Weekend in Dubai - sightseeing plan

How to spend a weekend in Dubai?

A weekend in Dubai is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in an extraordinary combination of modern architecture and rich tradition. In just two days, you can visit the most famous places, try unique flavors of local cuisine and relax on one of the picturesque beaches. To make the most of your time, it is worth planning your sightseeing well so that you can see the city's most important attractions without unnecessary haste. A walk through the futuristic city center, a visit to a traditional market or admiring the view from the top of the world's tallest building are just some of the unforgettable experiences that await you in Dubai. With a well-planned itinerary, even a short stay can be very exciting and allow you to experience the extraordinary atmosphere of this unique city.

The top attractions in Dubai in 48 hours

Day 1 – Modern Dubai

• Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

Start your day with a visit to one of the most impressive places in the world – the Burj Khalifa. The tallest building in the world offers breathtaking views of Dubai, especially from the observation deck on the 48th floor. It is the perfect opportunity to admire the city skyline from a unique perspective. After this extraordinary attraction, head to Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the region, which not only houses exclusive boutiques, but also attractions such as the giant Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and an ice rink, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

• The Dubai Fountain – a dance of water and light

Just a few steps away from the Burj Khalifa is one of the most spectacular places in Dubai – The Dubai Fountain. The dancing fountain show takes place every 30 minutes in the evening and is a mesmerizing display of synchronized water, lights and music. This magical show is worth seeing at least once, and even better up close on a cruise on Lake Burj.

• Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm

In the afternoon, visit the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai's symbols of innovation. Here you can visit the famous Atlantis The Palm hotel, which impresses not only with its architecture but also with its numerous attractions. If you are looking for a bit of adrenaline, you should visit Aquaventure Waterpark, one of the best water parks in the world, where you will find extreme slides and pools with sharks.

• Dubai Marina and a canal cruise

In the evening, move to the modern Dubai Marina district, full of luxury skyscrapers, restaurants and trendy clubs. It is the perfect place for a romantic stroll along the canal or a cruise on a traditional dhow or luxury yacht. A cruise like this will allow you to see Dubai from a completely different perspective, and the sunset over the city is an unforgettable experience.

• Night panorama of Dubai from the Sky View Observatory

If you still have energy after a day of sightseeing, end the day with a visit to the Sky View Observatory. From a height of 219 meters, you can enjoy an incredible view of the illuminated city. It's a great place to admire Dubai at night and take spectacular photos.

Day 2 - Traditional Dubai and Desert Safari

• Old Town and traditional markets in Deira

Start the second day by immersing yourself in the historic part of Dubai. The Al Fahidi Historical District is a place where you can see traditional Arabic architecture, narrow streets and museums showing the old lifestyle of Dubai residents. Afterwards, it is worth going to Deira, where the famous gold, spice and perfume markets are located. Strolling through these noisy bazaars, you will feel the real oriental atmosphere and have the opportunity to buy souvenirs, aromatic spices or jewelry at affordable prices.

• Dubai Creek and abra cruise

To experience the atmosphere of old Dubai, cross the Dubai Creek in a traditional wooden abra boat. It is one of the most authentic and inexpensive attractions in the city - for just a few dirhams, you can admire the views of the historic districts and feel the atmosphere of Dubai from years ago.

• Etihad Museum and relaxing on La Mer Beach

If you want to combine learning with relaxation, visit the Etihad Museum, which tells the story of the creation of the United Arab Emirates. It is an interactive place full of multimedia exhibitions, perfect for those who want to better understand the culture and history of the region. Afterwards, relax on La Mer beach, one of the trendiest places in Dubai. Here, you will find not only a beautiful sandy shore and the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf, but also trendy restaurants, cafes and bars with sea views.

• Desert safari – an unforgettable adventure

Spend the afternoon and evening on one of Dubai's most exciting attractions: a safari in the desert. This unique experience includes an exciting drive through the golden dunes in an off-road vehicle, a camel ride, and the opportunity to try traditional dishes at a dinner under the stars. In addition, you can take advantage of attractions such as henna painting, belly dancing shows or falconry.

