Dubai on a Budget – is it possible?

The best free things to do in Dubai and how to see all of Dubai’s main attractions on a budget.

Dubai is one of the most up-and-coming, luxurious cities in the world, so you may be wondering: Can you really visit Dubai on a budget? Well the answer is yes, it’s totally possible to explore Dubai on a budget!

Home to the second most five-star hotels in the world (after London), a seven-star hotel and the tallest building in the world, Dubai is like no other city and has a reputation for being incredibly expensive! But it IS possible to explore Dubai without it costing an arm and a leg. In fact. A lot of the experiences and activities are actually relatively cheap or even free! It’s even possible to visit the 3 main attractions – Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab & The Palm – without going over budget! Almost everything in this article is under AED 150 (£30) with the most expensive experience at AED 224 (£45).

Read this article and discover all the free things to do in Dubai, as well as lots of cheap things to do in Dubai and how to do the main attractions on a budget.

Time needed: 4-10 days.

When to go: September-April for sunny weather but to avoid the scorching temperatures.

Weather: Averages of 14°C-23°C in the Winter and 38°C-42°C in the Summer.

Language: Arabic.

Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham.

How to visit Dubai’s main attractions on a budget

1) Burj Khalifa

At over 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and 163 floors, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. You might recognise it from Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol where Tom Cruise performs death-defying stunts on the outside of the building (but unfortunately he wasn’t there when we visited). Housing the designer Armani Hotel, as well as a luxurious spa and award-winning restaurant, Burj Khalifa is an iconic luxury spot in Dubai. But that doesn’t mean you need lots of money to visit!

This iconic Y-shaped building is a feat of human engineering and holds many world records, including:

• Tallest structure ever built: 829.8 m (2,722 ft)
• Building with most floors: 163
• World’s longest travel distance elevators: 504 m (1,654 ft)
• World’s highest installation of an aluminium and glass façade: 512 m (1,680 ft)
• World’s highest nightclub: 144th floor
• World’s highest restaurant (At.mosphere): 122nd floor at 442 m (1,450 ft)
• World’s highest New Year display of fireworks
• World’s largest light and sound show staged on a single building

If you’re on a budget, pricier experiences like At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY (Levels 148, 125 & 124) and The Lounge probably aren’t for you. The cheapest way to experience the inside of Burj Khalifa is At the Top, Burj Khalifa.

Visit the 360° observations decks on levels 124 & 125, by taking one of the 57 fastest double-deck lifts in the world, cruising at 10m/s. Explore the decks for as along as you like and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. At 456 meters, level 125 offers a spacious deck tastefully decorated in Arabic mashrabiya and level 124 offers access to an outdoor terrace.

If heights aren’t your thing then a visit to The Dubai Fountain might be for you. The fountain puts on a spectacular show at night, with the Burj Khalifa as an impressive backdrop – and it’s FREE!

At more than 274 metres (900 ft) in length, the 30-acre Burj Lake shoots 22,000 gallons of water up 152 metres (500 ft) in the air in a breath-taking display. The shows run every 30 minutes in the evenings to a range of music, including classical, contemporary Arabia and pop.

Pro-tip: The terrace of the Apple store offers an incredible platform to watch the fountain from.

Metro: Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa station, where there are frequent feeder buses to The Dubai Mall. From the mall, walk to the Lower Ground Floor (LG) for the ticket counter.

Metro Link Bridge: The glass tunnel between Burj Khalifa Station and The Dubai Mall is fully air-conditioned and has travellators for ease of access.

Bus: Two buses service The Dubai Mall every 15 minutes: route 27 from the Deira Gold Souk station and route 29 from Ghubaiba bus station. The buses arrive and depart from the tourist drop-off area located in front of the Grand Drive Entrance, Lower Ground Floor of The Dubai Mall.

Taxi: You can get to The Dubai Mall by booking Careem or Uber.

