Dubai is a city of superlatives. You can find the tallest buildings, the largest shopping malls, and the most luxurious hotel. Adding to this is the blend of futuristic innovation with ancient culture. If you’re visiting Dubai for the first time and only have 2 days to explore don’t worry—this guide on how to spend 48 hours in Dubai will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant, ever-changing city.
Get ready for a jam-packed itinerary that balances iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, and must-try experiences. There isn’t another place on Earth like this.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Dubai | The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors
Day 1: Dubai’s Iconic Sights
Morning: Start Your Day with the Burj Khalifa
Your first morning in Dubai should kick off with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Head up to the At the Top observation deck on the 124th floor for an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. At the time of writing, this costs around £38.20 per person. You can then customise this with a variety of different experiences, such as drinks or a sunrise tour. I loved my experience up here and really enjoyed looking out across the city’s skyline in contrast with the surrounding desert.
Late Morning: Explore Dubai Mall
Next up, take a short walk to the nearby Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in the world. The two are in the same complex and it won’t take long to get here. You could take some time to see the giant pool where the fountain show takes place each evening. This was designed by the same people who came up with the iconic one in Las Vegas.
Whilst it is famous for the myriad of luxury stores, there’s much more to do here than just shop. The Dubai Aquarium and the Underwater Zoo, is iconic and is located inside the mall. You can even spy some of the largest residents from the shops!
Afternoon: Head to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
After the hustle and bustle of downtown, it’s time to escape to Dubai’s historic side. Hop in a taxi and make your way to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where you can wander through traditional wind-tower houses and narrow lanes. You’ll find lots of murals here along with plenty of small shops and souks.
Take a traditional abra boat across the river and see the Grand Souks. Whilst I would personally say that there isn’t a lot here for the average tourist, it is still an experience. I loved the atmosphere here and the smells and colours were incredible. Definitely worth a visit and the boat ride across was also pretty fun!
You could stop for lunch at one of the cozy cafes here, where you can enjoy authentic Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, falafel, and fresh Arabic coffee.
Evening: Dinner in Dubai Centre and Fountain Show
Grab a taxi and head back into the centre of Dubai. I would go to the mall again and find something for dinner. Alternatively, if you fancy something a bit fancier, there are plenty of higher-end restaurants in this area. Once you have feasted on some Middle Eastern treats, it is time to watch the famous Fountain Show. This changes each night and it is certainly worth going to. To end the evening, head up to one of the city’s many rooftop bars. Our hotel, The Taj, had a great bar called Treehouse. I would recommend!
Day 2: Marina and the Beach
Morning: Dubai Marina
Wake up early and catch the metro towards the Marina. From here, you have a few different options. First up, I would suggest a morning stroll around the complex. The architecture here is arguably some of the best in Dubai and you have plenty of options for a morning coffee/ breakfast. It is a super-luxurious and expensive area and, whilst it may cost slightly more to eat here, there is an undeniably cool vibe that can only be found here.
Late Morning: Atlantis
No trip to Dubai would be complete without a bit of a chill by the Ocean. Where is more iconic than the Atlantis hotel, home to one incredible water park. Spend your morning catching some sun (either by the pool, beach or in the park) and enjoying being waited upon. There are also plenty of options for lunch here and there is even an aquarium. This is quite expensive again, but in all honesty, in-line with the majority of prices in Dubai.
Afternoon: The Museum of the Future
Catch the metro back and head to the Museum of the Future, a cutting-edge experience that’s both an architectural marvel and an exploration of what’s to come. The museum is filled with interactive exhibits on AI, space exploration, sustainability, and so much more It’s a fascinating place to visit, especially if you’re interested in technology and innovation. Don’t miss the stunning design of the building, which is a work of art in itself.
Evening: Explore La Mer Beach and Dinner at JBR
As your final evening in Dubai approaches, take it easy with a visit to La Mer Beach, a trendy area known for its cool cafes, art installations, and relaxed beach vibes. It is near the Museum and shouldn’t be too long (or an expensive) taxi ride. Spend some time soaking up the evening sun strolling along the promenade before heading to Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) for dinner. The JBR Walk offers a variety of restaurants and casual dining spots with views of the beach and the sparkling Dubai skyline. For a laid-back dinner, opt for seafood or Middle Eastern dishes while watching the sunset.
Tips for Your 48 Hours in Dubai
- Transportation: While taxis are widely available, the Dubai Metro is an affordable and efficient way to get around the city.
- Dress Code: Dubai is relatively liberal, but it’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting public places or cultural sites. I should say though that my husband wore shorts the entire time and it was absolutely fine.
- Climate: Dubai can get very hot, especially in summer, so bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. I would not recommend going in the summer months as a lot of this itinerary would be difficult.
Final Thoughts | How to Spend 48 Hours in Dubai
If you want to spend 48 hours in Dubai, then I think that this makes for an ideal stopover as you travel to some more far-flung places. However, check out my 24 Hours in Dubai blog post if you just want to experience this iconic city, but without eating too much into your holiday allowance. Either way, Dubai is a must-see and there is so much more to this place than what meets the eye.
