Ultimate 2 Days in Dubai Itinerary
Looking for the perfect 2-day Dubai itinerary? You’re at the right place.
If you’re visiting Dubai for two days or fewer, you can still enjoy the highlights of this beautiful city without stressing yourself out.
In this ultimate travel itinerary, we tell you how to see the best of Dubai in 48 hours and tick off some of the best attractions, such as the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s souks, and a desert safari, from your bucket list.
Packed with glitz, glamour, and rich cultural charm, Dubai is one of the most popular places to visit in the Middle East. Whether you’re here for a short transit stay or a longer trip in the region, this Dubai two-day itinerary is sure to help you plan better.
Also Read: 13 Best Things to Do in Dubai
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2 Perfect Days in Dubai
Day 1: Old and New Dubai
Morning: Tour of Old Dubai
Start your 2-day Dubai adventure with a visit to the heritage neighborhood of Old Dubai.
Filled with ancient Emirati architecture, medieval marketplaces, and numerous museums, Old Dubai is a vibrant contrast to the city’s modern skyscrapers, offering a glimpse into its rich heritage and cultural roots.
Begin your walking tour at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Wander through the narrow lanes and admire traditional architecture such as wind towers, latticed windows, and coral stone houses. Stop by the Coffee Museum or the Coins Museum for a quick immersion into local history.
Hop on a traditional abra boat or water taxi and cross the Dubai Creek. Enjoy fantastic views of the bustling streets and Dubai skyline from the abra.
Arrive at the Deira neighborhood, which is dotted with medieval souks. Don’t miss the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. At the Spice Souk, pick up some fragrant spices and haggle for souvenirs. Marvel at the amount of gold on display at the Gold Souk.
★ Pro Tip: Book this highly-rated, budget-friendly Dubai Old Town tour.
Afternoon: Dubai Mall
After soaking up the charm of Old Dubai, it’s time to experience the city’s cosmopolitan side.
Head to Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, and enjoy much more than just shopping.
Marvel at over 30,000 marine animals at the famous Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. The massive tank houses sharks, rays, and mesmerizing schools of fish—great for kids and adults alike. Do not miss the King Crocodile, one of the main highlights.
Try go-karting at Ekart Zabeel or ice skating at the Dubai Ice Rink. The indoor ice rink is a refreshing change of pace from the desert heat, especially if you’re visiting in the summer.
Evening: Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain Show
Head to Burj Khalifa nearby to enjoy a beautiful sunset from the observation deck on the 124th floor. Sunset is one of the best times to climb to the Burj Khalifa and watch the city bathed in golden light.
Be sure to book your Burj Khalifa tickets in advance to avoid missing out on this must-have Dubai experience.
After enjoying the Burj Khalifa and the views, head down and claim a spot by the Dubai Fountain. Have fun watching an evening show of the Dubai Fountains, a dazzling blend of water, lights, and music.
Wrap up your first day with dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area that offer front-row views of the fountains. KATA, Joe’s Cafe, and Five Guys are all stellar choices!
★ Pro Tip: Get this Dubai Aquarium + Burj Khalifa Combo Ticket to save $$
Day 2: Dubai Beaches and Desert
Morning: Dubai Beaches
No trip to Dubai is ever complete without soaking up some sun along its gorgeous coastline.
Relax on the soft golden sands of Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach. With plenty of cafes and an energetic vibe, it’s perfect for starting your day.
Head to the Kite Beach, which is always filled with water sports enthusiasts. Try kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or wakeboarding, or just soak up the lively atmosphere.
Visit Palm Jumeirah, the iconic man-made archipelago. Stroll along The Pointe, set at the tip of the Palm, for fantastic seaside views, or head to Atlantis for more activities, including the Aquaventure Waterpark. Grab a ticket to the View at the Palm and enjoy one of the gorgeous vistas of the Palm and Dubai from the top.
