Dubai may be known for its luxury, but some of its best experiences don’t come with a price tag. From golden beaches and vibrant souks to peaceful lakes and cultural gems, the city is full of things to do without spending a dirham. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a solo adventure, or just a budget-friendly escape, here’s a curated list of the top free attractions in Dubai for 2025.
- Free Beaches in Dubai
- Free Cultural Attractions in Dubai
- Free Entertainment & Sightseeing
- Free Outdoor Activities in Dubai
Free Beaches in Dubai
Spend a Day at JBR Beach
Yes, you can relish a day by the beach in Dubai for free. The JBR Beach is an awesome place to visit in Dubai in summer for free; it welcomes you at its charming shore whenever you need to relax or have fun.
You can do yoga, enjoy a walk on the white sand, swim, and chill by the sparkling blue water view at this beautiful beach.
Not just that, in the afternoon many events take place like street performances, open-air cinema, and more.
If you’re living in Dubai Marina and looking for a free thing to do, here it is. JBR Beach is undoubtedly one of the must-visit beaches in Dubai to relish its lively vibe.
Location
It’s located at Dubai Marina, Dubai.
Opening Hours
Saturday to Wednesday: 7 am – 10 pm
Thursdays and Fridays: 7 am – 11 pm.
Jog Along Kite Beach
If you’re looking for an affordable and easy way to stay fit, then jogging daily is a cool idea. A suitable spot to do so is at Kite Beach’s specified track; you will enjoy jogging there as there are no interruptions as well as no entry fee.
You can go whenever you’re free, whether in the early morning or afternoon. It could be a daily routine with a friend; this will make it more encouraging and enjoyable.
Location
It’s located at Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah 3, Dubai.
Opening Hours
- From Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am – 10 pm
- From Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 12 am.
Free Cultural Attractions in Dubai
Tour Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Here is one of the newest attractions in Dubai which its opening was highly anticipated by all the bookworms. You will be astonished by its enormous building design, the state-of-the-art facilities supported inside, and its technology-based operating system.
Mohamed Bin Rashid Library is home to up to 1 million books in all languages. Not just that, you can read in any field you prefer as it consists of 7 floors including 9 libraries each for a specific type. It’s among the must-visit places in Dubai for free especially if you’re a book lover.
Location
It’s located off Khalil road, Al Jaddaf area, Dubai.
Opening Hours
- Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm
- Friday: 2 pm – 9 pm
- Sunday: off
Explore the Coffee Museum
For coffee addicts, here’s your heaven on Earth, the Coffee Museum in Dubai. At this awesome place, you will find how they used to make coffee in the past through traditional and simple ways.
Not just that, you’ll feel impressed when you see how with a few additions and touches they used to make different coffee flavours; that’s why the Coffee Museum is a nice tourist spot for free in Dubai.
With some secret tips, they offer a coffee with a matchless taste and aroma that none can forget!
Location
It’s located at Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai.
Opening Hours
9 am – 5 pm daily (Fridays off).
Go to Bur Dubai Grand Mosque
This outstanding emirate is home to the picturesque Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai. It’s one of the oldest mosques in the city. You will see its artistic and remarkable architecture that looks like a work of art.
The Grand Mosque has the tallest minrate at 70 meters high; in addition, its top consists of 50 domes with ranging sizes, making it look spectacular.
Visiting the Grand Mosque in Dubai is so pleasing; it’s a suitable choice if you want to enjoy time away from malls and cafes.
Location
It’s located on Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street, opposite Dubai Museum, near Rulers Court Office, Dubai.
Opening Hours
8 am – 10 pm daily.
Tour AlSerkal Avenue
If you’re an art enthusiast, then Alserkal Avenue is your place; it’s a huge platform for creatives and artists in many fields which is surely mentioned on the list of the top free places to visit in Dubai.
You will find numerous contemporary art galleries, visual and performing art shows, and various enjoyable events.
Not just that, Alserkal Avenue supports small businesses; you can go have a look at the variety of products they provide to help them grow.
Going to Alserkal Avenue in Dubai is one of the cool free things to do during your off days to recharge.
Location
It’s located on 17 Street, Al Quoz, Dubai.
Opening hours
10 am – 7 pm daily (fridays off).
Visit Dubai’s Old Souk
Strolling in the old souk is totally different from the malls. It has its own classic vibe away from the modern lifestyle. Dubai Old Souk is one of the most popular ones in the city which you can visit for free.
The style and architecture of Old Souk are matchless, making it an awesome place to go to in Dubai for free; you will feel like walking through an old Arabian movie. Taking some photos there with a vintage theme shouldn’t be missed!
A natural pose and beautiful smile are all you need for a memorable photo! Is there a more perfect free outing than this? We don’t think so!
Location
It’s located on the southern side of the creek, Bur Dubai.
Opening Hours
10 am – 10 pm daily.
Free Entertainment & Sightseeing
Enjoy Nature at Al Qudra Lakes
On the outskirts of Dubai away from the crowdedness, you can find Al Qudra Lake, also known as Love Lake. By the two heart-shaped lakes, you are offered the best setting to relax by its natural sights.
It’s the supreme escape to enjoy tranquility with the stunning view of the water! Besides, you can camp, barbeque, or just chill by the green area.
If you’re an adventure lover, you can bring your tent, food, and drinks to experience camping by the love lakes; it’s the best chance to spend a night under the stars.
Al Qudra Lakes is really one of the top unique places to visit in Dubai for free.
Location
It’s located in Al Qudra desert, Dubai.
Watch Dubai Fountains
Seeing the dancing fountains over and over again never gets boring! This is one of the cool things you can do in Dubai for free.
