If you have only one day in Dubai you should definitely visit ...
✅ Dubai Old City / Al Seef
✅ Museum of the Future
✅ Dubai Downtown & Sky Views
Dubai Old City
Start in the historic district, Al Seef, that is filled with traditional Emirati buildings and heritage all connected by small alleys. The architecture is stunning, and there are many restaurants and cafes. Take a traditional dhow (abra) to the other side of the creek, and explore the souks and markets.
Bookings: We would recommend this tour (getyourguide) with a local guide where you will visit: old town, local markets, some streed food tasting & abra (boat ride) crossing Dubai Creek (in total around 3 hours). A beautiful and authentic tour.
Lunch or coffee tips: Arabian Teahouse (Bastakiya opposite Muscle Post Office) or Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant.
Museum of the Future
Your second stop should be the Museum of the Future (metro stop: Emirates Towers).
The seven-storey, pillarless structure occupies an area of 30,000 square meters and is 77 meters high.
The most striking part of the toroidal structure is the Arabic calligraphy, engraved on the stainless steel facade. More than 14,000 feet of wisdom is carved into the structure. Just stunning!
Tickets: we have good experiences with ordering the tickets via this link, you won't get them cheaper and you will immediately receive a confirmation and a mobile ticket.
Lunch or dinner tips: Leen's or Ninive (both in Jumeirah Emirates Towers).
Downtown Dubai
Your last stop has to be Downtown Dubai. Go into the Dubai Mall, stroll around in the mall and go up in the Burj Khalifa (go up at sunset). Then go outside and get a spot on the square in front of the Burj Khalifa or have dinner in one of the restaurants in Souk Al Bahar and watch the light and fountain show. A lovely experience! Call it a beautiful day.
Tickets: we recommend this tour: At The Top, Burj Khalifa with Café Treat. For only a few dirham extra you will get a treat and some extra service.
After your booking, you receive directly your confirmation and you can skip the line.
Dinner tips: Time Out Market (with teens), Abd El Wahab (Lebanese) in Souk Al Bahar, The Jungle Cafe (with younger kids) or The Cheese Factory in Dubai Mall.
Tip: On the square in front of the Burj Khalifa you will find the 'I love Dubai' glitter letters with the large heart and a little further on you can find 'Wings of Mexico Statue'. Both places guarantee beautiful pictures with the Burj Khalifa in the background.
Skyviews
But... if you want to see the Burj Khalifa at its best... then go to Sky Views Observatory. It is directly accessible from Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall metro station. Sky Views has a glass slide that slides out from the 53rd to the 52nd floor, besides this there is a 25 meter long glass walkway at 220 meters height, a observatory and, for daredevils, the 'edge walk'. Read our blog about Sky Views here.
You can book here you discounted tickets Skyviews (15% off).
