Dubai is an insanely popular travel destination (would you believe last year it was the 3rd most visited city in the world). Its popularity is in part thanks to its convenient geographical location – in the travel industry it’s dubbed as a ‘continent-connector’ because it connects Europe, Asia, and Africa. But, Dubai is also a super-unique place to visit with loads to do – which is why we’ve visited the city twice now.
Dubai has literally been built in the middle of the desert, when you see it from above, this huge skyscraper-filled city looks out of place in the vast desert that surrounds it. It’s a glitzy city with some of the best restaurants and hotels in the world located here. And it’s also home to the world’s tallest building and the biggest shopping mall in the world.
But, what I loved the most about the city was actually its more traditional side, I loved exploring the souks and going on a dhow cruise (a traditional boat).
Spending two days in Dubai is a popular amount of time to spend in the city. If you follow my suggested itinerary below, you’ll get to see the city’s most famous attractions like the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Frame. As well as tick off its best tours like a Dhow Cruise and a Desert Safari!
Day One – Visit a Market, Desert Safari, Dhow Cruise
Morning – Visit a market
On your first morning here, we recommend heading to a souk (an Arab Market) to get familiar with Dubai’s traditional culture.
As I said, souks are traditional markets that have existed for decades now. The most popular is the Gold Souk, which has more than 300 stores selling gold and other precious jewelry. Next to it is the Perfume and Spice Souks, where you can buy traditional fragrances like oud and attar, modern perfumes, spices, herbs, and more. There is also a Fabric Souk, where you can buy a variety of colorful and beautiful fabrics.
We got a taxi from our hotel to the Gold Souk, it took around 15 minutes and cost 48 AED (around €12), I believe). I recommend getting here early, i.e. before 9 am to beat the crowds.
Afternoon – Desert Safari
After a somewhat relaxing morning, this afternoon, it’s all about getting your adrenalin pumping on a desert safari through a huge desert on the outskirts of Dubai.
Yup, a Desert Safari is an unforgettable experience where visitors can enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, quad biking, and a BBQ dinner under the stars. Operated by the Dubai Safari Tour, this safari offers thrilling 4×4 rides across the desert followed by traditional entertainment such as belly dancing and fire shows.
- Timings: Operates from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, perfect for catching the sunset.
- Weather: Best enjoyed during the cooler months from November to March.
- Cautions: Not recommended for people with motion sickness or back problems due to the intensity of dune bashing.
- Price: 150-300 AED per person depending on the package which can be found at www.dhowdubai.com.
- Pros: Exciting adventure combined with cultural activities.
- Cons: Can be uncomfortable during the hot summer months.
Evening – Dhow Cruise at Dubai Marina
A Dhow Cruise on Dubai Marina offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Aboard the Dhow (traditional boat-turned restaurant), visitors can enjoy a buffet dinner while cruising past iconic landmarks such as Ain Dubai and the illuminated skyline of JBR.
If you’re a foodie looking for a unique dining experience, you must go on a dhow cruise. There are all sorts of dishes on offer, from traditional Emirati to International cuisine and it’s all been prepared by a top chef. There’s also live entertainment during the meal, which was actually really good!
- Timings: Evening cruises, usually from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
- Weather: Ideal year-round, though the evenings are more pleasant in winter.
- Cautions: Ensure to book in advance as these cruises tend to fill up quickly during the tourist season.
- Price: 200-350 AED per person for dinner cruises.
- Pros: A relaxing experience with stunning views and delicious food.
- Cons: Limited activities onboard; may not appeal to thrill-seekers.
Day Two – Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Mall of the Emirates
Morning – Burj Khalifa – At the Top
No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The observation deck on the 124th and 148th floors offers panoramic views of the city, desert, and ocean.
And this morning we recommend getting here early to see the city waking up from the observation decks. At the Top at the Burj Khalifa opens at 8 am. If you wish, you could have breakfast at the At.mosphere Restaurant on the 122nd floor
- Timings: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Weather: Indoor attraction, so weather is not a concern.
- Cautions: Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines, especially during peak hours.
- Price: 149-600 AED depending on the level you choose to visit.
- Pros: Unparalleled views of Dubai; ideal for photography.
- Cons: It can be crowded during peak times and pricey for some visitors.
You can book your ticket for the Observation Deck at the Burj Khalifa here for $57 USD!
