Weekend In Dubai Itinerary - Two Days In Dubai

UPDATED MARCH 2025
By Lindsay Eagan
Family in Dubai

Planning a weekend in Dubai for the first time, but don’t know where to begin? We’ve compiled a wonderful two-day itinerary for Dubai that will showcase the best that this global city has to offer in just one weekend! This weekend in Dubai itinerary includes the following attractions:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour
  • Ski Dubai
  • Mall Of The Emirates
  • Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountains
  • Dubai Festival City
  • Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina

🗓️ We’ve also put together one-day, three-day, and seven-day itineraries for planning the ultimate vacation in the Emirates.

💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on Dubai attractions

You can gain admission to many of Dubai’s top attractions with the Go City Dubai passes, which include entrance to some of the most popular attractions and activities. Check out the passes, attractions, and prices

Please note that some of the attractions included in this itinerary are not included with Go City® passes.

Dubai skyline

Day One in Dubai, Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai tour 

Enjoy the energy and excitement of the city from a bird’s eye perch on the Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour, as it rolls down Dubai’s main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road (or SZR, as it’s affectionately called by locals). This is the best way to begin your introduction to Dubai, as many of the important landmarks branch out directly from SZR and you can explore at your leisure by hopping off whenever you like.

You’ll have the chance to see more than 40 different points of interest on the bus tour, and an onboard guide will give you context, history, and entertaining anecdotes for each site. The most popular tour highlights include Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque, The Palm, Dubai Marina, and much more.

Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai tickets are included with all Dubai passes.

Stop #2: Mall Of The Emirates (free, unless you do some shopping, of course) 

Next, plan to stop at one of the world’s largest and most elite malls: Mall of the Emirates. Just down SZR, this incredible shopping destination features hundreds of shops of all tastes and price points, world-class restaurants and cafes, a 4D movie multiplex, and more. Shop until you drop and even pick up a few souvenirs of your trip to take back home from the mall’s selection of local specialty stores.

Now is also a good time to enjoy a hearty meal from one of the mall's restaurants or in the food court. From Italian to Arabic, to Mexican, to Chinese, to American food, you’ll find a taste for whatever you’re craving.

Getting In: It's free to explore the Mall of the Emirates. 

Ski Dubai

Attached to the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s biggest indoor ski resort, and the world’s first indoor black diamond run. The venue houses multiple areas for adventure and excitement. Check out "Mountain Thriller," a bobsled course the whole family will love. Play in a snow cavern and practice your snowball-making (and throwing!) skills.

Don't forget to watch real Gentoo and king penguins walk across the slopes at periodic intervals. Ski Dubai offers lessons and rentals for every skillset, from beginners to pros. Kids will enjoy a session in the penguin zone or on the icy playground.

Getting In: Ski Dubai Polar Pass tickets are included on Dubai passes.

Ski Dubai

Stop #4: Dubai Fountains at Dubai Mall (free!) 

Dubai Mall once held the title of the biggest and most state-of-the-art mall in the world. Today it’s hardly fallen from glory with an amazing array of shops, dining options, KidZania children’s club, a mega multiplex movie theater, and an indoor ice skating rink. Not to be missed amongst Dubai Mall’s offerings are the famous dancing Dubai Fountains.

The world’s largest choreographed fountain system is located just outside the mall, spread out over Downtown Dubai. The fountains spring to life every day with performances set to both Arabic and world music and a light show. They are a wonderful place to watch the desert sunset.

Getting In: It's free to explore the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains. 

Dubai fountains

Stop #5: At The Top - Burj Khalifa 

Now is your chance to travel up more than 140 floors of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. You’ll get a jaw-dropping panoramic view of Dubai from "At The Top - Burj Khalifa", one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. You can fully appreciate the dynamic architecture of the city from a prime viewing position and snap photos to commemorate your trip. This isn't one for those who have a fear of heights, that's for sure!

Getting In: At the Top, Burj Khalifa tickets are included on all Dubai passes.

Taking photos of the Burj Khalifa

Stop #6: Dinner In Dubai Festival City 

A short journey from the Burj Khalifa lies Dubai Festival City where you can indulge in three-course, authentic meals and family favorites in a fun, whimsical venue. The perfect spot to relive your favorite moments from your first day in Dubai. 

Day Two in Dubai, Stop #1: Mattel Play! Town (for families with kids) 

Get an early and fun start to your second day in Dubai with a stop at Mattel Play! Town in the City Walk area of the city. This popular, urban residential and entertainment district offers a variety of places to explore. Kids will enjoy the educational play experiences, entertaining live shows, and hands-on activities and crafts at Mattel Play! Town.

