What Are the Best Dubai City Tours for Budget Travellers?

Many travellers dream of visiting fascinating Dubai. The city is famous for its tall skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle. Despite its opulence, you don't need to break the bank to explore Dubai. You can go around the city on affordable tour packages that are perfect for budget travellers. This blog shares some of the best budget city tours conducted in Dubai.

Dubai Bus Tour

Taking a Dubai city tour on a bus is one of the best ways of exploring the city. You can hop on and hop off these affordable buses at places of your choice. The bus tours cover most of Dubai's major attractions like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai mall and the Jumeirah Beach.

Why Choose This Tour?

Affordable: The tickets are relatively low priced.

Flexible: You enjoy the convenience of getting off at any place, exploring it and then getting on to the next bus to explore the next place.

Convenient: You can explore all of Dubai at your own pace without feeling rushed.

Cost

A one-day ticket typically costs between AED 120 and AED 150.

Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi Historical Area Tour

Touring the Al Fahidi Historical Area and the Dubai Creek is a good idea if you want to experience old Dubai. On this tour, you step back in time and learn how Dubai used to be before oil was found. This tour takes you to museums, old buildings and traditional markets called souks.

What’s Included?

Dubai Creek: Enjoy a glimpse into old Dubai by taking a ride on a traditional boat called an Abra across the Dubai creek.

Al Fahidi Fort: Take a walk around the Al Fahidi Fort and visit the Dubai Museum.

Traditional Souks: Enjoy an authentic market experience by taking a walk through the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk.

Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers

Inexpensive: The tickets to the museum and the abra ride are all very affordable.

Cultural Experience: Experience the rich culture and history Dubai is famous for.

Accessible: Most of the attractions are located close to each other and so, they can be covered by foot.

Cost

While a ticket to the Dubai Museum comes at AED 3, an abra ride costs between AED 1 and 2.

Desert Safari (Budget Option)

The desert safari is one of the most exciting adventures on a Dubai city tour. While there are desert safaris that offer an exclusive experience therefore tending to be more expensive, there are options available for budget travellers as well. On most of these tours, you will go dune bashing, camel riding or go on a visit to Bedouin style camp.

What’s Included?

Dune Bashing: Go roaring up and down the dune slopes in a powerful four-wheel drive SUV.

Camel Ride: Go on a short camel ride through the desert.

Dinner and Entertainment: Watch cultural performances like belly dancing and dig into a lavish Barbeque dinner spread.

Why It’s Perfect for Budget Travelers

Affordable Packages: The tours are priced as low as AED 100-AED 150.

Inclusive: Meals, entertainment and transport are included in many packages.

Cost

Prices of the budget desert safaris usually start from as low as AED 100.

Dubai Marina and JBR Beach Walking Tour

It's a good idea to take a walk around Dubai Marina and the JBR Beach if you are looking to experience Dubai on a budget. Apart from saving money, taking a tour of the city on foot also helps you explore it at your own pace. Enjoy the stunning views of tall skyscrapers and the beautiful beaches Dubai Marina and JBR are famous for.

What’s Included?

Dubai Marina: Take a relaxed walk along the waterfront enjoying views of beautiful yachts and majestic skyscrapers.

JBR Beach: Splash around in the crystal clear blue waters or relax on the beautiful sandy beach.

Street Art and Cafes: Enjoy affordable snacks served at the beach side cafes and admire the vibrant street art.

Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers

Free to Explore: You can walk around in the marina and the beach for free.

Scenic Views: Capture the stunning views of the city's skyline and the glamorous marina on your camera forever.

Cost

All of it is free unless you choose to dine at the local restaurants or cafes.

Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa View

When you are in Dubai, you just can't skip visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. You can admire the beauty of the stunning glass facade of the majestic building as it stands tall reaching high into the sky. You can also watch the spectacular performance of the Dubai fountain just by the Burj Khalifa without having to spend a penny. Explore these places if you’re short on time and can manage only a Dubai half day city tour.

What’s Included?

Dubai Fountain Show: Enjoy the dazzling light and water show just outside the Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa Views: Take in stunning views of the Burj Khalifa from the Dubai Mall or the places around it.

Why It’s Perfect for Budget Travelers

Free Show: The Dubai Fountain performances are free to watch.

Great Photo Opportunities: The surrounding areas are stunningly beautiful and you can always capture them on your camera for free.

Cost

While you can watch the fountain show for free, entry fees to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa start from AED 159.

Public Transport and Metro Tour

You can explore Dubai without spending too much by taking the metro. You can avail the metro, trams or buses with the Nol card. The metro in Dubai is absolutely world class and it's a very convenient and efficient way to explore the city. The metro can take you to most of Dubai's popular tourist attractions like the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Marina, the Mall of the Emirates and the Dubai Mall.

What’s Included?

Metro Rides: You can use the metro to visit various tourist places.

Multiple Modes of Transport: With the Nol card, you can also avail trams and buses apart from the metro.

Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers

Affordable: When you travel by the metro in Dubai, you use one of the cheapest Modes of transport in the city.

Convenient: Running frequently, the metro covers most of the places of interest in the city.

Cost

One way tickets on the metro start at as low as AED 3.

Conclusion

Despite being a luxurious city, Dubai offers options for budget travellers as well. Taking the metro is a great idea as it covers most of the tourist places in Dubai. Experience the best of charming Dubai with these affordable packages without having to burn a hole in your pockets.