4 Days in Dubai: The Perfect Dubai Itinerary for Couples
Dubai, known as the “City of Gold” is one of the Top 21 Destinations that are open to welcoming visitors right now. Dubai is known for its extravagant architecture and lavish lifestyle. However, there’s more to Dubai than just incredible skylines and an abundance of activities.
Your Dubai itinerary is incomplete without experiencing both the New and Old Dubai. In this post, we’ve covered both so you can make the most out of your 4 days in Dubai making it the perfect Dubai itinerary for couples.
Map of our 4 Day Itinerary in Dubai
Day 1:
Dubai Miracle Garden, Mall of Emirates, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Day 2:
Dubai Frame, Dubai Spice Souk, Dubai Gold Souk, Abra Ride across the Dubai Creek, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa at Sunset, Dinner at Burj Club Rooftop at Burj Khalifa
Dubai 3:
Abu Dhabi Day Trip, Dinner at Thiptara overlooking the Dubai Fountain
Dubai 4:
Hot Air Balloon Sunrise, Jumeirah Public Beach, Lunch at 3 Fils, Desert Safari Tour
Things to Know Before You Go
Do I need a visa?
Yes, you do. Many countries such as the US qualify for a visa on arrival, but you may need to apply for a visa prior to your trip to Dubai. You can check if you need to apply for a visa HERE. You can also find more visa information and tips on the UAE Government website.
Which currency is used in Dubai?
The currency in the U.A.E. is the Emirati Dirham (AED). 1USD is approximately 3,67AED. You can find the current exchange rates HERE.
When to visit Dubai?
Located in the Arabian desert, Dubai can get uncomfortably hot with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March when the weather is much cooler and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
We visited Dubai mid-February and it was perfect.
Should I use public transportation or rent a vehicle?
Depending on your travel preference and where you booked your stay, you may opt for either. We personally rented a car from the Hertz counter at Terminal 1 of the Dubai DXB Airport the day we arrived. We wanted to visit many places in such a short period so we felt renting a car was easier as most places in Dubai have free parking.
If you’d like a more affordable option, the best way to navigate Dubai is by its public transportation system. We recommend getting a Silver or Gold Nol Card to easily get around on the metro, buses, water buses, the Dubai tram, RTA’s Paid Parking, Dubai Water Bus, and Abra rides.
You will find more information on the Dubai Metro here and the Dubai Tram here.
Where To Stay
LESS THAN $100 PER NIGHT: PARAMOUNT HOTEL DUBAI
The Paramount Hotel in Dubai is a sleek, airy chic old Hollywood themed hotel perfect for all those insta-worthy photo ops.
This 5-star hotel is located in the Business Bay district and is just 2 miles from the Dubai Mall, 6 miles from Jumeirah Beach, and approximately 9 miles from Dubai International Airport.
The hotel has many amenities which include a pool and 1 restaurant with a delicious and extensive buffet.
You can have the hotel arrange a pre-paid shuttle for you, rent a car – free valet service, take a taxi or get on the metro but keep in mind it’ll take you 1 hour with 10 minutes of walking to reach the hotel.
Click Here to check the best current rates and availability of Paramount Hotel Dubai.
More Accommodation Options
DUBAI ITINERARY: DAY 1
Dubai Miracle Garden
If you love flowers then Dubai Miracle Garden is a spectacle not to miss. It is somewhat of a miracle since it’s built on desert land. It is known as the world’s largest natural flower garden with over 60 million flowers on display within 775,001 square feet!
The best time to visit the Dubai Miracle Garden is during the winter months between November and March. You can enjoy this experience for around $15 USD.
Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot. Expect to spend between 3-5 hours if you love taking pictures. No outside food is allowed but there are plenty of snack stands spread out throughout the botanical garden.
