Dubai is a melting pot of culinary and cultural influences, and architectural wonders, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. There is plenty to see and do here. As a result, if you have only 2 days to spend in Dubai, what would you include in your trip from Dubai’s treasure trove of experiences? The ideal way would be to get acquainted with this wonderful emirate. You can easily gain a good sense of Dubai in two days, depending on where you want to go and what you want to see. How about taking a Dubai city tour on your first day and ending this short holiday with a trip to one of the city’s incredible recreational theme parks? Here is a sample trip itinerary for a two-day vacation in Dubai.
Day 1 – Say Hello to Dubai!
The first day of your 2 Days Dubai itinerary takes you to popular Dubai attractions that impressively capture the highlights of Dubai in a nutshell. Upon arriving in Dubai, you will have a chance to freshen up in your hotel and then start your tour at the Downtown area of Dubai, where you will see Dubai’s iconic Trio: Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, and Burj Khalifa. The stunning sights of Burj Khalifa’s sheer grandeur are just the beginning! Zoom up to the 124th level – At the Top – of Burj Khalifa to witness the most breathtaking views of Dubai.
Afterward, wander around Dubai Mall for some retail therapy and to sample some delicious food delights. Then, explore the traditional lifestyle in Dubai through its heritage sites along Dubai Creek. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is the perfect place to get a glimpse of Dubai’s Bedouin culture and find out how different it is from what we see in Dubai today.
Venture out to Dubai Souks and find yourself amidst bustling Arabian bazaars filled with eclectic merchandise ranging from gold, precious stones, spices, Middle eastern carpets, and perfumes. This is also a great place to collect some Middle Eastern souvenirs for you to take back home with you. Unwind your first day in Dubai with a blissful Dhow Cruise with dinner experience on the Dubai Creek.
Insider’s tip – 24-hour Dubai hop on hop off bus tours are the best way to get an overview of Dubai city, with routes that run along the famous attractions and landmarks of the city. This is the most convenient, flexible, affordable, and fun way to explore Dubai city.
Dubai Downtown and Dubai Creek Accommodation options
Affordable – Rove Downtown, Holiday Inn Express Dubai – Safa Park, ibis Dubai Deira City Centre, Kings Park Hotel
Quality Comfort – Manzil Downtown, Vida Downtown, Movenpick Hotel Apartments, Aloft Dubai Creek, Element Al Jaddaf Dubai
Chic & Opulent stays – Palace Downtown, Address Dubai Mall, Armani Hotel Dubai, Taj Dubai, Dusit Thani Dubai, Hyatt Regency Dubai
Where to eat in Dubai Downtown and Dubai Creek
Some of the best restaurants to check out in this area are At.mosphere -Burj Khalifa,
Thiptara, Bice Mare Restaurant, Texas Roadhouse Dubai Mall, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe
Day 2 – Explore the fun side of Dubai!
Dubai is no doubt a land of extraordinary architectural landmarks. But that is not all. The emirate also has some of the best recreational theme parks in the world, some of which having record-breaking rides and recreational activities. It would be a shame to leave Dubai without witnessing its larger-than-life entertainment arenas. Dubai has many recreational parks out of which Dubai Parks and Resorts and IMG Worlds of Adventure stand out as the finest amusement theme parks in the UAE. Feeling like taking a respite from the Dubai desert city heat? The emirate is also home to some of the best water parks in the Middle Eastern regions such as Aquaventure water park, Laguna water park Dubai, and Wild Wadi water park. These are great options to chill out, have fun at thrilling rides and simply savour the moment in laid-back leisure. You can easily spend the entire day exploring the various water adventures in store for you at these amazing aqua parks. If you are more of a daredevil adventurer and want a good adrenaline rush, the Aquaventure water park is your best bet. The theme parks and water parks add a touch of refreshing experiences to your 2 days in Dubai tour before you wind up to depart the city for your onward destination.
Insider’s tip – Tweak your holiday to an upscale experience with stays at Atlantis The Palm Dubai on your first day of Dubai visit. With a stay in this lavish resort, you also get complimentary access to Aquaventure water park and Lost Chambers Aquarium. The resort and its surrounding attractions are totally worth every penny spent! Likewise, for Dubai Parks and Resorts, you can stay back on your first day at Lapita Hotel or Rove Hotel which are close to the amusement theme park attraction.
Accommodation options – Aquaventure water park Palm Jumeirah
Affordable – Holiday Inn Express Dubai – Internet City, Royal Club Hotel
Quality Comfort – Arjaan by Rotana, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City
Chic & Opulent stays – Dukes the Palm, Atlantis the Palm Dubai, Andaz Dubai The Palm, Hotel Fairmont The Palm, Sofitel Dubai the Palm, W Dubai – The Palm, One & Only The Palm
Where to eat in Palm Jumeirah
A plethora of restaurants and cafes are dotted on this artificial palm-shaped island. Some of the best ones to check out are Khyber Indian Restaurant, Meshico, Blvd on One, Great British Restaurant, Samakje.
Accommodation options near Laguna water park, La Mer
Affordable – ibis Styles Dubai Jumeirah, Rove La Mer Beach, Chelsea Plaza Hotel, ibis One Central
Quality Comfort – Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Mina, Jumeirah Rotana, Mercure Gold Hotel Al Mina Road Dubai
Chic & Opulent Stays – Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, Conrad Dubai
Where to eat in La Mer?
You wouldn’t need to get out of Laguna Water Park to grab a bite. However, the food scene at La Mer is amazing and you should definitely check out some of the best restaurants at La Mer such as SALT La Mer, OSH Dubai, SIKKA Café, The Duchess, Miyabi Sushi, Catch 22 and Creptastic
Accommodation options near Dubai Parks and Resorts and IMG Worlds of Adventures
Affordable – Rove at the Park, ibis Dubai Al Barsha, Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park
Quality Comfort – Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts, Hilton Dubai The Walk, Courtyard by Marriott Dubai, Green Community
Chic & Opulent Stays – JA Beach Hotel, Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai
Where to eat at Dubai Parks and Resorts and IMG Worlds of Adventure
There is no dearth of food outlets, cafes, and restaurants at these theme parks. As soon as you enter the park, you will find a mix of international and local cuisine blended with the themes of the recreational parks for a fun-filled snacking and dining experience.
