How much money do I need for 3 days in Dubai?
Planning a 3-day trip to Dubai? You’re not alone. Thousands of travelers show up each week wondering how much cash they’ll actually need to see the sights, eat well, and not run out of money by day two. The truth? Dubai can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. You can sleep in a hostel and eat street food for under $150 total - or stay in a penthouse suite and dine at Burj Khalifa restaurants for over $3,000. Let’s cut through the noise and give you a real, no-fluff breakdown based on what people actually spend in 2025.
Accommodation: Where you sleep changes everything
Your hotel or apartment is the biggest chunk of your budget. In 2025, prices vary wildly depending on location and quality. If you’re trying to save, hostels in Deira or Bur Dubai start at $25-$35 per night. Shared rooms with AC, clean beds, and free Wi-Fi are common. You’ll be close to the metro, souks, and cheap eats.
Mid-range hotels - think 3-star places like Ibis or Ramada - cost $70-$110 per night. These are usually in areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, or Business Bay. You get a decent room, breakfast, and maybe a pool. Most tourists pick this range.
Luxury? That’s where things spike. A 5-star hotel like the Burj Al Arab or Atlantis starts at $400-$800 per night. Even the Ritz-Carlton or Jumeirah Beach Hotel will set you back $300+ if you book last minute. If you’re not splurging on a view of the Dubai Fountain, skip this tier.
For 3 nights, your accommodation range is:
- Hostel: $75-$105
- Mid-range hotel: $210-$330
- Luxury hotel: $1,200-$2,400
Food: Eat like a local, not a tourist
Dubai’s food scene is insane - but you don’t need to spend $100 on a single meal. Street food and local cafés are where the real value is.
For breakfast, grab a shawarma wrap from a roadside stall. You’ll pay $2-$4. A falafel sandwich? $3. A coffee and pastry at a local bakery? $5. Lunch at a small Emirati restaurant? Try a chicken machboos (spiced rice with chicken) for $6-$8. Dinner at a mid-range Indian or Filipino eatery? Around $10-$15.
At tourist spots like Dubai Mall or Palm Jumeirah, prices jump. A burger and fries? $15. A pizza? $25. A seafood platter? $50+. And don’t get tricked by “all-you-can-eat” buffets - many are overpriced and low quality.
Here’s a realistic daily food budget:
- Budget eater: $15-$20 per day
- Comfortable eater: $30-$40 per day
- Tourist spender: $60+ per day
For 3 days, that’s:
- Budget: $45-$60
- Comfortable: $90-$120
- Spender: $180+
Transport: The metro is your best friend
Dubai’s metro is clean, fast, and cheap. A single ride costs $1.50-$2.50, depending on distance. You can buy a Nol card for $5 (refundable deposit) and load it with credit. A 3-day pass costs $10 and gives you unlimited rides.
Taxis? They’re convenient but expensive. A short ride across town? $8-$15. From the airport to Dubai Marina? $35-$50. Uber is the same price - no savings here.
Walking? Possible in some areas like Downtown Dubai or Jumeirah Beach, but not in the desert heat. Most tourists stick to the metro and occasional taxis.
For 3 days, transport looks like:
- Budget: $10-$15 (metro only)
- Comfortable: $25-$40 (metro + 2-3 taxis)
- Spender: $60+ (taxis everywhere)
Attractions: Skip the overpriced gimmicks
Dubai has famous sights - but not all are worth the price tag.
Here’s what actually delivers value:
- Dubai Frame: $10. Great views, short lines, no crowds.
- Al Fahidi Historical District: Free. Old wind-tower houses, museums, cafes. Perfect for photos.
- Deira Clock Tower and Gold Souk: Free. Walk around, haggle for spices, see the real Dubai.
- Dubai Mall Aquarium: $20. Worth it if you love marine life.
- Burj Khalifa (At the Top, 124/125): $45. The view is epic, but lines are long. Book online in advance.
- Desert Safari: $30-$50. Includes dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner. One of the best experiences in Dubai.
- Water Park (Aquaventure): $70. Only if you’re traveling with kids.
- Skydive Dubai: $500+. Only if you’re serious about adrenaline.
Most travelers spend $50-$100 on attractions over 3 days. Skip the Dubai Aquarium + Dubai Mall combo - you can see the mall for free. Just go to the food court and people-watch.
