Top 10 Attractions To Visit In Old Dubai

Overview For Old Dubai

Dubai's Old Town, also known as the Al Fahidi Historical District, has an extensive cultural heritage stretching to the beginning of the nineteenth century. The Dubai Museum, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, and XVA Gallery are among the renovated historic buildings, cultural institutions, museums, galleries of art, and cultural attractions. Souks provide traditional Arabian commerce and local items purchasing, while Dubai Creek, a natural stream, provides spectacular views of the city.

Advice: Whenever exploring the United Arab Emirates Old Town, dress modestly and observe regional traditions. You ought to have cash because many souk stores and small eateries do not take credit cards.

District of Deira

You could begin your exploration of Dubai Old Town in Deira District, which is famed for its souks.

The souks are the ideal way to visit Deira and get a sense of the local culture and vibe! Deira is home to several souks, including:

The Gold Souk, which has rows of stores offering gleaming gold jewelry.

The Spice Souk transports you to a world of unique fragrances and sensations. The kiosks provide spices, herbs, and teas, as well as other products required in Middle Eastern cooking.

The Fragrance Souk, which houses hundreds of stores offering fragrances, oils, and incense.

When exploring Deira, you ought to spend some time exploring the various stores in the vicinity. Numerous conventional companies offering spices, perfumes, and traditional apparel, as well as antique stores and art galleries, can be found in the neighborhood. There are also restaurants, cafés, and shisha bars where you may stop buying while sampling some classic Middle Eastern food. Take the metro to Al Ras Metro Station to reach to Deira.

The Gold Souk In Dubai

Deira Gold Souk is a must-see for any visitor to the city. This lively souk, situated in the centre of Old Dubai, is residence to over 300 stores and is well-known for its large assortment of jewellery and gemstones.

The Deira Gold Souk is ideal for individuals wishing to purchase gold. Necklaces and earrings, as well as observes and bangles, are available. Gold prices are determined by the moment's price in the marketplace, but if you're ready to bargain, you may typically get a decent deal.

Other expensive gems such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are also available.

Other valuable stones such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are also available. The majority of sellers are really pleasant, so don't be hesitant to ask questions and bargain for the best deal!

Deira Gold Souk is an excellent location for purchasing mementoes for relatives and close friends back home. There's a concept for everyone here, ranging from conventional Emirati jewellery to modern designs with a Middle Eastern touch.

The Spice Market

You should absolutely go to the Spice Souk while you're in Deira. This lively and interesting market is brimming with unique spices, incense, and plants. The entire subject from cardamom and turmeric to frankincense and saffron may be found.

With merchants screaming out to you and the perfume of spices in the air, it's a fantastic experience for the senses. You may barter with the merchants and obtain a fantastic price on aromatics and spices, much like in the gold souk. Take some back homes with you as they make excellent keepsakes for relatives, close companions, or yourself!

The Perfume Market

Let's go to the Perfume Souk to discover new scents!

Traditional Emirati perfume is manufactured from oud (a fragrant oil obtained from resin), but many additional components are added to create the various perfumes: musk, amber, saffron, rose, jasmine... You will undoubtedly discover something to your liking.

Ajmal Store and Swiss Arabian are two of the most well-known retailers of superior in quality traditional Arabic fragrances.

If you want to make your fragrance one-of-a-kind, Khadlaj Perfumes, another well-known business, allows you to design your own customized scent.

Embark On An Abra Ride

Even though in Deira, you should enjoy a trip on an abra, a traditional water taxi that people use to traverse the Dubai Creek. Riding an abra is a cheap and enjoyable way to see the stream from beneath the water! It's also the most convenient method to get from Deira to Bur Dubai, another part of Dubai Old Town.

You may board an abra at any of the stations along Dubai Creek and go to the opposite side in a short time. You will see the city from a new viewpoint and have the opportunity to engage with the people.

The journey is only going to cost you a few dirhams and will be a memory you'll never forget!

The Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is a historic watercourse that flows through Dubai. The creek is a popular site for those looking to see the old side of Dubai, as it is located in what is known as Dubai Old Town. 

Aside from crossing Dubai Creek on an Abra from Deira to Bur Dubai, the Creek may also be experienced on an old-fashioned dhow trip. A dhow is a classic Arabic sailing vessel, and taking a tour on one is an excellent way to observe the creek and its environs!

Dubai Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai (which means simply "mainland Dubai") occupies a spot on the Western bank of Dubai Creek and makes up the other half of Old Dubai. The following are the top attractions for sightseeing in Bur Dubai:

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House: The Al Maktoum family's ancestral home until 1958. There will be images and documentation regarding the city's history.
The primary objective of the oldest souks in Dubai. The entire subject is available there: slippers, souvenirs, and traditional lights.

The Textile Souk: The Textile Souk is the location to go for traditional handicrafts and gifts. There is a vast variety of textiles available here, including stunning embroidered fabrics and vibrant carpets.

Meena Bazaar is an industry where you may buy Indian items such as textiles, spices, and jewellery.

The Indian vendors on Hindi Lane. The greatest spot to sample classic cuisine at an affordable price.

Sheik Mohamed Cultural Center: In an ancestral residence, you may enjoy a noontime meal with an Emirati. The Sheikh established the centre in order to educate visitors about the customs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reservations are necessary. Al-Seef Market is a lovely location to promenade, with eating establishments and shops housed in reconstructions of historical buildings.

The Grand Mosque, Dubai's biggest mosque (not available to guests; if you are not Muslim, you can only see the outside). It is not to be mistaken with the well-known Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque.

The Dubai Museum is an excellent venue for discovering additional information regarding the city's (and particularly old Dubai's) history. I'll explain further about it further down.

Al Bastakiya Sector / Al Fahidi Historical District

If you're in Old Dubai, you should definitely stop by the old Al Fahidi area, commonly referred to as the Al Bastakiya sector. Al Fahidi, located in the city's centre, is comprised of small passageways and antique structures that provide a look into times gone by. 

It's an attractive destination for visitors looking to see the more conventional aspects of Dubai. Visit the city's classic architecture, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a variety of the most delicious regional food. The district contains around 50 historic buildings, most of which were constructed in the late 1800s.

You may either join an organized excursion of Old Dubai or investigate the neighbourhood on your own in order to discover additional information regarding its history and architecture.

You'll see historic wind towers, sand-coloured cottages, and modest art galleries as you walk the narrow streets.

The Dubai Museum

If you're seeking for things to do in Old Dubai, go to Dubai Museum, which is situated in Al Fahidi Fortress (Bur Dubai).

It chronicles Dubai's whole historical events, from the very initial tribes who resided there during the 1960s economic boom to the future plans for the coming years. Former fishing boats, nomads' everyday life goods, weaponry, and archaeological relics may all be found there.

The museum is fascinating and gives you an excellent idea of how the city appeared before its spectacular expansion. The museum's admission charge is 3 AED. Except for Friday mornings, it is open every day.

At The XVA Gallery, You May Admire Local Art

The XVA Gallery in Al Bastakiya is a popular tourist destination, displaying works by well-known artists from throughout the world.

The local traditional artworks can teach you more about the area's history. This colourful attraction combines historical architectural features with modern art forms, creating an intriguing combination of art and history.

Conclusion

As you travel through the alleys of Old Town, discover the historic history sector. Walking on gorgeous walkways showing the classic Old residences and rich Emirati customs transports you back to the olden days of Dubai.

Explore the XVA art gallery, which features some of the most ancient Arabian art traditions. Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Center to have a better grasp of the area's culture. You may learn about the rich savoring mixes by visiting the Arabian Tea House or the coffee museum.

Enjoy a market day in Deira and shop till you drop. Appreciate heritage in Al-Shindagha, one of Dubai's cultural pearls, which is filled with ancient structures and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's palace.