Dubai is a city of contrasts: pearl-diving past on the creek, record-shattering towers in Downtown, and tranquil beaches framing the Arabian Gulf. In just 3 days you can sip fragrant Arabic coffee in a coral-stone courtyard, watch the world’s tallest tower glow at sunset, and taste contemporary Gulf flavors shaped by more than 200 nationalities.

Founded in the 19th century along Dubai Creek, the city boomed after oil discoveries in the 1960s, then reinvented itself as a global crossroads for trade, aviation, design, and food. Today, Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi lanes sit a short metro hop from the futuristic Museum of the Future, while palm-shaped islands are visible from the sky.

Practical notes: Dress modestly in traditional neighborhoods and when visiting mosques. The Dubai Metro is fast and clean; taxis are plentiful. Abra boats across the creek cost just a few dirhams, and pre-booking timed tickets for popular sights (like Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future) saves time and money.

Dubai

Dubai blends heritage and innovation: wind towers in Al Fahidi, gold and spice souks in Deira, the 828 m Burj Khalifa, and the photogenic Jumeirah shoreline. Food is a highlight—from Emirati machboos and luqaimat to Japanese kushiyaki and Levantine grills.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek, Museum of the Future, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Marina & JBR, Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
• Local gems: Coffee Museum and art courtyards in Al Fahidi, abra rides at golden hour, Alserkal Avenue galleries, Kite Beach food trucks, seafood at Bu Qtair.
• Good to know: Metro Red Line links the airport, Downtown, and Dubai Marina; Green Line serves Old Dubai (Al Fahidi/Deira). A Nol transit card makes rides seamless.

Where to stay: For easy sightseeing, base yourself in Downtown (walk to Burj Khalifa), Al Seef/Al Fahidi (heritage vibe), or Dubai Marina/JBR (beach and nightlife).

• Hotels and resorts: Browse and book on Hotels.com – Dubai. Filter by neighborhoods (Downtown, JBR, Business Bay) and amenities (pool, beach access).
• Apartments and villas: For space or family stays, see VRBO – Dubai for serviced apartments near the Metro or beachside villas on the Palm.

Getting to Dubai (DXB): Fly into Dubai International Airport, a major global hub. Compare fares and routes on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights. Typical nonstop times: London ~7 hours; Singapore ~7 hours; New York ~12–14 hours. Economy fares often range from ~$450–$1,100 round-trip depending on season.

Airport to city: The Metro Red Line runs from DXB Terminals 1/3 to Downtown (~25 minutes) and Dubai Marina (~50 minutes). Taxis to Downtown run ~AED 50–80 ($14–22), depending on traffic.

Day 1: Old Dubai, Al Fahidi lanes, and the glow of the Creek

Morning: You’re en route. On arrival, breeze through DXB and ride the Metro Green Line to Al Fahidi (or taxi to your hotel). Drop your bags and hydrate; the desert climate is dry year-round.

Afternoon: Start in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, a restored quarter of gypsum-and-coral homes with wind towers. Pause at Arabian Tea House for mint lemonade and a mezze lunch in a shady courtyard—try regag bread and chicken machboos. Pop into the Coffee Museum to learn about regional coffee rituals, then step into the Textile Souk across the road for pashmina, cotton, and souvenirs (bargain politely).

Afternoon continued: Walk to the creek and hop a wooden abra (AED 1–2.50 cash) to Deira. Wander the Spice Souk (saffron, za’atar, dried limes) and the Gold Souk with its window displays and Guinness-certified mega-necklace. For coffee, try Creekside café by the water—good for Emirati-style chebab pancakes and a view of abras crossing.

Evening: Return to the Bur Dubai side and stroll Al Seef, a promenade of heritage-style facades and boutique eateries. For dinner, pick Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (traditional Emirati—salona stew, luqaimat with date syrup) or the beloved old-timer Al Ustad Special Kabab (since 1978; juicy kebabs, yogurt-marinated meats, and rice for ~AED 50–80 per person). Nightcap with karak chai from a streetside stand.

