Our 24-Hour Dubai Layover Itinerary
Last Updated on December 17, 2025
I’ve done countless of layovers in Dubai on long-haul flights between Europe and Asia, and have found the perfect way to spend 24 hours there. Here is my ultimate guide to exploring the best of the city — from skyscrapers to souks.
Before my first trip to Dubai, I used to think of it as a monument to materialism — flashy, brash, and unapologetically artificial. I imagined it as an urban jungle with endless skyscrapers and air-conditioned shopping malls, big on bling but completely void of culture or soul.
But as I learned during my layovers, there is so much more to this Emirati city than just 7-star hotels and gold-leaf cappuccinos. It’s a city of stark contrasts: from the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa to the dusty, aromatic alleys of the Spice Souk; from the silence of the desert to the chaotic energy of the Creek. It reminds me a bit of home – Singapore – but surrounded by the desert!
Honestly Dubai is the perfect layover city that doesn’t take long to see but offers what you need. If you have a long transit, don’t stay in the airport — here is exactly how to spend an unforgettable 24 hours in Dubai.
Table of Contents
- Planning a Dubai Layover
Planning a Dubai Layover
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Like an independent city-state, Dubai is the most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE, with superb infrastructure, liberal policies (as compared to the rest of the Middle East).
It’s an easy flight away from Europe and Asia, and makes a great short break whether you’re into deserts, beaches or shopping. Almost 80% of its population are from outside of the UAE — expect lots of international restaurant chains and shops as well as large expat communities. Search for flights to Dubai here.
Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers
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How to Get There & Visa Entry
You will fly into Dubai International Airport (DXB). It is the primary hub for Emirates and one of the busiest airports on the planet. Most nationalities (including US, UK, EU, Australian citizens) receive a free 30-day Visa on Arrival.
Once you arrive, look for luggage storage. You do not want to drag your bags through the souks. Terminals 1 and 3 feature “Left Luggage” facilities (approximately AED 35 or USD$9 for standard bags and AED 40 or $10 for large bags and valuables per bag for 12 hours). Drop them off immediately so you can travel light.
How to Stay Connected
If you only have 24 hours, you don’t want to waste an hour hunting for Wi-Fi or standing in a queue to buy a local SIM card. Navigating the Metro, translating menus, and booking Ubers requires data.
The most efficient option is to purchase an esim for UAE travel before you land. It activates instantly upon arrival, ensuring you are connected the moment you step off the plane. I used this to navigate Google Maps in the souks, which was a lifesaver when the alleyways got confusing.
How to Get Around
The Dubai Metro is spotless, driverless, and cheap. The Red Line connects Terminal 1 and 3 directly to the city center (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall). Buy a “Nol” card (silver) at the station; it’s a rechargeable tap card similar to London’s Oyster card.
Taxis are cream-colored and metered. They are safe and reliable. Uber and Careem (the local ride-hailing app) work perfectly and are reasonably priced.
No matter if you are arriving in or leaving Dubai, you can use Bookaway to book transfer options in advance, making it easy to arrange transportation whether you’re heading into the city or departing for your next destination.
Morning: Explore Modern Dubai
Start your day in Downtown Dubai. This is the Dubai you see on postcards—the land of the “biggest and tallest.”
Stand on Top of the World (Burj Khalifa)
You can’t come to Dubai and not visit one of the world’s tallest towers! At 828m high, the Burj Khalifa was the tallest structure in the world before 2008. The observation deck on the 124th and 148th floors is definitely the best place in Dubai for spectacular city views.
From such an elevated height, you’ll see that Dubai is really a city built in the desert, with sand stretching as far as the eye can see. When the tide is low and visibility is high, you can see up to the shores of Iran. While my kid wasn’t the least bit interested in the view, she did have a good time looking at the miniature figure, playing around the souvenir shop, and watching the flashy lights in the lift.
Pro Tip: Make sure to book your ticket online weeks in advance – tickets cost 4 times as much at the entrance. I recommend the 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM slot. The haze is lower in the morning, the crowds are nonexistent, and you won’t waste your precious layover hours standing in line.
