In a city frequently touted as being expensive and unaffordable to the average tourist, is there any way you can save your dirhams on a trip to Dubai? Absolutely! We’ve been on the hunt for the city’s best attractions and come up with this incredible list of some places you can visit and enjoy for free (or cheap – under 20 AED / $5 USD a person).
1: Dubai Fountain Show
A great starting point for many visitors to Dubai is to head to Downtown Dubai and the Dubai Mall. Every lunchtime and throughout the evening, visitors are treated to the visual spectacle of the Dubai Fountain Show. Perfect choreographed dancing fountains move to music, ranging from modern pop hits to traditional Arabian music, under the foot of the Burj Khalifa (which also runs its towering LED light show throughout the evening).
2: IMAGINE light and sound show
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A nightly show at Dubai Festival City, this sensory experience harnesses the power of light, water, and fire in one incredible display, using the world’s largest water projection screen. Dubai Festival City is a great location for those who want to stay close to Dubai airport and the free shows held hourly between 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm are a fabulous family entertainment option (and in our experience a bit less crowded than the Dubai Fountains).
3: Largest fountain show
Just when you thought that was it, along comes another even bigger and better than the last! The Palm Fountain which opened in October 2020 set the Guinness World Record as the largest fountain show in the world. Offering nightly shows every 30 minutes between 7:00 pm and midnight, your best vantage point is from The Pointe entertainment district at the top of the trunk of Palm Jumeirah.
4: Spot flamingos in the wetlands
Head to the Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of the city to spot over 170 native species that call the protected wetlands area home – the stunning pink flamingos are a crowd favorite. The wetlands are a beautiful free urban oasis with airconditioned viewing platforms and a Lagoon Hide for quiet observation of its residents.
5: Picnic at Dubai Creek Park
One of the largest parks in Dubai, there’s always a plethora of family activities going on in this green oasis that hugs the western bank of Dubai Creek. Entry is 5 AED per person to access the extensive grounds, botanical gardens, playgrounds, and barbeque and picnicking areas. For an extra charge, there is a Dolphanairum, a planetarium in Children’s City, and even a cable car for some unique and stunning city views.
6: Fresh seafood at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
A little surprise packet tucked away in the more suburban area of Dubai, the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour is a modern dining area giving a traditional touch to the waterfront. The area, close to Mercato Mall has fully revitalized a few years ago. Most come for the fresh seafood and dining options, or simply enjoy the jetty. Coming at dawn is your best time to see the harbor in action.
7: Enjoy the sunset from the palm boardwalk
Covering the outer crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, enjoy a stunning sunset walk around Dubai’s most exclusive resorts zone. There are food trucks and benches along the wooden boardwalk for regular stops – though only the fit may be able to cover the whole 11km! The boardwalk starts from the Rixos Palm Jumeirah Hotel on the Crescent’s east side to the One&Only The Palm on the west side of the crescent.
8: Dubai Museum
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The culturally curious will be pleased to know there is an extensive lineup of museums to explore in Dubai. Most visitors have likely only heard of the Dubai Museum and Al Faihidi Fort, which only cost 3 AED to enter. Don’t let your exploring finish there, however. There are more than a dozen museums to explore around Dubai, many of them situated in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (mostly free or just a few dirhams for entry). Dubai Museum is currently closed for renovations.
Continue Reading: Here are Some Fun Facts about Dubai you Should Know
