Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and has become world-famous in the past few decades.
When people think of Dubai, they often imagine luxury hotels, shiny skyscrapers, and over-the-top attractions. It’s true that Dubai is full of glitz and extravagant experiences, but the city is much more than that. You don’t need luxury cars, gold shops, or expensive activities to enjoy Dubai. The city offers plenty of great experiences even if you’re not planning a luxury trip.
Ready for a trip to Dubai?
Here are some quick recommendations on what to book for your trip:
Best places to stay:
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So if you’re wondering “Is Dubai expensive to visit?”, I hope this Dubai on a budget guide helps you see that it’s still possible to visit without spending a fortune.
In this article, I share my own experiences from previous trips and show you how to visit Dubai without spending too much. You’ll find practical budget travel tips, cheap and free things to do, affordable hotels, and simple ways to plan a low-cost trip.
A little personal insight: Dubai is one of my favorite destinations, and for some reason, I always return. I’ve visited during very different financial situations: times when I could enjoy small luxuries, times when I had to be more careful with money, and even times when I was completely broke. And honestly, even then, Dubai was still possible — and exactly the place I needed to recharge and get motivated again.
So, now that the introduction is done, let’s take a look at how you can travel to Dubai on a budget.
But first, the unavoidable question:
Is Dubai an expensive destination?
Yes and no. In Dubai, you can spend as much money as you want. So yes, it can be very expensive. If you’re looking for luxury, Dubai offers a level of comfort and extravagance that only a few places in the world can match.
At the same time, Dubai is generally a high-priced city. It’s similar to places like the USA, Iceland, or Switzerland: cost of living is higher, wages are higher, and the overall standard of living is above average.
Because of this, planning a cheap trip to Dubai is not always easy. Many things may seem pricey, especially if you’re used to lower costs at home. But with smart planning, you can still explore Dubai without spending too much, and that’s exactly what this guide will help you with.
What is a good daily budget for Dubai?
The most realistic minimum daily budget for two people in Dubai (without flights) starts at around €100 per day. Below this amount, it’s very difficult to cover accommodation, food, transport, and a few basic attractions.
If you want my honest estimate, a comfortable daily budget for two people is usually around €150–300 per day. With this amount, you can stay in a nice hotel, use public transport or taxis, enjoy better meals, and include some entry tickets or activities.
What are the most expensive parts of a trip to Dubai?
Flights
The flight ticket is often the biggest surprise in the total cost of a Dubai trip. Flying to Dubai has become extremely expensive in recent years. If you’re planning a budget trip, low-cost airlines are usually the only realistic option.
Emirates Airlines, the famous national carrier, will likely be far too expensive. Their service is excellent, but by now their prices became extremely high. Even FlyDubai, which used to offer cheaper tickets, now sells flights at surprisingly high prices on many routes.
If you want to save money, pay close attention to the airline, travel dates, and booking time.
Dining
Dubai is known for its amazing food scene and huge culinary variety. But eating out is not cheap. Restaurants, cafés, and even many grocery shops can be pricey, especially if you prefer Western foods, international brands, or trendy places.
Of course, it’s possible to eat for less if you choose local restaurants, small eateries, or food courts, but overall, dining in Dubai is on the expensive side.
Entrance fees
Dubai has some attractions with fair prices, and I’ll list those later. But many popular activities (observation decks, museums, theme parks, waterparks, boat rides) come with high entrance fees. On a multi-day or one-week trip, these costs can add up very quickly.
But these higher prices don’t mean you can’t explore Dubai on a budget. You absolutely can, and in this guide, I’ll show you how to enjoy the city without spending too much.
What’s cheaper in Dubai compared to other places?
Public transportation
Dubai has surprisingly good prices when it comes to getting around. The metro, buses, and even taxis are cheaper than in many major cities. The metro is especially budget-friendly and connects most important areas.
Car rental
Renting a car is also more affordable in Dubai than in many other destinations. Rental prices are competitive, and the cars are usually modern and well-maintained.
Fuel
Fuel prices are much lower than in Europe and many other parts of the world. If you rent a car, you’ll notice immediately how cheap it is to fill up the tank.
Gold
Dubai is famous for its gold markets. Many travelers buy gold jewelry here because prices are often better than in other countries, and the quality is excellent.
Certain activities
Dubai offers plenty of free or low-cost things to do: beaches, waterfronts, historic neighborhoods, markets, and beautiful viewpoints.
Later in this guide, you’ll find a full list of the best free and affordable activities.
