21 Free Things to Do in Dubai That Are Actually Cool!
Dubai has a reputation for being expensive. And don’t get me wrong – it can be! But if you’re traveling on a budget, rest assured there are a ton of free things to do in Dubai that are actually cool.
From getting neck-craning views of the world’s tallest building and seeing thousands of flamingos in the city’s natural wetlands to wandering through textile-filled souks and lounging on picture-perfect beaches, there are plenty of free attractions in Dubai to keep you entertained for days on end!
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21 Things to Do in Dubai For Free
1. Check Out the Massive Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest in the world and while you might be tempted to spend some money on the 1,200+ stores and 200+ food and drink outlets, this massive mall is unlike any other you’ve been to before, and it’s well worth visiting just to experience it. It also happens to be home to quite a few of the best things to do in Dubai for free! (More on these below.)
READ MORE: 12 Fun Things to Do in the Dubai Mall
2. See the Dubai Fountain Show
Marveling at the famous Dubai Fountain Show is easily one of the most popular things to do in Dubai for free. And it’s a must on any Dubai bucket list. The show takes place on Burj Lake just outside the Dubai Mall every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm every day.
This is a very popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, so the area around the lake gets packed at showtime. It’s best to snag a prime spot as one show ends and just wait until the next show starts to get the best views! There are also plenty of bars and restaurants that offer excellent views of the Dubai Fountain Show as well.
3. See the World’s Tallest Building
If you’re checking out the Dubai Fountain Show, you can check two things off your to-do list because the Burj Khalifa is also located right outside of the Dubai Mall. You can enjoy the show while also taking in views of the world’s tallest building.
4. Marvel at Sea Creatures at Dubai Aquarium
Another one of the coolest free attractions in Dubai is also found in the Dubai Mall. Head over to The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and you’ll have the chance to check out sharks, rays, fish, and more. While it does cost money to enter the aquarium, this place has a huge tank and several smaller ones just outside of the entrance where you can check out all the 300+ swimming sea creatures at no cost!
5. See the Dubai Waterfall
Also located in the Dubai Mall, you should definitely hunt down the Dubai Waterfall (aka the Human Waterfall). This unique 4-story art installation plunges from the 3rd Floor down to the Ground Level, and it’s a sight to be seen.
The reason it’s called the Human Waterfall is because a series of human figures appear to be diving into the pool of water below! The figures are meant to pay homage to Dubai’s pearl diving history.
6. Stroll Along the Marina Walk
When it comes to free activities in Dubai, visiting the Dubai Marina is another bucket list thing to do. To make the most out of the views of the yacht-filled harbor and the towering buildings, it’s well worth taking some time to stroll around the 7-kilometer Marina Walk.
This will take you along the marina and past all sorts of attractions like the Insta-worthy art installations, beautiful mosques, buzzing outdoor restaurants, the Dubai Marina Mall, and much more.
READ More: The Top Things to Do in Dubai Marina
7. Go to Kite Beach
Kite Beach is one of my favorite free beaches in Dubai (if not my favorite!) and locals flock here every day of the week when the weather is nice. As its name implies, the wind can pick up here, making it a popular spot to go kitesurfing. But it’s also a lovely spot to take a swim or just bask in the sun.
There are a variety of food trucks here serving up everything from acai bowls to Middle Eastern snacks, as well as some casual sit-down restaurants. This is also a popular place for locals to play a game of beach volleyball, walk or jog along the 14-kilometer beachfront track, go skating in the skate park, or just watch the sunset.
8. Go to a Waterpark on Your Birthday
Located on Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is the largest waterpark in the world and it’s always a fun place to spend the day, no matter what age you are. This place does cost AED345 for an adult day pass, so it does come at a cost.
But head here during your birthday week, and you get entry for free! Click here to register your birthday. When it comes to free activities in Dubai, this one is the best value you’re going to get!
9. Get Cultured on Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue is known as Dubai’s artsy little oasis, and it’s a great place to wander around for free. This place is made up of 40 warehouses that have been revamped into art galleries, co-working spaces, studios, cafes, restaurants, and even an arthouse cinema. You’ll also find a few food trucks around, as well as some funky street art.
10. Get Al Ain Views on Bluewaters Island
Located just off of JBR, Bluewaters Island is where you’ll find the Ain Dubai, the world’s largest Ferris wheel. Do note that the Ain Dubai hasn’t been running for the past couple of years, but that’s OK since you’re looking for free things to do in Dubai anyway!
