24 Hours In Dubai

If you have never been to Dubai, I urge you to go. It a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with incredible architectural styles both old and new, amazing shopping from the designer malls to bargains in the souks and many fun activities for both young and old. 


I was asked recently by Travelbag to come up with an itinerary of what to do if I only had 24 hours in Dubai. This is my post.

10.00am - Visit Atlantis The Palm Waterpark, Aquaventure



In the amazing opulence that is Atlantis, The Palm hotel is the Aquaventure water park. Visit in the morning before the heat is too oppressive, and don't forget to slap on the sunscreen and take plenty of water. 



This vast waterpark has adrenaline rides galore for the adventurous among you, whilst families can enjoy the river rides and children's play area. 

Other attractions in Atlantis Palm include the Lost Chambers Aquarium where you can get up close and personal with the sea life, including a once in a lifetime experience of swimming with sharks. In the Marine park, there is also the opportunity to swim with dolphins, meet the sea lions and scuba dive.

2pm - Afternoon tea in the Burj Al Arab hotel


This incredible iconic hotel is a feat of engineering, being built on an artificial island and designed to mimic the sails of a ship. This is Dubai's self-proclaimed '7-star hotel'.  On the roof, there is even a helipad for the millionaires that stay here. 

Visiting the Burj Al Arab is a once in a lifetime experience for some. You can't even venture across the bridge to the hotel unless you have a reservation, and once inside the 24-carat gold pillars and impeccable service sets it apart in a class of its own. Fountains of water dance in the foyer, staff are dressed in smart uniforms and if you stay overnight you have your own private butler.

Afternoon tea is made up of on dainty sandwiches, warm scones and incredible desserts. Food is plentiful and has many little courses, and it is easy to spend 2 to 3 hours here eating and chatting whilst soaking up the atmosphere.


Champagne, if ordered, is poured so the bubbles go up the centre of the glass and my son was suitably impressed with his glass of sparkling date juice.



6pm - Shopping in the modern malls or traditional souks 


Dubai is known for it's shopping, both traditional and modern. For real bargains try the souks. These traditional markets are full of colour and real local characters. Haggle for the best prices in gold, spices, and textiles. Many souks are open in the morning, then closed in the afternoon but open again later until 10pm.

The modern Mall Of The Emirates is shopping on a different level. It has more than 700 stores, a cinema, Magic Planet - a family play centre and even a ski run. Yes, you heard me right, in a country known for its sand and heat, you can even ski in the centre of Dubai. Leave the children at Magic Planet while you go shopping for designer goodies in Cartier, Gucci and Burberry. For fashionistas that can't stretch to these prices try Michael Kors, or if you want a touch of home, Harvey Nichols and Marks and Spencers both have shops here. Have dinner at the Cheesecake factory for a slice of American heaven, or if you are still full after afternoon tea, pick up a snack in one of the food stalls or cafes.

9pm - Cocktails in the Burj Khalifa


To see Dubai's skyline in all its glory, go to the top of the World's tallest building the Burj Khalifa. At over 829m or 2722 ft no other building compares in size. If it's good enough for Tom Cruise to hang off in the Mission Impossible films it's good enough for me to visit! You are whisked up to the top of the building in a little more than a minute in a state of the art lift, and it is incredible to see the tiny buildings below.  

Cocktails can be taken at the Atmosphere lounge 442 meters up, which I recommend at sunset for the best views of the city. Alternately eat at the Michelin Star restaurant for some of the best food in the city.

So this is my 24 hours in Dubai. There is so much to see and do in this intriguing city that this is just a taster. If you are looking for holidays in Dubai try Travelbag.

Let me know, have you ever been to Dubai? Would you like to go? If you want to read more about my travel adventures check out my travel posts here.

* Photos are my own except Atlantis Palm courtesy of Claire from Ninja Killer Cat. A sponsored post.

28 comments

  1. Brilliant you are making want to go back to Dubai right away !

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    1. I am so glad it has reminded you of great memories Claire and made you want to go back.

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  2. WOWEE! I've never been to Dubai, but your photos totally make we want to jet over there!

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  3. We had less than 24 hours in Dubai, yet were able to fit in a number of things that you have mentioned as well as dhou cruise. It has made me want to explore more, so next time we won't just pass through we will spend a few days

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  4. Oh WOW!!! It looks like such a beautiful and amazing place. I haven't travelled much to be honest as I don't like the idea of flying and haven't been on a plane since I was a child but seeing pictures like this often makes me rethink! Utter luxury.

    Chelsea | www.lifeinthenorth.com

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  5. Such opulence! I can't believe there is a ski run! Shopping and haggling in the souks sounds like lots of fun!

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  6. Dubai looks great, thats somewhere i'd like to go to. That water park looks fab x

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  7. So excited! I'm going next weekend and staying at the Atlantis for 9 nights :D - This post has made me want to go now ha!

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    1. Oh wow India-Robyn! The Atlantis hotel looks amazing. The hotels in Dubai are in anothe league, so many beautiful places to stay.

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  8. I have been to Dubai once and I am eager to visit again.

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  9. Those views from the Atmosphere Lounge are incredible! I've always thought Dubai seemed like a really interesting place to visit just for the sheer contrast and craziness of it all - souks and ski runs sums it up!

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    1. The views of the Burj Khalifa on the post are from the observation deck at the top. Dubai is a very interesting place to visit - I prefer to call it intriguing.

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  10. I'm so curious about Dubai, but it just seems so over the top for the budget traveler that I am!

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  11. Awesome itinerary! We'll have to see if we can't manage a little layover in Dubai and hit up as many of these places as we can!

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  12. You packed a lot in a day. I would also add a sunset desert trip to Bab Al Shams, nothing more beautiful than a sunset over the dunes

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  13. Dubai has a lot going on for the luxury traveler, I'd love to spend a weekend here.

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    1. It certainly does Brianna. I ate in a wonderful Indian restaurant while I was there too that had a Michelin star. The food out there is fantastic.

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  14. I've never been to Dubai as I'm more of an outdoor/adventure kind of person, however I can totally see from your pics it's a great place, their architecture is just stunning and very innovative!

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    1. You can do lots of adventurous activities in Dubai like dune bashing in buggies, riding camels and watersports in the sea.

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  15. The architecture in these photos is amazing! I'd love to visit Dubai someday, it definitely intrigues me!

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  16. i didn't know there was an atlantas resort in Dubai! just another reason to visit! The Burj is a one night dream of mine! one day we will get there! Afternoon tea looked great! How much does that cost at the Burj Al Arab?

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    1. I was quite pricey, but I went a few years ago so not sure of the exact price now. I know it wasn't more than the top hotels in London though.

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  17. I absolutely love Dubai - it's been nearly 15 years since I was there so I'm sure so much has changed. When I went the Burj al-Arab was still quite new and I remember thinking it was so amazing and futuristic that it didn't look real!! I'd love to go back one day. x

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    1. It is such an iconic building. I can't believe it was bult on sand.

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