In recent years, Dubai has emerged as one of the most admired tourist destinations for travellers from all over the world. From deserts to beaches, from history to culture, from shopping to architecture, Dubai has several mind-blowing attractions to offer to its visitors. If it is your first time visiting the city, it maybe quite intimidating to decide what to see first. Well! Don’t worry, we have you covered. Here is an ideal 4-day itinerary that will come in very handy when you are in Dubai.

Day 1

Dubai Mall
Commence your Dubai trip with a visit to all places extravagant. Start your day by visiting one of the largest malls in the world – Dubai Mall. This massive mall has more than 1200 shops including both luxury and local brands such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co among others. This mall is so huge that it may be almost impossible to cover it from one end to another in a single day. It also has a lot of entertainment options such as an ice rink, VR Park, Kidzania, and plenty of eateries.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Post lunch, you can visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo which is situated on the second floor of the mall. It is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, and you can wander through the tunnel to see some of the most beautiful marine animals such as sharks, manta rays, stingrays, piranhas, and the likes. You can even feed the sharks or try cage snorkelling if you are up for some thrill.

Burj Khalifa
After that, head to the breathtaking Burj Khalifa. Standing proudly in the Dubai skyline, this iconic structure should surely be part of your 4 days in Dubai itinerary. Hop into one of the fastest elevators to the top of the planet’s tallest building for a captivating view of the entire city stretching to the Persian Gulf. If you can book your tickets around sunset, you will be left spellbound by the view.

Dubai Fountain
In the evening, go outside the Dubai mall to witness the stunning Dubai Fountain. It shoots water more than 500 feet into the air and is one of the largest choreographed fountain systems in the world. International or Arabian music plays in the background and you will be amazed by the brilliant spectacle of music, lights, and water. After that, you can visit the Souq Al Bahar, an Arabian style resort that has many restaurants, bars, and shops, have a relaxed dinner, and spend a quiet evening.

Day 2

Dubai Miracle Garden
Start your second day in Dubai by visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden. One of the largest natural flower gardens in the world, this garden is brimming with over 100 million colourful plants and flowers. The garden also has marvellous displays of cartoon characters, monuments, people, and more made with only flowering plants and the displays change every year taking its visitors by surprise. It transports you to a magical land and is a must in your Dubai itinerary.

Dubai Global Village
Post that you can visit the Dubai Global Village which is one of the most famous family entertainment venues in Dubai. This amazing cultural spectacle is like an open-air exhibition with pavilions based on different countries. You can shop eat, try various rides, watch live performances, and just enjoy your day soaking in the excitement of this place.

Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai
Alternatively, you can visit the Mall of the Emirates, another huge shopping mall located in the heart of Dubai. This mall is a great place for retail therapy and also an ideal place to have some fun time with your loved ones. You can visit Ski Dubai, which is a well-known indoor theme park known for snow activities such as snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing, and ziplining. The ‘March of the Penguins’ show is the major highlight here. It is a perfect place for both kids and adults.

Day 3

Al Bastakiya Quarter
Dubai was once a small fishing village before the oil boom put it on the global map as a cosmopolitan city. Spend your third day by visiting the glorious bygone days of Dubai. Begin your day by visiting the Al Bastakiya Quarter which is one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods. The place is brimming with charm and you will spot many art galleries, cafes, boutiques, and restaurants when you stroll down the winding lanes. cafes, and art galleries. The Arabian Tea House and Dubai Coffee Museum are great places to stop by for quick refreshments. Post that, visit the popular Dubai Museum to get a glimpse into Emirati history, tradition and culture.

Dubai Creek and Souks
Take the traditional boat known as ‘Abra’ and ride across Dubai Creek for just AED 1. Walk down the narrow alleys and explore the Grand Souk – the herbs and spice market. You can buy a wide range of spices here such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, dates, vanilla pods, herbs, and teas. Proceed to the
dazzling Gold Souq and feast your eyes on the incredible gold jewellery, precious stones, and diamonds on the shop windows. A tip to get the best deals in the souks is to compare prices at various stores and bargain hard with the vendors.

Desert Safari
In the evening, sign up for a desert safari to experience the ultimate Emirati hospitality and culture. Your evening is lined up with loads of fun activities such as dune bashing, quad biking, camel riding, shisha smoking, falconry, and sandboarding. Outstanding live entertainment and a lavish BBQ buffet dinner bring an end to your day.

Day 4

Jumeirah Mosque and Burj Al Arab
Start your day by heading to the majestic Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques that are open to non-Muslims. Built-in the traditional Fatimid style, the splendid white marble façade of the building looks beautiful and is one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai. You can then stop at Jumeirah Beach to feast your eyes on the impressive hotel, Burj Al Arab and click some picture against this imposing backdrop.

Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
After that, you can visit the jaw-dropping manmade archipelago – Palm Jumeirah, and spend some time exploring the place. There are several eateries, hotels, shops, and boutiques to keep you entertained and this place will surely tempt you to apply for your Dubai Visit Visa. If you are an adventure seeker, you can book a helicopter ride or skydiving session on the Palm Islands. Another option is to visit the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark to enjoy some of the most exhilarating water rides and enjoy an evening filled with thrill and fun.

Dhow Cruise
Book a Dhow Dinner Cruise in the evening on the serene waters of Dubai Marina. Enjoy some of the most prominent landmarks beautifully lit in the night skyline. Watch a plethora of cultural performances including Belly dancing and Tanura Dance Show. Savour a mouthwatering BBQ dinner with a variety of local and international dishes. This culminates your last day in Dubai.

The above itinerary includes most of the popular attractions and activities in Dubai. However, you can customise it based on your interests and likes. A day trip to Abu Dhabi is also another option that can be included on one of the days. If possible, plan a longer holiday so that you can cover more places in this wonderful destination.