Towering at 250 meters, spotting the Ain Dubai from the beach at JBR is a must. But for one of the coolest free activities in Dubai, I also suggest walking over the pedestrian bridge to Bluewaters Island to get up close and personal with this iconic attraction. Stay until after dark, and you’ll have the chance to see the Ain Dubai all lit up with multicolored lights!
11. See Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
When most people think of Dubai, they don’t think about natural attractions. But did you know that Dubai is actually home to expansive wetlands right on the edge of town?
Every winter, thousands of wild flamingos migrate to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. While this sanctuary is highly protected, it is possible to spot these unique creatures from one of the “bird hides.”
These are open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm during the winter months (and from 6 am to 6 pm between April and September). And the best part? It’s one of the most unique free attractions in Dubai that let’s you get up close and personal views of these unique birds!
12. Wander Around Souk Madinat
Located near the Burj Al Arab, Souk Madinat feels like a hidden gem in the middle of the city. Plus, it’s totally free to wander around and the views of the Burj Al Arab from different vantage points around this complex can’t be beat.
The entire complex was designed to look like an old-world Arabian town. But take a stroll around the souk-inspired walkways and you’ll find all sorts of hip shops, buzzing cafes, and international restaurants, many of which are right on the canals.
13. Photograph the Iranian Mosque
Located in Bur Dubai, the Iranian Mosque is one of the most beautiful, intricate, and colorful mosques in Dubai and it’s free to enter. If you’re looking for examples of beautiful Islamic architecture this is one of the best free attractions in Dubai. Just make sure you’re dressed appropriately!
14. Be Transported to Chinatown
If you find yourself in the Dubai Mall, make your way to Chinatown. This is one of the newer Dubai Mall attractions and it’s totally free to visit! (FYI, it’s right across from the Dubai Ice Rink.)
Step inside and you’ll immediately be transported to a kitschy Asian universe. From the giant panda to the hall of neon signs and a room filled with Chinese lanterns, this place is just brimming with prime selfie and photo ops.
15. Snap a Selfie with The ‘Wings of Mexico’ Statue
The “Wings of Mexico” statue is one of the most Instagrammed spots in Dubai. You’ll find this unique statue downtown, near the Dubai Mall. You’ll likely have to wait in line to take your photo but it’s worth it to pose with the wings framed perfectly with the Burj Khalifa in the background.
16. See Old-School Dubai in Al Seef
Al Seef is a must-visit if you want to get a sense of Dubai’s heritage. This place is all about paying homage to Dubai Creek’s former life as a pearl-diving hub.
Explore the area and you’ll find old-world-inspired architecture (including wind towers and sandstone buildings), courtyard cafes, and small shops hawking everything from local art to lanterns, perfumes, and traditional clothing. If you’re looking for free attractions in Dubai, Al Seef is a wonderful place to just wander around.
Al Seef is also located right on Dubai Creek. And while it’s not free, you can cross the creek over to Deira on a traditional abra for just 2 dirhams. This is where you’ll find the Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
17. Visit the Gold Souk
When you’re exploring Deira, it’s impossible to miss the famous Gold Souk. This bustling marketplace is lined with brightly-lit shops hawking all manner of gold products. Your budget may not allow you to be in the market for gold jewelry but window-shopping here is half the fun!
18. And Then Visit the Spice Souk
Located a short stroll from the Gold Souk is the Spice Souk. This is one of those quintessential free activities in Dubai and it’s well worth exploring and taking in the sights and smells of this historic place. Bring your camera because this is as picturesque as it gets!
19. Visit Last Exit
If you happen to be Abu Dhabi-bound, be sure to stop off at Last Exit (AUH Bound). This quirky place is located just 15 minutes from the Dubai Marina and it’s easily one of the weirdest free attractions in Dubai.
This kitschy rest stop gives Americana road trip vibes, but instead of traditional fast-food restaurants, it’s actually home to a handful of hip food trucks and coffee carts. But the really quirky thing is that the entire place is Mad Max-themed, so expect to find burned-out cars, dystopian graffiti, and dystopian scenery.
Be sure to check out the bizarre bathrooms while you’re there!
20. Work on Your Tan at JBR Beach
JBR Beach is another one of the best free beaches in Dubai. It’s more touristy than Kite Beach since it’s set among all of the hotels and tourist attractions of JBR and the Dubai Marina, but it makes for a great place to lay down a towel, take a dip, and work on your tan. Plus, entry is free!
READ MORE: Fun Thing to Do in JBR
21. Stay Hydrated with Free Water
Dubai gets hot and that’s especially true during the summer months. So it’s important to stay hydrated while you’re doing all that Dubai sightseeing. Luckily, you’ll find all sorts of water refill stations around Dubai’s main tourist hubs where you can refill your water bottle at absolutely no cost!
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