Dubai is a majestic city full of regal superstructures, lavish lifestyles, delightful days, and bright nights. Having a pompously vast culture of rich food, clothing, and heritage, the land is renowned for being filled with mesmerizing views of sky-scrapper buildings, man-made beaches and islands, and unparallel cuisine. Needless to say, the place is looked up as a very expensive destination for people to explore, but on the contrary, there are many things and places to visit in Dubai for free.
The Emirates of Dubai has its scent of unmatchable beauty and an extravaganza way of living. Dubai welcomes tourists with open arms and warm hospitality. With its warm weather year-round, friendly locals, and an endless list of attractions and activities, it has become one of the favorite tourist destinations. Let us dive into this wonderland and explore some stunning places in Dubai for free.
Best Places To Visit In Dubai For Free
Dubai is a most popular tourist destination known for its luxurious shopping malls, stunning architecture, lavish attractions, and heart-warming hospitality. However, many travellers are surprised to find that there are plenty of free places to visit in the city as well. From beautiful beaches to cultural landmarks, Dubai offers budget-conscious travelers a diverse range of free attractions. So we curated a list of some of the best places to visit in Dubai for free maximizing your Dubai trip.
1. Dubai Fountain Show
Dubai can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting this dynamic city. If you are looking for an exciting evening in Dubai, then Dubai Fountain is the spot you must try. It is World’s largest choreographed fountain shows a spectacular water and light show. Being one of the major attractions of Dubai, a large number of tourists throng here daily to see this marvel. It is one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free, set on the world-famous, flawless Burj Khalifa Lake.
A total of 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors feature in the Dubai Fountain show, creating a fascinating visual display synchronized with various popular Arabic and international music and some contemporary and soothing classical. The best thing about this show is that it is free, and you can watch it from different vantage points, such as nearby restaurants and cafes. Being free and beautiful, this place deserves to be included in the list of your budget-friendly tour of Dubai.
Location: Fashion Parking, Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai
Timings: From 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Every day
2. The Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium is regarded as the largest and one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free. This giant Aquarium is a treat to the eyes while enjoying the aquamarine life. Things that were only restricted to televisions and mobile phones have come closer to human interaction through the aquarium. It features over 33000 aquatic creatures, which is a gigantic number. From crocodiles to sharks and rare fish species, tourists can enjoy the aquatic life absolutely for free here in Dubai.
Although there is a provision to buy tickets and stroll through the aqua-tunnel; nonetheless you can still enjoy the majestic view of the Dubai Aquarium for free. The place will be a must to visit if you are with young minds to satiate their curiosity and add some edu-fun to their journey.
Location: Dubai Mall
Timings: From 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Everyday
Also Read: Plan Your Visit to Dubai Safari Park and Experience a World-Class Wildlife Adventure
3. Jumeirah Beach
For those seeking a perfect beach day in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach is one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free. This is a place to enjoy with friends and family or even have alone time swimming or enjoying the perfect ‘me’ time. Jumeirah Beach is located in the Jumeirah district on the Persian Gulf coast and is ranked among the most popular tourist destination in Dubai. The best part about this place is its amazing vibe and the backdrop, in addition to being absolutely free in such a lavish territory.
The beach is adorned with exuberant resorts and hotels, including the massive Burj Al arab hotel at its front view. Although the place is free to visit yet, there are shower and changing room facilities as well as a running track along the coastline for those who want to enjoy the crystal clear water of the sea.
Location: Persian Gulf coast, Jumeirah district, Dubai
Timings: Open all the time, 24 hours
4. Kite Beach
Another very exciting place to visit in Dubai for free is Kite Beach. Being the hub for kitesurfers and beach lovers, this spectacular place has made it atop the list of the most popular tourist destination in Dubai. The place is located nearby the famous Jumeirah main street. The beach is famous for its scenic view of the afternoon to evening sky when it is crammed full of several colorful kites, a sight to behold.
The place is a delight during the time close to sunset when the entire atmosphere is engulfed with a soothing, cool breeze. Kite Beach is a must to visit place in Dubai if you are a watersport enthusiast, wherein you would definitely like to enjoy activities like kitesurfing and paddleboarding. It is a perfect destination for family outings, especially with kids.
