Updated: April 9, 2024

Old Dubai is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of the city, characterized by its traditional architecture, bustling souks, and rich cultural heritage. If you’re interested in exploring this vibrant area, here’s a possible itinerary for a day in Old Dubai:

Morning:

Start your day by visiting the Dubai Museum, located in the historic Al Fahidi Fort. This museum provides a fascinating insight into Dubai’s history, culture, and traditions, with exhibits showcasing everything from traditional Emirati architecture to pearl diving and Bedouin life.

Next, head to the nearby Bastakiya Quarter, also known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, to explore the charming labyrinth of narrow lanes and traditional courtyard houses. This area is home to many art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops, so take your time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere.

Afternoon:

For lunch, head to the nearby Al Seef area, a recently renovated waterfront district that pays homage to Dubai’s maritime heritage. There are plenty of dining options here, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants.

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the bustling souks of Deira, located on the other side of Dubai Creek. These traditional markets are a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, selling everything from spices and textiles to gold and electronics. Don’t forget to haggle to get the best deals!

Evening:

As the sun sets, head back to Old Dubai to enjoy the traditional Arabic hospitality and cuisine. There are many authentic restaurants in the area, offering everything from Emirati delicacies to Middle Eastern staples like shawarma and falafel.

Finally, end your day by taking an abra (traditional wooden boat) ride across Dubai Creek. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and soak up the atmosphere of Old Dubai at night.

Dubai is famous for its souks, which are traditional markets selling a wide variety of goods, from spices and textiles to gold and electronics. Here’s what you need to know about visiting a souk in Dubai:

Types of Souks:

There are several souks in Dubai, each with its own unique character and offerings:

Gold Souk: This is one of the most famous souks in Dubai, and it’s the place to go if you’re looking for gold jewelry. With more than 300 gold shops, you’ll find everything from simple gold chains to elaborate, diamond-encrusted necklaces.

Spice Souk: Located in the historic Deira neighborhood, the Spice Souk is a feast for the senses, with stalls selling a colorful array of spices, herbs, and dried fruits.

Textile Souk: This souk is located near the Dubai Museum and offers a wide variety of fabrics, from traditional Emirati textiles to silk and satin.

Perfume Souk: If you’re looking for traditional Arabian perfumes, incense, or oils, this souk is the place to go.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Al Fahidi Fort/Dubai Museum
01:35 Bur Dubai Grand Mosque
02:45 Bur Dubai Grand Souk
06:09 Dubai Creek
06:49 House of Shaikh Khalifa Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
10:21 Exploring Dubai Creek
12:20 Abra Boat Ride
13:41 Grand Souk Deira
15:03 Dubai Gold Souk