Dubai, the city of god, is a perfect integration of modernity and tradition. Dubai is an incredible place, full of luxury, culture and excitement and without a second thought you can have it all in just 48 hours in Dubai .From the iconic Burj Khalifa, Atlantis The Palm, shopping in The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall, amazing Emirati delicacies (like machboos and shawarma) and a culture that is so deeply rooted, that it is hard to resist . Whether you are simply checking out the fancy places or just being part of that busy atmosphere, Dubai is indeed worth experiencing. Here is the ultimate guide to experience the rich culture and modernity by spending 48 hours in Dubai .
Day 1
1. Exclusive Breakfast At Arabian Tea House
- Arabian Tea House.
- Timings: Mon- Sun – 7 am-11 pm,
- Location – Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai.
You can start your day in Dubai with Arabian Tea House . As we know, breakfast in Dubai is a wonderful mix of food and culture. To fully experience the culture in Dubai, let’s kick-start our 48 hours in Dubai trip with an Emirati breakfast at a local restaurant and experience. The first go to place to start the day is the Arabian Tea House (in Bur Dubai) for a traditional Emirati breakfast. Here one can choose one of their breakfast trays, which come with dates, molasses, Balaleet, watermelon jam and baked beans.
2. Discover Historic Ride an Abra boat on Dubai Creek
- Timing : Mon – Sun – 06:00 am – 12:00 am
- Dubai Old Souk to Al Sabkha Abra (CR2) 24 hours Timing
- Location : Dubai Creek
During the day, we, too, can amble along Dubai Creek, the historic waterway with a wealth of influence on the city over the centuries. To begin a culturally rich evening in Old Dubai, one can hop on an abra and cross the creek. Arguably, Dubai’s costs are around Dhs1, which is worth of value. This traditional experience of crossing the creek will take you on a journey through Dubai’s past. It is advised to visit this in the first half of your exploring so it will not be blazing hot until the heat begins to set in.Thus this is also the best thing to explore within 48 hours in Dubai .
3. Shopping in the Gold Souk
- Gold Souk
- Timing : Friday: 4 pm to 10 pm.
- Sat to Thur : 10 am – 10 pm
- Location: Deira, Al Ras, Dubai
Here, post a boat ride one can experience the cultural heritage of Dubai by visiting the Gold Souk (markets). It is a lively and bustling marketplace. You can negotiate a price for sparkling gold and jewels. One can also explore the traditional shops in Al Seef and appreciate the taste of a traditional touch . The rustic buildings, wind-tower designs and narrow passageways, all while soaking in the fragrance, one can experience the sights and sounds of traditional Dubai. The 48 hours in Dubai can definitely be worth shopping for in this Gold Souk.
4. Discover Dubai Mall: The Ultimate Destination
- Dubai Mall
- Timing – 10 am to 11 pm
- Location – Downtown, Dubai Mall
The next place for an all-in-one experience for everything be it retail and entertainment related there is no bigger option than Dubai Mall. It is one of the largest shopping malls in the world with shops, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment options to explore for. You can shop here for everything from perfumes to luxury articles.
Visitors can have the chance to experience a wide range of activities here. There is something for everyone to do . You can do ice skating at the Dubai Ice Rink. One can also enjoy movie screenings at Reel Cinema and can do an experiential exhibit. For kids, the interactive play zones and intense e-karting are a treat to have the best time within 48 hours in Dubai .
5. Enjoy Downtown Dubai
- 125th floor Burj Khalifa
- Timing – 5 am – till midnight
- Location – 125th floor, Burj Khalifa.
After enjoying the world’s famous Dubai Mall. You can take the elevator to the 125th floor and spend late evenings in the next iconic place, which is the Burj Khalifa. You can enjoy the beauty of the sunset here and a skyline view. At The Top of the Burj Khalifa, there’s a viewing deck. It is on the 125th floor. But, if you want to go higher, there are various packages available which will certainly zip you up to level 148. You can pre-book the table before going. Thus , this place is a must try to visit in you 48 hours in Dubai itinerary .
6. Cure Your Hunger at Time Out Market
- Timing – Mon-Thu, noon-midnight;
- Fri noon-1 am.
- Sat 10 am- 1 pm.
- Sun 10am-midnight
- Location – Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai
When it is time to eat, go to Time Out Market. An outdoor food space with a variety of food vendors all together in one location. You can enjoy an edited selection of food offerings for you to feed your gastronomical curiosities from many famous outlets, including Pitfire Pizza with their delicious wood-fired pizzas, Pickl offering Middle-Eastern inspired food, and Mattar with their fun street food. When you are hungry and looking for an experiential spot for lunch, with 10-15 delicious options to feed your fascination, Time Out Market will certainly satisfy your food cravings.
