Discover Dubai that fits your budget: Affordable activities and attractions enjoyed by tourists

Photo: Shutterstock

Dubai is one of the most luxurious destinations and one of the most expensive cities in the world, with incredible resorts and hotels, fantastic shopping malls and world-class restaurants. You really must visit this place at least once in your life, but that has its price. Traveling and staying for just a short period of time can put quite a dent in your bank account, but if you're wondering if it's even possible to visit Dubai on a budget - the answer is yes.

There are many ways you can save money on accommodation, food and sightseeing, because many of the things you must see and do in Dubai are completely free or affordable. If you are planning to travel to Dubai and want to save money, here are some tips on how to visit the city on a budget.

Excursions and attractions

Enjoy awe-inspiring view of the city

The Dubai Frame building, which resembles a picture frame, has become one of the most famous attractions in the city since its opening in 2018. The building's landmark location in Zabeel Park offers unparalleled panoramic view of the city, while entry costs around €14 (AED 50). An incredible building 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide with a bridge connecting two towers, Dubai Frame tells the story of this unique city - as you move towards the elevator that will take you up to the platform, you will explore Dubai's past, and then, as you descend back down again, you will have the opportunity to take a peek into its future.

Photo: Promo/DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism)

A picnic in the desert

Relax and enjoy the beauty of Dubai's popular desert oasis. Located just a 30-minute drive away from the city, Al Qudra Lakes provide the perfect scenery for a picnic and an unforgettable sunset. This area is home to desert foxes, Arabian oryxes and 170 different species of birds such as swans, geese and ducks, as well as the steppe eagle and the houbara bustard.

Hang out on Kite Beach

Dubai is home to numerous public beaches and other beach destinations scattered all along the coast. Whether you're sunbathing, swimming in the ocean, or joining the locals in a game of volleyball on the sand, these beaches offer a host of activities that are free or reasonably priced. The famous Kite Beach is dotted with modern cafes, local cuisine places for lunch and trucks offering top quality street food. Book a kitesurfing lesson or just relax and watch others surf and enjoy the game.

Cultural activities

Learn more about Dubai's rich heritage

Hop on the Heritage Express, a traditional Arab trolleybus, to enjoy the sights and sounds of Old Dubai. During the three-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to, with the help of a tour guide, see dozens of key historical attractions of Dubai, including the Jumeirah Garden Mosque. This experience will be complemented by Emirati guides telling local stories. The price of these tours is around €40 (150 AED).

Photo: Promo/DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism)

Explore Old Dubai

Exploring Old Dubai on foot is another fantastic and immersive way for all visitors, of all ages, to learn about the city's cultural heritage. From the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi District and the Coffee Museum, to the incredible Spice and Gold souks, you'll find that Dubai offers much more than luxury of hotels and malls. Complete this adventure in Old Dubai with a traditional canal boat ride, and enjoy the views and history from the water.

An artistic afternoon

Located on the waterfront, in an area known as the Jaddaf Waterfront, the Jameel Arts Center is a beautiful urban space for exhibiting modern and contemporary art by local and international artists. Located near Dubai International Airport and a part of the city called Dubai Festival City, the Jameel Arts Center supports individuals and creative communities, presents projects and commissions, and sponsors solo and group exhibitions, originating from the Jameel Center itself and those discovered through regional and international cooperation. Admission to the Jameel Arts Center is free.

Family fun

Haggle

Dubai's traditional markets, locally known as souks, reveal the true essence of shopping in Dubai. Head to the Textil souk, a bustling market filled with rolls of a wide variety of fabrics, from fine silks to airy cottons - and haggle for the best price. Or explore the Spice souk, which will overwhelm your senses with vibrant colors and aromas of some of the world's most prized spices.

Visit the world in one day

Global Village brings cultures together and allows visitors to explore different countries around the world - in just a few hours. Whether it's London's Big Ben, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Taj Mahal or Ancient Egypt. There is so much content that the whole family can enjoy exploring more than 75 countries that display traditional handicrafts and snacks at their pavilions as part of this project. Global Village is just preparing to reopen in October, and the entrance fee is only four euros (15 AED).

The flower power

A world of floral miracles awaits all visitors in the Dubai Miracle Garden. Incredible structures are displayed on 72,000 square meters, completely covered with 50 million flowers, as part of various gardens and exhibitions. There are many attractions to see, including the world's largest flower arrangement in the form of an Airbus A380 aircraft. A Guinness World Record, made entirely of flowers. Tickets for the Dubai Miracle Garden cost around 15 euros (55 AED) per person, and there is also the option of purchasing a family pass. Miracle Garden will reopen in October.

