10 Awesome Things to Do in Dubai: 4-Day Itinerary

Dubai is one of those destinations that feels almost unreal—futuristic skyscrapers rising out of the desert, world-class attractions, pristine beaches, and traditional souks all packed into one vibrant city.

If you’re planning your first trip and wondering what’s actually worth doing in Dubai, this post breaks it all down for you!

After spending 4 days in Dubai in January with my boyfriend, Tim, I put together this practical, first-timer-friendly Dubai itinerary, complete with must-see attractions, where to stay, what to wear, safety tips, and honest recommendations.

Whether you’re visiting Dubai as part of a bigger international trip (like we did) or planning a standalone getaway, this guide covers the best things to do in Dubai for first-time visitors—from iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa to unforgettable experiences like a desert safari and cultural highlights in Deira’s historic souks.

Everything is organized into an easy-to-follow 4-day itinerary, plus tips on how to structure your time and what to know before you go—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

👉 Use the table of contents below to jump to specific sections, or keep reading for a complete Dubai travel guide with tips, logistics, and itinerary ideas.

Situated on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is the most populous city and emirate in the UAE.

The city was established in the 18th century as a small fishing village and grew into a regional trading hub in the early 20th century, then into a center for tourism and luxury in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The city is known for its luxury shopping, groundbreaking and modern architecture, and lively nightlife scene and is home to the second most 5-star hotels and the tallest building in the world.

Dubai is also famous for its 5 artificial islands: the Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and the Deira Islands), Bluewaters Island, and the World Islands.

This 4-day Dubai itinerary highlights some of the top things to do in Dubai, while balancing sightseeing with downtime.

It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to see Dubai’s highlights without feeling rushed.

We visited in January and intentionally kept some slower mornings and pool time, which made the trip much more enjoyable after traveling for a week through India.

Day 1:

• At The Top, Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Mall
• Lunch at Maison de Curry
• Burj Lake Boat Ride
• Dubai Fountain Show
• Dinner at BAI Bar & Terrace

Day 2:

• Room service at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View
• Dubai Desert Safari (includes dinner)

Day 3:

• Dubai Miracle Garden
• Lunch at BAI Bar & Terrace
• Pool day at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View
• Deira (Gold, Spice & Old Souks)
• Dinner at Sammach Spot

Day 4:

• The View at the Palm 
• Coffee/juice at Saya Brasserie
• Dubai Marina
• Lunch at Ahla Tallah Grand Gourmet
• Jumeirah Beach Residence District
• Dinner at BAI Bar & Terrace

If you’re short on time or just want the highlights, here are the top things to do in Dubai at a glance—based on what we personally experienced during our 4 days in the city.

• At The Top, Burj Khalifa: Unbeatable 360° views of the city from the tallest building in the world
• Dubai Mall: One of the largest malls on the planet, home to shopping, dining, an aquarium, an ice rink, and more
• Dubai Fountain Show: Free water-and-light show set to music at the base of the Burj Khalifa
• Burj Lake Boat Ride: Up-close Dubai Fountain experience from the water on a traditional abra
• Dubai Desert Excursion: Red sand dunes, ATV rides, camel encounters, and a traditional dinner under the stars
• Dubai Miracle Garden: Seasonal floral wonderland filled with massive, colorful displays, and whimsical installations
• Deira Souks: Immersive cultural experience exploring the Gold, Spice, and Textile Souks
• The View at the Palm: Panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai’s coastline from above
• Dubai Marina: Sleek waterfront lined with skyscrapers, yachts, cafés, and stunning sunset views
• Jumeirah Beach: Dubai’s most popular public beach with views of the city skyline and easy access to dining and nightlife

This list is ideal if you’re planning a 3–4 day Dubai itinerary or visiting Dubai for the first time.

Below, I’ll break down each one in more detail, including why it’s worth your time, how long to plan for, and tips to help you decide what to prioritize.

Now, without further adieu, here are 10 awesome things to do in Dubai!

At more than 2,700-feet-tall (that’s more than a half a mile!), the Burj Khalifa dominates Dubai’s skyline and provides a stark contrast against its desert backdrop.

It’s the tallest building in the world, and visitors can go inside the Burj Khalifa for 360-degree views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf.