There are several ways you can get to the Dubai Miracle Garden. You can take the Dubai Metro- Red line and stop at the Mall of the Emirates station. Then take the RTA Bus No. 105 for 15-20 minutes and it will take you directly to the Dubai Miracle Garden. This will cost you ~$1.35. You can also take a taxi or drive your rented car like we did. They have free parking.
Visit the Mall of Emirates
Mall of Emirates is a three-story complex filled with over 80 luxury designer brands, activities, and more than 100 cafes and restaurants. You would need more than one whole day to enjoy all that it has to offer. It’s also a great place for families as they offer Magic Planet, VOX Cinemas, and Ski Dubai (the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and snow park).
Each level of the mall is connected to a car park in case you drive there. Ample free parking is available. If taking public transportation, take the Red Line to the Mall of Emirates Metro Station. You will find a walkway that directly connects to the mall.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a must visit because of its eclectic mix of traditional and modern Dubai. SMJ is an outdoor mall with plenty of shops with diverse souvenirs and restaurants with international cuisines.
We found Souk Madinat Jumeirah to be very photogenic with the Burj Al Arab in the backdrop. We would highly recommend going on an abra ride across the creek to capture some stunning sights. Free parking and valet service are available.
If taking public transport, you can take the Red Line to the Mall of Emirates metro station and use the metro station bridge to cross Sheikh Zayed Road to then walk along Umm Suqeim Road until you get to Madinat Jumeirah Souk.
Dubai Marina
Futuristic skyscrapers and luxury yachts are among the few reasons why you should visit Dubai Marina. It’s Dubai’s upscale artificial canal city built along the Persian Gulf shoreline.
You can shop at the Dubai Marina Mall, unwind at the spa while the kids have fun in the play area, or take a yacht cruise across the canal. You can also experience a free guided tour of a stunning mosque every Monday and Thursday from 10 to 11 am.
We took a long walk along the waterside promenade at Dubai Marina Walk where we found plenty of pop-up shops and al-fresco dining.
Parking can be a little tricky here but we found parking underneath the building complexes right at the entrance of the Marina Walk. Parking is free up to an hour and then chargeable. You can get free parking if you have your parking voucher validated at one of the participating restaurants.
If you’ll be taking the metro, take the Red Line, which serves the DAMAC Properties Metro Station. If you’re coming from any of the Downtown areas, take the metro that goes towards Jafza/Limitless Station. Get off DAMAC Properties Metro Station on Sheikh Zayed Road and then walk to the JLT Exit.
You will see a pedestrian overpass. Walk over and then turn right onto Al Emreef Street. Turn left towards the Dubai Marina Tram Station and you can either turn right to go towards the Dubai Marina Walk or walk straight towards the Dubai Marina Mall.
Follow the interactive map HERE.
Afternoon Tea at the Skyview Bar & Restaurant at Burj Al Arab
A visit to Dubai is incomplete without visiting the only 7-star hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab. The most affordable way of doing this is by reserving a table at Skyview Bar and Restaurant either for afternoon tea or evening drinks. It’s located on the 27th floor of Burj Al Arab with scenic views and serves afternoon tea, cocktails, and tapas.
You can make a reservation on the Jumeirah website. Reservation is free, however, take note that a minimum spend of $172USD per person is required for afternoon tea and an additional $27USD applies per table for window seating.
For evening drinks, the minimum spend per person is around $80USD
We had a great experience 5 years ago and we went back for more this past February. Knowing that it was our anniversary and Shafeen’s parents’ first time in Dubai, they made special cakes for us which made our visit that much more memorable.
DUBAI ITINERARY: DAY 2
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is an architectural landmark located at Zabeel Park where you can get stunning views of both old and new Dubai. It has been described by The Guardian newspaper as “the biggest picture frame on the planet.”
The top of the frame has glass laden floors which you can walk across if you dare and see the views below your feet. This was an exhilarating experience for us.
Upon exiting the frame, you’ll find a virtual reality presentation on all the innovative projects that Dubai aims to accomplish by 2050. The walk around the park is pleasant and there are benches spread around the park where you can sit and just admire the Frame from the outside.
