Discover suggested cheap activities in Dubai, from sailing through Dubai Creek to swimming on Jumeirah Beach.
Dubai, often called the “City of Gold,” is known as a must-visit destination for luxury shopping and yachting. Fortunately, there are plenty of free activities in Dubai that will allow you to experience this amazing city without breaking the bank. Watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain show , enjoy the beaches of Palm Jumeirah, and browse the vibrant souks. With these activities, you can experience local culture and some of the best things to do in Dubai on a budget.
Best free activities in Dubai
Best free observatory: The Viewing Point.
Best free tourist attraction: The Dubai Fountain.
Best free activity: Sailing on an Abra boat.
1. Step into Dubai’s past at Al Fahidi
This well-preserved historic district offers a glimpse into Dubai’s past through its sandstone wind towers and traditional houses. Al Fahidi also boasts some of Dubai’s finest museums , including the Coffee Museum, the Coin Museum, and the Dubai Museum.
The best way to try it
Take some time to wander around Old Dubai and enjoy the cafes, galleries and shops located inside buildings dating back to the nineteenth century.
2. Wave to the dinosaurs at Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is often called the world’s best shopping mall, but it’s so much more than just a shopping destination. In addition to luxury boutiques, you’ll find life-size dinosaur exhibits, an aquarium, and the Human Waterfall art installation—a mesmerizing water feature metal sculptures of divers cascading down the waterfall. And don’t forget to look out the windows for a free view of the iconic Burj Khalifa.
The best way to enjoy the experience
The Apple store in the mall offers the best free view of the Burj Khalifa.
Address and opening hours
Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight.
3. Watch the world-famous Dubai Fountain show
Every night, the Dubai Fountain presents a choreographed show against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. Featuring jets of water reaching up to 500 feet, synchronized with captivating music and vibrant lights, this spectacular display truly captures the grandeur of the city in one magical moment.
The best way to enjoy the experience
The Dubai Fountain shows take place every 30 minutes between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM, and are one of the best free nighttime activities in Dubai . Please arrive 10 minutes early to secure a good spot.
Address
Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
4. Viewing point
The Viewing Point, overlooking Dubai Creek, is considered the best free observatory in Dubai . It offers breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline, including the iconic 163-story Burj Khalifa. The view is at its best after sunset, when the entire horizon is painted in shades of cotton candy pink and fiery orange.
The best way to try it
Before heading to the viewpoint, take a stroll around Dubai Creek Harbour to enjoy watching all the luxury yachts docked there.
Address and opening hours
684R+JM6 – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai . Open 24 hours.
5. Enjoy looking at the shop windows in the markets.
Glittering gold jewelry, piles of fragrant spices, colorful handwoven fabrics, and traditional perfumes—you’ll find all these things in Dubai’s traditional souks. Even visitors not planning to shop will enjoy listening to the vendors sell their wares and discovering all the hidden treasures within the markets.
The best way to enjoy the experience
Visit the Gold Souk for jewelry, the Spice Souk for spices, and explore the art at the Souk Al Madina. If you’re unsure where to shop, join a Dubai shopping tour and a local will guide you to the best spots.
6. Enjoy the refreshment on Jumeirah Beach
The white sand and clear blue waters of Jumeirah Beach make it one of the best places in the city to relax under the hot desert sun. Children ride bicycles on scenic paths, families enjoy water sports in the waves, and vendors sell snacks against the backdrop of kitesurfers showing off their skills.
The best way to enjoy the experience of the place
The area surrounding Jumeirah Beach boasts a wealth of adventure opportunities, including yacht trips, Guinness World Record-holding water parks, and skydiving. Make time during your day at the beach to experience one of these activities.
Address and opening hours
Jumeirah Beach – Dubai . Open 24 hours, but swimming is only allowed until sunset.
7. Take an abra boat across Dubai Creek
Hop aboard a traditional wooden abra boat and sail along the creek. This is not only a fun way to get around, but it also offers a unique view of Dubai. With stunning views of the modern city skyline meeting traditional souks, this is a must-do activity in the city.
The best way to enjoy the experience
8. Enjoy one of Dubai’s free museums
Many museums in Dubai allow you to explore the city’s heritage for free or at a very low cost. Enjoy coffee in a 150-year-old hut at the Coffee Museum , admire rare Islamic coins at the Coin Museum, or learn about Dubai’s most famous poet at the Al-Oqaili Poetry Museum .
The best way to enjoy the Dubai experience
9. Learn about religion at the Jumeirah Mosque
If you’re interested in learning more about Islamic culture in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque open to non-Muslim visitors. Its “open doors, open minds” policy welcomes all visitors to enjoy the white-domed mosque, designed in the style of medieval architecture, and to experience Emirati life.
The best way to experience the mosque
From Saturday to Thursday, the mosque offers paid guided tours starting at 10:00 AM, and encourages visitors to come prepared with any questions they may have about the Islamic faith.
Address and opening hours
Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai .
Saturday to Thursday, 10:00–11:15 AM, 2:00–3:15 PM. Closed on Fridays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best economic activities in Dubai?
Dubai offers a wealth of activities to help you discover the city’s charm for free. You can spend an afternoon swimming in the clear blue waters of Jumeirah Beach or admiring the artwork at the world-famous Dubai Mall.
What are the best free observatories in Dubai?
The Viewing Point is a free observatory in Dubai offering breathtaking views of Dubai Harbour, filled with luxury yachts, and the city skyline. At sunset, the entire city is illuminated in shades of pink, orange, and purple.
Are there any free activities you can do at night in Dubai?
Yes. Among the free nighttime activities in Dubai is watching the Dubai Fountain, which puts on a mesmerizing show every night with colored lights, music and water rising 500 feet into the air.
What are the best free museums in Dubai?
Dubai boasts numerous free museums for visitors to explore. In these museums, you can study rare Islamic coins or read the poetry of Dubai’s most famous poet. Spending an afternoon in one of these museums is the perfect way to escape the Dubai heat.
What are the cheapest ways to get around Dubai?
Traditional abra boats are the most popular way to cross Dubai Creek, costing just $0.10 per trip. These boats are not only a fantastic and affordable way to get around Dubai, but also a fun activity to explore the city. Take an abra at night to see Dubai’s skyline illuminated.