During your visit to At the Top, Burj Khalifa, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Ride in the world’s fastest elevator
• Learn about the architecture and technology behind the Burj Khalifa
• Admire Dubai from the world’s tallest building
• Use telescopes to enhance your view of the city’s landmarks
• Watch the Dubai Fountain show from the observation deck

A Broad Recommendation: If you’d like to watch the Dubai Fountain show from the observation deck, be sure to book your entry for 30 minutes before the show starts. The Dubai Fountain shows run daily, with afternoon shows at 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm (except for Fridays, which are at 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm) and evening shows every 30 minutes from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

A visit to At The Top, Burj Khalifa is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai, so be sure to add it to your Dubai itinerary!

• Hours: Weekdays from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm & weekends from 5:00 am – 12:00 am (last entry is 45 minutes prior to closing)
• Time to Visit: 1-1.5 hours
• Cost (at the time of our visit): 179 AED ($48.74 USD) for adults; free for children under 4

A Broad Recommendation: If you’d like to go inside the Burj Khalifa, book your Burj Khalifa Level 124 and 125 Entry Ticket in advance. There are a limited number of immediate entry tickets available each day, and they do sell out, especially during peak tourist season. Visits are based on 30-minute intervals, and ticket prices vary by time of year and time of day.

Another one of the top things to do in Dubai is a visit to the Dubai Mall.

The Dubai Mall is the flagship mega-project of Emaar Properties and an integral part of Downtown Dubai.

At 12 million square feet, the mall is home to more than 1,200 retail stores, two anchor department stores (France’s Galeries Lafayette and America’s Bloomingdale’s), and more than 200 cafés, restaurants, and bars.

It’s also home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which is one of the largest aquariums in the world, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, which hosts international competitions, skating lessons, concerts and more, and Reel Cinemas, which has 22 screens and can seat 2,800 people.

• Hours: Monday – Thursday from 10:00 am – 12:00 am & Friday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 1:00 am
• Time to Visit: You could spend 10 mins to an entire day exploring the Dubai Mall, so plan accordingly based on your preferences!
• Cost: Free to visit + the cost of any experiences or shopping

With 6,000 lights, 25 colored projectors, and 22,000 gallons of airborne water, Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest performing fountain.

It sits on the 30-acre Burj Lake and is choreographed to various songs, ranging from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music, in a mesmerizing water, music and light show.

The Dubai Fountain is one of the top things to see when exploring Downtown Dubai, so be sure to time your visit accordingly!

• Hours: Saturday – Thursday at 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm & every 30 minutes from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm & Friday at 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm & every 30 minutes from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Time to Visit: 30 minutes
• Cost: Free

A fun way to experience the Dubai Fountain show is by boat.

We booked the 5:45 pm time slot for the Dubai: Burj Khalifa Fountain Show and Burj Lake Ride and had front row seats to the show!

The sun was setting around this time, which made for an even more incredible experience (note that we visited in January, and sunset times may vary throughout the year).

Before the show, we got to cruise around for about 20 minutes in an abra, i.e. a traditional, wooden water taxi, from which we could see some of the city’s most iconic monuments, like the Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar, and the Palace Downtown.

Then, we got to watch the magnificent Dubai Fountain show from the boat (while parked).

I’d recommend watching the fountain show several times during your visit to Dubai and taking the boat tour at least once to get the full experience!

• Hours: 30 minute time slots starting from 5:45 pm – 10:45 pm
• Time to Visit: 30 minutes
• Cost (at the time of our visit): 68.24 AED ($18.58 USD)

A Broad Recommendation: If you plan to do a Burj Lake boat ride, be sure to book your tickets in advance and arrive at the meeting point between 15 to 30 minutes early, so you don’t lose your time slot.

No visit to Dubai is complete without a Dubai Desert excursion!

We did the Dubai: Red Dunes ATV, Sandsurf, Camels, Stargazing and 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp excursion and had an awesome time.

During the excursion, we traveled to the Lahbab desert, which is known for its red-orange dunes, and got to:

• Drive ATVs through the desert
• Try sandboarding for the first time
• Feed some adorable baby camels
• Take a short camel ride
• Hold a falcon
• Try Arabic coffee
• Enjoy a BBQ buffet
• Watch some traditional dances and a fire show
• Smoke Shisha (well, Tim did; I wasn’t really interested in this)

We also could’ve dressed up in Arabian attire and tried henna tattooing, but we opted out, since we’d already gotten some henna in Indore!

This excursion is one of the most fun things to do in Dubai and a great way to learn about Arabic culture.

The tour lasts around 6 hours, and pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai is included, which is super convenient.