Hours: 18:00-23:00 (every 30 mins) daily; 13:00 & 13.30 Saturday-Thursday; 13.30 & 14:00 Friday

2) Burj Al Arab

For most of us, a stay in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world is a pipe-dream. The iconic sail-shaped structure that is the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is a 7-star hotel located on a manmade island that is linked to the mainland by a private bridge. This luxury hotel possesses the world’s largest fleet of Rolls Royces, butler service, 24 karat gold iPods, and a rooftop helipad, as well as 202 opulent suites, a sky-high spa and infinity pool and six award-winning signature restaurants. The Burj Al Arab is a private resort, and it’s closed to non-guests. However, you can visit if you have a dining reservation at one of the bars or restaurants.

You may be thinking, how could you possibly experience a place like this on a budget?! Well the answer is to choose the cheapest option available! In this case, drinks in one of the two sky-high bars. Both the Skyview Bar and Gold on 27 have a minimum spend of AED 200 per person. The drinks are pretty pricey, but when you consider it a fee for the experience rather than per drink it’s pretty good value for money!

Pro tip: Get to the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah an hour early and ask your taxi to drop you off at the main gate rather than the lobby. Ask the security guard if you can wander the grounds of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel before your slot. We did this and got to explore the hotel grounds before we entered the Burj Al Arab. The grounds are large with plenty of great views back to the Burj Al Arab. The private beach and marina can offer great photo spots.

We’d also recommend booking in an hour before sunset, as this allows to soak up the evening sunshine, but also experience Dubai lit up at night. All the upper floors of the hotel offer incredible views over the city and a witnessing a Dubai sunset is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

3) The Palm

The Palm Islands are three artificial islands: Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island and Palm Jebel Ali off the coast of Dubai. The Palm Jumeirah is the only completed island, housing a number of hotels, resorts and restaurants. Here you’ll find the first monorail in the Middle East, a 5.4-kilometre-long (3.4 mi) journey from the mainland to the tip of the Palm.

Situated at the end of the manmade archipelago is Atlantis, a 1548-room ocean-themed 5-star resort. With soaring pink turrets and a distinctive Arabian archway, this hotel offers other-worldly luxury, combining incredible views with thrilling activities, including an underwater aquarium and a waterpark. A lot of the hotel is free to roam around and you can access the lobby and restaurants.

Visit The lost Chambers Aquarium, where 65,000 marine animals swim in the Ambassador Lagoon. There is a fee to enter, however some of the aquarium windows are in common areas so can be accessed without entry.

Hours: 10:00-21:00 daily

Prices: Aquarium: From AED 110; Fish Tales Tour: AED 45

Pro-tip: If you wander around the Atlantis you can actually view a few of the tanks for free!

The best free things to do in Dubai

1) Dubai Mall

If you haven’t already, you’ll spot a theme in this article – Dubai likes to have the best and biggest things! The Dubai Mall is also the world’s largest shopping centre! Escape the heat and enjoy some air conditioned window shopping in over 1,200 shops. Entry to the Mall is free and there are often exhibitions and activities dotted around too. Try to find the resident dinosaur and the indoor waterfall!

Hours and prices: 10:00-00:00 daily

Price: Free

2) Dubai Aquarium in Dubai Mall

Don’t miss the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the world’s largest aquarium! Measuring 51 metres in length, 20 metres in width and 11 metres in height, it is home to more than 30,000 marine animals and more than 400 sharks. You can marvel at countless species of fish completely free from the outside of the ginormous 10-million litre tank, on the Ground Floor of the Dubai Mall.

Hours: 10:00-22:0 Sun–Wed; 10:00-23:00 Thu-Sat

Price: Free from the outside (AED 169 to do the tunnel)

3) Mall of Emirates

The world’s first shopping resort, the Mall of Emirates features about 630+ brands, in an area of 233,467 sqm. Visit Dreamscape, a ‘Free Roam’ Virtual Reality world filled with adorable Toothless dragons, alien zoos and fantastic beasts. Or take a trip to Magic Planet, a popular award-winning family entertainment centre with a great selection of video and arcade games. For adrenaline junkies, Snow Park is packed with icy activities, from ice cave to skiing.

