If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, it’s only natural that you would want to snap the prettiest, most iconic and most Instagram-worthy shots for your feed. I will recommend some iconic spots for the most memorable experience in one of the richest Middle East country.

I decide to make a stop in Dubai on my way to Egypt which happened to be during Ramadan. It become quite a unique experience where lots of events took place right at sunset.

Dubai has a well-developed infrastructure, so it is easy to get from one part of the city quickly to another and fill your time with as many attractions as possible. You can make your Dubai trip itinerary remarkable within 24 -36 hour lay-over.

Although luxurious, vibrant, futuristic, innovative and multicultural are the words that best described this modern metropolis, I try to squeeze all those aspects in one day.

How to get to the center

International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, but the good part is that it is not too far from the city. The distance from the airport to the city center is only 15 minutes by car. You can get from the airport to different parts of Dubai by subway, but only if you land in terminals 1 and 3. Once you went through TSA, you also received 1GB sim card to freely use during your visit.

Where to stay in Dubai

If you have up to 24 hours in Dubai, you will need a night at the hotel. However, given the short time, I suggest booking a room in a hotel near the airport, to save more time for the things to do in Dubai in one day.

Dubai International airport is located in the Al Garhoud district, so it is best to look there for accommodation in Dubai or nearby areas, such as Burjuman or Downtown Dubai, or maybe in Deira. Here are my suggestions:

Budget: Premier Inn Dubai International Airport ( across from airport)

Rove City Centre Dubai in Deira (2 metro stops from airport)

luxury: Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

What unique thing to do in Dubai in 24 hours

Edge Walk at Skyview Observation

Ready to rise to the challenge? Sky Views Observatory Edge Walk would be the most thrilling attraction in Dubai, and also the first of its kind in the region. Step out onto the Sky Edge Walk that encircles The Address Sky View from the exterior and get a bird’s eye view of the city & Burj Khalifa far beneath your feet. At 219.5 metres above ground level, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime extreme experience. This trek takes visitors along the outside of the building — with no windows or other protective barriers standing between them and sky-high views.

A full safety gear and instruction will be given to participants. You can ask for hanging pouch for your phone. If you want to use your gopro, you have to notify the check in receptionist for correct attachment. They also will take your pictures with their DSLR but it will be charged AED175-200/piece. I decide to take each other pictures with our phone since this amazing scenery can do it own justice with just a smart phone.

Edge Walk General Admission – AED 499

Once you book this Edge Walk Experience, it will also give you a free Sky glass slide. Ride the Glass Slide – a transparent tube that wraps around the tower’s exterior linking level 53 with level 52 below – for a uniquely adrenaline-pumping experience.

Specially manufactured in Germany, the Sky Slide is fabricated from 12m-long sheets of quadruple-laminated glass. Supported at the top and bottom only, your ride from floor-to-floor is completely uninterrupted, and provides amazing views of the city below – if you dare open your eyes and smile at the camera! Cheers!

Surreal – Expo 2020

During the Ramadan, all the shop offers only limited options for food and drinks during the day. The Surreal is closed for special Eid al-Fitr but it’s still pretty to observe from above.

The View at The Palm

To admire full scale of The Palm, it’s best to check it out from above. Thankfully the Palm observation deck provides views of the islands from 240 metres in the air. It’s open most days, 9AM to midnight, with tickets from $27. Sunset times are a bit more expensive, but they’re honestly worth it, since the view becomes even more iconic and magical.

The View at The Palm takes it one step, or rather, one level further with its new extension: The Next Level. Located on level 54, it is the highest observation deck on the Palm Jumeirah.Enjoy Dubai in all its splendour, with 360-degree views without glass windows.Your entrance offers fast-track access, so you don’t have to wait in queues. Once you arrive, take the super-fast lift ride to the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower and the observatory.

I booked my Next Level ticket from the headout website below which offers very good discounts to lots of activities in Dubai as well as in other countries.

Personally, I enjoy The View at The Palm more than the Burj Khalifa. The viewing deck is less crowded, meaning you can take better photos, and the views are honestly stunning.You don’t only get the view over the palm islands, but also the iconic Dubai Marina skyline, as well as Burj al Arab and the Burj Khalifa in the distance.

Atlantis at the Palm

The little mermaid has been always one of favorite Disney movies. You can fine Dubai’s most immersive restaurants as stingrays, sharks, and fish in the aquarium glide right past your table.

OSSIANO – dine in under the sea restaurant

In the grand tapestry of the Atlantic, where waves whisper ancient secrets and horizons promise endless discoveries, a culinary voyage unlike any other sets sail. One Michelin star restaurant offers a set of 10+ course menu which have a great story telling about their cook exploring the world’s culinary art.

Wings of Mexico Statue

This metal sculpture of angel wings gives you ready-made wings ready for an Instagram shot.The Wings of Mexico statue perfectly lines up with the architectural marvel that is Burj Khalifa, giving a perfect backdrop to this photo op

Admire the Dubai fountain show near Burj Khalifa

Even if you spend only 1 day in Dubai, it’s impossible to miss the famous Dubai fountain show near the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. And if you had to spend only a few hours in the emirate metropolis, this would be the place not to be missed. The fountains are designed by the same company that created the beautiful Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. However, they are much larger, the jet reaching up to 154 meters in height. They are situated right between Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa and are surrounded by a promenade area that gets super crowded during the shows. The playlist includes both Arabic songs and international hits. Although the fountains also dance during the day, I recommend you get here after dark. The program starts at 6 pm, ends at 11 pm, and takes place every 30 minutes in the evening. The best place to admire the show is from the terrace of a cafe in Dubai Mall. If you have time and want this, you can

Visit the spice bazaar

Like any Arab country, in the Emirates, you will find a lot of bazaars full of color, scents, and textures. One of the most sought-after in Dubai is the spice bazaar, located in the old part of town. You can reach it by crossing Dubai Creek with an abra, a journey for which you only have to pay a dirham. Even though the price for such an experience may have risen, it remains one of the most authentic things to try in Dubai. The spice market will let you understand precisely what Arabic cuisine means. If you are a fan of these dishes, then the bazaar is the ideal place to stock up for your home.

There’s so much more to explore if you have more time. Here are a few places you would love to explore.

Until next time…!