Free Things to Do in Eilat: 10 Attractions That Cost Nothing
In short: The best free things to do in Eilat are the promenade, the public beaches, a sunset over the gulf, birdwatching during migration seasons, walking trails in the Eilat Mountains and evenings out on the city streets. You can enjoy the sea without paying for a ticket. If you stay at City Apartments Eilat, the promenade is a 5 to 10 minute walk away.
It's a Saturday morning, the kids are already in swimsuits, and you're working out what the day will cost. The good news: in Eilat, many of the best things cost nothing at all.
What can you do in Eilat for free? 10 ideas
Here is the full list, from the easiest to plan to the ones that need a bit of walking.
Eilat promenade: A walk along the gulf, facing the water and the lights. It is the simplest thing on the list and one of the most beautiful.
Public beach: Free entry. Bring an umbrella and a towel and that's it.
Sunset over the gulf: The mountains across the water glow with color. Arrive half an hour early.
Evening lights: From the beach you can see the lights of the cities across the gulf. Kids love it.
Birdwatching: Eilat is known for bird migration in spring and autumn. Open eyes and a pair of binoculars are all you need.
Walking trails in the Eilat Mountains: Short routes early in the morning, no ticket needed.
Watching fish from the shore: In some spots you can see colorful fish right at the water's edge.
Beach games: Paddle ball, a ball, sandcastles. Everything comes from home.
Free community events: On some days there are street events and performances. Check the Eilat events calendar.
An evening stroll through town: Just wander, watch street life and buy one ice cream to share.
Beaches in Eilat: how to enjoy them without paying
The beaches are the biggest asset for budget travelers in Eilat. The public beaches are open to everyone, and entry is free.
What to know before you go in the water:
Check that there is a lifeguard on the beach before you swim.
Bring an umbrella, because shade on an open beach is rare.
Drink plenty of water, even in winter.
Water shoes help on sand and pebbles.
If you want to snorkel for free, bring your own gear and start in shallow water close to a lifeguard. We covered this in our post on snorkeling in Eilat for beginners.
Local tip: Get to the beach in the morning. There is more space, the sea is calm and the sun is still pleasant.
Eilat promenade: what to do there without spending money
The Eilat promenade is not just a place to walk. You can sit on a bench facing the water, go for a morning run, photograph the sunset and let the kids run around.
In the evening the promenade fills with people and has a festive feel. You don't have to buy anything to enjoy it. If you want more ideas for the evening, we have a whole post on what to do in Eilat at night.
Is the promenade suitable for strollers and small children?
Yes, it is comfortable to walk and mostly flat. It works well for strollers, and for kids on scooters or bikes. At busy times, keep little ones close by the hand.
Free hikes near the city
Short walking trails near Eilat cost nothing. If you're just starting out, choose a short route and head out early in the morning.
Take a hat, water and a snack.
Check the Eilat weather forecast before you leave.
Avoid midday in summer.
Do not enter wadis when rain is forecast.
Routes suitable for families and beginners are described in hiking in Eilat for families and beginners.
Save money: Pack water bottles and fruit from home. Water costs more at the kiosk along the way.
What does cost money (and we won't hide it)
Not everything in Eilat is free, and that's fine. The coral reserve, underwater viewing and dolphin activities are paid attractions. You can check details on the official site of the Coral Beach Nature Reserve.
The smart approach is to mix. Spend one day paying for one big attraction, then enjoy the sea and the promenade for three days. You can also see what else is happening in town on the Eilat tourism website.
A free day plan in Eilat, hour by hour
Morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM): A short walk on a trail or the promenade, breakfast from the kitchenette.
Midday (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM): Beach, swimming, sandwiches from home.
Afternoon: Rest in the air-conditioned apartment, maybe a card game.
Sunset: Head to the promenade or the beach to watch the light.
Evening: A stroll through town and an ice cream.
Want to eat on a budget too? See cheap eats in Eilat.
Checklist: what to bring for a perfect free day
A beach umbrella or small canopy
Towels and sunscreen
Water and hats
Water shoes
A trash bag
Small binoculars for birdwatching
Where to stay so you can enjoy all of this on foot
Our Eilat vacation apartments are in the hotel area of central Eilat, behind the Club Hotel. They do not have a sea view and are not on the waterfront. The promenade, North Beach and the mall by the sea are a 5 to 10 minute walk away.
That means you don't need to pay for parking or transport to reach the sea. The public parking near the entrance is free. On Nevi'im Street there is also free private parking, subject to availability.
If you want a balcony, there is Studio with Balcony #10 for up to 3 guests. After a day out you can sit on the balcony with a city view. The kitchenette in the apartment has a fridge, stovetop, kettle and microwave, so you can cook and save money.
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to the beaches in Eilat free?
Entry to the public beaches is free. Check that there is a lifeguard. Beaches with a reserve or special facilities may charge a fee.
What can you do in Eilat for free with kids?
The beach, the promenade, beach games, the sunset and watching fish from the shore. You can add a short morning walk on an easy trail.
Is the promenade in Eilat free?
Yes. Walking the promenade is open to everyone and no ticket is needed. You only pay if you choose to sit in a restaurant or buy something.
When is the best time for free sightseeing in Eilat?
In the morning and the late afternoon. In summer the midday hours are very hot, so it is better to rest in the apartment then. See also when to travel to Eilat.
Can you combine free attractions with a paid one?
Absolutely. Pick one paid attraction that suits you, and fill the rest of your days with the sea, the promenade and a trail.
Want to plan a budget-friendly Eilat holiday? Check availability and prices on our website. Booking direct automatically gives you 5% off.
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