Things to do in Dubai

Explore Dubai in 24 hours with this 1 day itinerary!

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So, you've got just one day to soak up all the magic Dubai has to offer? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this whirlwind city, every moment counts, so buckle up and get ready for the ultimate 24-hour Dubai adventure. From the glitz and glamour of the Burj Khalifa to the traditional charm of the old souks, we're diving headfirst into the heart and soul of Dubai. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler looking to make the most of a layover, this jam-packed itinerary will ensure you don't miss a beat.

24 Hours in Dubai - How To Spend Your Time


Dubai In 1 Day - Detailed Itinerary


The View at The Palm

MORNING 10 AM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 1 HOUR

Top 10 Dubai Attractions

New Landmark

Observation Deck

Let's start with the best, shall we? Head to Dubai's latest palm tree, the Palm Tower , for an astonishing experience up in the sky. Towering 240 meters above Palm Jumeirah, the 52nd floor of the tower offers views that will leave you swooning. Grasp views of the Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline- all at once! This is also an opportune moment for you to learn about the creation of the Palm Jumeirah. Grab The View At The Palm Tickets here and save yourself the hassle of waiting around in line.

Travel Tips
  • The observation deck has movable glass partitions for unaltered views of Dubai.
  • If you're up for it, head to the VIP lounge for some private entertainment.
  • You can book the observatory for private events, celebrations, fashion shows, and more.

The View At The Palm Tickets

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Flyboarding in Palm Jumeirah

Noon 12 PM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 1-2 HOURS

Dubai Watersports

Thrill Seekers

Jumeirah beach situated right next to Palm Jumeirah is home to many water sport activities in Dubai. Flyboarding is one of the newest extreme sport to hit the coasts of Dubai. Flyboarding consists of a board with a hose that is attached to a jetski engine. The engine pumps water out of the hose at a great force, allowing one to propel into the air at heights of up to 10 meters. While you’re in the air, the board can be maneuvered using hand controls or even distributing your weight accordingly. The arrangement lets you fly, Iron man Style!

Travel Tip
  • Pay close attention to all the safety instructions given by the instructor and perform this activity under expert supervision.

Flyboarding in Dubai

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Bastakiya Quarter

AFTERNOON 2:00 PM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 1 HOUR

Sightseeing

Historic Tour

Family Friendly

Begin day 2 with a visit to the old Bastakiya Quarters. Squeezed between Dubai Creek and the Bur Dubai district, Bastakiya Quarter harks back to the days when Dubai was just a fishing village on the Persian Gulf. This is one of the must-visit cultural sightseeing landmarks in Dubai. The winding streets of Bastakiya are lined with old-fashion wind-towered buildings that have now been converted into galleries and restaurants. Before you finish touring Bastakiya, make sure to visit the textile souk where you'll find some of the best bolts of fabric. Finally, to experience the old ways of Dubai in its truest forms, head to the creek and go for a scenic tour in traditional abra boats.

Travel Tips
  • This is a nice place to hop between art galleries and boutique restaurants.
  • You may choose to opt for a sightseeing tour of Dubai- this includes access to the Bastakia Quarters, amongst other attractions.

Dubai Creek Abra Ride

LATE AFTERNOON 3:00 PM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 1 HOUR

Sightseeing Cruises

Family Friendly

The history of Dubai and Dubai Creek are inseparable. Settled along the creek since its inception, Dubai Creek has played a pivotal role in Dubai’s past, helping it develop from a fishing village to a booming trade center, receiving trade from Europe, Asia as well as East Africa. Today, Dubai Creek is still an integral part of the city and a cruise down Dubai Creek is quite a traditional way of experiencing Dubai. A sightseeing cruise along Dubai Creek will allow you to see landmarks such as Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Village, Al Diwan or The Ruler’s Assembly, traditional gold & spice souks, Emirates N.B.D. Headquarters, Sheraton Dubai Creek and the Rolex Twin Towers.

Travel Tips
  • If you wish to sail down Dubai Creek and see the landmarks that lie on its banks, then go for a sightseeing cruise of the the creek.
  • You can make your Dubai Creek cruise experience even better by opting for a dinner cruise where you will be treated with an international buffet dinner.

Burj Khalifa

EVENING 4:30 PM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 1-1.5 HOURS

Top 5 Dubai Attractions

World-Famous Landmark

The tallest building in the world needs no introduction. With a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft), the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest structure in the world since 2008, even before it was finished. No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting the Burj Khalifa. Over 2 million people visit the Burj Khalifa every year, making their way to the highest observatory in the world - At the Top. Take your pick of Burj Khalifa Tickets.

Travel Tips
  • Purchase tickets in advance online in order to prevent queuing up for hours at the ticket counter.
  • Evenings are some of the busiest periods at the Burj Khalifa. To enjoy the place in peace, head to the observatory in the morning or after 9:00 PM, when the crowd has lessened considerably .
  • Sunsets from the top of the Burj Khalifa are considered a thing of beauty, but they're also the most crowded periods. To catch a sunset from the top, make sure to visit the Burj Khalifa an hour before the sunset.

Dubai Fountain

Evening 6:00 PM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 1 HOUR

Must-See Attraction

Family-Friendly

Finally, round your trip off beautifully by watching a show at the Dubai Fountain, right outside Burj Khalifa. One of the most beautiful light, water and music spectacles in the world; the Dubai Fountain is the world’s second largest choreographed fountain system. Situated in the center of Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Fountain offers a breathtaking show of choreographed water jets that shoot over 100 feet in the air and dance to the rhythms of songs from all over the world.

Travel Tips
  • If you opt for the Burj Khalifa + Boardwalk combo ticket, you can see the Dubai Fountain show from two unique angles.
  • Best to arrive for the show after sunset for the best views.


1 Day in Dubai Under AED 700


Morning - View at The Palm & Flyboarding
AED 450
Noon - Bastakiya Quarter & Abra Ride
AED 45
Evening - Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain
AED 170

Total

AED 665

Book your Dubai Attractions tickets on Headout, and spend under AED 700 on your 5-day vacation in Dubai! Hit up all the prime attractions in the city and save more while you explore more. Read on to see our detailed 1 day Dubai Itinerary and learn more about visiting each of these attractions.

More Dubai Itinerary Options?


Have more time on your hands? Want to explore Dubai further? Check out our 3 days in Dubai and 5 days in Dubai itineraries for further inspiration.

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Essential Dubai Guides


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Dubai in 1 Day - Itinerary