Once a trading city in the desert, it is now known for its glitz, impressive architecture, the world’s largest shopping centre, and being your stopover on the way to Europe. This Middle East destination is so much more than that!
Whether you’re on a layover between continents or planning your own short getaway, this Dubai itinerary for 2 days is designed to help you maximise every hour. From hidden alleys to traditional souks, the vast desert where you can go dune bashing and finish up with a feast and activities that involve experiencing the traditional Emirati culture!
After many trips myself, ranging from solo travel ticking off my Italy bucket list to wholesome family adventures, I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) in a short city blitz. In this guide, I’ll walk you through where to stay, what to do, how to get around, and best times to visit – plus some alternatives if your plans or energy change. Think of this as your fast-track Dubai playbook.
Related: “Best Things to do in Laos for a First Time Visit”
Are Two Days in Dubai Enough?
Absolutely – two days in Dubai can be enough to get a taste of what makes the city so iconic. Most travellers use Dubai as a stopover destination – either flying through from another country or combining it with other UAE adventures. If you plan well, those 48 hours can give you a mix of both the modern and traditional sides of the city.
You’ll want to prioritise: check out Old Dubai, hop between chic rooftop bars, marvel at the skyline, perhaps desert dune driving, and relax in the desert or beach somewhere. Everything won’t be possible, but this Dubai itinerary packs in a strong flavour that leaves you wanting more (in a good way).
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dubai is from November through March, when temperatures are more comfortable, humidity is lower, and outdoor sightseeing is far more enjoyable.
During these months, there are also many cultural events, outdoor markets, and festivals that light up the city. Crowds are larger and hotel rates tend to be higher, but so is the overall experience.
If you’re travelling in hotter months (April-October), expect scorching heat in summer (June-August) that makes midday outdoor activity tough. One silver lining: deals tend to be better, and attractions are less crowded. Just plan your itinerary to start early or focus indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
Dubai Itinerary for 2 Days Overview
Here’s a suggested breakdown for your two days in Dubai — you can mix and match based on your interests and travel pace.
Day 1: Modern Dubai highlights
Morning: Burj Khalifa + Dubai Mall, lunch
Afternoon: Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis Aquaventure (if interested), beach time
Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant, maybe the Dubai Fountain show
Day 2: Old Dubai & unique experiences
Morning: Old Dubai (Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi District, Abra ride)
Afternoon: Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal), or alternative gardens/parks
Evening: Cultural dinner, explore souks or Night Safari (or an evening tour)
Day 1- Dubai Itinerary for 2 Days
Walk along Dubai Marina
Poised with the best of Dubai’s skyline, Dubai Marina is a must visit place to witness the grandeur of the crown of UAE. Forging the city’s busiest neighbourhood, Dubai Marina is a haven or the luxury yachts. If you have some extra dirhams to spare in your Dubai itinerary for 2 days, Dubai Marina is just the right place to spend it. From delicious dining to extravagant shopping, there’s something for everyone here.
If you are visiting Dubai in the summer try not to be outside in the sun walking for too long. As it the temperatures can get up to 50c!
Closest Metro Station: Tram Station
JBR Walk
The Jumeriah Beach Residence, also knowns as the JBR Walk is a 1.7 km long pathway which has amazing building on one side and beautiful white sand beach on the other. With a string of dining options, you can have sumptuous breakfast in one of the outdoor dining areas.
With your appetite satisfied, head for the Sunset beach near the Jumeriah Beach Hotel. The deep turquoise blue water and the soft sand will help you relax and rejuvenate.
Closest Metro Station: Sharaf DG Metro Station
Lunch at Mythos Kouzina & Grill
When it’s time for lunch, past the tram station towards JLT cluster and you will find Mythos Kouzina & Grill.
Mythos Kouzina & Grill is bringing authentic Greek food to the table. The simple, yet appetizing menu is a compilation of traditional Greek recipes and dishes. As you feast on your favourite specialities, you’ll find that all the food is prepared with the freshest, hand-selected ingredients creating a style that’s pure, light and healthy.
Desert Safari
There are lots of great things to do in Dubai and a desert safari would have to be one of our favourites!
Spend the afternoon on a Desert Safari tours to experience the magic of Dubai’s sand dunes. A point to remember is that dune bashing is not for people who are prone to motion sickness. If you are not among them then it is one of a kind experience!
Included in your desert safari is dune bashing, camel meeting, sand boarding, we also met an eagle! Lip smacking buffet options, soulful music, amazing belly dance and other entertainment options will leave you spell bound.
