Dubai is a futuristic city and a melting pot of cultures. It’s known for having world-class attractions and iconic architectural wonders. Aside from that, it’s considered to be one of the most expensive cities to visit in the world. But did you know, there are many free things to do in Dubai? From the historical Al Fahidi District to wildlife sanctuaries and open green spaces perfect for a picnic. There are many reasons why you will enjoy visiting this cosmopolitan city. Plus, there are many free things to do in Dubai that can easily fit into any budget. So, here’s a 1-day itinerary that you can follow when touring the city.
Read more: Free Things to Do in Dubai1. Al Fahidi Historical District ( Free Entry )
The Al Fahidi District is one of the hidden gems in Dubai that you must visit if you’re a first-time visitor in the country. You will be amazed by the old town tucked in the middle of a busy business district of Dubai. Stroll around with an open mind. Check out the souq, the art galleries, and the local restaurants. The old town of Dubai gives you a glimpse of the past, the old life of the Dubaians, and their love of fishing and diving! Strolling the Al Fahidi District and learning about Dubai’s past is one of the free things to do in Dubai. Aside from photography, you can check out the local mosque and the murals.
Before you head out to Al Seef, check out the Coffee Museum. You can spend an hour or two there. The entrance fee is 10 AED and kids go free! You explore the rooms filled with coffee collections and artifacts. And after that, you can sit back and taste the typical Arabic coffee with a date! Yes, it’s free! On the 2nd floor, there’s a cafe if you want to sample a cappuccino. The coffee museum in the Al Fahidi neighborhood is a must-visit for coffee lovers.
We had fun checking out the coffee museum with my family. My kids were curious about the coffee beans and how you can enjoy a cuppa in the olden days. But what captured their eyes are the little flags hanging from the ceiling! These flags represented the countries that produce coffee beans and as someone born and raised in the Philippines, I was proud to see my country’s flag hanging there. And perhaps, that explains why I’m a coffee lover!
2. Ras Al Khor Sanctuary
Perhaps, this isn’t what you expected from visiting Dubai. Dubai has many wildlife sanctuaries and one of the best and free activities to do in the city. For nature lovers and families with small children, this is an ideal place to start your tour of Dubai. It’s free to enter. Try to visit this place first thing in the morning to get a beautiful picture of the flamingos and to get a good parking. Ras Al Khor Sanctuary is not accessible by metro or bus! But it’s only a 9-minute ride from Dubai Mall. So, it’s quite doable to go there by taxi.
My kids enjoyed our visit here last weekend. The weather was fabulous for a walk, and it really made the short tour fun! The flamingos are amazing, and my children loved checking them out through a tower viewer!
3. Al Seef Heritage Village
Imagine Dubai 50 years ago? Al Seef Heritage Village is the “old Dubai”. Enjoy a cultural walk as you pass along traditional houses overlooking the beautiful creek. Get lost in its alleyways and you might stumble upon a quaint cafe by the creek. You will also find a lot of Emirati art spaces and pop-ups perfect for that souvenir and insta-worthy photo with your loved ones!
4. Where to Eat in Al Seef Heritage Village?
There are many dining options in Al Seef. Whether you are craving Asian, Arabic food or even want to try out the local cuisine, you can always find something for your liking!
My family and I enjoyed a scrumptious Japanese lunch at Wokyo. This is our go-to destination if we are craving hot and spicy Ramen. Luckily, it recently opened in Al Seef, and we treated ourselves for the best Ramen in Dubai. Wokyo Al Seef has outdoor seating overlooking the creek. So, we watched the boats sail pass us while we enjoyed hot and spicy ramen. It was a memorable lunch with a scenic view!
5. Boat Ride from Bur Dubai to Deira
Experience more of the “old Dubai” from the water. Ride the water boat taxi and soak it all in; the beautiful weather, the historical district with its magnificent architecture, and the boats sailing gently in the creek whilst seagulls fly over them.
It’s a beautiful sight to behold.
There are plenty of abras or water boat taxis to choose from, depending on the places that you want to explore further. We opted to take a bigger boat for our young children. And we paid 2 AED each for a 10-minute ride. We just hopped on from Al Seef and then hopped off across the creek. Walked around Deira and checked out the watch tower standing tall. As if, time stood still and Dubai was still this sleepy, fishing village one chilly day in January…
Dubai is a great city to visit. From the amazing architecture to its bustling culture, there is a lot to see. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, remember that you don’t have to spend all your money on sightseeing. There are many free things in Dubai that you can do. And if you’re someone who likes to get off the beaten path and explore everything a new country has to offer, then you should try some of these free activities. So, make this itinerary your guide, and make sure to keep on reading my blog. The more you know about this city, the more time and money you’ll save.