A First-Timer's Guide to Dubai in 4 Days

Four days is a great amount of time to get a real feel for Dubai without trying to cram in everything at once. Spend your first day getting oriented around Downtown Dubai — the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain show are all within walking distance of each other and make for an easy, jet-lag-friendly first day. On day two, head to Old Dubai to see a different side of the city: wander through the Gold and Spice Souks, cross the creek by traditional abra boat, and visit the Dubai Museum for some historical context. Day three is the day to head into the desert — an evening desert safari with dune bashing, a camel ride and a BBQ dinner under the stars is a completely different experience from the glass-and-steel skyline you have been looking at. Save your last day for Dubai Marina and JBR Beach, where you can relax by the water, take a Marina dhow cruise dinner in the evening, and reflect on a trip that hit all of Dubai's different personalities in a short amount of time.