Hours and prices: The mall: 10:00-22:00 Monday-Wednesday, 10:00-00:00 Friday-Sunday, free; Dreamscape: 11:00-00:00 daily, AED 78.75; Snow Park: 10:00-00:00 Sunday-Thursday, 9:00-00:00 Friday-Saturday, AED 100-490 depending on package.

4) Dubai Marina Mall

Located in the up and coming region of Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina Mall is a 4-level shopping centre with 130 outlets within 390,000 square foot (36,200 m2) space. Here you’ll find high street fashion brands, boutique fashion, waterfront dining with many restaurants to choose from, supermarket, beverage outlets, kids playground and the luxurious 6-screen Reel Cinemas.

While you’re in the marina, why not visit the Dubai Marina Walk – one of the best options to enjoy shopping, dining and exploring the marina as there are 69 eateries and 306 shopping outlets.

5) Souks

A trip to Dubai is not complete without a trip to the souk! There are plenty to choose from: buy fresh herbs, spices, ingredients or remedies in the Spice Souk or pick up fabric or garments in the Textiles Souk. It is estimated that the Gold Souk is home to as much as ten tonnes of gold and there are dozens of jewellery shops offering some incredible souvenirs.

Spice SoukLocation: Deira, Near Al Ras Metro Station
Hours: 10:00-14:00 daily & 16:00-22:00; 16:00-22:00 Fridays

Gold SoukLocation: Deira, Near Al Ras Metro Station
Hours: 10:00-22:00 daily (Some shops close 13:00-16:00); 16:00-22:00 Fridays

Textile SoukLocation: Bur Dubai, Near Bur Dubai Abra Station
Hours: 10:00-22:00 daily; 16:00-22:00 Fridays

Perfume SoukLocation: Deira, Sikkat Al Khali Street, Near Al Ras Metro Station
Hours: 10:00-14:00 daily & 16:00-22:00; 16:00-22:00 Fridays

6) Souk Madinat Jumeirah

For those that don’t know, a Souk is an Arab market or marketplace. In this traditional Arabian bazaar you can find local treasures, from spices to slippers to locally made jewellery. With 3km of waterways and surrounded by lush gardens, Souk Madinat Jumeirah has a lots to offer, including plenty of top-class restaurants, bars and shops.

Hours: Shops: 10:00–23:00 daily, Restaurants: 08:00–02:00

7) Ibn Battuta Mall

In this largest themed shopping mall in Dubai, explore the courts of China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia. With shops, restaurants, hotels and an entertainment centre, Ibn Battuta Mall has something for everyone. There’s even a bowling alley and cinema for when you need a break from all that retail therapy.

Hours: 10:00-22:00 Saturday-Wednesday, 10:00-00:00 Thursday-Friday.

8) Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

This charming neighbourhood offers a glimpse into old Dubai before the Emirates were formed in 1971: buildings with high air towers (Barajeel), built with traditional building materials such as stone, gypsum, teak, sandal wood, fronds and palm wood are aligned side by side, separated by alleys, pathways and public squares. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offer a variety of cultural meals and walking tours. For a better understanding of Dubai, book the 90 minute Emirati Heritage Tour, which includes a walk through the Al Bastakiya neighborhood of the Al Fahidi Historic District and a visit to the Diwan Mosque. Guests then return to the SMCCU house for a cultural discovery Q&A session and will be treated to Arabic tea, coffee and dates.

Hours: 10:30 Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 Saturdays

Price: AED 65, Buy One Get One Free offer available

9) Mawaheb from Beautiful People

Located in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, this art studio is a place where adults with special needs (known as people of determination) can learn artistic skills and develop their self confidence in a relaxed, safe environment. An educational, artistic facility that is designed to do good for the Dubai community, it produces gorgeous artwork that’s even visible in some of DXB Airport’s largest concourses. All proceeds of sold art go back into the studio.

Hours: 08.30-14.30 Sunday-Thursday

10) Al Seef

A heritage neighbourhood-meets-creekside destination, Al Seef is split between two distinct districts along a 1.1 mile (1.8km) boardwalk on the banks of Dubai Creek. On one side you’ll find a representation of New Dubai, with stylish, modern exteriors, while on the other side sits a representation of historical, traditional Dubai, with classic architecture. Full of restaurants and shops, you can sample flavours from around the world from Arabic to American, Indian to Emirati. Or simply take in the stunning views of Dubai’s historic creek, traditional dhows and old-world architecture.

