Dubai One-Day Itinerary

A popular transit city in the UAE, Dubai is conveniently located for travelers looking to cut costs on flights to the other side of the world. If you have flown with Emirates, you will be well aware of this. More than being a common location for OFWs looking to build their lives, the country is booming with accessible tourist spots perfect for a day’s worth of trips.

On my last trip, I had an unexpected, day-long layover in Dubai. I took the opportunity to explore the city alone; to my surprise, it was a smooth-sailing adventure with no hiccups along the way.

Transportation

Before anything else, you must be familiar with Dubai’s transportation system. The great thing about the country is that the metro will take you almost anywhere you’d like within the city! It is accessible, cheap, and easy to navigate.

If you’re going to be using the metro for an entire day, hopping in and out, it’s as easy as getting a day pass. You can also use the day pass for the trams and buses. Currently, this is priced at 20 AED or approximately P275. Once you have purchased the day pass, you may use it until the end of the day (midnight) on the day of purchase.

Please note that this is for the Standard Class; if you’re considering traveling in Gold Class, expect the price to be doubled. However, the recommendation would be to opt for the Standard Class since it is cheaper and there isn’t much of a difference between the two if you’re just a regular person traveling casually.

You can buy the day pass—or any other Nol Card—directly at the metro stations. There are booths there for purchase. If you want to avoid person-to-person interactions, there are also machines to purchase them from. Be sure to prepare payment in cash.

Suppose you do not intend to use the metro or are considering making short trips between your metro rides. In that case, Careem is the most popular taxi-booking app in Dubai. Much like Grab, it will take you from point A to B as swiftly as possible. It’s fairly easy to navigate, since the application is similar to most transportation mobile applications on the market. The prices are quite affordable, especially if you are traveling with a group.

Quick Places to Visit

Stroll around the Dubai Mall and Fountains

Dubai Mall is considered the largest mall in the world. Once you step out of the Dubai Mall metro station, it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes on foot to reach the mall. While it can be a long walk, it is surely worth the effort, especially for the view you get as you pass through the tunnel-like entryway. You can enjoy views of high-rise buildings as you leisurely walk (or stand on the moving walkway).

It is easy to spend a couple of hours inside the mall itself. The number of shops inside the mall gives you many options, from high-end to street fashion purchases. Once you’re exhausted, a portion of the mall is dedicated to dining. One of the great things about Dubai is the diversity of food options brought by its even more diverse working population.

If you’re looking to spend a bit of money to see some insane wildlife, there is a large viewing aquarium inside the mall.

While you can see it from afar, you can also enter the 10-million-liter indoor tank. The prices to enter will vary depending on the experience you want; however, expect to pay an average of 230 AED, or approximately P3,200.

The fountains are located just outside the mall but within the Dubai Mall Complex. You can find them near the Burj Khalifa visitors’ entrance, connected to the establishment. It’s best to visit the fountains during their daily shows from around 6 pm until 11 pm. There are also a few daytime shows. However, nighttime shows are much more sought after due to the elaborate lighting used.

Burj Khalifa

When you think about Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is almost always on top of people’s lists—for good reason, of course. This staggering architectural piece has a total height of 2 722 feet, making it the tallest building in the world. Since its opening in 2010, it has attracted significant attention from travelers worldwide for its status as a landmark skyscraper. The building itself houses some of the most expensive apartments in Dubai; it also contains a hotel.

If you want to reach the top, you can purchase tickets for the observation deck ranging from roughly 150 AED to 370 AED, or approximately P2000 to P5000. The actual price depends on what time slot you choose.

Transportation is relatively easy from your hotel to Burj Khalifa. Simply take the metro and alight at the Burj Khalifa Station. If you are already inside the Dubai Mall, the viewing deck’s entrance is already located inside it. If you want to get closer to the establishment itself, it will take much longer—you can either book a Careem taxi or walk there.

Additional Areas to Visit: Souks and the Dubai Creek

If you have extra time in the morning, you can also visit the souks. This is simply a term for traditional Arabic markets in Dubai. You can find them near Dubai Creek, which makes it easier to fit them into the itinerary. A wide array of souks is available to explore, including textiles, gold jewelry, spices, perfumes, and more. This will be an exquisite experience for anyone seeking more cultural exposure in Dubai, as it is located in the city’s older parts.

From here, it would be easy to walk to Dubai Creek, where you can take numerous striking blue photos overlooking the city’s skyline and waterways.

Author’s Notes

Even if you’re traveling solo, Dubai is guaranteed to be a laid-back city to navigate because of how accessible the locations of (most) tourist spots are. Additionally, if you happen to get lost, the innumerable Filipinos everywhere will certainly lend a helping hand.

The number of stunning skyscrapers, along with the city’s exquisite look, will pique your interest if you’re looking for a more urban experience during your next long layover!

Dubai Travel and Tour Packages

Searching for the best Boutique hotels and affordable flights to Dubai? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts on Agoda, or see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new tourist attractions and the Best Boutique Hotels in Dubai, UAE? Please follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

Also read:

• List Of The Most Expensive And Top Luxury Hotels In The World
• Top 10 Best Dubai Hotels (With Rates)
• 6 Things You Should Know Before Traveling To Dubai
• The Ultimate List Of The Best Dubai Luxury Hotels
• Best Boutique Hotels In Dubai, United Arab Emirates