Planning a trip to Dubai on a budget? Don’t worry — this glamorous city is not just for luxury travelers. With smart planning, you can enjoy Dubai’s incredible architecture, deserts, beaches, and culture even on a tight budget. Here’s your 10-day Dubai itinerary under $100 per day!
✈️ Before You Go
- Best Time to Visit: November – March (cooler and pleasant)
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
- Language: Arabic (but English is widely spoken)
- Budget Tips:
- Use the Nol Card for metro/bus
- Book attractions online for discounts
- Eat at local eateries or food courts
📅 Day-by-Day Budget Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Walk
- Arrive at DXB International Airport
- Use the metro to reach your hostel/hotel
- Visit Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain Show (free!)
- Photo at Burj Khalifa from outside
- 🍴 Meal Tip: Eat at Al Baik or Mall food court (~$6)
💰 Estimated Spend: $35
🛏️ Budget Stay: BackPacker Hostel or Zabeel House Mini
✅ Day 2: Dubai Marina & JBR Beach
- Stroll around Dubai Marina Walk
- Relax at JBR Beach (public and free)
- Ride the Dubai Tram
- Evening walk at Bluewaters Island
💰 Estimated Spend: $40
🎫 Optional: Dinner cruise from [GetYourGuide Affiliate Link]
✅ Day 3: Old Dubai & Culture Day
- Visit Al Fahidi Historic District
- Take Abra ride across the creek (only 1 AED!)
- Explore Gold & Spice Souks
- Tour Dubai Museum (entry ~3 AED)
💰 Estimated Spend: $30
🍴 Try: Local shawarma ($3), Karak tea ($1)
✅ Day 4: Desert Safari on a Budget
- Morning free or mall stroll
- Afternoon: Budget Desert Safari Tour
(includes camel ride, BBQ dinner, dune bashing)
👉 Book on Viator or GetYourGuide for $35–45
💰 Estimated Spend: $50
📸 Great for social media photos!
✅ Day 5: Dubai Frame & Zabeel Park
- Visit Dubai Frame (entry ~50 AED)
- Walk around Zabeel Park
- Chill evening in Karama for souvenirs
💰 Estimated Spend: $40
🎫 Optional: Book Dubai Frame ticket online
✅ Day 6: Palm Jumeirah & Monorail
- Ride the Palm Monorail (~20 AED)
- Visit The Pointe for Atlantis view
- Walk along the Boardwalk
💰 Estimated Spend: $35
📷 Free Instagram-worthy spots
✅ Day 7: Museum of the Future (Optional Splurge)
- Book tickets online (~149 AED)
👉 Add affiliate link: [Museum of the Future Tickets] - Afternoon: Rest or roam City Walk Dubai
💰 Estimated Spend: $55
🍴 Eat at She Burger or affordable spots nearby
✅ Day 8: Global Village & Food Adventure
- Visit Global Village (open Nov–April)
Entry: 20 AED + food from many countries
💰 Estimated Spend: $40
🌍 Cultural shows included!
✅ Day 9: Beach Chill & Kite Beach
- Day at Kite Beach – swim, sunbathe, volleyball
- Try cheap eats at food trucks
💰 Estimated Spend: $30
🎫 Optional: Water sports from $15–$20
✅ Day 10: Last-Minute Shopping & Departure
- Buy souvenirs at Deira or Karama
- Use metro to reach airport
- Final Karak tea or McDonald’s 😄
💰 Estimated Spend: $25
🧾 Total Estimated Budget for 10 Days:
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $250 |
| Food | $100 |
| Local Transport | $50 |
| Activities/Tickets | $300 |
| Total | ~$700 |