11) Hindi Lane

Sitting snugly between Meena Bazaar and the Creek, Hindi Lane is a narrow and vibrant alleyway lined with vendors selling religious paraphernalia and offerings, including baskets of fruit, flower garlands, gold-embossed holy images, sacred ash and sandalwood paste. Dedicated to Shiva and Krishna, it’s best to visit around Diwali when the store fronts are strewn with an array of flashing, multicoloured fairy lights and lit with candles.

12) Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is an affluent residential neighbourhood known for The Beach at JBR, a waterfront complex with retail stores, restaurants & a sand beach with water sports & a splash pad. Explore the area by strolling down City Walk, where everything is going on.

13) Jumeirah Grand Mosque

Opened in 1979, Jumeirah Grand Mosque was a gift from the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai and father of the current Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Mosque can accommodate approximately 1500 worshippers and is the only mosque in Dubai that’s open to non-Muslim visitors. Crafted entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid style, which originated from Syria and Egypt, the Mosque adopts an ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ policy, allowing visitors of all faiths to visit. As with most places in the UAE, modest clothing is preferred and ladies are required to bring their own head cover/scarf.

Hours: 10:00-14:00 daily, Closed Fridays

Prices: Entry: free; Guided Tour: AED 25

14) Coffee Museum

Located in Al Fahidi, this cosy space explores the roasting & brewing styles from around the world. The Coffee Museum is also a coffee shop and you can sip on a cup of coffee while watching a roasting demonstration, which lends the museum its lovely aroma. There are also displays of antiques, including a 300-year-old coffee pot. Entry is free, but the coffee isn’t.

15) Relax on the beach

Take advantage of free beaches or choose a hotel with a private beach area!

For the Insta: Jumeirah Public Beach

Also known as Sunset Beach, Jumeirah public beach offers stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. It is also a popular surfing beach, with small to medium waves that are perfect for beginners.

Facilities: Toilets, showers, changing cubicles and wi-fi via Smart Palms.

Hours: 24 hours but swimming only until sunset

Price: Free

For relaxation: Jumeirah Beach Residence

Also known as JBR, Jumeirah Beach Residence offers 1.1 mile (1.7 km) long waterfront community, located against the Persian Gulf in Dubai Marina. Check out The Walk, a popular promenade where you can shop or dine in one of the many cafés and restaurants.

Facilities: Showers, toilets and changing rooms housed in distinctive panelled pods, splash zone, and an outdoor gym.

Hours: 07:00-23:00

Price: Free

For beachside shopping: La Mer

La Mer is one of Dubai’s newest beachfront destinations, opened in 2018, offering shops, restaurants, a waterpark, a beachfront with hammocks and a huge play park.

Hours: 10:00-20:00 Sunday to Wednesday, 10:00-00:00 Thursday to Saturday; Swimming only until sunset

Prices: Free

Although not free, you’ll also find Laguna Waterpark here.

For sports: Kite Beach

For those of you who enjoy activities, such as kitesurfing, beach tennis, beach volleyball and kayaking, Kite Beach, is for you! On Fridays and Saturdays, a seaside market of food trucks, cafés and pop-up shops is set up, luring in the crowds.

Facilities: Showers, wi-fi, toilets and changing areas.

Hours: 24 hours but swimming only until sunset

Price: FreeFor luxury: Nikki Beach Dubai

In this Dubai branch of the famous Miami beach club, this 5-star lifestyle beachfront resort, features spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. Lounge on daybeds, load up on seafood and toast the sunset with a glass of bubbly at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa.

Hours: 08:00-20:00

Prices: Free; Bed from AED 150

For families: Al Mamzar Beach Park

Five pristine beaches for sunbathing or swimming.

Facilities: Swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic areas with barbecues, water sports and bicycle rentals, snack bars, lawns, Smart Palms for wi-fi access and air-conditioned cabanas.

