16 Cheap & Free Places to Visit in Dubai (Great for Families Too)
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Looking for free places to visit in Dubai or cheap things to do that still feel fun and worthwhile? This guide should give you plenty of ideas for affordable things to do in Dubai.
Dubai has a reputation for being expensive, and the sky is the limit when it comes to the most extravagant things one can do in the city. Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly spots where you can enjoy the city without spending much. Many of these places are easy to visit and are great for families as well.
In this guide, you’ll find a mix of free sights, relaxed outdoor areas, local neighborhoods, and low-cost attractions that help you experience Dubai without breaking the bank. These aren’t just budget-friendly places to visit – they’re also some of the best things to do in Dubai. Each one is worth your time, whether you’re traveling on a budget or not.
Below you’ll find the best free things to do in Dubai, followed by cheap attractions that offer good value for money.
TIP: No visit to Dubai is complete without seeing a few of its top landmarks. If you plan to visit several paid attractions, the iVenture Pass offers great value. You can choose 3, 5, or 7 activities from a long list that includes Burj Khalifa, waterparks, observatories, theme parks, dhow cruises, desert safaris, and more. It’s an easy way to enjoy Dubai’s major highlights while keeping costs down.
READ ALSO: Top Sights & Attractions in Dubai
FREE Things to Do in Dubai:
1. Dubai Fountain Show
FREE
The Dubai Fountain is one of the most popular free attractions in the city. Located at the base of Burj Khalifa, next to Dubai Mall, these water and light shows are really impressive and draw big crowds, especially in the evenings.
The world’s largest dancing fountain performs every day, multiple times, and each show uses different melodies. Evening shows happen every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM. There are also daily afternoon shows at 1 PM and 1:30 PM, except on Fridays, when the shows are at 2 PM and 2:30 PM.
TIP: For a low-cost upgrade, take an abra boat ride to see the fountains from the water. It’s a small extra expense, but it’s one of the cheapest activities in Dubai and is really fun. Our kids loved it too.
2. Dubai Mall: Aquarium (Outside View) & Waterfall
FREE
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It’s home to 1200 shops, including some of the most luxurious brands, and countless attractions. You will be impressed by the sheer size of the place, the number of people, and the huge variety of shops. A visit here is a must, and you can experience some of the best parts for free.
Two of Dubai Mall’s most iconic attractions can be seen for free: the giant aquarium tank (the rest of the Dubai Aquarium requires a ticket) and the four-story indoor waterfall with diver sculptures. Both are very impressive and are not to be missed when exploring the mall.
Dubai Mall is huge, so plan plenty of time to explore. It’s also very family-friendly, with tons of things to do for kids (e.g., Kidzania is quite affordable if you are looking for a fun way to keep your kids busy for a few hours).
Good to know: If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, try to skip weekends. In Dubai, they have a 4.5-day work week, and the weekend runs from Friday afternoon through Sunday (read more: Dubai facts).
3. Dubai Marina Promenade
FREE
Dubai Marina is a lively area, especially after sunset, and walking the Marina Promenade is one of the nicest free things to do in the city. The promenade stretches for about 7 km and is a great place for an evening walk, people-watching, or simply taking in the views.
The busiest part is northeast of the Marina Mall (up to the point indicated as ‘Dubai Marina Walk’ on Google Maps). Here, you’ll find most cafés and restaurants. The area also hosts seasonal events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on during your visit.
4. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
FREE
If you are looking for something different to do in Dubai for free, consider visiting the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. This wetland reserve is one of the best places to see flamingos in Dubai. Entry is free, and there’s a viewing platform where you can watch the birds up close.
TIP: The best time to visit is early in the morning. Flamingos are active, and there are fewer visitors. For more info, check the official website.
Good to know: While the sanctuary is free to visit, its location requires a car or a taxi to get there.
5. Dubai’s Public Beaches
FREE
No visit to Dubai is complete without spending some time at the beach! Dubai has several free public beaches that are perfect for budget-friendly outings with family or friends.
The most popular beaches in Dubai are Marina Beach (or JBR) at The Walk and Jumeirah Beach near the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel.
While Burj Al Arab is a must-see in Dubai, as far as the beach goes, we recommend Marina Beach. It has a variety of playgrounds for kids, and there are also lots of dining options on The Walk. It’s probably the most lively of Dubai’s public beaches.
