How to spend 1 day in Dubai: Top attractions & tips

🕒 Duration: 8am–12pm

🚇 How to reach: Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, then walk via the air-conditioned walkway.

Start your day at the Burj Khalifa, Dubai's iconic centerpiece, standing tall at 828 meters. Book the 8am slot to avoid the crowds—choose between "At the Top" (Levels 124 & 125) or "At the Top Sky" (Level 148). Watch Dubai sprawl beneath you all the way to the Arabian Gulf. Grab unique souvenirs at the 124th-floor gift shop, then step onto the outdoor deck to feel the height for yourself.

🎟 Recommended experience:

• Burj Khalifa At the Top Tickets: Level 124 & 125
• Burj Khalifa At The Top + Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

📍 Nearby photo spot:

The best Burj Khalifa shot is from Burj Park by Emaar, where you can frame the entire tower in your photo.

🥐 Coffee & snack

Treat yourself at At.mosphere, a restaurant on Level 122, where you can sip on coffee while floating above the clouds.

🕒 Duration: 2.5 hours

🚇 How to reach: 10-min walk from the Forum.

Next, make your way to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, an aquatic wonderland located within Dubai Mall. This massive attraction is accessible from both the ground and second floors. While you can marvel at the enormous aquarium tank for free from the mall, invest in a ticket for the complete experience. This gives you access to the underwater tunnel, where you'll walk beneath gliding sharks, plus entry to the Underwater Zoo, which features fascinating marine life from playful otters to menacing piranhas.

👜 Shopping stop:

If you want a luxury splurge, Dubai Mall is home to The Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue, with brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Rolex. For more budget-friendly finds, check out souvenir shops near the Grand Atrium.

🎟 Recommended experience:

• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with Penguin Cove
• CÉ LA VI Dubai: Lunch Set Menu with Burj Khalifa Views

🍝 Lunch option:

Din Tai Fung – A must-try for steaming hot dumplings and their famous Xiao Long Bao.
Al Hallab – A great pick for authentic Lebanese grills and mezze platters with a Burj Khalifa view.

🕒 Duration: 3pm–9pm

🚗 How to reach: Most desert safari operators offer hotel pick-up, or you can meet at a central designated location.

A trip to Dubai is incomplete without a desert safari. After a 1-hour drive from the city, you'll experience heart-pumping dune bashing, test your skills on quad bikes and dune buggies, and catch breathtaking sunset views. At the Bedouin camp, savor traditional Arabic coffee and local delicacies. You’ll have the opportunity to try sandboarding, enjoy a peaceful camel ride, or simply soak in the stunning landscape. As evening falls, the camp comes alive with traditional performances, and you'll feast on a delicious BBQ dinner before returning to the city by 9pm.

🎟 Recommended experience

• Budget-Friendly Evening Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner with Optional Quad Bike

📍 Nearby photo spot:

The golden dunes at sunset create the perfect backdrop for epic travel shots.

🕒 Duration: 9:30pm–11:30pm

🚇 How to reach: Return to Dubai Marina or JBR via taxi or metro (Red Line to DMCC or Jumeirah Lakes Towers Station).

Dubai Marina Walk: Stretching 7km along the world's largest human-made marina, this waterfront promenade offers endless photo opportunities of luxury yachts and gleaming towers. Stop at one of many waterfront restaurants, watch street artists perform, or hop on a dinner cruise.
JBR The Walk: This vibrant beachfront promenade features an outdoor cinema, food trucks, and pop-up markets. Watch fire dancers and musicians perform while browsing boutique shops.
Dubai Water Canal Promenade: A peaceful 3km walkway featuring mechanical waterfalls that cascade from the bridges above. The promenade is dotted with floating restaurants and viewing platforms. Watch the choreographed water shows every evening, or cycle along dedicated paths.

Nightlife venues:

• Sky 2.0: A sophisticated outdoor venue with state-of-the-art sound systems, featuring rotating international DJs and stunning Marina views. Known for its theatrical performances and elaborate light shows.
• Soho Garden: A sprawling entertainment complex with multiple venues, including a poolside lounge, garden terrace, and main room playing everything from house to hip-hop. Popular for its brunches and themed nights.
• Armani/Privé: An exclusive nightclub in the Burj Khalifa, featuring sleek interiors, world-class DJs, and a strict dress code. The venue offers panoramic city views and attracts a high-end crowd.

🕒 Duration: 3pm–9pm

If desert adventure isn’t your style, swap the desert for a self-guided tour of Old Dubai:

1️⃣ Al Fahidi Historical District – Wander through Al Fahidi's atmospheric alleyways, where sand-colored buildings and wind towers transport you to old Arabia. Explore the Coffee Museum to discover aromatic Arabian beans and traditional brewing methods, then challenge your senses at the Museum of Illusions with mind-bending optical exhibits and interactive installations.

2️⃣ Souk shopping & Abra ride – From Al Fahidi, take a short walk to the Abra station, where traditional wooden boats ferry passengers across Dubai Creek for just 1 AED. This 5-minute ride offers stunning views and leads you to Dubai's famous souks. Explore the Gold Souk's glittering displays and the aromatic Spice Souk's corridors of saffron and frankincense. End your old Dubai adventure at Shiraz Nights, a local favorite serving some of the city's best charcoal-grilled shawarmas.