{"id":27138,"date":"2024-09-26T16:59:38","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T06:59:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/?p=27138"},"modified":"2025-05-29T15:44:28","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T05:44:28","slug":"how-to-spend-48-hours-in-dubai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/how-to-spend-48-hours-in-dubai\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Spend 48 Hours in Dubai\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From luxury malls and cutting-edge museums to safaris in the desert, Dubai is packed with things to see and do.<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The desert-fringed emirate of Dubai<\/a> stands out as a premier stopover destination, perfectly situated at the crossroads of the world. From architectural wonders (including the Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world) to gold and spice-filled souks, the promise of experiencing Dubai’s magic is the perfect reason to break up those long-haul flights, stretch your legs and linger a little bit longer in the City of Gold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to discover how to spend 48 hours in Dubai. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Day 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2pm: Check-in to your hotel <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dubai is home to some of the world\u2019s most extraordinary luxury hotels<\/a>, with choices to suit every traveller. Want to stay in the centre of it all? Pick Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, a stay inspired by the opulence of ancient Egypt and the largest Sofitel in the Middle East. Or indulge in the glamour of Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, located in the heart of the downtown. For beachside luxury, the architecturally spectacular Atlantis The Royal features the sky-high Cloud22 rooftop pool, 17 restaurants and a hotel lobby boasting the world\u2019s largest jellyfish tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set your bags down, refresh with a drink at your hotel\u2019s bar and get ready to hit the city!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

3.30pm: Roll into Dubai Mall <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s <\/span>no better way to begin your 48 hours in Dubai than by landing at the mother of all malls: the extraordinary Dubai Mall, sprawling across 350,000 square metres. Teeming with high-end brands, such as Chopard, Cartier and Moncler, the Dubai Mall is the ultimate paradise for designer-loving shoppers. However, shopping plays only one part in experiencing this ever-expanding precinct. An underwater zoo and aquarium, award-winning indoor theme park and Olympic-sized ice-skating rink all offer plenty to do<\/a> beyond hunting for luxury goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling peckish? You\u2019re in the right place. Dubai Mall has 120 restaurants, dessert shops and bars. Enjoy the xiao long bao<\/em> at Din Tai Fung<\/a>, indulge in French tearoom-style dining at Angelina<\/a> or satisfy your Italian cravings at Eataly<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

5pm: Take in sky-high views from the world\u2019s tallest building <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Among Dubai Mall\u2019s plethora of experiences, it is also where you can access the world\u2019s tallest skyscraper: the Burj Khalifa, beloved in all its towering glory by visitors and locals alike. There\u2019s no looking away once you see the Burj as it soars skyward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skip the queue by booking your tickets ahead of time for At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the tower\u2019s observation deck. To access the observation deck, you\u2019ll travel in one of the world\u2019s fastest elevators to reach levels 124 and 125. To avoid the crowds, visit the Burj Khalifa during early morning or before 4pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

6.30pm: Catch the Dubai Fountain Show <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prepare for another spectacle as you head to the Dubai Fountain to see the city\u2019s dazzling symphony of water, music and light. Occurring daily every 30 minutes between 6pm to 11pm, the Dubai Fountain is the world\u2019s tallest performing fountain, shooting up illuminated dancing jets of water from the Burj Lake. The show is often accompanied by popular tunes like Michael Jackson’s Thriller<\/em> and Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s Time to Say Goodbye<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7pm: Spend your evening on a dhow cruise <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Continue your adventures into the evening by embarking on a dhow cruise along the Dubai Marina, sailing past glittering skyscrapers and luxurious superyachts. It\u2019s the perfect opportunity to take in an authentic cultural performance onboard \u2013 like a Tanoura dance show, traditionally practiced by Sufi (Islamic mystics) \u2013 and a sumptuous international buffet spread for dinner. The best part? Return hotel transfers mean you won\u2019t have to worry about the commute home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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