The authorities of the emirate are doing everything possible to make every guest of the city feel as in a real fairy tale. Let’s discover free places to go.

Free Places to Visit in Dubai and Apartments Where You Can Stay

It’s not a secret that Dubai is never associated with cost-friendly vacations. This city is among the top expensive places in the world. However, if you thought that tourists on a budget should bury the idea of visiting Dubai, this guide will change your opinion. It is hardly possible to save money on housing and food in the Emirates, but cultural programs and entertainment there can be quite affordable. The main thing is to choose a route leading to free attractions — so let’s discuss them.

The Fountain Complex

For people living in the desert, water has always been a symbol of prosperity at par with gold and jewelry. The largest singing fountain project in the world is one of the Emirates’ proudest achievements — it’s stretched at the foot of the Burj Khalifa tower. 

Dancing fountain’s shows are held 11-13 times every day. During the performance, fountains instantly raise 100 tons of water up to 152 meters in the air — there’s also music, spanning across the coast of an artificial lake nearby the skyscraper.  

Dubai Mall Aquarium 

The Dubai Mall Aquarium is located under the roof of the Dubai Mall. You’ll enjoy a mesmerizing view of the coral reefs in the azure waters of the Persian Gulf and see its other inhabitants.

The wall of the aquarium can withstand a colossal load of 10 million liters of water. Dubai Mall Aquarium is not the largest in the world, but it’s still very special — it has beaten a record as the largest monolithic plexiglass slab on the planet.

Dino Dubai

It’s also free to look at the skeleton of Diplodocus, a herbivorous female dinosaur. Its remains are 155 million years old — they have been found in a quarry in Wyoming, USA and now they decorate the Dubai Mall. Archeologists managed to discover about 90% of the skeleton — a huge success, considering it’s very old. It’s known as one of the best-preserved skeletons of that era of our planet’s history. 

Madinat Jumeirah

A city inside the city, a resort near the Burj Al Arab and Wild Wadi water park, Madinat Jumeirah bears resemblance to Venice: its luxurious palaces blend with modern villas and entertainment areas across the coastal area of 40 hectares. Fabulous buildings made in soft pastel colors, wind towers, and forts, sunk in greenery, on the artificial channel with marvelous, clean, sparkling seawater.

Ras Al Khor Nature Reserve

In the wetlands, at the stone’s throw from the rush of the megapolis, tens of thousands of species from different ecosystems are growing in a sanctuary. 

Curious tourists come to the reserve to get into one of the most important bird habitats in the world. Most of all, they’re driven by an opportunity to get closer and take a picture of magnificent pink flamingos. Only imagine: 500 pink individuals pose for your camera. It’s beautiful:  splashes of color for dozens of meters into the wetland. 

Ras Al Khor Nature Reserve is free to enter. Look up their schedule — there are different visitor hours for summer and winter. 

How to Find an Apartment During Your Vacation?

Dubai, sadly, is not exactly the city to be explored on foot as many districts are separated by several kilometers and are very different from each other in terms of budget and tourist attractions. It’s essential to do some good research on places to rent an apartment in Dubai — depending on the circumstances of your travels.  

Consider Your Budget

If you’re on a budget, we recommend settling in the Deira district. This is an extension of the Dubai Old City and the large city’s business district. Deira is under the process of modernization but it still keeps its warm, inviting atmosphere.

If you’re used to luxury — or want to get used to it — pick the Marina & Jumeirah Beach Residence. This district is, apart from being well-known for its opulence, has relaxed rules and the tallest skyscrapers of Dubai to look at.

Proximity To Landmarks

For many people, Downtown Dubai is second to none when it comes to the best places to live in the city. This is where you’ll find Burj Khalifa, shop in the largest shopping mall, check out the Fountain Show, and be close to some of the most luxurious clubs and restaurants. Downtown Dubai is an expensive destination but, still, it does offer some relatively affordable accommodations — if you know where to look.

Your Intentions

A lot revolves around your expectations. For city guests who want to feel the vibes of Dubai, Bur Dubai is the best choice. It’s a street that has lots of old buildings — the architecture is amazing, small shops and cafes run by the locals, tasty food, music. Narrow alleys, authentic bazaars, and a chance to meet a lot of people who can show you the real Dubai on a special tour make Bur Dubai the heart of the Old City. Also, the rent is really affordable here. 

There are plenty of options for any taste and budget. The city welcomes guests with open arms so they can experience both excitement and calm Dubai offers.