A Quick One Day in Dubai: A Carefully Curated Itinerary from a Filipino Tourist

 

Honestly, my husband thought we wouldn't have fun in Dubai, thinking about some Muslim regulations, the cost, and the fact that it is not that tourist-friendly. But Dubai proved him wrong, and it definitely exceeded our expectations.

So sharing about our first day in Dubai and must I say it was jampacked with culture, arts, modern architecture intertwined with Emerati design, opulence and of course the food experience.

We spent five days full of exciting adventures, perhaps you can only experience in Dubai or in the UAE in general, but this one-day itinerary may save you a boring one-day layover or a jump off to all the things Dubai can offer.

My cousin, who was very generous in showing us a precursory to our week-long vaction, have surprised us with this jam-packed day.  Trust me when I say many things should be on every first-timer’s Dubai bucket list, to make sense that if you’ve only got one day in Dubai, you want to pack in as many iconic Dubai activities as possible!

For the sake of this one-day Dubai itinerary, it will definitely be a busy one. But it will be well worth it, for the chance to marvel at the world’s tallest building, cruise around the Dubai Marina, shop at souks in Old Dubai, see the famous Dubai Fountain Show, and so much more.

This itinerary assumes that you have a full day in Dubai, starting early in the morning and going until well into the evening. Depending on your flight times, feel free to switch things up so you can tick off as many of these attractions and activities as possible during your layover.

Finally, these are all recommendations from our host, TRPS.DXB. But if one of these activities doesn’t appeal to you, you can check out my Instagram Dubai Highlights for some curated experiences. 

If you need to decide where to stay when you need to come back to Dubai, TRPS.DXB is the company to go to. 

How to get from the airport to your hotel

Getting around Dubai is easy and affordable. If you’re staying in Downtown or Old Dubai, the easiest and fastest way to get to your hotel is by taxi.

All three terminals at the Dubai International Airport have an official taxi station outside (follow the signs). There is usually a short line, but it’s reassuring to know that these taxis always use a meter. These taxis are cream colored with red, yellow, or green roofs. (Ignore the men who might offer you a ride in one of the black vehicles.) From the airport, there’s an AED25 base fee and a charge of AED2.22 for each kilometer after that.

If you don’t want to deal with finding the official taxi stand, you can always book a private airport transfer. This service is super convenient because the driver will be waiting for you with a sign at the arrivals hall.

One Day in Dubai: The Ultimate Itinerary

1. Travel back in time at Dubai's Old Town

See the history of Dubai hiding in plain sight in old Dubai. Bastakiya, also called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, is a preserved quarter of old houses that are the last remaining specimens of Dubai’s past days. Today, it is full of miniature museums, art galleries, cafes, and guest houses that tell stories from history and cultural heritage. 

Don't forget to look up and marvel at how people back then kept their homes cool despite the harsh desert temperatures. On top of some of the old buildings are chimney-like structures, they are called barjeel, which rich traders built as wind towers.  Apparently, the wind comes to these slots and goes down the chambers while the hot air inside is let out also through these.
Also, you might want to be entertained by Turkish stalls selling ice cream, beware, as you might be fooled, but it will be fun!

WALK FROM AL SEEF TO AL FAHIDI HISTORICAL DISTRICT

You may start your morning at Al Seef, which is part of Old Dubai’s heritage district, and walk towards the Dubai Creek to the Al Fahidi Historical District, where you can grab a meal, breakfast or brunch.

As you meander around this waterfront area, you’ll see old-world-style buildings, souk-inspired shops, and charming courtyard restaurants. You can just get lost and check out the different beautifully designed stalls selling old lamps, memorabilia, traditional Muslim clothing, perfumes, etc. 
Here you can check out hidden gems like Starbucks, in old Dubai style, and the Museum of Illusions, where our group had a lot of fun, even my 5-year-old daughter.

FAMILY FUN AT THE MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

Being the perfect blend of old and new, Al Seef is also home to the modern Museum of Illusions, a place that challenges your brain with puzzles, optical illusions, and mind-blowing brain teasers. 

You’ll get to stare at your million reflections in the Infinity Room, get some fantastic pictures in which you’ll be hanging from the roof or look like a giant or a dwarf, and even take home some Dilemma Games to continue sharpening your mind. 

This museum delights children and grown-ups alike, as there really is no age for having fun, right? Plus it offers a sweet respite from the heat if you’re visiting Dubai in the summer.

Book your tickets here:

https://gyg.me/cXMkuxhV

You’ll walk for roughly 20 minutes until you reach Al Fahidi Historical District. 

GRAB AN EMIRATI BRUNCH AT THE LOCAL HOUSE RESTAURANT

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for a hefty meal at LocalHouseDxb. This place is an institution in Dubai, and it’s a great spot to dine and experience an authentic taste of Emirati cuisine. 

There’s just something about soaking up the old-world vibes of Old Dubai in the lush courtyard while noshing on local Emirati breakfast favorites – especially camel meat and Karak Tea.

It is in the vicinity of a heritage neighborhood with an original structure of a stone house with wind towers, which once belonged to a pearl merchant.