Afternoon & Evening: Desert Safari
Even if you’re in Dubai for two short days, take some time to experience the magic of its sprawling desert.
Reserve the afternoon of Day 2 for an adventurous desert safari, which will combine excitement and cultural immersion.
Try sand surfing and dune bashing—unique and fun ways to experience the dunes. You can also try a camel ride and soak up the stunning desert views if you love that!
In the evening, head to your desert camp and enjoy traditional entertainment such as Tanoura shows, belly dancing, and fire performances.
Unwind as the day ends with a delicious buffet dinner. Savor local flavors like grilled meats, Arabic sweets, and fresh dates, all under the glittering stars.
Alternate Day 2 in Dubai Itinerary: Shopping, Museums, & Beach
Not too much into adventure and desert safaris? I understand. We have the perfect 2nd day in Dubai for you, filled with shopping, museums, and beach time.
Morning: Explore Dubai’s Museums
Start your day by immersing yourself in Dubai’s rich history and culture. With displays about history, coffee, coins, perfumes, poetry, and future visions, Dubai has a museum to accommodate every taste.
Some of my favorite Dubai museums that you can include in your itinerary are:
- Al Shindagha Perfume Museum in Old Dubai is dedicated to the UAE’s history of perfumes and fragrances.
- The Museum of the Future is a futuristic museum with an innovative design that takes you on a journey to the year 2071. Tickets to the Museum of the Future sell out months in advance, so you need to book yours as soon as possible.
- Saeed Al Maktoum House, set in the restored mansion of Dubai’s former ruler, showcases the city’s evolution from a fishing village to a shiny metropolis.
- Etihad Museum is a modern space dedicated to the UAE’s history and the key moments leading to the country’s founding.
Midday: Shop till you drop
Dubai is an absolute haven for shoppers. If you’re already in the Old Town area checking out the museums of Al Shindagha District, hop on an abra boat and take a walk through the Gold and Spice Souks in Deira. These bustling medieval markets offer incredible opportunities to shop for intricate jewelry, aromatic spices, and authentic souvenirs—a great way to take a piece of Dubai home with you.
Visit Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world. Here, you’ll find premium global brands and local boutiques for some high-end shopping. Dubai Mall is my favorite place to pick Middle Eastern fragrances, especially oud and musk.
If you prefer a more traditional experience nearby, check out Souk Al Bahar, a modern marketplace with traditional touches that features cool Dubai souvenirs.
Afternoon: Relax at Jumeirah Beach
Once your shopping bags are full, head to Jumeirah Beach for some well-deserved relaxation.
Jumeirah Beach offers golden sands, turquoise waters, and plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants. You can also get great shots of Burj Al Arab from here.
Unwind by the sea, take a dip in the water, or explore the beachfront promenade, which is filled with colorful murals and boutique shops.
Evening: Sunset Stroll and Dinner
Wrap your day with a serene sunset stroll along Jumeirah Corniche. The scenic pathway offers stunning views of the coastline and Dubai’s striking skyline.
For dinner, choose from the many charming restaurants and food trucks along the Corniche, which offer diverse cuisines and waterfront dining.
Practical Tips for Spending 2 Days in Dubai
- November – April are good months to visit Dubai. Temperatures are milder, and it is the best time to explore the outdoors. That said, if you’re visiting during the summer, you can easily pick indoor attractions for your Dubai itinerary because there’s a ton of indoor stuff to do here.
- Start your day early to beat the heat and maximize your time. Mornings are usually quieter, allowing you to take your photographs in peace.
- If you’re wondering how to get around, Dubai’s metro is quick and cheap, with stops at many key attractions. You can also use taxis or rideshares like Uber and Careem.
- I recommend wearing lightweight, modest clothing, especially if you’re visiting cultural sites like the older parts of Dubai and the traditional souks. For beaches, theme parks, and malls, you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in.
- I recommend booking tickets in advance for attractions like Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future, and Dubai Aquarium to avoid missing out.
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