Whether you’re a solo traveller backpacking through new continents, a couple on your way to a romantic European destination, or a family looking to give the kids an unforgettable travel experience – there’s truly something for everyone in Dubai. Doesn’t matter if your stopover in Dubai lasts 24 hours or several days, you’ll never run out of things to do. Who knew that stopovers could be so much fun?
Get a tour of Dubai by these friendly Aussies.
We could wax and wane all day long about how amazing Dubai is… or we could just let these fun Aussies show you what it has to offer. Experience the impeccable hospitality and safety of Dubai – a place that’s ideal for solo travellers, couples and families alike.
Couple in Dubai: Kane and Pia Muehlenbeck
Pia and Kane love travelling the world and having adventures perfect for two. Dubai fits right up their alley, offering a diverse mix of sun and beach, rich Emirati culture, arts and museums, outdoor fun, shopping and foodie experiences. Join the lovebirds as they tackle the city and desert.
Kane and Pia’s favourite places and activities
Day 1 No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing the top of Burj Khalifa. Sitting at 828 metres, the world’s tallest building offers multiple viewing platforms from which to savour the sheer heights and views. Standing in its shadow, the Dubai Mall offers 1,300 retail stores, 200 food and beverage options and a variety of entertainment outlets. While there, enjoy a meal at Blue Box Café with its Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed meals and bejeweled décor. Then it’s off for some retail therapy at Fashion Avenue, where you’ll find all the well-known luxury brands. Also in Dubai Mall, Arte Museum treats guests to an immersive media experience that engages all the senses. When you’re hungry, go to Time Out Market in the heart of downtown Dubai. This foodie destination has some of the city’s best eateries under one roof. Close by, the incredible dancing water displays of Dubai Fountain draw some of the city’s biggest crowds.
Day 2 marks your time in Old Dubai. Gain some historical perspective on the city’s development over the centuries at Al Shindagha Museum along Dubai Creek, then browse Bur Dubai Souk (Old Souk) for some mementos and souvenirs of the city. Enjoy a traditional Emirati meal at the wonderfully intimate 10-room Arabian Boutique Hotel. Just before sunset, take an abra boat ride along the saltwater creek for some gorgeous water views of Old Dubai.
Day 3’s activity is a truly fitting way to end your trip: head out on a desert safari with Platinum Heritage. There you’ll take drives through the desert and enjoy authentic food and entertainment.
For your extra two days, pack in some more adventure, culture and fun in the water. After Day 1 downtown, it’s time to hit the water on Day 2.
Atlantis Aquaventure is the world’s largest water park with more than 100 slides, a beach and a wave pool. If you still haven’t gotten enough of the wet, try driving a boat with Hero OdySea Experience. Reach speeds up to 50 km/h as you cruise past famous landmarks. Then settle along a stretch of soft sand at Palm West Beach for sunbathing, swimming and munching. Topgolf Dubai is a fun way to practice your swing. Micro-chipped golf balls keep track of your accuracy and distance as you compete in games of skill. Then get your relaxation on at Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal – perhaps Dubai’s most beautiful infinity pool.
Day 3 marks your desert safari adventure, while on Day 4 you’ll be in Old Dubai.
On Day 5, enter into another world at AYA, a huge interactive light exhibition. Continue on to Dubai Frame, an impressive structure from which you can see Old Dubai to the north and New Dubai to the south. Then experience a more authentic Dubai at Al Seef, an open-air market with souvenir shops and live performances. End your trip at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café for lasting tastes of traditional Emirati cuisine, cooked up from popular family recipes.
If you’re lucky enough to get a full week in Dubai, why not inject a shot of adrenaline into it?
After Day 1’s downtown exploration, start Day 2 at the Sky Views Edge Walk, if you dare. This experience is at the tippy-top of Sky Views Emaar observatory. Ascend 52 storeys, then harness up and navigate the outer edge of the 220m high tower in downtown Dubai. Switch out harness for swimsuit at High Society in The Lana Hotel. This rooftop pool and lounge takes pampering to the next level, with light bites, delicious cocktails, infinity pool and a glittering skyline view. Then continue on your culinary journey at Salvaje Dubai. This Japanese fusion restaurant takes a walk on the wild side of tradition, with exquisite dishes for connoisseurs of haute cuisine.
