The ultimate 2 days in Dubai itinerary for first-timers

Are you wondering how to spend your two days in Dubai? Then this one is for you. I have put together an itinerary that is perfect for first-timers to get a taste of everything Dubai has to offer without breaking the bank.

I’m really happy with everything I managed to see in a short time, mixing free and affordable activities with a few splurges (because hey, it’s Dubai!).

From the souks of Deira and modern marvels of Downtown to stunning white-sand beaches and mouthwatering eats, this is the ultimate 2-day Dubai itinerary!

2-day Dubai itinerary overview

What was once a small fishing village, has over the last 70 years developed at a rapid speed into a vibrant and modern oasis in the desert. As a playground for the rich and beautiful, Dubai has become synonymous with the bigger and flashier the better.

But never have I experienced a place so full of diversity, which is no surprise as Dubai is home to people from around 190 different nationalities. It’s the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates but has the biggest population of over 2.2 million people.

I have been to Dubai several times now and the highlights for me are still the buffet dinner at Atlantis the Palm, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Souk Madinat and Dubai Mall. All of which are included in this itinerary.

Yes, I’m actually saying that you should set aside time for a mall, because, with its indoor ski slope, insane art installations and massive fish tanks, Dubai Mall is an experience in itself. And that’s coming from someone who usually likes to explore more underrated destinations.

Is Dubai safe? Yes, Dubai is generally safe to visit, with a low crime rate, strict laws and a visible security presence. But as always, keep your wits about you.

Are two days in Dubai enough?

Two days in Dubai can provide a glimpse of the city’s highlights, but it is not enough to fully explore all the places and experiences it has to offer.

However, with proper planning, you can pack a lot into your weekend and visit the most popular landmarks and attractions. This itinerary is planned around 2 full days and 3 nights in Dubai.

Best time to visit

When planning a trip to Dubai, timing is crucial. November to March is the best time to visit when temperatures range between 20 and 35 degrees °C. The average temperature in January is 19.5 °C.

The summer months from May to September bring extreme heat, with temperatures soaring between 30 °C and as high as 50 °C, making some outdoor activities like visiting the Miracle Garden untenable, which means it closes down.

Not surprisingly, hotel prices rise and tourism spikes during the cooler months. You should also be mindful of Ramadan’s dates which alter the city’s rhythm, including activity limitations and reduced alcohol availability.

Dubai itinerary day 1

Before I left people said that Dubai couldn’t be described, that I had to experience it for myself, and I have to agree.

Where else can you shop up a storm at one of the world’s largest shopping malls, then go skiing at an indoor ski slope and then 15 minutes later be on a white sandy beach surrounded by palm trees?

If you prefer to explore on your own, here are all the best things to see and do during your 2 days in Dubai.

Dubai Miracle Garden

I started my most recent visit to Dubai with one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. Dubai Miracle Garden features over 150 million flowers arranged in spectacular displays across 72,000 square meters.

I loved wandering through a colorful array of arrangements, including heart-shaped archways, houses adorned with blooms, and even full-sized structures such as an Emirates A380 aircraft covered in flowers. 

It’s quite ironic that the world’s largest natural flower garden is located in the middle of the desert, but that’s just how Dubai rolls, the bigger the better.

The entrance fee is 95 AED / 270 NOK / $26, and the garden is open daily from late September through April from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. For the best experience, get there as early as possible to beat the crowds and midday heat.

Souk Madinat

Next I headed to Souk Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, a modern recreation of a traditional Arabian marketplace, combining the charm of a bygone era with the luxury and opulence that Dubai is known for.

Featuring wind towers, lantern-lit hallways, and a network of waterways, it’s simply stunning and one of my favorite places in Dubai.

The meandering paths are lined with boutique shops, the souk invites guests to discover an array of goods, from traditional souvenirs, such as Persian carpets and intricate lanterns, to high-end fashion and jewelry.

Even though the handicrafts and food here are quite expensive, the complex itself is worth a visit. You don’t have to buy anything, I didn’t so it’s free. Well, I did sit down for a lovely lunch at Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen. Such a treat!

Burj Khalifa

Of course I had to include a visit to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, piercing the sky at an impressive height of over 828 meters.

The journey to the top began with a ride in one of the high-speed elevators, whisking us up to the observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and the exclusive 148th floors, known as ‘At the Top’ and ‘At the Top SKY’.

