Ultimate 4-Day Dubai Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat

Dubai might be known for its luxury and skyscrapers (hello, Burj Khalifa), but you don’t need a millionaire’s budget to have an unforgettable trip. I visited this city for a friend’s graduation and I spent some time exploring the beautiful city. From blooming gardens to desert adventures, here’s a 4-day itinerary that mixes culture, fun and affordability, with plenty of photo ops along the way.

Day 1: Flowers, Butterflies & a Whole Lot of Whimsy

Dubai Miracle Garden

Start your trip with a burst of color. This beautiful garden is home to over 150 million flowers arranged into wild and whimsical displays (think: a floral Emirates A380, a Smurf, a Floral Clock or an Umbrella tunnel). It is a dream for photo lovers and garden geeks alike. The charming garden is typically open between November – May, so make sure to check the times before you go. Entry tickets cost AED 100. You can find more information here https://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/.

Dubai Butterfly Garden

Located next door to the Miracle Garden, the Dubai Butterfly Garden is home to about 15,000 butterflies of various species. The garden features 10 climate-controlled domes to provide the perfect environment for the butterflies. Visitors can also explore the Butterfly Museum, which showcases beautiful artworks made from real butterflies as well as the Educational area, where you can learn fascinating facts about butterflies. Entry tickets cost AED 60. For more information, please visit the official website https://www.dubaibutterflygarden.com/.

Day 2: Water Views & Future Worlds

Dubai Marina Yacht Tour

Start your day with a breeze, literally. A morning yacht cruise is a great way to take in Dubai’s skyline from the water. Admire the iconic landmarks like Burl Al Arab, Atlantis and Palm Jumeirah as you cruise through the Arabian Gulf.  Some tours have breakfast options so take advantage of that if you are interested. This activity ranges from CA$40 – CA$150 per person depending on the number of hours and the tour operators. Check out this highly recommended yacht tour that sells out quickly https://www.viator.com/tours/Dubai/Luxury-Yacht-Shared-Tour/d828-21100P7.

Museum of the Future

After a relaxing yacht tour, visit the futuristic torus-shaped museum to explore near-future technologies. This striking museum explores everything from climate change to AI to space exploration. It has five themed chapters which include, space exploration, health and wellness, climate change and futuristic technologies. The entry tickets cost AED159 per person and can be found on the official website https://museumofthefuture.ae/en.

Day 3: Old Souks & Desert Thrills

Dubai Gold Souk

Take a walk through Dubai’s history with a visit to the Gold Souk, with over 350 retailers selling gold, silver and other gemstones. You can visit this Souk to get tax-free jewelry at bargained prices and good quality. While in the area, you can also check out other nearby souks like the Perfume Souk and Spice Souk.

Desert Safari Adventure

No Dubai trip is complete without a desert experience. Think ATV rides, sandboarding, camel trekking, and dinner under the stars at a Bedouin-style camp. You’ll also catch a traditional dinner show and maybe a few falcon selfies. This activity ranges from CA$80-CA$200 per person and can be found on travel sites like Expedia, Trip Advisor, Viator, etc. You can book this recommended activity here Dubai Desert Safari with Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, & BBQ Dinner.

Day 4: Sky-High Views & Mall Madness

Burj Khalifa

Start your day off at the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa to see breath-taking views of Dubai from high up. The building has 163 floors with observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floor. This building is home to the tallest lounge (spanning 3 floors) in the world, a restaurant, a hotel, as well as other businesses. The entry tickets to the observation decks start at AED 179. If you are feeling adventurous, you can do the thrilling activities offered at the Sky View observatory which include the edge walk and the glass slide. For more information and ticket booking, see the official website https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/.

Dubai Mall

Right next door to Burj Khalifa is one of the biggest malls in the world. Head over to the Dubai mall to explore and shop from different brands including luxury brands.

Getting Around

There are a lot of options to consider when deciding on the transportation mode in Dubai. Below are a few of them:

• Dubai metro: Fast and affordable way to get to your destination in major areas of the city.