6. Traditional Markets
FREE
For a completely different side of Dubai, make sure to visit the traditional markets, like the Spice Souk and Gold Souk in Deira.
Visiting local markets is always one of the best – and free – things to do anywhere you travel. It’s your chance to mingle among locals and see all kinds of traditional merchandise that you won’t find in regular shops.
Dubai’s souks are also a great place to buy some cheap souvenirs to take home. Just don’t forget to bargain – it’s expected, and the starting price is always much too high.
TIP: Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat. The souks are most lively in the evening, so that’s usually the best time to go for atmosphere. Also, dress modestly – you’ll feel more comfortable among locals.
READ ALSO: What to Wear in Dubai as a Tourist
7. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
FREE
Souk Madinat, near the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Hotel, is an easy and free addition to any Dubai itinerary. You can walk along the canals, browse small shops, stop for a drink or a quick bite, and enjoy several good viewpoints of Burj Al Arab. There are plenty of spots to sit, take photos, or simply watch the boats pass by.
It’s especially pleasant in the evening, when the area feels livelier but still relaxed. Thanks to the open layout and wide walkways, it’s also an easy place to visit with kids or as a short stop between other activities.
8. Al Seef & Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
FREE
Al Seef and the nearby Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood are the best areas to visit if you want to experience the older side of Dubai, far from modern skyscrapers.
Al Seef is a waterfront district built in a traditional style, with narrow lanes, small shops, and relaxed cafés along Dubai Creek. It’s a pleasant place for a walk, especially in the late afternoon, and you can often find affordable street-food stalls and casual eateries.
Just a short walk away, Al Fahidi is one of Dubai’s oldest areas, with restored wind-tower houses, courtyards, and several small, inexpensive museums. Good options include the Coffee Museum, the Coin Museum, and a few cultural exhibits that cost very little or are free to enter. It’s a great area to wander if you’re interested in Dubai’s history or want a break from the city’s modern attractions.
TIP: If you want a deeper look at both neighborhoods, consider joining a low-cost walking tour that includes tastings of local snacks. These tours are usually very affordable and are a nice way to learn more about the area while also trying traditional food.
9. Bluewaters Island
FREE
Bluewaters Island is another nice area to visit in Dubai, especially at sunset. It offers a long, open promenade with sea views and modern architecture.
It’s a nice family-friendly place for a walk, with plenty of seating areas and good photo spots. You can also enjoy close-up views of the Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel, the world’s tallest observation wheel (if open, you can also take a ride, but it’s not very cheap).
Good to know: The island connects to Jumeirah Beach Residence via a pedestrian bridge, so you can turn it into a longer outing without spending anything. The Dubai Marina is also in the same area, and there’s a ferry connection between the two.
10. Museum of the Future (Outside View)
FREE
Entrance to the Museum of the Future is quite pricey (and tickets have to be booked weeks ahead), but stopping to see the building from the outside is completely free and is well worth the detour.
The stainless-steel structure with its calligraphy cutouts is one of Dubai’s most distinctive landmarks and makes a great photo stop. It’s a quick addition to any itinerary if you’re passing through the area, and you don’t need more than a few minutes to appreciate it.
11. Love Lake Dubai & Al Qudra Area
FREE
Located outside the city, the Al Qudra area is home to several man-made desert lakes, picnic spots, and walking paths. It’s free to visit and a good place to take a break from the busy city.
The heart-shaped Love Lake is the most well-known. You can walk along the paths around the lake, where you might spot birds and colorful fish in the water (feeding is not allowed). There are also various heart-shaped installations, which make it a popular place for photos or a simple evening walk.
It’s an easy, relaxed outing, especially nice at sunset, but you’ll need a car or taxi to reach the area. Be sure to arrange your return trip in advance.
In addition to the free things to do in Dubai mentioned above, below you’ll find some of the best cheap places to visit in Dubai.
CHEAP Things to Do in Dubai:
12. Abra Ride on Dubai Creek
VERY CHEAP
A traditional abra ride across Dubai Creek costs just 1 AED (0.25 EUR), which makes it one of the cheapest activities in all of Dubai.
The ride on this ‘water taxi’ is short but memorable, with nice views of the bustling creek and the old town areas on both sides. It’s a convenient way to move between Bur Dubai, Deira, the souks, and Al Seef.
You can hop on an abra at several points along the creek, and rides run continuously throughout the day, so you rarely need to wait. You can pay directly to the driver – bring cash!
