A One-Day Tour of Dubai

  • 10:00AM: Burj Khalifa
    30 minutes (10.7 km) from the Dubai International Airport

    The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, is an iconic building that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai. The building has multiple observation decks, including the world-famous "At The Top" observation deck, which offers an unobstructed view of the city.

  • 12:00PM: Jumeirah Beach
    20 minutes (9.8 km) from Burj Khalifa

    Jumeirah Beach is a white sandy beach with crystal clear water that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby to grab a refreshment.

  • 2:00PM: The Dubai Mall
    10 minutes (4.1 km) from Jumeirah Beach

    The Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world and is home to over 1,000 shops and 200 restaurants. Besides shopping, visitors can also experience the indoor theme park, cinema, ice rink, and aquarium.

  • 4:00PM: Dubai Museum
    15 minutes (4.7 km) from Dubai Mall

    Located in the oldest existing building in Dubai, the Dubai Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Exhibits showcase the rich heritage and culture of the region, and the museum is housed in the Al Fahidi Fort which was built in the 18th century.

  • 6:00PM: Dhow Cruise Dinner
    20 minutes (6.3 km) from Dubai Museum

    A dhow is a traditional wooden boat used in the Arabian Gulf for fishing and transportation. A dinner cruise on a dhow down Dubai Creek is both a culturally immersive and romantic experience. Soak in the stunning views of the cityscape while enjoying some authentic Arabian dishes.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Burj Khalifa (2 hours, AED 157)
  • Jumeirah Beach (2 hours, Free)
  • The Dubai Mall (2 hours, AED 100)
  • Dubai Museum (1 hour, AED 25)
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner (2 hours, AED 300)

  • Total Estimated Costs: AED 582

Transportation

Dubai has a well-connected public transportation system which includes taxis, metro, and buses. A hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a convenient way for travelers to explore the city's main attractions. Taxis are easily available, but can be more expensive. To save money, it's recommended to use a metro card which is valid for both the metro and the buses. The card costs around AED 20, with a minimum recharge of AED 10.

Estimated Transportation Costs: AED 50

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island with luxurious villas and resorts. To save time, skip the Dubai Museum as it's not the most exciting museum. However, do make sure to add the Dubai Miracle Garden or the Global Village to your itinerary if you're visiting during the winter months.

Airports

The main airport in Dubai is the Dubai International Airport (DXB), located just 7.2 km southeast of the city center. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers various facilities such as dining, shopping, and lounges. The other airport in Dubai is the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), situated approximately 37 km south of the city center.

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