4 Day Dubai Itinerary: AWESOME Things To Do, Eat & Stay

Dubai is a magical city that mixes traditional Arab culture and modern luxury in a way that will defy what you think you know about the Middle East.

The city is also more affordable than you might imagine from its reputation for high luxury, and it has something for everyone. Yes, there are luxury hotels, fine dining, and gold souks, but also water parks, an indoor ski resort, and 4×4 desert safaris.

In my eyes, Dubai is a cool stopover destination, but also a perfect holiday destination if you've got a few more days, as there is so much to do, you'll be guaranteed to never run out of things to do!

Planning to spend 4 days in Dubai, as I've recently done? Here's my recommended Dubai itinerary to make the best of your Dubai trip.

Dubai Pre-Travel Facts

Before you book your trip, here are some pre-travel facts about Dubai that you should know.

How to Get to Dubai

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world, and it is not difficult to find flights landing in Dubai. Emirates is the country's flagship airline.

The airport is just 25 minutes from central Dubai on the Red Metro line and costs less than AED20/US$5. Disembark at Burj Khalifa Station for Downtown and Damac Metro Station for Dubai Marina.

Many Dubai hotels also offer free airport shuttles. Taxis and Uber are also plentiful and cost around AED160/US$40.

The currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), which currently has an exchange rate of AED3.67 per US$1.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is in the colder months, between November and March. You can expect dry days with temperatures reaching the mid to high 20s degrees Celsius and rarely dropping below 16-17 degrees Celsius at night.

Dubai gets extremely hot in the summer, with daytime temperatures exceeding 43 degrees Celsius. While it doesn't rain excessively, humidity levels average 90%, making it pretty uncomfortable.

Is Dubai Safe

Dubai is a very safe place for tourists to visit. Crime is generally low, and there is a strong police presence in all the main tourist areas. Tourists are a regular fixture of the city and are generally welcomed by locals.

Prepare to adapt to local laws and customs so that you do not run foul of the police. Remember that you are in a Muslim country:

• There is zero tolerance for drugs.

• Alcohol consumption is limited to specific premises, such as hotels.

• Local dress customs are considered conservative, especially for women, who should cover the tops of their arms and legs and ensure that their underwear is not visible. Swimwear should only be worn at beaches and pools. I found it's not as conservative or strict as anticipated and saw many women with shorts and tank tops.

• Cross-dressing is illegal.

• Homosexual sex is illegal and same-sex partnerships should be kept private.

• Offensive behavior, such as swearing, is illegal in public.

• Public displays of affection, such as kissing, are frowned upon and have led to arrests in the past.

• You should not photograph people, government buildings, or anything related to the military without permission.

• Posting anything online that is critical of the UAE could also land you in trouble.

Following the local customs and rules will help ensure your safety while visiting Dubai.

Where to Stay in Dubai

Choosing the perfect place to stay in Dubai is a pivotal part of curating your ideal vacation. From lavish beachfront resorts to sleek urban hotels, Dubai offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget.

If this is your first time in Dubai, I recommend you stay in either Dubai Downtown or Dubai Marina, they are the two best areas closest to all the main attractions. Dubai Downtown is slightly more touristy, while Dubai Marina is more laid back. For a unique experience, choose a hotel on The Palm!

Here are a few of my top picks:

Best luxury hotel in Dubai Downtown: Palace Downtown

Most famous 7-star hotel: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Best hotel in the Dubai Marina: Address Dubai Marina

Best hotel on The Palm Dubai: Raffles The Palm

Want to figure out exactly where to stay in Dubai? Check out my extensive accommodation guide to the best Dubai areas and hotels for all budgets.

How to Spend 4 Days in Dubai – Your Perfect Dubai Itinerary

My itinerary covers the very best things to do in Dubai if you only have four days.

Day 1: Explore Downtown, Dubai Mall & Most Famous Landmarks

Morning

Many of Dubai's best hotels and shopping are located in Downtown Dubai and walking the streets there when you first arrive can be a great way to get a feel for the city and start your Dubai itinerary.

