Dubai is a fascinating place that has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in recent years.

However, there are many similar places where you can find luxury hotels, fantastic architecture, and great nightlife.

If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway or an adventure-filled trip somewhere else, you’d love these 15 places like Dubai but cheaper.

So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

1/ Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi is a bustling metropolis that has something to offer everyone. There is always something to do in this region, from its beautiful beaches to vibrant nightlife.

 Abu Dhabi, UAE

If you’re a lover of history, this is the ideal city for you to explore all it has to offer in terms of monuments and historical sites. 

It is also home to several adventure parks and activities for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

There are several reasons why Abu Dhabi is the best alternative to Dubai. First, Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper than Dubai.

The city offers many activities and attractions, making it perfect for those who want to experience a little bit of everything.

Also, Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the world, so that you can relax and unwind. 

These are the things to do in Abu Dhabi:

  • See historical sites that date back to the 7th century.
  • Get an adrenaline rush at one of the many adventure parks.
  • Visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Discover the culture and history of Abu Dhabi.

2/ Muscat, Oman

Muscat, Oman’s capital city in the Middle East, is one of the most similar places to Dubai. The city has a long history, dating back to the 6th century BC. 

That’s why you will feel more cultural experience in Muscat than in Dubai. It’s a great place to visit if you want an authentic Middle Eastern experience. 

Muscat, Oman

Muscat is a place of worship for people of many faiths, with mosques and other religious sites.

Muscat is a relatively small city, so that’s the city you are looking for if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a big city.

These are the things to do in Muscat:

  • Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
  • Visit the Royal Opera House.
  • Explore the Old Town of Muscat.
  • Take a cruise on the Gulf of Oman.

3/ Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul may not be the most similar destination to Dubai. It’s more walkable and has more affordable cuisines and bustling markets than Dubai. 

But it has similar things to Dubai, such as luxury hotels, fantastic nightlife, and exciting architecture. It’s an incredible city that has something for everyone. 

Spring Season In Istanbul, Turkey

The city is full of culture, and there are many ways to experience it. It has many historical sites, making it the perfect place for history buffs to explore. 

  • Hagia Sophia.
  • Galata Tower. 
  • Basilica Cistern. 
  • Grand Bazar.
  • Topkapi Palace.
  • And the Blue Mosque.

The people of Istanbul are also some of the most friendly and welcoming people in the world!

These are the things to do in Istanbul :

  • Explore the historical places mentioned above. 
  • Stroll through the Grand Bazaar.
  • Enjoy the delicious food.
  • Go for the Bosphorus cruise.

4/ Doha, Qatar

Doha is a bustling city with activities and attractions for everyone. What makes this capital city of Qatar special is that it’s constantly evolving, just like Dubai. 

This skyline has increased in recent years and is home to some of the unique architecture in the world.

Doha, Qatar

It’s one of the best places like Dubai because of its similarities:

  • Luxury hotels and resorts.
  • Historical museums.
  • Busy shopping malls.
  • And authentic Middle Eastern experience.

In the city, there are many opportunities to explore different cultures.

These are the things to do in Doha:

  • Stroll through Souq Waqif.
  • Explore the Qatar National Museum.
  • Visit the Museum of Islamic Art.
  • Shop at one of the many malls.

5/ Riyadh

Riyadh and Dubai are comparable in many ways.

Both Dubai and Riyadh are major business hubs in their respective countries. They both offer a lot of luxury to visitors, with Dubai being more extravagant. They also offer a subtropical hot desert climate.

Riyadh

OAG reports that Riyadh is one of the world’s busiest international routes.

For expats and travelers, Riyadh has good quality of life at lower costs. You can find many international chain restaurants, hotels, and malls in Riyadh. And that’s why Riyadh is one of the top places like Dubai.

These are the top places to see in Riyadh:

  • Riyadh Zoo.
  • Hayat Mall.
  • Kingdom Centre Tower.
  • Al Masmak Fortress.
  • National Museum.
  • King Abdullah Park.
  • Riyadh Gallery Mall.
  • Al Rajhi Grand Mosque.

6/ Singapore

Singapore is a city-state that is located in Southeast Asia. The city is spotless and safe, making it best for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Despite its small size, Singapore is a city full of life. You can always find something to see and do in this incredible city, from its street food to its nightlife.

Singapore

The people of Singapore are known for their politeness and cleanliness. They are always willing to help strangers and keep the city clean.

Singapore is one of the best places like Dubai but not cheaper, thanks to its luxury hotels and resorts, modern high-rise buildings, and vibrant nightlife. But Singapore is a much cleaner and calmer city than Dubai. 

These are the things to do in Singapore:

  • Visit the Marina Bay Sands.
  • Wander through Gardens by the Bay.
  • Try street food.
  • Explore Chinatown.

7/ Beirut, Lebanon

Approximately 4 hour drive from Dubai is Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. The city is well known for its nightlife and vibrant music scene. 

Beirut is also a hub of historical sites, making it the perfect place for history buffs to explore. These include the Roman ruins of Baalbek and the Beirut National Museum.

The people of Beirut are known for their fun and love of music. They are often seen dancing in the streets late into the night.

