Dubai on a Budget: Where to Stay, What to Do, and How to Get Around

Built over an Arabian Desert landscape, Dubai's infrastructural might and natural beauty are hard to replicate anywhere else. The lofty skyscrapers, glitzy shopping malls, and adventurous desert sports are only a few things that make Dubai a favorite among tourists all across the globe. 

Most of Dubai's activities, sights, and events are intended to maximize glamour and luxury. As a city known for its fancy 5-star hotels and lavish experiences, can Dubai be enjoyed on a budget? The answer is yes, and all you need is some guidance to find spots that let you enjoy this city without burning a hole in your pocket.

So if you're a backpacker who likes to explore the world on a budget, here is how to have the best tour of Dubai at a minimum cost.

Where to Stay in Dubai on a Budget?

Most tour recommendations for Dubai expect you to shell out a huge sum to have a luxurious stay in one of Dubai's expensive hotels. It's true that the resorts and high-rise hotels of Dubai serve a world of wonder in their service packages. But if you're a budget traveler, there are some cool hostels around the city that can provide you with warm and comfy accommodations. Here are our top picks:

1. At The Top Hostel

Located in the Marina Dubai District, this hostel sits on the 66th floor of the Elite Residence tower. With 24*7 services, spacious living spaces, and a breathtaking view of the city below, you are pretty much guaranteed a nice stay here.

1. Dubai Youth Hostel

If you'd like a cozy co-living space close to the Dubai airport, this is the hostel for you. This place gives you all the necessary amenities needed for a pleasurable stay at flexible prices and packages.

1. Dubai Beach Host

This is a popular hostel on the JBR beach that offers a stunning view of the sea. It provides facilities such as a gym, swimming pool, and access to a variety of food options. 

Now that you have a range of accommodation options, it's time to think about the places you should visit. There are many spots in Dubai that offer beautiful scenic delights and entertaining experiences on a budget. Let's look at some of them:

Budget-Friendly Tourist Spots in Dubai

1. Mall of the Emirates

As one of the most magnificent shopping destinations in Dubai, this mall gives you a chance to explore high-end retail products from across the globe. With free entry, you can take endless strolls at this place while enjoying its many cafes, movie multiplexes, and souvenir stores. Overall, this will be a fun-filled journey into the world of modern luxury melded with the daily hustle of local shoppers.

1. The Burj Khalifa

Your trip to Dubai is incomplete without visiting the majestic Burj Khalifa. As the tallest skyscraper on earth, the Burj is an architectural wonder in its own right. Its beautiful interior, the lavish treatment offered to guests, and the great restaurants inside are all experiences worth having. Apart from this, you must visit its observation platform to take in a panoramic view of the city below.

1. The Dubai Fountain

The largest choreographed fountain system in the world is located right outside the Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai. You can easily reach here by taking a short walk from the Burj Khalifa and enjoying its famous performances. Set to music and lights, this artistic fountain show springs to life multiple times a day and adds to the vibrant atmosphere of this place.

1. The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Inspired by the lost civilization of Atlantis, this aquarium invites you to dive into the immersive world of marine diversity. It has 10 different chambers that house a variety of maritime creatures such as jellyfish, piranhas, sharks, and seahorses. You can take a tour around this aquarium to interact with some special creatures up-close while learning about the mythical world of Atlantis.

As there are so many experiences to have in Dubai, you should be able to reach all of the city's interesting spots on time. This calls for knowledge about Dubai's transport system. To give you an idea, we will discuss the options you have to navigate Dubai on a budget.

How to Get Around Dubai as a Budget Traveler

Dubai is considered to be an extremely well-linked city with multiple options for commute and travel. Besides its metros and public buses, there are many private cab services that people can rely on. 

However, as a busy and populated city, some inconvenience is natural as a part of Dubai's public transit system. Issues such as long waits, uncertain pick-ups, and unexpected fare hikes on peak hours are a few hassles that you can't avoid. This is why you might want to consider going around in a private vehicle.

As you're on a budget, having a vehicle reserved for your personal use might seem far-fetched at first. But we have a solution that can give you the comfort of owning a private vehicle at super affordable rates. Just opt for a Carsharing solution! 

Easy to access and quick to book, Carsharing solutions are available at your fingertips within minutes. Just download the ekar app to gain on-demand access to a network of ekars spread throughout the city. These ekars have been placed strategically throughout Dubai so you always have an ekar at walking distance from you. 

So if you're looking for a cost-effective way to tour Dubai in style, ekar is your best touring partner!