Dubai Travel Guide: Dubai on a Budget
CITY BREAKS
Dubai is known for its extravagance, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy its iconic sights, vibrant culture, and unique experiences without breaking the bank. Here are my top tips to see the best of Dubai on a budget.
After spending the first 9.5 months of 2024 doing a lot of hiking around South America and Kyrgyzstan, we were ready for a proper vacation! Flights from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Dubai were cheap (only USD$123 each) so we booked one out for the following day - probably the most spontaneous holiday I’ve booked!
It was early October, which is the end of peak season, so we got a great deal on a 5-star hotel (more on that below). It was still really hot at this time of year, with the temperatures in the late 30°’s, but in June - September it is often over 40°C. Safe to say, we spent a lot of time indoors (which isn’t hard in Dubai, there are a lot of activities and attractions indoors!).
Jump to:
Theme Parks, Dubai Mall, Dubai Frame, Sunset Views, Yacht Party, Historical Neighborhood & Dubai Museum
Where to Stay
Budget-friendly Neighbourhoods:
Al Barsha
Vibe: Convenient and quiet
Highlights: Near the Mall of the Emirates. It’s well-connected to the metro and a short ride from Downtown and Dubai Marina.
Jebel Ali Village
Vibe: Quiet and family-friendly, with a mix of residential communities, retail spaces, and modern developments.
Highlights: The location is handy to public transport, and the IBN Battuta Gate shopping mall.
Deira
Vibe: Old-world charm with a bustling marketplace feel
Highlights: Deira is Dubai’s historic trading district, famous for its Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and proximity to Dubai Creek.
Recommended Hotels:
Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai - Jebel Ali Village
Cost per night: AED377/AUD$160/USD$103.30 including breakfast
Room type: Premier Room
Booking link: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ae/ibn-battuta-gate
This hotel was a little out of the city, but it was perfect for us. We had the IBN Battuta Gate shopping mall across the road with a huge food court and a Carrefour supermarket, and we were just a 5-minute walk from the metro station connecting us to all the hotspots in Dubai.
The hotel itself is stunning, with a Moroccan aesthetic which gives it a luxurious and exotic vibe. Inside, the hotel pays homage to the travels of the legendary explorer Ibn Battuta, with each floor reflecting themes from his journeys across Arabia, Asia, and Africa. There is a rooftop pool, perfect from cooling down from the heat, and the rooms are spacious and modern.
The best part about our stay here though was the breakfast. It’s definitely one of the top breakfast buffets I have had. There was every cuisine you could want, including 4 different curries, moussaka, made-to-order omelets, pancakes, and waffles, falafel and hummus… the list really could go on forever. I may or may not have gone for seconds, thirds and even fourths…
*photo off booking.com
Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha:
Approx. Rate: AED 250 per night (AUD$107/USD$68)
Room Type: Standard Double Room
Booking Link: https://www.gehotels.com/
Located within walking distance of the Mall of the Emirates and close to the Al Barsha Metro Station, the hotel is an excellent base for exploring the city. You can relax by the rooftop swimming pool, unwind at the spa, or stay active in the fitness center. Dining options include a variety of restaurants serving international cuisines and a cozy sports bar for casual evenings.
Its central location, affordable rates, and excellent facilities make the Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a comfortable and well-connected base to explore Dubai.
Rove City Centre
Approx. Rate: AED 300 (AUD$128/USD$81.70)
Room Type: Rover Room (Standard Room)
Booking Link: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ae/rove-port-saeed-dubai-dubai
I would have loved to stay here, but we were too late to book and they didn’t have any rooms left! This hotel is modern with trendy deco. It’s known for its vibrant design, social vibe, and affordability, making it a favorite among younger and solo travellers. It also has a 24-hour gym, a swimming pool and a co-working space.
It’s close to the Deira City Centre Metro Station, as well as Deira City Centre Mall and the historic district of Dubai Creek.
Where to Eat
Honestly, eating in Dubai can be expensive. Instead of giving restaurant recommendations (because we would rather spend our money on activities) we didn’t really eat out at all. Instead, I have some recommendations on how to eat on the cheap and find good deals!
My first recommendation is the ultimate cheat to Dubai on a budget, and it’s something I have been craving since I left…
Carrefour salad bar
Carrefour is one of the largest supermarket brands in the world, with a massive presence in Europe and the Middle East.