Hours: 08:00-22:00 Sunday-Wednesday; 08:00-23:00 Thursday-Saturday. Ladies day: Monday & Wednesday

Price: AED 5 per person, AED 30 per car

16) Al Marmoom Camel Race Track

A popular heritage destination, Al Marmoom offers an experience of the UAE heritage and culture like no other. The Al Marmoom Heritage Village and Al Marmoom Festivals are the venture of Dubai Camel Racing Club. Part of the annual heritage festival, watch as 100s of camels race. reaching speeds of up to 40 mph (65kmh).

Hours: Between October-April; 07:00-09:00 & 14:00-16:00

Price: Free but book in advance

Read next: The 15 Best Day Trips From Dubai

17) Alserkal Avenue

AlSerkal Avenue is an industrial compound hosting warehouses and is an arts and culture district for Dubai. With a line-up of galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafés, pop-up shops, concept spaces, platforms and more the area is an art lover’s dream.

18) The Ripe Market

The Ripe Market is an outdoor community market featuring up-and-coming artisans, makers, and entrepreneurs. There’s plenty to buy, including local produce, unique toys, take-home gifts, as well as lots going on: workshops, live music, fitness classes, educational activities, horse riding and even a petting zoo.

19) Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure is the world’s largest waterpark, with 79 slides. And you can visit for free on one day of the year – your birthday! Register here to receive a Free Aquaventure Waterpark Birthday Offer voucher which is valid on the date of your birthday and the following six days. Happy birthday to you!

Hours: 10:00-18:30 daily, closed Sundays

Other Prices: Day Pass: From AED 269; Super Pass: AED 289

20) See flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Did you know there are hundreds of pink flamingos that live in the water near the junction of Ras Al Khor Road and the Dubai-Al Ain highway? At the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary you can pick up a pair of binoculars and hide out in one of the three wooden birding hides near the water’s edge for free.

Huts are open: 09:00-16:00, Saturday-Thursday

21) Walking Tour

Walking can be the best way to view a new place and get to know your surroundings. Plan a self-guided walking tour yourself using our map below, or go with AiroTour. They offer free walking tours around the city for between 2 and 20 people. While these tours are technically free, they do ask that you tip your guide if you think they did a good job.

The best cheap things to do in Dubai

1) Visit a musem

Lying on the site where the country’s unification was signed in 1971, this ultra-modern museum offers a comprehensive look at the formation of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE. Covering 25,000 sqm and containing educating yet interesting exhibitions, a visit to this museum is crucial to a well-rounded UAE visit.

Hours: 10:00-20:00 daily

Prices: Adult: AED 25, Group: AED 20, Student: AED 10, People of Determination: free, Child: free

Al Shindagha Museum: Perfume House

Stimulate your senses and indulge in the enticing world of Emirati perfume making. Learn about the traditional techniques for making scented oils and perfumes that date back centuries on an aromatic journey through the museum.

Hours: 10:00-20:00 Wednesday-Monday, Closed Tuesdays

Price: AED 40

Museum of Illusions

Trick your eyes and entertain your mind at the Museum of Illusions

Hours: 10:00-22:00 Sunday-Thursday, 10:00-23:00 Friday-Saturday

Prices: Adult 16+: AED 80, Children 5-15: AED 60, Family (4): AED 225, Senior/Student: AED 70, Family & Friend (5): AED 320

Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort

Built in 1787 as the premises of the monarch and a fort of defence, this fort later turned into an arsenal for artillery and weapons. Opened as an official museum in 1971, it displayed the history of Dubai and its original heritage. Unfortunately it is now under renovation until further notice, but will hopefully be back one day to serve more tourists a rich, full and integral knowledge of the very old history of Dubai.

2) See a show

Dubai Opera House

Dubai’s futuristic looking opera house is actually the only one in the UAE. Take a backstage tour to discover behind the scenes secrets or take an architecture tour to explore the stunning Dhow themed designs. Both take around 45 minutes. Or why not explore the Events page and catch a show? Choose from a variety of programming from West End shows to opera – there’s something for everyone!

Pro-tip: Grab a drink on the rooftop bar before the show for stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and dancing fountains.

