Dubai in 1 Day: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
Only have one day in Dubai? You can still explore the old souks, ride to the top of the Burj Khalifa and watch the sun set over the dunes on a desert safari. Here is how to spend one perfect day in Dubai — plus the best-rated tours and tickets to book.
At a glance
- 1Old Dubai souks & Creek
- 2Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
- 3Evening desert safari
- 4BBQ & shows at a desert camp
Morning: old Dubai and the Creek
Start in old Dubai with the Al Fahidi district, the gold and spice souks and an abra ride across Dubai Creek — the city’s historic heart, best seen before the heat builds.
Midday: Burj Khalifa and Downtown
Head to Downtown for Burj Khalifa At The Top and the Dubai Mall, with the Dubai Aquarium and the Dubai Fountain show outside — book a timed ticket to skip the queue.
Evening: a desert safari
Finish with an evening desert safari: 4x4 dune bashing, a camel ride and a BBQ dinner with shows under the stars at a desert camp.
Book the experiences in this itinerary
Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Dubai — prices per person.