• Buses: There are a lot of buses that cover a lot of areas in the city but this option might be slower than the others.

• Taxis and Ride Apps: This option is faster and more convenient but might cost more depending on the distance. Uber is also available in Dubai.

• Car rentals: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car at the airport or in the city.

Where to Stay

Budget ($)

• Holiday Inn Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport: Highly-recommended for its great service, amenities and welcoming atmosphere. See website for more information Holiday Inn Dubai.

• Rove Downtown: Located near the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, this is a great option if you want to be close to lots of entertainment, dining and shopping options. For more information, visit Rove Downtown.

• Towers Rotana: This hotel offers comfort and convenience as it is close to the city’s downtown district. Visit for Towers Rotana more information.

Mid-Range ($$)

• Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai: Rich with heritage and combined with Swiss hospitality, this hotel is a great location for both business and leisure travel. It is located directly opposite to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa and it is a short walk to the Dubai Metro. For more information, visit Swissôtel Al Murooj.

• Paramount Hotel Dubai: A five star hotel inspired by the rich history of Paramount Pictures, this hotel has Hollywood themed rooms and Californian inspired cuisine that would leave a lasting impression. I stayed at this hotel and would highly recommend it. Visit Paramount Hotel Dubai for more information.

• Dusit Thani Dubai: A blend of Emirati elegance and Thai hospitality, this hotel is situated in the heart of the city with easy access to different attractions. See Dusit Thani Dubai for more information.

Luxury ($$$)

• Shangri-La Dubai: A luxury five star hotel with spacious and elegant rooms and excellent dining options. The hotel offers Asian-inspired dining options and lots of viewpoints to see the Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline. For more information, visit Shangri-La Dubai.

• Sofitel Dubai Downtown: This hotel has direct access to the Dubai Mall and offers a blend of French luxury and local cuisine. Its rooms are stylish and spacious with lots of amenities to offer. Visit Sofitel Dubai Downtown for more information.

• Armani Hotel Dubai:  This hotel offers world-class service with stunning views. It provides a luxurious atmosphere coupled with sophisticated simplicity to provide great hospitality to customers. If you have some extra cash to splurge, this is a great option for you. Visit Armani Hotel Dubai for more information.

Must-Try Restaurants

• Al Beiruti: A popular Lebanese restaurant & cafe with locations on Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Hills. It is known for its classic Lebanese dishes and authentic cuisine at an affordable price. This restaurant also offers kid friendly meals and is a great choice for families.

• Dampa Seafood Grill: Known for its Filipino-inspired seafood, this is another affordable restaurant to visit. It also has lots of good reviews about the food quality, great service and generous portions. If you are a seafood lover, you should definitely check out this spot.

• Ravi Restaurant: This is one of Dubai’s most loved restaurants known for its authentic Pakistani cuisine. It offers budget-friendly meals featuring grilled meats, naan bread and curries. This is a highly rated go-to spot so check it out and you won’t be disappointed.

• Hadoota Masreya Restaurant & Cafe: This restaurant offers an original taste of Egypt right in the heart of Dubai. For a very affordable price, you can get a variety of Egyptian dishes like: Feteer Meshaltet, Stuffed Pigeon, etc. If you are looking to explore the culinary culture of the Egyptians, this is a great place to start.

• 3 Fils: The award-winning Asian restaurant is loved by many as it provides great quality food, a relaxed ambience and a variety of Japanese-inspired cuisine. The restaurant gets filled up quickly so make sure to arrive in good time to secure a table.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months from November to March, when the weather is best for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather ranges from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F).

For cheaper hotel and flight rates, April to May is best as there are fewer crowds but the temperature can go as high as 38°C / 100°F.

June to September is very hot (often over 45°C / 113°F) but there are bigger discounts on hotels during this period.

Dubai doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a bit of planning, you can experience the glamour, culture, and adventure this city is known for without going overboard. So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for a trip that’s as fun as it is unforgettable.