Are you craving a visit to Dubai this holiday and are budget-ridden? Well, it’s time to turn that droopy face to a smiling one because we bring you the best budget plan.
Dubai is weirdly famous for expensive things- from the First class suite on Emirates Airlines A380 to gold-plated iPads. Not just that, the self-proclaimed seven-star hotel Burj Al Arab, the billion-dollar Burj Khalifa, the largest man-made island, indoor ski parks, artificial canal, tallest hotel, and the biggest shopping mall, make the city outrageously expensive.
But behind the scenes are some real steal deals that will help you discover Dubai without breaking the bank. Here are a few suggestions on how to have fun in Dubai the pocket-friendly style:
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Take the Metro
The taxis might look attractive for exploring places but it could easily rack up and misbalance your budget. So, choose public transportation like Metros. These are timely and reasonable. Ditch the traffic issues and delays by getting the Nol card. Depending on your usage, take the Red, Silver or Gold card.
Some famous attractions on the way of Dubai metro are-
- Gold Souk
- Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
- Bur Dubai
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Marina
The Dubai metro can bring you from the Airport to the Downtown too.
Use Groupon or Entertainer
Now since you would be wearing the sunglasses and hat, donning your gorgeous attire and heading towards the major attractions, before that, look for the discounts. The Groupon and the Entertainer Magazine are filled with tons of discounts, 2-for-1 specials, and deals on restaurants, hotels, and activities. So, whenever you set your foot out for the venture, go through the website or the magazine, you might find the money-saving coupon.
Laze off in the pristine beaches
Dubai is ruled by architecture but also acknowledged for beaches around. Many people aren’t aware that the city has a long coastline that serves the travellers to unwind, relax and play. The best part is there are many FREE beaches around- Jumeirah beach adjacent to Dubai Marina, Kite Beach under the sail of Burj Al Arab, and the Black Palace Beach in Al Sufouh. Volleyballs, cycling, luxury pools, and beachfront restaurants help you have a great time.
Hunt street food and hawker centres
Prices for everything- from clothes to hotels to a bowl of ice cream run high. Though you can find cheap digs and cuisine around the nabes and save your money from draining like a river into those Michelin-starred restaurants. Find the Indian and Lebanese restaurants which are comparatively low-priced. Or duck inside the hawker centres or food courts which are sprinkled with local to exotic cuisine at dirt cheap. Or take advantage of the inexpensive brunch on Fridays. And the wine-obsessed travellers can drool over the happy hours at Agency’s 100 or McGettigan.
Enjoy Desert Safari Dubai
Kick your adrenaline in the most unusual playground. Hit the beautiful desert, a breathtaking stretch of golden and red sand. The dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and quad bike bring in the right enthusiasm. After the adventure, the guests are driven to the camp which is exquisite and well-embellished. It is brimming with activities like henna designing, unlimited shisha smoking, and live performances (belly dance and Tanoura). The evening wraps with a sumptuous banquet of BBQ dishes, starters, and dessert. Book this star attraction at https://www.bestdesertsafariindubai.com/ and get combo deals like Dubai City Tour with Desert Safari and save many bucks, without sacrificing on luxury and comfort.
Visit Old Dubai
Considering Dubai has grown from a desert, this futuristic transformation is spectacular. But, if you want to stick to your budget, take a ride to Old Dubai. Check out the gold souks which have various jewellery at a price you would have never heard before. The maze of walkways will lead to the aromatic and colourful spice souk. Bunch of distinctive spices is being sold at reasonable prices and is lined with shops that have clothes to electronics. You can ride across Dubai Creek, which played a historic significance when Dubai was involved in pearl trading. Hop on the Abra that cost a mere 1 Dirham and you can sail from Bur Dubai to Deira and vice versa. Each abra holds about 20 passengers has a 5-minute journey. So, book a one-way ticket or hire an abra for yourselves to explore beyond the set destination.
Marvel at Dubai Fountain
Burj Khalifa looks stupefying from the exterior. Having a trip inside can cost you around 100AED. But don’t worry, you can always have something to do outside this giant structure, The world’s largest choreographed fountain system, Dubai Dance Fountain is a picturesque display of the water sprouting at an astonishing height of 500 meters on the world-class music. This could be observed from the Dubai Mall at free, or book a Burj Lake ride and see it up close. You can also revel in the Dubai Mall later where the entry is free and the entertainment is huge.
Stroll on the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk
The 11 km outer crescent of the man-made island, Palm Jumeirah is flanked by malls, stores, restaurants and pop up markets. The Boardwalk hugs the coastline and is built over the Palm’s breakwater. Admire Atlantis, The Palm, watch Lost Chambers, socialize with friends, gobble at the food trucks and bask in the sun.
- Other cheap (Free) things to do:
- Be the audience to the impressive camel racing.
- Shop during Dubai Shopping Festival which introduces discounts of up to 90% on labelled attire & electronics.
- Hoot for the street wrestling.
- Hangout in the Souq Madinat.
- Check out the old town, houses, and minarets at Al Bastakiya and Dubai Museum.
- Take a tour of Dubai Marina, the affluent neighbourhood.
- Bow down at Jumeirah Mosque.
Hence, travelling in Dubai doesn’t always mean to blow off your budget. With so many offerings, one can have a splendid trip.
