The Best 2 Days in Dubai Itinerary

I have wanted to visit Dubai for a long time. So when I had the chance to take 2 days as a stopover in Dubai, on my way home from Bali, I jumped at that chance! Dubai is unlike anywhere I have ever been and everything seems to be bigger or better there!

If you only have 2 days in Dubai, this itinerary is perfect for you! Even if you have more than 2 days I’m sure you can find some helpful things for your trip.

Day 1 –

9 Am- Visit Madinat Jumeriah

Eat breakfast and take in the views, there are plenty of outdoor dining options!
Take an Abra boat ride for close up views of the Burj Al Arab
Get lost while looking for the perfect lamp in the souks

This public beach near Jumeirah Beach Hotel has some of the best views of Burj Al Arab. It is also a stunning beach, with deep turquoise blues and soft sands. This is the perfect place to relax. The Dubai Marina has some of the biggest and most extravagant buildings in the world, all while being located next to the beach! This area is definitely worth exploring. Have fun spotting some amazing sports cars as well.

Walk Along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk for views of the ocean and Atlantis. Bonus: Tons of adorable food trucks to choose from!
Go to the Atlantis Aquarium
If time allows: Go to the Atlantis waterpark

5 PM- Head over to the Dubai Mall

Shop until you drop in the world’s biggest mall
Endless options of what to eat for dinner, there are restaurants from all over the world here and many adorable cafes!

7 PM- Watch the Fountain Show

I loved the fountain show so much, I watched it twice!

It happens every 30 minutes and the music is different each time. Tip: Come 20 minutes early if you want to stand in a good spot to take pictures and videos.

Day 2 – 2 Days in Dubai Itinerary

5:30 AM-Head to Burj Khalifa

With only 2 days in Dubai I would Watch the Sunrise from the world’s tallest building- it’s definitely worth the early wake up call and you can stay here as long as you would like.

Bonus: The sunrise ticket also includes a small breakfast of a coffee and croissant

Book the tour I did here

7:30 AM- Breakfast and explore more of Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is extremely huge with its own movie theatre, ice skating rink, aquarium, dinosaur fossils and more. It would take several days to explore it all, but is definitely worth spending a little bit more time on your second day.
I recommend stopping by Cereal Killer Cafe for breakfast, you even get to sit on nostalgic little cartoon beds! Bonus: They also have different flavors of milk and the caramel flavor was a game changer!
If time, go to the Dubai Mall Aquarium if you spent time at the Atlantis waterpark rather than the Atlantis aquarium on the 1st day.

10 AM- Walk around outside the Dubai Mall and take photos of the Burj Khalifa

I also walked to the nearby Palace Hotel because the area and architecture is stunning and I ended up spending a few hours just walking all around this area enjoying the day and taking pictures.

12 PM- Head back to your hotel to take a nap or dip in the pool

I recommend the Shangri-la Dubai! I specifically chose this hotel because of the incredible views of the Burj Khalifa and it definitely didn’t disappoint!

2 PM- Go on a Desert Safari

Dune bashing in the sand- not for people prone to motion sickness
Desert Camel Rides
Belly Dancing and more entertainment
Buffet BBQ dinner
Henna Tatoos

Book the Tour I did here!

9 PM- Take pictures of the Burj Khalifa at night

After the safari, head back to Shangri-la Dubai and take pictures of the Burj Khalifa at night. It is truly an amazing spectacle.
Walk around and eat a late night snack at one of the many outdoor cafes nearby