I was really impressed by the panoramic views of Dubai’s futuristic skyline, the sprawling desert, and the shimmering Arabian Gulf.

The observation decks feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide an unobstructed, bird’s-eye perspective of the city. The 124th floor boasts and outdoor terrace where you feel the breeze from this towering height, while the 125th floor serves as a tribute to Arab arts and culture.

Is it worth going to floor 148 Burj Khalifa? Yes, it is worth it because you get to enjoy one of the most iconic experiences in Dubai with fewer people around in a more exclusive lounge.

🌟 Click here to get your skip-the-line tickets for all three floors.

🌟 Or click here to check out the ultimate Dubai city tour that includes Burj Khalifa.

Dubai Mall Fountain Show

Next I headed for the Dubai Fountain, set in Burj Khalifa Lake outside The Dubai Mall, designed by the creators of the famed Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.

It is the world’s tallest performing fountain at over 270 meters in length, featuring a stunning choreography of light and water synced to a variety of music, with 6,000 lights, 25 colored projectors, and 22,000 gallons of airborne water.

You can enjoy the show from above, as some of the restaurants at the Dubai Mall have a perfect view of the fountain. I chose to have drinks at Fridays while watching the evening shows which start from 6:00 am and then every 30 minutes until 11:00 am.

🌟 Pro tip >> Did you know that you can book a 30-minute cruise by traditional “abra” (water taxi) on Burj Lake to see the amazing fountain show from the water? Now that’s a unique experience!

Experience an entire world inside Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is a must during your 2 days in Dubai, and its appeal extends far beyond just shopping. Even husbands won’t get bored here.

As one of the largest malls in the world, with over 1200 shops, an aquarium and underwater zoo, an indoor virtual reality theme park, an indoor ski slope and an ice rink, it offers an array of entertainment that caters to all ages and interests.

One of the main attractions is the Dubai Aquarium, which showcases a mesmerizing aquatic world with thousands of marine animals, including sharks and rays. The highlight for me was walking through the 48-meter-long tunnel with a 270-degree view of the aquarium.

You can easily spend the rest of your day here. I was so excited to get to eat at The Cheesecake Factory and shop at Forever 21 again. Two of my favorites from the US, even though I’m not that into cheesecake nor have I been 21 for a long while. Haha, yes I’m kind of simple like that.

We also loved The Grill Shack inside Dubai Mall, it’s up there with the best restaurant in the city.

Dubai itinerary day 2

Day 2 in Dubai starts with some history, then is all about the beach and ends with a beautiful dinner at Atlantis the Palm.

Old Dubai Aladdin Tour

If you want to see what life was like before the skyscrapers and luxurious hotels, head up to Deira, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai. The souks sit on either side of the Dubai Creek, textile ones on the south side and spice and gold on the north side.

Exploring the souks on your own can be rather daunting, especially as a solo female, because of staring and pushy vendors. So rather than wasting precious time trying to navigate on your own, I highly recommend this top-rated guided tour.

Shop in the souks with tips from your guide, cross the creek by “abra” traditional water taxi, visit the Dubai Museum, roam the Al Fahidi Historic District and enjoy street food, Arabic coffee and fruit juices.

You will discover hidden gems you most likely wouldn’t have seen on your own and learn a lot. Our guide Hamza was amazing and so knowledgeable. And you can choose to do the tour solo or as part of a group.

🌟 Check price and availability here >> Souks, creek & food tasting in Old Dubai

Al Mamzar Beach Park

I’m guessing one of the reasons you came to Dubai was because of the warm climate right?

I had read about Al Mamzar Beach Park before y trip and I knew I had to visit. Located in the northern part of Dubai, it is kind of a hidden gem, boasting five pristine beaches with soft white sand and clear blue waters.

The coves of white sand and turquoise water lined with palm trees made it feel like I was in the Caribbean rather than just outside a big city. Definitely a highlight for me.

Al Mamzar covers an area of 106 hectares and offers barbecue sites, private chalets for hire, a swimming pool, food kiosks, jogging tracks and a mini train taking you on a tour of the park. Entrance is only 5 AED / 14 NOK /$1.3 per person, in other words, it’s practically free.

Keep in mind that Monday and Wednesday are ladies’ days when the only males allowed are those under the age of six.