They’ll be challenged to use their teamwork and problem-solving skills to increase their creativity and socialization. Their favorite characters come to life as they join in on adventures from their favorite franchises like Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney, and more.

Getting In: Mattel Play! Town Dubai is separately ticketed.

Stop #2: Aquaventure Waterpark 

Make a splash at Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm. Offering fun for all ages, you can splash down on water slides, relax in the lazy river, or enjoy the pristine beach of the hotel’s tropical landscape. Feeling adventurous? Take the plunge at the Leap of Faith slide that rockets you through a shark-filled lagoon at top speed.

Or you can ride the maze of the Aquaventure River Rides connected waterways to discover the Tower of Neptune or the surging Torrent River. The kids will love playing at the Splasher’s Children’s Play Area complete with climbing frames, water slides, rope bridges, water cannons, and a giant tipping water bucket. Sit back and relax under an umbrella at the Aquaventure private beach.

Getting In: Aquaventure Waterpark Dubai tickets are included on all Dubai passes.

Aquaventure Dubai

Stop #3: Lost Chambers Aquarium 

There's more watery fun to be found at the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Learn about the lost civilization of Atlantis as you wind your way through the city’s underwater ruins, filled with all sorts of sea creatures. The aquarium contains 10 different chambers where you can see a variety of marine life up close, such as piranhas, jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, and an array of fish.

A myth tour (hourly, included with admission) will give you further background on the lost city and the sea creatures. If you visit during the afternoon, you might even catch a glimpse of the Lost Chambers’ scuba divers as they check on all the animals in the tanks and put on a live feeding show.

Getting In: Lost Chambers Aquarium Dubai tickets are included on all Dubai passes. 

Stop #4: Sunset Dinner Cruise, Dubai Marina 

Cap off a thrilling weekend of adventure with a sendoff sunset dinner cruise around Dubai Marina. Step into luxury as you board the yacht to cruise around one of Dubai's most beautiful areas. Enjoy the glittering lights of the Marina as you cruise past the Burj Al Arab, an iconic seven-star hotel. Hang around on air-conditioned or open-air decks, depending on the weather and your preference.

Enjoy a luxury buffet catered by the Address Hotel Marina along with unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee as you reflect on a wonderful getaway. Culinary options include a lively selection of international fare (including local Arabic cuisine), pasta stations, and sumptuous desserts.

Getting In: Dubai Sunset Dinner Cruise tickets are included on the Dubai Explorer Pass.

Dubai dinner cruise

Save up to 50% on Dubai attractions

Discover our full line-up of Dubai attractions from At the Top - Burj Khalifa to Aquaventure Waterpark.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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The waterfront at Dubai Creek in Deira
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Cool things to do in Deira Dubai

