What to do in 24 hours in Dubai

What to do in 24 hours in Dubai

What to do in 24 hours in Dubai

Beautiful skyscrapers, state-of-the-art architecture, beautiful beaches and dunes, delicious food, great all-inclusive accommodations, shopping at the Dubai Mall, and adrenaline-pumping experiences make Dubai a great tourist destination.

There are so many things to do and see in Dubai. However, 24 hours is not enough time. The good news is that Dubai offers many places and things to do for people visiting for a short time, providing visitors with 24 hours of fun and unforgettable experiences. Here is what to do in 24 hours in Dubai. Read on!

1. Visit the souks in the morning

For a day trip to Dubai, you can start with Old Dubai. The traditional “Gold Souk” and “Spice Souk” are just a 15-minute drive from the airport. So, this is a great way to see what Dubai was like before it flourished and to get a lot of quality spices at a great price. Here, you can also cross the creek, a natural ocean that flows through the city via Abra, in a kind of traditional boat cab.

2. Spend some time near the Burj Arab

No visit to Dubai would be complete without a picture of the Burj Al Arab. The best way to take this famous picture is to drive to Sunset Beach, where you can see Dubai’s beautiful beaches from a reasonably close distance to the seven-star hotel. The beach is a great place to relax a bit, soak up the Dubai air, watch people, and get a better understanding of the emirate’s culture.

3. Afternoon visit to Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world, and it would take you more than 24 hours to explore it. Aside from lunch, you can also visit the unique stores, international brand stores, and the famous Dubai Aquarium.

There is also an underwater zoo in the mall with various animals, from penguins to crocodiles. Dubai mall has many restaurants with a diverse menu and a wide selection of regional and continental dishes.

4. Watch the sunset over the Dubai Fountains

Dubai has made its famous fountains bigger and better than ever. Dubai fountain is the largest choreographed fountain in the world and spouts every 30 minutes between 6:00 Pm and 11:00 pm every night. We believe this is one of the most beautiful places in the city to watch the sunset.

It is near the Dubai Mall, so you don’t have to go far. The fountains are synchronized with Arabic music and opera. Twenty-four hours may not be enough time to climb the Burj Khalifa, but you can get a great view from here.

5. Dinner at Madinat Jumeirah

Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a modern market modeled after the old souk you visited earlier, is a great place to end the day with another view of the Burj Al Arab, which is lit up in various colors at night.

The market is lined with many restaurants and bars, from Chinese to Latin, and many souvenir shops. In addition, this is where you can experience hookah, a must-try tradition for those who don’t like smoking. There are also many bars in the souk, making it a great place to spend the night with a drink.

6. Late-night stroll in Palm Jumeriah

Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree with various hotels where you can spend the night. For those willing to pay a little more, Atlantis The Palm, one of the 5-star hotels in Dubai, is located in the island’s crescent shape and has a water park. So, you can kill some time in the late-night or early morning before you leave.

The hotel also has several domestic restaurants such as Nobu and Ossiano, where you can enjoy drinks in the evening. There are also large resort hotels with private beaches such as Fairmont the Palm and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray.

Final Words

Marvel at the modern and beautiful Arabic architecture, discover the history and culture of the emirate, ride a camel in the desert, swim with dolphins, relish a day at a water park, embark on a hot air balloon adventure, etc. However, you can’t do these activities in a 24 hour time. So, follow the tips above to get the most out of your one-day trip to Dubai and create memories.


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
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