While wandering, you will most definitely spot the world-famous Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the tallest building in the world, and other stunning architectural features. Take in Dubai's skyline from Burj Khalifa's deck. Buy your tickets online and skip the line to the world's tallest building offers 360-degree views from the 124th and 125th floors.

You will also see pockets of green, such as Burj Park, and the famous Dubai Fountain.

Make sure to spend time browsing Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world with more than 1,200 retail outlets, including the department stores Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's, and world-famous brands such as Versace and Burberry. Dubai Mall is a great place for lunch, with over 200 international diving options to choose from.

The mall is not just about shopping, it is also about entertainment. Inside you will find the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, a large similar complex, and the outdoor village shopping experience.

While exploring Dubai's Downtown shopping, you should also cross over to visit Souk Al Bahar, which is a modernized version of the traditional Middle Eastern marketplace. Called the “market of the sailor”, this downtown Souk is a mix of fashion, perfumes, antiques, handicrafts, and eateries.

Afternoon

As you leave the souk, same sure you take a look at the Dubai Opera. The opulent building seats 2,000 guests. You may be able to get tickets for a live performance, which includes everything from classical ballet to modern plays.

In the evening, take a ride on Burj Lake in a traditional abra boat. This is one of the best ways to witness the famous Dubai Fountains Show in front of the majestic Burj Khalifa. This is the world's tallest fountain, 900 feet in length, with 6,600 super lights and 25 color projectors. The show runs periodically between 5:45 pm and 11:30 pm, and you'll see crowds gathering along the water's edge right before the start.

For dinner, either eat inside Burj Khalifa itself at the world's tallest restaurant or get a table at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area. I really enjoyed Adb El Whab on the Souk Al Bahar side. It is a great choice for Lebanese food and views of the Dubai fountain show.

End the night with drinks at a rooftop bar with incredible views of the lit city. Try the Lolita Bar on the rooftop of the 5-star Pullman Dubai Downtown hotel, try creative cocktails at the Treehouse on the roof of the Taj Dubai, or Neos rooftop bar at The Address Downtown hotel.

Day 2: Visit The Palm Dubai or Burj al Arab

Morning

Start your second day in Dubai with a picturesque journey along the length of Palm Jumeirah, the iconic manmade island on the Palm Jumeirah Monorail.

When you get off the train, head to Atlantis, The Palm, a grand resort and entertainment destination. Even if you aren't staying at the resort, you can dine in and book one of its many adventures, such as the Chambers Aquarium, Dolphin Bay, and Aquaventure Waterpark. The park has an impressive 50 slides, including the world's tallest water slide, the Odyssey of Terror.

Across from Atlantis, you will find The Point Dubai, a beach and shopping promenade with spectacular views back over the resort.

Koko Bay, a neo-Asian beach restaurant and the rooftop dining at the W Hotel are two of my favorites. Or you can also get a free shuttle bus to Nakheel's Mall for shopping and rooftop dining.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon soaking up some sun on Jumeirah Public Beach, located in the shadow of the luxury Burj al Arab Hotel. It is both a relaxing stretch of sand and home to fun watersports such as parasailing and wakeboarding.

There are plenty of dining options in the area, including the six restaurants inside the sophisticated Pavilion at The Beach. This is the perfect sunset beach.

Or you prefer to get out of the sun and wander the nearby Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a popular Arab market for authentic souvenirs. It comes alive in the evening with music acts and plenty of dining options.

Alternatively, you can take on the Mall of the Emirates. In addition to shopping, you will find Ski Dubai, an indoor skiing experience complete with penguins.

In the evening, book yourself on the best desert safari for the evening. Spend a few hours attacking the sand dunes in a 4×4, or you can book an overnight experience. As well as sandboarding and camel rides, you will stay overnight under an incredible starry sky with a barbecue dinner with shisha and a Khaliji dance.

Day 3: Explore the Luxury Dubai Marina

Morning

Start your third day in Dubai by getting up early for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert for incredible views.