• Hours: 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, or 2:30 pm pick-up time (we did the 2:00 pm pick-up time in January, but the best times to visit may vary throughout the year)
• Time to Visit: 6-7 hours
• Cost (at the time of our visit): 699.39 AED ($190.42 USD)

A Broad Recommendation: Wear long pants to avoid the engine heat from the ATVs and bring a jacket for the evening, as temperatures drop quite a bit in the desert at night. Also bring some sunglasses and a scarf for the ATV ride.

With more than 150 million flowers in full bloom, the Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden and has quickly become one of the most unique and colorful attractions in Dubai.

The flowers are preserved by reusing wastewater through drip irrigation and are manured into intricate displays, like a floral clock, the Smurfs’ Village, elephants, penguins and horses, a castle, and the infamous Emirates A380, which was featured in the Guinness World Records for the ‘World’s Largest Flower Structure’!

Dubai Miracle Garden is definitely a must-see on any fall, winter or spring trip to Dubai.

In fact, this was one of our favorite things to do in Dubai!

• Hours: Sept 29th – June 2nd, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm 
• Time to Visit: 2-3 hours
• Cost (at the time of our visit): AED 95 ($25.87 USD) for adults 12+, AED 80 ($21.78 USD) for children 3-12 & free for children under 3 years old

Situated along the banks of Dubai Creek, Deira is a bustling district in Dubai, renowned for its Gold, Spice, and Old Souks.

The Deira Gold Souk is one of the largest gold markets in the world. Here, visitors can wander through narrow alleyways lined with shops showcasing a dazzling array of gold jewelry.

I bought my first pair of real gold earrings here and paid much less for them than I would’ve back in the U.S.!

Adjacent to the Gold Souk is the Spice Souk, where visitors can immerse themselves in a sensory experience of aromatic spices, herbs, and traditional perfumes.

Here, you can explore stalls piled high with colorful spices and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Arabian marketplace.

Tim especially loved trying the colognes and bought some for himself and for my brother.

The Deira Old Souk is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways filled with traditional shops selling textiles, fabrics, and more.

Here, you can discover hidden treasures, bargain for various items, and grab some souvenirs to bring home to your friends and family.

• Hours:
  • Deira Gold Souk: Daily from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Deira Spice Souk: Monday – Friday from 7:30 am – 9:55 pm & Saturday – Sunday from 7:30 am –11:00 pm
  • Deira Old Souk: Saturday – Thursday from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm & Friday from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Time to Visit: 2-3 hours
• Cost: Free unless you buy something

Another spot for epic views of Dubai is The View at the Palm.

At more than 780-feet-tall, The Observatory, i.e. the 52nd floor viewing deck of the Palm Tower, offers incredible, panoramic views of the world famous Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the city of Dubai.

Located on the 54th floor of the Palm Tower, The Next Level takes things one step further, offering stunning, 360-degree views from the highest observation deck on the Palm Jumeirah—without the glass windows.

This ticket also includes skip-the-line access.

We went during off-peak hours and chose the The Next Level ticket, which includes:

• The Palm Jumeirah Exhibition
• The Observatory
• The Next Level

In my opinion, the views from the 54th floor without the glass are well worth the price difference between this and the General Admission ticket.

• Hours: Daily from 9:00 am – 8:30 pm
• Time to Visit: 1-1.5 hours
• Cost (at the time of our visit): AED 100 ($27.23) for General Admission & AED 175 ($47.65) for Fast Track + Next Level (note that there are other experiences, but these are the most popular; check out The View at the Palm website to learn more)

Dubai Marina is a vibrant waterfront district known for its stunning skyline, luxurious yachts, and bustling promenades.

We mainly just walked along the marina promenade, taking in the views of the waterfront, towering skyscrapers, and massive yachts, and had lunch at one of the waterfront cafés.

Some other things to do in this area include a boat tour or cruise, the Dubai Marina Mall, Skydive Dubai, and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

• Hours: All day
• Time to Visit: 1-2 hours
• Cost: Free

We ended our trip to Dubai with a visit to the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) district.

JBR is known for its luxurious beachfront properties, lively atmosphere, and diverse range of attractions and amenities.

Jumeirah Beach, one of Dubai’s most famous beaches, offers lots of activities, like swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports, such as jet skiing, banana boating, parasailing, and flyboarding.

The Walk at JBR is a bustling pedestrian promenade that runs parallel to the beach and is lined with restaurants, cafés, and shops. It’s a vibrant hub for shopping and dining and offers a lively atmosphere both day and night.

