In a city of opulence, grandeur, innovative architecture and a large melting pot expat community, Dubai brings visitors from all over the world to see its sites. Rich in not only oil revenue and famous for gold, Dubai is known for its extravagant shopping malls (complete with indoor skiing!), and of course for the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building standing more than half a mile high.

Beyond the shopping malls and old Dubai souks, the modern city of Dubai offers visitors numerous attractions including both old and historical sites, religious sites, desert safaris, and incredible culinary offerings.

Here are the best things to do with 3 days in Dubai for first time visitors to this modern desert metropolis in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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In this article learn about:

• Old and Historical Dubai

• Modern Dubai

• Dubai Shopping

• Where to Eat in Dubai

• 3 Days in Dubai Itinerary

Dubai Sites and Attractions

There's two types of travelers I think - ones that like to wing it, and ones (like me) that like to have a very clear idea of what I'm getting into before I go somewhere.

With Dubai I wanted to be adventurous and loose - but with the general understanding of where to go shopping and what the must-see sites were.

For the planner, there's something called Go City pass, which allows you to purchase entry tickets to top city sights by the amount of days or by the amount of attractions.

So basically, if you have three days in Dubai, you buy a three day pass and it allows you to see as many city attractions as you can handle.

You could go up to the top of the Burj Khalifa, take a Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai Creek, or take the kids to LEGOland. The list of attractions is crazy and it's all included.

OR, you buy the X amount of attractions pass, and you have time at leisure to see the sights. It's kind of a great way to see things. You can learn more about this all-inclusive pass here.

But alas, if you are indeed like me and just want to kind of go with the flow instead of go go go, then here I've listed great things to do in Dubai, separated by old Dubai and modern Dubai.

Old and Historical Dubai

I've detailed all the great places you can see in Old Dubai in this separate post. But, at a glance, here's a few things you'll want to add to your itinerary:

• Jumeirah Mosque

• Al Fahidi Fort and Historical area

• Take an Abra boat ride

• Visit the old souks and markets

• Dubai Desert Safari

Generally speaking, Dubai is not known for being 'old'. I.e., there is no real 'old Dubai'. It's all been built out, commercialized, and overdone by tourism - much like a visit to Disney World.

Nonetheless, the souks like the Grand Souk and Textile Souk still retain their Aladdin-esque charms, and the Abra boat rides across the Dubai Creek are really cool.

The Gold Souk and Spice Souk can be reached by Abra boat, and are also quite enjoyable, although not as full of hawkers and bargains.

You can easily see these sights on your own, but some may want to get a guide and do a walking tour of all the souks for added security and navigation. (Side note: Dubai is very safe, even for women - just be vigilant!).

As for the Desert Safari, you will definitely need to book a tour as this can not be done on your own. Learn all about the desert safari, which includes camel rides, belly dancers, dinner in the desert, dune buggying, sand boarding, henna tattoos and literally much, much more.

The link provided will take you to the tour I went with. For my experience, read and see pics at my Dubai Old Town guide!

Modern Dubai

In Modern Dubai, and much of the Middle East, it's all about the glitz. Browse marbled shopping lanes, show off your name brand Chanel and Prada (or Prado in my case) and go out to see and be seen.

The spots on this list are all fantastic places for photography, Sunshine, and a touch of "where am I again?" You may feel like you are in Las Vegas, or Los Angeles and forget that you are actually in the heart of the UAE.

Everyone looks well to do. Everyone looks like they probably struck gold (or oil) in their backyard, and you'll want to be a part of it.

Dine, shop, gawk. Enjoy Modern Dubai sites like:

• The Dubai Fountain

• Souk Al Bahar (an upscale version of a traditional Arabic souk)

• Dubai Marina

• Dubai Canal

• Global Village theme park

To see a lot of these sites, consider booking with Big Bus Tours, the classic hop on hop off your that takes you everywhere, or again I'll mention the Go City Pass, which basically covers everything in Dubai for one all inclusive fee.

Burj Khalifa

Yes, literally standing at more than half a mile high, the Burj Khalifa is 2,722 feet tall! You have to crane your neck to see it all, and good luck getting it in one good camera shot.

Visit the top of the infamous tower with this skip the line ticket. And trust me, based on the line I saw, you want this ticket.

And psst...the photo of me by the pool above is from the hotel where we stayed at the La Ville Marriott Dubai. I recommend it for being a little outside of town (it's more affordable!).

Dubai Malls, Shopping and Markets

Visit the old souks and markets (found in my related post here) and then check out modern shopping malls at:

• Souk Al Bahar

• Dubai Mall

• Souk Madinat Jumeirah

• Mall of the Emirates

• Wafi City Mall

It's true that these are very much "just malls", but some of them are hiding outrageous interiors. I'm talking about full scale ski slopes indoors. And that's just the tip of it. There's aquariums, diving opportunities, and all matter of entertainment. Las Vegas level stuff, really.

Even if you are not a shopper, you can easily spend hours wandering, people watching, and marveling at the opulence found in these malls.

Side Note: Please be respectful and wear appropriate clothing in these places. No exposed shoulders, thighs, etc. The culture dictates a conservative dress so please respect that. That's all I'm going to say about that!

Where to Eat in Dubai

Then, eat.

Remember, there's no pork and there's no alcohol. The resorts and some finer dining establishments will offer these things, but in general, as it is custom for Arabic and Muslim cultures, you will not typically find them.

You will, however, find lots of wonderful seafood, like at Bu Qtair Fish Restaurant, or at the charming Fish Beach Taverna - both waterfront. (Pro Tip: no matter how hot it is during the day, always bring a scarf for the evening chill!).

Find more traditional meals like at Bayt Al Wakeel with an airy creekside patio, or the Arabian Tea House near Al Fahidi Historical Area. Another Dubai old town restaurant to seek is Bastakiah Nights.

Enjoy quick casual lunches at City Walk or near any of the tourist spots. I personally recommend my family favorite, Wagamama - a popular ramen and Asian food spot hailing from the UK.

Make dinner special by browsing Souk Madinat Jumeirah and then pop offer to Shimmers, where you can sit on beach poufs and indulge in shisha and nibbles with views of the Burj al Arab.

An Ideal 3 Days in Dubai Itinerary:

Day 1: Old Dubai

Old town souks, Abra ride, lunch.

Take a tour to make it easier.

In the evening, dine at Fish Beach Taverna.

Day 2: Modern Dubai

See modern Dubai - shop 'til you drop!

Regroup, then later get tickets to see the Burj Khalifa at night.

Day 3: Desert Safari and More

Visit the Jumeirah Mosque followed by a casual seafood lunch.

Take the afternoon Desert Safari.

For more about Dubai, visit my post about Old Dubai. Check out more content about cruises from Dubai, including ports like Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Muscat, Oman and Khasab, Oman.

As always, happy travels friends!