24 hours may seem too less to explore the spectacular city of Dubai. Still, it is enough to get a glimpse of the soul of the city. Dubai has an amazing public transportation system, making it easy to travel from one attraction to another. You may also use the taxi service or book a private vehicle for a day to make your one-day tour of Dubai more convenient. So, without any further ado, let us jump into the article to know about spending the most exciting 24 hours in Dubai.
Morning
Spend the first part of your one-day Dubai tour exploring the historical and old part of Dubai city.
Morning Desert Safari
Begin your 24 hours in Dubai with a trip to the desert, where it all began. The desert is where the Arabs lived before they moved to the city. In a way, it holds the roots of the Emirati people. The morning desert safari Dubai begins early in the morning, giving you the chance to witness a spectacular sunrise. You also get to participate in adrenaline filling adventurous activities like dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding and quad biking. The desert safari ends with a hearty Emirati breakfast served with delicious coffee. You can make your trip extra special by opting for a hot air balloon ride over the desert.
Bastakiya Quarter
Drive away from the desert and head straight to the oldest neighborhood of Dubai, the Bastakiya Quarter. It is last remaining memory of the time when Dubai was a simple fishing village, which thrived on fishing and pearl diving. The ochre-colored buildings complete with wind towers are the creation of Persian merchants who arrived in Dubai for trading. Most of these houses are home to art galleries, cafes, museums and boutique hotels. It is a true delight to walk through the narrow lanes of the Bastakiya Quarter.
Dubai Souks
Another feature from the past that you should not miss is the souks of Dubai. The souks have no resemblance to the shiny shopping malls of today. But they have a magic that no other place possesses. The most popular here is the Gold Souk. The place has more than 300 gold stores, where you can buy everything from gold to diamond jewelry. Next to it is the perfume souk, where you can buy the traditional oud and attar as well as the modern branded perfumes as well. Close to it is the spice souk, where you can buy every kind of spice found on earth. From here, take an abra to the other side of the Dubai Creek, where you can explore different types of textiles and readymade clothes at the Textile Souk.
Afternoon and Evening
After spending your morning amongst the history and heritage of the city, jump into the glitzy and glamorous side of Dubai in the afternoon.
Dubai Mall
Spending a few hours of 24 hours in a mall may seem like a waste of time. However, the Dubai Mall is no ordinary shopping mall. Apart from the 1200 retail stores, the Dubai Mall is home to several entertainment centers. Begin with a delicious lunch at the numerous restaurants and eateries at the mall’s huge food court. If you are in the mood of shopping, you are at luck as you can buy everything from clothes to electronics here. Or else, you can spend time exploring the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, skating around the Dubai Ice Rink or indulging in adrenaline-rushing activities at the VR Park.
Burj Khalifa
Just next to the enormous Dubai Mall is the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. This tall structure is home to luxurious hotels, expensive restaurants, classy residential units and corporate offices as well. However, you can pay a visit to the Burj Khalifa as a tourist by going to the observation deck on the 124th or 148th floor. Whichever floor you choose to visit, you would get to see an incredible view of the entire city. Choose the time right before sunset so that you would get to see a gorgeous sunset from the observation deck. Step out of the building to witness a spectacular fountain show at the Burj Lake (right in front of the Dubai Mall).
After Sunset:
The city of Dubai comes alive after sunset, and here is how you can explore the nightlife of the place.
Dhow Cruise Dinner
After roaming around the city for the entire day, it is time to give your legs some rest. Head over to Dubai Marina for a luxurious dhow cruise dinner. You would get to enjoy a delicious 3-course meal while sailing on a traditional dhow refurbished as a restaurant. While the food is awesome, the entertainment activities like live music and Tanoura dance performance are even more enjoyable. Moreover, you get the chance to admire the glitzy Dubai Marina, one of the most glamorous neighborhoods of Dubai. If possible, choose the open-air upper deck seating to enjoy the gentle breeze along with the beautiful sights.
Palm Fountain
You may want to call it a day with the relaxing and enjoyable dhow cruise dinner. But your one day Dubai trip would not be complete if you miss the latest addition to the numerous attractions of the city: the Palm Fountain. Spanning an area of 144,000 sq.ft, the Palm Fountain is located at The Pointe in Dubai's famous Palm Jumeirah. This wonderful manmade creation has also found its place in the Guinness World Records as the largest fountain in the world. The fountain gives a magical performance every night by combining colourful lights, incredible music and high water shooters. The fountain show happens every 30 minutes from 7 PM to midnight and lasts for 3 minutes. The marvellous fountain show is the best way of wrapping up your 24-hours trip to Dubai.
Conclusion
If you have a long stopover in Dubai, do not waste your time sitting inside the airport. Rather, apply for a visa and make the most of the precious 24 hours by exploring this amazing Emirate city.
