When it comes to luxury, few cities compare to the pearl of the desert that is Dubai. It is a city built for luxury in every possible way, from the finest dining experiences crafted by Michelin-starred chefs to exclusive bars and mesmerising nightlife experiences where the world’s elite gather, every corner of this dazzling metropolis offers a taste of indulgence.
Due to its location between East and West, many pass through Dubai only briefly. With only 48 hours in Dubai, there is sufficient time to discover some of the best places to dine, wine and party – to experience The Good Life. Here is an itinerary we recommend to ensure every taste savoured during the day and into the night will be hard to forget.
Day 1: A Taste of Elegance and Extravagance
Morning: Truffle Eggs and Champagne
Your weekend in Dubai begins in the most indulgent way possible—breakfast at the iconic Burj Al Arab. A symbol of opulence, this seven-star hotel is where the world’s most discerning travellers come to dine. Head to Al Muntaha, a Michelin-starred restaurant perched 200 meters above sea level, where your morning starts with fresh truffle-infused eggs and a glass of perfectly chilled Champagne.
Late Lunch: Lively Latin at Coya Dubai
Dubai’s top gourmet dining locations are legendary, and when it comes to exceptional cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere, Coya Dubai is in a league of its own. This celebrity-frequented restaurant combines Peruvian flavours with impeccable presentation, creating a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere. Start with their signature ceviche before indulging in wagyu tacos and truffle-infused rice, all paired with a handcrafted pisco sour that captures the essence of Lima.
Evening: Sunset Cocktails & Rainforest-Inspired Dining
As the sun begins to dip below the skyline, it’s time to savour sunset drinks at S Bar, a sophisticated rooftop lounge at SLS Dubai. Here, the city unfolds before you, and high-end mixologists craft bespoke cocktails that taste as luxurious as the setting itself. Sip on a smoked negroni or a saffron-infused old-fashioned as the golden hour paints the city in shades of amber.
Do not do just dinner, do something extraordinary, go to Amazonico Dubai, a rainforest-inspired luxury restaurant that fuses Latin American flavours with an exciting atmosphere. Located in DIFC, this hotspot is where Dubai’s elite come to dine. Begin your culinary journey with freshly grilled robata meats, followed by an exquisite black truffle risotto (a little truffle theme is going on, in case you did not notice). And don’t skip the Amazonian-style cocktails, expertly crafted with rare botanicals and premium spirits.
Night: An Evening Amongst the Elite
For many, a night at Amazonico suffices for an extraordinary night out. But, with only 48 hours in town, you have to make the most of it so the night must go on.
Enter 1 OAK Dubai, an elite nightclub renowned for its celebrity clientele, high-energy atmosphere, and VIP bottle service. With sleek interiors, dim lighting, and a world-class DJ lineup, this is where Dubai’s A-listers and jet-setters come to party. Secure a VIP table, sip on premium champagne, and let the electrifying beats keep you going until the early hours.
Day 2: Rooftop Lounges & Celebrity Hotspots
Morning: Lazy Luxury by the Sea
After a night of sensory satisfaction, a slow morning is in order. Serenity is on the menu at Twiggy by La Cantine, a Mediterranean-inspired beachside retreat that blends French Riviera charm with Dubai’s effortless glamour. Here, you can unwind in a private cabana by the infinity lagoon, sip on a refreshing citrus spritz, and graze on a light breakfast of avocado tartine and freshly baked viennoiseries while soft lounge beats set the mood.
Alternatively, soak in the bohemian luxury of Verde Beach Dubai, an effortlessly chic St. Tropez-inspired escape nestled along the golden shores of Jumeirah Beach. The morning starts with a breezy Mediterranean brunch, featuring decadent truffle eggs and tropical fruit platters, before easing into a sun-drenched afternoon of relaxation with a chilled glass of whispering angel rosé in hand.
Late Lunch: Chic Lunch at Treehouse at Taj Dubai
By the afternoon, recovered and revitalised, you are ready to head to the skies for an exclusive experience overlooking Dubai at the Treehouse at Taj Dubai. This luxury rooftop bar is an urban escape, where Mediterranean flavours meet handcrafted cocktails in a lush, open-air setting. Enjoy a leisurely seafood platter with champagne beurre blanc while gazing at the breathtaking Burj Khalifa views.
Aperitifs: Sunset at Sobe Sunset Rooftop Bar
As day becomes night, stay high in the Dubai sky and head to Sobe Sunset Rooftop Bar, a high-end destination with 360-degree views of the skyline. This exclusive cocktail bar is known for its artisanal drinks, resident DJs, and eclectic ambience, making it the perfect spot to toast your final night in Dubai.
Dinner: Italian Elegance at Cipriani Dubai
For a luxury dining experience, few places match the timeless allure of Cipriani Dubai. Frequented by celebrities and Dubai’s elite, this VIP restaurant brings Italian glamour to DIFC. The menu is a love letter to Venetian cuisine, featuring handmade pasta, seafood carpaccio, and Cipriani’s legendary vanilla meringue cake. Pair your meal with a glass of vintage Barolo, and let the evening unfold in true Italian style.
Night: The Grand Finale at Privilege at SLS Dubai
The night is well and truly underway by now and tomorrow, unfortunately, it will be time to head off—all the more reason to make the most of your final night. There are few better places to conclude 48 hours in Dubai than Privilege at SLS Dubai. Perched atop one of the city’s most exclusive hotels, this elite nightclub boasts sky-high infinity pools, VIP bottle service, and an unbeatable party atmosphere. With a live DJ spinning deep house tracks, a celebrity-studded guest list, and signature cocktails served under the stars, this is the epitome of Dubai’s high-end nightlife scene.
