ExperienceSeptember 29, 2025
Top 10 Places to visit in Dubai For Free You Can’t Miss
Dubai is always thought of as a luxury holiday destination, with its glitzy hotels, hi-rise skyscrapers, and designer malls. But the truth is you do not have to spend an arm and a leg to visit this fantastic city. In fact, there are free things to do in Dubai and give you an experience of its culture, lifestyle, and beauty without burning even a dirham. Whether you're a backpacker, a tight-fisted family, or simply someone who wants more experience for less, Here are places to visit in Dubai for free, and some of the best Dubai free tourist places that you shouldn’t miss.
While there is a fee to go on top of Burj Khalifa's observation deck, it is free to view this marvel of engineering from the outside. Head to Dubai Mall Fountain square for an elevated perspective. The tower shines at night, and it's one of the most symbolic things to do for free in Dubai.
Advice: Visit in the evening when the lights are on for the best photos.
Right next to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain Show is also nothing short of amazing. Water jets perform to music and light every evening. It is completely free to view, and it's also one of the top things to do in Dubai for free as a family.
Advice: Arrive a bit early to secure a good viewing spot, as it gets crowded quickly, especially on weekends.
If you wished you could turn the clocks back, then Dubai Creek is the place to be. It was the hub of Dubai's trade some time ago. It is one of the free tourist attractions in Dubai which gets you closer to the roots.
Advice: Go around sunset for cooler weather and enjoy the traditional vibe without the daytime heat.
For beach lovers, Jumeirah Beach is a public stretch of sand with views of the famous Burj Al Arab. one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free for families, picnics, or a sunset walk. If you’re wondering where to go in Dubai at night for free, the beachside promenade is a great choice.
Advice: Bring snacks, water, and a mat to enjoy a relaxed picnic by the beach without spending extra.
While tickets to enter the aquarium could be pricey, you can quite literally see part of the enormous tank for absolutely nothing at all from the mall itself. Glancing at the fish, the sharks, and the rays gliding by while standing in front of the glass is one of the less-advertised free activities to do in Dubai Mall.
Advice: Go during weekdays to avoid the big crowds and have more time to admire marine life peacefully.
Culture vultures will love strolling through Al Fahidi. Narrow streets, wind towers, and art galleries tell the tale of previous Dubai. Strolling through here not only is free but is also educational, making it one of the best free destinations to visit in Dubai.
Advice: Wear comfortable shoes and take your time exploring the alleys.
This hidden gem is home to hundreds of flamingos and other migratory birds. Entry is free, and it’s a perfect spot for families who enjoy nature. If you’re searching for cheap places to visit in Dubai with family for free, this is a great pick.
Advice: Bring binoculars for a closer look at the birds, and go in the morning when the flamingos are most active.
Paved with restaurants, yachts, and high-rises, the Dubai Marina Walk is ideal for a peaceful nighttime walk. It's a great answer to the question: "where to go in Dubai at night for free?"
Advice: Visit during the evening to enjoy cooler temperatures and the beautiful lights reflecting on the water.
Dubai offers several relaxing green spaces such as Zabeel Park and Creek Park, where entry fees are affordable and sometimes free on special days. These spots are perfect places to visit in Dubai in summer for free or for a token amount, especially in the evenings, giving families and travelers a cool escape from the heat while still enjoying nature and open spaces.
Advice: Check the park schedule online before going, sometimes they have free-entry days or family events you don’t want to miss.
Art need not cost. Go to City Walk or Jumeirah for vibrant street murals. They're open-air galleries and definitely one of the most insta-worthy Dubai free activities.
Advice: Visit during the day for clear pictures, but if you want fewer crowds, try early mornings.
There are also loads of cool and fun things to see at Dubai Mall for free. You can view:
You might wonder: is it worth splurging on Dubai's high-priced attractions when there is so much to do in Dubai for free? The answer is a question of budget and interest. Pricey places like Atlantis Waterpark or Ski Dubai offer unique experiences, but inexpensive landmarks like the Dubai Fountain or Al Fahidi offer an untainted taste of the city for no cost.
If you’re planning a family weekend, here are some fun places to visit in Dubai for free by metro with family:
Burj Khalifa Views from Outside
While there is a fee to go on top of Burj Khalifa's observation deck, it is free to view this marvel of engineering from the outside. Head to Dubai Mall Fountain square for an elevated perspective. The tower shines at night, and it's one of the most symbolic things to do for free in Dubai.