Tickets are cheaper online but you can also purchase them at the counter at the entrance for around $15USD.
Free parking is available. If you’ll be taking public transportation take the Red Line to Al Jafiliya Metro Station and walk towards Gate 4 AKA Star Gate of Zabeel Park. You can also use Moovit to find the best bus route to the Dubai Frame.
Gold Souk and Spice Souk
The Gold Souk is the oldest traditional souk (market) selling gold jewelry and gemstones. Both of the souks are located in Deira which is part of Old Dubai.
This is a must-visit even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything. However, if you do plan to purchase gold, always remember to barter and only buy from stores and not street vendors. Credit cards are accepted but you will almost always get a better price when paying with cash.
There will be a 5 percent VAT charge but you can claim 85 percent of it back with your sales receipt (tax refund tag must be attached) at the airport under the Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme. These items must be purchased from participating vendors with a Tax-Free Sticker on their shop windows.
The roads around the souk are compact and parking is scarce so we found paid parking for $5USD per hour. If taking public transport, get the real-time transit route HERE.
The Spice Souk also is known as the Old Souk and is adjacent to the Gold Souk. There are many spices you can buy at the Spice Souk some of which are: saffron, oud, chamomile flowers, sumac, cardamom, and dates. We bought dried hibiscus flowers and chocolate dates along with some really strong camphor to clear our sinuses.
To get to the Spice Souk by the metro, the nearest metro station is Al Ras Metro Station (Green Line). Once here, walk towards the Exit and you will reach the Spice Souk within minutes.
Abra ride across the Dubai Creek
Abras are water taxis that transport people from the Bur Dubai side to the Deira side and vice versa. It only costs $0.27USD which you pay to the ferry operator. It’s great to experience the sights and sounds of daily life while crossing the Dubai Creek in an old wooden boat which has traditionally been the city’s main mode of transportation.
You can experience an abra ride after your time at the Gold and Spice Souk. If you’d like to learn about the history and culture of Old Dubai, there are walking tours available as well. On these tours, you can visit the Dubai Museum and ride the abra across Dubai Creek to the Gold and Spice Souk which will be included in the tour.
Dubai Mall
Known as one of the world’s biggest malls equivalent to more than 50 soccer fields, the Dubai Mall is located next to the Burj Khalifa and offers incredible shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. With 4 levels of so much to do, it’ll take you more than a day to experience everything.
However, if you only have a few hours, don’t forget to check out the aquarium, the ice rink and the virtual reality park some of our favorite activities.
From the mall, you can head over to the Burj Khalifa for sunset.
Burj Khalifa at Sunset
If it’s only one thing you should experience while in Dubai, it should be to visit the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. We loved watching the sunset on the observation deck on the 124th floor but we would also highly recommend visiting during sunrise to see the magical sun break through the morning clouds and watch the city come alive.
Dinner at Burj Club Rooftop – Burj Khalifa
After sunset on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa, we headed down to have dinner at the Burj Club. The Burj Club is a high-end wellness retreat with a gym, spa, pool, and dining with spectacular views of the Dubai fountain.
We bought combo tickets so we could experience both the Burj Khalifa observation deck and have a 3-course dinner at their rooftop restaurant on the 5th floor.
Take note, that the time you select is the time you’ll be visiting Burj Khalifa. If you select a time between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, you’ll have lunch after the visit; if you select a time between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, you’ll have dinner after the visit.
DUBAI ITINERARY: DAY 3
Abu Dhabi Day Trip from Dubai
If you’re not sure when you’ll be back in the United Arab Emirates, a day trip to Abu Dhabi is a must.
Abu Dhabi, the capital, is the largest emirate/city in the United Arab Emirates and home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (white mosque), the Presidential Palace (Qasr Al Watan), the opulent Emirates Palace and the Etihad Towers where some scenes of the Fast and Furious 7 were filmed.
