Got 48 hours in hand to explore Dubai? Don’t think of it as just a layover – there are loads of activities you can do to explore the city, your way, without missing out much. We have curated a 2-day itinerary covering the length and breadth of the city- from the iconic attractions to experiences you must not miss.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Tourist sim card (available on Arrival at the airport), sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and a bottle of water on you at all times. Some local currency would be great even though most places accept all major credit cards. We also recommend you get an NOL card, the transport pass that can get yourself around the city (metro, bus, tram) for less than $10 per day.
Day 1 – A Peek Into The Future
Drop your luggage off at your hotel and carry only the basic necessities. Dubai has multiple modes of transportation – you can pick your NOL card and commute on the metro, bus and tram. Dubai taxis are also abundantly available around town and you may also use app-based taxis such as Uber and Careem. Also, do check with your hotel if they provide ride-services.
Let’s start your Dubai voyage!
Traverse Through Palm Jumeirah
Hop on a Monorail to have an aerial view of the Palm Island and the majestic Atlantis Hotel. One way ticket costs you AED 20 and you can take a cab back to where you started. The mesmerizing views make it totally worth it.
Experience The Bluewaters Island
This newbie is a must-do on your Dubai itinerary. The man-made island is home to Ain Dubai, the giant wheel and some of the most luxurious dining/entertainment experiences in the world.
Get Enchanted By The Burj Al Arab
Visit Madinat Jumeriah and get the best views of Burj Al Arab – The iconic Burj Al Arab is an architectural masterpiece and we guarantee you the best views of the Burj right from Madinat Jumeriah, which is a souk-like mall concept with rustic interiors and little shacks. You can also enjoy a boat ride across the waters with the views of Burj at the distance.
Experience The Mystical Side Of Dubai
A visit to Dubai is almost incomplete without the Dubai Fountains Set against the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop, the light and sound show starts at 6 PM every day and leaves you stunned. For the best views – you can head to the adjoining Souk Al Bahar or the Boardwalk near the Fountains. Once you are done experiencing the show, you can head to Dubai Mall for a shopping spree with the best deals. You should not miss the most stellar views from the At the Top observation deck on level 124 of the Burj Khalifa.
Get Instagram-Ready At La Mer And City Walk
La Mer Beach Dubai is one of the city’s most Instagrammable destinations. There is a likely chance4 you might have spotted this one someone’s Instagram feed. Eye-catchy graffiti, glimmering lights and some of the hottest dining/entertainment places – La Mer is a complete package and an immersive experience, to say the least. Best explored at night.
From La Mer, in close proximity lies City Walk Dubai with are uptown lifestyle spaces that is a vibrant and pleasant experience. It is a community space built for dining, shopping and for families looking for a full-fledged day out. If you are a gaming freak – you can also check out Hub Zero with is a 100% immersive adventure. You can also check out some flagship retail stores while you’re there. The eateries are also endless.
Get yourself a night full of sleep as you have an entire day of activities left for you the next day.
Day 2: Tour Of Old Dubai And Get A Glimpse Of The Past
Start your day with a wholesome breakfast as you have a long day of walking ahead of you.
Explore Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Take a cab to Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Immerse yourself into the rich culture and heritage of the emirate. If you are an art enthusiast, you would be enlightened to know the influence that the Arabian Culture has had on its art. It is also a peek into the journey of Dubai’s transformation.
Visit The Dubai Museum
Then, head to Dubai Museum You can understand the rich history of the Arabian Peninsula – the life before and after discovering Oil, the forms of trade over the years, the influence that trade had on the cultural diversity in the region and much more. You can view artefacts and exhibits that tell you a story.
Take The Abra Ride
Take the Abra ride, an old fashioned boat across the Dubai Creek to have a glimpse of trade across the shores, the views of the skyline and the soft breeze across your face leaving you calm in minutes. The best part – the ride only costs you AED 1
Go Souk-Trotting
Post the Abra Ride, you can go souk-trotting across the infamous souks of the region – The Gold Souk, The Spice Souk, Textile Souk and more. The little stores selling some great artefacts and souvenirs, there are tonnes of options to do some street shopping whilst immersing in the experience of vintage Dubai.
Experience The Iranian Mosque
The Iranian Mosque in Bur Dubai is located in close proximity to the textile souk. The mosque is an architectural magnificence and can easily be called one of the hidden gems on the emirate. Contrary to most other Dubai’s mosques that have simple exteriors, this mosque sports a unique characteristic of its outer walls. With its azure blue coloured faience tiles embellished with intricate floral motifs – a beautiful sigh indeed.
Go Atop The Dubai Frame
From there – you can head to Dubai Frame is one of the latest attractions on the Dubai skyline. This is where you can have one of the most unique views of the Old and New Dubai – highlighting the significant development the city has undergone over the decade. The attraction costs AED 50 for Adults and AED 20 for kids.
Sweet Ending To Your Trip
Optional – you can book yourself a Dune Bashing experience through a Desert Safari. Or a Dhow Cruise Dinner across Dubai Creek which would be the perfect, most Dubai-like fashion to end your trip. You can find some incredible deals online and its totally worth your time.