Advice: Visit in the evening when the lights are on for the best photos.
Dubai Fountain Show
Right next to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain Show is also nothing short of amazing. Water jets perform to music and light every evening. It is completely free to view, and it's also one of the top things to do in Dubai for free as a family.
Advice: Arrive a bit early to secure a good viewing spot, as it gets crowded quickly, especially on weekends.
Dubai Creek
If you wished you could turn the clocks back, then Dubai Creek is the place to be. It was the hub of Dubai's trade some time ago. It is one of the free tourist attractions in Dubai which gets you closer to the roots.
Advice: Go around sunset for cooler weather and enjoy the traditional vibe without the daytime heat.
Jumeirah Beach
For beach lovers, Jumeirah Beach is a public stretch of sand with views of the famous Burj Al Arab. one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free for families, picnics, or a sunset walk. If you’re wondering where to go in Dubai at night for free, the beachside promenade is a great choice.
Advice: Bring snacks, water, and a mat to enjoy a relaxed picnic by the beach without spending extra.
Dubai Mall Aquarium (from Outside)
While tickets to enter the aquarium could be pricey, you can quite literally see part of the enormous tank for absolutely nothing at all from the mall itself. Glancing at the fish, the sharks, and the rays gliding by while standing in front of the glass is one of the less-advertised free activities to do in Dubai Mall.
Advice: Go during weekdays to avoid the big crowds and have more time to admire marine life peacefully.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Culture vultures will love strolling through Al Fahidi. Narrow streets, wind towers, and art galleries tell the tale of previous Dubai. Strolling through here not only is free but is also educational, making it one of the best free destinations to visit in Dubai.
Advice: Wear comfortable shoes and take your time exploring the alleys.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
This hidden gem is home to hundreds of flamingos and other migratory birds. Entry is free, and it’s a perfect spot for families who enjoy nature. If you’re searching for cheap places to visit in Dubai with family for free, this is a great pick.
Advice: Bring binoculars for a closer look at the birds, and go in the morning when the flamingos are most active.
Dubai Marina Walk
Paved with restaurants, yachts, and high-rises, the Dubai Marina Walk is ideal for a peaceful nighttime walk. It's a great answer to the question: "where to go in Dubai at night for free?"
Advice: Visit during the evening to enjoy cooler temperatures and the beautiful lights reflecting on the water.
Cheap Public Parks
Dubai offers several relaxing green spaces such as Zabeel Park and Creek Park, where entry fees are affordable and sometimes free on special days. These spots are perfect places to visit in Dubai in summer for free or for a token amount, especially in the evenings, giving families and travelers a cool escape from the heat while still enjoying nature and open spaces.
Advice: Check the park schedule online before going, sometimes they have free-entry days or family events you don’t want to miss.
Street Art in Jumeirah & City Walk
Art need not cost. Go to City Walk or Jumeirah for vibrant street murals. They're open-air galleries and definitely one of the most insta-worthy Dubai free activities.
Advice: Visit during the day for clear pictures, but if you want fewer crowds, try early mornings.
Fun Things to Do in Dubai Mall for Free
There are also loads of cool and fun things to see at Dubai Mall for free. You can view:
- The spectacular Dubai Waterfall, an awe-inspiring indoor attraction which flows along several levels and features diver sculptures.
- The Dubai Dino is also free to view in the Grand Atrium, an actual dinosaur fossil over 150 million years old.
- Fashion Avenue is the ideal location for window shopping and gawking at pricey store fronts.
- Chinatown Section, you can also stroll through it, complete with neon lights and hi-tech design, ideal for photogs.
Dubai Free Things to Do vs Paid Attractions
You might wonder: is it worth splurging on Dubai's high-priced attractions when there is so much to do in Dubai for free? The answer is a question of budget and interest. Pricey places like Atlantis Waterpark or Ski Dubai offer unique experiences, but inexpensive landmarks like the Dubai Fountain or Al Fahidi offer an untainted taste of the city for no cost.
Weekend Free Activities in Dubai for Families
If you’re planning a family weekend, here are some fun places to visit in Dubai for free by metro with family:
- A picnic at Jumeirah Beach.
- Watching the Dubai Fountain Show at night.
- Visiting the flamingos at Ras Al Khor.
- Exploring Al Fahidi Historical District together.
