– This post was written by Becky Wicks –
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Dubai? Look no further! This vibrant city offers a treasure trove of activities and attractions. From luxurious spas to fast cars, endless shopping to relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone. Even if you have just a day or two, you can make the most of your time and discover the best things to do in Dubai. Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to explore the city and create lasting memories – even if you have just 48 hours to spare!
How to get around Dubai
If you’re short on time, you’re going to need to know the ins and outs of navigating Dubai. Long story short, the Metro is your best bet for getting around Dubai! It’s fast, cheap, and reliable, and it sure beats sitting in traffic in a taxicab. It’s driverless, fully automated, and like most things in Dubai, air-conditioned for your comfort. Alternatively, taxis are abundant and if you can’t stand the heat en route to a Metro station, they’ll collect you outside any hotel or mall and save you from becoming a sweaty mess. Find out more on the best ways to get around Dubai.
Day One in Dubai
AM: Breakfast or brunch like a star
Rise and shine early and head for your first slice of indulgence. They’ve cracked it at Eggspectation down at JBR, with a giant menu of egg dishes. Next up, one of the best things to do in Dubai: beat the crowds and take one of the world’s fastest elevators all the way up to the 124th floor of the famous Burj Khalifa skyscraper. It’s only when you’re getting those falcon’s-eye views of Dubai that you can see just how far this crazy city has expanded, in the middle of a desert.
Or get over to The Dubai Fountain Show and Lake Ride. The small boat ride gets you as close to the leaping fountains as you can get without being in the water. There are over 6000 lights and 25 colored projectors. In fact, the whole show turns the water feature by Dubai Mall into a spectacular event that even Katy Perry couldn’t dream of for a music video.
If it’s Friday, cancel everything else. For a feast like no other, the Big Friday Brunch held weekly at Al Qasr Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai should be your top pick! It takes 130 chefs 48 hours to prepare this belly-busting spread of scrumptiousness. There’s meat, seafood, cheese, jellybeans, sushi (whatever you can imagine is probably there) plus 35 live cooking stations, and over 280 international dishes on the buffet tables. Wear loose pants.
PM: Aquariums and iconic landmarks
It’s time for adventure at the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis on The Palm. Dive or snorkel among the remains of the lost city of Atlantis and meet the 65.000 marine animals that call the ancient ruins their home. Real daredevils can opt for the predator dive: hand-feed the 14 different species of sharks and rays swimming among the artifacts.
After your visit to The Palm, just next door you can discover the world of luxury and fame at the Burj al Arab, renowned for its sail-shaped silhouette and as one of the most luxurious hotels worldwide. But you don’t need to be super rich to enter this incredible landmark!
Joining a Burj al Arab tour is a must-do experience that should be at the top of your list. It offers unmatched luxury, fantastic photo opportunities, exclusive access to different parts of the hotel, and a chance to learn about its rich culture. Make sure you don’t miss out on experiencing the splendid Burj al Arab on your next trip to the UAE. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to pass up!
Day Two in Dubai
Afterward, relax on the beach with views of the Dubai skyline, hit the spa (they have 27 treatment rooms), then glam up and watch the sun go down with a cocktail and dinner at Vu’s on the 50th floor of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Ah, bliss.
AM: Shop till you drop (with a twist)
You can’t come to the tax-free haven of Dubai without shopping, so get up early for a stroll around the souks in Bur Dubai (smell that spice!), then re-pack your wallet for a whizz about the Emirates Mall while it’s quiet.
How about combining your shopping mall activities with a bit of ice skating at the Olympic-sized ice-rink in the Dubai Mall? You might ache a bit afterward, or just be laden down with shopping bags. If so, schedule lunch at one of the many restaurants around the Dubai Fountains – designed by the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Vegas to shoot water up to 500 feet into the air.
PM: Flights of 5-star fancy
A Desert safari might be just what you need to remind you that a stopover in the Middle East isn’t all about extravagance. Take an exhilarating afternoon drive out into the dunes on a bumpy buggy, or even more extravagantly, take a Helicopter tour over Dubai! The views as the sun sets over the city are spectacular and even those humongous skyscrapers look tiny from above. Now that’s how you do Dubai!
Sheikh it up even more in Dubai. Looking for things to do with kids in Dubai? Take a read of this post or if you’re looking to take on the daring deserts of Dubai then take a look at all of the desert safari attractions available on Tiqets.com.