Only a short hop from the international airport, Deira still manages to be one of the most charismatic of Dubai’s neighborhoods. Forming a part of Old Dubai, its port continues to be a place for traditional dhow trading vessels to be loaded and unloaded by hand, sailing their small cargoes between Dubai, the Middle East and even India. Its streets are dominated by souks – dedicated to gold, spices and perfumes – where Arabic is still more likely to be heard than English. When it comes to things to do in Deira Dubai there’s also a smattering of small museums and even a beachfront park. Plenty of reasons to take a turn in Dubai’s original downtown district! Enjoy the creek-side setting Long before the observation decks at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, existed and long before Dubai came together with its neighbors to form the United Arab Emirates, there was Deira. As the historic location for mooring dhows, it was the obvious place for the young city’s souks to develop. The simplest of ports, just mooring bollards lining the northern entrance to Dubai Creek, Deira’s ageless waterfront provides a contrast to the usual image of Dubai. Its handcrafted and wooden built ships haven’t changed much in centuries – except for the fact they now contain engines as well as sails. Still dodging the piracy of the high seas, there’s nowhere in Deira with more atmosphere and no better way to discover it than with a creek sightseeing cruise. However, even staying on dry land there are lots of ways to take in the neighborhood’s traditional way of living and working. For instance, Deira’s multitude of souks are a world away from the polished floors and mood music of Dubai’s malls, providing a much more visceral shopping – or window shopping – experience. Choose between the gold, spice and perfume souks depending on what interests you most. Delve into Deira’s history A one minute walk from the Gold Souk is the Dubai Municipality Museum. Fully restored and opened to the public in 2006, it was from this simple building that Dubai was administered for many years. As a result, the museum’s collection uses four main sections to focus on the development of the city and state. An old-school museum with plenty of glass cabinets to gaze into, its upper floor balcony is also a nice place to enjoy life on the street below. The nearby Bait Al Banat – or Women’s Museum – does an important job in highlighting the role of women in a society which historically expected wives, mothers and sisters to stay at home and out of sight. Using historical examples to inspire future generations, gallery one hosts temporary exhibitions and gallery two a semi-permanent collection of archive photographs and contemporary artworks. Dating to 1890, Deira’s self-proclaimed Heritage House has the traditional form of buildings of coral stone and gypsum enclosing a central courtyard. It once belonged to an affluent pearl merchant called Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmouk, who also financed the next-door Al Ahmadiya School – one of Dubai’s most prestigious. Step within, and you’ll learn about life behind closed doors, from the majlis meeting place on the ground floor to the kitchens and bathrooms. Relax in Deira’s green spaces A short distance further along the creek from Deira’s wharves, and edged by three of the most luxurious hotels in Deira is Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. A ribbon of verdant green dotted with lakes, bunkers and palms, there are three difficult golf courses to choose between. The average traveler will probably have the most fun at the insta-ready #minigolfdubai course. Although there aren’t any rotating windmills or crazy angles to contend with, there are a series of challenging holes as perfectly manicured as the club’s beginner-friendly nine-hole course or the 7000 yard 18-hole championship course. Greenery without the golf cart can be enjoyed at Al Mamzar Beach Park on a peninsula facing off against Sharjah, Dubai’s neighboring (border-free) emirate. Containing basketball courts, climbing walls and beach volleyball as well as barbecues and plenty of places to sit, swimming is an option from its pools or its multiple beaches. It’s worth noting that Mondays and Wednesdays are women-only days. Together, the golf club and Al Mamzar Beach Park form the main green spaces in Deira. Explore Deira’s newest and oldest structures Because of its status as the second oldest neighborhood in Dubai, new developments are largely reserved for other parts of the city. However, architecture fans won’t be left disappointed. Start at Burj Nahar, a round defensive watchtower constructed in the 1870s. The last of its kind to remain, it’s well worth climbing its steps to add it to your list of places to visit in Deira. Then continue to the contemporary doughnut shaped Chamber of Commerce building on the waterfront. Beside it stands the headquarters of the National Bank of Dubai, whose curved frontage is meant to replicate the sails of the creek’s boats. On the other side of Deira you’ll also find Deira Islands. Made by reclaiming land from the Persian Gulf, the original intention was to create a third Palm. This plan was ruined by the financial crisis of 2008, and it’s only now that these islands are coming to life. For the moment there’s only a handful of hotel’s operating, meaning you’ll have the promised eight kilometers of new beachfront pretty much all to yourself! Go City’s top things to do in Deira It may be just one of Dubai’s districts, but there are still several must see attractions in Deira. Its souks cement it as one of the region’s most important trading areas, whilst its small but interesting museum collections help to reveal its two centuries of culture. Deira is an unmissable part of any trip to Dubai. When looking for the top things to do in Deira and Dubai more widely don’t forget to check out our pre-pay passes. Travel with Go City and you’ll make huge savings on many of the emirate’s top attractions.
Ian Packham
Two girls mess about on a Dubai beach
Blog

