Dubai is stereotyped as a playground for the super-rich, but there is a surprisingly budget-friendly side to the emirate if you know where to find it. With free public beaches, amazing wildlife parks, and spectacular light shows for little or no cost, Dubai has plenty to offer as a tourist destination without racking up costs. This guide will show you how to navigate the city affordably and explain the best low-cost and budget-friendly attractions in Dubai, catering to every type of traveler.
At Jumeirah Beach, soaking up sun, sand, and sea is completely free! This public beach is very popular due to its views of the Burj Al Arab. It is a great public beach for sunbathing, swimming, or taking a stroll on the beach. It’s just far enough from the city to relax on the beach without spending a dirham.
The Dubai Fountain, set at the base of the Burj Khalifa, boasts a stunning choreographed water show performed to music and accompanied by lights. This amazing spectacle dances once every half-hour in the evenings (it runs during the day as well, but fewer times), and it is FREE. It’s definitely worth grabbing a viewing spot along the waterfront promenade for a very special evening of lights and music.
Stroll the historic Dubai Creek and experience the city’s past as well as the present day in perfect splendor. Walk through the energetic old souks, watch the traditional wooden dhows sail by, and soak in all the atmosphere. An abra ride across the creek costs next to nothing (a mere 1 AED), but just a walk around the area presents tremendous free photo opportunities and gives you insight into the city’s heritage.
From lion to elephant to giraffe and much more, Dubai Safari Park covers over 119 hectares and is a world-class facility for over 3,000 animals at once. Dubai Safari Park is broken down into different themed villages, such as African Safari, Asian Village, a Safari Village, and more. It’s a total adventure and educational experience for families who want to expose their children to wildlife. General admission prices start at AED 50 for adults.
To capture an amazing view of both the Burj Khalifa and the entire city skyline, go to the Sky Views Observatory. Located at the Address Sky View Hotel on the 52nd floor, there is a view at 219.5 meters high that cannot be missed. Tickets are more reasonably priced than other skyscraper observatories. Prices start around AED 80, with additional ticket options available to add on the famous Sky Glass Slide or Edge Walk for a little more fun.
Get an up-close view of more than 250 Nile crocodiles at Dubai Crocodile Park. The park is very unique because it offers naturalistic habitats made to resemble their natural environments. With tickets starting at about AED 95, you will certainly see educational exhibits and feeding sessions, and how many other places could really offer such an unusual but fun and educational family outing.
Situated in Al Seef, the Museum of Illusions has over 80 interactive, perception-bending exhibits. From a vortex tunnel to gravity-defying rooms, it’s a fun, playful experience that’s perfect for friends and families. Tickets are reasonably priced. Expect to pay around AED 80-90 for adults, making this a great budget-friendly option.
The Dubai Frame is an architectural wonder that beautifully frames the city’s history and future. For a low-priced ticket, you can take a ride all the way to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of both Old Dubai and New Dubai. It is an iconic feature and a fantastic photo op for a different view of this incredible evolution of the city.
The Green Planet is an indoor rainforest in City Walk, featuring a myriad of unfamiliar animals and foliage. It is a great way to escape from the heat found in the city and has a low-cost entry ticket for those wanting to enjoy an immersive experience with nature. You can see sloths, toucans, and even piranhas in a congenial tropical environment.
Glow Garden at Zabeel Park is not your average park attraction; it becomes a fantastical wonderland at night. The park includes beautiful light installations made with sustainable materials. Tickets are reasonably priced (AED 78 per adult ticket), making it a fairly inexpensive family outing that pairs art and entertainment with beautiful lights.
To provide a unique experience, consider visiting the Dubai Dolphinarium. This attraction offers an inexpensive ticket to see the enchanting dolphin and seal shows, so this is also remarkable for families wanting to catch an engaging marine animal show without breaking the bank.
Although some of the parks, like Motiongate and Legoland, can be expensive, Dubai Parks and Resorts usually has packages and ‘specials’ that help make a day of theme park enjoyment more affordable. Cost-conscious visitors should watch for combo passes for Motiongate or Legoland, which can help visitors save so that they can spend elsewhere on a day of rides and fun.
Global Village is not just an amusement park-it is an enormous outdoor park featuring pavilions representing more than 90 countries. Global Village is a cultural, shopping, and dining haven where you can see the world in a day. The cover charge to enter the park is exceptionally low, which makes it one of the cheapest ways to enjoy live entertainment, food, and shopping experiences that you will find anywhere.
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