6 of the cheapest attractions in Dubai

Feeling the pinch of February already? In the mood to have a blast but finding yourself rather short on cash? Looking for how to fill that half term week? Then you’ll want to check out the cheapest attractions in Dubai (that are still absolutely brilliant, by the way).

We hear you (loud and clear). The good news is that our fair city has more than its fair share of brilliant bargain attractions that are all yours to enjoy either for free or for very little money at all.

Looking for some great value family days out? Try these

Try 30 activities for under Dhs30. Click here

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Alserkal Avenue

Cultural hotspot Alserkal Avenue might be a haven for hipsters, but there’s plenty for visitors of all ages and inclinations to enjoy. This epicentre for contemporary art is home to loads of fantastic free-to-enter art galleries, uber cool cafes, coffee spots (our heart belongs to Nightjar), shops and creative spaces showcasing locally produced wares (do play fair-trade focused Kave a viist). The thriving district also regularly puts on live performances and events, making this an all-star attraction that can be enjoyed without spending much cash at all (art work purchases withstanding).
Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, www.alserkalavenue.ae (04 3333464).

Al Fahidi District/ The Dubai Museum

Say so long to Dubai’s glitz, glamour, malls and skyscrapers for the day and spend a few hours wandering the alleyways of old Dubai, soaking up the culture and heritage as you go. Head inside the walls of the Al Fahidi Fort and explore the wonderful tribute to the city’s past that is Dubai Museum (entry fee is Dhs3 for adults, Dhs1 for children under six). After that, take a turn through the souks, sipping on cups of sweet karak chai and munching hot samosas purchased from tiny hole-in-the-wall spots as you go. After that, hop on an abra and journey across the creek (Dhs1 per person).
Open daily 24/7. Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai (04 515 5000).

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Al Qudra’s Desert Lakes

There may be man-made waterholes for every person and mood out at Al Quadra these days, but they all have one thing in common: they’re free to visit. Top spots include the intertwined heart-shaped lakes fittingly known as the Love Lakes, the wildlife filled off-the-beaten-track Crescent Moon Lake and the impressive homage to the world’s greatest show that is the Expo Lake (bonus – this one has toilet and parking facilities). Don’t forget about the original series of lakes referred to collectively as Al Quadra Lakes either (Flamingo Lake, The Last Lake of Al Qudra and Al Qudra Lakes East included).
Al Qudra.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

If you’ve lived in the UAE for a little while it’s easy to become blasé about Souk Madinat Jumeirah or only head there with visitors in tow. That would be a real shame though, because the free-to-enter souk with its water-flanked walkways, brilliantly higgledy-piggledy traditional Arabian bazaar-style shopping mall, fabulous views of the glittering Burj Khalifa and array of restaurants and cafes deserves attention. While you can spend a pretty penny at the souk, it’s also perfectly possible to visit without spending much money at all: browse the stall-lined corridors, stop for a restorative drink or snack at one of the many waterfront cafes, Visit on a Wednesday evening and take advantage of souk-wide ladies night deals or head to new multi-sensory venue Street Diversions and take in a (free) live performance while you graze on pan-Asian eats.

La Mer

Did you know that you can spend the entire day sunbathing on La Mer’s lovely stretch of white sand for free? Yes, that’s right, gratis. Bring your own towel, umbrella, bucket and spade et al and you can lap up the gorgeous views, swim in the sky-blue sea and take Insta-worthy shots of those brightly coloured beach huts without opening your wallet once. You’ll find plenty of street-food trucks and fast-food spots at La Mer, meaning that when hunger strikes the budget-friendly theme needn’t be abandoned.
Open daily 7am-midnight. Jumeirah 1, lamerdubai.ae (800 637 227).

Bluewaters Island

The uninterrupted views out over the city from the top of the Ain Dubai are up there with some of the best, but you know what’s also pretty impressive? Taking in the sight of the giant wheel and marvelling at its impressive entirety from the ground. In fact, the whole of Bluewater Dubai is Instagram-tastic (views of JBR and The Beach included) and the thriving area is well worth exploring by foot. Stroll around the impressive man-made island, browse the various retails spaces and try to resist the urge to pop into Madame Tussauds for a next level selfie.
Bluewaters Dubai (04 399 9039).