You are then ready to spend the day exploring Dubai Marina, where skyscrapers line a winding canal and luxury yachts cruise by. Join the Dhow Cruise Dubai in the lagoon or book a yacht for a private tour. Take in JBR, Cayan Tower, the Bluewater, and Ain Dubai, the highest wheel in the world.

Afternoon

On land, hang out at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), where you will find plenty of dining options, including the Emirati eatery Yalseh. Thrill seekers can take on XLine, the longest urban zipline that runs 170 meters up on Amway Towers over to Dubai Marina Mall. At the mall, you will find high-street shopping and kids' entertainment.

Choose one of the incredible beach clubs on JBR beach for afternoon and sunset festivities and drinks. Barasati Beach Club is open daily until 3 am.

Day 4: Discover Dubai's History in Bur Dubai

Morning

On your last day in Dubai, dive into the rich culture of Old Dubai. Start your day at Jumeirah Mosque, a white sandstone icon built in the medieval Fatimid tradition.

The towering twin minarets and central dome can hold over 1,200 worshippers. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome but should dress respectfully. Tours are available at 10 am, six days a week.

Next, head to the Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort on the banks of Dubai Creek. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The thoughtful displays inside Dubai Museum explain the history of the area. This sits in the center of the historic Al Bastakia Quarter.

From here, you can take a short boat ride down Dubai Creek to Deira and the Souks of Deira for a traditional gold and spice souk and to pick up last-minute souvenirs. Lunch at the souks or on Al Dhiyafah Road, where you will find plenty of excellent restaurants frequented by locals.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, pop into the XVA Gallery to discover contemporary art from the Middle East.

I recommend you finish your final day in Dubai at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai on the Pearl Jumeira waterfront. Here, you'll find 15 beautiful pools and four exclusive dining options.

The Best 4 Day Dubai Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is Dubai worth visiting?

Dubai is certainly worth visiting and will confound what you think you know about the Middle East. Traditional culture and religion sit comfortably alongside modern luxury and fun. It is a wonderful place to visit if you are looking to relax, looking for adventure, looking for shopping, or want all of that rolled into one.

📅 Is four days enough time to see Dubai?

While four days are only enough time to see a fraction of what Dubai has to offer, it is enough time to see all of the most important sights and destinations and feel like you understand the city.

💸 Is Dubai expensive? How much money do I need for 4 days in Dubai?

Dubai overall is an expensive city to visit compared to many international destinations, but it is much more affordable than big cities such as London and New York. While hotels, restaurants, and experiences can come with a fairly high price tag, you can be sure that what you will receive is top quality.

How much you need for your holiday in Dubai depends on your preferences. While the most luxurious hotels might cost US$20,000 per night, you can stay in the iconic Burj Al Arab for US$1,600 per night. But there is plenty of much more affordable but still luxury hotel available that range from US$100-$250 per night.

If you are looking to enjoy yourself but don't intend to indulge in the most expensive experiences, you probably need about US$100-250 per day after accommodation. Some days you will see endless, but other days you will spend more. For example, you can expect to pay US$150 per person for an overnight safari experience.

❓ Is Abu Dhabi or Dubai better?

Dubai tends to attract more visitors because it is slightly less expensive and has a much wider range of hotels, restaurants, activities, and tourist attractions. But many visitors prefer Abu Dhabi because it has a more peaceful atmosphere and better beaches.

🍸 Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?

Non-Mulsim visitors to Dubai are free to drink alcohol. However, where you can drink is restricted, and public drunkenness is frowned upon and can be criminal if it gets out of hand.

So, you can drink in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars, but you cannot drink in public, including on the beach. You will not be able to buy alcohol for yourself at a store as this requires a special license.

The Best 4 Day Dubai Itinerary – Final Words

If you only have four days in Dubai, you need to plan your time well to ensure you see all the best things that the city has to offer. Take my 4 days in Dubai itinerary as inspiration as your plan your holiday to this amazing Middle Eastern city.