We Spent 2 Days in Dubai Like This, And You Should Too
Here’s the thing, if we could travel the world every day, we all would. But that doesn’t mean we can at least try to squeeze travel in between the hustle and bustle, right?
And if you have that time, you have to visit one of the best cities in the world. Do you only have 2 days in Dubai? That’s not a problem because we took a weekend break to create a special itinerary that should cover all your bases.
Pack your bags, put on your best walking shoes and let’s start going around Dubai on a two-day trip, shall we?
Best Time to Go to Dubai
Dubai is a great place to visit all-year round. But if you don’t have a lot of time, it’s best to go during the winter months from November to February.
Since the weather is warmer during this time of year, you won’t have a problem going around the city and spending time outdoors all day.
But here’s the catch: winter is also the peak season in Dubai, so expect everything to be pricier. Now, if you’re traveling on a budget, April to October is the cheapest time to visit the city.
However, you’d also be limited mostly to indoor attractions since the humidity can be unbearable.
Things to Know
Before we get into the details of your two-day itinerary in Dubai, here are some travel tips that you might find handy:
How to Get Around Dubai
- Trains: The Metro is your best bet if you want to get around Dubai fast, especially during rush hour. Just make sure to plan your routes ahead to avoid switching trains too much.
- Buses: This is a great option if you’re traveling to attractions far from Metro stations. You can also check out the hop-on/hop-off buses that start at the Dubai Mall and take you to key tourist attractions.
- Taxis: Take a taxi if you want to go around the city comfortably, but go for the regular cabs and those with meters to make sure that you don’t spend a lot on those taxi rides.
- Car service: If budget is no issue, you can always book a car service to take you around Dubai. You also have the option to drive a car rental if you want to.
Day One: Going Around Old and New Dubai
For your first day in Dubai, we’ll explore the old and new parts of the city to learn about its history, culture, evolution and a few other things in between.
Costing: | |
Abra Ride | AED 1 for every trip |
Metro Ride to Deira | AED 4 – AED 7 depending on starting point |
Shopping Money for the Souks | At least AED 200 |
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House Entry Fee | AED 15 for adults, AED 5 for children |
Cultural Meal Fee | AED 130 per person |
Dubai Museum Entry Fee | AED 3 per person |
Metro Ride from Bur Dubai to Jumeirah Beach | AED 5 per person |
Bus Ride from Jumeirah Beach to Downtown Dubai | AED 6 per person |
Burj Khalifa At the Top Experience | AED 159 per person |
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Entry Fee | AED 199 per person |
Dubai Ice Rink Entry Fee | Starts at AED 90 per person |
Ekart Zabeel Entry Fee | Starts at AED 95 per person |
Dubai Opera Entry Fee | Starts at AED 75 per person |
The Deira District
First stop is the Deira district in Old Dubai where you can see a different side of the city without the massive skyscrapers.
You can take the Metro and stop at the Al Ras Station or ride the abra to reach Deira, one of the oldest districts of Dubai.
From here, you can walk your way through the alleyways of Deira and immerse yourself in local culture. Here, you’ll also find three of the city’s best souks.
The gold souk is a treasure trove of gold, diamond and pearl jewelleries where you can find local artisans creating the most beautiful pieces. The best part is: everything is cheaper than when you buy in the mall.
If you love cooking, you’ll have a grand time shopping for authentic spices at the spice souk. You can even create your own spice concoction with your choice of spices.
The perfume souk is another must-visit when you’re in Deira because it has all the local scents that the Middle East is famous for. You can even ask one of the artisans to create a special scent for you.
Bur Dubai
After going around Deira, it’s time to cross the other side of Old Dubai on an abra. Once you arrive in Bur Dubai, walk along the Dubai Creek to take in the sights until you reach the house of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum.
The residence has now been converted into a museum with exhibits telling the story of the house, the royal family and the evolution of Dubai through historical documents.
After some history, walk to the heart of Bur Dubai to visit the old souk where you can find a lot of stores that sell everything from traditional clothing to souvenirs.
If you get hungry, enjoy lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding.
This cultural lunch will not only let you experience a traditional Emirati meal, but you’ll also learn a lot about the culture and traditions of the UAE.
Before leaving Old Dubai, make sure to stop by the Dubai Museum to learn more about the city’s past, present and future.
Jumeirah Beach
You can’t visit Dubai and not have that obligatory photo taken on the beach with Burj Al Arab in the background.
This famous spot is in Jumeirah Beach, one of the best public beaches in Dubai and a must-visit attraction if you’re traveling to Dubai during winter.
Here, you can spend the afternoon taking a dip, lounging by the beach and enjoying some local food from the many stalls in the area.
Downtown Dubai
After spending the afternoon on the beach, it’s time to explore the heart of the city by heading to Downtown Dubai.
Of course, your first stop should be in Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. You can take photos outside the building or if you have the budget, you can book the Burj Khalifa At the Top Experience.
While you’re in the area, explore the Dubai Mall right beside Burj Khalifa. The biggest mall in the city, you can do some serious shopping here.
But if you’re on a budget, there’s also plenty of attractions to explore in Dubai Mall. Check out the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo that’s home to more than 300 species of marine animals.