Prices: Backstage: AED 95, Children 7-16: AED 6; Architecture Tour: Adult: AED 75; Children 3-16: AED 40

Global Village

Dubai’s Global Village combines the cultures of 90 countries across the world in one place. With themed stalls, shows, presentations and attractions it has become a global-themed part-funfair, part-cultural festival. There are plenty of fun activities for all the family, from shopping to shows, street food to funfair & fireworks on weekends.

Hours: October-April – 16:00-00:00 Saturday-Wednesday, 16:00- 01:00 Thursday-Friday, Mondays are exclusively reserved for families and ladies, except those falling on a public holiday

Price: AED 15Theatre of Digital Art

TODA, the Theatre of Digital Art, is the first of its kind in Dubai, offering art aficionados in the UAE the chance to experience masterpieces via digital shows Accompanied by stunning music, visual effects and surround sound, you can explore multimedia exhibitions, contemporary immersive installations, and art in virtual reality.

Hours: 12:00-23:00 daily

Prices: Prices start from – Adults: AED 75, Children: AED 45

La Perle

Created by world-renowned Artistic Director, Franco Dragone and located in the heart of al habtoor city, this spectacular show combines acrobatics, water stunts, motorbikes and more. It is a live theatre spectacle that must be seen at least once!

Hours: 09:00-23:00 Tuesday-Saturday, Closed Sunday-Monday

Prices: Tickets start from AED 119

3) Explore nature

Dubai may be situated in a desert and be famous for city-side beaches, but that doesn’t mean there’s no gardens! Check out these attractions for luscious greenery and stunning flowers.

Dubai Miracle Garden

With more than 150 million flowers in full bloom, this 72,000-sqm paradise has flowered into one of the region’s most picturesque, sweet-scented destinations.

Hours: November-March: 09:00-21:00 Sunday-Thursday, 09:00-23:00, Friday-Saturday; Closed April-October

Prices: Adults: AED 40, Children (3-12): AED 30

Dubai Butterfly Garden

Right next door to the Miracle Garden is the Butterfly Garden, which is home to more than 15,000 butterflies from 26 species and more than 50 varieties. The garden consists of ten custom built domes, around 6,673 sqm, and is claimed to be the World’s Largest Covered Butterfly Garden.

Hours: 09:00-18:00 daily

Prices: AED 55; Group packages available

Dubai Garden Glow

Discover elaborate, whimsical flower & animal displays constructed out of handmade colourful lights at Dubai Garden Glow. You can also visit the Dinosaur Park, Magic Park, Ice Park and Art Park!

Hours: 17:00-22:00 Saturday-Thursday, 17:00-22:30 Friday & Public Holidays

Prices: AED 65

The Green Planet

The Green Planet is a tropical rainforest within a bio-dome, which shelter colourful birds, reptiles & sloths. Explore this enchanting attraction which houses over 3000 plants and animals. Don’t miss the tropical thunderstorm that happens at 13:00 and 17:00 every day!

Hours: 10:00-18:00 daily

Prices: At the gate: AED 120; Online: AED 89

4) Dubai Frame

Also known as Berwaz Dubai, Dubai Frame comprises two 150 metre towers, connected by a 93 metre long bridge. Designed to represent a metaphorical connection between the old and new city you can take a one-hour tour for unique views of ‘old’ and ‘new’ Dubai from the sky-high glass bridge. It is also said to be the largest picture frame in the world!

Hours: 09:00-21:00 daily

Prices: Adults: AED 50, Children (3-12): AED 20, Children under 3/People of determination: free

5) Take a boat trip

There’s no better way to experience Dubai than from the water. And it’s so cheap it’s basically free!

Abra Ride Across Dubai Creek

For just AED 1 you can hop on one of the many traditional boats, known as abras, to cross the creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira, Dubai’s city centre. These water taxis run every few minutes throughout the day across four stations along Dubai Creek:

• From Deira Old Souk Abra Station (near the Spice Souk) to Bur Dubai Abra Station (west of the Old Souk)
• From Al Sabkha Abra Station (just southwest of Baniyas Square) to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station

Each abra holds about 20 passengers, with 150 abras working the two routes. You simply buy a one-way ticket and each journey only takes about five minutes.