How to make a Dubai trip cheaper in 2026
In this section, I’ll show you clear, practical tips to help you save money when planning a trip to Dubai. You’ll find advice for flights, transportation, accommodation, dining, and activities — everything you need to organize a budget-friendly visit.
So let’s see how you can make the most of your Dubai trip at the best possible price.
How to plan a low-budget trip to Dubai
When planning your trip, start by deciding what you really need and what your priorities are. On a budget trip, luxury hotels, premium attractions, and exclusive experiences won’t fit into the plan, and that’s completely fine.
Of course, you won’t fly with Emirates, stay at the Burj Khalifa, or spend the afternoon at Aura Sky Pool while still keeping your trip cheap. That simply isn’t possible.
This is why it’s important to research prices carefully and figure out what, when, and how you can book things at the best value. Dubai can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to look and what to skip.
Things you can save money on
Choosing the right time to travel
Your Dubai trip can cost half as much if you travel in the right season. With flexible dates, you can save a lot. Later in this guide, I’ll show examples of when it’s cheapest to visit Dubai and how to catch the best deals.
Flights
If several airlines fly from your departure airport, simply choose the cheapest option. This usually means fewer services, but the savings are worth it on a budget trip. You can also save by:
- paying only for the baggage you truly need,
- skipping in-flight meals,
- choosing cheaper airport parking or public transport to the airport.
Hotels
Dubai has both very expensive and more budget-friendly areas. Cheaper districts include Deira, Bur Dubai, Expo City, and Jumeirah Village Circle. Hotels here are usually much more affordable.
The downside: you often need a car to reach the main attractions quickly. But the price difference in accommodation can still make it worth it.
Transportation
Public transport is the cheapest option, especially the metro and buses. They can be crowded and don’t reach everything, but they are reliable and budget-friendly.
Car rental can also be surprisingly affordable in Dubai, and with the low fuel prices, it often is a very good choice.
Food
Dubai has an incredible selection of restaurants and grocery stores, which gives you many ways to save. You’ll find everything from very cheap local eateries to luxury restaurants. If you mix affordable meals with a few nicer dinners, you can keep your food budget low.
Activities
Dubai offers many free or low-cost things to do: beaches, marinas, markets, old neighborhoods, viewpoints, and more.
We’ll go through all of these in detail below, with practical tips to help you plan, book, and enjoy your Dubai trip at the best possible price.
Best time to visit Dubai on a budget
One of the easiest ways to save money on a Dubai trip is by choosing the right travel period.
I’ve been watching Dubai prices for years, and here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve: This is the most expensive time of the year. Many people travel to Dubai for the holidays, there are special holiday dinners everywhere, and the Dubai Shopping Festival often happens around this period too, all of which push prices up.
- Late autumn and early spring (October–November, March): These months are also more expensive. The weather is amazing: warm, sunny, and perfect for sightseeing and beach activities. Just note that in winter the sea can feel cold, even when the air temperature is pleasant.
- Summer (May–September): This is the cheapest time to visit Dubai, but I don’t recommend it unless you’re used to extreme heat. Temperatures can be unbearable, humidity is high, and some attractions close or run on limited hours.
- After New Year’s Eve (mid-January onwards): This period is surprisingly affordable. Prices drop after the holidays, and the weather is still good for sightseeing. This is one of my personal favorite times to visit, even if I don’t go swimming at the beach.
So when is the best time to visit Dubai on a budget?
Overall, I recommend traveling from the second half of January until mid-April.
- If you’re planning mostly sightseeing or hotel pool time, January and February are perfect.
- If you want warm enough weather for the beach, March and April are the best months.
This period gives you great weather, manageable crowds, and much better prices than the winter holidays or the peak shoulder seasons.
How many days to spend in Dubai
I recommend spending at least 4–7 days in Dubai. Anything shorter is usually not worth the cost of the flight. Time passes quickly here: transportation, parking, meals, and getting from one attraction to another can take longer than expected, so you need several days to see the main highlights comfortably.
The ideal length for a Dubai trip is 7–14 days. With one full week or more, you can explore Dubai in a relaxed way, visit nearby Abu Dhabi, and even take day trips to the desert or other parts of the UAE.
Budget airlines to Dubai
Everyone travels from different departure airports, so the available airlines can vary a lot.
Since I usually fly from Central Europe, I’m most familiar with the options from Vienna, Budapest, and nearby airports. From these, the main low-cost airline flying to Dubai is Wizz Air.
