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Dubai Places To Visit For Free – Our Top 10!
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Dubai Places To Visit For Free
Looking for budget-friendly fun in Dubai? Or searching for the best Dubai places to visit for free? Look no further! This guide has all the insider tips you need to discover the top affordable spots in the city.
Sure, Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle and sky-high price tags, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it on a shoestring budget! Believe it or not, there are plenty of incredible free activities in Dubai that won’t cost you a single Dirham.
In this article, you’ll find a quick rundown of the top cheap things to do in Dubai. And guess what? These aren’t just budget-friendly—they’re some of the best experiences in the city! Whether you’re saving your Dirhams or just love a good deal, these spots are definitely worth checking out.
1. Dubai Fountains
If you’re in the mood for a bit of magic without spending a dime, head over to the Dubai Fountains! Situated right next to The Dubai Mall and at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa, this is the city’s most popular attraction—and for good reason. Watching the jaw-dropping musical fountains and the light show is absolutely FREE!
Hands down, this is one of the top Dubai places to visit for free!
The world’s largest dancing fountain puts on a show daily, with afternoon performances starting at 1 pm, 1:30 pm, or 2 pm, depending on the day. In the evening, the fountains dazzle every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm.
TIP: Want to add a little extra fun to your visit? Hop on a traditional boat ride for a close-up view of the fountains. It’s not free, but it’s one of the most affordable activities in Dubai, and trust us—it’s worth it!
2. Dubai Mall: Aquarium and Waterfall
The Dubai Mall isn’t just one of the biggest shopping malls in the world—it’s also a treasure trove of free things to see! With 1,200 shops, including the swankiest brands, you might think a visit here could cost a pretty penny. But if you can resist the shopping temptations, exploring the mall won’t cost you a dirham, and it’s absolutely worth your time.
Prepare to be wowed by the sheer size, the buzzing crowds, and the endless variety of shops. Don’t think you’ll be in and out in an hour—this place can easily keep you entertained for a day or even two!
Two must-see attractions inside Dubai Mall are the Waterfall and the Dubai Aquarium.
While tickets for the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo aren’t exactly cheap, here’s the good news: you can admire the massive aquarium for free right from the mall. And trust us, it’s seriously impressive!
Another fantastic freebie is the stunning indoor waterfall. This gigantic waterfall, complete with sculptures of divers, cascades through all four levels of the mall. Definitely a sight you won’t want to miss!
3. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Looking for a serene spot among the free things to do in Dubai? Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary should be on your list! This wetland conservation area is a hidden gem where you can catch a glimpse of flamingos and other birds without spending a single dirham.
There’s a designated viewing platform perfect for flamingo-watching, and if you time it right, you can even see the flamingos being fed—usually between 10 and 11 AM.
For the best experience, try to visit earlier in the morning, just before feeding time. The flamingos are more active, and you’ll avoid the crowds. Want more details? Head over to the official website for all the info.
4. Dubai Free Public Beaches
No trip to Dubai is complete without a beach day! Luckily, Dubai offers several free public beaches that are open to everyone, so you can soak up the sun without spending a dirham.
The most popular spots? Marina Beach (or JBR) at The Walk and Jumeirah Beach near the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel.
While the Burj Al Arab is a must-see in Dubai, when it comes to Dubai places to visit for free, Marina Beach (JBR) is a top choice. It’s buzzing with energy, has playgrounds for kids, and tons of dining options along The Walk. It’s easily the liveliest of the Dubai beaches. For a more relaxed vibe, Kite Beach is your go-to. It’s less crowded and has incredible, clean water—perfect for any water lover.
Top Tip: If you’re after a hidden gem, check out Secret Beach. As the name suggests, it’s less crowded, super peaceful, and the perfect spot to unwind in the evenings. The water is pristine, making it a favourite for those in the know!
5. Zabeel Park & Dubai Frame
Looking for Dubai places to visit for free? Zabeel Park is your spot! It’s home to the iconic Dubai Frame and offers plenty of budget-friendly fun. With a tiny entry fee (around 5 AED – 1.2 EUR), you can easily access this park via metro.
Zabeel Park is a lush green space with something for everyone. It’s a great place to chill out, have a picnic, or get active with well-maintained paths for walking, jogging, or cycling. On weekends, you’ll find locals enjoying BBQs, and there’s even a dedicated barbecue area if you fancy joining in. The park also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its charm.
The park is home to the Dubai Flea Market, where you can bag some unique preloved items. For more information on when the market is open visit Dubai Flea Market Website.
TIP: For breathtaking views, don’t miss the Dubai Frame’s viewing platform, which offers stunning 360° views of both Old and New Dubai. While a visit to the Frame isn’t free, it’s relatively affordable at 50 AED (around 12 EUR) for adults, with free entry for kids under 3 and seniors. Check out the prices and book your tickets – here
You may also be interested in reading – Best Outdoor Markets in Dubai
6. Dubai Creek Water Taxi Abra
Hop on an Abra, Dubai’s traditional water taxi, for a fun and wallet-friendly ride! At just 1 AED (0.25 EUR) per person, it’s a budget-friendly experience that’s perfect for exploring the city.
While it’s not a sightseeing tour, taking an Abra across Dubai Creek offers a charming view of the city’s historical waterfront. It’s a great way to travel between popular spots without breaking the bank.
The Abra will transport you from the Old City to Deira, where you can check out the famous Dubai Souks (traditional markets). Explore the aromatic Spice Souk and the dazzling Gold Souk—all without spending a fortune.
TIP: Catch an Abra at the Dubai Old Souq Marine Transport Station on the south side of the creek.
7. Dubai places to visit for free – Jumeirah Mosque
One of Dubai’s most beautiful landmarks, Jumeirah Mosque, is a must-see and stands out as the only mosque in the city that welcomes non-Muslim visitors. As one of the top Dubai places to visit for free, you can admire its stunning Egyptian and Syrian-inspired architecture from the outside without spending a dirham. The mosque has been enchanting visitors since it opened in 1979.
To explore the interior, you’ll need a ticket. Adults: 40 AED; children aged 5-12 can visit for free, while little ones under 5 aren’t allowed inside. We think the ticket price is very fair, as it includes a free tour, henna, and refreshments.
Open every day except Friday, the mosque requires modest dress: long sleeves and covered legs for everyone, with headscarves for women. For more details, visit the mosque’s official website.
8. Traditional Markets
9. Alserkal Avenue
If you’re after a dose of cool and creative vibes, Alserkal Avenue in Dubai’s Al Quoz is where it’s at. This former industrial zone has traded in engine oil for oil on canvas and now buzzes with art galleries, performance spaces, and some fantastic culinary treats.
One of the best Dubai places to visit for free, Alserkal Avenue offers loads of free activities—from exploring gallery exhibitions to browsing quirky shops. It’s a top spot to soak up some culture and snag those Insta-worthy shots.
Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, Alserkal Avenue is your go-to for artistic inspiration and a peek into Dubai’s vibrant art scene.
10. Al Fahida Historical Neighbourhood
For history enthusiasts, one of the best free things to do in Dubai is to explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Escape the city’s towering skyscrapers for a day and step back in time to experience Dubai as it was before the oil boom.
I hope the above Dubai places to visit for free were helpful. Let us know your thoughts on these spots or any other great free places in Dubai!
You may also be interested in reading –
10 Indoor Family Activities in Dubai
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