What we had was salad, Hummus with camel meat, assorted grilled meat, with Tikka wraps and French Fries, Samak Sherri Magli (Biryani rice with whole fried fish), then ended the wholesome lunch with Karak Tea.  It's a strong Middle Eastern Tea using strong black tea but mostly fragrant from the spices added, such as cardamom, cinnamon or sometimes saffron, then made creamier with evaporated milk or  Camel milk.  It was my first time to try it and I loved it!

If you want to eat like the Arabs, even for just a meal, this is the place to go!

RIDE AN ABRA TO DEIRA

After you’ve had your fill, take an abra (a traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek to Deira. You’ll want to hop on at the Al Fahidi abra station and go to the Deira Old Souq abra station. This is a public boat that will depart once full, and the journey only costs AED 1. Riding an abra is a must on any one-day Dubai itinerary. You also have an option to get on a private boat ride, just ask the boatman for the fee, don't be afraid to haggle.

It is in Deira (which is still Old Dubai) where you’ll find some of Dubai’s most famous souks, including the glitzy Gold Souk and the fragrant Spice Souk. It’s well worth taking your time to do some shopping and just soak in all of the organized chaos of Deira’s historic souks.

2. Visit the Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame is more than an architectural wonder; it's also a museum and a sky deck on top.  The museum is said to be enjoyed in three parts, where visitors can experience the past, present, and future from the ground to the sky. For example, the story of the city’s past is told using the latest technology, combining animations and holographic effects with traditional music and aromatic scents to transport visitors back in time.

Next elevator stop opens up for you to step onto the clear 50m-long opaque glass bridge at the Sky Deck. Crafted from liquid crystal with an underlying film triggered by sensors, the floor becomes clear only when a visitor walks over it. Peer at the ground beneath, all while feeling like you’re walking on air.

Dubai Frame celebrates the story of Dubai from its early establishment to its ambitious plans for future development.  You will see this upon exiting the museum. But make sure not to forget your printed photo as memento.

Launched in January 2018, the project comprises a 150-metre-high, 95-meter-wide structure being built to resemble a huge picture frame, through which landmarks representing modern Dubai such as Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa can be seen on one side, while from the other side, visitors can view older parts of the city such as Deira and Karama. 

Exterior design of Dubai Frame was inspired from the logo of EXPO2020 and it is world's largest picture frame by Guinness World Records. According to Dubai Frame general policy, guests are requested to wear respectful clothing: shoulders and knees to be covered.

3. Spend the Evening in Dubai Mall

As your day in Dubai slowly comes to an end, it’s time to explore Downtown Dubai. Downtown is roughly 30 minutes from the Dubai Marina.

It might sound like too much to fit into one evening, but thankfully, all of Downtown Dubai’s main attractions are within walking distance to one another.

We’re going to focus on seeing the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. 

Burj Khalifa

In English it literally means Khalifa Tower. Formerly known as Burj Dubai or Dubai Tower, it was changed to Burj Khalifa when the tower officially opened on January 4th 2010. Khalifa is derived from the name of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Maktoum, who is the president of Abu Dhabi as well as United Arab Emirates, Burj Khalifa and other construction projects in Dubai were once on the verge of halting due to the attack of Financial Crisis, it was the neighbor Abu Dhabi provided funds to Dubai in the hard time, this is the main reason for Dubai to rename the tower Burj Khalifa, additionally the word Khalifa has an important significance in Islam, it means Islamic world's supreme leader.

Location:

The address of Burj Khalifa is 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the tower is located in Downtown Dubai, an area along Sheikh Zayed Road, it's one of several districts in the city filled with lots of high-rise buildings, another district with significant amount of skyscrapers is Dubai Marina, the two districts are approximately 11 miles apart.

If you want to take a photo with the building as your background, the exterior part Dubai Mall, where the fountain is, would be a perfect spot.

EXPLORE DUBAI MALL

The Dubai Fountain Show takes place right outside of the Dubai Mall, so you’ll want to pop inside to explore what is one of the largest malls in the world. This place is massive so it’s impossible to see everything if you’re only in Dubai for one day.

But you’ll for sure want to check out the sharks and rays (for free!) outside of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, grab some sweet treats for the plane from the massive Candylicious store (right across from the aquarium), and take selfies in front of the Dubai Waterfall.  

SEE THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN SHOW

Another must on any Dubai itinerary, the Dubai Fountain Show takes place at the base of the Burj Khalifa every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm every evening. It gets crowded, so you’ll want to arrive early to get a spot.

Pass by the Insta-worthy Chinatown Hall

Get a Front Row Seat from Every Angle of the famous Dubai Waterfall

Grab Sweet Treats at Candylicious

See the Mesmerizing Details at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Dinner at the Famous Cheesecake Factory

Whether you’re a fan of comfort food or looking to indulge in one of the world’s most famous cheesecakes, The Cheesecake Factory in Dubai Mall offers something for everyone. From generous portions of your favorite meals to indulgent desserts made fresh daily, visiting The Cheesecake Factory promises a dining experience filled with delicious food and warm hospitality. Plan your next meal at The Cheesecake Factory and treat yourself to a meal worth remembering.