If you’re planning on visiting Dubai, don’t think that it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg to have fun and enjoy your time in the city! There are plenty of things to do in Dubai that don’t cost too much and keep your holiday enjoyable and relaxing without having to spend a fortune! Here are some ways to visit Dubai on a budget:...
Budget hotels
If you’re going to visit Dubai, staying in an affordable hotel is a must. There are many places to stay within the city, from simple hotels that provide all of your essential needs (such as somewhere safe and secure to lay your head at night) while also allowing you plenty of space and comfort. It doesn’t cost too much, either; room rates are affordable with some great deals available depending on when you travel. Browse through our list of top-rated budget hotels for Dubai for accommodation options!
Dining out
There are restaurants in every corner of Dubai, serving cuisines from around the world. However, dining out can be expensive. Luckily there are plenty of different ways you can dine out without spending too much. If you want to visit some of Dubai’s most famous restaurants but don’t want to spend too much money, then try visiting during lunchtime when prices are often cheaper than dinner. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more affordable and casual then local food courts or shawarma shops offer delicious meals at an affordable price. If you’re looking for somewhere with more ambience and character then head over to Jumeirah Beach Road where many Western-style cafes serve up food and drinks with stunning views over one of Dubai’s most iconic locations!
Activities
Some of the best ways to enjoy your time in Dubai are free or relatively cheap. Here are some of our favorite cheap or free activities that make great day trips or things to do while visiting Dubai. The water park at Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah is one of our favorites – it’s an absolute must-do if you want to cool off in summer, with several pools and waterslides. In terms of paid activities that are really fun, camel racing and sand dune surfing are two not-to-be-missed experiences. Camel racing is incredibly entertaining and watching camels race through sand dunes takes nothing more than a good pair of shoes (and maybe sunscreen) as entry into these events are both completely free!
Nightlife
If you want to keep your nightlife and entertainment expenses low, you should stick to free activities like seeing shows at hotels, going for walks along The Palm Jumeirah, visiting art galleries and museums or having a picnic. If you’re set on hitting up some of Dubai’s nightclubs and bars, try asking around for offers beforehand. You might get some discounts or even entry without paying anything at all. This is only possible if you know someone who knows someone—and we mean it when we say someone. Otherwise, unless it’s ladies night or your birthday (or both), expect cover charges starting at 100 AED (about $27) per person including drinks in most of the city’s clubs and bars.
Shopping
Tourists flock to Dubai for many reasons, but one of them is shopping. If you love buying new things and want an affordable vacation that still lets you do some sightseeing and relaxing, then it might be worth planning your trip around shopping deals. Think about visiting during seasons that usually bring with them big sales: winter holiday sales (often held in November) or back-to-school season (fall). Certain days and weeks are also better than others for discounts: Tuesdays typically see more discounts than other days, which means it's a good idea to shop on Tuesdays. And don't forget about using coupons! There are plenty of stores that provide promotional codes and coupons online.
Getting around by Private Bus
You can rent a private bus in Dubai and see all of Dubai, including Jumeirah Beach, Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers and more at your own pace. Luxury bus rental Dubai costs around $200/ for 10 hours. If you need extra time just let them know when you arrive. The buses have excellent air conditioning and are incredibly spacious with plush seating. You can also opt for an open top tour which allows you to enjoy great views while getting around in style! Renting a luxury bus is one of many fun activities that allow you to see Dubai without breaking your bank account!
Image source: guide2dubai.com