As the lyrics of the popular track ‘Money, Money’ by ABBA goes, it’s always sunny in a rich man’s world, and never does that statement achieves fulfillment better than in Dubai (both figuratively and literally). Indeed, let’s not fool ourselves; 48 hours is hardly enough time to spend in the swankiest and most luxurious city in the world. But to those who are under constraints as regards to time, I say this: do not despair, for we can help with that.
What you, dear reader, can expect from this article is a comprehensive guide on how to go about your visit to Dubai. Thank us later.
Visiting all the exotic places in Dubai will take a week at least. Since we are covering the main places in Dubai in 48 hours, you may need to wake up earlier than usual to enjoy the city’s beauty.
Day 01: Morning
5:00 a.m.: Check out the Dubai Skyline from sea
Start your day in Dubai by taking a relaxing boat ride along the breathtaking coastline. As you glide over the glittering waters, take in the stunning views of Dubai’s iconic skyline. Check out how some of the world’s tallest buildings such as Burj Khalifa and Marina Tower look in the quiet early morning.
While onboard, don’t forget to snap plenty of pictures to capture this unforgettable moment. You’ll also get a chance to see famous landmarks like Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm up close from a new perspective.
As you make your way through the calm waters, listen to soothing music and enjoy complimentary refreshments offered on board. There is no better way to start your morning than with a refreshing sea breeze and panoramic views of one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
7 a.m.: Hit the beach
Next is the beach. A morning at the beach in Dubai is an absolute must-do activity for every visitor.
The city has some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches that are perfect for a refreshing dip or simply laze around on the sand, basking in the sun.
One of these popular spots is Jumeirah Beach. It offers plenty of facilities, including showers, changing rooms, and cafes.
It’s also one of the top places to snap a photo with Burj Al Arab as its backdrop.
Kite Beach is another great choice for those looking for something quieter and away from crowds. This stretch of white sand lies right below Burj Al Arab and boasts stunning views of a sail-shaped structure.
Visitors can indulge in various water sports activities such as kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding.
If you’re not keen on getting wet, try renting a sunbed under an umbrella. Now you can read your favorite book or listen to music while sipping on fresh coconut water.
10:00 a.m.: Visit the World’s Largest Mall – Dubai Mall
Astonishing details I’ve heard of about the largest mall in the world is the story of a certain Korean man who waited for two hours for a parking spot. It was, as he would realize upon entering Dubai Mall, totally worth it. With over 1,200 shops in it, the very entrance that the mall made into the field of tourism is a spectacle. This is the next generation of shopping malls, with luxury, convenience, and entertainment all mixed into one.
While Dubai Mall is one of the best places to shop in Dubai and shopping here is quite exciting, the mall is also home to several other amazing attractions. One of the places that you must visit here is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Apart from this, there is VR Park Dubai, a theme park that is based on virtual reality and augmented reality. There is Kidzania Dubai that would keep the little ones busy and entertained. Dubai Mall also has a multiplex theatre and a huge food mall. Outside the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Fountain which performs a marvelous light and sound show every evening.
And as if that’s not enough incentive to visit the place, some kind fellow even put up the tallest building in the world right next to it. How sweet of him.
Day 01: Afternoon
02:00 p.m.: Lunch Near Burj Khalifa
Now it is time for some lunch. If you’re looking for lunch options near Burj Khalifa, there are several great choices to suit different preferences and budgets.
- Armani/Mediterraneo offers Mediterranean cuisine and stunning views of Dubai Fountain
- Atmosphere provides an international menu with the freshest ingredients and breathtaking views.
- Bice Mare serves Italian seafood dishes.
- The Eloquent Elephant has a range of international cuisine and beverages
- While the Punjab Grill offers authentic Indian specialties like butter chicken and lamb rogan josh.
04:00 p.m.: Soar above Dubai Marina (30 minutes)
Experience Dubai Marina from above with a 30-minute helicopter ride, giving you a bird’s eye view of the area’s towering skyscrapers and luxurious yachts.
The ride offers incredible perspectives of the architecture and design that make up the skyline, including well-known landmarks such as Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Atlantis The Palm.
It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you awe-inspired and perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to capture memories forever. Why not add this to your itinerary? It’s worth every penny!
Day 1: Evening
05:00 p.m.: Recharge with a view at Dubai Eye
After a long day of exploring Dubai, it’s time to recharge and relax with a stunning view. Experience the stunning panoramic view of Dubai’s skyline from the Dubai Eye, one of the world’s largest observation wheels at 210 meters tall.
Enjoy breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, relax in a luxurious capsule, and capture stunning photographs while sipping on refreshments. It is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed for solo travelers, friends, or family.
06:00 p.m.: See the City Lights From the Top of the Burj Khalifa
When it comes to tall buildings, it doesn’t get any better than this. The Burj Khalifa, at 828 metres high, would be head and shoulders above other buildings in terms of height, except that buildings don’t have heads or shoulders.