Day 2: Downtown icons, Museum of the Future, and Dubai Marina nights

Morning: Book an early timed slot for Burj Khalifa – At The Top (Levels 124/125; from ~AED 179/$49). Beat crowds, then explore Dubai Mall highlights: the aquarium tunnel, waterfall wall, and luxury fashion avenues. Coffee options nearby include % Arabica (single-origin espressos) or The Sum of Us (roastery-bakery; flaky croissants and shakshuka).

Afternoon: Head to the striking torus-shaped Museum of the Future (book ahead; ~AED 149/$41). Inside, immersive exhibits imagine sustainability, space, and AI in 2071. For lunch, cross the footbridge to Time Out Market Dubai in Souk Al Bahar and graze from top local kitchens—try Reif Japanese Kushiyaki (wagyu sando, yakitori), BB Social Dining (bao and bowls), Pickl (smash burgers), and Vietnamese Foodies (pho and summer rolls).

Evening: Metro or taxi to Dubai Marina & JBR for a seaside promenade at sunset. Dinner picks: Asia Asia (at Pier 7; Pan-Asian share plates and marina views), The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill (New England–meets–Mediterranean seafood; lively vibe), or Bussola (wood-fired pizza and Italian classics at Westin Mina Seyahi). For a wow-factor view later, sip something at CÉ LA VI (Address Sky View; skyline terrace) or Level 43 Sky Lounge (Sheikh Zayed Road, 43 floors up).

Optional night extra: Catch the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes evenings) at the Burj Lake if you return to Downtown—best viewed from the Souk Al Bahar bridge.

Day 3: Jumeirah coast, mosque visit, and last tastes

Morning: Enjoy a slow breakfast in Jumeirah: Comptoir 102 (organic bowls, date smoothies, chic concept-store vibe) or Seashells by Bluewaters (if you’re nearby, for airy coastal breakfasts). Join the guided tour at the Jumeirah Mosque (typically 10:00 a.m., most days; modest dress; small fee). It’s a warm, Q&A-style introduction to Emirati culture and Islam.

Afternoon (pre-departure): Walk or taxi to Kite Beach for a sandy stroll and Burj Al Arab views. Grab a quick lunch from SALT (cult burger truck on the beach) or detour to the fishing harbor for Bu Qtair—choose your fresh fish and prawns by weight, get them fried or spiced and grilled, and eat outdoors with paratha and curry (expect ~AED 60–120 per person).

Departure: Swing by Souk Madinat Jumeirah for last-minute gifts (spices, dates, Arabic sweets), then head to DXB for your afternoon flight. The Red Line from Mall of the Emirates/Burj Khalifa stations reaches the airport in ~25–40 minutes; taxis from Jumeirah typically take ~30 minutes, traffic permitting.

Want more (if your flight is late at night)? Consider an afternoon-to-evening desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, and a BBQ dinner under the stars (typical pickup ~3 p.m.; from ~AED 150–300/$40–$82). If you choose this, store your bags at your hotel and allow extra time to return for an overnight or red-eye departure.

Booking tips and transport at a glance:

• Flights: Compare routes and prices on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Nonstops abound from Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Hotels and apartments: Downtown for first-timers, Marina/JBR for beach vibes, Al Seef/Al Fahidi for heritage stays: Hotels.com – Dubai and VRBO – Dubai.
• Costs (approx.): Abra AED 1–2.50; Metro ride AED 3–8.5; Burj Khalifa from ~AED 179; Museum of the Future ~AED 149; midrange meals AED 50–120 per person.

Summary: In three days you’ll thread together the essential Dubai experience: creekside souks and Emirati flavors, sky-high engineering and immersive futurism, and breezy evenings along the marina and Jumeirah sands. It’s a city that rewards curiosity, from spice-filled alleys to design-forward dining rooms—leave with sand in your shoes and a camera roll full of sunsets.