Building in Beirut, Lebanon

If Dubai is too artificial for you, you must visit Beirut. The city is full of delicious food, with a wide range of restaurants. In fact, I believe Beirut is a better place than Dubai 🙂

These are the things to do in Beirut:

  • Visit the Roman ruins of Baalbek.
  • Wander through the Beirut National Museum.
  • Indulge in the delicious food.
  • Go shopping in the markets and malls.

8/ Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Despite its small size, the city is full of life and energy. And it’s one of the top places like Dubai in the world.

Instead of skyscrapers, Hong Kong is full of old buildings and temples. The city is also known for its delicious food, with a wide range of restaurants.

 Hong Kong, China

The people of Hong Kong are known for their mix of old and new cultures. They are always willing to try new things and are very friendly.

Hong Kong is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a mix of old and new.

These are the things to do in Hong Kong:

  • Visit Victoria Peak.
  • Stroll through Stanley Market.
  • Explore the Temple Street Night Market.
  • Go to Hong Kong Disneyland.

9/ Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is South Korea’s capital and one of the world’s largest cities. This city offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. And it’s a more walkable destination than Dubai. 

In Seoul, you can find various activities to suit all interests. From its palaces to its street markets, there is always something to see and do in Seoul.

Village in Seoul, South Korea

The people of Seoul are known for their politeness and love of traditional culture. They are always willing to help strangers and keep the city clean.

The city is also home to many delicious restaurants, making it a great place to try new food.

These are the things to do in Seoul:

  • Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace.
  • Wander through Namdaemun Market.
  • Explore Bukchon Hanok Village.
  • Try the delicious food.

10/ Beijing, China

As the capital of China, Beijing is one of the most populated cities in the world. That’s what I don’t like about it. 

The city is well known for its historical sites, such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.

Beijing, China

The people of Beijing are known for their love of luxury and high-rise buildings. They are often seen wearing designer clothes and driving expensive cars, just like in Dubai. 

From Hole-in-the-Wall to Michelin-star restaurants, Beijing’s dining scene will satisfy everyone’s cravings. The city is also home to many shopping malls, making it the perfect place to shop.

These are the things to do in Beijing:

  • Triumph the Great Wall of China.
  • Explore the Forbidden City
  • Visit Tiananmen Square.
  • Must visit The Palace Museum.

11/ Shanghai, China

Shanghai is one of the largest cities in China. This city combines old and new, with traditional Chinese architecture alongside modern skyscrapers.

It is considered the financial hub of China and is home to several multinational corporations. Shanghai is also a great place to shop, with its many markets and malls.

Shanghai, China

These are the things to do in Shanghai:

  • Visit The Bund.
  • Wander through Yu Garden.
  • Explore Tianzifang.
  • Visit Shanghai Tower.

12/ Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is a beautiful city in southwestern France. Bordeaux is known for its wine industry, while Dubai is known for its luxury, shopping malls, and high-rise buildings. It’s a more walkable destination than Dubai.

Both cities are home to many historical sites. But Bordeaux is better than Dubai if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation.

 Bordeaux, France

The people of Bordeaux are known for their love of food and wine. They enjoy a glass of wine in the city’s many cafes and restaurants.

These are the things to do in Bordeaux:

  • Visit a vineyard.
  • Indulge in the delicious food.
  • Explore the Cité du Vin.
  • Stroll through the historic center.

13/ Windhoek, Namibia

Windhoek is Namibia’s capital and the country’s largest city. 

The city is famous for its unique German colonial architecture. German settlers founded the city in the late 19th century, and its architecture reflects their heritage.

Windhoek is Namibia's capital and the country's largest city. 

The colonial architecture of Windhoek is characterized by its red brick buildings and gabled roofs. The city’s buildings mix traditional German styles and African influences.

Windhoek is also home to museums and monuments that commemorate Namibia’s history.

These are the things to do in Windhoek:

  • Visit the Namibia National Museum.
  • Wander through Christuskirche.
  • Explore the Alte Feste.
  • See the German colonial architecture.

14/ The Maldives

The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. The country comprises a chain of 26 atolls, which are coral reef systems. 

It’s hugely different from Dubai, as the Maldives comprises small islands rather than one large city.

The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean.

But I’ve enlisted it here because both the destinations offer beautiful beaches and luxury lifestyles.

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, the Maldives is a better choice than Dubai.

These are the things to do in the Maldives:

  • Visit the beaches.
  • Explore the coral reefs.
  • Go diving or snorkeling.
  • Relax in a luxury resort.

15/ Amman, Jordan

Last but not least on my list of places like Dubai but cheaper is Amman, the capital of Jordan. 

This city is known for its rich history and culture. It has several historical sites, including the Roman ruins of Jerash and the Citadel. 

Amman, Jordan This city is known for its rich history and culture. It has several historical sites, including the Roman ruins of Jerash and the Citadel. 

The city is also home to many museums, including the Jordan Museum and the Royal Automobile Museum. It’s a great place to shop, with its many markets, and try delicious food.

These are the things to do in Amman:

  • Visit the Roman ruins of Jerash.
  • Explore the Citadel.
  • Wander through the markets.
  • Visit The Roman Theater.

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