Connected to JBR by a pedestrian bridge, Bluewaters Island is a new waterfront development that features the iconic Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye) observation wheel, along with a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

It’s a must-visit destination for panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

• Hours: All day
• Time to Visit: We only spent an hour or so walking around here, but you could spend an entire day or more here, depending on how much you’d like to see and do
• Cost: Free

Dubai is one of the easiest major cities in the Middle East to reach, thanks to its role as a global aviation hub.

Most international travelers arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is one of the busiest and best-connected airports in the world.

DXB offers direct flights from many major cities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, making Dubai a convenient stop on a larger international itinerary—or a destination in its own right.

We flew to Dubai from Indore, India, on an Air India flight, with a short layover in Mumbai. 

The total journey took just under 7 hours, including the approximately 2-hour layover, and the process was relatively smooth.

Because Dubai is such a well-connected hub, it’s also a popular stopover destination when traveling between Asia, Europe, and the U.S., which is exactly how we fit it into a longer international trip.

Dubai International Airport is large but well-organized, with clear signage and efficient immigration compared to many other major airports.

Taxis and rideshares are readily available outside the terminal (we went with one of these), and most hotels and tour operators offer private transfers if you prefer to pre-arrange transportation.

If this is your first time visiting Dubai, I’d recommend allowing a little extra time upon arrival—especially if you’re landing late at night or coming off a long-haul flight—so you’re not rushing straight into sightseeing.

Dubai has no shortage of incredible hotels, but choosing the right location can make a big difference, especially for first-time visitors.

We stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View, located in the Business Bay area, and it ended up being an excellent base for our 4 days in the city.

Business Bay sits just outside of Downtown Dubai, which means:

• You’re close to major attractions like Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Fountain
• Hotel prices are generally more reasonable than in Downtown or on Palm Jumeirah
• It’s easy to get around via Uber or taxi, even during busy hours

Some excursions also restrict pickups in certain high-traffic areas, so staying in Business Bay made logistics much easier.

The hotel itself felt like a calm, comfortable retreat after long sightseeing days.

What we loved:

• Beautiful canal and city views
• Spacious rooms (we were upgraded on arrival)
• Outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center
• Multiple on-site restaurants
• Friendly, attentive staff
• Walkable access to parts of Downtown Dubai

We chose this hotel because it offered a great balance of comfort, location, and value, and it ended up exceeding our expectations.

After long days exploring the city and the desert, it was exactly the kind of place we were happy to come back to each night.

If you’re visiting Dubai for the first time and want to be close to the action without paying peak downtown prices, Business Bay—and this hotel in particular—is a fantastic option.

Since Dubai has accommodations at every price point, here are a few solid alternatives depending on your travel style.

If you want something similar (mid-range + central):

• Rove Downtown Dubai: Trendy, modern rooms near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa without luxury pricing
• Canal Central Hotel: Another Business Bay option with great views

If you want something more upscale:

• Address Downtown: Walkable to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
• Sofitel Dubai Downtown: Luxury feel with excellent transit access

If you want beach access:

• JA Ocean View Hotel (JBR): Great value beachfront stay
• Rixos Premium JBR: Lively, all-inclusive-style luxury

Dubai is widely considered one of the safest cities in the world for travelers, including solo female travelers.

The city has a very low crime rate, and there’s a strong emphasis on security and order.

One of our Uber drivers even shared insight into how closely drivers and transportation are monitored, which made us feel especially safe getting around.

That said, it’s still important to use common sense and to respect local laws and customs, just as you would in any major city.

Here are some basic safety tips for Dubai:

• Respect local laws and customs: Dubai has strict rules around behavior, public conduct, and alcohol use. Familiarize yourself with these before arriving.
• Watch your belongings: Petty crime is rare, but keep an eye on bags in busy areas like malls and markets. I always carry a cross-body purse, money belt, RFID blocking wallet, and/or my favorite travel fanny pack with me when traveling to and exploring new cities.
• Use safe transportation: Uber, Careem, hotel taxis, and official cabs are reliable and easy to use.
• Be cautious around traffic: Dubai is very car-centric—always use pedestrian crossings.
• Health preparedness: Dubai has excellent healthcare, but pack any medications you regularly use and consider travel health insurance for peace of mind.

Overall, we felt extremely comfortable and safe throughout our time in Dubai.

Dubai has a desert climate, which means hot summers and mild winters.

Best time to visit Dubai:

In our opinion, winter (December–February) is the best time to visit Dubai.