How to enjoy 5 days in Dubai

One of the world’s top stopover destinations, it’s easy to add a sojourn in Dubai to a long haul trip. Breaking your journey for a few days rarely adds much to the overall price of your flight, and many nationalities are able to visit as tourists without having to worry about visas. What’s more, Dubai has attractions other destinations would cry out for. Not only does it feature the world’s tallest building, but top museums, prestigious beaches and one of the world’s largest gatherings of amusement parks. There’s easily enough to fill 5 days in Dubai to brimming. Not convinced? Take a look at the following 5 day Dubai itinerary and we think it will change your mind completely. Day 1 Start your exploration of all that glitters at Dubai Marina. Grab some brunch – an especially popular pastime with expat workers on the weekend but possible any day of the week – at one of the café-bars which line this man made harbor filled with yachts from around the world. Having absorbed some of the genteel ambience of this part of town, follow the marina promenade towards Ain Dubai, the city’s giant coastal observation wheel. Reaching a height of 250 meters above the Persian Gulf, or twice the reach of the London Eye, rides take around 40 minutes and provide a constantly changing view of many of Dubai’s top sights, including the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel and the fronds of the Palm. Time it right and you can then take advantage of the passenger craft that connect Dubai Marina with Dubai Creek further north several times a day. Skirting the Palm and sailing along Dubai’s long waterfront, it’s just one way to take in your first glimpses of the emirate as a whole and much more fun than the metro system too. If the metro has a benefit – beyond cleanliness, air conditioning and excellent service – it’s that it has its own stop at the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The mall contains around 1200 stores and 200 places to eat and drink, as well as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Views from its western exits take in Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, with sunset the perfect time to visit At The Top – the name given to its observation decks. Day 2 If the Burj Khalifa represents the future of the region, Old Dubai remains its gateway into the past. Roughly delineated as the area at the northern entrance of Dubai Creek, it’s here you’ll find the oldest parts of the city. Dubai Museum occupies the oldest structure in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort. Constructed in 1787, and used for everything from a defensive post to a prison, it became a museum in 1971. Its open courtyard and mix of old and new architecture display a collection detailing the culture and traditions of its people. Then cross the creek on an abra, a vessel that has been making the same journey since the Bur Dubai neighborhood was first settled. It will see you arrive at Deira, a district known for souks sweeping inland from wharfs where dhow trading boats continue to be unloaded with all a city could need: spices, fridges and huge sacks of rice amongst them. Despite their maze-like reputation the souks – marketplaces for gold, spices and fabrics – are relatively easy to navigate. A stop at a tea or coffee house makes people watching a cinch before ending the day amid the quiet streets and historic homes of Al Shindagha back across the creek. Day 3 If – somehow – you’re still wondering what to do in Dubai for 5 days we’d recommend adding one or two of its theme parks to your bucket list. Families with younger kids can do much worse than LEGOLAND Dubai. With more than 60 million individual bricks used in its creation, it is made up of six different lands or zones, with attractions both indoors and outdoors. You won’t want to miss the miniland of Middle Eastern landmarks, nor the 40-plus rides suitable for those aged two to 12. Recreating the razzamatazz of Indian cinema, BOLLYWOOD PARKS is the first theme park of its kind in the region. Visitors are able to go behind the scenes of the movie making process in between taking a seat on rides including the world’s tallest swing ride. But for a full-on adrenaline rush, save your afternoon for IMG Worlds of Adventure. The five worlds in question include the Jurassic setting of Lost Valley, with one of Dubai’s fastest and tallest roller coasters, The Velociraptor. Another zone is based around some of Marvel’s best loved comic book superheroes, including Thor Thunder Spin and Spider-man Doc Ock’s Revenge. Day 4 The adventures can continue on day 4 in Dubai’s desert regions. Just a short drive from downtown and Old Dubai, the desert inland is far from being the barren landscape of our imaginations. Begin the day with a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon to take in the majesty of the area. You might even witness the solitary figures of rare Arabian oryx in the dunes. For the chance of a close up encounter with these animals, join one of the handful of operators permitted to run safaris to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It’s an area which has helped bring the species back from the brink of extinction, with no animals remaining in the wild at the creation of the United Arab Emirates in 1972. Additional ways to discover the desert aren’t hard to find. The ultimate in desert adventures is perhaps the opportunity to roar over the dunes on top of a 4x4 quad bike. Including hotel pickup, you’ll be taken to a part of the desert reserved for quad bike rides and will also have the chance to jump on the back of a camel and sandboard! Day 5 After a hectic 96 hours, use the last of your 5 days in Dubai to take things easy. Dubai’s climate means that even in the winter months when Emirati’s are wrapped up in thicker fabrics most visitors won’t need much more than a T-shirt. Opt for a few hours on one of the beaches and you won’t even need that. The closest to most accommodation is Jumeirah Public Beach. Sometimes known as Sunset Beach – for obvious westward facing reasons – it’s a broad expanse of clean sand with a full range of facilities, from showers to WiFi. The waves are gentle enough for swimmers, with floodlights allowing nighttime dips, but also suitable for those looking to get onto a surfboard for the first time. Whilst a day by the beach is relaxing enough, a treatment or two at one of Dubai’s spas is sure to bring your heart rate down even further. All the top hotels have their own inhouse spas and treatment rooms, with plenty of traditional style hammams brought to new audiences too. Making the most of 5 days in Dubai Few other destinations can offer the range of attractions as 5 days in Dubai. Make your trip with Go City and you can experience many of them whilst making significant savings on advertised admission costs. For the very latest, check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook!
Ian Packham
New Years Eve in Dubai
Blog

