Due to Dubai’s strategic location at the center of many transit routes, 48-hour layovers in Dubai are becoming an increasingly common occurrence for travelers transiting through the Middle East. With so much to see and do during your layover in Dubai, it’s often hard to know where to start (or end). Here we will introduce some things to do in Dubai along with an itinerary packed with things to do in Dubai.
Check in downtown
Leisure travelers to Dubai often cite Jumeirah Beach and The Palm as their base in Dubai, but for a short 48-hour trip, you’ll want to base yourself in Downtown Dubai, the hub of activity.
Many of Dubai’s main attractions are concentrated in the downtown area, including Dubai Mall (the world’s largest shopping mall), Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), and many of the city’s best restaurants.
The hotel above (photo) is Four Seasons Downtown DubaiIt has a great location and an impressive rooftop pool and bar area.
Afternoon: Visit the world’s largest shopping mall
Without leaving the downtown area, Dubai Mall is a great first port of call to get started. Here you’ll find the Dubai Aquarium, ice skating rink, movie theaters, and hundreds of shops and restaurants ranging from Shake Shack to fine dining.
Evening: Desert Safari
Desert Safari is an iconic Dubai experience you don’t want to miss, but due to its popularity you should always book your tour before your stay. There are many companies that offer desert safaris, but none have impressed me as much as this one. platinum heritagefocuses on educating visitors about Bedouin culture and history.
Morning: Tully’s Spa at Burj Al Arab
If you’re suffering from jet lag, there’s no better way to get rid of it than with a soothing massage, especially if you’re visiting one of the world’s most Instagrammable spas. Tully’s Spa at the Burj Al Arab is one of the most impressive spas I’ve ever been to (and I’m not ashamed to admit I paid quite a bit!) A neck and back massage costs $160, but includes use of the spa facilities for the day (mixed pool, women’s pool, sauna, steam). Not only that, you can visit the world’s only 7-star hotel and explore its surroundings.
Noon: Jumeirah Beach
After a relaxing spa treatment, head back downstairs and hop on a golf buggy to nearby Jumeirah Beach. This beach is most popular among holidaymakers visiting Dubai to relax in the sun, but it’s also a great place to stop for a drink and soak up the atmosphere. This area is an iconic spot for leisure travelers, so there are plenty of restaurants and bars.
Afternoon: Burj Khalifa
Be sure to book in advance, as views from the top of the world’s tallest building book up days, even weeks, in advance. The view from Burj Khalifa gives you a good idea of the sheer size of Dubai, but because of its height, the view itself changes every day, and even many times a day.
Evening: Atlantis The Palm & Gamena Restaurant
No hotel is more iconic than Atlantis, The Palm. It has become a staple on the itinerary of many travelers visiting Dubai. If you’re not staying here, you can still visit Aquaventure Waterpark, Lost Chambers, or make a restaurant reservation at one of the hotel’s restaurants (including Nobu!).
On your last night in Dubai, we highly recommend visiting Ayamuna Restaurant inside Atlantis. It offers a wide range of traditional Lebanese dishes. This is a great opportunity to try authentic tabbouleh, hummus, fatoush salad, and more.