9 Places to Visit in Dubai Without Spending a Penny

Who says you need to spend a lot of money to be able to enjoy a trip anywhere? There are plenty of ways you can enjoy your time abroad without spending a penny.

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, then you don’t need to worry about running out of things to do as you run out of a budget.

There are plenty of attractions and places to go and things to do in Dubai without you having to spend a drop of money. Below are some of these places that you should include in your Dubai itinerary.

A walk in Dubai Canal Boardwalk

The Dubai Canal Boardwalk, or better known as the Dubai Water Canal Project, is a wonderful way of enjoying a nice walk in Dubai.

The Dubai Canal has an upper and a lower boardwalk. The upper boardwalk is farther from the canal, but it gives you a view of it without the railings. You might want to pass by here if you want to take a photo. Although, any spot on the boardwalk is quite picturesque.

On the other hand, the lower boardwalk is much better for walking. Plus, you can have a much closer look at the water, unlike when you’re on the upper boardwalk.

Beach and Art in La Mer Dubai

If you’re craving that bit of tropical life for your vacation, then one of the top beachfront destinations of Dubai should help satiate that craving.

La Mer is a beachfront area that looks upon the Arabian Gulf. You can play around in the sand or relax under the shade or walk along the shore and perhaps play in the water.

If you’re an art lover, then La Mer is a great destination for you to admire tons of street art made by skillful artists. In fact, back in 2018, La Mer became an open-air canvas for a street art exhibition so La Mer is no stranger to the love of art.

Hiking to the Craggy Mountain of Hatta

If you’re looking to feel the air of adventure during your vacation in Dubai, you can try going on a mountainous trek in the Hatta Mountain. You’ll love the air and beautiful view of the Hatta Mountain in contrast with the active city life of Dubai.

Even if you replace your trekking poles with mountain bikes, you can still have a great time exploring all the nooks and crannies of Hatta. Nature-lovers need to visit this area if they have the time and with a short commute of at least one hour from the center of Dubai, the travel will be easy and worth it.

Be mesmerized at the Dubai Fountain Dance

Although the Dubai Fountains were made way back in 2009, they still stand up to be the world’s tallest choreographed and performing fountains.

The Dubai Fountains themselves stand at 900 feet in length and water can shoot up to 500 feet high. It is one of the greatest and most acclaimed attractions in Dubai that is definitely a must for you to see. Plus, you can see the Dubai Fountain Dance from all sorts of locations in Dubai so you don’t have to pay for viewing seats.

However, if you want to get the best views possible, then you might have to cough up a bit of cash.

It is located right in the heart of Downtown Dubai and in the center of the Burj Khalifa lake.

Get Stunned with the Kite Beach Dubai

If you’re still craving the life of a beach bum and are still looking for free access beaches in Dubai, then another option for you is the Kite Beach in Dubai. When you get here, there are tons of activities that are taking place that you might want to join in on if you are so inclined.

Kite Beach even has a beach library for book lovers looking to get their Vitamin D but not wanting to do anything too physical. Given the fact that all sorts of activities occur in Kite Beach, then it is best that you come here with friends and family to enjoy.

You can even look out on the skyline of Burj Al Arab and admire its stunning view that will surely take your breath away.

Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall doesn’t only have a variety of clothing stores and restaurants for mall-goers, both local and foreign, to enjoy. At the center of the mall itself lies an aquarium and an underwater zoo for you to admire!

If you’re done shopping until you drop but don’t want to drop just yet, then you can take a quick peek at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in the Dubai Mall. You can have a virtual experience of the aquarium and zoo for free. If you find that you’re really interested in going inside and experiencing everything, then that’s the only time you have to pay.

Some people have said that just the virtual experience was good enough to make you feel the wonders of nature.

Travel back in time at the Dubai Museum

If you’re a history buff and want to get to know a country through its history, then the Dubai Museum is a great place for you.

What’s great about the Dubai Museum is that it doesn’t only talk about the past, but it also talks about the present state of Dubai. It gives a comparison between the two for you to see.

Although the tickets to the museum itself aren’t free, the ticket is quite affordable. Plus, it comes with a free tour guide that will help you get a better grasp of everything.

If you’re truly a history nerd yourself, then this is an opportunity that you shouldn’t pass up.

Get lost in City Walk Dubai

If you feel a bit like window-shopping and getting lost in Dubai, then one of the best places to do that is in City Walk Dubai.

Although the design of the place can be modern and contemporary, it still provides the feeling of being cut off from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can admire the street art in City Walk Dubai and take some photos for yourself.

There are plenty of trees around and birds to listen to that make it a great and refreshing place for tourists to hang out at.

Plus, if you get hungry, there are plenty of great options to choose from.

Bird watching at Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

If you’re a nature-lover, then the Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to be one with nature and go bird watching.

Apply your sunscreen, and strap on your hiking shoes, so you can have a peaceful time reconnecting with nature at the Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

You can always travel leisurely without having to be a millionaire and with this article, you can do that in Dubai. Affordable traveling doesn’t have to mean restricted traveling. Bon voyage!