You can even hire your own abra for an hour to explore further up the creek!

6) Dubai Wheel

Take a trip on Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel, and soar more than 126m (820 ft) in the air! There are three different pod experiences on offer, starting from AED 130: observation cabins, social cabins and private cabins. Visitors can enjoy the 38-minute journey with unbeatable views and endless photo opportunities. Check out this photo we snapped in 2017 when the wheel was being built! Don’t worry though, it’s now fully complete and operational.

What to eat

As a major international hub, the United Arab Emirates has a variety of cuisines from different parts of the world. We recommend you try:

• Shawarma – Sliced chicken, lamb or beef in a soft flatbread, filled with fresh vegetables, onions and various sauces
• Manakish – A very popular Lebanese snack, flatbread filled with cheese, cooked in a huge oven. You can add any vegetable, meats or oils and spices on the top.
• Al Harees – Usually served during weddings and other religious festivals, especially during the month of Ramadan, this is a porridge-like dish containing meat, wheat, water and salt which is then cooked for a long time in a pot.
• Al Machboos – The main ingredients in Al Machboos include red meat, fish or shrimp and rice, seasoned with spices and Loomy (dried lemon).
• Fattoush – Fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, mint leaves, onion, garlic, lemon and olive oil, served with Levantine bread.
• Falafel – Deep-fried chickpea balls, wrapped in a roll with fresh vegetables and various dressings.
• Arabic Coffee – The traditional Gahwa is spiced with cardamom, cumin, cloves and saffron and often served alongside fresh dates.
• Anything from a camel – Try a camel steak, camel burger, or camel milk which comes in a variety of flavours including chocolate, date and saffron.

Where to eat

Food is one of the most expensive things you’ll need to pay for in Dubai. Restaurant prices are high and the supermarket prices are 2-3 times higher than in the UK. Here are some handy tips and great, cheap locations for food:

• Choose a hotel which offers breakfast included and take advantage of the buffet. Make sandwiches for lunch and take snacks for the day.

Or save money on your hotel bill, book room only and shop at a local supermarket.

• There are lots of local shops dotted around Dubai, but the best is Carrefour. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, this French supermarket offers the best prices of all of the supermarkets in Dubai.

Restaurants

Al Mallah

If you’re on a budget, this one’s for you! Featuring Arabic & Lebanese favourites, this street-side restaurant has something for everyone. Served in a simple venue with outdoor tables, get your fill of shawarma, falafel, mixed grill, houmous and more!

Hours: 18:00—2:30 daily

Price: £

Calicut Paragon

This South Indian restaurant in Karama offers casual dining with a focus on seafood and with a wide vegetarian choice. Dishes here are wildly affordable, but also offer tremendous quality.

Hours: 08:00-00:00 daily

Price: ££

The Penthouse

Possibly the best rooftop al fresco bar in all of Dubai, The Penthouse is located on The Palm Jumeirah. With the Dubai Marina skyline on one side and the Jumeirah coast on the other, this restaurant offers award winning Japanese cuisine, creative concoctions and exclusive access to the best of international artists in the nightclub.

Hours: 16:00-03:00 Saturday-Wednesday, 16:00-04:00 Thursday-Friday

Price: £££

Where to stay

Some areas of Dubai are MUCH cheaper than others. Areas in old town (Al Fahidi, Bur Duabi and Deira) can be half the price of the more modern and upmarket areas, such as Downtown and The Palm. If you don’t want to miss out on a luxury Dubai break, why not split your time between 2 hotels? Spend half your time in a cheaper hotel and the other half the time in a more luxurious, expensive hotel. This way you get the best of both worlds and the added bonus of being able to explore Dubai from two different areas. Pro-tip: Book your cheaper hotel for the end of your trip as the cheaper hotels are in areas closer to the airport and then you’ve already made half the journey to your plane.