Phenomenally tall and exceptionally sleek, this is the height of luxury (pun intended). The tower, which has residences, a hotel and offices, has multiple swimming pools, the fastest elevators in the world and an all-round luxurious, welcome-to-Dubai kind of atmosphere. If you want to have some money left by the time you leave the city, you can even shun all of these and observe the city from the highest observation deck in the world At The Top, instead.
08:00 p.m.: Cruise Away on Dubai Creek
Dubai sightseeing and mall shopping, though quite exciting, can be equally tiring. However, you do not have to sit in your hotel room while being sad that you do not have much time to view the sparkling city of Dubai. A distinctive way to sightseeing Dubai, while giving your hurting legs the much needed rest, is to go on a dhow cruise in Dubai Creek.
The dhow cruise is a beautifully decorated Bedouin-style dhow that has been turned into a restaurant. While the dhow cruises along the Dubai Creek, you not only have the benefit of viewing the skyline of the city but also savoring some luscious continental food. Entertainment programs like Tanoura dancing, live music show, etc. are a part of the dhow cruise dinner on Dubai Creek.
Day 02:Morning
10:00 a.m. : Dubai Museum
Spend your second day in Dubai exploring the past of the city. Dubai is a relatively new city and all the development that you see around you has happened in the last 4-5 decades. Before it became a glamorous city, Dubai was a simple and modest village which was sustained by fishing and pearl diving. If you are fascinated about the history of the city and how it grew into this expansive city, the Dubai Museum is a place you must visit.
The Dubai Museum takes you back to the past of the city, where you would be able to see the houses, villages, markets and lifestyle of the city. There is also a video at the end of the tour where you would see how the growth and development of the city over the past few decades.
11:00 a.m: The Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future near Sheikh Zayed Road is a striking building showcasing cutting-edge technology exhibits, making it a must-see destination for technology and innovation enthusiasts.
Thousands of individual metal plates make up an impressive exterior. The interactive displays on anything from sustainability to robotics make for engaging learning experiences inside.
One of the highlights is a 360-degree cinematic adventure that takes viewers through time and space, featuring underwater explorations and futuristic cityscapes. The museum also hosts events like industry talks and workshops on emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, making it well worth a visit on any two-day Dubai itinerary.
Day 2: Afternoon
01:00 p.m.: Lunch in Old Dubai
Old Dubai offers traditional Arabic cuisine that food lovers should explore for an authentic experience highlighting the culture and flavors of the region. Al-Fahidi Street’s restaurants offer Emirati food like lamb machboos and chicken biryani with salad, bread, and refreshing drinks.
Deira’s Spice Souk is a market with exotic spices worldwide that visitors can purchase as ingredients or souvenirs. Arabic sweet shops are famous for Luqaimat and Kunafa, while cafes offer shisha and Karak tea, a spiced tea made using condensed milk, to end gastronomic adventures.
Old Dubai’s culinary scene is an unforgettable cultural experience for any vibrant city trip.
03:00 p.m.: Bastakiya Quarter
Close to the Dubai Museum is the Bastakiya Quarter, the oldest neighbourhood of Dubai. While part of it was erased for development purposes, a small section has been still preserved beautifully. At the Bastakiya Quarter, you would get to walk through narrow winding lanes, view the beautiful old-fashioned houses, the unique wind towers, which would all take you back to the times gone by.
Some of the houses have been transformed into cafes, art galleries and museums. One of the best places to visit here is the Coffee Museum, where you would get to know all about the history of coffee, right from the time it was originated. It is also a great place to try the most delicious and aromatic Arabic coffee.
You Need To Know – Dubai Safari Park
Day 2: Evening
04:00 p.m.: Desert Safari
Don’t get me wrong here: Dubai is a truly cosmopolitan enough city, one that’s far more dependent on advanced technology than most others. If you think of camels or wonder what you’ll do without Starbucks, you’re sorely mistaken and you really need to Google ‘Dubai skyline’.
However, having said this, it’s an undeniable fact that it is a desert city. If you’ve ever wanted to partake in the mysterious delights of a desert safari tour, you won’t find a better place to do so than in Dubai (and a better time to do it than night-time). The evening desert safari includes adventurous activities like dune bashing, camel riding, quad biking and sandboarding. You would also get to see some amazing performances by Tanoura and belly dancers. The desert safari ends with a hearty BBQ meal where you would get to enjoy some delicious Emirati cuisine. With all its attractions and activities, the desert safari would surely be one of the most profound experiences you’ll ever have.
08:00 pm: Enjoy dinner with a view at Souk Madinat
As your two-day adventure in Dubai comes to a close, there’s no better way to end it than with a memorable dining experience. Head over to Souk Madinat for dinner and enjoy the stunning view of Burj Al Arab set against the Arabian Gulf.
With its traditional Middle Eastern architecture, bustling market stalls, and vibrant atmosphere, Souk Madinat is an excellent place to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Treat yourself to some delicious local cuisine while taking in the sights and sounds around you.
Of course, 48 hours are way too less when it comes to holidaying in Dubai. However, it would give you a taste of this wonderful city and you would surely want to come back for more.
