Burj Khalifa and the towers of Business Bay reflected in the water at blue hour

Itinerary · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Four days in Dubai

The classic first visit: Burj Khalifa and the Fountain, Old Dubai and the desert, the Palm and the beach, then a day beyond the city.

Four days

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  1. Day 1, 16:00

    1The Dubai Mall

    Downtown Dubai·Mall

    The aquarium and the waterfall inside.

  2. Day 1, 17:30

    2Burj Khalifa: At the Top

    Downtown Dubai·Observation decks

    Book a slot before sunset.

  3. Day 1, 19:00

    3The Dubai Fountain

    Downtown Dubai·Fountain show

    Shows every 30 minutes from 6pm.

  4. Day 2, 9:00

    4Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

    Bur Dubai·Heritage quarter

    The wind-tower lanes before the heat.

  5. Day 2, 11:00

    5Dubai Creek by abra

    Bur Dubai·Water crossing

    Across to the Deira souks.

  6. Day 2, 16:00

    6Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

    Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve·Nature reserve

    Dunes at sunset with a licensed operator.

  7. Day 3, 10:00

    7Aquaventure Waterpark

    Palm Jumeirah·Waterpark

    A day on the Palm.

  8. Day 3, 19:00

    8Dubai Marina Walk

    Dubai Marina·Promenade

    The towers lit up after dark.

  9. Day 4

    9Louvre Abu Dhabi

    Saadiyat Island·Museum

    Abu Dhabi by train, or Hatta for the mountains.

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