However, it is also a great option for newlyweds and couples to enjoy strolling along the beachside during the evening witnessing the sunset and making memories to cherish. The best time to visit the place is afternoon or evening.
Location: 35 A Street – Dubai
Timings: Open 24X7 all seasons
Also Read: Discovering The Mesmerizing World Of Dubai Garden Glow
5. Coin Museum
Indeed a heritage of Dubai, the Coin Museum is open for all to have a look at the innumerable coin collection from ancient eras absolutely for free. The museum features presentation cabinets for coins where every single detail is mentioned. Telescope screens are installed for visitors to delve into the intricate details of each coin. Technological support has also enhanced the museum. The touch screens are encoded with drop-down menus which give exact information about the metal used, shape, size, and manufacturing details of the coin put on display.
Location: Dubai Heritage Village, Bur Dubai
Timings: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, (except Fri and Sat)
6. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Dubai is not only about skyscrapers and man-made stuff but also about rich flora and fauna. Mentioning the greenery and abundant nature, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect example of its kind. Spread over a massive expanse of 6.2 square kilometers of area, and the wildlife sanctuary is equally a work rich in natural as well as man-made wonders.
An abode to mangroves, lagoons, salt and mud flats, Ras Al Wildlife Sanctuary boasts invigorating wilderness, making it a must-to-visit place in Dubai. You can witness the enchanting view of migratory birds which come here during specific months each year. The Sanctuary is truly a delight for nature and photography enthusiasts. A trip with family with kids or friends is ideal.
Location: Dubai, UAE
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, (Sat to Thurs)
Also Read: Top Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Dubai: Once in your Life
7. Jameel Art Centre
Another very impressive place to visit in Dubai for free is the Jameel Arts Centre, a rich cultural delight to the spectators. The place is set within a humongous area of ten thousand square feet owing to which the place has several spacious floors encompassing displays of contemporary art. It is also home to courtyards, terraces, desert gardens, and over 32 species of plants from different world deserts. It promotes several events, workshops, and installations of contemporary art. If you are in Dubai, don’t forget to pay a free visit to this lovely place.
Location: Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai
Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Sat to Thurs excluding Tuesdays),
and 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM (On Fridays)
8. Hatta Rock Pools
Picturing Dubai with mountains is explicitly a bit difficult. However, to break the spell there’s such a panoramic place to visit in Dubai for free. This popular tourist destination of Dubai is a ghetto snuggled in the alluring mountains of Hajar. If you are looking for an exploration ground and seek some peace in the lap of nature that too in Dubai, then this place is ideal for you.
The cool composed ambiance and absolutely stunning views are a one-of-a-kind attraction to tourists coming from all corners of the world. One can enjoy the sublime environment and swim in the soothing waters for as many hours as possible. The place is even more beautiful after a rain shower.
Location: Hajar Mountains, Hatta
Timings: Anytime
Also Read: 10 Best Things To Do In Dubai For An Thrilling Experience
9. Love Lock Bridge
A dream date in Dubai? Seems impossible. Well, we are here to your aid. If you are planning your ‘An Evening in Paris’ date in Dubai, this is the place for you. This place is free to visit in Dubai and you only have to find a lock and key and move straight to the Love Lock Bridge at the Yard. You can spend a mesmerizing and even more romantic time while placing a lock with customized love initials, later tossing off the key into the water.
It symbolizes eternal love wherein the lovers are blessedly entangled with each other, having no key to disengage themselves. It is among our list of the best places to visit in Dubai for free, owing to its popularity and solidarity. However, the place is not restricted to couples only, this tourist destination in Dubai also has many activities for you to enjoy.
Location: Al Khawaneej Last Exit D89
Al Seef Timing: Open 24 hours
10. The Dubai Water Canal
The Dubai Water Canal is another very popular place to visit in Dubai for free. The place is serene in its composition, having a 6.4km artificial canal featuring a 3km running track and a 12km cycling path. It also houses a mechanical waterfall that changes color. You can reach this place by metro or car, and parking space is available over here at the ‘Dubai Water Canal Walkway Parking.’ The closest metro station is the Business Bay Sea Side Metro stop. The Dubai Waterfall is just a 5-minute walk away from the metro station.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
Timing: Open 24 hours
Also Read: 10 Best Dubai Tourist Attractions
11. Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a floral wonderland that will charm visitors of all ages. This colorful garden has over 45 million blooming flowers arranged in stunning designs and patterns. It is one of the most popular destinations for both locals and tourists who want to experience the beauty of nature without spending a lot of money. Entry for visitors to this beautiful garden is usually ticketed, but on UAE National Day and Flag Day, entry is free. If you want to visit this place, mark these days and experience the world’s largest natural flower garden.
