Find out the top free things to do in Dubai, cheap places to eat, average travel costs, cheap food options, safety things to do, and more!
✈️ How to Get There: Cheap Flights to Dubai
Whether you’re flying in internationally or coming from another emirate, Dubai is more accessible than you’d think:
By Air: The Dubai International Airport (DXB) is among the busiest airports in the world. You also have budget airlines such as FlyDubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air for low-cost flights to/from Dubai.
By Bus/Car (within UAE): Intercity buses from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain are inexpensive (approx. AED 25–40).
From DXB Airport: Travel on the Red Line Metro from the airport for a cost-effective passage to the city center (AED 5–8 per way).
🏖️ Top Free Things to Do in Dubai 10+
Yes, Dubai is pricey— but once you see how many amazing things you can do without paying a dirham, you’ll be someone’s hero.
Walk around Al Seef Heritage District
History and modern cafes down by the Dubai Creek.
Watch the Dubai Fountain Show
It takes place every evening at Dubai Mall. And it’s magic and costs nothing.
Relax at JBR Beach
Public beach with walking trails, artworks, and sunset views.
Check out the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Free entry! Spot flamingos, herons, and other wildlife.
Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Vibes of Old Dubai, so ideal for Insta snaps.
Check out the Camel Museum & Coffee Museum (Al Fahidi)
Tiny, niche, and free as can be.
Join Free Kite Beach Yoga (Seasonal) If you’re in town during the cooler months for a fun, free activity, head to Kite Beach mornings for free yoga.
Weekend morning yoga, see local schedule.
Take the Abra across Dubai Creek (just AED 1)
Almost free and very scenic.
Go browsing in Dubai Mall & Mall of the Emirates
The spectacle is great, whether or not you buy anything.
Soak in a Free Art Exhibition in DIFC or City Walk What’s happening: Over the last 15 months, the art community from around the world has adapted to the new normal, with virtual galleries and art fairs and outdoor exhibitions.
Cool neighborhoods with public art and installations.
Visit Quranic Park
The world’s first Islamic history theme park opens in Malaysia. Entry to some parts is free.
Al Qudra Lakes
The most serene of desert oases—good for a free picnic and birdwatching.
🏨️ Cheap or Affordable Hotel and Accommodation If you are on a budget, you may want to cut your costs by not booking an expensive hotel with all kinds of facilities but instead looking for a clean, hygienic, comfortable, and basic room.
For budget travelers, it’s relatively easy to have a comfortable stay in Dubai. Here are several budget hotels (AED 100–300 per night):
Hotel Name
Area
Starting Price/Night
Notes
Citymax Hotel
Bur Dubai
AED 160
Clean, near metro
Premier Inn
Al Jaddaf
AED 180
Free shuttle to attractions
Rove City Centre
Deira
AED 250
Great reviews, modern style
Holiday Inn Express
Jumeirah
AED 220
Beach nearby
Backpacker 16 Hostel
Al Barsha
AED 90 (shared)
Ideal for solo travelers
Pro tip: Utilize websites such as Booking.com, Agoda, or Airbnb UAE for deals.
Daily budget travel estimate Either way, I still think it’s worth a day trip, as it’s such a pretty town!
Expense Category
Estimated Cost (Daily)
Accommodation
AED 100–250
Food
AED 30–70
Transport
AED 10–20
Sightseeing
Mostly free
Miscellaneous
AED 10–30
👉 Total Budget: 150–350 AED/day
🕰️ Best Time to Visit Dubai
November-March: Pleasant weather (18-28ºC), excellent for outdoor activities. It’s high season, so reserve hotels in advance.
April to October: Warm to hot summer, excellent for off-season hotel deals and indoor attractions (malls, museums, aquariums).
🥘 Local Culture and Must-Eat (on a budget)
It’s a hodgepodge of cultures, Dubai is. Here’s how to have a taste on the company dime:
Must-Try Budget Foods:
Shawarma – AED 5–10 (Check out Al Mallah or Automatic Restaurant.)
Mandi—15-30 AED (Yemenite rice & meat dish)
Falafel sandwich—AED 5–8
Karak tea—AED 1–2
Luqaimat—sweet dumplings, AED 10 (great after meal sweet treat)
🎉 Cultural Tip: Fridays are days of worship — a lot of places open late. Dress conservatively in old neighborhoods.
Etiquette Tips:
Saying “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) in the abovementioned situation is recommended.
Take off shoes going into someone’s house.
Public affection should also be avoided.
🛡️ Safety & Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
Safety tip: Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world.
No public affection—UAE is very conservative.
Keep a copy of your ID or passport with you at all times.
The tap water is safe, but most opt for bottled.
Only take official taxis or use ride-hailing apps.
Don’t drink alcohol in public – only drink in licensed premises.
Women travelers: Dubai is safe, but dressing modestly is recommended.
📱 Useful Apps For Travelers to Dubai
Below are the must-download apps to help make your Dubai trip smooth and budget-friendly:
App Name
Use
RTA Dubai
Metro/bus timetables & Nol card recharge
Careem/Uber
Ride-hailing
The Entertainer
2-for-1 food, hotel, and attraction offers.
Zomato
Food reviews and deals
Visit Dubai
Official tourism app
Talabat
Food delivery (budget eats)
Google Maps
/bynavigation & transport
Rehlat
Cheap flights and hotel deals
🗓️ Sample 1 Day Budget Itinerary in Dubai
Morning:
Wander Al Fahidi Historical District This one’s plain as day, but we won’t judge you for needing that extra reminder.
Cross Dubai Creek in an abra (AED 1)
Midday:
Have a cheap lunch in Karama (shawarma & Karak tea)
Go to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Evening:
Walk through Al Seef
Enjoy Dubai Fountain Show
Optional: Visit Downtown promenade or watch Burj Khalifa light show (free)
Total Estimated Cost: AED 50–80
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask / Quora)
Q: Can I see Dubai without spending much?
Absolutely! You can easily explore Dubai for less than AED 200/day with a little smart planning.
Q: Is there anything to do in Dubai that is free?
Yes — beaches, fountains, heritage areas, free museums, walking tours, and wildlife viewing don’t cost a thing.
Q: Cheapest way to get around Dubai?
Take the Dubai Metro or public buses with a Nol card (a 25 AED top-off can take you for days to the basic trips).
Q: Where is the cheap place to stay get to Burj Khalifa?
Yes! Check out Rove Downtown, Citymax, or Airbnb apartments in Business Bay.
Q: Is Dubai safe for a solo female traveling alone?
Yes. One of the safest cities in the world. Just follow local customs.
🙋♀️ FAQ Section
Q1: What is the cheapest month to go to Dubai?
Answer: May through September (summer): Fewer tourists and more hotel deals.
Q2: As a tourist, can I use public transport?
Answer: Yes! The Metro and the buses are efficient, clean and safe. Obtain a Nol card for convenient use.
Q3: Do you need travel insurance for Dubai?
Answer: It is not required, but is strongly encouraged for medical coverage.
Q4: Are there cultural do’s and don’ts?
Answer: Yes — respect local customs that might mean dressing modestly in public, not making a ruckus, and not taking pictures of people without asking.
Q5: Where to eat in Dubai for cheap?
Answer: Look up pockets such as Karama, Deira and Satwa for local and South Asian budget meals.