A Guide to Old Dubai: What to Eat, See and Do!

Old Dubai looks compact on a map, but a first visit can become confusing very quickly. Many travellers are unsure where the historic area begins, whether Deira and Bur Dubai are the same place, which Metro station to use, and where they should board an abra to cross Dubai Creek.

While researching the current transport routes, heritage attractions, souks and visitor concerns, I noticed that poor route planning causes most of the problems. Some visitors begin at the Gold Souk and later realise that Al Fahidi, Textile Souk and Al Shindagha are on the opposite side of the Creek. Others spend more than necessary on taxis because they do not know that the Green Line, walking paths and a low-cost abra can connect the main attractions.

The visit can become even harder for families, elderly travellers and people arriving during the hottest part of the day. Narrow souk lanes, crowded streets, limited shade and long walking distances can make an otherwise enjoyable cultural trip tiring. Traditional abra boarding may also be difficult for some passengers with strollers, heavy bags or limited mobility.

Shopping creates another common pain point. First-time buyers may not understand bargaining, gold rates, making charges or the difference between the Gold, Spice, Perfume and Textile souks. This can lead to pressure buying, unnecessary spending or missing the markets that best match their interests.

From my route-planning and source-review experience, the easiest way to explore Old Dubai is to treat Dubai Creek as the centre of the journey. Start on the Bur Dubai side, explore Al Fahidi and Textile Souk, cross the Creek once by abra, and then continue through Deira’s Spice and Gold souks. This one-way route reduces backtracking, saves money and makes the area easier to understand.

Old Dubai is not one officially defined neighbourhood. The name generally refers to the historic districts around Dubai Creek, including Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, Al Shindagha, Deira and parts of Al Seef.

This guide explains the best starting point, Metro stations, abra routes, heritage attractions, souks, food stops, hotels and practical walking order. It is designed to help you explore Old Dubai without getting lost, overspending or trying to fit too many disconnected places into one day.

Last fact-checked: 17 July 2026. Museum access, transport fares, hotel details and individual business hours can change.

Old Dubai: Quick Tips

Question	Quick answer
What is Old Dubai?	The historic districts around Dubai Creek
Main areas	Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, Al Shindagha, Deira and Al Seef
Best transport	Green Line Metro, walking and abra
Practical starting stations	Sharaf DG or Al Ghubaiba
Practical finishing stations	Al Ras or Gold Souq
Traditional abra fare	AED 1 per passenger, paid in cash
Best visit length	About four hours for highlights or one full day
Best time	Morning or late afternoon
Main attractions	Al Fahidi, Dubai Creek, the souks, SMCCU and Al Seef
Current museum update	Dubai Museum remains closed for renovation

RTA currently lists the traditional motorised abra routes from Bur Dubai Abra Station to Deira Old Souq Abra Station and from Dubai Old Souq Station to Al Sabkha Abra Station. The fare is AED 1 per passenger for each trip and payment is made in cash.

Sharaf DG, Al Ghubaiba, Al Ras and Gold Souq are Green Line stations serving different parts of the wider heritage area. Check the current RTA map or journey planner before travelling because station access and service conditions may change.

Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. Carry drinking water, sun protection and small cash for the traditional abra.

What Is Old Dubai?

Old Dubai is a broad name for the older communities on both sides of Dubai Creek.

The Bur Dubai side includes:

• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
• Al Shindagha
• Textile Souk
• Meena Bazaar
• Al Seef
• Bur Dubai Abra Station

The Deira side includes:

• Gold Souk
• Spice Souk
• Grand Souk
• Perfume shops and trading streets
• Deira Old Souq Abra Station
• Dhow wharfage and creekside commercial areas

Al Fahidi is a restored historical neighbourhood known for traditional wind towers, narrow lanes, galleries and cultural spaces. Visit Dubai describes it as a key heritage site where much of the original infrastructure has been preserved.

Al Seef is different. It is a newer waterfront destination with heritage-inspired architecture, shops, cafés and restaurants. It creates an old-world atmosphere but should not be presented as identical to the older fabric of Al Fahidi.

