What comes to mind when you think of Dubai? Is it the towering skyscrapers? Designer stores? Or maybe the luxurious hotels on the Palm Jumeirah? We certainly bet the word ‘free’ doesn’t come to mind! But did you know that there are many things to do in Dubai that won’t cost you a penny?
That means you can save more money for sampling the delicious cuisine that the city has to offer!
Travel expert, Nicky Cox, at HolidayGems.co.uk reveals the top five unmissable Dubai activities that are absolutely free!
Look up at the tallest building in the world
It’s no secret that Dubai is home to the tallest building in the world, the breathtaking Burj Khalifa. Yes, seeing the views from this feat of engineering is an unforgettable experience, but seeing the building itself from the ground is just as spectacular. The Burj Khalifa stretches 830 metres into the sky, that’s more than half a mile!
Witnessing the tallest manmade structure ever built is an exceptional experience, plus it goes without saying that it makes for some fantastic photo opportunities! We can bet that not many people will have a profile pic of them with the striking Burj Khalifa towering over them in the background.
Be amazed by the Dubai Fountain
Image credit: Travel Digg
No, we’re not expecting you to stand by a little fountain and pretend to be excited. These are fountains… Dubai style! So it really will come as no surprise that these fountains are bigger, better and much more awe-inspiring than any others on the planet.
The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, set in a lake at the base of the world’s tallest building – so it really doesn’t get more spectacular than this! The fountains shoot water as high as 450 feet into the air – that’s higher than most buildings!
Top up your tan at the beach
Image credit: Discover Dubai
While many of the beaches in Dubai are privately owned by hotels, there are still a selection of free beaches that are open to the public. You may have to pay extra for a sun lounger, but who needs one of those? Just lay your towel on the sand and you’re all set to soak up some of that glorious Middle Eastern sunshine!
Some amazing free beaches to try include 4×4 beach off Beach Road, the beach down by The Walk at JBR or Kite Beach.
Stroll around Bastakiya
Image credit: Flashy Dubai
Originally constructed back in the late 1600s, Bastakiya is the oldest residential area in Dubai. It’s located in Bar Dubai, which is the city’s historical district, and has been recently restored to its former glory, making it a stunning place to take a holiday stroll.
Bastakiya is also home to the Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and the Arabian Tea House, making this a fantastic and insightful way to spend half a day in Dubai.
Wander around a traditional souk
Souks are traditional Middle Eastern marketplaces, but you don’t have to buy anything to get the full effect of these bustling places. Dubai has a reputation as being a modern city, but these traditional Arabian markets are still an essential part of life in the UAE.
Some of the most famous souks in Dubai include: the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk, the Perfume Souk, the Textile Souk, the Souk Madinat and the Dubai Mall Souk.
If you’re considering a trip to Dubai, it doesn’t have to cost the earth! In fact, we offer a wide range of cheap Dubai holidays to suit all tastes and budgets. Check out our Dubai section for more information. Happy holidays!