The Dubai Mall
Before you get turned off by the word “mall” (like I was), there’s surprisingly a lot more to Dubai Mall than just shops. It is the size of a small city. We spent two hours here and didn’t even look at a clothing store. For those traveling to Dubai with kids (like us!), the Dubai Mall is a great spot to keep kids engaged while escaping from the heat outside.
Walk to the central atrium to see the Dubai Aquarium. You don’t need to buy a ticket to this massive aquarium. The main tank is visible for free from the mall floor. It holds 10 million liters of water and massive sharks. Also check out the Human Waterfall, an indoor water feature spanning all four floors of the mall with fiberglass divers.
For a quick, authentic lunch that isn’t fast food, head to Wafi Gourmet inside the mall (near the energetic Souk Al Bahar bridge). They serve excellent Lebanese mezze. Get the hummus and fattoush salad, and sit on the terrace if the weather permits.
Afternoon: See Cultural Dubai
After lunch, leave the air-conditioned bubble of Downtown behind and head to the historical quarters for a glimpse of old Dubai. Take the Metro (Red Line) to BurJuman station and switch to the Green Line to reach Al Fahidi station.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Also known as Bastakiya, this area is a preserved heritage site showing what the city looked like before the oil boom of the 1960s. The streets are narrow mazes of beige coral stone and gypsum.
Look up to see the Barjeel (Wind Towers). These were the ancient forms of air conditioning, designed to funnel wind down into the houses.
Stop at the XVA Gallery for a lime mint juice in their shaded courtyard. It is whisper-quiet and artistic — a side of Dubai most tourists miss.
Cross the Creek on an Abra
This was the highlight of our trip. Historically, the Dubai Creek divided the city into two main sections – Deira and Bur Dubai. It was along the creek area that the first settlers arrived in the 19th century, establishing the Al Maktoum dynasty in the city. The creek served as a minor port for dhows coming from as far away as India or East Africa.
For centuries, rickety wooden boats called abra ply up and down the creek as water taxis. Today, you can still catch a ride on the abra (for AED1), to get a feel for the history of the creek. There are also dinner dhow cruises that include live music and belly dancing.
Ignore the expensive “tourist cruise” boats. Look for the communal Abra station. These are rickety, motorized wooden boats that ferry locals across the water. It costs exactly 1 Dirham ($0.27). You pay the driver in cash once you board.
The ride only takes 5 minutes, but with the call to prayer echoing from the minarets and the smell of saltwater and diesel, it feels like an adventure, especially for little kids.
The Souks of Deira
The boat will drop you off on the Deira side. The souk is a traditional market in the old town that dates back more than 50 years. Thanks to the centuries-old trading past, Dubai was a hub on the prized spice route. You can find everything from spices to perfumes, textiles, and gold. Don’t forget to bargain, even if you’re buying gold.
Breathe in the market’s frankincense-infused aroma as you browse row upon row of small stores displaying colourful aromatic wares in burlap or plastic sacks for visitors to see, touch, smell and buy. The covered market, designed in a traditional wind-tower style, is made up of narrow alleys replete with wooden arches and hanging Arabesque lanterns.
Don’t miss the Gold Souk – even if you aren’t buying, walk through to see the sheer scale of wealth. There are shop windows displaying breastplates made entirely of 24k gold.
Things to Know About the Souks:
- The Hustle is Real: Men will approach you constantly whispering “Rolex, Gucci, Prada.” They are harmless but annoying. Just smile, say “La, Shukran” (No, thank you), and keep walking.
- Haggling: If you want to buy spices or a cashmere scarf, never pay the first price. Start by offering 50% of what they ask, and meet in the middle.
Evening: The Grand Finale
As the sun sets, take the Metro or an Uber back to Downtown Dubai. The city transforms at night. We loved watching the night lights by Dubai Mall and having dinner outdoors.
The Dubai Fountain Show
Every 30 minutes starting at 6:00 PM, the Dubai Fountain puts on a choreographed water show on Burj Lake. It shoots water 500 feet into the air.