Another attraction to this blooming garden is the butterfly garden, home to over 15,000 butterflies from 26 different species. There is also a heart-shaped pathway with a stunning display of red and white flowers where you can click photos. Located in Dubailand, Al Barsha South 3, Dubai, it is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transportation. So if you are looking for places to visit in Dubai for free, add Dubai Miracle Garden to your itinerary.
Location: Street 3, Al Barsha, Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: From 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Mon-Fri), From 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Sat-Sun)
12. Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek is a historic waterway that is one of Dubai’s most popular and iconic tourist destinations. Dubai Creek is a natural saltwater inlet that divides the city into two sections, Deira and Bur Dubai. This place is not just a famous tourist destination but a vital part of Dubai’s heritage and has played a significant role in the development of Dubai over the centuries. Visitors can take a free abra (traditional boat) ride across the creek to experience the city from a unique perspective.
A ride on the abra boats is incredibly affordable, making it one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free. If you are in Dubai, you must try this traditional abra boat ride across the waterway it will provide you with a thrilling experience. With its historic charm and stunning views, this place is counted as one of the best tourist spots in Dubai, which you must add to your trip.
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week
Also Read: 7 Best Places To Visit In Dubai For An Amazing Vacation
13. Al Qudra lakes
Al Qudra Lakes is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Dubai. With peaceful and tranquil surroundings of the lakes make it an ideal spot for a peaceful camping retreat. Located in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, it is a network of man-made lakes. For visitors, it is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy a peaceful nature retreat.
Al Qudra Lakes is one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free, offering various outdoor activities, such as cycling and camping. There are several cycling and hiking trails and camping areas where you can explore the area’s stunning landscapes or set up tents beneath the shining stars and enjoy the beautiful night.
Location: Al Qudra Lakes, Al Qudra Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: 24 Hours
14. Dubai Gold Souk
Dubai Gold Souk is a popular tourist destination and one of the most famous gold markets in the world. So now the question is, if this is a gold market, how come it is one such place to visit in Dubai for free? However, buying gold is not free, but as a visitor, you can explore the Dubai Gold Souk, which will be a unique experience for you. Being home to many of the world’s leading jewelry brands, making it a prime destination for luxury shopping.
While the Dubai Gold Souk is undoubtedly a popular tourist destination, some unique aspects of this market set it apart from other gold markets worldwide. It is one of the largest gold markets in the world, comprising over 300 retailers selling gold, silver, and precious stones. If you want a unique experience on your Dubai trip, this is the place to be.
Location: Deira, Al Ras, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
15. Bay Avenue Park
If you’re looking for a beautiful green space to relax and unwind in Dubai, Bay Avenue Park is definitely worth a visit. Bay Avenue Park is a public park located in the Business Bay neighborhood. One of the best things about Bay Avenue Park is that it is completely free to visit, making it one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free. The park has many facilities, including jogging tracks, playgrounds, and outdoor gym equipment, making it an ideal destination for families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy the fresh air.
One of the unique features of Bay Avenue Park is its outdoor art installations, which are scattered throughout the park. For those looking for adventure, Bay Avenue Park offers a range of activities, including kayaking on the nearby Dubai Water Canal. This place is close to several popular shopping and dining destinations, making it an ideal spot to start or end a day of exploring the city.
Location: 57R9+C24 – Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: 24 Hours
Conclusion
Dubai is a land of unending wonders attributed to natural and man-made marvels. The mystics and might of this Arab land are unparallel and seamlessly unending. Although we have tried our best to find some best places to visit in Dubai for free, Dubai still holds many fascinating places welcoming tourists worldwide. Whether on a tight budget or just looking for a change of pace, these free attractions offer unique and fascinating experiences that won’t cost you a dime. So next time you’re in Dubai, add these places to your itinerary and experience the best this amazing city offers without breaking the bank.