Nestled on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai has more than earned its reputation as a beautiful and a one-of-a-kind city. One of the largest cities in the United Arab Emirates, there’s really not much you can’t do in Dubai. If you can go indoor skiing in the desert, then imagine the rest of what this paradise has to offer. With so much to do and see, we created a 3-day Dubai itinerary to make sure you don’t miss a single thing.

Day 1
As if you weren’t already gawking at its towering size on your way into Dubai, Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building which has probably piqued your interest enough already. Smashing a host of world records including tallest building, highest observation deck, tallest elevator, and more, Burj Khalifa is a bucket-list item that also provides you with some of the best views of Dubai from higher than anywhere else.

A short distance from this skyscraper is the Dubai Mall — it’s one of the most lavish and beautiful malls in the world. While a shopping mall might not jump off the page as the second place you should visit in such a place with so many attractions, the Dubai Mall is no ordinary shopping mall. Home to the Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo as well as an Olympic-sized hockey rink, this mall offers so much more than just some absolutely amazing shopping.

Slightly southwest of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall is Kite Beach, which is the perfect place to relax and dip your toes in the water after a walk around one of the biggest malls in the world. Whether it’s kitesurfing lessons, fine dining, or just pure relaxation, Kite Beach has something in store for whatever mood you may be in.

Day 2
After spending time gazing from the tallest observation deck our planet has to offer, perusing an infinitely sprawling mall and aquarium, and then kicking back on the beautiful white sand beaches of Kite Beach, we can start day 2 by exploring more of the Islamic culture that Dubai holds so dear. Start at Jumeirah Mosque: Within this grand structure, which is open to the public, you can learn more about what both Islam and this particular mosque have come to mean to the people of Dubai — and for that matter, all of the Emirates.

From the mall you’re within short walking distance to such wonderful places like Jumeirah Public Beach and the Etihad Museum. The museum is a great opportunity to learn more about the UAE’s history as a sovereign nation. Then head north to Al Fahidi, which is known as one of Dubai’s most historical neighborhoods. Home to several museums, art exhibits, and more, most of Al Fahidi’s traditional architecture is a sharp juxtaposition to the towering skyscrapers that have become synonymous with the city. It’s this same architecture and cityscape that provides a wonderful perspective on what life was like in Dubai before it became the booming international hub we know it as today.

Extremely close to Al Fahidi are also some of the most popular routes for Abra rides across Dubai creek. An Abra ride is a great way to get another authentic feel of Dubai — and what better place to do it than in and around one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.

Day 3
At this point most travelers are familiar with or have at least heard of the “artificial” islands in the Arabian gulf off the shores of Dubai, and for good reason, these feats of development and engineering are something you need to see to believe. Palm Jumeirah is a large, palm tree-shaped archipelago and, with its 3-mile- (4,800-meter) long tree trunk, it’s visible from space.

Although the island itself is a must-see in Dubai, what’s on the islands is just as incredible. With some of the best restaurants and hotels in Dubai, as well as activities ranging from world-class spa treatments to skydiving, you could spend all three days of your trip just on Palm Jumeirah. Alas, that’s not what this article is about. Just south of Palm Jumeirah is the Dubai Marina. With imposing mega buildings lining the shores of the canal, the marina is one of the most jaw-dropping districts in the city. And, as you guessed it, like so many other areas of Dubai, there are luxury shopping outlets and world-renowned restaurants galore.

An ideal way to explore Dubai’s historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life is on an ultra-luxury Seabourn voyage that sails to or from Dubai. Experience this unique city while sailing the finest resort at sea.