7. Mesmerising view at Cé La Vi
- Ce lA Vi
- Timings – Sun-Fri (noon-3 am)
- Sat (12.30 pm-3 am)
- Location: Level 54, Tower 2, Address Sky View hotel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd
After having the ride and shopping in Time Out Market, you can perhaps end your 48 hours in Dubai day in comfort and the cozy ambience of Cé La Vi. It is a very trending rooftop destination that can give you the most amazing views of Downtown Dubai. The location of the place is on the 54th floor of the Burj Khalifa. Here, you can have a vivid experience of tasting expertly made cocktails . The view gets better and better as it gets darker in the night. You can head out to the terrace for the full majesty of the view.
The luxurious atmosphere at the rooftop and unrivalled views in Cé La Vi making it a great place to relax. So with this place you definitely end your day with ease and experience the view of the lovely Dubai Skyline.
Day 2
1. Kick-Start Your Day with a Gorgeous View
- Aura Skypool
- Timings – operating times vary
- Location – The Palm Tower at the Palm Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.
One can start the day with Yoga And a delicious Breakfast At Aura Skypool. You can have a fabulous experience at Aura Skypool. This is the highest infinity pool in the world. The view here is priceless. You can enjoy the stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the city.
In addition to this one can grab a mouth-watering complete breakfast spread. The breakfast has everything from Asian brunch bowls to miso egg Benedict. Once you’ve filled your tummy, dip into the pool or enjoy a yoga class 3 mornings a week. Visitors can have a perfect opportunity within 48 hours in Dubai for a photo, as the edge showcases Dubai’s stunning skyline.
2. Beat the Heat at Atlantis Waterpark
- Atlantis Aquaventure
- Cost : From Dhs235.
- Timings: Monday to Sunday- 10 am-6.30 pm.
- Location: Atlantis waterpark, Palm Jumeirah,Dubai.
After having the breakfast and a yoga session, one can head to the next place to go for 48 hours in Dubai trip where one can spend a wonderful afternoon where one can enjoy slides, floating in s lazy river and can try the steep and fast Poseidon’s Revenge.You can also tour around in the iconic Atlantis hotel and enjoy the unique architecture and elaborate interiors. You can also consider visiting the Lost Chambers Aquarium, which is considered to be the home to more than 65,000 marine animals.
This will surely give an amazing underwater adventure. Whether one is in the mood for adventure or relaxation, this place is something for everyone at the Atlantis Waterpark to go for for the short span of 48 hours in Dubai .
3. Experience The Fine Dining at Kira
KIRA Dubai
- Timing: Open
- Sun-Wed 12pm -1 am.
- Thu-Sun 12pm – 2am.
- Location: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
- Umm Suqeim , Dubai
After having a fun ride in splashing water, one can make sure to visit Burj Al Arab in 48 hours in Dubai when the place is in all its glory. You can get the best view of the famous ‘seven-star’ hotel, go to KIRA, a Mediterranean-style restaurant in the stylish Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab hotel. You can get a terrace table to take in the beauty of Burj Al Arab in all its gold.
You can also enjoy a beautiful view of Burj Al Arab in all its romance whilst enjoying a good meal. It is a stunning venue for trying cuisines and a great meal which you can enjoy while spending 48 hours in Dubai . It is indeed an opportunity to enjoy some fantastic vistas during 48 hours in Dubai trip .
4. An Evening at SUSHISAMBA
- Sushisamba
- Timing: Open
- Mon-Fri – 12 pm to 3 pm and
- 6 pm-2 am,
- Sat-Sun: 1-3.30 pm,
- 6 pm-2 am.
- Location: The St. Regis at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
If you are looking for a night time destination within 48 hours in Dubai one can experience the SUSHISAMBA. A night at SUSHISAMBA while on 48 hours in Dubai will surely leave you with stunning views of the Palm Jumeirah . One can enjoy a drink from their legendary “Samba Serves” selection of mixed drinks while taking in the view. This experience will leave a lasting memory, which makes it a perfect last stop in your time in Dubai. You can sit back and enjoy an unforgettable trip with the lights of the Palm lighting up below and can have a gala time of 48 hours in Dubai .
5. End Your Day In FIVE Palm Jumeirah
- FIVE Palm Jumeirah
- Timings : Tue – 10pm-4 am
- Thu-Fri 10pm-4am
- Sat 11 pm-4 am
- Sun 10 pm-4 am.
- Location: FIVE Palm Jumeirah.
If you can stay up all night then you should end the 48 hours in Dubai trip at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah hotel . Here you can have the party all night. If you’re looking for entertainment, this venue will never keep you awake. You should not miss sipping something refreshing on the Maiden Shanghai terrace. You can even stop in at Bling night club to dance where you can drive your super car onto the dance floor and be left with stratospheric memories of your last 48 hour in Dubai .
Henceforth, after spending 48 hours in Dubai, you can explore Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and modern attractions all once at a time. This is just a taste of the wide range of activities. Nevertheless, the city has to offer a lot for visitors with specific interests in this world-class tourist destination. It is evident that the city of gold has something for all tastes, be it history, culture, shopping or entertainment and gladly you can experience it all in just spending 48 hours in Dubai .
Read More : Your Guide to Nightlife in Abu Dhabi: 10+ Top Venues & Safety Tips
