Got a stopover in Dubai on your way to or from another country and you have limited time to see the city?  This ultimate 2-day Dubai itinerary will ensure you get to see the best of Dubai in a short space of time.

Before moving to Dubai, I visited for a couple of days to make sure I liked it. I packed in so much sightseeing in the space of two days and by the end of it, I knew I wanted to move there.

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I’ve put together the below 2-day Dubai itinerary to help you see and do as much as you can on your short trip, but if you have longer to spend here, you can also check out my 7-day Dubai itinerary!

For those wanting a more relaxed couple of days where you want to see things but not necessarily want to exert yourself too much, why not take a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour with Big Bus Dubai?

There are four main areas tourists love to stay in Dubai: the Marina, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah and Dubai Creek. We recommend staying at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

This hotel was designed to look like a wave, which is fitting as it sits on its own private beach. Guests can enjoy a dip in any of the 6 swimming pools and dine at one of the 20 restaurants and bars.

Just a few minutes drive from Mall of the Emirates, a short walk from the Burj Al Arab and a beach right on the doorstep, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the perfect location for a 2-day stay in Dubai.

Day 1: Souks and the Lost City Of Atlantis

Morning

2-day Dubai itinerary - Souk Madinat

For breakfast with a view, head to Madinat Jumeirah. McGettigan’s Irish Restaurant & Bar offers up close views of the Burj Al Arab and Arabian abras passing by on the serene waterways.

After breakfast, take your own abra tour and meander your way through the 3km waterways of the resort. For guests of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, abra tours are free of charge.

Then make your way to the Souk Madinat and explore a traditional Arabian bazaar. From spices to jewelry, it’s time to test your haggling skills with the locals!

Afternoon

2-day Dubai itinerary - Atlantis
Photo by Leonid Andronov

In the afternoon, take the monorail for a scenic journey to Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s first man-made island.

Aquaventure Water Park is the next stop on your 2-day Dubai itinerary. With over 30 rides and attractions, surfing and a private beach, Aquaventure is a fun way to spend the day.

Evening

2-day Dubai itinerary - Dubai Aquarium
Photo by ND3000 by Getty Images

At 6pm, head to the Lost Chambers Aquarium to see 65,000 different marine species. There are numerous add-ons to the aquarium tour, such as the Fish Tales Tour where you’ll find out what it takes to look after the 65,000 marine life, snorkeling in the aquarium or diving.

Atlantis has some of the best restaurants in Dubai. From celebrity chef restaurants (Nobu) to signature restaurants (Seafire Steakhouse) to casual dining (Wavehouse, where you can also play bowling while you eat!), you’ll find everything you need there.

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Day 2: Desert Dune Bashing & Dancing Fountains

Morning

7-day Dubai Itinerary: View from Burj Khalifa
Photo by Capdesign from Getty Images

It’s day two of our 2-day Dubai itinerary! This morning, we have an early start as we head to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, to watch the sunrise on the 124th and 125th floors and have breakfast with a view of the Burj Lake.

After breakfast, head for a stroll around Dubai Marina where you’ll see the tallest cluster of skyscrapers in the world. From there, head over to the Yellow Boat Speedboat Tour station for an incredible tour around Dubai Marina and the Palm Jumeirah. Throw your hands up in the air and the captain will up the speed! Book your tour here.

Afternoon

2-day Dubai itinerary - Dunebashing in the desert
Photo by Author

One of the most epic things to do in Dubai, something that’s on most people’s Dubai bucket list, is a desert safari. You’ll be picked up at your hotel before driving out to the desert. There’ll be a quick stop to use the restrooms and buy snacks and then the fun begins – dune bashing! Dune bashing is where 4×4 cars speed drive through the desert, up and down the enormous dunes. It’s definitely a high adrenaline activity and perfect for adrenaline junkies!

Once the dune bashing is finished (and you’ve caught your breath again!), you’ll head to the desert camp for camel rides, sand-boarding, henna tattoos, and an Arabian style BBQ. Entertainment in the form of belly dancers, Tanoura twirling man and sometimes even fire breathers finishes off the evening, before you head back into the city.

Evening

7-day Dubai Itinerary Dubai Fountains
Photo by Anthony Espinosa on Unsplash

Finishing off your 2-day Dubai itinerary, you’ll head back to the Dubai Mall to watch the impressive water, music and light spectacle of the Dubai fountains. The show runs every night between 6pm and 11pm.

For the best views, take a boat ride around the lake and watch the Dubai fountains in style.

Conclusion to our 2-Day Dubai Itinerary

And there yo have your 2-day Dubai itinerary. While it’s quite jam packed, it is the best of Dubai. Is 2 days enough for Dubai? Not really. But it’s definitely a great start!

If you have more time, of course, you can spend a bit more time relaxing on the beach in between activities. Here’s my 7-day Dubai itinerary for some more ideas.

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