A lavish urban getaway or a rich cultural experience? You can have the best of both worlds in Dubai! Apart from the awe-inspiring megastructures, Dubai is also known for its well-preserved historical sites. The city's culture and traditions can be strongly felt in its HEART; right in the bank of the saltwater creek where all the success stories started.
Whenever Ed and I have guests, we follow a do-it-yourself cultural walking tour which starts at the Gold Souk in Deira and ends in Bastakiya in Bur Dubai. It can also be done the other way around. It is a very simple route that any traveler can do without a tour guide. I am happy to share this easy to follow walking tour to everyone who wants to catch a glimpse of "the other side" of Dubai.
Here's how you can explore Old Dubai at your own pace:
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| Old Dubai DIY walking tour map |
1. Gold Souk
Travel to Gold Souk in Deira by bus, taxi or train. Taking the cab is time efficient and the most comfortable way, yet most expensive. If you have all the time in your hands, take a bus with route to Gold Souk. The bus station is located adjacent to the souk itself. Another option is to ride the
Green Line metro. Hop off the train at Al Ras station, head to Exit 2 and take a 10-minute stroll to Gold Souk. The Gold Souk is a traditional Arabian market place with over 300 jewelry shops. This is where you can buy jewelries at the cheapest rate and still haggle for a much better price.
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| Dubai Gold Souk |
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| Haggle til the price drop! :) |
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| Najmat Taiba (Star of Taiba): Guinness World Record's heaviest gold ring |
2. Deira Grand Souk: Herbs, Spices and Textile market
After walking through the pavements of the Gold Souk, walk to the Exit near the jewelry store with the Guinness World Record's heaviest gold ring display and turn left at the narrow pavement. A 5-minute or less walk will lead you to Deira Grand Souk. You'll know you're in the right way when you start breathing in air with a distinct Arabian aroma. Deira Grand Souk is also known as the Spice Souk; a vibrant bazaar where you can purchase spices, herbs and fragrances. There are also shops that sell textile, kitchenware and kitchy souvenirs.
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| Deira Grand Souk |
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| spices, herbs and fragrances |
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| a textile shop at the Grand Souk |
3. Dubai Creek
Adjacent to Deira Grand Souk is Dubai Creek; a saltwater creek that holds a great portion of Dubai's history. The creek served as a fishing area, a pearling site and a gateway for traders before oil was discovered. Now, Dubai Creek is a top tourist attraction in Old Dubai. Despite the modern transportation system in the city, well-kept traditional wooden boats still dominate the waterway. For only a dirham,
ride an Abra (wooden boat) at Deira Old Souk Station. The short boat ride will take you to the other side of the creek; Bur Dubai.
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| Deira Old Souk Abra Station |
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| cross the creek onboard a traditional wooden boat or the abra |
4. Dubai Heritage Village
From Bur Dubai abra station, turn right and walk towards
Al Shindagha district. You'll never get lost if you walk along the bank of the creek.
:) After a short leisure stroll, you'll reach a well-preserved traditional Arabian village. Dubai Heritage and Diving village showcases the city's culture and tradition. Here's you can have a glimpse of Dubai's humble past as a fishing and pearling nation. Don't forget to take a quick stop at a barasti stall to have a taste of traditional Emirati food.
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| Dubai Heritage Village |
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| a wooden boat used for pearling and fishing |
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| traditional Emirati food: Al Raqaq and Luqaimat |
5. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House
From the Heritage Village, make a u-turn and head to
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House. The residence of the visionary ruler of Dubai from 1912 to 1958 is now a museum where important documents and photographs are displayed.
Entrance fee: 3 AED
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| official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum (Ruler of Dubai from 1912 to 1958) |
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| historic photographs at the courtyard |
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| Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House at dusk |
6. Dubai Old Souk
7. Dubai Museum
Once you got all your souvenir shopping sorted, take a short walk from Dubai Old Souk to Dubai Museum. This portal to the past is situated in Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai. Be prepared to be amaze with Dubai's rich history and all its antiquities. Entrance fee: 3 AED
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| Dubai Museum at night |
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| a replica of the Grand Souk inside Dubai Museum |
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| antiques and artifacts from excavated sites in Dubai |
8. Bastakiya Quarter
Near Dubai Museum is Bastakiya; a historical neighborhood that lies along the bank of the Dubai Creek. This district used to be a residential area for rich merchants. Here, you can find perfectly preserved traditional Arabian homes with wind catchers. In this modern day, the narrow alleys in Bastakiya district will lead you to museums, art galleries, hotels and restaurants. To cap off your Old Dubai Do-It-Yourself walking tour, have a taste of Dubai's exotic Camel Burger at
Local House restaurant, followed by a pot of tea at
Arabian Tea House.
Travel Tip: If visiting on a Friday, please note that it is a weekend in the UAE, hence most museums and retail shops at the Historical District are closed in the morning and open late in the afternoon. Opening hours also change during Islamic holidays and on the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Old Dubai DIY walking tour takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the time spent in each attraction.
Al Fahidi Metro Station is 10 to 15 minutes walk from Bastakiya Quarter.
.JPG "Philately House in Bastakiya Dubai")
15 Blogger Comments
Nice. I thought of posting something like this. Are most of the sites open on a friday?
ReplyDeleteHi Ken! Thanks for asking. :) On Fridays, most attractions are closed in the morning and only open past 3 in the afternoon. I will place an additional note on the post. ;)
DeleteThat's also the trail I recommend my visitors, though sometimes I recommend that they skip the gold souk and go there in the evening instead:)
ReplyDeleteI have never been to the Gold Souk at night. It's less crowded, I guess. :)
DeleteGreat post! I like the little map. I still have never been inside the museum! Need to do that...
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteDubai Museum is definitely a must-visit attraction for tourists and residents alike.
Even being a resident for how many years, I haven't really done a cultural tour here in the UAE. Probably will give it a try before the extreme summer heat strikes. Thanks Lady for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Hakeem! Enjoy your DIY walking tour. :)
DeleteI usually skip or should I say forgot the heritage area when I have my visitors here in Dubai. Next time for sure I'll bring them there
ReplyDeleteHi Gina. Your visitors will surely love it. Enjoy! :)
DeleteNice. Tnx ladyandhersweetescapes. I will be using your recommendation this friday
ReplyDeleteMiss lady ann please include opening hours especially the day of friday in your blog tnx
ReplyDeleteHi Chokoloko! :)
DeleteWill do! Thanks for the advice and the visit. :)
Amazing collection of pictures along with too informative blog post. Please provide some more posts related to online shopping in UAE or in Dubai. Souq Coupon Codes .
ReplyDeleteGrate Post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
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