Dubai is a city iconic for its sheer opulence and grandeur. With its posh neighborhoods, massive malls, extraordinary leisure choices, and opulent culinary destinations, Dubai definitely is not a cheap place to visit.
That said, you can visit this city and enjoy its top attractions even if you’re on a tight budget. Yes, you can still have an amazing time in this grand city without really busting your wallet. Just keep this list of budget things to do in Dubai handy.
Take a Sightseeing Tour
Want to discover the whole of Dubai on a budget? Be sure to sign up for a guided city tour. From Big Bus Tours and City Sightseeing Tour to an all-inclusive Dubai tour organized by an experienced travel service provider, these excursions give you a perfect overview of Dubai’s top sights, legendary landmarks and cultural and historical attractions. So don’t overlook the convenience and flexibility of a guided tour on your next visit to Dubai. Joined by a knowledgeable guide, it involves all prep works; so all you’ve to do is to sit back and admire the city. When it comes to rates, it’s surprisingly cheap and further lets you save your time and energy.
Spend a Day at Downtown Dubai
Wonder how this posh 500-acre neighborhood is on this list? It may be supremely extravagant but not all experiences here would extract your wallet. Still doubtful; have a look at some of the most iconic activities or experiences in Downtown Dubai which set you back almost nothing.
- Wander across the Dubai Mall: Most of you will be aware that this is one of the world’s biggest malls with over 1200 outlets. Shopping here may not be for all, but still visit this colossal mall even if you don’t have any intention to shop here. Entry to the mall is free and it also boasts of some amazing sights and attractions which you can watch it for absolutely free. View a part of the massive Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, check out the 155-million-year-old skeleton of Dubai Dino (yes, it’s real!), and step out to the terrace adjoining the Dubai Mall Apple showroom to immerse yourself in the region’s unmatched vibe
- Strike a selfie against Burj Khalifa: This towering structure is one of the most prestigious symbols of modern Dubai. After all, it’s the tallest man-made structure ever built on the planet. An ascent to one of its ‘At the Top’ observation decks, along with the high-speed elevator ride, is an indescribable experience. But, if you don’t find it pocket-friendly, you’re still welcome to see this cloud-penetrating structure from outside and click some stunning pictures against its backdrop.
- See Dubai Dancing Fountain Show: Set on Burj Lake, you’ll find this fountain right next to Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. With its stunningly choreographed show that is set in perfect synchronization to Arabic, western and international music, it’s one of the showstopping highlights of Dubai. What’s even more endearing is that this cool experience is free to watch.
- Take a Dubai Trolley Tour: With awe-inspiring architectural treasures at its every corner, there is no better way to discover Downtown Dubai than on a Dubai Trolley tour. For this, simply board a classic red double-deck tram which resembles a grand heritage style trolley. Its route covers almost the entire of Downtown Dubai. Moreover, it’s the first of its kind, being powered by hydrogen. And guess what makes it extra special; it’s free as it doesn’t charge anything to cruise you around the region’s stylish sights.
Walking Tour of Al Bastakiya Quarter
Also called the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, this immaculately preserved quarter in Bur Dubai region is one of the best-kept secrets of the city. Crisscross its narrow labyrinths to get an authentic vibe of the age-old Arabia. There are many ancient structures here, most of which are now transformed into a museum or an art gallery. And of course, a visit here is one of the best ways to get a (free) glance into the life of Old Dubai.
Visit Dubai Museum
Located in the old part of Dubai, this is one museum that is completely dedicated to Dubai’s humble past. Beyond its many fabulous artistic treasures that give a detailed account of the traditional lifestyle of Emiratis, the structure (Al Fahidi Fort) where the museum housed itself is one of the prime historical attractions, being the region’s oldest fort. All it takes to enter the museum is just AED 3 per person.
Hang out at Dubai’s green parks
Dubai is a desert city which mainly scores for its stylish architectural grandeur and awesome indoor attractions. But, the reality is that it’s equally striking for its outdoors, mainly its parks and gardens bestowed with cool serene ambience and verdant green spaces. You can visit Safa Park, Mushrif Park, Jumeirah Beach Park, Creek Park, and Zabeel Park, among others. Some parks provide free entry and some incur a nominal charge of not more than AED 5. So go ahead and plan a picnic at one of these parks. They come complete with almost all facilities including BBQ spots, exclusive kids’ play areas, lakes and fountains to name a few.
Set out on a desert safari
You can’t go to Dubai and not experience the eclectic ever desert safari experience. With different packages to choose from, you can easily pick a desert safari that goes with your budget and unique desires. A standard desert safari in Dubai is action-packed with the right measure of adventure, fun and cultural experiences. For adventurists, the main highlight of a desert safari is dune bash which is an exhilarating ride across the Arabian Desert dunes. This is followed by activities like camel ride, Shisha smoking, henna tattooing, and traditional shows like Tanura and belly dance show ( available only with evening and overnight desert safaris). But, if you want to forego all heart-racing experiences included in a desert trip, you can opt for packages like Dinner in Desert.
Conclusion
The best thing about Dubai is that it’s for all and yes, for every preference and pocket! So whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or an absolutely culture-packed or a fun-drenched holiday, these money-saving suggestions would not only help you to make the most of your Dubai holidays while allowing you to stretch your wallet.
About The Contributor
Neha is a postgraduate in Mass Communications and a travel writer. She is passionate about travelling to new places, reading fiction, learning new things and loves being a nature trekker.
