72 hours in Dubai: A Cultural and Creative Escape
In just three days, Dubai reveals its depth: contemporary art in converted warehouses, centuries-old heritage districts, desert rituals reborn for a new generation, and a culinary scene shaped by global influences.
Dubai’s reputation for superlatives is well known, glittering skyscrapers, desert luxury, and five-star everything, but beneath the gloss lies a city powered by creativity and cultural ambition. In just three days, Dubai reveals its depth: contemporary art in converted warehouses, centuries-old heritage districts, desert rituals reborn for a new generation, and a culinary scene shaped by global influences. This is a city where art, design, and tradition intersect and where a short stay can feel like a deep cultural dive.
Alserkal Avenue
Day 1: Contemporary Dubai – The Art of the City
Alserkal Avenue
Start your exploration in Al Quoz, Dubai’s creative heart. Alserkal Avenue, once a cluster of factories, now beats with contemporary art, design studios and experimental installations. Step into Concrete, a minimalist, adaptable gallery designed by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA, and wander through over 70 spaces from Ayyam Gallery to The Third Line. Pop into A4 Space to meet artists or stumble upon large-scale works such as Mary Ellen Carroll’s The Circle Game.
Concrete
Al Khayat Art Avenue
Nearby, the up-and-coming Al Khayat Art Avenue mirrors that same spirit of reinvention. Discover Efie Gallery, a leading space for African contemporary art, and Inloco Open Storage, a shimmering gold container showcasing emerging regional talent.
Inloco Open Storage
Refuel at Nightjar Coffee Roasters
Part café, part creative community, Nightjar Coffee Roasters is a must for design lovers and caffeine purists. Expect small-batch brews, vinyl playlists, and merch so well-designed it deserves wall space.
Cinema & Design Stroll - Round off the afternoon browsing Waddington Custot for modern masterpieces and concept stores for one-off design finds. Then catch an indie screening at Cinema Akil, the retro arthouse cinema furnished with rescued décor from old Dubai theatres. Inside, Project Chaiwala serves the city’s most talked-about chai.
Dinner at Lila Molino - End the day at Lila Molino in Warehouse 18. Shaw Lash’s Mexican menu celebrates authenticity and spice; the Chicken & Green Chile Tacos with a tangy Lila-Chelada are unmissable.
Nightcap at Mercury Rooftop - Toast your first evening with skyline views at Mercury Rooftop, an elegant spot suspended between the sea and the city lights.
Day 2: Heritage and Horizons
Sunrise with Hero Balloons Dubai
Wake early for a flight of a lifetime over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Watch dawn break across the dunes as a falcon performs mid-air displays beside your balloon, a breathtaking nod to Emirati heritage. After landing, a Michelin-quality breakfast awaits at a Royal Desert Retreat, complete with local produce and panoramic calm.
Head to the Dunes
Camel Ride Across the Dunes
Continue your desert immersion with a camel trek led by Bedouin guides. The ride offers insight into Dubai’s nomadic roots, and a reminder that grace (and grip) are required to dismount elegantly.
Old Baladiya Street in Deira
Deira Food Trail
Back in the city, head to Old Baladiya Street in Deira. Wander the spice-scented alleys, stopping at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, recognised by the Michelin Guide for authentic Emirati cuisine. Don’t miss Camel Milk Gelato with saffron and pistachio (a Dubai original) and shop for dates, Arabic sweets, and fragrant saffron before the day ends.
Day 3: Wellness and Waterfront
Banyan Tree Spa, Bluewaters Island
Trade desert heat for hydrotherapy calm at Banyan Tree Spa. The Rainforest Experience blends saunas, steam, and plunge pools, while the sound-healing sessions use singing bowls to rebalance body and mind. Perfect after two packed days.
Bâoli Dubai
Afternoon at Bâoli Dubai
Next, embrace the city’s beachside energy at Bâoli Dubai, the French Riviera-inspired beach club where Mediterranean dishes meet East Asian flair. The poolside scene is stylish yet laid-back. A place to sip, swim, and people-watch to a curated soundtrack.
Dinner at Sea Fu
Back at the Four Seasons, Sea Fu offers the ideal finale: Asian-inspired seafood against an ocean backdrop. The Soy-Marinated Black Cod with Miso Aubergine and Yuzu defines Dubai’s culinary artistry; refined, global and unforgettable.
Stay: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Begin in quiet luxury between the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline. The Four Seasons’ Premier Sea-View Rooms frame turquoise horizons, while its restaurants, Sea Fu for refined Far East flavours and Hendricks Bar for gin-infused nightcaps, set a serene tone for your stay.
Getting there: Fused flew direct to Dubai with Emirates. For flight information, visit emirates.com.
Best time to visit: November to March, when temperatures hover between 24–28°C.
More information: Visit Dubai