If you find yourself stuck in Dubai waiting for your connecting flight, there is no reason why you should waste your time at the airport. Dubai in a Day is totally possible and worth it! In one day you can experience a lot, so don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in this city of superlatives and enjoy the towering skyscrapers, the fantastic old town and the beauty of the bazaars that burst with aromas and colours.
Transfer to city centre – 8:00 o’clock
To go from the airport to the city centre, you can grab a cab right outside the arrivals terminal. Depending on the traffic, the ride to the city centre could take anytime between 10 minutes to 2 hours. If you prefer, you could also use the metro – the red line runs from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and the green line is accessible from Terminal 2.
Deira City Centre – 9:00 o’clock
The Deira City Centre is a good place to start your hop-on hop-off Dubai in a Day Ttour in a double-decker Big Bus. For €40 you can purchase a pass that will let you discover Dubai’s most impressive sights without too much hassle. The double-decker buses also come with audio guides; this is a good way to find out more about the city without having to buy a travel guide.
To begin, hop on the Blue Route – if you wish, you can also download the app for the tour.
Jumeirah Mosque – 9:30 o’clock
First, stop and visit the Jumeirah Mosque, the largest mosque in Dubai and one of the few in the city that allows entry to non-Muslims. Every Tuesday, Thursday and on the weekends, there is a 75 minute tour starting at 10:00 o’clock where you can learn more about this fantastic building and the Muslim faith. To go inside you must be dressed accordingly; however, if necessary, you can borrow some traditional clothes on site. If you do not have time to go in, you should still stop to admire the impressive exterior and snap some photographs.
Jumeirah Public Beach 10:30 – 11:30 o’clock
Stop and see the magnificent Jumeirah Public Beach, with its white sand and turquoise waters. We recommend you go on a camel ride along the beach when doing Dubai in a Day. From there you’ll be able to admire Palm Jumeirah (an artificial island built in the shape of a palm tree) and the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Mall of the Emirates – Lunch 13:30 o’clock
Everyone knows Dubai offers the most extravagant shopping experiences, so be sure not to miss out, even when doing Dubai in a Day. The double-decker bus stops near the Mall of the Emirates where you can grab some lunch and check some of Dubai’s most impressive stores. We recommend you try the burgers at The Shake Shack or the seafood at the Arab Ibn Hamido restaurant.
Burj Khalifa – 15:00 o’clock
The 2716 ft. high skyscraper Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai’s most iconic structures; it is the tallest building in the world, and the best place from where you can admire the city’s skyline.
Board the double-decker bus around 16:30 o’clock and continue down the Blue Route where you will pass by many more remarkable skyscrapers. You could also switch to the Red Route, which will take you along the Dubai Creek and around the city’s more historic streets.
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Dubai in a Day: Abra Boat Rides – 17:30 o’clock
Big Bus tickets include a boat ride along the Dubai Creek; the last Dhow you can catch leaves at 17:30 from Abra. With the bus ticket you can also visit the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and the Dubai Museum.
Gold and Spice Souks – 19:30 o’clock
We recommend you take your time visiting the Gold Souks in Deira; the sight of these shops filled with gold jewellery is truly mesmerizing. When you’re done shopping for trinkets, let the smell of saffron and cumin lead you to the spice markets.
Dubai Fountain – Dinner 21.00 o’clock
For a unique dining experience, we recommend you have dinner at the Armani Hotel or at the Indian restaurant Patiala. From here you can admire the Dubai Fountain, which happens to be the largest fountain in the world.
Nightlife – 23:00 o’clock
The city comes to life at night time, with plenty of cafés, bars, clubs and lounges to pick from – the 360° Bar at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is always a good choice (they also serve alcoholic drinks).
Now you’ve seen all that can be done in Dubai in only 24 hours! Of course the city has much more to offer, so if you’re thinking about returning and staying for longer, there are plenty of regular and affordable flights to Dubai!
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Wow. You must had a great adventure then. Ive been to Dubai but for 4 days. My husband bought a deal via CityCard Dubai and it was a great experience.