New Years Eve in Dubai

Want to celebrate new year's eve somewhere exotic? Why not try the exciting entertainment found in Dubai? From extravagant galas to boat trips under the stars, whatever you do, it won't be a new year you'll soon forget! Here are our picks of the very best entertainment in Dubai this new year's eve! Including: Clubbing Fireworks Dinner cruises Desert adventures QE2 and more! Check out Dubai's club scene If you're feeling funky and need your new year's backed by a banging beat, then Dubai's got you more than covered. You'll find plenty of popping parties throughout the city, ensuring you'll ring in the new year with aplomb. Perhaps the biggest is at Atlantis, The Palm, where Aussie mega-star Kylie Minogue will take to the stage for a new year's bonanza. You can try and get her music out of your head, but you'll fail. Minogue'll be backed by a 30-piece band, and your night will be backed up by unlimited drinks and a buffet of caviar, lobster, and sushi. You know, the good stuff. Another alternative is Ce La Vi - the internationally renowned rooftop bar franchise. Their Dubai spot will have new year's shenanigans to rival any you'll find at sea level. Think DJs, live music, great drinks, and great views. Catch Dubai's NYE fireworks at Burj Khalifa Fireworks on new year's eve are traditional to many cultures across the globe, and in Dubai, it's no different. Every year, a stunning display of colorful gunpowder erupts across the city's skyline. And where better to watch it than at Burj Khalifa. But you needn't go to the top to make the most of it. Instead, thousands of tourists and locals alike accumulate around the base of the tower and the surrounding area to see in the new year. You'll find people congregated at Dubai Fountain, Umm Suqeim Park, and even Jumeira beach to see the show. Do turn up early, in case you struggle to find a spot. It's arguably Dubai's most popular new year's experience, so get there an hour or two before midnight. Ring in the new year on a luxury dinner cruise Of course, if you want to get the best views of the fireworks without shoulder-barging through crowds of people, why not wine, dine, and party on the water? You can do just that on some of Dubai's NYE luxury dinner cruises. You'll have plenty to choose from, each offering varying levels of luxury, added benefits, and even locations. But no matter which you choose to ride, you'll be in for a fun-filled New Year's Eve in Dubai! Sip drinks on the top deck as the fireworks shimmer on the water, then head below to dance the night away until the sun rises. The perfect way to tick off 'act like you're in a rap video' from your bucket list. Image courtesy of Pit Stock/Shutterstock Try a remote new year's eve on a desert safari experience If you want to forego crowds entirely, and fireworks aren't really your thing, how about an all-inclusive trip to Dubai's diamond desert for a more laid-back affair? Embark on an adventure in the dunes for one of the most unique new year's eve experiences in Dubai. Whether you want a laid-back evening of BBQ and entertainment or a more adrenaline-fuelled romp across the sand, you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. Then, when the midnight bell tolls and the new year is upon us, feel free to venture back into town and catch some of the post-fireworks fun. Or just go to bed; it's completely up to you. Get swanky at Madinat Jumeirah If you're looking to upscale your new year's eve experience in Dubai, dress to the nines and book a ticket to the gala dinner at the famous Madinat Jumeirah resort. With live entertainment featuring fire dancers and musicians, and with unlimited bubbly to fill your glass, you'll feel like royalty. And, given the resort's location, you'll have first-class seats to the firework spectacle going on above! Rub shoulders with royalty at the QE2's Gala Dinner If you thought feeling like royalty was fun, wait until you board a vessel/hotel named after an actual monarch. That's right, the QE2, named after the late, great Queen Elizabeth II, is hosting an exclusive gala dinner on new year's eve. It's hardly surprising that this first-class vessel offers a first-class dining experience. Seven courses of the finest food and drink you'll find are followed by live music and dancing to ring in the new year. If that all sounds too opulent, they're hosting a tea party on the upper deck - just like Elizabeth would want. Either way, you'll have front-row seats to the fireworks. And fireworks are fun. Take it easy at La Mer Want to keep things low-key? Try visiting La Mer beach and check out the beachfront NYE festival. Perfect for kids - and bigger kids alike - you'll find tons of child-friendly entertainment to please the little ones. We're talking pettings zoos, carnival rides, live music, and a festive market, to name but a few. So you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to food and drink as well. And, as with many of the other choices here, you'll have a great spot to view the fireworks too. Go international at Global Dubai Village If you want to see how many cultures celebrate the new year under one roof, then Global Dubai Village is the perfect place to celebrate. Featuring New Year's Eve themes from over 70 countries, you'll need plenty of time to do the rounds. You'll find bargains at the market stalls, plenty of food and drink to keep the night going, and also entertainment from across the globe. There's really nothing quite like it, so if you want to experience something different this new year's eve in Dubai, then stop on by. And that's everything you need to know about new year's eve in Dubai! Want to make the most of your trip? Check out the very best of Dubai's entertainment with Go City. Pick an Explorer Pass or All-Inclusive Pass, and get everything for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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