, some are utterly free and others have a small Dubai municipality cost however nice amenities. Native favourites embrace Al Mamzar Park and Kite Seaside has barely greater waves than others head to Sundown Seaside for iconic views of the Burj Al Arab – naturally round sundown for the most effective views!
Alternatively, even in the event you’re not staying at certainly one of Dubai’s fancy beachfront resorts, it’s straightforward to choose up a day cross to one of many unimaginable seashore golf equipment to spoil your self for a day and luxuriate in sundowners on the seashore.
In case you are visiting within the peak of summer season, you’d possible want to change or scratch this largely out of doors day of play and exchange it with some additional actions from our indoor information to Dubai
Day 3 – 4 Day Dubai Itinerary: Abu Dhabi Day Journey
No journey to the UAE is full with out seeing the Capital, Abu Dhabi.
Essentially the most iconic of buildings to go to in Abu Dhabi is the merely beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
While it’s attainable to squeeze in a visit to the Grand Mosque solely on a half-day journey to Abu Dhabi – its lower than 90 minutes on a tour coach Dubai to Abu Dhabi – you’d be doing your self an injustice to not see extra of the town when you’ve made an effort to get that far!
Getting there: If you wish to transfer at your personal tempo then positively rent a automobile or non-public group driver in your Abu Dhabi day journey, however catching a tour coach is the simplest & least expensive choice
We’ve extra particulars right here on the spectacular locations in Abu Dhabi you’ll be able to squeeze in on a one-day journey from Dubai – together with the Louvre Museum and Qasr al Watan, the Presidential Palace. An extended itinerary would see no less than 2 to three days spent in Abu Dhabi to seize the capital’s highlights correctly.
In case you are a theme park junkie, you might wish to keep in a single day and luxuriate in Day 4 on the Yas Island theme parks (Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi & Ferrari World) earlier than ending out your final night time in Dubai. They’re simply pretty much as good – if not higher! – than their Dubai counterparts.
Abu Dhabi is however one of many different 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (albeit by far the most important in dimension and the richest in oil!). Dubai is kind of central within the nation, so it’s a nice base for exploring the remainder of the Emirates. With solely 4 days to spend in whole within the UAE, you’ll possible solely squeeze in time for someday journey from Dubai.
We’ve extra concepts listed beneath for different or extra day journeys from Dubai.
These staying longer in Abu Dhabi, pop on over to our Abu Dhabi Journey Planner web site for extra detailed guides to high sights within the capital.
Day 4 – 4 Day Dubai Itinerary: Theme Parks, Buying & one thing particular!
Thrill-seekers, shopaholics and adrenaline junkies won’t ever be left upset in Dubai.
Now when you have littles travelling with you (or massive youngsters at coronary heart!) you might effectively want to maneuver theme park day additional up the itinerary or dedicate no less than a day and a half. If theme parks aren’t your factor, learn on beneath!
Dubai Theme Parks
There’s an excellent number of world-class theme parks to select from in Dubai. When you’re visiting within the lovely shoulder seasons (roughly March to Might and October to November), our high decide can be one of many mega water parks – select from Atlantis Aquaventure or Wild Wadi at Jumeirah.
A day trip at Atlantis could be mixed with aquatic animal experiences at Atlas Village (previously Dolphin Bay) or discover the large Misplaced Chambers Aquarium.
(NB in the event you keep at Atlantis the Palm or any of the Jumeirah accommodations, your water park entry will likely be included!)
Over the best a part of the yr (December to February), Dubai Parks & Resorts is our best choice. Right here you’ll be able to select between 4 related theme parks (ideally, you’ll be able to slot in two of those in a day – three at a squeeze):
- Legoland Dubai
- Legoland Dubai Water Park
- Motiongate
- Bollywood Parks
And if it’s the height of summer season, the highest decide goes to IMG Worlds of Journey – assume Marvel characters to Cartoon Community themed rides and actions. IMG is totally indoors to beat the warmth.
Getting there: The Theme Parks in Dubai are all fairly unfold out and actually do take the most effective a part of a day: Atlantis Aquaventure is on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah, and Wild Wadi is near Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Parks & Resorts is in Jebel Ali, past the Metro and IMG Worlds of Journey sits south of the town.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
The right place for a bit of retail remedy to complete up your journey to Dubai is Souk Madinat Jumeirah. A contemporary souk (market) inbuilt conventional fashion, with indoor and out of doors (seasonal) stalls and outlets providing vacationer tat to real souvenirs and an excellent vary of eateries to select from.
You may get some sensible Burj Al Arab views right here and even take an abra out on the waterways across the extravagant Jumeirah accommodations (a bit extra expensive than the 1 AED on Dubai Creek however what an incredible backdrop!). Plentiful bars and eating places may also be discovered right here catering to all tastes.
Getting there: Souk Madinat Jumeirah shouldn’t be on the Metro however you will get to Mall of the Emirates and a brief taxi from there, or cease at Web Metropolis then hop on Bus 88.
Solely in Dubai experiences
When you’ve determined to skip the theme parks and procuring, then there are nonetheless loads of exhilarating experiences to strive of their place, together with these sensational “solely in Dubai” experiences:
When you skipped Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai on Day 1, that is additionally a possibility to compensate for a few of these trendy sights.
And eventually, in the event you’ve not had the chance but, discover certainly one of Dubai’s dramatic rooftop bars (seasonal) to complete off your unimaginable 4 days in Dubai with dramatic views over the town skyline or the Arabian Gulf.
Further actions in your Dubai itinerary
There was solely a lot we might slot in an preliminary 4-day itinerary! If a few of the above actions didn’t attraction or had been out of your price range, right here’s what you may look so as to add or substitute:
Further cultural actions in Dubai
Further journey actions in Dubai
Continuously requested questions on Dubai itineraries
It actually relies upon in the event you’re coming to get a taster for future journeys, a stopover on a protracted journey, or just to calm down within the solar. If you wish to “see all of it” and discover extra of the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula, no, it’s not sufficient. We’d advocate two weeks to completely cowl the United Arab Emirates and no less than one week to cowl Dubai’s highlights.
With solely 4 days in Dubai, you’d nonetheless have a whole lot of experiences to come back again and luxuriate in on a subsequent journey.
Sure, in idea, you may squeeze in an thrilling and action-packed journey to each cities in 4 days, however you’ll be exhausted and solely scratch the floor.
You’ll be able to match the very greatest highlights of Abu Dhabi into someday however realistically, give your self 2 to three in Abu Dhabi and seven or 8 in Dubai, 14 days in the event you actually wish to see the entire of the United Arab Emirates with a couple of break days built-in.
It relies on what kind of price range you’re working at. We speak extra about cash issues right here.
When you contemplate a cheapish resort room for 2, near the Metro could be obtained for round 200 AED, a day cross on the Metro 20 AED, meals, in the event you go low cost and cheerful, might boil all the way down to 50-100 AED a day.
So earlier than your airfares and any fancy extras like waterpark days or desert excursions, let’s say 300 AED per day or round 1200 AED for 4 days in Dubai ($330 USD). It’s not the most affordable metropolis, however there are methods it can save you cash, as we talk about in our price range information to Dubai.
Earlier than you go… Extra necessary issues you must know when planning a visit to Dubai
Take me again to the Dubai Journey Weblog
Please observe we aren’t a journey company. This web site is a journey weblog to assist newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their journey, we can’t e-book your flights, accommodations, visas or connections for you. We might make a small fee in the event you click on on any of our suggestion hyperlinks.
Dubai Journey Planner
