Dubai in a Day: The Ultimate Guide

Dubai is a city that exudes luxury, innovation, and cultural richness. I spent one full day in Dubai in February of 2024. Even in only 24 hours, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant city and witness some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Here’s a guide to making the most out of a single day in Dubai.

Consider a half or full-day tour

If you don’t have much time to explore a new destination, consider booking a tour guide to show you around! I booked a half-day tour guide with @WanderWithNada. She is a local guide that will show you the highlights of the city! I highly recommend any of her offered tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I opted for a private tour, which, although more expensive, allowed the tour guide to cater specifically to my interests. This flexibility meant I could spend more or less time at each location based on my preferences—and I had the added bonus of a personal photographer!

Take in the Stunning Views from the Water

Consider booking a boat tour to view the unique city architecture from the water. This offers another viewpoint of the city skyline (and spectacular photo opportunities), that you can’t miss!

You’ll see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks from the water. Highlights include the Burj Al Arab, the world-famous hotel shaped like a boat sail, Atlantis The Palm, a stunning resort on the man-made Palm Jumeirah island, and the Dubai Marina’s impressive skyscrapers. Whether you choose a luxury yacht, a traditional dhow, or a speedboat, the blend of modern architecture and tranquil seas create a breathtaking experience.

Marvel at the Worlds Largest Building, the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, sitting at a towering 2,716.5 feet (828 meters). That is over twice the size of the Empire State Building! My tour guide knew all of the best spots to take photos showcasing the entirety of the building. If you would like to view the city from the observation deck, book a tickets in advance and enjoy the breathtaking views from the 148th floor.

Witness the Spectacular Fountain Show

The Dubai Fountain show, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, will remind you of the Bellagio Fountain Show in Las Vegas! Watching the choreographed water, light, and music spectacle is a nice addition to your day in Dubai. Shows run every 30 minutes in the evenings, so you’ll have multiple opportunities to catch this display. For lunch and a show, stop at Time Out Market, where you can choose from a variety of small restaurant and artisan kiosks offering various types of food. Once your food comes out, grab your tray and head to the outdoor seating area, where you will be able to watch the fountain show as you eat!

Explore the Massive Dubai Mall

Head to The Dubai Mall, located right next to the Burj Khalifa. As one of the largest shopping malls in the world, it offers a large variety of shopping options, dining experiences, and entertainment. With over 1,200 retail stores, ranging from high-end luxury brands to popular global retailers, it’s a true shopper’s paradise. This mall even has an Aquarium, ice skating rink, cinema, trampoline park, go karts, and more interactive features!

For those interested in the arts and culture, the Dubai Mall also houses a VR Park, an virtual reality theme park, and an exhibit showcasing a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton. Food lovers can indulge in a wide variety of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual cafes, offering cuisines from around the world. You can get lost and even spend an entire day in the Dubai Mall, so if you’re on a time crunch, plan accordingly using their interactive map.

The Museum of the Future

Opened in 2022, Dubai’s Museum of the Future is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by innovation and cutting-edge technology. This uniquely designed museum stands as a symbol of Dubai’s forward-thinking vision. According to their website, “The circular building represents humanity; the green mound it sits atop represents the earth; the void represents the unknown future.” The museum encases interactive exhibits and immersive experiences make the journey both educational and exhilarating. You can purchase tickets to go up and visit each floor, which are each dedicated to a different aspect of future technology and its potential impact on our lives.

Outside of the museum stands a large sculpture of the ruler of Dubai’s hand symbol, the “three-finger salute.” This stands for Win, Victory, and Love.

Relax on the Beach

Jumeirah Beach is a beautiful white sand and clear water spot for relaxing or playing games on the beach. The calm waters, picnic areas, and playgrounds make it a perfect spot for families with kids. From this beach, you will enjoy a stunning view of the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotels. The Burg Al Arab is one of the tallest hotels in the world and the structure was designed to resemble the sail of a ship. A stay at this luxury hotel comes complete with the options for luxury vehicle shuttle services, golf cart service to the beach, and even helicopter service and a helipad at the top of the structure. The Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel, opened in 2023, was designed to resemble a superyacht.

Just a short drive from Jumeirah Beach, you will find Kite Beach. This beach is great for adventure enthusiasts, because it is a hotspot for water sports, such as kite surfing and paddle boarding. Coupled with food trucks and fitness areas, this sure is a lively spot to spend part of your day. There are many other beaches in Dubai, such as the private beaches of resorts like Atlantis The Palm. These resorts offer exclusive access to the pristine sand beach, cabanas, and top-notch service.

Immerse Yourself in Dubai Culture in Al Fahidi Historic District

To learn about Dubai’s history, take a ride on over to the Al Fahidi Historic District, also known as Al Bastakiya. This area offers a glimpse into Dubai’s past with its narrow lanes, traditional wind-tower architecture, and serene courtyards. Visit the Dubai Museum, located in the Al Fahidi Fort, to learn about the city’s transformation from the small fishing village it used to be.

A Desert Safari Adventure

A longer activity option is to experience the thrill of a desert safari, which is one of Dubai’s most popular activities. You can book a tour that includes dune bashing, camel riding, and/or sandboarding. Many tours also offer the chance to try out traditional Arabic attire and get henna tattoos.

Dinner and Entertainment at the Dubai Marina

Head back to the city and make your way to Dubai Marina, a stunning waterfront area with a lively atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk along the Marina Walk, lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.

For dinner, there are a plethora of phenomenal restaurants to choose from. You may pick a restaurant with a view of the marina, one of the many Michelin star restaurants the city has to offer, or even “eat under the sea,” in an immersive underwater restaurant. After dinner, consider taking a boat cruise to enjoy the glittering skyline of Dubai at night. Dhow’s are traditional wooden boats that offer a unique dining and sightseeing experience with live entertainment.

Other Recommendations:

Take a full day trip over to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and the largest emirate. Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, Ski down the indoor ski slope at the Mall of Emirates, or check out one of the many museums. For a full of thrill, head to one of their most popular theme parks: IMG Worlds of Adventure, LegoLand, or Motiongate. If you are into exclusive and luxury cars, take the Ferrari Private Collection Tour with @WanderWithNada.