Dubai is well-known for over-the-top luxury, and as a tourist opinion of things to do in Dubai, it’s usually the high cost experiences that first come to mind. Helicopter tours, waterpark tickets, designer boutiques, private desert safaris and afternoon tea at expensive hotels… all very exciting, but definitely makes a hole in the pocket. Well, there’s another part of this luxury destination and the great news is, some of the most culturally enlightening experiences are free. Here are 25 ways to see past Dubai’s flamboyant appearance…
1) Al Bastakiya
Explore Al Bastakiya, a reasonably tiny a part of the town (a heap of it absolutely was destroyed within the 80s to create means for brand new workplace buildings), here you’ll get a style of the pre-oil era as you wander through slender lanes straggled by buildings over one hundred years previous. It’s home to
2) The Sheik Mohammed Centre
The Sheik Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, that operates free guided tours on Saturdays and is well price a visit to search out concerning Emirati culture.
3) Souks
Check your bargaining skills at the Souks. Hop across the creek on a
4) Abra water taxi
Abra water taxi (okay, properly speaking a ride across the creek can set you back concerning 20p, however it’s associate journey in itself and a terrific thanks to see the skyline). Absorb the superb aromas within the spice open-air marketplace and look at the OTT jewelry on show within the gold souks at Deira. There are varied museums, galleries and exhibitions within the locality, make a choice from
5) Heritage House
6) The Camel Museum
7) The Majlis Gallery
The Majlis Gallery and therefore the two hundred year previous
8) Al Fahidi Fort
Al Fahidi Fort, all of that are fairly near one another, and free (or nearly free) to enter.
A notoriously superlative seeking nation, Dubai is keen about collection as several ‘world’s highest this’ and ‘world’s 1st thats’ as doable. The city’s ‘anything is possible’ perspective is ennobling, and you’ll witness the subsequent outstanding feats of human ingenuity for free of charge in Dubai
9) Burj Khalifa Lake
Be blown away by the waterworks at Burj Khalifa Lake. Fountain observation may not sound sort of a must-do activity – however Dubai’s spectacular turquoise show at Burj Khalifa Lake can’t be incomprehensible. It’s unexpectedly amazing; you’ll be transfixed as you witness the unimaginable force needed to create jets of water erupt 500 ft into the air (that’s concerning as high as thirty five motor coach buses stacked on prime of every other!).
10) Marina Walk
quiet down within the fountains at Marina Walk. On a far smaller scale than Burj Khalifa’s fountains, however a lot of interactive. The proper curative to soaring temperatures, splashing concerning in these walk-through fountains is very popular youngsters.
11) Madinat Jumeirah
Stroll through Madinat Jumeirah, a contemporary recreation of a conventional Arabian village, however rather well done, with romantic palm fringed waterways, voluminous eateries and a operating open-air marketplace. In contrast to the previous city souks, this one has air conditioning!
While you are within the Madinat,
12) A’Salam hotel’s turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility
Save a turtle, by visiting the myna bird A’Salam hotel’s turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility that cares for disjointed and vulnerable turtles before being cathartic them into the wild. Cue collective ‘ahhh!’
13) Burj Al Arab
Take a selfie next to the Burj Al Arab, one in every of the foremost photographed structures within the world associated an icon of Dubai. It’s notably attractive at sunset.
14) St Mortiz Restaurant
Sip a drink dominating a snowy mountain scene. Bear with U.S.A. here – the Alpine-themed St Mortiz Restaurant at the doorway to Ski Dubai (yes, there’s ‘real’ snow, within what’s primarily a large freezer), comes complete with a fake hearth, set at intervals associate air conditioned shopping centre, within the middle of the desert… well, this can be Dubai!
Whilst we’re talking malls, don’t miss the possibility to check the
15) Dubai Aquarium
Dubai Aquarium at Dubai Mall. You have got to pay to run through the tunnel, however you’ll see a part of the ten million litre tank for free from one side of the mall.
16) Umm Suqeim (Kite Beach
Hit the beach. Though most hotels section off their own personal beaches, there are lots of public beaches in Dubai you’ll access for free of charge. One in every of our favourites is Umm Suqeim (Kite Beach), wherever you’ll
17) kite surfers
Watch the kite surfers with a wonderful backcloth of the Burj Al Arab. While you are there,
18) beach track that connects Umm Suqeim to Jumeirah Beach.
stroll, jog, cycle or skate on the new beach track that connects Umm Suqeim to Jumeirah Beach. Dubai wouldn’t be Dubai while not slightly of glitz, and JBR The Walk could be a great spot to
19) gawk at the flashy cars
Gawk at the flashy cars. Not too off from Jumeirah Beach, this out of doors promenade is home to associate array of boutiques and cafes; ideal for buying groceries and folks observation.
20) Dubai Marina
pay a night walking around Dubai Marina loving the lit yachts of the made and far-famed. Ladies, head to the realm on Tuesdays nights to
21) Marina Yacht Club.
get a free drink (or three!) at the Marina Yacht Club.Only a handful of the population are true Emiratis; ninetieth of individuals living in Dubai are expats. This makes for a spirited mixture of cultures, and plenty of attention-grabbing stories. Head to those lesser-known spots and encounter real-life Dubai residents to find verity soul of Dubai.
22) Dubai Polo Club
Plan a picnic to Dubai Polo Club. There’s a relaxed atmosphere, and most matches do not cost you a penny to watch. You’re up near the action, and it’s very exciting to look at the horses and riders thunder past. Children in particular relish the spectacle.
23) camel racing.
Watch camel racing. A outré spectacle, the camels are ridden by robot jockeys with their excitable house owners chasing them in their 4x4s. Most of the attendees are locals, however they’re terribly friendly. An unusual, however unforgettable day out.
24) Mushrif Park
Visit a park. If you are with your young ones, visit Mushrif Park (there are thirteen miniature homes that toddlers can like to explore, and pony rides) or else, attempt Nad Al Sheba cycle park. Here there’s a athletics proficiency track complete with roundabouts, stop signs and speed bumps wherever very little ones will observe their road safety skills and role-play to their hearts content. The views of the Burj Khalifa are a bonus!
25) Pyramids Rooftop Gardens
visit the cinema on a Sunday night, to experience an open air cinema with the ease of beanbags for sitting. Pyramids Rooftop Gardens at Wafi Mall offers free entry for all with no requirement of prior booking. What are your favorite Dubai attractions? Share your prime picks within the comments below.
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