Dubai is a holiday destination bursting with a plethora of exciting activities and attractions.

Sitting beside the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, the largest of the UAE’s seven emirates is the perfect place for anyone seeking fun-filled days and sensational sunshine. While Dubai is renowned for delivering the very best aquaparks, theme parks, desert adventures, boat trips and landmarks, you can also enjoy a number of free and affordable attractions that help to keep your luxury holiday within budget. This means you can embark on memorable days out for once-in-a-lifetime experiences without breaking the bank. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or as a solo traveller, you’ll discover something one of a kind with this guide to the best free things to do in Dubai.

1. Visit The Attractions

Dubai is a hive for exciting budget-friendly attractions. Head to Dubai Mall, where, besides exceptional shops, an Olympic-sized ice rink, Kidzania children’s activity venue and Chinatown, you’ll find Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Housing more than 33,000 marine species, it’s one of the largest indoor aquariums on earth. You can gaze into this sub-aqua world for free through a huge glass wall in the mall. However, for an up-close view, tickets will need to be purchased. The Dubai Fountain, located close to the mall, is another superb attraction, with free shows every 30 minutes, between 6pm and 11pm. The tallest performing fountain on Earth, you’ll be mesmerised by the artistry of this amazing spectacle. Another wondrous landmark, that also provides an affordable way to view the city’s stunning skyline, is the Dubai Frame, in Zabeel Park. Taking you 150 meters-high, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights of past, present and future Dubai for a great price.

2. Hit The Beach

Dubai is home to an array of exceptional public beaches that are all free for you to enjoy soaking up the sunshine and taking refreshing dips in the Arabian Gulf. Sunset Beach is a quieter spot than some others in the city but nonetheless spectacular. The towering Burj al Arab hotel makes a wonderful backdrop of your holiday photos and it's the perfect location to glimpse a sensational Dubai sunset. For water sports fun, Kite Beach is the place to visit, while Palm West Beach is an entertainment hub in the exclusive Palm Jumeirah offering unspoilt views of Dubai’s epic skyline.

3. Discover Old Dubai

For a truly enriching experience, visit the oldest part of Dubai, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This key heritage site highlights Dubai’s preserved architecture and traditions from the 19th Century. A number of museums and galleries can be visited here for an indepth exploration of Dubai’s history. For a wallet-friendly fee, you can tour the Al Shindagha Museum that tells the story “Dubai Creek: The Birth of a City” through immersive and interactive exhibitions. Visiting one of Dubai’s many souks should be on your bucket list as it's completely free to admire the dazzling sights. You’ll be pulled in by the mouthwatering smells, colourful wares and unique sounds as people barter for a bargain.

4. Seek Serenity At Al Qudra Lakes

The Al Qudra Lakes are one of the most serene spots in the whole emirate. Though it’s a short distance away from the city – a 30-minute drive – you won’t be sorry for journeying to this slice of heaven. Located in the Al Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve, you can keep an eye out for elusive and endemic wildlife, including desert foxes and Arabian oryxes. Cycling and birdwatching is a favourite pastime here, with swans and geese in abundance as well as the endangered steppe eagle and Asian houbara. Bring a picnic and make a day of your trip to this enchanting area that’s superb for a free family day out.

5. Enjoy A Trip To Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is a relatively new attraction that opened its doors in 2022. Located on the banks of Dubai Creek, this monumental structure is shaped like a traditional Islamic lectern. Admission to the library is free, though time slots must be booked beforehand to ensure entry. You can then while away the hours looking at over one million different titles spread across nine floors and available in 70 different languages. Make it a family affair and bring the little ones to immerse themselves in a myriad of children's literature.

6. Explore The Palm

A stroll around the iconic Palm Jumeirah will leave you speechless at the incredible architecture and scenery. A host of luxury hotels line the 11 kilometre-long boardwalk, including Atlantis, The Palm, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai and One&Only The Palm. As well as enjoying the mesmerising views of the city and the Arabian Gulf, a visit to Palm West Beach is a must. Here you can swim in the inviting waters or fit in a morning workout on the jogging trail. Alternatively, you might wish to treat yourself to a spot of lunch at one of the enticing beachfront dining venues or relax with a refreshing beverage as you watch the world go by.

7. Take A Leisurely Stroll

Embrace nature and enjoy a leisurely stroll through some of Dubai’s most picturesque areas. Dubai Water Canal is the perfect place to take in spectacular views of the city while you walk, run or cycle. Connecting Dubai Creek from Old Dubai, through Downtown Dubai, to the Arabian Gulf, a trek along the riverside route allows you to explore both Business Bay and Safa Park. Creek Park, located on the edge of the historical Dubai Creek, is another wonderful place for a relaxing walk, especially due to its vibrant botanical gardens. There’s also a children’s playground and free barbeque spots to make use of. One of Dubai’s largest green spaces, Zabeel Park not only boasts the Dubai Frame but numerous pathways, food kiosks and picnic areas. Other popular walking routes include Dubai Marina Walk and Jumeirah Beach Road.

8. Be Inspired

Dubai is a destination filled with wonder and innovation that will inspire you. Famous for its awe-inspiring and record-breaking architecture, you’ll be wowed by landmarks such as Atlantis, The Palm and the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Jumeirah Mosque is another spectacular structure on Dubai’s skyline, especially after sunset when it is illuminated. Another affordable attraction, with something for everyone, is Dubai’s Global Village. Here you’ll find a fun fair, food from all around the world, cultural entertainment and authentic shopping experiences. Art lovers will be inspired by the various galleries dotted throughout the emirate. Alserkal Avenue is an urban hotspot that boasts a variety of free studios in former industrial warehouses, while IMAGINE is a free laser, light and music event showcased every night in Dubai Festival City.

9. Navigate The City On The On & Off Bus

Relax on a guided tour of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks on the exceptionally convenient and affordable On & Off Bus, operated by RTA. With an open, all-day ticket you'll be able to visit attractions such as the Heritage Village, Museum of the Future and Dubai Mall, and get great value for money. With the freedom to get on and off the bus as you please, you can enrich your day with dining in delicious restaurants, relaxing on the beach or getting active with some water sports. Buses run from 10am to 10pm, so you can enjoy a sunset tour. Other cheap and reliable forms of transport across Dubai include the metro and an abra creek ride.

10. See The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Nature-lovers will find the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary a haven that’s located conveniently near Dubai’s city centre and other bustling points of interest. This conservation area is a wetland paradise, with the name Ras Al Khor meaning Cape of the Creek in English. Many birds choose to nest in the salt flats, mudflats, mangroves and lagoons, and free observation points are located throughout the sanctuary to showcase the herons, egrets, sandpipers, ospreys and other birds that reside here. It is the flamingo that steals the show, however, with a huge flock painting the horizon pink when you catch them feeding.