Wooden dhows, the gold and spice souks and the Al Fahidi quarter.
Address: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, and the Deira souks across Dubai Creek
Dubai grew around this saltwater creek, where the Al Maktoum family settled in 1833. Pearl divers, fishermen and traders from Persia and India made it a busy port, and the creek is still crossed by wooden dhows and abras.
In Al Fahidi (once called Bastakiya), coral-stone houses with wind towers show how people kept cool before air conditioning. Across the water, the Spice Souk and Gold Souk of Deira keep the old trading spirit alive.
November to March.
Late afternoon into evening, when the souks are lively and the heat drops.
Some shops close during Friday prayers.
Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.
Heritage-style hotel on the creek at Al Seef.
See pricesA few dirhams, paid on board in cash.
Yes, it shows the city's history and has the best traditional souks.
Usually morning to late evening, with a break around midday and during Friday prayers.