Late Morning – Check out the Dubai Frame
Not too far from the Burj Khalifa, around a 15-minute taxi ride away, is one of Dubai’s newer attractions – the Dubai Frame. This unique building in the shape of a photo frame offers a 360-degree view of the city from a height of 150 meters. One side shows the modern skyline, while the other showcases the older parts of Dubai.
- Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Weather: Indoor attraction with an outdoor deck; best visited during cooler months for the outdoor portion.
- Cautions: Not ideal for those with a fear of heights as it features a glass-bottom walkway.
- Price: 50 AED for adults; 20 AED for children.
- Pros: Offers unique views of both old and new Dubai.
- Cons: Smaller attraction compared to others in Dubai.
You can purchase a skip-the-line ticket for the Dubai Frame here for 60 AED.
Afternoon – Go skiing at the Mall of the Emirates
A surreal experience for sure – at Ski Dubai you can try out skiing indoors in the Mall of the Emirates. It’s a 20-minute taxi ride from the Dubai Frame. Here, you can also try out snowboarding, zorbing, ziplining, or playing with penguins. It’s the largest indoor snow park in the world and it’s a must-do for any families visiting Dubai.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (varies slightly on weekends).
- Weather: Always a chilly -2°C inside, regardless of the outside temperature.
- Cautions: Dress warmly; ski clothing is available for rent, but you may want extra layers.
- Price: 150-500 AED depending on the activities.
- Pros: Unique winter experience in the desert.
- Cons: Expensive for a short visit.
Evening – Shopping at Dubai Mall and check out the Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Mall is not just a shopping destination but an entertainment hub. Highlights include the Dubai Aquarium, VR Park, and The Dubai Fountain, where nightly water shows attract huge crowds.
Back to the shopping – I LOVE to shop and even I was blown away by the sheer size of the Dubai Mall (there are 1,200 stores here!). Let’s just say if you’re a shopaholic, like me then allow at least a couple of hours here. I needed to check on an extra bag for all the clothes I bought in Anthropologie, Zara, Maje, and more!
- Timings: Mall: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Fountain shows: Every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- Weather: Indoor, climate-controlled environment.
- Cautions: Expect large crowds, particularly during weekends and holidays.
- Price: Free to visit the mall and watch the fountain show, but activities like the aquarium cost 100+ AED.
- Pros: A mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment; great for families.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming due to its sheer size and crowds
Getting around Dubai
One of the best things about Dubai is its reliable public transport. The metro service in Dubai is cheap and public buses are also available to most places in the city. The hop-on-hop-off bus that departs from Dubai Mall is very handy, too!
If you want to get from A to B quickly and easily you can choose a taxi or Uber. You can pick up a taxi pretty much anywhere in Dubai and they’re not too expensive. We used taxis most of the time when we visited Dubai.
Where to stay in Dubai
I’ve visited the city a couple of times and below are my favorite hotels in Dubai –
- Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina – This hotel is located in the lovely and vibrant marina and features a pool, gym, restaurant, and comfortable and spacious rooms. It also offers free valet parking for guests! Rooms here average around $145 USD per night.
- Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort – If you’re looking for a beachy place to spend the night in Dubai, look no further than the Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort has direct beach access, a swimming pool, and a gym. It’s stylishly decorated and has a beachy vibe. It’s also very family-friendly with lots of kids’ activities on offer. Rooms here are around $140 USD per night.
- Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah – This 5-star property is situated on West Palm Beach and offers stunning views over the Arabian Gulf. It features an oceanfront pool, 10 bars and restaurants, a Spa, and so much more. It’s luxury for a good price with rooms averaging $175 USD per night.
The best time to visit Dubai
I recommend visitng Dubai in the cooler months, from November to March. As that is officially the winter season in Dubai. The temperature during the winter months sits somewhere between 14 Celsius to 26 Celsius (57 – 79 Fahrenheit). This means you can explore Dubai’s outdoor attractions like a desert safari comfortably during the day. Which can be hard to enjoy during the harsh summer months (when temperature can soar above 50 Celsius!!)
Thanks for Reading!
I hope I’ve given you some major wanderlust and you’re looking forward to spending two days in Dubai. As you’ve read there’s something for everyone in Dubai, from the family-friendly indoor skiing at the Mall of the Emirates to the adrenalin-pumping desert safari tour.
Last Updated on October 11, 2024 by snaphappytravel