Dubai Old Town: Discover Dubai’s Historic Sites

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If you’re visiting Dubai, the endless tower blocks and record breaking feats of architecture could fool you into thinking the emirate has no discoverable roots. The perfect remedy is to spend a day exploring Dubai’s old town, the area around Dubai Creek

You’ll find that far away from the malls and millionaires; merchants and traders still go about their business at Dubai Creek, which flows between Deira and Bur Dubai and is the beating heart of ‘old Dubai’.

Spilling out into the Arabian Gulf, the Creek served as Dubai’s main artery when the emirate was little more than a fishing port – way before Sheikh Zayed Road was built.

On the western side of the Dubai Creek and Diera in Bur Dubai, you’ll find Dubai’s old quarter, which will show you that Dubai isn’t as soulless as the skyscrapers would have you believe.

This is the area with some of old Dubai’s most famous tourist sites with historic weight, like the gold and spice souks and the cheapest tourist attraction in Dubai: the abra ride.

Hope you’ve got your bartering hat on, we’re going for an adventure into the UAE’s culture and heritage…

UNSURE WHERE TO STAY IN DUBAI? My guide to the best places to stay in Dubai includes info on the top areas in Dubai for visitors, plus the best hotels for every budget.

Best Places To Visit In Dubai’s ‘Old Town’

Create your own old Dubai tour with my guide to the most interesting places to visit in Dubai for travellers keen to immerse themselves in the UAE’s history.

Watch my full-length Dubai expat vlog on Youtube

1. Dubai Spice Souk

The area around the Bur Dubai side of the creek is a smorgasbord for the senses; with sights, smells and shiny stuff jumping out at you from every nook and cranny.

The DubaiSpice Souk is immediately in front of the bus stop and across the road from the creek. You can probably just follow your nose though. Heady aromas will lead you into the ramshackle narrow lanes, where you’ll be hit by the cries of traders urging you to try some of their stock.

A huge array of spices and seasonings are displayed in vividly hued heaps outside each shop in the souk. You can run cardamon, saffron and endless other unidentifiable exotic spices through your fingers while you barter with the traders.

The burning incense on every stall makes the spice souk even more pungent, while the contrasting colours of the dried rosebuds, cinnamon sticks and cloves make for beautiful photographs. If you’re looking for beautiful places for photography in Dubai, the spice souk is a must-visit!

Everything for sale at the spice souk has come straight off a dhow just steps away at Dubai Creek, where cargo boats ship goods from Pakistan or Iran or India. Bring cash – cards aren’t really accepted.

You can book a tour of Dubai’s souks with an English speaking local guide who will take you for real Arabic coffee – check prices and availability here.

2. Deira Gold Souk

When you’ve exhausted your nostrils at the Spice Souk, head over to the wooden latticed archway of the Gold Souk, where you can wander the labyrinth of shops at your wallet’s peril, taking in the staggering display of decadence and gaudiness.

The Dubai Gold Souk famously has over 25 tonnes of gold on display at any given time, making it the largest gold market in the Middle East.

Along with the elegant gold jewellery, trinkets and treasures, you can also spot some slightly more elaborate pieces – like this Indian bridal set.

Or perhaps you fancy this very becoming jewelled panther? Each to their own and all that.

3. ‘The Big Souk’

In the streets and alleyways around this part of Bur Dubai, you’ll find shops selling everything you can imagine, want or need.

Al Souk al-Kabeer is a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts, especially pashminas in the textile souk.

Take some time to wander the area.

4. Heritage House

Once you’ve exhausted your haggling skills in the souks, wander over to Al Ahmadiyya Street and you’ll find a sand coloured renovated 1890 courtyard house. It once belonged to Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk, a rich pearl trader who founded Dubai’s first school.

In Heritage House you can see cool vintage photos of Dubai plus a diorama of an Arabic Majilis, which is a traditional meeting room.

You can read more about how Majilis bring people in the Middle East together in my guide to more cultural things to do in Dubai.

5. Al-Ahmadiya School

Next to Heritage House is Dubai’s first school, which opened to boys in 1912. The security guard made me sit for a really embarrassing picture in the old schoolroom, pretending to be a pupil. I’m not posting it, sorry.

The school takes two minutes to walk around and could definitely do with some more entertaining displays but it’s interesting to visit.

6. Dubai Creek

The Dubai Creek served the British on their routes to India and East Africa. It winds its way for 15km from the mouth at the port to the Ras al Khor bird sanctuary on the desert edge of Dubai and was integral in establishing Dubai as the centre of commerce it is today.

Yup, from an historic pearl diving port to a mall with an actual indoor ski slope… that’s Dubai for ya.

Whether you choose to stay on dry land and have a stroll along the paved promenade or take to the saltwater on one of the abras or dhows to Deira Old Souk Station; there’s always something to see on the Creek itself.

From tiny fishing boats; water taxis to modern day yachts, vehicles of every calibre slip past each other under the shadows of the Deira Twin Towers, and the creek encompasses old and new in a clash of colour and sound.

‘Abra’ water taxis from Bur Dubai to Deira and back cost just 1 AED each way, criss-crossing the water from dusk until dawn. Pile on and you could find yourself squeezed in between an African woman in flamboyant prints and an Arab man in a brilliant white dishdasha. It’s something of a cultural experience.

Watch cargo boats being loaded and unloaded with everything under the sun for a true insight into Dubai’s past.

For the romantics, a dhow cruise along the creek at sunset is wonderfully atmospheric. If you’re in Deira after dark, bag yourself a table on a dinner cruise boat and watch the area’s nightlife as you dine.

7. Bastikaya

Across the water in Bur Dubai lies the Bastakiya quarter, where wealthy merchants once lived. The area is remarkably well preserved and there are plenty of boutiques and cafes to keep you sustained as you wander around the labyrinth of 19th century streets. You’ll also find a handful of art galleries here, such as the XVA Gallery.

The buildings have wind towers to keep their occupants cool in the days before air conditioning.

8. Dubai Museum

Dubai’s museum is houses in the oldest building in the emirate: Al Fahidi Fort. Dating back to 1847, the fort offers visitors an immersive walk through Dubai’s past today.

The best tours of Old Dubai

How to get to Dubai’s ‘Old Town’

Although a little out of the way from the iconic Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai and the sandy yellow towers of Jumeirah; it’s easy to get to visit the cultural attractions in Dubai. Start your day exploring Dubai’s historic sites at the northern side of the creek, which is where Deira is located.

I took a C09 bus from Al Rigga Metro Station. You can also get the Metro to Al Ras Station, or cross the Creek itself in an abra.

Remember that the weekend is Friday and Saturday in the UAE. Museums and many shops in Dubai’s historical district are closed in the morning and stay open late.

If you’re looking to save money on Dubai’s historic attractions, take a look at the Dubai Explorer Pass.

Places to stay in Dubai’s Old Town

The below map shows hotels and accommodation near Dubai’s popular historic places.

Booking.com

What to wear in Bur Dubai

While Dubai is a Muslim country, it’s the most tolerant of its neighbours and it’s not unusual to see hot pants and minidresses in the clubs and beach bars around the areas popular with expats and tourists. However, it’s still important that you dress in a way that doesn’t offend when you visit Dubai – especially in the areas with a predominantly Arabic and Asian population.

My advice, as a young woman who lived and worked in Dubai for 14 months, is to err on the side of caution when it comes to your outfit for Dubai’s historic district.

It’s best to cover your shoulders and knees. A pashmina comes in handy – you can buy one in the souk!

Dubai Old Town: Discover Dubai’s Historic Sites