Top 7 Attractions to Explore During a Short Dubai Trip

A short trip to Dubai feels like a race. You have 2 or 3 days, maybe a stopover or just a quick weekend break. Most people think that even if it’s only a few days, money is what matters most. This is not true. Managing your time is crucial on a short Dubai getaway. The city is big and the evening traffic is slow. One wrong plan and half your day is gone just sitting in a car. Since every hour counts in a short trip, it is better to choose attractions which are close to each other and which give you the real feel of Dubai.

So here are 7 attractions that you can easily cover in a short Dubai trip, with ticket idea and time needed for each.

1. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the one attraction that almost every short trip visitor wants to tick off first. The At the Top ticket for level 124 and 125 starts from around AED 169 in normal hours, and the price goes up for sunset slots. Now many tourists plan their trip in a hurry and they ask if Burj Khalifa last minute tickets are possible. Let me tell you that yes, same day or next day tickets are usually available for morning and late night slots, but sunset slots get sold out much before. Also the walk in price at the counter is higher than online, so even if you are booking last minute, better to book online or through a tour agent. Suppose you are looking for Burj Khalifa last minute tickets on a weekend, then keep your timing flexible and you will get a slot without much problem.

2. Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall

After coming down from Burj Khalifa you are already in the right place for the Dubai Fountain. The show runs every 30 minutes in the evening and it is completely free to watch from the waterfront. Dubai Mall is just next to it, so you can do some shopping and have dinner also. This combination of Burj Khalifa, fountain and mall can be done in one evening, which is a big plus point for a short trip.

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3. Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame is in Zabeel Park and from the top you see old Dubai on one side and new Dubai on other side, so in one visit you understand the whole city. Adult ticket is normally around AED 50 and kids ticket is around AED 20. When its about Dubai Frame tickets deals, most of the savings comes from combo packages, where the Frame is bundled with a city tour or other attractions at a lower total price. So if you are already planning a city tour, then check for Dubai Frame tickets deals with it instead of buying the ticket separately.

4. Museum of the Future

Short on time? Well, the Museum of the Future and Dubai Frame are about 10 minutes apart, so you can fit both in a single day. The museum is on Sheikh Zayed Road. It shows how life could be in the future, with dedicated floors on space, nature and health.

Ticket is around AED 149 per person and it comes with a fixed time slot. My suggestion is to book this one in advance, because walk in visitors sometimes don’t get any slot on the same day.

5. Evening Desert Safari

Even in a short trip most of the people don’t want to miss the desert, and evening safari fits very easily in the plan. Pickup is in the afternoon, then dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding and BBQ dinner with live shows in the camp. Shared safari price is around AED 150 to AED 250 per person and you are back at the hotel by around 9 to 10 PM.

6. Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina

Dhow cruise is a relaxing option for your last evening when you are tired from all the running around. You sit on a traditional wooden boat with buffet dinner and the cruise goes slowly through Dubai Marina for around 2 hours. Marina dhow cruise price is around AED 150 to AED 250, and the Creek one is cheaper at around AED 100 to AED 150.

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7. Old Dubai and the Souks

Now if you have even 2 to 3 hours free, then old Dubai is worth a visit. Start from Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, then take an abra (small wooden boat) for AED 1 across the creek to reach Gold Souk and Spice Souk. It costs almost nothing and gives a totally different side of Dubai which many tourists miss.

Quick Comparison Table

Having said that, in a short trip it is better to book your main tickets and tours in advance so you don’t waste time in queues.