Here are some of the most comfortable and affordable accommodation options:

For where it’s all happening: The Marina & Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

+ As the most Westernised area in the city, Dubai Marina and JBR offers a stunning beach, plenty of restaurants and bars and views of the canal and towering skyscrapers. This is the only properly walkable part of new Dubai and is well connected to the rest of the city through public transport. It’s also the best place in Dubai for great nightlife.

– Dubai Marina and JBR is further from the shops and main attractions than other parts of the city, so if you want to be in the thick of it, this might not be the place for you.

Backpacker Tina – Budget hostels are slowly being opened all across the city and like most buildings in the Marina, everything is brand-new. The rooms come with a mini-bar, private safe, a bay window, a walk-in shower, dressing gowns and slippers and facilities include a gym and a pool! If you are a backpacker or on a budget, this is a great option.

Price: £

Pearl Marina Hotel – These hotel-apartments offers stunning views of the canal and a terrific breakfast, even though apartments are equipped with a kitchen, so you can self-cater. Although only a 10-15 minutes walk from the beach, the hotel offers an outdoor pool and sun terrace.

Price: ££

For classic Dubai: Downtown

+ Downtown is classic Dubai – tall skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa, luxurious shops, fancy boulevards and glamorous clubs and fine-dining restaurants. If you want to be in the thick of it, out and about and maybe catch the dancing fountain show after dinner, this is the area for you.

– This area is extremely popular and not at all cheap. Whilst great for a lavish city-break, Downtown is not near the beach or any of the more authentic neighbourhoods.

Citymax Hotel Business Bay – Located 5km from Burj Khalifa, rooms in this hotel feature floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, as well as sofa beds, minifridges, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. A beach shuttle is free and other amenities include a restaurant serving Asian cuisine, a casual all-day eatery, a gym, a bar, a coffee shop, a rooftop pool and a poolside bar.

Price: £

For authenticity and history: Al Fahidi / Bur Duabi

+ Two of the most authentic neighbourhoods in Dubai, this area gives a real taste of old Dubai. Representing the mid-nineteenth century, Al Fahidi is a restored heritage area that was once known as the Bastakiya Quarter. Bur Dubai is the heart of the Old City of Dubai and composed of narrow alleys, real bazaars, and traditional architecture. Get lost wandering through narrow alleyways, which contains traditional sand coloured buildings, museums, local craft shops, art galleries, and more.

– Although charming, this area doesn’t have a lot going on. It is not near most of the main attractions and not very well connected to the rest of the city. There’s also not a huge range of accommodation.

Hostel for boys – Sorry ladies, this one’s not for you. Set within 0.6 miles of the Grand Mosque, the Hostel for Boys offers rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom and also has a hot tub.

Price: £

Ambassador Hotel – Simple but comfortable, this hotel features a traditional pub with big-screen sports, live entertainment and British cuisine, as well as a relaxed Indian restaurant and an outdoor pool. The location is great – an 8-minute walk from the nearest metro station, a 10-minute walk from the Dubai Museum, housed in an 18th-century fort, and a 13-minute walk from the Spice Souk.

Price: ££

For the budgeter: Deira

+ The other side of Dubai Creek to the two previous neighbourhoods, Deira is also great for people on a budget. It may have the largest traditional souk in the city, but was actually the first business area to be set up in Dubai. It is conveniently close to the airport and easy to take a water taxi to visit Bur Dubai and Al Fahidi.

– This area can be very busy due to the popularity of the local sights. It is also quite far away from the rest of the City’s main attractions.

Al Jawhara Metro Hotel – Simple but comfortable, this hotel aims to be recognised as the most favoured budget hotel amongst residents and visitors to Dubai. Strategically located near the airport, this is an affordable location for a trip to Dubai. Children aged 5 and under stay at no charge with an adult.

Price: £

Lavender Hotel Deira – Set in the business district, this casual hotel is 4 km from both the Spice Souk and the airport. It offers 2 informal alcohol-free restaurants, an outdoor pool and a gym, plus meeting and event spaces.

Price: ££

Interactive Dubai Map

Read next:

The 56 best things to do in Dubai

The 15 best day trips from Dubai

The best hotels, bars and restaurants in Dubai

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Dubai + Public Transport Map

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