Discover 10 amazing free places to visit in Dubai, from stunning beaches to historic districts and wildlife reserves. Explore luxury on a budget!
Looking for a travel destination that is beautiful and luxury at the same time? Well, Wait.
What about the luxury and high-end experiences in Middle East? A most popular suggestion is Dubai which is very much known for its skyscraper buildings, architectures and beautiful places. In fact, Dubai has a plethora of hidden gems and beautiful attractions that require Zero Dirhams.
In this blog, we are thrilled to share 10 incredible places to visit in Dubai from warm beaches and lively promenades to historical districts as well as wildlife reserves.
Let’s Rock! It’s a time to discover cheap places in the city of Emirates.
Dubai Fountain Show — one of the best free things to do in Dubai. A dancing fountain at the base of Burj Khalifa, this is one impressively choreographed water and light performance.
Awe yourself watching this phenomenon, the shows running every 30 minutes; it will keep your heart in awe. If you want to capture the spectaculars of Dubai in your memories, you might need to know How to Find a Vacation Photographer in Dubai?
Nearby Attractions:
· Burj Khalifa
· Dubai Opera
· Souk Al Bahar
Nearby Hotels:
· Armani Hotel Dubai
· Palace Downtown
· Armani Hotel Dubai
Best Time to Visit: Around 7 PM
Travel through time and wander around one of the oldest sections in Dubai — Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Enjoy a walk along narrow alleyways, learn about traditional wind-tower architecture and discover the city's storied past.
You shouldn't miss the Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort (there is an entrance fee, but it is free to roam around outside and throughout much of this historic neighborhood).
Nearby Attractions:
· Dubai Museum
· Al Seef District
· Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Nearby Hotels:
· Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa
· XVA Art Hotel
· Al Fahidi Guest House
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
I like the sea would not visit for sure — Jumeirah Beach Corniche 3.
This spot comes with a 14-kilometer stretch of white sandy beaches, jogging tracks and picnic areas to make the most out your day on this spot free from entrance fee.
The coworking space opens up onto the beach so you can work with fantastic Arabian Gulf views, go for a swim or watch an incredible sunset.
Nearby Attractions:
· Kite Beach
· La Mer Beach
· Mercato Mall
Nearby Hotels:
· Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
· Four Seasons Resort Dubai
· Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or early evening
Admission to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo may not be free but you will still get a pretty amazing view of its main tank for absolutely no charge, if that counts. The giant viewing panel allows you to see more than 140 types of marine life, including sharks and rays gliding by. This movie is a great watch for both kids and adults.
Nearby Attractions:
· Dubai Ice Rink
· VR Park
· Burj Park
Nearby Hotels:
· Address Boulevard
· Sofitel Dubai Downtown
· Rove Downtown Dubai
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon or evening
If you like nature, Ras Al Khor Sanctuary is the best place for bird watching. This wetland reserve is home to an estimated 452 species of wildlife, with the famous Flamingos drawing here in numbers during winters.
Observers can enjoy complimentary viewing platforms, which overlook the vibrant blue color of this birdhouse that serves as their habitat but a sort of sanctuary where you are more likely to see them in all.
Nearby Attractions:
· Dubai Design District
· Al Jaddaf Waterfront
· Dubai Festival City Mall
Nearby Hotels:
· Palazzo Versace Dubai
· Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights
· Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or winter season.
Head to the Old Town, a.k.a Dubai Creek, where you can see traditional abra boats taking people across the water.
İnstead you can walk along the creek-side on its promenade, under views of Old and New Dubai at a time in the evening to catch rest of local street life with adjacent souks in Dubai (markets). Although ridding an abra has a very low cost so walking along the creek is for FREE!
Nearby Attractions:
· Spice Souk
· Gold Souk
· Heritage Village
Nearby Hotels:
· Al Bandar Rotana Creek
· Radisson Blu Hotel
· Dubai Deira Creek
· Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
The Dubai Frame — a striking modern architectural landmark with an extraordinary shape that literally frames old and new parts of the city side-by-side. You will need a ticket to enter the construction, but can view its grandeur from neighboring park for free.
Do not forget to bring your camera since there are lots of great photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
Nearby Attractions:
· Zabeel Park
· Dubai Garden Glow
· Dubai World Trade Centre
Nearby Hotels:
· Rove Healthcare City
· Grand Hyatt Dubai
· Conrad Dubai
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for the best lighting
The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a bustling path which boasts an outdoor public art gallery, myriad of entertainment venues and high-end dining aisles.
The vibrant atmosphere, the human parade or even lying on your back at one of Lisbon style beaches can be experienced free of charge. There are nightly street performances and art displays, creating a lively evening crowd.
Nearby Attractions:
· Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye)
· Blue waters Island
· Marina Walk
Nearby Hotels:
· Address Beach Resort
· Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
· Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach
Best Time to Visit: Evening
Make your way to Al Qudra Lakes — a string of man-made lakes in the desertscape, located within the 185 square-km natural oasis that is the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
A must visit place for a peaceful day out, bird watching or simply quiet picnic in the midst where you might even spot an odd gazelle. This will allow your soul a peaceful solace in the desert after all away from the city life!
Nearby Attractions:
· Love Lake
· Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
· Last Exit Al Qudra
Nearby Hotels:
· Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
· The Meydan Hotel
· Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Art enthusiasts may visit the free-to-enter Alserkal Avenue in their home city, Dubai. The hive of art galleries, pop-up exhibitions and creative workshops documents a coming-of-age of contemporary Kelantanese culture. The perfect place to uncover new local and international talent— all for free.
Nearby Attractions:
· Alserkal Avenue
· The Green Art Gallery
· The Third Line
Nearby Hotels:
· The Courtyard by Marriott Al Barsha
· MGallery by Sofitel The Canvas Hotel
· Rove City Centre
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon
Although Dubai is known as an incredibly rich travel destination yet there are so many things you can do and places to visit for free that give a true insight into the city and its culture.
There are a lot of ways to discover the city without spending a lot of money — from colorful waterfronts and antique neighborhoods, natural reserves and free art galleries.
Singles, couples, and family travelers will find these free places to visit in Dubai a great way to experience the best of what this energetic city has on offer without blowing their budget.
Now Suit up, it’s time to explore the free places to visit in Dubai.
Is it true you can visit Dubai on a budget?
Absolutely! Even better, Dubai has tons of free / cheap activities and places — from the beach and nearby parks to cultural venues and wildlife preserves.
Where else can you go in Dubai with cheap/free incursions?
Other places of interest you may want to check out include Safa Park, Kite Beach and Dubai Miracle Garden (entrance at a charge only during peak seasons).