Dubai is a magnet for visitors from across the world owing to its ultramodern architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant night scene. The largest and most populous city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, it enjoys the reputation of expensive. Budget travelers can still visit the city and chart memorable experiences if they follow some tried and tested tips to save. The first and perhaps most important of which is to buy Dubai tour packages as opposed to planning your own holiday. If you plan on visiting Dubai anytime soon, here are some useful tips to help you enjoy the emirate on budget. Let’s dig in.

Use the Dubai Metro

The vast majority of attractions in Dubai are within walking distance of the Metro which was officially opened in 2009. Although you can also go for other options such as bike sharing, the Metro will help you save and avoid congestion. You can easily get to attractions such as Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Gold Souk, Bur Dubai, and Mall of the Emirates. You can buy a red card which can be loaded with up to 10 trips or converted into a day pass of up to 5 days or go for a silver card if you plan on staying for an extended period. If you wish to travel in the Gold Class section, you can go for the Gold Nol Card.

Patronize local Restaurants

If you are looking to enjoy Dubai on a budget, you might want to prefer local restaurants as opposed to international joints. The restaurant scene in Dubai is very vibrant with prices of food getting cheaper with every step you take away from the city center. Most budget travelers to Dubai enjoy patronizing Indian and Lebanese restaurants that are a common feature in neighborhoods such as Bur Dubai and Deira.

Visit Free Attractions

Although the booming city is expensive to live, not everything comes at a price. You can still find attractions and activities that don’t require a dime for you to get the experience. Don’t make your trip all about shopping, rather, take time to absorb some free contemporary culture such as in Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz or galleries at Dubai International Finance Centre. Dubai Museum is also a great stop where you can learn some history.

Watch your Drinking

Drinking in Dubai doesn’t come cheap for a variety of reasons. Being a Muslim country, alcohol is the subject of strict laws. This makes hotels and other upmarket clubs and joints the only places where you can buy and drink alcohol. A beer can easily cost you anywhere from $7, which is why you need to watch your drinking or avoid alcohol altogether when you want to enjoy Dubai on budget. You can also take advantage of ladies or gents nights to score some free booze.

Buy a Dubai Tour Package

One important consideration when traveling on a budget is making sure that you don’t run short of funds while in a foreign country. One way to get around such a risk is by buying international tour packages. Search among different Dubai vacation packages to find one that suits your budget and the experience you wish to have. A simple online search will reveal several players in the industry who offer excellently crafted and affordable Dubai tour packages from Mumbai and other major cities in India. Choose one that is reputable and also provides competitively priced and packaged deals. Apart from comparing the packages, also take time to go through the reviews from other travelers to learn from their experiences.