One-day Dubai stopover itinerary
Stopovers can often be seen as an inconvenience, delaying your arrival at your final destination.
However, when your stopover is in a city as diverse and enchanting as Dubai, it makes for a fantastic extension of your trip.
Even if you’re stopping over for just one day, there are plenty of things you can experience to add an extra dose of excitement to your journey.
Here’s an itinerary of some unforgettable things you can see and do in Dubai on just a one-day stopover.
Experience the magic of Downtown
The dazzling central district of the city, Downtown is likely what springs to mind when you think of Dubai.
From the stunning Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, to the sensational Dubai Fountain and vast Dubai Mall, this iconic hub is a worthy first stop on your one-day itinerary.
For a more unique experience of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, aim to catch one of the spectacular light shows that illuminate these world-famous attractions.
The shows take place every 30 minutes, and you can get a brilliant angle of the spectacle from the Time Out Market balcony. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks as the shows take place.
If you want an Instagram-worthy picture, head to the Souk Al Bahar bridge, which links the traditional marketplace to Dubai Mall and affords beautiful views of the city.
Explore the history of Old Dubai
The fascinating contrast of Old Dubai lies within close proximity of Downtown, making it the perfect next stop on your stopover itinerary.
Take a 1 AED Abra ride across Dubai Creek, with these small, traditional boats offering a tranquil and fitting journey to the city’s cultural heart.
Explore several vibrant, historic marketplaces, with the Grand Souk, Gold Souk and Spice Souk all offering swathes of artisanal products, glistening jewellery and aromatic spices. It’s the perfect place to source a touching gift or treasured souvenir. If you’re visiting Dubai during the summer months, you’ll want to schedule this part of your itinerary in for the morning or evening when it’s cooler, as the souks are situated outdoors.
Make a stop at Al Seef Souk too, a newly built but traditional-looking area brimming with shops and restaurants. Look out for the Starbucks where a scene from the second Sex and the City movie was filmed.
In the nearby Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, you’ll also find a charming coffee museum nestled among its breathtakingly designed buildings. Learn about traditional brewing methods and sip on fresh samples as you tour this quaint yet captivating space.
Try the world-famous Dubai Chocolate
During your exploration of Al Seef Souk, you will likely stumble across the now internationally recognised sweet delight that is Dubai Chocolate.
Originally created by Fix Chocolatier, this pistachio–kunafa–filled chocolate has been recreated by many other brands and is sold throughout the souk.
Treat yourself or buy your friends and family a mouth-watering gift. You can even buy the original version at Duty Free in Dubai Airport or order it to your hotel via a delivery service.
Swim and dine at the Palm Jumeirah
Another one of Dubai’s most recognisable locations, the tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah island is a collection of world-class restaurants, shops, hotels and beach clubs stretching out into the Arabian Gulf.
A relatively short journey from Old Dubai and Downtown, you can head to West Beach to find a pristine sandy oasis and crystal clear water. Sunbathe and go for a swim before retreating to one of its many waterfront eateries when the evening arrives. For a quieter afternoon, try East Beach, which is typically less crowded.
If you’re just keen to do some sightseeing, there’s still plenty to do at the Palm Jumeirah. Take the monorail to Atlantis The Palm, a luxury resort located at the apex of the island. Admire the iconic hotel, shop at the incredible Atlantis Mall and dine at one of the many high-end restaurants on The Avenue.
If you have plenty of time on your hands, you could visit The Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to over 65,000 marine animals, or Aquaventure Waterpark, the world’s largest waterpark with countless record-breaking slides.
Visit Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences
Located right next to the Palm Jumeirah, visiting Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) makes for the perfect way to round off your one-day itinerary.
JBR also has direct beach access and an incredible array of restaurants and shops, illuminated by twinkling lights after nightfall.
When the sun goes down, start your stroll through this premium neighbourhood and head towards Bluewaters Island. Over the bridge, you’ll see the majestic Ain Dubai, a colossal observation wheel close to which mesmerising drone shows regularly take place.
Lined by towering skyscrapers and dotted with luxury yachts, Dubai Marina is also a brilliant spot for an evening stroll. End your night at Pier 7 Marina, where seven floors offer seven different restaurants, and soak in breathtaking views of the marina while you eat an exquisite meal.
Getting around Dubai in just one day
One of the biggest advantages of a Dubai stopover is how well connected the city is. Dubai International Airport (DXB) sits right in the heart of the city, and you can reach major areas like Downtown Dubai (home to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall) in around 20-30 minutes by taxi. During peak times this can be longer.
The public transport system is modern and straightforward for first-time visitors. The Dubai Metro’s Red Line runs directly from Terminals 1 and 3 at the airport and links to key areas including BurJuman (one of the oldest shopping malls in Dubai), Downtown Dubai and the stunning Dubai Marina.
The trains are clean, air-conditioned and reliable. However, the metro doesn’t run 24 hours a day - services usually start around 5am and finish by midnight on most days (with slightly different times on Fridays and Sundays), so late-night travellers may need to opt for a taxi instead.
Taxis are plentiful, safe and metered, with an airport starting fare of around AED 25. They’re often the quickest way to maximise your limited time, and apps like Careem and Uber are also widely used if you prefer booking via your phone.
For a more local touch, we’ve already mentioned the abras. These traditional wooden boats ferry passengers across Dubai Creek for just AED 1. It’s a fast, authentic and memorable way to get around – perfect for anyone planning on updating their Instagram while they’re away.
With taxis, the metro and even water transport, you won’t waste those precious hours figuring out how to move around. Dubai makes it easy to squeeze a lot into a one-day stopover.
Make the most of your stopover
Making a stopover doesn’t have to be a chore – especially when that stopover is in a city with as much to see and do as Dubai.
Use this itinerary as a starting point for your stopover adventure and see how much you can pack into your day. Make your short visit to Dubai an unforgettable one.