Dubai Fountains is an ideal place to visit in Dubai for free at night; you will feel amazed with the stunning show along with the colorful lights and music!
This free tourist place in Dubai is a nice idea for a quick outing with your friends after a long working day!
Location
It’s located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai.
Go to Dubai Mall
This time you won’t spend your whole salary at Dubai Mall; we promise! It’s not only about shopping in Dubai Mall as it has interesting free things to do too.
Inside Dubai Mall, you can watch different marine creatures and even small sharks at the outer area of the aquarium. It’s an unbelievable thing to witness that will leave you speechless. Don’t forget to take a photo there.
If you want to explore and see more sea creatures, then you have to buy a ticket as the inside part of the aquarium is not free.
Not just that, we all wondered what a real dinosaur looked like, right? Now at Dubai Dino at the Souq Dome, you can see a real skeleton for the oldest creature on Earth. Here is your optimum spot to enjoy different free indoor activities in Dubai.
Such incredible experiences are just at Dubai Mall and all for free!
Location
It’s located on the Financial Center Street, along Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai.
Visit Al Seef By Meraas
How about going back in time to see Dubai’s vintage lifestyle? This sounds exciting! Meraas brought you the old city through its latest project Al Seef, which is a real gem for free sightseeing in Dubai.
You can find this one-of-a-kind destination along the banks of Dubai Creek. You will feel overwhelmed while exploring its ancient alleys and walking along its marina, enjoying the fresh air.
Al Seef is a free attraction in Dubai where you can go to whenever you want to break from the hustle and bustle of the city. You won’t regret visiting it.
This unique destination looks very interesting; doesn’t it? You can find all the details about Al Seef By Meraas on Property Finder.
Location
It’s located at Al Seef Street, Dubai.
Free Outdoor Activities in Dubai
Walk on the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk
Whenever you’re bored or stressed, a walk can fix it all. This wonderful city has various cool spots to relish a walk for free. One of the best places for walking in Dubai is the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk.
It’s on the Palm’s crescent where you can stroll by the mesmerizing sea view. If you were wondering what is the free thing to do in Palm Jumeirah, here is the answer. Don’t miss your headphones; turn your favourite playlist on to forget about the surroundings for a while!
Location
It’s located on Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.
Visit Ras Al Khor Sanctuary
Have you ever visited a sanctuary? If you didn’t, you shouldn’t miss visiting Ras Al Khor Sanctuary; going there is an exhilarating experience and undoubtedly among the free outdoor activities in Dubai.
At this different destination, you can see many wild animals and birds for the first time in your life. It’s a good option for a weekend outing with your kids.
Besides, you will find plants, reptiles, mammals, fish, and birds at Ras Al Khor Sanctuary. It’s one of Dubai’s best places to visit for free where you can watch closely those creatures; how exciting!
Location
It’s located on Ras Al Khor Road, Ras Al Khor, Dubai.
Opening Hours
- During summer, from October to March: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- During winter, from April to September: 6 am – 6 pm.
Have a Picnic
Going on a picnic never gets old. There are many wonderful parks in Dubai where you can spend some quality time. You can have a dish party with your friends there and bring various delicious dishes.
Besides, for extra entertainment you can take a volleyball and some card games as they’re must-haves on a picnic.
Dubai has beautiful parks with free entry; they are wide amazing parks with stunning landscapes. Not just that, there are numerous facilities and services inside them, ensuring you a perfect experience.
You will have an amusing time with your beloved ones, making unforgettable memories!
You can choose one of the below options for the coolest picnic ever.
Al Barsha Pond Park
It’s one of the most popular parks in Dubai where you can enjoy your time in various ways. You will love its setting as it includes water ponds, making it a flawless option for a picnic. Going to Al Barsha Pond Park is surely one of the best free family activities in Dubai.
Location
It’s located in Al Barsha 2, opposite Al Barsha Mall, Dubai.
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 8 am – 10 pm
Weekend: 8 am – 11 pm.
JLT Park
On the list of awesome places to visit in Dubai with family for free is JLT Park. This one is ideal as you can go in the morning or afternoon, as you like. It’s open all day! JLT Park is an awesome one, offering you spacious green areas.
Besides, you can take your kids as it includes playgrounds where they can play and have fun.
Location
It’s located at Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Opening Hours
24 hours.
Key Takeaways
Dubai offers many exciting activities that don’t cost a dirham. From beaches and lakes to cultural landmarks, free fun is everywhere. You can visit JBR Beach, Al Qudra Lakes, and Dubai Fountains for natural beauty and iconic views. Museums, mosques, and libraries offer enriching cultural experiences at no cost.
For outdoor lovers, enjoy jogging at Kite Beach, walking the Palm Boardwalk, or relaxing at public parks. Explore historic spots like Old Souk and Al Seef by Meraas. Don’t miss Alserkal Avenue’s creative vibe. Whether with family, friends, or solo, Dubai guarantees memorable experiences without spending money.
FAQ
You can visit JBR Beach, Dubai Mall, Al Seef, Dubai Fountain, Ras Al Khor Sanctuary, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Library without paying any entry fee.
Yes, entry to Dubai Mall is free. You can watch the aquarium from the outside, see the Dubai Dino skeleton, and enjoy the Dubai Fountain show without spending money.
Top free outdoor activities include walking the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, jogging at Kite Beach, birdwatching at Ras Al Khor, and picnicking at public parks.
Yes, Absolutely! Besides free attractions, you can explore low-cost spots like Dubai Frame (AED 50), Mamzar Beach Park (AED 5), and Dubai Safari Park (AED 20 for kids).
No more thinking about the costs with this long list of the best free things to do in Dubai; you can have fun whenever you want as you got various places to explore in Dubai for free with family, friends or even on your own!