They also just happen to have the best salad bar in Dubai (in my impoverished opinion).
For only AED12(AUD$5.15/USD$3.30) you can pack a takeaway bowl full of as many salad items as you can cram in. If we had this as an option for this cheap in Australia, it’s all I would eat!
Cobone
Another recommendation is to go to the Cobone website for great deals across multiple bars and restaurants across Dubai. Not only can you find restaurants offering massive discounts, you can also find deals for bottomless brunches, meal and pool deal access, and takeaway celebratory cakes and pastries.
Careem
Careem is similar to Uber/UberEats, and they offer food delivery services across Dubai. There are always lots of restaurants offering good deals on here, and often with free or cheap delivery as well. Perfect if you have splurged on your hotel room and want to make the most of it!
What to See & Do
Theme Parks
Dubai is home to many amazing theme parks, and the best part is - the majority of them are in air-conditioned bliss!
We went to two theme parks, technically just in Abu Dhabi but less than an hour from Dubai, at Yas Island. Yas Island is where you can find theme parks such as Ferrari World, Sea World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld.
We decided to buy a 2 Park/1 Day pass to visit Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. We arrived at Ferrari World at 10am, and it was almost empty! We didn’t have to line up for any rides, and we hit the Turbo Track (a vertical coaster that launches riders through the Ferrari World roof and back down for a zero-gravity drop) four times in a row.
It started getting busier after lunch around 12pm, but it still wasn’t too packed. We chatted to the staff there and they said it was very common for it to be so empty that early - so my hot tip for you would be to get there as early as possible!
Despite there being a few eateries at Ferrari World, we decided to go across to Yas Mall for lunch (connected to Ferrari World). From there, we continued on to Yas Waterworld - a short 10 minute walk from the mall.
Yas Waterworld was slightly busier than Ferrari World, but we still hardly had to wait for any of the waterslides. If you’ve been to WhiteWater World or Wet & Wild in the Gold Coast, or pretty much any water park anywhere, it’s not too different. In saying that, they were building 18 new slides, due to open 2025. By the time they are finished it might be in the running for one of the world's top water parks!
Ticket Price: 2 Park/1 Day pass: AED320/AUD$137/USD$87
Website Link: https://www.yasisland.com/en/things-to-do/theme-parks
Best ways to get there:
Shared shuttle service
Duration: 1.5–2 hours (with stops).
Details: Yas Island offers a shuttle service called the Yas Express, connecting major hotels in Dubai to Yas Island attractions. Pre-booking may be required.
Cost: Varies, often complimentary for visitors with attraction tickets.
By Taxi/Uber
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Details: Taxis and Ubers are readily available in Dubai and can drop you off directly at Yas Island.
Cost: AED 200–300 (one-way).
*images from Expedia.com
The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, is not just a shopping centre. As one of the largest malls in the world, it has over 1,200 stores ranging from luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton to high-street favorites like Zara and H&M. Beyond shopping, the mall is home to attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, featuring one of the world’s largest acrylic panels, and the VR Park, an immersive virtual reality experience.
You can also enjoy the Dubai Fountain shows on the mall’s waterfront promenade, with its spectacular views of the iconic Burj Khalifa. Each afternoon and evening there is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system show and a dazzling spectacle of water, music, and light. It is designed by the creators of the famous Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.
Shows occur daily, with afternoon displays (weather permitting) at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM (Friday at 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM), and evening performances every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Viewing is free from the promenade, making it perfect for keeping the vacation cost down!
Best ways to get there:
By Metro
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line and get off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. From there, an air-conditioned pedestrian walkway (about 10-15 minutes) connects you directly to the mall.
Cost: AED 3–7.5
By Bus
Several RTA buses stop near Dubai Mall, including Routes 27 (from Deira Gold Souk) and Route 29 (from Ghubaiba Bus Station). Buses drop you at the main entrance of the mall.
Cost: AED 3–5 per trip.
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame, rising 150 meters high in the heart of Zabeel Park, is, as the name suggests, shaped like a giant picture frame. It perfectly captures the city’s contrasts: on one side is the old-world charm of Deira and Karama, and on the other, the modern skyline featuring icons like the Burj Khalifa.
