Discovering the vibrant heart of Dubai in just 24 hours is the most thrilling thing you can do in Dubai. Filled with inspiring wonders and cultural richness, Dubai Downtown, a dynamic district, offers a captivating ride in a blend of modern extravagance and traditional charm. Commencing with a rich breakfast and soaring above the city in a hot air balloon to witness the stunning, picturesque view from the Burj Al Arab, the city lends you a plethora of unforgettable experiences.
If you find yourself within 24 hours of Dubai Downtown, the abundant entertainment options and activities will surely leave you overwhelmed. Fear not; Thrillark will be here to guide you through an impeccably planned day of excitement. From savouring a delightful breakfast to relishing picturesque final hours, our curated 15 things to do in Dubai Downtown will surely make the most of your day. Join us on an exciting journey to the wonders of Dubai in just 24 hours.
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1. Breakfast at The Address Downtown
Start your day with the most delicious breakfast at Address Downtown. Located on the 6th floor of the hotel, The Address Downtown offers a wide range of breakfast options, ranging from international cuisines to local delicacies. Located on the hotel’s sixth floor, this vantage spot allows guests to relish the beautiful view of Burj Khalifa and large hotel gardens through the window. The restaurant is designed like an apartment, where its delightful dishes create an authentic and exquisite feeling that truly resembles a home-away-home concept.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown
- Timing: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
NB: Children up to the age of 5 can dine for free, while children between the ages of 6 and 11 can avail of a 50% discount on dining.
2.Take a hot-air balloon ride.
Do you want to witness the breathtaking sunrise? And why not witness it in the sky, which will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment? As you have breakfast from the hotel address, head out to have a high time by experiencing the hot air balloon ride in Dubai and enjoy the awe-inspiring panorama over the Dubai skyline while floating over it. Create lasting memories with Peregrine Falcon during your magical hot air balloon ride, offering a perfect chance to capture an unforgettable photo moment. Passengers will be picked up and dropped off directly at your Dubai hotel, ensuring a hassle-free and seamless adventure.
- Activity timing: 04:00 AM to 09:00 AM
- Location: Margham Desert, Sharjah
- Number of passengers: 16–20
- Duration: I hour(approximate)
NB: Passengers have to carry either an IDP passport copy, Emirate ID, or UAE driving licence required at the time of arrival.
3. Shop at the world’s largest mall
As soon as you are done witnessing the world’s largest stunning spectacle, the world’s largest fountain show, you can eventually get into the world’s largest mall. Explore the extravaganza of the Dubai Mall. Shop as much as you want at the world-renowned luxury brand, or immerse yourself in the mall’s wide range of activities.
- Location: The Dubai Mall is located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
- Timing: Saturday-Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.; Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
4. Explore the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Explore the underwater world and witness the wonders of marine life in the world’s largest aquarium in the heart of Dubai Mall. The colossal tank is filled with diverse marine life features, including gigantic sharks, rays, and millions of varieties of fish. Visitors can walk through the transparent tunnel, viewing mesmerising marine creatures swimming above them. The Dubai Aquarium offers additional activities like cage snorkelling and shark dives for those seeking more adventurous experiences.
- Timing: Monday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–10:15 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–11:15 p.m.
NB: Children below 2 years of age get free admission to the venue.
5. Lunch at Address Boulevard
After a stroll through Dubai Mall, you can have lunch at Address Boulevard. This hotel is located in Downtown Dubai and offers direct indoor access to Dubai Mall and the Metro Station. Apart from exemplary dining options, the restaurant also features an outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness centre.
- Timing: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
6. Dubai time-out market
Time Out Market in Dubai, an extension of the global concept born in Lisbon, introduces visitors to the epitome of gastronomic excellence. With a successful presence in major cities worldwide, it has embraced 17 handpicked concepts: a trio of bars and a sprawling terrace. The market seamlessly weaves together the culinary experience and the architectural charm. Venture into the enthralling global culinary sanctuary to maximise your day downtown.
- Timing: Monday to Thursday, 12 pm–12 am; Friday, 12 pm–1 am; Saturday, 10 am–1 am; Sunday, 10 am–12 am.
- Location: 3rd Floor, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai
7. Attend the enthralling show at the Dubai Opera
This cultural architectural gem is nestled in the heart of Dubai’s downtown area. The Dubai Opera is a magnificent art and cultural centre that hosts a variety of programmes, from Phantom of the Opera to ballet, from classical music concerts to contemporary art exhibitions. If you want to make your 24 hours in Dubai worthwhile, attending a Dubai Opera show is the perfect highlight.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd., Downtown Dubai.
- Timing: The Dubai Opera House is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Best time to visit: After sunset, the view of the surroundings is fantastic, too.
8. Excavate into the Dubai Museum
Explore the Dubai Museum, which is housed within the Al Fahidi Fort, known to be one of the oldest existing structures built in 1787. Originally standing as the monarch’s residence, it underwent renovation during Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s reign. Filled with vibrant dioramas and insightful historical exhibits, it will elevate your downtown adventure to the next level. The duration of this experience will be 2 hours (approx.).
- Location: The Dubai Museum is located in the Al Fahidi Fort at Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai.
- Timings: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
NB: Children under the age of three (3) can go free but a free ticket should be booked online.
9. Walk around Burj Lake
Burj Lake, located in Downtown Dubai’s bustling area, is a remarkable example of human ingenuity. Surrounded by two renowned landmarks, the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, this man-made lake is the perfect spot for a leisurely walk while taking in the stunning city views. With its unique layout of five circles and two arcs, the fountain boasts majestic water jets that reach astounding heights, making it an irresistible attraction in this scenic urban retreat.
- Location: Downtown Dubai, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Burj Lake is in the evening, around 6:00 PM or later, when the Dubai Fountain show starts.
10. Dubai Fountain Show
Immerse yourself in the world’s largest choreographed water dance. Located in the heart of downtown Dubai, this is one thing you should not miss. The captivating water, music, and light spectacles stand up to 500 feet in perfect coordination, accompanied by a blend of traditional Arabic melody with contemporary music. With over 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors, the fountain creates a visual spectacle of 1,000 different water expressions. The Dubai Fountain is regularly operated from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., every 30 minutes.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd., Downtown Dubai, Dubai
- Best time to visit: After sunset, the scenery becomes captivating during the night.
11. Take a Dhow Cruise
You can enjoy a Dhow Cruise in Dubai with Alexandra Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina. The ride through the traditional wooden boat will take you to experience the stunning views of the city skyline by taking you through a captivating lagoon near Palm Island. What makes this even more remarkable is the live entertainment featuring a unique Tanura dance that adds a distinctive touch to the ride experience. The menu has diverse dishes, including beef, fish, chicken, salads, desserts, and a clear seafood soup.
- Timing: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Dubai Marina