One tip is when booking a travel agency, ask them where is to be held. If it’s about 30 minutes from Dubai then you will find a mix of white and red sand. If you want to enjoy endless sand dunes and capture some amazing pics then opt the tour that is further away.
Suggested Tours: Premium Red Dunes & Camel Safari, Morning Safari, Bike the Red Dunes
Tour Timing: 8:30 am – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Cost: 70USD +
Day 2: Visit the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Souks
Burj Khalifa the next morning
Head to Burj Khalifa early morning to capture a spectacular view of Dubai from a high vantage point.
Ride a taxi since the Dubai metro is still closed at dawn. Capture some amazing pics from the observation deck of the tallest building. You can opt for the sunrise viewing on Friday and Saturday or opt for a regular view at 8 am. I would definetly factor this into your Dubai budget as it is one of the things to do in Dubai.
After having an amazing view have sumptuous breakfast at the various outdoor dining stores that would be open by the time you come down from Burj Khalifa.
Closest Metro Station: Dubai Mall Station
Tickets: Burj Khalida Tickets
Timings: Entry at the Top is between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm and between 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm
Price: 70USD +
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Next head to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Looking at the massive size of the aquarium you would wonder if it is really possible to build such a huge aquarium and have such exotic species of aquatic animals.
This aquarium holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest acrylic panel. It holds 10 million litres of water and is house to over 33,000 aquatic animals of over 140 species. There are over 300 rays and sharks including the largest collection of sand sharks.
It is also house to a king croc which is a sight to behold. Don’t miss the walkthrough tunnel 11 metres below the surface tank which allows you to enjoy a 270 degree view of the aquarium.
Closest Metro Station: Dubai Mall Station
Cost: Standard ticket: AED 55 and above
Time: 10am – 2am
Editors Tip: If you have any kids (or your a big kid yourself) check out some of the best water parks in Dubai. Perfect for entertaining the kids and cooling off in the Dubai heat!
Dubai Mall
One of the most iconic malls of the world, the Dubai mall is as grand as it can get. With over 1200 retail outlets, 150 food court restaurants, 25-screen multiplex cinema, Olympic ski rink and a lot many more; this amazing mall witnesses thousands of eager tourists everyday. While many are there to shop, some come to the mall just to experience it grandeur and magnificence.
End the day by Shopping at the Dubai Souks
The souks, also popularly known as the bazaars of Dubai are its pride. No matter how small is your visit, these iconic souks of Dubai just can’t be missed out. From glittering gold jewelry to handcrafted fabrics, authentic oud fragrances to easy-on-pocket pickup items, souks of Dubai is always shimmering with vibrancy, thus making it a must visit.
While on your visit to the souks, don’t forget to enjoy an exquisite ride in the “abra”, the traditional way of transportation used by the people of Dubai in the ancient era but it is still being used and costs not more than AED 1. At the Dubai souqs, rest assured of bargaining to your heart’s content.
Where to Stay in Dubai
There is a huge range of accommodation available in Dubai from budget apartment options to luxe 5-star suites. The best areas to stay at are Bur Dubai, Deira, Jumeirah Beach and Dubai Marina especially if you opt to rent a car in Dubai.
Editors Recommendations
Budget- Vida Downtown, Atana Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton
Mid-Range-Hyatt Regency, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel
Luxury- Millennium Place Dubai Marina, Lavista Holidays – Burj Vista, Atlantis The Palm, Duba
Where to Stay in Dubai
There is a huge range of accommodation available in Dubai from budget apartment options to luxe 5-star suites. The best areas to stay at are Bur Dubai, Deira, Jumeirah Beach and Dubai Marina especially if you opt to rent a car in Dubai.
Editors Recommendations
Budget- Vida Downtown, Atana Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton
Mid-Range-Hyatt Regency, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel
Luxury- Millennium Place Dubai Marina, Lavista Holidays – Burj Vista, Atlantis The Palm, Duba
While it is a fact that not everyone can spare days for leisure travel, an undeniable fact remains that an itinerary however efficient cannot do justice to the grandiosity of Dubai.
Tourists have stayed here for months and still couldn’t explore the essence of Dubai in its true sense, so its difficult to say that a 2 day itinerary of Dubai will do any justice. However, Dubai is on the bucket list of almost every traveller across the globe, so a trip to this magnificent city, however short should never be denied.
So that was our Dubai itinerary for 2 days! Have you been to Dubai before? What was your favourite thing to do? Let us know in the comments below!
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One Response
My favorite day was still heading out to the desert!