Dubai Itinerary: 3 Days, 5 Days and a Layover Plan
The simplest way to see Dubai is one area per day. The Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road and links the airport, Downtown, Al Barsha and Dubai Marina. The Green Line covers old Dubai. Here are three ready-made plans.
Dubai in 3 days
| Day | Area | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old Dubai | Al Fahidi lanes, the Textile Souk, an abra across the Creek, the Spice and Gold Souks |
| 2 | Downtown | Dubai Mall, the Aquarium, Burj Khalifa at sunset, the Dubai Fountain |
| 3 | The coast | A beach morning, then Dubai Marina and JBR in the evening |
Read our guides to the old souks by abra and Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall by metro.
Dubai in 5 days
Start with the 3-day plan, then add:
| Day | Area | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Al Barsha | Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai, then a relaxed evening |
| 5 | The desert or a theme park | An evening desert safari, or a full day at IMG Worlds or Dubai Parks and Resorts |
From mid-October to May, add an evening at Global Village. Museum of the Future is closed until 2027, so leave it off this year’s plan.
A Dubai layover
If your stopover is long enough to leave the airport, keep it simple:
- Check your entry rules first. Visa rules depend on your passport. Check with your airline and the official UAE sources before you travel.
- Use the metro. The Red Line serves Terminals 1 and 3. There’s no metro at Terminal 2, so take a taxi from there.
- Pick one area. Downtown is the classic choice: Dubai Mall, the Fountain and Burj Khalifa.
- Leave plenty of time to get back through security.
For an overnight layover, a hotel on the Red Line keeps the airport trip simple.
Tips for any Dubai itinerary
- Get a nol card on day one. See our Dubai Metro guide.
- Go outdoors late in the day, especially from April to October.
- Book popular slots ahead: Burj Khalifa at sunset, Ski Dubai and desert safaris.
- Dress modestly in the old city and at mosques.
Where to stay, by plan
| Your plan | Our hotel |
|---|---|
| Old Dubai first | Rose Garden Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, behind BurJuman Mall and metro station |
| Metro every day, or a layover | Rose Park Hotel Al Barsha, opposite Insurance Market Metro Station |
| Malls and Ski Dubai | Rose Plaza Hotel Al Barsha, near Mall of the Emirates |
| A family on a 5-day trip | Rose Garden Hotel Apartments Al Barsha, studios to three bedrooms |
| Business plus sightseeing | Rose Executive Hotel DWTC, opposite Dubai World Trade Centre |
Book on our official site for the best available rate.
FAQ
Is 3 days enough for Dubai?
Yes, for the highlights: old Dubai, Downtown and the coast, one area per day.
What should I add with 5 days in Dubai?
Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai, plus a desert safari or a theme park day.
Can I leave the airport on a Dubai layover?
That depends on your passport and visa rules. Check with your airline and official UAE sources before you travel.
Which airport terminals have a metro station?
Terminals 1 and 3, on the Red Line. Terminal 2 has no metro station.