You can also go ice skating at the Dubai Ice Rink or e-karting at Ekart Zabeel. But if you want to relax, head outside the mall to watch the Dubai Fountain Show for free.
If you’re looking for good restaurants with a view, you can go to Souk Al Bahar where you’ll also find several shops that sell local products.
But if you’re a fan of the theater, you should catch a show at the Dubai Opera and end the night by strolling around Burj Lake.
Day Two: Exploring the Marina and Desert
You can’t visit Dubai without seeing the desert and going around the marina. So, day two will focus on these two locations.
Costing: | |
Dubai Afternoon Desert Safari | Starts at AED 175 per person |
Dubai Marina Sunset Cruise | Starts at AED 210 per person |
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
To start your second day in Dubai, go to one of the most beautiful parts of the city that takes you back to old Arabia.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a three-kilometer stretch of gardens and waterways where you can find shops, hotels and restaurants, all with stunning views of Burj Al Arab.
Here, you can enjoy breakfast to get your day started and do some shopping or just take photos of this beautiful space. You can also drop by the Theater of Digital Art Dubai if you’re into virtual reality.
Desert Safari
The real highlight of your second day is the desert safari tour where you can spend the afternoon.
Most tour operators offer afternoon desert safari packages that include pick up and drop off to and from your hotel, activities, refreshments and entertainment.
You can choose the type of package based on what you want to experience and how much you’re willing to spend.
You’ll start your journey with a one-hour drive out in the desert where you’ll be treated to a thrilling dune bashing experience.
You can also take advantage of other activities like camel riding, quad biking and sandboarding.
After all that adventure, you’ll visit an Arabian camp where you can enjoy some refreshments before heading back to the city to enjoy the rest of your last day in Dubai.
Dubai Marina
There’s no better way to end a memorable two-day trip to Dubai than a sunset dinner cruise across Dubai Marina.
Here, you’ll be treated to a beautiful ride on a dhow cruise, a traditional Arabian boat that will take you around the stunning Dubai Marina where you’ll see all those massive skyscrapers fully lit and the yachts parked on the pier.
As you soak in these views, you’ll also be treated to a dinner feast of authentic Middle Eastern dishes that will surely make for the perfect meal to end your trip to the city.
Where to Stay in Dubai
The Lana, Dorchester Collection
Address: The Gallery – Marasi Drive – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 541 7777
Pricing: $$$
The Lana is a 225-room hotel in Downtown Dubai that’s set to redefine luxury in the city. With stunning views of the marina and Burj Khalifa, this is one of the best places to stay if you want to be near everything.
Each suite at The Lana is also carefully designed and furnished with everything that you’ll need for a comfortable stay including a walk-in closet, a living and dining area, a separate bedroom and a kitchenette.
Of course, you get to relax in a 100% goose-down duvet on a Vispring mattress, the same ones used at Buckingham Palace.
Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens
Address: The Onyx – Tower 3 – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 519 1111
Pricing: $$$
Zabeel House by Jumeirah is a boutique hotel with rooms and suites designed after those beautiful New York lofts featuring open floor layout plans.
Here, you also get to enjoy amenities like the city’s first all-organic spa, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a rooftop lounge where you can find Kinoya, and a workspace for those professionals on the go.
Al Seef Heritage Hotel
Address: Dubai Creek – Al Seef Street – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 707 7080
Pricing: $$
If you want to soak in Dubai’s history, the Al Seef Heritage Hotel can give you that and more. Located in the historical Al Seef district, this hotel gives you views of the Dubai Creek.
The entire hotel is also designed after the heritage houses in Dubai but each suite is furnished with all the modern amenities that you’d want in a luxury hotel.
The best part about staying in Al Seef Heritage Hotel is that a lot of Dubai’s attractions are just a few minutes walk away.
Where to Eat in Dubai
Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe
Address: Ground Floor – Dubai Festival City Mall Near P.F. Chang’s – Canal Walk – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 232 9966
Pricing: $$
If you can only eat in one Emirati restaurant during your trip, make it Al Fanar. This restaurant has been an institution in Dubai for years serving guests with authentic Emirati cuisine.
Here, you don’t only enjoy good food but you also learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage. So, it’s no wonder that Al Fanar has been on the Michelin Guide for two years.
La Dame de Pic Dubai
Address: 25th Floor – The Link – Za’abeel 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 666 1617
Pricing: $$$
With 10 Michelin stars to her name, Chef Anne-Sophie Pic takes her famous elevated French cuisine offerings to Dubai with La Dame de Pic.
This beautiful restaurant is the perfect place to treat yourself on a gastronomic journey where each dish is carefully prepared using French techniques and the best quality ingredients.
Estiatorio Milos
Address: Atlantis The Royal – Crescent Road – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 2555
Pricing: $$$
If you’re craving good seafood with Mediterranean flavors, head to the beautiful Greek restaurant Estiatorio Milos.
Here, you get to choose from a wide array of fresh seafood delivered directly from Greece and let Chef Costas Spiliadis and his team create a special meal for you.
Apps to Download When Visiting Dubai
Visit Dubai: The app that contains useful information about Dubai’s tourist attractions
S’hail: Useful for commuting around Dubai since it contains all the details you need about the city’s public transport network
Uber: Booking a private car service to take you around Dubai
Careem: Dubai’s local version of Uber for private car service