48 Hours in Dubai: Must-See Spots for the Ultimate Stopover Adventure

Dubai is a city where a futuristic skyline meets the golden desert, where traditional souks are right next door to some of the world's most amazing malls, and you can find a new adventure around every turn. It doesn't matter if you have a layover in the city or just planned a short weekend getaway, 48 hours is more than enough to explore some of the best places and experiences the city has to offer.

We’re here to give you the ultimate guide for some must see places and experiences in dubai if you only have 2 days.

Let's start your first adventure with the most iconic building of the middle east, the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Just make your way up to the At The Top observation deck that's located on the 124th floor or the 148th for some gorgeous panoramic views to look at the city skyline, desert and ocean all in the same frame.

And as soon as you leave, to your convenience, the Dubai Mall is right next door, another destination you absolutely should not miss out on. Of course you may not be able to see everything in such a huge mall but even if you had all day that would be difficult to do so. You can however, explore some of the world class shops, the Dubai Aquarium, and while you're there so early why not energize yourself with a good breakfast at a cafe that overlooks the Dubai Fountain.

After you're done with some of the more modern attractions Dubai has to offer, head on over to Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, its one of the oldest places in the city. Take a peaceful walk down the lanes and just marvel at all the art galleries, the cafes with such historical ambience and the Dubai Museum that's located at Al Fahidi Fort, get to know a little bit more about the past of what Dubai is to get a better idea of just how far it has come.

After you are done, make your way to Dubai Creek that is just a walk away and hop onto an abra or a wooden boat and cross the waters into Deira for just AED 1, here you'll be able to explore the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, its truly an experience that is immersive and sensory and it captures the beauty of old Dubai.

You can't have a trip to Dubai and miss out on its desert, now can you? Book a desert safari that offers activities such as dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and finally a BBQ dinner under the stars. The majority of these tours tend to depart around 3 pm and take you back by 9 pm, the perfect end to your first day.

Kickstart your second and last day by having a beachside breakfast at Jumeirah Beach Residence or Kite Beach. Both of these beaches have soft sands and beautiful views of Ain Dubai, the tallest observation wheel. It's the perfect way to wash away any remaining exhaustion from the previous day and give you a fresh start, and while you wait for your food or feel energized after eating, you can even try out some water sports or just relax by the water for a while.

But while it's still early, make sure you head to the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest artificial island shaped like a palm tree. Make a pit stop at The Pointe to take some amazing pictures of Atlantis The Palm, or you can head up to The View at The Palm to look at the island from an entirely new perspective.

Let's go on and start making our way back to the city and make a visit to the unbelievable Museum of the Future, truly a vision, and just a peek into the effort and time Dubai has put into itself. This museum is a symbol of Dubai’s vision and what the city stands for: innovation and ambition. The museum is so immersive that you'll want to lose yourself in it for hours. It's the perfect blend of science, innovation, and imagination.

Let’s end this amazing short getaway with a dhow cruise dinner in Dubai Marina, relax on the water and pass by all the tall skyscrapers, and indulge in a beautiful dinner buffet paired with live entertainment. If you want to lean towards other options, you can also treat yourself to a nice dinner at a rooftop restaurant to overlook the city one last time. There are countless rooftop restaurants like Ce La Vi, Atmosphere at Burj Khalifa, or Aura Skypool Lounge.

Dubai isn't just a place known for its landmarks; it's a place you should visit to experience contrasts. In just 48 hours, you can reach the sky at the Burj Khalifa, make your way through historic waters, surf on some golden dunes, and take a look into the future. Whether it's the culture, adventure, or just a sense of luxury you're looking for, Dubai makes the most of your time.

So the next time you happen to have a long layover, or just a day or two to spare out of your busy lives, you know that all it takes is two days in Dubai to create a lifetime of memories.