How to best spend 48 hours in the UAE

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How to best spend 48 hours in the UAE
Jeff and Anne are travel bloggers

A complete travel itinerary - from UAE's travel bloggers!

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Published: Fri 22 Jun 2018, 2:23 PM

Last updated: Sat 23 Jun 2018, 9:58 AM

During the few years we've been living here, we've had a lot of friends and family visit, and couldn't be prouder to show them our second home. Since there's so much to see within Dubai, we recommend travellers stick to one emirate as trying to see everything may be exhausting.
A typical 48 hours in Dubai would start with an elaborate breakfast before the madness begins! One of our favourite restaurants is The Surf Cafe. They serve the perfect hipster-ish breakfast with gluten-free pancakes and crushed avocado on sweet potato toast. Following breakfast, we love to take a walk alongside La Mer. It's highly 'Instagrammable', and the beach scene and restaurants are constantly being developed. After a little walk, it's time for lunch! La Mer is packed with restaurants that will satisfy any craving.
The afternoon can be dedicated to shopping, enjoying the sun on the beach or the newly-opened water park - suitable for all ages! In the evening, we love Fish Taverna at the Westin.
To begin Day Two, what's better than some water sports? We love to take our guests wakeboarding in the Marina early morning around 7am, when the sea is flat and the weather conditions perfect. Even if our guests don't go wakeboarding, the boat ride is always appreciated. Following an adventurous morning, time for breakfast again. We like Cafe Bateel on the Marina, and would go everyday if we could. After breakfast, it's time to explore Old Dubai. A metro or taxi ride later, we would find ourselves in Bastakiya, with beautiful artsy galleries in the middle of Old Dubai, and visit one of the galleries or museums. After a delicious lunch in Bayt Al Wakeel, it would be time to hop across the Creek in the wooden abras for only Dh1 - probably the cheapest activity in Dubai!
After visiting the Gold and Spice Souk for more shopping, we would go back to the other side of the creek for tea at the Arabian Tea House, a very cute and authentic cafe in Bastakiya.
It's now time for the grand finale: Dubai Mall! Even without the shopping, Dubai Mall is something to see when on a weekend trip to the city. The newly-opened VR Park is certainly fun for kids and adults too. After exploring what the mall has to offer, we would end the day with dinner with the view of the Dubai Fountain. Our favourite restaurant in the area is Thiptara for amazing views with delicious Thai food outside on the patio.
- Jeff Johns
handles the travel blog www.whatdoesntsuck.com with his wife Anne. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram @whatdoesntsuck
 

(Joanna and her husband Jeremiah are founders of www.themomentkeepers.com)
With so many things to do and experiences to indulge in - during a limited time - it is almost impossible to cover all the top attractions without having a properly marked out plan. Fret not, here's our suggested itinerary if we have guests visiting for 48 hours only.
Old Dubai| 8am - 12pm
Start your stroll through the historic Al Bastakiya. Learn a little about history at Dubai Museum and stroll through the Old Souk to take in the sight of the beautiful lamps and carpets sold there. Then, take the abra - the traditional boat that costs just Dh1 - over to the other side so you can explore the Gold and Spice Souks. 
Dubai Mall | 12pm-2pm

Head over to Dubai Mall for lunch followed by a tour of the lovely Dubai Aquarium where you can spot spectacular sea creatures.
Burj Khalifa | 2pm-3pm

Be sure to stop by the tallest building in the world. You can opt to go up for a fee or just take a selfie from below for free!

Dubai Water Canal | 3pm-5pm

Visit the arched bridge over the water canal. You can bike or walk around, ride a ferry or catch a water taxi to other iconic spots.

Burj Al Arab | 5pm-6pm


If you're in the country for 48 hours only, you're definitely going to want to see the Burj Al Arab. And don't forget to take that ultimate Dubai picture of yourself on the public beach next to it.

Souq Madinat | 6pm-onwards


Choose to have dinner in this beautiful setting. There are a number of restaurants for every budget here.

Day 2

Ferrari World | 8am-12pm

Start day two with a trip to Ferrari World. Adventure lovers are sure to love the Formula Rossa - the world's fastest rollercoaster. Lunch can be had at the amusement park itself.

The Louvre | 1pm-3pm


If you love arts and architecture, visit the Louvre in Abu Dhabi.

Emirates Palace | 3pm-4pm


Visit the public areas or sip on their famous 24K gold cappuccino for a taste of luxury.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque| 4pm-6pm


The most impressive of all the mosques I've seen during my travels. The best time to visit is before sunset.
- Joanna Villanueva is one half of the travel blog
www.themomentkeepers.com, with her husband Jeremiah. You can follow them on Instagram and Facebook @themomentkeepers
 


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