Here’s a Dubai 4 Days itinerary with the best things to do in Dubai to make sure your first trip here is the best! Perfect if you’re a family looking to catch some adventures!

Dubai is one of the world’s most fascinating and modern cities. It is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and a great mix of culture, adventure, delicious food and tradition.

Dubai is known for the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future, and Madame Tussauds. However, spending four days in Dubai will make you realise how much more the city has to offer other than futuristic architecture. You will discover the more rustic side of Dubai such as the desert safari that includes learning about the Bedouin culture.

There are a ton of places to explore and things to do in Dubai and it can be a little overwhelming to plan everything on your own. This Dubai 4 Days itinerary is just the thing you’ll need to explore this wonderful and majestic city in the UAE.

It can be overwhelming to plan a long stay in Dubai, but we’ve got you covered. Here are links to a few stays and tours that will make your task simpler.

Where to stay in Dubai?

Tours and things to do in Dubai


Depositphotos_27020447_L-2

Dubai 4 Days itinerary


Day 1 of Dubai 4 Days itinerary

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

 

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as the Al Bastakiya Quarter, is located on the banks of Dubai Creek and its construction dates back to the late 1800s. You can take a long walk to explore this fascinating area or take a guided tour to dive deeper into its history. This place gives you a peek into what Dubai was like before its modern glow-up and is a must-have in your Dubai 4 Days itinerary.

Here you will find houses and buildings made of gypsum, coral, sand, teak and sandalwood, which is quite contrary to what Dubai is known for now. The alleyways are full of cafes, street art, shops and boutiques where you can find unique and colourful articles to carry back home.


DETAILS

Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: Monday to Sunday, 7 am – 8 pm



Depositphotos_255649406_L-2

Dubai museum

 

You can’t miss the Dubai Museum in Dubai 4 Days itinerary. Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city of Dubai, houses the museum. You will find various things here such as art, weapons, maps, antiques and much more.

You can also see how Dubai has transformed over the years and how people in Dubai used to live. This is the most budget-friendly activity of the Dubai 4 Days itinerary.

However, if you have just 2 days in Dubai, maybe its worth skipping this one.


DETAILS

Address: Al Fahidi Fort – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8:30 am – 8:30 pm

Friday, 2.30 pm – 8.30 pm

 Price: 3 AED

Note: The Dubai Museum is currently undergoing restoration and is temporarily closed.


Explore the famous Dubai Creek and Souks

 

Take an abra boat across the beautiful Dubai Creek to visit the city’s traditional markets or ‘Souks’. The Gold Souk and the Spike Souk (Old Souk) are the ones you must visit and they are a great addition to your Dubai 4 Days itinerary.

In the Gold Souk, you will find a huge variety of gold jewellery studded with precious gemstones. The jewellery is very impressive and unique.

The Spice Souk is right across the Gold Souk. Here you will find every spice that you can think of and more. Bargaining is common here so don’t shy away from it.

Friday is a holy day in Dubai and all the markets and shops are usually closed until late afternoon.


DETAILS

Address: Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: The Gold Souk: Saturday to Thursday, 9:30 am – 9:30 pm

Friday, 4 pm – 9:30 pm

The Spice Souk: Saturday to Thursday, 8 am – 9:30 pm

Friday, 4 pm – 9.30 pm


Jumeirah Public Beach

 

The Jumeirah Beach is an ideal place to relax and sunbathe after a long day of exploring. You can take a dip in the water and then sit on the sandy shore to enjoy one of the best views of the Burj al-Arab.

You can also go surfing or engage in other water activities like parasailing. The beach has a variety of beachside bars, restaurants and clubs where you can eat and grab a couple of drinks.


DETAILS

Address: Jumeirah – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings:  7:30 am – 11:30 pm

 Price: free entry


Depositphotos_321212220_L-2

Day 2 of your Dubai 4 Days itinerary


Have fun at the Dubai Mall

 

The Dubai Mall is located in Downtown Dubai and is the world’s largest shopping mall. This is one of the most popular destinations of the Dubai 4 Days itinerary.

The Dubai mall has a plethora of shops along with various fun activities. It also has some wonderful displays such as the Waterfall Wall. the mall has an ice rink, a go-kart track and even a flight simulator!

You should also visit the aquarium and the underwater zoo where you will find a variety of fish species ranging from sharks to sting rays. It features a ten-million-litre tank tunnel which you can walk through. However, the most famous of them all is the ‘King Croc’, which is one of the largest crocodiles in the world.

Also visit the VR park which is one of the most unique things in the Dubai 4 Days itinerary. This is one of the largest indoor VR parks and you can enjoy a wide variety of games here ranging from sports to action games.



DETAILS

Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10 am – 11 pm

Friday to Sunday, 10 am – 12 am

 Price: free entry


Burj Khalifa

 

Your Dubai 4 days itinerary is incomplete without visiting the majestic Burj Khalifa. This is a wonderful piece of architecture and is the tallest building in the world, standing at 2,722 feet.

Head to the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors for the most stunning views of the city. Most of the city’s famous attractions are visible from up here and it is the most surreal feeling.

You can opt to visit during sunset to have the most amazing view. The tickets are a bit costly then, but it’s totally with it! If you don’t want to spend much, I suggest you visit during sunrise as it is equally beautiful and less crowded.


DETAILS

Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: Open 24/7

Price: Children(4-12 years): starts from 114 AED

Adults(12+ years): starts from from 149 AED

Free for infants (below 4 years)

The prices depend on which observation deck you choose and the time you visit.


Dubai Fountain Show

 

Once it’s dark, head to the fountains outside the mall to witness the captivating Dubai Fountain Show. The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11:30 pm.