The Old Dubai: The Creek and the Souks

Dubai Creek is the geographical and cultural centre of Old Dubai. It separates Bur Dubai from Deira while also connecting them through abras and other marine services.

The Creek supported fishing, pearl diving, trade and the movement of goods. Traditional markets developed near the waterfront because traders could move products between boats, warehouses and shops.

The eastern bank still includes working dhow and cargo areas. Wondering Voyager’s first-person account describes seeing dhows, cargo vessels and dock workers near the wharfage, showing that parts of the Creek remain active commercial spaces rather than only tourist attractions.

Visitors can understand the area more easily by dividing it into two parts:

Bur Dubai side	Deira side
Al Fahidi	Gold Souk
Al Shindagha	Spice Souk
Textile Souk	Grand Souk
Al Seef	Perfume shops
Bur Dubai Abra Station	Deira Old Souq Abra Station

Interesting Things to Do in Old Dubai

Old Dubai is best experienced through several connected activities rather than one major attraction.

A short route can include Al Fahidi, Textile Souk, an abra ride, Spice Souk and Gold Souk. A longer day can also include Al Shindagha Museum, SMCCU, food stops and Al Seef.

Go Back in Time in Al Fahidi

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is one of the most important places to begin an Old Dubai visit. Its wind-tower buildings, courtyards and narrow pathways show elements of life in Dubai before modern air conditioning and high-rise development.

Look for:

• Traditional wind towers
• Sand-coloured walls
• Wooden doors
• Inner courtyards
• Galleries
• Museums
• Cultural centres
• Heritage cafés

The public lanes can generally be explored without a ticket. Individual museums, meals, workshops and guided experiences may charge separately.

Morning is often more comfortable for walking and photography. Some lanes are uneven or narrow, so large strollers and wheelchairs may require additional care.

Get a History Lesson at Al Fahidi Fort

Al Fahidi Fort was built in 1787 and is described by Visit Dubai as the oldest existing building in the city.

It later became the home of Dubai Museum. The building can still be viewed and photographed from outside, but visitors should not plan around entering it because it remains closed for renovation.

Use the time instead to explore Al Fahidi’s lanes or visit Al Shindagha Museum.

Discover the City’s Rich History at Dubai Museum

Dubai Museum traditionally explained the city’s development, maritime economy, pearl-diving heritage and everyday life.

Some older or commercial articles still present it as an open attraction. The current official tourism page takes priority and states that indoor access is unavailable during renovation.

Visitors can currently:

• View Al Fahidi Fort from outside
• Photograph its historic exterior
• Explore nearby Al Fahidi
• Visit Al Shindagha Museum for an indoor history experience

Get Cultured at SMCCU

The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding is located in Al Fahidi. Its purpose is to help visitors learn about Emirati culture through meals, discussions, walks and educational experiences.

SMCCU operates under the motto “Open Doors. Open Minds.” Its current office hours are listed as 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday.

Advance booking is recommended for organised meals, tours and workshops because programme times differ from general office hours.

Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding

SMCCU is useful for visitors who want more than visual sightseeing.

Available experiences may include:

• Emirati meals
• Cultural question-and-answer sessions
• Heritage walks
• Workshops
• Private programmes
• Seasonal activities

The organisation lists its main location at Houses 26 and 47 in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Try Arabic Coffee at the Coffee Museum

The Coffee Museum is included in Travel Lush’s Old Dubai guide as a cultural stop within Al Fahidi. It focuses on the history, preparation and social importance of coffee.

It can also provide an indoor break from the heat. Check current access, admission and opening hours directly before travelling because independent museum details can change.

Arabic coffee is closely connected with hospitality and is commonly served in small cups, often with dates.

Explore Al Seef

Al Seef runs along Dubai Creek and combines waterfront views with shops, cafés, hotels and heritage-inspired design.

It is especially suitable for:

• Evening walks
• Family dining
• Creek photography
• Souvenir shopping
• Couples
• Visitors seeking smoother paths and modern facilities

For deeper historical character, spend more time in Al Fahidi. For a relaxed evening atmosphere and convenient dining, Al Seef may be more comfortable.