The views from the Etihad Towers may be better than the Burj Khalifa but you’ll have to go to find out.
We consider this the best day trip from Dubai because you get to visit a different Emirate altogether. We booked the most affordable and highly rated 9-hour premium tour with pick up and drop off to our hotel.
Dinner at Thiptara overlooking the Dubai Fountain
After a long day trip from Abu Dhabi, you’ll be ready to chow down like we were. A bucket-list item to cross off our list was to have dinner while watching the Dubai Fountain.
Thiptara restaurant was a great find!
Thiptara is an alfresco waterfront restaurant on Burj Lake overlooking the Dubai Fountain. Thiptara literally means ‘Magic at the Water’ where you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of Burj Khalifa and the fountain.
They serve delicious Thai delicacies with an emphasis on Bangkok-style seafood.
We loved the romantic, relaxed ambiance and the views were impeccable. Take note that you will have to make reservations prior to going.
DUBAI ITINERARY: DAY 4
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
A sunrise hot air balloon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and what better way to do that than in Dubai. You get to see the Arabian sunrise 4000 feet over the Dubai desert and take part in the world’s first falcon-show mid-air.
It’s such an exhilarating feeling floating amongst the clouds and seeing the camels, gazelles and the Arabian Oryx cohabiting in the desert.
After landing, a delicious gourmet breakfast will be awaiting you at a private desert conservation reserve. Once you’re done with breakfast, you get to ride through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in an open-top 1950’s vintage Land Rover.
Remember to book with a tour company with pick-up and drop off from your hotel. This tour will require you to be ready to go at 4:30 am and can last up to 6 hours.
Jumeirah Public Beach walk
The Jumeirah Public Beach is one of the most visited beaches in the U.A.E. The best part about it is that there is no entrance fee. You can take a long walk admiring the iconic Burj Al Arab in the distance or go for a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Persian Gulf.
There are plenty of food stalls and restaurants as well as various water sports like windsurfing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, waterskiing, and banana rides.
Lunch at 3 Fils
3 Fils is a hidden gem in the Jumeirah Fishing Harbor. A contemporary Asian restaurant with an emphasis on Japanese cuisine. An intimate indoor and alfresco seating is available but go early as their seats fill up fast.
Desert Safari Tour
A Dubai trip is incomplete without a proper desert safari. Five years ago when we went to Dubai, we bought a cheap tour just to experience some dune bashing in the desert.
We found out that dune bashing is not good for the wildlife in the desert. There are plenty of wildlife not visible to the naked eye in the desert but if you take a UV light at night, you’ll see plenty of wildlife. Unfortunately, dune bashing harms and kills these wildlife.
This time around we were more mindful of which tour we chose.
Since it was Shafeen’s parents’ first time experiencing a desert safari, we looked for more authentic and sustainable, more eco-friendly tours.
Platinum Heritage was the only eco-tourism desert safari that we found that matched our values and beliefs when it comes to sustainability. It is a safari unlike any other. As a general concept, when you think of desert safaris, you think of dune bashing, alcohol, and belly dancing. This tour had none of that.
Instead, you get to ride in a 1948 vintage Land Rover through the desert where you’ll see beautiful gazelles and Arabian Oryxes, witness an incredible falcon show and take part in 2 Bedouin traditional dances.
There is a golden hour photo stop and then dinner at the Bedouin camp where there’s Arabic coffee making and bread making lessons as well.
We had an incredible time and it was the perfect close to our 4 days in Dubai.
Other Alternatives:
Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari, & BBQ at Al Khayma
Dubai Private Night Safari and Astronomy
4 Days in Dubai: In Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading our 4 Days in Dubai itinerary perfect for couples and got lots of inspiration for creating your own!
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 travel restrictions information in the United Arab Emirates click HERE.
We headed to the Maldives after Dubai. Read about the Best Maldives Family Vacation we had an an all-inclusive resort.
KEEP READING! Check out our latest blog posts.