There is also FlyDubai, which is cheaper than Emirates but not considered a true low-cost carrier.
It’s always worth comparing the prices of these airlines and calculating your total travel costs before booking.
If you’re traveling to Dubai from farther away, you may not have low-cost options at all. In that case, be prepared for higher flight prices.
To find the best deals, check popular flight comparison sites like:
Also, keep an eye on promotions. Many airlines run discounts during holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Black Friday, and other special dates, and these can significantly reduce flight prices.
Just keep in mind that flights are usually the hardest part to save money on, especially if only one or two airlines operate on your route. Other expenses, like accommodation or food, can be more flexible.
Where to stay in Dubai on a budget
Accommodation is one of the easiest parts of your trip to adjust to your budget, and Dubai gives you a huge variety of options. From simple budget stays to comfortable three- and four-star hotels, and even world-class luxury resorts, you can choose from thousands of places.
Since this article focuses on budget travel, here are the affordable accommodations and areas I recommend:
Best budget accommodations in Dubai for under €100 per night on average
- Rove Expo City: We recommend Rove hotels if you’re looking for affordable accommodation. One such option is the Rove Expo City hotel, located in the Expo City. It’s very reasonably priced and well-rated, although a bit far from other attractions.
- Ecos Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan: A three-star budget hotel in the southern part of the city, in the suburbs. It may require a car. It has very good reviews.
- Rove Healthcare City – Bur Dubai: Another three-star hotel from the Rove hotel chain, but this one is in a different part of the city, close to the Frame, the Creek, and Downtown. Its central location and price make it a good choice.
Best budget hotels in Dubai for less than €200 per night on average
- Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens: A stylish four-star hotel, relatively close to the metro, the Palm, and the Marina.
- Rove Downtown: The Rove hotel chain’s three-star hotel in Downtown, with views of the Burj Khalifa, at an affordable price.
- Vida Creek Harbour: A good-value four-star hotel near Creek Harbour, with fantastic views from the terrace and pool, two restaurants, and free private parking.
- Courtyard by Marriott Dubai, Al Barsha: A well-priced four-star hotel in the Barsha district, close to the Mall of the Emirates shopping center. It’s a good choice if you want to stay centrally at a reasonable price.
- Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre, Dubai: Another four-star hotel from the same hotel chain, also close to Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Frame.
- Al Bandar Rotana: A five-star hotel near DXB Airport and the Creek, with very good value for money, private parking, great views of downtown, and excellent breakfast.
- Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel: An affordable five-star hotel in Barsha, close to the metro and the popular Mall of the Emirates shopping center.
- Avani Plus Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites: An apartment hotel near the Palm, with its own kitchen, very good reviews, and excellent views.
Where to book cheap accommodation in Dubai
A common question for many travelers is whether it’s better to book through platforms like Booking.com or directly on the hotel’s website.
My answer is simple: always compare the prices and choose the cheaper option.
I often book through Booking.com, because with the frequent deals and the extra discounts from the Genius program, it usually ends up being the more affordable choice. They also run regular coupon promotions, which can reduce your total cost even further.
Another easy way to save money is to skip hotel breakfast. Many hotels charge €25–50 per person, which adds up quickly. It’s usually much cheaper to grab breakfast at a café or bakery nearby.
Where to eat in Dubai on a budget
As I mentioned earlier, Dubai has a huge range of dining options, but many of them are expensive, especially restaurants with great views or luxurious settings.
The cheapest way to eat in Dubai is to buy ready-made meals from hypermarkets. Most hypermarkets offer dishes like roasted chicken, fries, salads, sandwiches, and other quick meals at very good prices.
The most popular hypermarkets in Dubai are:
- Carrefour
- Waitrose
- Lulu’s Hypermarket
- Spinneys
- Nesto
- Grandiose (supermarket)
- West Zone (supermarket)
Another budget-friendly option is street food. Dubai has many small local eateries with affordable food. You’ll also find well-known fast-food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, or Five Guys, which offer reasonably priced meals.
These two options — hypermarkets and street food — are usually the cheapest ways to eat in Dubai.
If you’re staying in an apartment with a kitchen, you can also cook for yourself. However, keep in mind that ingredients can be quite expensive, so cooking isn’t always the most budget-friendly choice.
If you follow a special diet, be prepared for slightly higher prices as well, similar to other countries.
Outside grocery stores and street food, Dubai has restaurants in every price range, so it’s completely up to you how much you want to spend.