Explore the Souk Al Seef District

Souk Al Seef is the heritage-themed shopping section of the wider Al Seef waterfront.

Visit Dubai currently lists retail hours as 10am–10pm from Monday to Thursday and 10am–11pm from Friday to Sunday. Individual restaurants, hotels and shops may use different schedules.

It works well as the final stop of a full-day route because visitors can eat, rest and walk beside the Creek.

Cruise Along the Dubai Creek

Visitors can experience Dubai Creek in several ways.

Option	Experience
Traditional abra	Short, low-cost public crossing
Modern marine service	Transport between selected stations
Private abra charter	Private Creek journey
Dhow cruise	Longer commercial trip, often with food

A traditional abra is mainly a transport connection, while a dhow cruise is usually a booked leisure experience.

Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra

The traditional abra is one of the simplest and most memorable Old Dubai activities.

RTA currently confirms these motorised routes:

• Bur Dubai Abra Station to Deira Old Souq Abra Station
• Dubai Old Souq Station to Al Sabkha Abra Station

The fare is AED 1 per passenger, per trip, paid in cash. A private charter is currently listed at AED 120 per hour.

Keep bags close and follow crew instructions. Younger children should be held securely during boarding. Traditional wooden abras are basic vessels, so passengers with significant mobility limitations should assess access before travelling.

Shop at Dubai’s Vibrant Souks

Old Dubai’s traditional markets sell a wider range of products than modern jewellery alone.

Visitors can shop for:

• Gold and gemstones
• Spices and herbs
• Tea and dried fruit
• Oud and perfume oils
• Bakhoor and incense
• Fabrics and scarves
• Clothing
• Souvenirs
• Decorative products

The souks are also places to observe local trade and interact with merchants.

The best Dubai Souks to shop at

Souk	Main products
Gold Souk	Gold, diamonds, silver and gemstones
Spice Souk	Spices, herbs, tea, incense and dried goods
Textile Souk	Fabrics, scarves, clothing and souvenirs
Grand Souk Deira	Clothing, bags, gifts and household items
Perfume shops	Oud, oils, bakhoor and custom fragrances
Meena Bazaar	Clothing, jewellery, tailoring and Indian products

Most Gold Souk shops currently operate around 10am–10pm, although individual businesses may vary.

Visit Dubai currently lists Textile Souk as open from 9am–8pm on six days of the week, with some vendors closing between 2pm and 4pm. It lists the market as closed on Fridays, but confirm individual shop schedules before travelling.

How to get around the souks

A practical one-way route is:

1. Start at Sharaf DG Metro Station.
2. Explore Al Fahidi.
3. Walk through Textile Souk.
4. Reach Bur Dubai Abra Station.
5. Cross to Deira Old Souq Abra Station.
6. Explore Spice Souk.
7. Continue through Grand Souk.
8. Visit Gold Souk.
9. Leave from Al Ras or Gold Souq Metro Station.

This route follows the same general progression as Visit Dubai’s heritage walking guidance, which connects Al Fahidi with Textile Souk and the Creek.

Abra Boats

Abras are part of Dubai’s public transport network, not only a tourist attraction.

Traditional boats usually leave as passengers gather. Carry small cash so you can board without delaying the group.

The route between Deira Old Souk Abra Station and Bur Dubai Abra Station places passengers near Spice Souk on the Deira side and west of Textile Souk on the Bur Dubai side.

What to buy in Dubai souks

Popular purchases include:

• Gold jewellery
• Saffron and other spices
• Dates and dried fruit
• Oud and perfume oils
• Tea
• Fabrics
• Scarves
• Traditional clothing
• Incense
• Small souvenirs

At Gold Souk, ask for:

• Current gold rate
• Item weight
• Purity
• Making charge
• Total price
• Receipt

Gold shops operate under government regulations, but buyers should still compare designs, making charges and total prices. Bargaining should remain reasonable and polite.

Visit the Gold and Spice Souks in Deira

Gold Souk and Spice Souk are close to each other on the Deira side.

