7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (2024)

It’s one of the world’s most fabulous destinations and even though it has a reputation for expense and luxury, there are things to do in Dubai on a budget that do not make it any less of an experience. You don’t have to consider 7-star hotels and gold shops to enjoy this amazing place when you know these things to do in Dubai on a budget.

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1

Explore Bastakia Quarter

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (1) It may be known for its soaring skyscrapers but there’s old Dubai too. Sightseeing traditional neighborhoods is one of the easiest things to do in Dubai on a budget. Take the clean, air-conditioned metro (a day pass is really cheap) to the Bastakia Quarter to discover its charm, history and cafés and stores.

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (2)

Related: 7 Places to Go on a Budget Vacation when Money is Tight ...

2

Soak up Some Culture

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (3) Who doesn’t love free things? There’s free admission to many museums in Dubai, so you can draw up a list to visit. You can do things as diverse as having your photograph taken with a stuffed camel at the Camel Museum to exploring the history of Dubai and the traditional way of life at the Dubai Museum, which is located in the city’s oldest building.

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (4)

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7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (5) Easily one of the simplest things to do on a budget in Dubai is to enjoy the glorious weather in the city’s outdoor spaces. One of the most popular places to catch some rays is Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai). This saltwater creek runs through the heart of Dubai and is crisscrossed by old fashioned dhows, some of which are water taxis (known as abra). There’s a bird sanctuary and creekside gardens. Take a stroll along the promenade or take the cable car, which offers amazing views of the city.

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (6)

Related: 7 Apps That Will Help You Travel on a Small Budget ...

4

Go Shopping

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (7) You don’t have to trawl the ultra-chic modern malls or the gold bazaar to enjoy a retail experience – although of course there’s nothing to stop you window shopping the fabulous department stores and boutiques. For retail therapy on a budget in Dubai, head to Karama Market. Try your hand at haggling but watch out – those designer goods at a too-good-to-be-true bargain price are most likely fake!

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (8)

Related: 7 Ways to do Spring Break on the Cheap ...

5

Go on a Cruise

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (9) See Dubai from the water. This can be an organized tour, which run from various departure points, or, in the spirit of being budget friendly, hop in an abra (water taxi) and negotiate a good rate for a trip around the creek or the various waterfronts.

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (10)

Related: 7 Tips on Planning a Low Budget Vacation ...

Famous Quotes

Happiness depends upon ourselves.

6

Devour the Food

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (11) You could do some serious damage to your credit card in the 5-star restaurants in Dubai, but why bother? They serve the kind of fine dining and high end food you can get in any city. Instead, visit Al Diyafah Road to eat delicious and authentic food without sending your bank manager into meltdown. The street is lined with great food from many cuisines, including India, Lebanon and Iran.

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (12)

Related: 7 Ways to Splurge without Breaking Your Budget ...

7

Spend a Night on the Tiles

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (13) As one of the more western-culture-embracing places in the Middle East, alcohol consumption is more accepted and there’s some legendary night spots in Dubai. And what better to add to your list of things to do in Dubai on a budget than Ladies' Night? Can you imagine a city’s drinking establishment dedicating a whole night to ladies? Although once restricted to Tuesdays, it has spread widely and is merely now a reference to free drinks available to women. Various bars and hotels offer free drinks, and it’s no cheap, nasty stuff either. There’s places like Boudoir that offer free Champagne and Rock Bottom serves up frozen margaritas. Check listings for Ladies Night Dubai.

There’s plenty of things to do in Dubai on a budget that should make it a decent trip without massive expense if you can find reasonable flights and accommodation. Who’s been?

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (14)

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I'm Going there in 2 weeks! I'm def writing these places down.

I live there, all these things are great, nut they are outside!!!! Sorry to inform you guys but at this time of year, outside for more than 30 min is unbearable! Have fun braving the heat xx

Comments

aMiNa: I'm Going there in 2 weeks! I'm def writing these places down.

Amena: I live there, all these things are great, nut they are outside!!!! Sorry to inform you guys but at this time of year, outside for more than 30 min is unbearable! Have fun braving the heat xx

7 Things to do in Dubai on a Budget ... (2024)

FAQs

Is $100 a day enough in Dubai? ›

But can you explore Dubai on a budget? The answer is yes, and a video by Insider explains how. 100 USD - or approximately Rs. 7,000 - is actually enough money to cover your stay, food and sightseeing for a day if you're exploring Dubai on a budget.

What is a good budget for Dubai? ›

How much spending money should you take with you? Overall, you should aim to take at least £150-£200 (approx. 450AED-650AED) per person, per day. However, this depends on what you're planning on doing while you're away.

How many day should you spend in Dubai? ›

A Well-Rounded Experience: 4-5 Days

For a more comprehensive experience of Dubai, consider spending 4-5 days exploring the city's attractions and culture. This extended Dubai itinerary allows you to delve deeper into what Dubai has to offer.

Are US dollars accepted in Dubai? ›

You can use US dollars in Dubai. However, if you are planning to solely rely on the US dollar to meet all your expenses in Dubai, you might want to think again. Though this currency is widely accepted at retailers, hotels, and malls, smaller merchants prefer the local currency and might not accept USD.

How much is $100 US in Dubai? ›

US Dollars to Emirati Dirhams conversion rates
USDAED
100 USD365.97 AED
500 USD1,829.85 AED
1,000 USD3,659.71 AED
5,000 USD18,298.57 AED
7 more rows

How much is a meal in Dubai? ›

Dubai Food Prices: A Quick Overview

On average, a meal at a mid-range Dubai restaurant can cost you around AED 80–150 (approximately USD 22–41) per person, while fine dining establishments can reach AED 500 (around USD 136) per person.

Do I need a visa for Dubai? ›

You can get a visitor or tourist visa issued free of charge when you arrive in the UAE. You do not need to apply in advance of travel. Your passport will be stamped with the visa as you go through immigration. It will be valid for up to 40 days.

What is the best time to visit Dubai? ›

November to March is the best time to visit Dubai, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The days are sunny and comfortable, unlike the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, which experiences winter during this time. All major attractions and outdoor sites are easily accessible and enjoyable during these months.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Dubai? ›

Good to know
Low seasonAugust
High seasonDecember
Cheapest flight$277

How to roam around in Dubai? ›

Dubai Bus. Buses are a low-cost option to explore the city. You can hop on a bus at all of Dubai's airport terminals, with routes intersecting every major neighbourhood. They run 24 hours a day and as often as every 30 minutes – just make sure to check your map to understand the extensive network.

What is the average cost of a day in Dubai? ›

You should plan to spend around $248 (AED911) per day on your vacation in Dubai. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average for one day: $56 (AED204) on meals.

How much money is sufficient for Dubai trip? ›

The cost of a trip to Dubai from India can vary widely depending on factors like travel dates, accommodation choices, activities, and dining preferences. On average, including flights, accommodation, meals, and activities, a week-long trip for two could range from ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000 or more.

How much cash should I carry to Dubai? ›

Dubai has a limit on how much cash you can bring in without declaring it: 100,000 Dirham. This helps them fight crime. If you're carrying more, just let customs know when you arrive.

Is the American dollar worth a lot in Dubai? ›

Dubai's currency, the Emirati dirham, is based on the US dollar. This stability allows it to remain fairly inelastic, and the worth of the money is unlikely to change dramatically from year to year. Just to let you know, 1 US dollar is about 3.67 dirhams.

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