Photo: Yacht harbor in Dubai Marina, Pexels

Where should you eat during a weekend in Dubai?

If you want to start your day with authentic Middle Eastern flavors, head to the Arabian Tea House in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood. This iconic place serves traditional Arabic breakfasts such as bread with za'atar, hummus, and fresh dates, all in a cozy, atmospheric setting with a view of the historic part of the city.

For those who prefer modern, healthy meals, Baker & Spice is a great choice. This popular restaurant offers organic dishes made with fresh ingredients, and breakfast with a view of Dubai Marina is a perfect way to start the day in a relaxed style.

Fancy some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine? Then be sure to visit Al Ustad Special Kabab. This iconic place is known for serving some of the best Iranian kebabs in Dubai. Simple yet full of character, the restaurant has been attracting both locals and tourists looking for real oriental flavors for years.

For lovers of Asian cuisine, Zuma is an excellent option – a prestigious restaurant serving modern Japanese dishes in an elegant, stylish interior. It is the perfect place for a sophisticated dinner, where you can try specialties such as sushi, robata grill, or delicious seafood dishes.

If you want to spend an evening in Dubai, Pierchic is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. Located by the water with a picturesque view of the Burj Al Arab, it offers delicious seafood and an exclusive atmosphere, perfect for a special dinner at sunset.

What are the free things to do in Dubai on the weekend?

You don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Dubai and discover its charms. The city offers many free attractions that are worth including in your itinerary. Here are a few places that will give you an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank:

• Burj Khalifa fountain show – a breathtaking spectacle where water, light and music create a spectacular show. The shows take place every evening and are open to everyone.
• JBR Beach and The Walk promenade – a great place to relax by the sea, stroll along the coast and admire Dubai's modern architecture.
• Coffee Museum – A real treat for coffee lovers. Here, you can learn about the history of this drink, different brewing methods and see a collection of traditional coffee pots.
• Walk through the Al Seef district – a charming part of the city where traditional architecture meets modern design. The perfect place to take atmospheric photos and learn about the history of Dubai.
• Dubai Creek Harbor – a place from which you can admire the breathtaking city skyline, especially at sunset.

If you are wondering how to make the most of 48 hours in Dubai, this itinerary will allow you to discover both the modern and traditional sides of the city. A weekend in Dubai is an unforgettable experience that combines luxury, culture and extraordinary attractions. With this guide, you can easily plan an express tour of Dubai and visit the best attractions in Dubai in a short period of time. The carefully planned schedule will make your stay full of unforgettable experiences and allow you to feel the unique atmosphere of this fascinating city.

Questions and answers:

1. What are the best things to do on a weekend in Dubai?

A weekend in Dubai is the perfect opportunity to get to know the most important attractions of this extraordinary city. Start with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, where you can admire the panorama, and then head to the Dubai Mall, where not only world-class shopping awaits you, but also a spectacular dancing fountain show. The afternoon is the perfect time to relax on Palm Jumeirah – you can relax on the beach or visit the luxurious Atlantis The Palm complex, and in the evening, take a romantic cruise through Dubai Marina. Spend the second day exploring traditional Dubai: visit the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, cross the Dubai Creek by abra boat, and end the day with an exciting desert safari, where you can ride through the dunes and have dinner under the starry sky.

2. Is it worth renting a car for a weekend in Dubai?

Renting a car for a weekend in Dubai is a practical option, especially if you intend to explore places outside the city center, such as the desert or Abu Dhabi. However, thanks to the well-developed public transport system, getting around the city is easy and convenient. So having your own car is not essential, especially when visiting key attractions.

3. How can I get around Dubai in two days?

During a two-day stay in Dubai, it is worth using the metro, which efficiently connects key attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina. Alternatively, taxis and apps such as Uber, Bolt and Careem make it easy to get to more remote places quickly and to travel around the city in the evenings.

4. Can I visit the Burj Khalifa at the weekend in Dubai?

Of course, the Burj Khalifa is open to visitors every day, including weekends, making it a great place to visit. To avoid long queues, it is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially if you want to admire the Dubai skyline from the observation deck on the 148th floor, which is very popular, especially on public holidays.