Free & low-budget things to do in Dubai
Dubai has a global reputation for glitz and high-end luxury, but you don’t have to spend thousands of dirhams to enjoy this incredible metropolis.
The city is full of free and affordable experiences that let you soak up the atmosphere without draining your wallet. Whether you’re here on a quick stopover or a longer trip with family or friends, these are some of the best things to see and do on a budget.
Must-see attractions in Dubai that won’t break the bank
Dinosaur Park
Perfect for fans of Jurassic Park and dinosaurs. This quirky outdoor park, located at Dubai Garden Glow, is especially fun if you’re travelling with kids - though the life-size dinosaur models, glowing light displays and playful atmosphere make it a good stop for adults too.
It’s more of a fun stroll than a full day out, but definitely unique compared to Dubai’s more polished attractions.
Dubai Frame
Located at Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, shaped like a giant golden picture frame.
From the top, you get a striking contrast - Old Dubai on one side and the ultra-modern skyline on the other. We particularly love the glass-floored walkway – though if you’re scared of heights, you might need to give this one a miss.
Entry to the Dubai Frame can be as little as AED 52.50.
Love Lakes & Al Qudra
Want to escape the skyscrapers for a while?
Head out to Al Qudra, where two heart-shaped lakes sit in the desert, forever intertwined with each other. This beautiful spot, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is a bird watchers’ paradise, with plenty of spots to take in the views and wildlife.
It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, a walk at sunset, or just snapping some photos to upload to your Instagram. On the way, you could make a stop at Fort Lisaili – Dubai’s number one destination for desert experiences. This family-friendly, Bedouin-inspired environment is nestled among sand dunes and is only 45 minutes away from downtown Dubai.
If you wanted to, there are plenty of activities to do at Fort Lisaili, from camel rides to henna hand painting.
Dubai Mall Aquarium
Inside Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest aquarium tanks - and you don’t even need to pay to enjoy it. While experiencing the wonder of one of the world’s biggest shopping malls, you can simply wander past to see giant rays and sharks swimming by.
If you want the full tunnel experience, you can buy a ticket, but if you’re sticking to a daily budget, even the free view is incredibly immersive. Combine this with the mall’s evening fountain show and the Burj Khalifa light display outside for a perfect low-cost night out.
Dubai Fountain Show
Right outside Dubai Mall, this famous water show, that shoots water up to 500 feet in the air, takes place daily in the evenings, choreographed to music and lights. It’s completely free and always draws a crowd, making the atmosphere absolutely electric, particularly as the sunset paints the area in an orange glow.
Alserkal Avenue
If you want to see Dubai’s creative side, this is the place to be. Once an industrial area in Al Quoz, it’s now home to galleries, street art, indie cafés and a wide variety of cultural events. It feels more local and laid-back than the malls, and gives a taste of the city’s growing art scene.
Old Dubai
To step back in time and see Dubai before the skyscrapers, wander through the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you’ll be surrounded by scents, sounds and colourful stalls.
From there, stroll along Souk Al Seef, which blends traditional architecture with modern touches. It’s one of the best places to pick up a souvenir for friends or family without resorting to chain stores.
Dubai Creek and Abras
Grab an abra (traditional wooden boat) for just AED 1 and cross the Creek like locals have done for generations. It’s one of the cheapest and most atmospheric things to do in the city, especially at sunset when the water glows orange and the skyline lights up.
Don’t forget to snap some photographs while you’re on an abra for the perfect memento.
Kite Beach
This public beach has a fun, lively vibe, with kite surfers zipping across the waves, food trucks lining the promenade and locals out for a jog or cycle.
It’s free, clean, and a great place for a more casual beach day than the luxury resorts. There are also a selection of cafés serving food and drinks to take advantage of too.
The Wings of Mexico
Situated right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa, this public art installation has become one of Dubai’s most Instagrammable spots. The angel wings sculpture perfectly frames the world’s tallest building - a quick but fun photo stop while you’re visiting Dubai Mall and the surrounding area.
Pair your trip to the sculpture with a free show at the iconic Dubai Fountains.
Expo City
Built on the former Expo 2020 site, Expo City is now a cultural and innovation hub. You can explore futuristic pavilions, striking architecture and landscaped walkways without the crowds of the original event.
The attraction also regularly offers events that include free entry for children, so keep an eye on their official social media channels and website for the latest news and information.
Courtyard Playhouse (Free Improv Night)
Tucked away in Al Quoz, this independent theatre runs free improv comedy nights that are casual, funny and interactive. It’s a refreshing change from the city’s tourist hotspots and offers a real community vibe.
You can catch shows on Monday and Wednesday evenings, but check out their website to review the schedule and book your tickets. They even offer a kid’s class too!
JBR Stroll
The Jumeirah Beach Residences promenade comes alive at night, with performers, markets and stunning beach views. During the Dubai Shopping Festival, drone shows light up the sky, making it even more magical.
Just opposite the Jumeirah Beach Residences is Bluewaters Island. This man-made island sits off the coastline and includes a mix of entertainment, hospitality and shopping, and is also home to the world’s tallest Ferris wheel - Ain Dubai.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
A beautiful natural wetland on the edge of the city, this wildlife sanctuary is home to thousands of migratory birds including flamingos. Entry is free, and we’d recommend paying it a visit in winter to take advantage of the incredible species available to see.
Not only is the area a breeding ground for a huge variety of birds like grey herons and sandpipers, you can also spot crustaceans, mammals and fish too.
Eating on a budget in Dubai
Yes there are plenty of high-end dining options in Dubai. But, eating well in the city doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some of the best meals are from small family-run places, food courts or street food stalls.
While you’re in the city, make sure you pay a visit to Dubai’s incredible bakeries. Najmat Kish Bakery, near Dubai International Airport, offers a variety of delicious sandwiches and traditional Arabic foods like manakish – a delicious flat dough that can be topped with a variety of items – from cheese to ground meats.
Jibin and Laham Bakery just to the south of the Palm Jumeirah is another great spot with locals and has been featured in a number of videos by food influencers and content creators.
Whether grabbing a meal from supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu, or eating at one of the mall food courts, eating and drinking in Dubai doesn’t need to be a drain on your finances.
Getting around Dubai on a budget
Despite its love for luxury cars and high glamour, Dubai is surprisingly easy to explore on a budget if you stick to the wide range of public transport options available to you.
The Nol Card can be used to pay for all modes of public transport in Dubai – making it incredibly easy to hop on and off as you wish. Depending on what you are looking for, there are several different types of Nol Cards available.
- Dubai Metro – Fast, safe and fully air-conditioned, with fares from AED 3.
- Dubai Tram – Perfect for the Marina and JBR areas.
- Buses – Cheap and widespread, all covered by the Nol Card.
- Abras on the Creek – Just AED 1 for a short but unforgettable ride that harks back to Dubai’s past.
- Walking and cycling – Certain districts like Downtown, JBR and Alserkal are very walkable. If you’d like to explore Dubai on two wheels, Careem Bike hire costs as little as AED 29 per day, giving you unlimited access to city bikes for 24 hours.
Dubai can be as affordable or as extravagant as you decide to make it. Stick to public transport, embrace local street food and mix in a few of these free attractions and you’ll discover a whole other side of this incredible city that many visitors may miss.
Alternatively, if you’d like to have the option of visiting a variety of attractions all under one ticket, our City Pass and Adventure Pass takes the hassle out of choosing what to do.