The show has various versions with different music tracks and each one will amaze you just as much. It is a unique sight to see the water dance to the beats of the songs along with the colourful lights. Make sure you arrive a bit early to get a closer view of the show.


DETAILS

Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: 6 pm to 11:30 pm

 Price: Free


Depositphotos_152406994_L-2

Day 3 of your Dubai 4 Days itinerary


Jumeirah Mosque

 

The Jumeirah Mosque is a stunning piece of architecture and visiting this is an unmissable experience of the Dubai 4 Days itinerary. This is one of the only two mosques which are open to non-Muslims in Dubai.

The mosque is built in Fatimid style and is the most attractive place studded with intricate details inside out. Men and women both must cover their legs and shoulders to enter the mosque and women must additionally cover their hair.

You can take a guided tour to explore the mosque in detail and to gain knowledge about the Islamic religion and culture.


DETAILS

Address: Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm

Closed on Fridays

 Price: Free Entry


Etihad Museum

 

The Etihad Museum is a 15-minute walk away from the mosque and shows the before and after of the creation of the United Arab Emirates.

Through documentaries, testimonies and interactive terminals, you’ll learn all about the treaty’s history and the founding fathers, the seven emirates sheikhs.

Unlike most museums, this is a modern museum and you will observe that from its exterior itself. The technology used inside the museum is also quite futuristic.


DETAILS

Address: 1 Jumeirah St – Al Mina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: 10 am – 8 pm

Price: 25 AED


Dubai Desert Safari Tour

 

After visiting museums and mosques, the Desert Safari is just the adrenaline boost you’ll need. Once you are in the desert, you can engage in a wide range of activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, camel feeding, henna painting and so on.

You will have to book a tour to have this thrilling experience. There are 7-hour and 4-hour tours available and you can choose according to your needs. The longer tours include a barbeque dinner and traditional shows like belly dancing.

You can also go quad-biking, which is one of the most hyped desert sports.



Day 4 of your Dubai 4 Days itinerary


Dubai Frame and Zabeel Park

 

Located in Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame is a fantastic example of Dubai’s modern side. It is 493 feet high and 313 feet wide and evidently the largest frame in the world.

The structure has a bridge at the top and you can head to this bridge to enjoy some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Dubai. What makes this even more exquisite is that one part of this bridge is made of glass and you can see right beneath you which can be quite thrilling.

Make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

You can also visit the Dubai Garden Glow where hundreds of sculptures come to life every evening during light shows with wonderful music. The Dubai Garden Glow ticket is priced at AED 65 and includes an entrance ticket to a nearby dinosaur park.


DETAILS

Address: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: 9 am – 9 pm


Dubai Miracle Garden

 

These are some of the most attractive destinations of your Dubai 4 days itinerary. The Miracle Garden boasts over 50 million varieties of flowers and is the largest natural flower garden on earth.

You will find uniquely curated sculptures here, all of which are adorned with colourful flowers. The Miracle Garden will definitely make you feel like you’re in wonderland.

However, the garden is closed from mid-May until November so plan your trip accordingly and buy your tickets in advance.

You can also visit the Dubai Butterly Garden which is right next door. It also has equally beautiful displays along with 150 varieties of butterflies.


DETAILS

Address: Street 3 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: 9 am – 9 pm

Price: Adults- 40 AED

Children(12+years)- 30 AED


Depositphotos_237357570_L-2

Palm Jumeirah

 

The palm islands comprise three artificial islands – Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island, and Palm Jebel Ali. This is one of the most popular attractions and it resembles a palm tree from above, which is even visible from space!

The Palm is also known for the Atlantis Hotel, one of the most famous hotels in the world. Besides this, there is a plethora of fancy restaurants and eateries where you can dine and have a drink or two.

If you’re looking for something exciting, you can check out the Lost Chambers Aquarium and the Aquaventure waterpark or take a speed boat ride around the islands.

If you still have some time left and would like to try something completely different, why not rent a Lamborghini? Lamborghini rental Dubai lets you do just that! Begin your adventure at Palm Jumeirah then pass opulent beachside resorts, exquisite homes, and a stunning skyline as you take in a different view of Dubai!


Dhow Dinner Cruise at Dubai Marina

 

On the last day of your Dubai 4 days itinerary, you can explore the area around Dubai Marina. The Dhow Dinner cruise is the best way to enjoy the splendid views of the Dubai Marina while having a luxurious dinner. Taste local Arabian food along with a couple of drinks and soak in the beauty of Dubai.

You can also have dinner at a restaurant of your choice as Dubai Marina is filled with the best restaurants. Also, explore the promenade at Dubai Marina where you will find lovely shops and fun bars to hop into.


Depositphotos_242019124_L-2

Although Dubai in 4 days is not a sufficient time to tick off everything on the bucket list, you can have a good scan of the major attractions and landmarks.

This perfect itinerary and useful tips can help you make a fool proof plan.


Dubai 4 days itinerary – FAQs

 

Is 4 days in Dubai enough?

4 days in Dubai are more than enough to explore the main attractions of the city. However, adding a day or two to your trip will always be beneficial.

 

Which month is the best to visit Dubai?

November to March is the best time to visit Dubai as the weather temperatures are not that high making it easy to explore.

 

Do I need a visa for 4 days in Dubai?

Yes, you will need the 96-hour transit visa to spend 4 days in Dubai.

 

How many days is sufficient for Dubai?

4-5 days is the perfect amount of time to explore everything that Dubai has to offer.


Lavinia Dsouza

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.


PIN FOR LATER!

EXPLORE MORE OF THE UAE


Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. These do not cost you extra to use, but will help provide Continent Hop with a small commission if/when you purchase through them, to recover some of the costs of running this website and providing free content to help you plan your travel. I appreciate your support!