To get there from the city center, take the Green Line on the Dubai Metro and get off at the Al Qiyadah Metro Station. From there, you can walk the 3 kilometers or catch a bus (such as the C28) that goes to Al Mamzar.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use ridesharing apps Uber or Careem.

If you would rather stay closer to the city center, some of Dubai’s other popular beaches include:

• JBR, the public beach around Jumeirah Beach Residence, is popular because it’s bordered by The Walk, a promenade filled with restaurants and shops. 
• La Mer, a newly renovated beach area featuring a boardwalk, running and walking track, changing facilities, etc.
• Kite Beach, a public beach not surprisingly popular among Dubai’s kite surfers.
• Sunset Beach, you know the one famous for that Burj Al Arab shot.
• Palm West Beach for skyline views.
• Dubai Islands, a dog-friendly beach near Deira that is also free to visit.

Stroll through Dubai Marina

After a day in the sun and sand, I got ready and headed to Dubai Marina for a sunset stroll through the man-made canal city. The popular waterfront promenade known as Marina Walk, boasts cosmopolitan restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets.

Walking along the water’s edge, I was constantly looking up at the awe-inspiring skyscrapers and luxury yachts that reflect the opulence and architectural ambition that Dubai is renowned for. Not usually my cup of tea, but a unique experience.

I sat down for a sunset cocktail at Vero Sky Bar during happy hour. I mean no trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to a sky bar.

When my dinner time approached, I took the tram to the monorail that goes out to Atlantis The Palm. It is fun driving above the water and getting to enjoy the view rather than taking a taxi through the tunnel below.

Kaleidoscope buffet dinner at Atlantis The Palm

I think I have to go as far as saying this was the most exciting food experience of my life. A huge room full of every dish you can think of, heaven for a foodie like me. Just the salad bar was the size of a regular buffet.

I was a bit hesitant before booking the table as it was 235 AED ($64) per person, that’s usually 3 days worth of dinners for me. But I saw it as an experience more than just a meal, so we went for it and I’m so happy we did.

The total bill for 2 pers. including non-alcoholic drinks ended up at around 650 AED / 1855 NOK / $177. They have different themes each day of the week like Italian and Oriental nights, so be sure to plan for which day you prefer. We went there on a Tuesday which was international night.

Remember to book a table through their website so you can pass the long line of hungry people outside. Also, be sure to set aside some time before or after dinner, so you can wander around the stunning hotel.

Dubai itinerary alternatives

The above itinerary outlines how I would have liked to spend my first visit to Dubai. However, we all have different interests, so I wanted to give you a few more options.

Al Fahidi Historic District, previously known as the Bastakia Quarter, is a heritage site where the first settlements of Dubai were built. The old wind-towered buildings have been transformed into art galleries, small museums and quaint cafés.

Guided tours are available if you want to know more about the history of the area. When you’re done exploring, head to the small but interesting Dubai Museum to see how oil together with ambition made this urban oasis.

🌟 Remember that Al Fahidi Historic District is included in this popular tour.

Alternatively, head to one of Dubai’s amusement parks. IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park and has zones dedicated to Cartoon Network and MARVEL, as well as a Dinosaur Adventure.

Desert Safari Just outside the city there are nothing but sand dunes for miles and miles. There are tour operators all over town selling different desert packages, you can also book online in advance.

The tours aren’t as expensive as you might think and include 4×4 transportation, sandboarding, dune bashing, camel rides and a campfire dinner with belly dancing as entertainment.

🔥 Click here to check out one of the best value and most popular desert tours in Dubai.

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Hotel is the largest waterpark in Dubai spread across 42 acres. We planned on going, as I had heard from many that it’s one of the best waterparks around, but in the end we didn’t want to spend the money. Entrance to just the waterpark starts from 260 AED / 600 nok / $70 if you buy the tickets online in advance.

Dubai isn’t just a desirable hotspot for millions of tourists each year, it’s the destination of choice for tens of thousands of migrating birds during the winter months. Among them, thousands of pink flamingos. In the wetlands, just outside the busy city, you’ll find the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Entrance is free(!), and you can visit from Saturday to Thursday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. If you want to catch the birds feeding, the best time to visit is between 9:00 am and 9:30 am.

