3 Days in Dubai – The Best Spots to See and Places to Go
Dubai is a modern world city like no other. It is the biggest and most populated city in the United Arab Emirates. But hidden beneath its sleek, futuristic appearance is a city of contrasts – from shiny shopping malls to 5-star hotels and exotic beaches to vast desert landscapes.
Among these are some of the best Dubai tourist attractions. This guide will tell you where to go in Dubai and how to make the most of your stay.
During our 3 days in Dubai, we discovered that the people of this largest and most populous of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) strive for excellence, also in their tourism industry. It isn’t far-fetched to expect world bests around every corner.
Some of the more popular Dubai tourist attractions include the world’s tallest building (the Burj Khalifa at 828m), the tallest hotel (the JW Marriott Marquis at 355m), and the tallest residential building (the Princess Tower at 413m).
Soon, the world’s highest structure overall will be added to the list of awe-inspiring Dubai tourist spots. The Tower, an architectural masterpiece in the Dubai Creek Harbor development, is expected to rise above the city before 2020.
Based on our 3 days in Dubai, here are my recommendations for your next trip to the Emirate. I hope it will inspire you to discover the best Dubai tourist attractions that left an indelible impression on us.
Marvel at the Luxury of the Burj Al Arab
The distinctive sail shape of the Burj Al Arab hotel is a famous landmark on the Dubai skyline. Built on an artificial island, Burj Al Arab is 321 meters tall, boasting the world’s tallest hotel atrium.
One of the top Dubai tourist spots, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah can easily call itself the world’s most luxurious hotel based on the votes of those who’ve stayed there. Where else are very important guests welcomed with a personal fireworks display? Or is your cappuccino sprinkled with gold dust? Guests can also get used to the site of a Rolls-Royce fleet on the forecourt. Or arriving in an underwater aquarium restaurant via a simulated submarine voyage.
One of the top Dubai tourist spots, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah can easily call itself the world’s most luxurious hotel based on the votes of those who’ve stayed there. Where else are very important guests welcomed with a personal fireworks display? Or is your cappuccino sprinkled with gold dust? Guests can also get used to the site of a Rolls-Royce fleet on the forecourt. Or arriving in an underwater aquarium restaurant via a simulated submarine voyage.
Stand on the World’s Highest Observation Deck at Burj Khalifa
If dizzying heights are your thing and you like to marvel at modern architectural masterpieces, Burj Khalifa will take your breath away.
Did I mention that Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world? No other building comes close to its 828 meters over more than 160 stories. But that’s not the only record it holds to give it a spot among the top Dubai tourist attractions. The building can write the following other records behind its name:
Tallest free-standing structure
Highest restaurant, called At.mosphere
Highest outdoor observation deck
Highest occupied floor
Elevator with the longest travel distance
It’s so worth traveling to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa for a bird’s eye view of Dubai from the At the Top observation deck. You can even take it one step (okay, a few stories) further by taking a dedicated elevator to the At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY lounge on the 148th floor. Tickets start at AED 125.
Tip: Keep an eye out for some of the more than 1,000 specially commissioned artworks from renowned artists throughout the building.
Shop with the Rich Locals at Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina, an artificial canal city which is also referred to as New Dubai, is home to some of the city’s most affluent residents. Impressive skyscrapers line the canal, with the residents’ multi-million-dollar yachts anchored by the marina.
If you are on a tight time schedule and don’t know where to go in Dubai with limited time, there is plenty to see and do in the Dubai Marina – from shopping and dining to riding on a camel on Jumeirah Beach Residences’ (JBR) beach. If there ever was an upmarket beach promenade to stroll along, it’s The Walk at JBR. It’s a buzzing boulevard filled with exclusive boutiques and even a small outdoor market called the Covent Garden Market.
Also, check out the latest shopping area simply called The Beach. And if you get tired of shopping, watch a movie at the open-air cinema or sip o latte or cocktail while watching the street performers.
For something completely different, take a leisurely cruise through the Dubai Marina on a traditional Dhow. It’s a great way to see the impressive architecture around the marina up front from the comfort of a beanbag and with a drink in hand.