READ ALSO: Tourist Guide to Dubai Public Transport
13. Global Village
CHEAP
Global Village is one of Dubai’s best-value paid attractions, and entry tickets are really cheap.
The large outdoor park features themed pavilions from various countries around the world, each offering traditional food, small shops, and cultural displays. It’s a nice place to spend an evening, snack your way through different cuisines, and watch live performances without spending much. It’s very family-friendly, and the atmosphere is especially lively after sunset.
Good to know: Global Village is open in the evenings and only in the cooler months (mid-October to early May). Count at least 3-4 hours for a visit (in other words, plan the whole evening).
TIP: If you want to visit Global Village as well as Miracle Garden and Butterfly Garden (see below), consider getting this 1-Day Wonder Pass. It makes visiting all these attractions even more affordable.
14. Miracle Garden & Butterfly Garden
VERY AFFORDABLE
Miracle Garden is another super popular place to visit in Dubai. While not free, it’s still very affordable for Dubai standards. The nearby Butterfly Garden is even cheaper and offers good discounts for kids.
Miracle Garden has massive floral displays and themed sculptures. It’s usually only open in the cooler months. Butterfly Garden features climate-controlled domes with thousands of butterflies, making it especially popular with families.
TIP: Check for a combined pass that includes Miracle Garden, Butterfly Garden, and Global Village. It offers better value than buying separate tickets.
15. Zabeel Park & Dubai Frame
VERY AFFORDABLE
Zabeel Park is one of Dubai’s largest green spaces and a good choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive outdoor activity. The park has wide walking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and plenty of shade, making it a nice place to visit for families or anyone needing a break from the city’s busy areas.
Entry fees are very low (around 5 AED – 1.2 EUR), and you can easily spend an hour or two here without spending much at all.
TIP: The Dubai Frame, located at the edge of the park, is one of the best-value paid attractions in Dubai. The viewing deck offers clear views of both Old and New Dubai, and the ticket price is very reasonable for what you get (just book in advance!). It’s the most affordable viewing deck in Dubai. Plus, if you enter Zabeel Park from the Dubai Frame, you normally don’t have to pay for the park entrance.
16. Jumeirah Mosque
VERY AFFORDABLE
One of the most beautiful mosques of Dubai – Jumeirah Mosque – is also one of the few that can be visited by non-muslims. It’s a beautiful building with an architectural style that originated in Egypt and Syria.
You can admire the beautiful architecture from the outside for free, but a visit inside requires a ticket. At the moment of the last update, it costs 45 AED (10 EUR), and includes light Emirati refreshments and all activities. When we visited, kids age 5-12 were free of charge, and under-5s were not allowed.
The mosque is open for visits daily except on Friday. The dress code is long sleeves and covered legs for everyone, and headscarves for women – if you don’t have it, you can borrow everything for free. More info on the official website of the mosque.
Good to know: While you wait for your tour to start, the mosque offers some light Emirati refreshments, including Arabic coffee, tea, dates, water, luqaimat, and chebab. Check the tour times and arrive earlier so that you have time to enjoy the food.
So, this is our guide to some of the best free and cheap places to visit in Dubai. They give you a good mix of the city’s modern highlights, cultural areas, and outdoor spots, and most are really easy to add to any itinerary.
If you’re looking for more ideas, practical tips, or itineraries, make sure to check our other Dubai guides below. They’ll help you plan your time, choose the right activities, and make the most of your trip.
Dubai Travel Guides:
- Things to do:
- Practical info:
- Itinerary:
- Good to know:
TIP: Did you find this guide helpful? Bookmark this post for later, share it with your friends, and save it to Pinterest to inspire your next trip.
My wife needs a mobility scooter to get around. How disabled friendly is Dubai?
Hi Brian, I really couldn’t tell. It’s something you only pay attention to when you need it, so we never really paid attention. In general, there are lots of flat areas (Marina, The Walk on Jumeirah Beach, etc.), so it should be fine. As for the specific attractions, you should check the official websites of the places that you want to visit for more information.
Also, keep in mind that the distances in Dubai are big and so you’ll need to use the metro or take taxis to get around.
Hello Jurga,
I like your list of free things to do in Dubai. I live in Dubai and Dubai beaches boasting turquoise waters are my best free thing to do in the city. I frequent the Jumeirah public beach to unwind. And the Dubai fountain is great for a first timer in Dubai. Thank you for taking your time on this.
Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your local favorites, Emmanuel.
As a budget nomad backpacker have visited 81 countrys and almost entire India at the time of writing and found your blog extremely helpful .I am also a blogger / Vlogger and Thanks for your guidiance of a budget travel of Dunai.
Gald to help, Rudolph. Your travel experience sounds really impressive. Good luck with the blog/vlog!
Cheap taxis in Dubai? I guess it depends on the city you are comparing it with, I find them very expensive
Hi Jazmin, for us, coming from Western Europe, Dubai taxis were very cheap. We usually paid less than 10 EUR for any place we went to (usually rides of 15-20 min). Even the taxi from the airport to JBR (over 30 min drive) was just 25 EUR/30 USD for us. I see that private airport transfers now cost about 35 USD (for 3-4 people). If you take into account the distances they cover, yes, it’s very affordable compared to most destinations.
Hi I am going to Dubai with my friend. We are going for my birthday. Please can you let me know what kind of clothes we should for September.
Thank you xx
Hi, as I already answered to the other comments in our what to wear in Dubai article, you can just wear whatever you would in other places with a similar climate. Just, in my opinion, it’s wise to dress respectfully. It doesn’t mean you have to cover up completely; Dubai is quite flexible and I think it just gets more and more open-minded since so many tourists come there and people get used to it. Please read the article for more details.
Hi! Thanks for the info. I would like to know how unconfortable is to visit Dubai during the summer.
I guess it depends on what you are used to and what you are planning to do, Nancy. It can get really hot there in summer. REALLY hot. If you spend most of your time indoors or in the swimming pool, I think it can be a rather enjoyable trip. But I wouldn’t go walking in the desert or sightseeing outdoors in the city when it’s 40°C+ (104°F) outside.
I’m planning to visit Dubai in November with a group but I will be traveling alone is it safe
We never felt unsafe in Dubai. Like anywhere else in the world, things can happen, but I’d say it’s as safe as anywhere we have been.
Enjoy your trip!
I’ll be going there February 2nd just wondering how much money should a person bring I’m a shopper
That’s a question I really cannot answer. It depends on what you buy, where you buy it, etc. Please check this post that will give you a better idea of how much everything costs in Dubai.
Thank you for the article!! It did hep me to plan my trip..m going on new years eve!! Any suggestion to usher into new year without burning a hole in our pocket?
Hi Swati, there are so many places to see fireworks in Dubai at midnight and it’s all completely free. Most restaurants/hotels have New Year’s celebrations with a special menu, but they tend to be expensive.
We were in Dubai with small kids, so we watched fireworks from our hotel room, and earlier that evening we took a dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Marina, which was a bit touristy but quite nice and we didn’t have to worry about looking for a restaurant that evening.
There are so many options, just really busy everywhere.
I’m going to Dubai this May and this post was helpful. I hear hotels organize tour for guests?
Hi Chioma, hotels don’t really organise tours usually, but they can book tours for you. Alternatively, you can book your own tours online – at least you can read customer reviews and know what exactly you are booking. If you are looking for ideas on what to do in Dubai, please also check this post about some of the best tours and day trips you can do in Dubai.
Fantastic tips and advice, I am.planning to take my children aged 12 and 10 for xmas and the new year so would like to do a lot of sightseeing.
One question how much is the dolphin experience? Reading the website its roughly £450 for all 3 of us would this be correct?
Hi Nasra, I assume, you are talking about the dolphin experience at Aquaventure water park? Yes, it is extremely expensive. On top of that, you have to book well in advance as it’s really popular (and cheaper if booked online). We didn’t do it, but I heard from some people that they really enjoyed it. We just couldn’t justify the cost as we once went swimming with dolphins in Bali for a fraction of this price. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it for you..
Dubai without a doubt one of the finest cities in the world. High Skyscrapers, Awesome Beaches and the most affordable shopping destination. I would say, you must visit Dubai at least once in a lifetime.
Thanks for this post, I’m planning out our trip for next month and the Dubai Museum seems one not to miss!
Thank for taking the time to leave a comment, Helen. Appreciate your feedback and hope you have a great time in Dubai!
Thank you for the article. This will come useful for sure!
Glad you found some inspiration, Dordaneh. Enjoy Dubai!