Visit the Butterfly Garden, too

Dubai's stunning Butterfly Garden is home to more than 15,000 butterflies. More than 50 different varieties live inside ten customized domes, which together create the "world's largest indoor butterfly garden". Children will love the cinema and educational area, where they can learn more about how these amazing creatures turn from caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. Entrance to the Butterfly Garden costs around 15 euros (55 AED) per person.

Photo: Shutterstock

Enjoy the organic food market

With a huge choice of places to dine and abundance of crates full of fresh produce, Ripe Market is the ideal place to spend a quiet morning with the whole family. This is also a great way to discover and support Emirati artisans, makers and entrepreneurs. Ripe Market has locations throughout the city, including Academy Park and Times Square Mall.

Find the flamingos

Just a short drive from the bustling center of Dubai is the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home to tens of thousands of birds and a favorite spot for pink flamingos. This is also a sanctuary for young ornithologists, because here visitors can learn a lot during a walk around the site. Entrance is free.

Dining on a budget

Try traditional Persian cuisine

Al Ustad Special Kabab is one of Dubai's oldest hidden gems, known for its authentic Persian cuisine. The popular spot is known for serving some of the best kebabs in Dubai. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and flavors are irresistible.

Try the best dishes in Dubai

A place to eat like no other in the world, Time Out Market has many local chefs serving some of Dubai's most iconic dishes, the gastronomic gems of Dubai. Located in Souk Al Bahar, Time Out Market's outdoor terrace offers enviable views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains. Since the culinary specialties have been carefully selected by foodies who know the city inside out, you can expect modern, innovative menus with vibrant flavors, and prices starting at around eight euros (AED 30).

Photo: Promo/DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism)

Try the legendary tea

Project Chaiwala is a local success story that Dubai residents adore. You can try the house specialty, chilli and cheese toast with karak tea, which makes for a surprisingly tasty lunch, while supporting a sustainability project that focuses on locally sourced spices and ingredients. A meal with karak tea costs about 11 euros (40 AED).

Try a local specialty

Spicy, nutty or salty, but always delicious, za'atar is one of Dubai's most recognizable flavors, deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Try za'atar and fatayer cheese in the cozy local bakery Mama'esh for just four euros (AED 15).

Affordable hotels and resorts

Wander around the city

Travelers looking for culture and on a budget can check into a Rove Hotel. Designed in a quirky, locally inspired artistic style and spiritually connected to the culture, these hotels have quickly become modern tourist hotspots. What makes them so popular is their focus on functionality – be it self-service laundry facilities, luggage lockers, 24-hour supermarkets  or self-service check-in desks.

Chic yet affordable Palm Jumeirah

Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites offers an enviable blend of elegance with beach-to-city living and contemporary comforts, in one of Dubai's most sought-after areas. The 48-storey building is in an unbeatable location overlooking the iconic Palm Jumeirah and is designed for short and long-term stay by guests looking for relaxed, contemporary comforts in one of the city's most impressive locations.

Stay at the bay for an authentic Dubai experience

Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai is ideal for visitors eager to discover the seafaring and the past of the city. A stay at this charming hotel by the bay allows guests to experience authentic and traditional Emirati culture. Stroll through the shops and side streets of the Al Seef area or take a boat ride or browse the stalls in Dubai's souks.

Photo: Promo/DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism)

Life on the beach

Aloft Palm Jumeirah is a modern four-star hotel located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah – its location allows guests to switch off and relax knowing the beach is just a couple of steps away. You can book paddling lessons, rent a kayak or simply stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the view of the city.

Tips and tricks on how to save money in Dubai

Take the metro

Almost 90 kilometers long, the fully automated Dubai Metro is a very efficient way to explore the city. There are two main lines - the Red (which branches into two routes at the Jebel Ali interchange) and the Green - making it very easy for visitors to plan their trip.

Use an app to find deals in Dubai

The Entertainer app allows visitors to discover more and spend less. With the two-for-one offer, visitors can purchase a travel package via the online application and enjoy thousands of deals on food and drink, hotels, etc. There are also more than 1,000 attractions and leisure activity offers, as well as brunch, shopping, spa and salon discounts.

Save on multiple attractions

The Dubai Pass is a great way to experience the many attractions around the city. The all-inclusive pre-paid card provides cashless access to 33 key attractions in Dubai, a perfect way to explore the city.

(Ona.rs)