It is undeniably touristy, but it is quite a show. Watching the water dance to Andrea Bocelli or Arabic pop music with the glittering Burj Khalifa in the background is the perfect way to end your layover.
Dinner with a View
For your one proper dinner in Dubai, you have three distinct choices depending on your budget:
- Budget/Casual: Time Out Market Dubai. Located in Souk Al Bahar, this is an upscale food hall featuring the city’s best homegrown chefs. The terrace offers a direct view of the Burj Khalifa and Fountains, but you pay a fraction of the price of the sit-down restaurants next door. Read reviews here.
- Mid-Range: Abd El Wahab. A fantastic Lebanese restaurant with a balcony overlooking the fountains. The grilled meats here are exceptional. Read reviews here.
- Splurge: Thiptara. Located at the Palace Downtown hotel, this Thai restaurant sits on the water. You are practically in the fountain show. It is romantic, expensive, and unforgettable. Read reviews here.
Bonus: Go on a 4×4 Adventure in the Arabian Desert
If you have the time, I would suggest taking a day trip out to the Arabian Desert. We didn’t do this as we were going to spend a few nights in the desert in Oman, but if you haven’t been to a desert, then definitely take this opportunity to sign up for a desert safari.
Once in the desert, you can try a few activities like dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, and camel riding. These activities are usually followed by a BBQ dinner in a traditional Bedouin tent and evening entertainment, including henna painting and belly dancing.
- 4×4 Safari: This is for the adrenaline junkies. Expect 4 to 7 hours of dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding, and a quick camel ride. If you have time, book the evening slot to include the BBQ dinner.
- Sunset Camel Trek: If you want a slower pace, this 6-hour tour is ideal. It skips the car sickness in favor of a 45-minute camel ride through the dunes, ending with a traditional meal and live performance.
Both tours generally handle the logistics for you, with pick-up and drop-off included, making them a stress-free addition to a 24-hour itinerary.
What to Wear on a Dubai Layover
While Dubai is a relaxed city when it comes to foreigners, it’s still a good idea to dress modestly. You’ll see that most tourists dress quite liberally in Dubai, but I believe in respecting local culture. Some malls also have signs that warn visitors to dress modestly.
Men can wear shorts, but there are places you won’t get into without long trousers, particularly in the evening. The Emirati themselves mostly wear traditional dress in public – men can be seen in pristine white kandura, whilst you will see the Emirati ladies are fully covered in black abaya (robe) and shayla (headscarf).
As a rule of thumb, aim to cover your shoulders and knees. Short-sleeved t-shirts and skirts that go under the knees are perfect. Pack light layers and bring a scarf for the mosque. Also, try to put on long pants or skirts at the old souk. The desert can get cold at night in the winter from December through February, so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater.
Where to Stay in Dubai
If your layover requires an overnight sleep, location is everything. Don’t stay at the beach (too far).
Inside the Airport: Dubai International Hotel
Located airside inside Terminal 3. This means you do not need to clear immigration or collect bags. You just walk off the plane, sleep, and walk back to your gate. Check rates here.
Near the Airport: Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
Just a 5-minute taxi from the airport, but it feels like a resort. It has multiple pools and 18 restaurants. Check rates here.
Downtown: Rove Downtown
This is my top pick. It is budget-friendly (by Dubai standards), funky, and located right across the street from the Dubai Mall. You can wake up and see the Burj Khalifa from your window. Check rates here.
Enjoy Your Layover in Dubai!
Have you done a layover in Dubai? Did you brave the heat to see the city or stay in the lounge? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re looking to read more on Dubai or other parts of the Middle East, check out these articles:
- Dubai with Kids
- Oman Travel Guide
- Pakistan with Kids
- Traveling Saudi Arabia as a Woman
- 1 Week in Lebanon: My Itinerary
- 2-week Egypt Itinerary
- Iraqi Kurdistan Travel Guide
- Is It Safe to Travel Iraq?
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