A good tip is to compare food prices on Dubai’s two main food delivery apps:
- Talabat
- Deliveroo
You can browse menus and get a clear idea of the prices before you decide where to eat.
Additionally, almost every restaurant and café also has an official website where you can check the menu in advance, which makes budgeting much easier.
How to get around Dubai cheaply
Dubai is a huge city, so getting around is not always simple. You need to plan your transportation well, especially if you want to stay within a tight budget.
Here are the main transportation options and what to expect from each:
Public transport
Metro
The metro is one of the cheapest ways to travel in Dubai. It’s clean, safe, and easy to use.
However, there are only two metro lines, and they don’t reach many attractions outside the main city center, so your options can be limited.
Buses
Dubai also has a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus. It’s convenient but not cheap, so I don’t consider it a budget option.
Regular city buses, on the other hand, are very affordable, but they may not always take you directly to the tourist sights, and travel times can be long.
Taxis
Taxis are the most flexible mode of transportation in Dubai and still offer reasonable prices compared to many big cities. If you don’t want to walk too much or need to reach places quickly, taking a taxi is a good choice.
Keep in mind:
- Yellow taxis are the cheapest.
- During peak hours, taxis can take longer to arrive, so plan ahead.
Ride-hailing apps
Apps like Uber and Careem work very well in Dubai. Prices are usually similar to taxis or slightly higher, but the comfort and reliability make them a great option, especially at night or when you’re far from a metro station.
If you plan well and mix these options wisely, you can get around Dubai comfortably without spending too much.
Car rental
Renting a car is another flexible way to get around Dubai. In this case, the main thing you need to consider is parking. But don’t worry, parking in Dubai is generally well-organized. Many private places offer free parking, and public parking areas are usually affordable. Fuel is also cheap, and car rental prices are lower than in many other destinations.
However, there is one thing you need to be careful about. Some rental companies deduct extra charges from your deposit very late and only inform you long after your trip. We had a situation where a company contacted us 1.5 years after our visit about an unpaid fine. We had to argue with them for months until they finally proved the fine existed. It was not a pleasant experience, and from what we’ve heard, this happens quite often with different rental companies.
Because of this, I can’t recommend any car rental company with a completely good heart.
If you want to compare prices safely, I recommend checking:
- Rentalcars.com
- Discovercars.com.
Don’t save on travel insurance
Even if you’re traveling on a tight budget, never skip travel insurance. Healthcare costs in Dubai can be extremely high, and even a small health issue can become very expensive.
Always read the fine print of your insurance policy. I’ve heard cases where surgeries were not covered because the traveler didn’t have a return ticket booked. It’s also important to check how the insurance pays: some companies reimburse you only afterward.
Good insurance is essential when visiting Dubai, and it’s not worth trying to save money on this part.
Free things to do in Dubai
Dubai may be known for luxury, but there are many attractions and places you can enjoy completely free of charge. Here are the best free things to do in Dubai if you’re traveling on a budget:
Watch the Dubai Fountain show at the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain are two of the most popular attractions in the city. The best part?
The fountain and laser shows are free, and they make a perfect evening program with beautiful views of Downtown Dubai.
Discover the attractions inside Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is not just a shopping center, it’s full of interesting sights.
- You can see part of the Dubai Aquarium from the outside without buying a ticket.
- Inside the mall, you’ll find art pieces and installations like the Dubai Dino, a real dinosaur skeleton.
- And of course, the famous Dubai Mall Waterfall, one of the most photographed spots in the mall.
Take a walk, explore the corners of the mall, and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s worth visiting even if you’re not planning to shop.
Walk around Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the city’s most iconic areas. Skyscrapers, hotels, and restaurants line the waterfront.
A walk along the Marina Promenade and JBR Beach gives you some of the best city views, and it’s completely free.
Relax at one of Dubai’s free public beaches
Dubai has plenty of beautiful beaches, including several free public ones:
- JBR Beach
- Kite Beach
- Al Mamzar Beach Park
- La Mer Beach
- Sufouh Beach
These beaches are perfect for relaxing, walking, or enjoying the sunset without spending a dirham.
Visit Old Dubai
Old Dubai is full of history and culture, and most of it can be explored for free.
- The Al Seef waterfront area with its traditional-style buildings
- The charming Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- The Spice Souk and Gold Souk across Dubai Creek
Walking around is free, though you might be tempted to buy something in the souks.
Walk along Dubai Creek Harbour
Dubai Creek Harbour is another beautiful waterfront area with one of the best views of Downtown Dubai’s skyline.