Shopping and extras: Don’t get fooled
Dubai is known for shopping, but unless you’re buying gold or perfume, you’re better off skipping the malls. A $500 designer bag? It’s the same price as in New York. A $200 watch? Often cheaper in Bangkok.
Gold souks? You can buy real gold here, but only if you know how to haggle. Ask for the price per gram (not per item). Check the current gold rate online before you go.
Other extras:
- Water bottles: $1-$2 (buy from a local shop, not a hotel)
- SIM card: $15 for 10GB data (Du or Etisalat)
- Tipping: Not required, but $1-$2 for good service is common
- Drinks: A beer in a bar? $12-$18. In a supermarket? $5. Alcohol is heavily taxed.
Total cost breakdown: Real numbers for real travelers
Here’s what your 3-day Dubai trip might actually cost, based on three budgets:
| Category | Budget Traveler | Comfortable Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (3 nights) | $80 | $270 | $1,800 |
| Food (3 days) | $50 | $105 | $200 |
| Transport | $12 | $30 | $70 |
| Attractions | $40 | $80 | $150 |
| Shopping & Extras | $25 | $60 | $200 |
| Total | $207 | $545 | $2,420 |
If you’re traveling solo, you can do this for under $250. Couples? Add 40% more for shared costs. Families? Multiply food and accommodation by 2-3.
Pro tips to save money in Dubai
- Use the metro - it’s faster than taxis during rush hour.
- Buy a Nol card at the airport - it’s cheaper than paying cash.
- Drink tap water - it’s safe and free. Bring a reusable bottle.
- Visit free beaches like Jumeirah Public Beach or Kite Beach - no entry fee.
- Go to the Dubai Mall at night - it’s cooler, less crowded, and the fountain show is free.
- Book desert safaris through local agencies, not hotels - you’ll save 30%.
- Check for free events - Dubai often hosts cultural festivals, art walks, or open-air concerts.
What not to do
Don’t rent a car unless you’re planning a desert road trip. Parking in Dubai is expensive, traffic is brutal, and you’ll get fined if you don’t know the rules.
Don’t assume everything is cheap because it’s the Middle East. Alcohol, tourist attractions, and hotels are often more expensive than in Europe or the US.
Don’t bring cash only. Credit cards are accepted everywhere. But always carry $50-$100 in cash for small vendors, taxis, and tips.
Final answer: How much do you really need?
You can do a 3-day trip to Dubai for as little as $200 if you’re smart. That’s $67 per day - less than you’d spend on a weekend in New York or London.
If you want comfort, comfort food, a decent hotel, and a few experiences, $500-$600 is more than enough.
And if you want to live like a sheikh? Go ahead. But don’t blame anyone else when your credit card bill arrives.
Dubai doesn’t have to break you. It just needs you to know where to spend - and where to skip.
Can I visit Dubai on a budget?
Yes, absolutely. Many travelers visit Dubai on under $250 for 3 days. Stay in a hostel, eat at local cafés, use the metro, and skip expensive attractions like Burj Khalifa if you’re tight on cash. Free sights like Al Fahidi, the Dubai Frame, and public beaches give you a real feel for the city without spending much.
Is Dubai safe for solo travelers?
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world for solo travelers, including women. Crime rates are extremely low. Public transport is secure, and most areas are well-lit and monitored. Just follow local customs: dress modestly in public places, avoid public displays of affection, and don’t drink alcohol outside licensed venues.
Do I need a visa for Dubai?
Citizens of over 80 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU, get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. You just need a passport valid for at least 6 months. No pre-application needed. Check your country’s status before you fly - some require advance visas.
What’s the best time of year to visit Dubai?
November to March is ideal. Temperatures are between 20°C and 28°C (68°F-82°F), perfect for sightseeing. April to October is scorching - often above 40°C (104°F) - and humidity is high. Most tourists avoid summer. Also, Ramadan (dates change yearly) affects opening hours and food availability, so plan ahead if visiting then.
Can I use US dollars in Dubai?
You can, but you’ll get poor exchange rates. The official currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). 1 USD = about 3.67 AED. Use ATMs to withdraw dirhams - they give the best rate. Credit cards are widely accepted, but always ask if the price is in dirhams or dollars to avoid surprise charges.
Are there hidden fees in Dubai?
Yes. Many hotels charge a 10% service fee and 10% municipality tax on top of the room rate. Restaurants add 10% service charge. Taxis may charge extra for luggage or airport pickup. Always check the final price before confirming a booking or order. Most prices listed online are before taxes - so add 20-25% to the quoted rate.