• Daytime temps: 68–86°F
• Evenings: Cooler and pleasant
• Ideal for sightseeing, desert safaris, and outdoor dining

Other seasons at a glance:

• Spring (March–May): Warmer with rising humidity; still manageable in early spring
• Summer (June–September): Extremely hot and humid (often 100°F+); best avoided
• Fall (October–November): Cooling down but still warm; outdoor activities return

We visited in January and had fantastic weather the entire trip—especially for the desert safari and walking-heavy sightseeing days.

Dubai is modern and cosmopolitan, but it’s still part of the UAE, where Islamic traditions and modest dress are the norm—especially outside of beach resorts and tourist-heavy areas.

You don’t need to dress ultra-conservatively, but being mindful of local customs will help you feel more comfortable and respectful.

General dress guidelines for women:

• Opt for loose, breathable clothing made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen
• Cover shoulders and knees in malls, mosques, and public areas
• Maxi dresses, flowy pants, and lightweight tops work perfectly
• Bring a scarf or shawl to cover up when needed

At hotel pools and beaches, swimsuits and bikinis are fine, but be sure to cover up when walking to and from these areas.

This approach kept us comfortable in the heat while still blending in culturally.

For your reference, here’s exactly what I wore during our 4 days in Dubai:

• Outfits:
  • ZESICA Summer Casual Floral Print Flutter Sleeve Flowy Maxi Dress
  • AUTOMET Summer 2 Piece Linen Crop Tank Tops Lounge Matching Sets
  • GAP Women’s Forever Soft T-Shirt
  • Urban CoCo Boho Joggers
• Scarves:
  • Urban CoCo Women’s Embroidered Oversize Tassel Shawl
  • RIIQIICHY Pashmina Shawl
• Footwear:
  • My go-to travel sneakers: Women’s Weekend – Marble White
  • My go-to travel sandals: NAOT Footwear Sabrina Women’s Sandal
  • My other go-to travel sandals: Women’s Chantik | Tan

The currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).

The dirham has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1997, which means the exchange rate stays very stable—something we appreciated while budgeting and tracking expenses.

During our trip, we were able to use credit cards almost everywhere, including restaurants, attractions, hotels, and even taxis.

That said, it’s still helpful to carry a small amount of cash for things like:

• Tipping guides or drivers
• Small market purchases in the souks
• Public restrooms or small vendors

A Broad Recommendation: If you’re coming from the U.S., notify your bank ahead of time and bring at least one backup card, just in case.

We aren’t huge foodies, but we genuinely enjoyed every meal we had in Dubai—and appreciated how easy it was to find great food across the city.

Here are the places we personally dined during our 4 days in Dubai:

• BAI Bar & Terrace: Casual, relaxed spot with nice city views (we ate here three times!)
• Maison de Curry: Contemporary Indian restaurant with incredible views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
• Sammach Spot: Delicious seafood with outdoor seating overlooking the Burj Khalifa
• Saya Brasserie: Cozy café in City Walk with cute drinks, cakes, and American-style breakfasts
• Ahla Tallah Grand Gourmet: Lebanese restaurant in Dubai Marina with a large outdoor patio

A Broad Recommendation: Many restaurants in Dubai offer skyline or waterfront views, so even casual meals often feel like an experience.

If food is a big part of your travel style, Dubai is also a great city for:

• Rooftop dining
• International cuisine
• Scenic brunches (especially on weekends)

We only had 4 full days in Dubai, so we couldn’t fit everything into this itinerary.

If you have extra time—or want to swap out a few activities—these are some popular, highly rated experiences we seriously considered:

• Dubai: Guided Old Town Tour with Souks, Tastings & Boat Tour
• Dubai: Souks, Street Food, Abra, and Old Town

Great options if you want deeper cultural context and local food insights.

• Abu Dhabi Day Trip from Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Qasr Al Watan Palace)

Perfect if you have an extra day and want to see more of the UAE.

• Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ
• Dubai Harbour Luxury Yacht Tour with BBQ & Drinks

Ideal for warmer months or celebratory trips.

• Dubai Frame: Panoramic city views connecting old and new Dubai
• Museum of the Future: One of Dubai’s most talked-about modern landmarks
• The Green Planet Dubai: Indoor rainforest with interactive exhibits and wildlife
• The Flying Cup (JBR): Elevated dining experience with skyline views

These are all solid additions depending on your interests, travel pace, and season—and great options if you’re planning a longer stay or return visit.