Guide on the Places to Visit in Dubai for Free

Dubai is one of the most exciting tourist destinations and this is why thousands of people flock to this beautiful city each year. While there are some spectacular attractions to visit, you also have some relaxed activities that you can enjoy free of charge. A perfect Dubai itinerary should include both - a list of the paid attractions and a list of the places to visit in Dubai for free. As you plan, don't forget to include travel insurance. It is a small cost that can keep you from unnecessary hassles and ensure you're well taken care of during your Dubai experience. Take a look at this article to learn more about these places and get some handy tips on spending the best moments in Dubai with your loved ones.

Free-of-charge tourist attractions in Dubai

1. Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is a very beautiful attraction and a place to visit in Dubai for free. You can sit by the fountain and watch the awesome display. The water reaches a height of about 900 feet. This happens along with a fascinating display of light and sound. You can just sit and watch the show, click photos and have a great time with your family. It happens in the evenings every day between 6 PM and 11 PM. The fountain is situated near the Burj Khalifa.

2. Dubai Mall

The next destination is the fabulous and massively large Dubai Mall. It isn't just the largest mall in Dubai, but one of the largest malls in the world. Situated in the heart of downtown Dubai, the mall is spectacular in every way. From the most exclusive brands in the world to the best restaurants and some unmissable attractions like the underwater aquarium, this mall has plenty on offer. You do not need an entry fee to get it, so you can walk around the mall and have the best time. The mall is open from 10:00 AM to midnight.

3. Jumeirah Open Beach

The Jumeirah Open Beach is one of the best free attractions in Dubai. It is a sprawling beach with soft, white sand and clear, blue waters. You can sit at the beach and relax, while your kids play in the water. Some parts of the beach have paid access, but some parts are free to use, so spend your day there with your loved ones.

4. Kite Beach

Kite Beach is another spectacular free beach in Dubai. It doesn't have an entry fee and you can get in and enjoy a variety of activities such as watersports, eating at food trucks, playing in the sand and so on. You can also see people flying kites and engaging in a ton of other fun activities.

5. Old Souk

When translated into simple terms, a soak means a local bazaar. However, the souks of Dubai are anything but ordinary, as you can see a grand display of gold in these places, among other beautiful things. Visit the Old Souk in Dubai to get your hands on gold items at competitive prices. You will also find beautiful handicraft items, traditional perfumes, spices and other enchanting goods. It is open from 10 AM to 10 PM.

6. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Pay a visit to the very peaceful and serene Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is one of the most pious places in Dubai and a must-visit if you wish to say a prayer or make a wish. Apart from the spiritual aspect, the mosque is also famous for its architecture and for being a cultural landmark in Dubai. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open 24 hours and is a family-friendly place.

7. Nahar Tower

One of the oldest structures in Dubai, the Nahar Tower was built in 1870. It was an ancient watchtower built as part of the city’s security system in ancient times. Visit this place to get a slice of history and see a different side of Dubai, far removed from the modern marvels.

8. Car spotting

Dubai is home to some of the fanciest cars in the world! Some of the residents own and drive these vehicles regularly so you can spot them on the roads often. You can also visit the luxury car showrooms to get an exclusive view of the latest models. If you are a car enthusiast, this is definitely one of the most exciting things you can do in Dubai, free of charge.

9. Walk hand-in-hand with your partner

If you are in Dubai for your honeymoon, or simply on a vacation with your beloved, you can spend hours walking hand in hand in this beautiful city. Walk by the waterfront in the evening, or take a stroll in the malls during the day. You will have plenty to see and admire as you pass your time idyllically with your special someone.

10. Relax at the hotel

You can spend a lazy day at the hotel, doing nothing in particular. Most hotels in Dubai have very nice amenities. If yours has a swimming pool, gym, spa, etc, spend your time there. You won't have to pay anything extra. Take a day off amid the hectic sightseeing to rejuvenate and have a nice and relaxing time.

Tips to have a nice time in Dubai

If you are about to leave for your trip to Dubai, we have some of the handiest tips that will help you to have a very good time in the bustling metropolis:

1. Choose your visit time carefully

The peak travel season is between October and March. This is an excellent time to visit Dubai as the weather is favourable and many festivals also take place. You can explore all the beautiful sights and sounds. For example, if you visit Dubai during New Year’s, you can see the world-famous Dubai fireworks and get absolutely mesmerised by it. If you travel around November, you can spend hours at the beach without getting worn out by the sun. Hence, timing your visit is crucial to ensuring you have the best possible time in Dubai.

2. Dress comfortably

The next tip is for you to dress comfortably. Though the weather cools down during the end of the year, it is still very warm compared to some other places. It is also very bright and sunny on most days. Therefore, you need to dress in comfortable, cotton clothes. Also, put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes as that will help you to see the attractions smoothly without feeling any discomfort. Carry an umbrella with you as it will offer shade from the sun and also protect you if there are any unexpected showers, though that is a very rare occurrence in a desert nation like the UAE!

3. Eat and drink well

Keep yourself well-hydrated when you embark upon your sightseeing trip in Dubai. Keep some water or juice boxes with you and keep sipping on them. The hot and humid climate will drain you out, so you need to refuel. Eat well too. Have a heavy and nutritious breakfast at the hotel and then leave for the day. Do not have oily or spicy food in the morning, as that can make you queasy when you walk in the sun. for lunch and dinner, explore the local eateries and savour the amazing global cuisine that you get abundantly in Dubai.

4. Mingle with the locals

Dubai is a wonderful place with people from various ethnicities peacefully co-inhibiting. You will find lots of Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Europeans, and Africans. The local people are really warm and friendly and always help tourists. Mingle with the locals like shopkeepers, drivers, tour guides, etc. and get interesting insights from them about the history and heritage of the place. The locals often have information that you won't find in tourist information books and the like. Hence, it is a great experience to talk to the locals and it is something that you should not miss out on when you go to Dubai.

5. Shop till you drop

Dubai is often said to be the shopping capital of the world. From the elaborate gold items to the latest branded clothes, you get everything in Dubai. While the swanky malls are world-famous, the small markets in the narrow lanes are also quite spectacular. Shop to your heart’s content when you are in Dubai. Shop for yourself, shop for your family and shop for your friends. Get souvenirs to carry back to India. There is a lot to shop for, so keep a couple of days aside just for this interesting activity!

It is quite simple to have a rocking time in Dubai, and you should explore as much of this majestic city as you possibly can on your next visit.