There’s a long promenade and a large viewing deck, perfect for watching the sunset or taking great photos.
Visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is technically a shopping area, but it feels like a small traditional village with canals and beautiful architecture.
It’s also one of the best free viewpoints of the Burj Al Arab.
Walking around the souk, exploring the canals, and taking photos is completely free.
Explore Al Qudra Lakes
Located about 45 minutes from Dubai, the Al Qudra Lakes are a great option if you want to see nature and wildlife.
The area is popular for picnics and camping. You’ll also find the famous Love Lake, plus many smaller lakes where you can spot birds, even flamingos.
Half Desert Road
Half Desert Road is a short drive from the city and easy to reach by car.
Here you’ll find paved roads partially covered with sand. A great spot for unique desert photos, picnics, or simply enjoying a quiet moment outside the city.
These are the best free activities I know in Dubai for now. I’ll keep updating this list as I discover more places across the city.
Cheap things to do in Dubai under €50
Now let’s take a look at the best budget-friendly activities in Dubai, all with ticket prices under €50 per person. These are great options if you want fun experiences without spending too much:
Burj Khalifa – At The Top
Yes, the base ticket for Burj Khalifa At The Top on the 124th and 125th floors is still under €50 in 2026, which is a great price for such a world-famous attraction.
You’ll get incredible views from the tallest building on Earth.
For the best experience, go around sunset, so you can enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views.
Abra ride on the Dubai Fountain
Watching the fountain and laser shows is free, but you can also take a traditional abra boat ride on the Burj Lake.
The price is well below €50, and it offers a very special way to enjoy the Dubai Fountain.
Desert safari
A desert safari is one of Dubai’s most popular activities.
While private tours and premium packages are more expensive, there are plenty of shared desert safaris under €50 on GetYourGuide.
They include fewer extras, but you still get to experience the beauty of the Arabian desert at an affordable price.
Global Village
Global Village is a favorite evening hangout for locals, and it’s fun for tourists as well.
It’s a huge mix of a cultural park, market, and amusement area.
The entry ticket is under €10, making it one of the cheapest enjoyable activities in Dubai. Perfect for a late afternoon or evening visit.
Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a must-see if you visit during winter.
It’s the world’s largest flower garden, full of creative sculptures, life-size characters, heart-shaped arches, and even a full-scale Airbus A380 decorated with flowers.
AYA Universe
Located in Wafi Mall, AYA Universe is an immersive digital art and entertainment park with 12 themed interactive rooms.
It’s perfect if you enjoy lights, effects, and futuristic installations.
Entry tickets here are also below €50, making it a good indoor budget activity.
Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future is one of Dubai’s newest and most iconic buildings. The architecture alone makes it worth visiting.
The entry ticket is usually under €50, and the exhibits are very modern and interactive.
If you don’t want to enter, you can still enjoy the exterior and the main hall for free.
Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai was created after Expo 2020 and turned into a modern district with pavilions, attractions, and restaurants.
Highlights include the Terra Pavilion, the Garden in the Sky observation tower, and the Fire Falls.
Tickets are still below €50, making it a good budget-friendly attraction.
The View at The Palm
This observation deck on Palm Jumeirah offers spectacular views of the island, Dubai Marina, and the sea.
The panorama is similar to the view from Aura Skypool, but for a much lower price.
Tickets are usually €30–50, depending on the time of day.
Try to visit on a clear day for the best experience.
Conclusion
So, these were the best cheap and free things to do in Dubai. No matter how you plan your trip or which places you choose to explore, Dubai will almost certainly leave you with unforgettable memories.
Dubai is one of my favorite destinations for many reasons. It surprises most travelers with its atmosphere, modern city life, beaches, and cultural mix, and it offers everything you need to enjoy your stay, whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for luxury.
Dubai is not only for rich travelers. Throughout this guide, I showed you how to enjoy the city affordably: budget-friendly areas to stay, cheap and free attractions, practical transport tips, and dining options that won’t break the bank.
With a bit of planning and smart choices, visiting Dubai on a budget is absolutely possible.
Just stay flexible, watch the prices, grab the best deals, and enjoy your trip to Dubai!
Hi! I’m Adri, the creator of Traveltipzone.com and Italianwanderlust.com.
I’ve explored over 30 countries so far and travel to around 15 each year — some new places and others I love returning to. I’m especially passionate about Southern Europe, particularly Italy, and the United Arab Emirates.
Follow my journeys for firsthand travel tips and inspiration!