Day 3 marks your desert safari adventure, while on Day 4 you’ll be in Old Dubai and Day 5 will see you exploring the installations at AYA and the heritage area Al Seef.
Day 6 is your wet and wild day at Atlantis Aquaventure water park, with fun boating, beaching and golfing.
On Day 7, you’ll end your Dubai trip hanging out at Kite Beach, where you can lap up the sun and sea with sunbeds, water sport rentals, food trucks and more.
Family in Dubai: Steph Pase and Co.
Steph and her busy husband and two lovely daughters have 24 hours in Dubai. They manage to pack in a lot of sights and activities into that one day – visiting cultural landmarks, hitting some kid-friendly restaurants, and having lots of fun along the way. See just what they get up to.
Steph Pase and Co. favourite places:
Is your child already dreaming of what they’ll be when they grow up? KidZania is a kid-sized city of 7,000 m2 where 2-16 year olds can practice their job-to-be in “real life”. More than 40 professions await, and while being a surgeon, radio host or fireman they’ll learn about job skills and money.
Located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall may look small compared to its neighbour, but in fact, it’s one of the largest malls in the world. It features 1,300 retail stores and 200 food and beverage options to shoppers of all kinds. It also has a huge variety of entertainment outlets.
This huge light exhibition is a dreamlike universe for children. They’ll love entering chambers into other words and being completely immersed in the colours and sounds. AYA is an interactive exhibition where touching and playing with the light installations is highly encouraged – so you won’t have to worry about them breaking anything.
Located at Atlantis the Palm, this restaurant has a chilled atmosphere and super kid-friendly dishes and entertainment. It’s the perfect place to hang out after a busy day of sightseeing. After eating, the kids will have lots of fun playing in the arcade game centre, bowling with the family, or even catching a wave on the wave machine.
Give your kids some fun and entertainment while you and your partner enjoy some adult time – or just a nap! – at the indoor kids play area at Centara Mirage Beach Resort. The little ones will have plenty of supervised entertainment like films, face-painting, games, arts and crafts, music and much more. There are also snacks and drinks available on-hand for growling tummies.
Ready for the best massage of your life? Get a couple hours just for yourself at this luxury spa. You’ll be pampered with full body massage and beauty treatments, a sauna, jacuzzi, cold plunge pool and more. There’s even a kids candy-themed day spa there if the little ones want to get spoiled too.
This iconic landmark frames past and present Dubai in the views that can be experience from each side of it. Viewing from one side, you’ll see Dubai’s impressively-tall skyscrapers and modern life. Through the other side, you’ll see the birthplace of the city, Deira, with its souks, Dubai Creek and lively neighbourhoods.
This resort can truly say that every decision in its design was made with kids in mind. Along with a private beach and kid-friendly pool, the resort features a lazy river, water slides, outdoor playground, multiple kids clubs, water sports and restaurants with fun kids options. You can also choose sizable family rooms with bunk beds for the kids.
Pay less for your family’s hotel stay.
Did you know there are more than 70 hotels in Dubai where kids can stay and even eat for free? Some hotels even include free entry to the kids clubhouse or to nearby attractions for their young guests. Browse through the accommodations that offer special deals for kids and save big on your family holiday.
Solo traveller in Dubai: Georgia
Georgia goes on a real Dubai adventure on her solo stopover. In just three days, she experiences cultural and nature highlights like desert safaris, gets fancied up for an elegant high tea, makes friends with the locals at the souks, and even gets some art viewing in.
Favourite spots :
Located in the tallest building in the world, the elegant Atmosphere restaurant serves up afternoon high tea, reimagined. Snack on delicate sandwiches, exquisite cakes and pastries, high-quality tea and maybe even a cheeky glass of champagne – all while you take in the vast Dubai skyline.
Step into a gorgeously-decorated boutique hotel where every room is unique. A stay here is a feast for the eyes, with elegant and imaginative furnishings and decorations. Don’t miss the rooftop pool, with practically 360-degree views of the city and an up-close view of Museum of the Future right next door.