How to get around in Dubai

I found getting around in Dubai is relatively easy thanks to a well-developed and modern transportation infrastructure. Here are the most common modes of transportation in Dubai:

1. Metro: Dubai Metro is a fully automated rail system with two lines (Red and Green) that cover key locations within the city. We loved taking the metro, a great option during rush hours when the roads are congested.
2. Taxis: Taxis are abundant and can be hailed on the street, booked via phone, or through various apps. They are metered, and the fares are reasonable. Dubai’s taxis are regulated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
3. Buses: The RTA also operates a comprehensive bus network that covers the entire city. Buses are air-conditioned and comfortable. You can also take the Hop on Hop Off Bus. Choose between a 24-hour and 48-hour ticket, the latter is around 300 AED / 700 nok / $80.
4. Trams: The Dubai Tram runs in the Marina area and links to the Metro and the Palm Jumeirah Monorail. It’s particularly useful for short trips in the areas it serves. The tram runs for 19 hours a day from 6:00 am until 1:00 am Monday to Saturday.
5. Monorail: The Palm Jumeirah Monorail is an elevated train that connects the mainland to the Palm Jumeirah, with a few stops along the way, including the Atlantis The Palm Hotel.
6. Water transport: For a scenic route, you can use water taxis (abras), ferries, and water buses. They can be a pleasant way to get around, particularly if you’re traveling along Dubai Creek or between certain coastal points.
7. Ridesharing: Uber and Careem are the two main ridesharing services available in Dubai. Careem, which is now owned by Uber, also provides other services such as bike rentals and delivery.
8. Bicycles and E-scooters: For short distances or just to enjoy the outdoors, you can rent bicycles and e-scooters through various bike and e-scooter services available in certain parts of the city.

Public transport tickets

There are several types of Nol Cards for different needs:

1. Silver Card: This is a rechargeable card ideal for regular users and residents. It offers discounted fares compared to standard tickets.
2. Gold Card: This card works like the Silver Card but gives you access to the Gold Class cabins on the Metro and Tram for a premium fare.
3. Blue Card: This personalized smart card offers the same features as the Silver Card, but with additional benefits like balance protection in case the card is lost or stolen. It can also be customized for students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities, offering them special fares.
4. Red Ticket: This is a paper-based ticket that can be purchased for a single journey or a day pass. It is ideal for tourists and visitors who are in Dubai for a short time.

You can buy and top up Nol Cards at Metro stations, bus stations and RTA customer service centers. Some convenience stores also provide top-up services.

Where to stay in Dubai

When you only have 2 days in Dubai, I recommend not staying too far out from the center of town. To help you choose, here are some of my favorite accommodation options in the heart of Dubai.

My favorite hotel of all the ones I have seen in Dubai is Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, set across several buildings in the heart of Souk Madinat. The villas, rooms and suites are meant to resemble traditional Arab summer houses interconnected by canals, each boasting a private balcony.

You have to see the gorgeous interior decor in the rooms, it screams old money. No chrome plating, glass or square boxes in sight here which I very much appreciate. I also love that it is not just one big slab of a resort, but rather an interesting layout you want to explore.

Guest can use the hotel’s traditional Abras, offering a special way to arrive at their room or to access any of the facilities such as the spa or one of the 50 restaurants.

🌟 Check price and availability here >> Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf

However, if you are drawn to the modern, you have to check out this stylish apartment boasting insane views across Downtown. With two double bedrooms, you can bring some friends, making it quite affordable for that amazing location, just 2 minutes from Dubai Mall.

If you prefer to spend your money on other things, consider staying up in Bur Dubai removed from all the bling and luxury. During my first visit to Dubai, I stayed at Gateway Hotel in a huge room with two double beds and two bathrooms, all for $90 a night. Which is quite affordable for Dubai.

At night the streets surrounding the hotel were bustling with people talking, laughing and frying up some delicious food at their roadside stalls. I can definitely recommend a stay at Gateway Hotel!

Final thoughts on 2 days in Dubai

Even if Dubai is an unforgettable travel experience and a dream destination to many, I just don’t love it. I can’t believe I’m saying that as Dubai has got all my favorite restaurants right next to white sandy beaches and historic sites.

But I didn’t like the overall extravagant vibe and excessive luxury, so I don’t think I’ll be going back again. However, it is a nice break from the cold Norwegian weather without having to fly to Bali or Bangkok like I normally would.

And you can, of course, stay away from the most extravagant places, but then again what would be the point of visiting Dubai?

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