Dubai is a city in the UAE that is known for its luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. It is full of glitz and glamour that definitely doesn’t come at a cheap price, but if you are on holiday and are wanting to treat yourself for a few days, then it will not disappoint. From the Arabian opulence to the grand modern sky scrapers.
If you are travelling a long distance west or east then it is common to change flights in Dubai, but instead of simply changing planes, why not get off and spend a few days taking in the incredible sights! This is my “48 HOURS IN DUBAI” guide with recommendations to what you can enjoy in this amazing city if you only have 2 full days.
Day 1
Morning- Brunch
If you are visiting Dubai over a Friday then you MUST go for one of Dubai’s famous all-you-can-eat (and often drink) brunches!! Friday is the start of the weekend in Dubai, and they definitely know how to start it right. There are soooooo many good ones out there, from hotels to brasseries – I would recommend finding one in a hotel you want to visit. If you aren’t there on a Friday you can still go to one of the beautiful 5 star hotels for a delicious buffet breakfast which will definitely not disappoint.
If it’s not peak summer heat, then why not after breakfast take a trip to one of Dubai’s beach clubs such as Zero Gravity or Blue Marlin UAE for a few hours sunbathing, listening to good music and drinks.
Afternoon – Dubai Mall
After a few hours of eating and drinking (or spending time in the sun) I would now suggest to take a trip to the iconic Dubai Mall, which is one of the LARGEST shopping centres in the world! It is full of amazing shops and eateries, plus it boats an aquarium you can go inside, an ice rink, cinema and more!
Even if you don’t by anything you can spend a few hours walking around. The mall also has a soul attached with you must visit, PLUS it has the famous singing water fountains outside which are also a must see! 
(Photo credit to Thousand Wonders)
Early evening – Drinks at the Burj Khalifa
After wandering around the mall, walk next door to the Armarni hotel (Burj Khalifa) and go for a sunset cocktail with amazing views over the whole of Dubai!! You can just visit the Burj Khalifa by going to the viewing platform in the mall, but I would highly recommend going up to the At.Mosphere bar at the top of the hotel (as you pay a little bit more for a drinks/snacks minimum spend than in the viewing platform, BUT you might stay for an hour or so and get to enjoy some light bites and a drink, rather than just a quick sightseeing visit).
Nighttime – Dinner and entertainment
There are so many amazing places in Dubai that you can go to enjoy fabulous dinners and drinks, but there are a few I would recommend visiting…. Pierchic or Rockfish (if you love seafood), Nobu in the famous Atlantis hotel (if you want to visit this iconic hotel and love Japanese food), the Heinz Beck Social Restaurant, or The Fairmont on The Palm’s delicious all-you-can-eat amazing steak restaurant called Frevo.
The photos below are of the romantic restaurant Pierchic, which is set on a pier in the sea overlooking the Burj Al Arab, the Madinat Jumeriah, and the Palm Jumeirah.
If you still have energy afterwards then why not go to a chilled out bar for some Shoshana, or hit the clubs to visit places like Mahiki or Cirque le Soir (these are just a few places I’ve been too but there are soooooo many great night clubs in Dubai that you can choose from!)
OR….
If you want to do something completely different then why not go into the desert for a desert safari where you can drive though the dunes, watch some beautiful belly dancing whilst enjoying some traditional food – plus maybe even ride a camel!
Day 2
Morning – Old Souk
After a little lie in, it is now a great time to spend a few hours in the morning till lunch and visit the old part of Dubai to take in some cultural sights and visit the gold and spice Souk- you can even get a little boat around if you have time once you are there.
Here you can find lots of good value gold, amazing spices, and some traditional items.
Afternoon- Spa time
After a some walking around and a late night the night before, now is the perfect time to do something relaxing. Dubai is full is amazing spas in lots of their hotels, but the one I would highly recommend is the Talise Ottoman Spa in the Jumeriah Zabeel Saray hotel on The Palm Jumeriah ( this spa is honestly the biggest and most BEAUTIFUL spa I have ever been to in my life). It boats 2 saunas, 1 steam room, a sensory shower, a large Arabian indoor swimming pool and lounge area, a Thai Zen garden, a snow room, a hamman, a marble hot-bed relaxation area, tea, detox water, healthy snacks and 2 large jacuzzis with one situated in its own grand room with private lounging areas set back into the wall!!! Take a trip here and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Instead of getting a taxi all the way around, why not hop on the metro at the the start of The Palm to the Atlantis hotel and enjoy the overground sights whilst travelling high up on The Palm – Then you can get a quick taxi at the Atlantis to the spa.
Evening – Dinner in the Madinat Jumeriah
Take a trip to the beautiful Madinat Jumeriah where you can feast on a variety of food and enjoy the nightime souk. Here I would arrive a little early and take a small boat ride around the Madinat before enjoying some yummy Indian food at Ushna. After dinner I would then wander around the Souk for an hour before moving on for drinks to the world-famous Burj Al Arab.
Nighttime- Drinks at the Burj Al Arab
This hotel is just next door the the Madinat Jumeriah so is very easy to access. The hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Dubai and the world, and is definitely worth a visit.
Book a table for drinks in the Sky View Bar at the top of the hotel for your chance to enjoy high class cocktails and a stunning view of Dubai. (Note- you will have to make a booking here as you will not be able to access the hotel without a booking for entry). The bar does have a pricey minimum spend but if you want the chance to visit this iconic place then it is worth it – plus you could use this opportunity to enjoy a dessert after your Indian dinner, and a few drinks!
Those are my best recommendations of what you should do if you are only visiting Dubai for 2 days. I hope you will enjoy it!!
It will definitely be an action packed 2 days but doing these things will make you feel like you have really got to experience a lot of this spectacular city (and if you love it and want to do note- they why not stop over again on another long haul holiday – or even better come for 5 days next time for your own little holiday).
If you liked this blog please don’t forget to ‘follow’ and subscribe to get updates on all my new posts; as well as follow my Instagram account @kitchenoliviaandhertravels for more inspiration!
Please don’t forget to share this on social media, and with your friends/family.
Love Kitchen Olivia xx
kitchen-olivia.com 