Launched in 02/22/2022, this museum is a feast for the eyes both on the outside and inside. It examines how technology and science could be used to enhance humanity’s future. Children will especially love the Future Heroes area, which has been designed to encourage them to tap into their fullest potential.
Located at the 25hours Hotel One Central, this restaurant specialises in bold, fresh flavours from India. On their menu you’ll find appetizers like samosas, grilled beef and fish, dishes cooked in their tandoor oven, and tantalizing signature cocktails. Enjoy your meal in their Jaipur-inspired interior or on the secluded tropics-inspired terrace.
You could probably spend at least a day at just this market – it’s a treat for all the senses. Wander the stores and stalls, investigating the extraordinary spices, sweets, jewelry and much more. The vendors will probably give you a friendly call, but if you’re not interested, a simple “No thank you” usually does the trick.
No need to drive all over Dubai to visit its art galleries. Just head to the art centre of Dubai, Alserkal Avenue, and you’ll have your choice of prime contemporary art masterpieces of mostly contemporary style. The Avenue is actually home to the largest art gallery in all of UAE, the Leila Heller Gallery. Not an art lover? It’s also a lovely community space where you can take a stroll and get inspired.
Alserkal Avenue has a wonderful selection of food trucks and other places to grab a pick-me-up so you don’t have to leave. One of them is Nighthjar Coffee Roasters. Nighthjar pride themselves on making an excellent cup of coffee, every time. If you like what you get, you can buy a bag of their home-roasted coffee beans and as a memento.
Enjoy the full desert experience on this day trip. You’ll arrive with the rising sun and ride your very own camel to the campsite, where you’ll be entertained with falcon tricks and stunts. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared onsite.
Couple in Dubai: Nick and Carrie
This adorable couple takes a few days to explore Dubai during a stopover on the way back to Australia. They pack so much fun and romance in – about two weeks’ worth! See their gorgeous accommodations, the heart-pumping action they get up to, the traditional places they dine in, and the romantic activities they do to keep the spark alive.
Nick and Carrie’s favourite places and activities
Admire the city from a private island just four kilometres away at this luxury resort. The beach is just steps away from each of the 70 available rooms and there are also several restaurants on the property. While there, enjoy the spa for the ultimate relaxation and pampering.
See, smell and taste the world’s spices and delicacies in this colourful and friendly market. Row after row, stall after stall are lined with specialty food items, perfumes, bags, scarves and sweets. You’ll easily find special souvenirs for the family at home here.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the marina as you glide like a superhero, 170 metres in the air, along skyscrapers and trees. Dubai XLine is the world’s longest urban zipline. Soar comfortably for a whole kilometre at speeds up to 80 km/h, together with your loved one, on this thrilling ride.
Indulge in the ultimate pampering treatment together with your loved one. At this spa, you can enjoy couples massages, both in the Western style and Turkish hammam style. Hammam experts will soap you up on heated marble slabs and cleanse your bodies until you’re squeaky clean and soft. You won’t have a care in the world afterward.
When you really want to spoil your significant other, spend an afternoon at Aura Sky Pool. The infinity pool spills over into the most astounding view of Dubai’s cityscape. Sip on champagne or delicious cocktails as you relax in the cool water and reconnect with each other.
Live it up in the desert’s red sands on your own quad bike before going off-roading with a desert jeep for a thrilling ride. Cuddle with a camel and even take a camel ride before relaxing in the evening with traditional Emirati food and exciting entertainment, al fresco.
Got an insatiable appetite for seafood? Then you’ll definitely want to come to Al Fanar Seafood Market. Don’t let the name deceive you – this place is not a seafood market but rather a full seafood restaurant. It offers everything from fried calamari to shrimp and prawns, to freshly-caught fish, plus your choice of delicious salads and beverages.
This famous restaurant serves up beautiful and delicious Emirati food for hungry crowds. Get your fill of flavourful appetizers like sambosas, falafel and hummus, succulent stewed meat dishes and fried fish, topped off with fragrant traditional Arabic coffee and tea.