Your visit starts with an immersive museum on the ground floor, where you can walk through Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to a global hub. Then, take the elevator to the Sky Deck, where floor-to-ceiling glass offers jaw-dropping views including a glass walkway that will have you looking straight down, 150 meters below!
It’s a perfect alternative to the pricey Burj Khalifa At the Top experience, with just as amazing views!
Ticket cost: AED50/AUD$21.40/USD$13.60
Website link: https://www.thedubaiframe.com/
Best ways to get there:
By Metro
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Al Jafiliya Station, which is about a 15-minute walk from Zabeel Park, where the Dubai Frame is located.
Cost: AED 3–7.5 (depending on starting point).
By Bus
RTA buses such as Routes 32C or C26 stop near Zabeel Park.
Cost: AED 3–5 per trip.
Sunset at Palm Jumeirah
Watching the sunset from the edge of the Palm Jumeirah, near the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, is an unforgettable experience. This vantage point offers sweeping views of Dubai’s skyline in one direction and the endless horizon over the waters of the Arabian Gulf in the other, making it the perfect sunset spot.
For the best experience, head to The Pointe, a waterfront destination nearby, where you can stroll along the promenade or grab a coffee while enjoying the view. Another alternative is to wander around Cresent Road, right at the edge of the gulf, and admire the Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis, The Royals incredible architecture.
By Metro + Monorail
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Palm Jumeirah Station. From there, hop on the Palm Monorail at the Gateway Station and ride to the Atlantis Aquaventure Station. The Pointe is just a short 10-minute walk from there.
Cost: Metro (AED 3–7.5) + Monorail (AED 20 one way).
Dubai: Marina Yacht Party with BBQ, Unlimited Drinks and DJ
To treat ourselves, as we hadn’t had a good night out in months, we booked this evening boat cruise via Get Your Guide. We figured this way we could enjoy a fun night of drinks and dancing whilst also doing some sightseeing!
We sailed along the Dubai Marina past the neon city lights, and enjoyed our free-flowing drinks and delicious BBQ food. The DJ played some great music, the only downside was it being so hard to dance on the boat whilst it was moving - so I stuck to chair dancing and taking in the views of the glowing skyscrapers!
Ticket cost: AUD$130/USD$84.50
Booking Link: https://www.getyourguide.com/dubai-l173/dubai-marina-yacht-party-with-bbq-and-unlimited-drinks-t409824/
Hot tip: for Australian residents, Get Your Guide is on Shopback and you can get 4% - 15% back so check your Shopback app before you book!
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood & Dubai Museum
For another budget-friendly activity, visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood - one of Dubai’s oldest districts. Wander its narrow lanes lined with wind-tower houses and art galleries. Entry is free, and it’s the perfect spot for soaking up some Emirati history.
From here, head to the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. The museum offers a fascinating look at Dubai’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a flashy global metropolis.
Dubai Museum Ticket Cost: AED3/AUD$1.30/USD$0.80
By Metro
Take the Dubai Metro Green Line and get off at Al Fahidi Station. From there, it’s just a 5-10 minute walk to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and Dubai Museum.
Cost: AED 3–5 (depending on starting point).
By Bus
RTA buses like Routes 8, 9, 29, 93, and others stop near Al Fahidi. Get off at the Bastakiya or Al Fahidi stops, both within walking distance of the neighborhood.
Cost: AED 3–5.
By Abra (Traditional Boat)
For a more scenic route, take an abra across Dubai Creek from Deira Old Souk Station to Bur Dubai Abra Station (only AED 1!). From the station, it’s a short 5-7 minute walk to Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood.
Cost: AED 1
Top Tips:
Download the Careem app as an alternative to Uber.
If you are staying in the south end of Dubai, try to avoid flights out of Sharjah - it takes SO long to cross the city in traffic!
Early mornings (before 11am) or late evenings (after 8pm) mean better views, cooler weather, and fewer crowds.
Many bars and restaurants offer great happy hour deals on drinks and food during late afternoons/early evenings.
Get a Nol Card: It’s your all-in-one card for metro, buses, trams, and abras—cheaper and easier than cash.
Avoid public displays of affection, drinking alcohol outside licensed venues, and inappropriate clothing in public areas.
With a little planning and these insider tips, Dubai becomes the perfect budget-friendly adventure!
