A Perfect Dubai One Day Itinerary – How to Spend 24 Hours in Dubai

Stopping in Dubai for a layover? Or planning first trip to Dubai? Rock your “Dubai in one Day” in this multi-talented emirate with the best things to do. Trust me, this city is loaded with record-breaking attractions, grand hotels, stunning vistas, great restaurants and luxurious experiences. Read this comprehensive guide to how much Dubai trip cost and follow this well-crafted one-day Dubai itinerary to help you squeeze the most out your 24 hours with fun and thrill activities.

Dubai One Day Itinerary

Read on to find out how to spend 24 hours in Dubai the right way.

How to spend a morning in Dubai : 8.30-11.30am

Hit the sand early morning on Desert Safari

If you have reached the city early morning, whisk away to the desert. The desert safari is a wholesome package of adventure, culture and food. Book in advance — you would be picked by a polite and experienced chauffeur in a luxurious SUV. You will have about three hours to wander in this orange, vibrant and endless stretch of sand.

While dune bashing is a trademark activity here, the hot air balloon ride will steal the thunder. You will float 4,000 feet above the ground and gawk at the amazing landscape from a bird’s eye view. At an extra cost, you can indulge in other adrenaline-rush sports such as

Quad biking
Sandboarding

For something less hair-raising, you can take a camels for ride against the quaint backdrop. And with plenty of photos and a good breakfast, the desert safari Dubai comes to an end.

Best things to do in afternoon in Dubai : 12-5.30pm

#1 Beat the afternoon heat at Dubai Mall

Since you have spent the morning experiencing the nomadic lifestyle of this city, it is time to pamper yourself to some luxury next at the biggest mall in Dubai, spread over 1 million sqm. It is a gigantic space that will have you spoilt for choices. In a nutshell, it is an amazing one-stop destination for 1-day trip in Dubai as it stores something for everyone.

There are thousands of retail stores that might give your credit card a push-up, but definitely quench your shopping thirst. Walk inside Fashion Avenue and drop your jaws browsing the latest brands such as Versace and Burberry.

Then, deal with your hunger pangs at hundreds of food and beverage outlets serving dishes from all over the world, French, American to Indian and Lebanese. Did we tell you, to be a part of this high-octane energy, a transit Dubai Visa is a must (depending on your nationality). With this, you can travel in the city for as long as the transit visa permits.

#2 Explore underwater at the Dubai Aquarium

If you have no other business to handle and have got a strong gut to dive with the world’s deadliest predator, take some time out for the best-seller Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Activities at the Dubai Aquarium

Swimming with 33,000 marine animals
Feeding the sharks
Cage snorkelling
Simply admiring these colourful fishes from the 48m long walk-through tunnel.

Timings: Monday to Friday- 10:00 am to 11:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 12:00am.

#3 Other adventure activities at the Dubai Mall

The mall also has an ice rink, gaming zone, movie halls, waterfall and other leisure experiences – just some of the ways to keep everyone busy.

Also read Lockdown Road Trip Ideas , How I Went on a Road Trip While Maintaining Social Distancing, 30 Most Popular Bollywood Movies For Teens, Why Dubai is perfect getaway for kids & Udaipur 2 day itinerary

How to spend an evening in Dubai : 6-11pm

#1 Head to Burj Khalifa for the magical sunset

Here is another milestone that you will achieve within a 24-hour trip to Dubai- hiking the world’s tallest building. Burj Khalifa holds several accolades from the highest observation deck to the fastest double-deck elevator. You would reach the 124th and 125th floor in a jiffy and can admire the deck’s decoration inspired by the Arabic Mashrabiya. Enjoy a new immersive experience with telescopes, exhibitions, and an outdoor terrace.

We would recommend you to level up the excursion with the world’s highest observation deck. Step out onto the terrace of the 148th floor at 555 metres and marvel at the sweeping panoramic views. It all gets reviving as you sip refreshments in the lounge and observe the most Instagram-worthy sunset ever.

Tip: Save all the fuss and time with skip-the-line tickets for a quick entry.

Location: 1 Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

Timings: Evening Slot- 7:00pm to 11:00pm

#2 Dine at Souk Al Bahr

Just over the bridge, there is a lively, bustling complex reflecting Arabian charm. With several dining and shopping areas, it attracts both tourists and locals alike. You can reserve a table here in one of the premium restaurants overlooking the elegant Dubai Fountain. Most of the eateries and cafes are tucked on the waterfront promenade, on the rim of Burj Lake. It is an awestruck moment to be savoring delicious dishes while your eyes feast on one of the largest choreographed fountains. The visual of the Dubai Fountain will leave you floored.

#3 Stroll on the JBR Walk

After an appetizing dinner, wind down with a casual stroll across the popular boulevard. You will walk past a range of outdoor stores, pop-up markets, street performances, open-air cinema and food treats to add more unforgettable memories to your 1 day Dubai trip.

Final thoughts

Dubai has a wealth of activities and even a week isn’t enough to try everything. But you can get a gist of what the city is all about with these places to see. It is a day packed with excitement and merrymaking. So, plan the route well, carry your sunglasses and go on entertainment binging.

About the Author Kritika Pense

Kritika is a software engineer, travel blogger, pasta-lover, adrenaline junkie, owner of a dog, and technophile. She loves unique experiences such as hiking, exploring new cities and enjoying desert safari Dubai. In short, life for her is all about living in the moment!

Wait, we have got a ton of travel & leisure tip ! Subscribe now and stay updated ! Be a part of our community! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube