A vertical metropolis risen from the desert, Dubai lines up the world's tallest tower, oversized malls, the Atlantis palm island and an Old Dubai that stayed authentic. Here's how to enjoy it in 3 days or 1 week.
Dubai at a glance
Population
3.6 M
Airport
DXB
Ideal stay
3 to 5 days
Budget / day
โฌ60-300
Flight Paris
~7h direct
Time diff
+3h
Current climate
Best season
In brief
A city built for the superlative
Tallest tower, biggest mall, largest fountain. Count 3 days for the must-sees, 5 to add the desert and Old Dubai.
Two Dubais not to be confused
Modern Dubai (Downtown, Marina, Palm) and Old Dubai (Al Fahidi, the Creek, the souks). Visit both.
The metro is fast and cheap
The red line serves Downtown, the Marina and the airport. For the rest, Careem or taxi stay affordable.
Respectful dress code in the city
Shoulders and knees covered in malls and traditional districts. Beachwear only on beaches and resorts.
Avoid summer at all costs
Between April and October, the thermometer climbs past 40ยฐC. The pleasant season runs November to March.
Must-see
828m, the world's tallest tower. Observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
1,200 shops, giant aquarium, ice rink. Fountain show every 30 min in the evening.
The palm-shaped artificial island. Atlantis The Palm, Aquaventure waterpark, The View at The Palm.
Canal lined with skyscrapers, JBR promenade, beach and restaurants. Ideal at end of day.
Historic district with wind-tower houses, Creek crossing by abra, gold and spice souks.
Dubai's iconic sail-shaped hotel. Inside tour or afternoon tea by reservation.
Dune bashing in a 4x4, camel ride, Bedouin dinner under the stars with a show.
The calligraphed ring turned icon. An immersive dive into the world of 2071.
Pavilions from 90 countries, shows and world street food. Open October to April only.
A 150m gilded frame linking old and new Dubai. Glass floor at the top.
Choose your district
At the foot of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Central, lively, ideal for a first visit. From โฌ90/night.
โ Recommended
Seafront, beach, restaurants and nightlife. Modern seaside vibe. From โฌ80/night.
Beach
Luxury resorts by the water, including Atlantis. For a beach break. From โฌ200/night.
Luxury
Traditional Dubai near the souks and the Creek. Authentic and budget-friendly. From โฌ40/night.
Authentic
Modern business district along the canal, a short walk from Downtown. From โฌ60/night.
Business
Getting around
Dubai Metro
Driverless and air-conditioned. Red and green lines. Rechargeable Nol card required.
Taxi & Careem
Cream taxis very affordable on the meter. Careem (the local app) handy for booking rides.
Tram & Palm monorail
The tram serves the Marina and JBR. The monorail reaches Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah.
From DXB airport
Red line metro to the center (45 min). Taxi to Downtown: 25-30 min, about 50 Dhs.
Climate & crowds
01
Jan
02
Feb
03
Mar
04
Apr
05
May
06
Jun
07
Jul
08
Aug
09
Sep
10
Oct
11
Nov
12
Dec
Cool season
Nov to March ยท 25-30ยฐC, clear skies ยท Ideal, the best period but the priciest
Shoulder season
Apr and Oct ยท 32-38ยฐC ยท Fair, still bearable, calmer crowds
Scorching summer
May to Sep ยท 40-45ยฐC, very humid ยท Avoid outdoors, cheaper hotels, everything indoors
How much
Backpacker
โฌ60
per day
Comfort
โฌ160
per day
Premium
โฌ400
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
๐ 1h30 away ยท Capital and Sheikh Zayed Mosque
40 min away ยท Cultural capital of the UAE
1h30 away ยท Mountains and turquoise lake
1h30 away ยท UNESCO-listed oasis
FAQ
Marie Laurent โ
ยทSoutheast Asia specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.