Gold Souk contains hundreds of shops selling jewellery and gemstones. Spice Souk sells spices, herbs, teas, incense and traditional ingredients.

Allow at least one hour if you only want to browse. Visitors planning to compare gold items or buy spices may require longer.

Do not feel pressured to follow unofficial sellers away from the main shopping streets.

See Old and New Dubai from the Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame is outside the main Creek-side walking route, but Travel Lush includes it because its viewing platform contrasts older districts with Dubai’s newer skyline.

Treat it as a separate activity rather than forcing it into a short souk itinerary. Public transport or a taxi will be required after completing the main Old Dubai walk.

Dubai Old Town Sites and Eats

Old Dubai combines heritage attractions with a food scene shaped by trade and migration.

Visitors can find Emirati, Indian, Iranian, Pakistani, Iraqi and Levantine food around Bur Dubai, Deira, Meena Bazaar, Al Fahidi and Al Seef. Travel Lush’s current guide highlights the multicultural food experience as one of the area’s major strengths.

Old Dubai Sites

Al Shindagha Museum is one of the strongest current alternatives to the closed Dubai Museum.

Its exhibitions include “Dubai Creek: Birth of a City,” which explains the Creek’s role in Dubai’s development. Current listed hours are 10am–8pm every day, with last admission at 7pm.

Other cultural sites may include:

• Al Fahidi Fort exterior
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
• SMCCU
• Coffee Museum
• Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
• Saruq Al-Hadid Museum
• Al Seef
• Dubai Creek

Check current tickets and access before travelling.

Dhow Cruise Dubai Dinner Boat

A dhow dinner cruise is a commercial leisure experience rather than a public Creek crossing.

Before booking, check:

• Boarding station
• Duration
• Meal included
• Indoor or outdoor seating
• Entertainment
• Return transport
• Cancellation policy
• Exact Creek route

A cruise may suit couples and families seeking an evening activity, but it is not required for a complete self-guided Old Dubai visit.

How to Visit

A simple half-day route is:

1. Sharaf DG Metro Station
2. Al Fahidi
3. Textile Souk
4. Traditional abra
5. Spice Souk
6. Gold Souk
7. Gold Souq or Al Ras Metro Station

A practical full-day route is:

1. Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
2. Al Shindagha Museum
3. Al Fahidi
4. Cultural meal or coffee break
5. Textile Souk
6. Abra crossing
7. Spice and Gold souks
8. Al Seef for dinner

Allow additional time during summer, with children or when shopping.

Where to Eat in Old Dubai

Old Dubai is an excellent place to explore Dubai’s Emirati and multicultural food identity.

Common foods and drinks include:

• Arabic coffee
• Dates
• Karak tea
• Chebab
• Regag bread
• Luqaimat
• Machboos
• Shawarma
• Indian street snacks
• Pakistani curries
• Iranian kebabs
• Levantine food

Enjoy Traditional Emirati Cuisine

Emirati meals commonly use rice, meat, seafood, spices, dates and bread.

An organised cultural meal can add context about hospitality, clothing and traditions. SMCCU offers public and private cultural programmes, but times and availability should be confirmed in advance.

Have an Emirati Meal at Arabian Tea House

Travel Lush recommends Arabian Tea House as a popular Emirati dining stop near Al Fahidi.

Its courtyard setting can provide a useful break during a walking route. Check the current menu, hours and booking requirements directly, especially on weekends.

Take a Food Tour in Old Dubai

A guided food tour may combine food with stories about the communities that shaped the district.

Depending on the operator, a tour may include:

• Emirati food
• Palestinian or Levantine dishes
• Indian snacks
• Iranian food
• Arabic sweets
• Tea and coffee
• Market visits

Check whether the route covers Bur Dubai, Deira or both sides of the Creek before booking.

Shop and Eat at Meena Bazaar

Meena Bazaar is known for clothing, jewellery, tailoring and Indian food.

The area offers snacks such as:

• Samosas
• Pani puri
• Dosa
• Vada pav
• Sweets
• Fresh juice

Meena Bazaar can add considerable walking time, so include it only when Indian shopping or food is a priority.

Try Traditional Pakistani at Ravi

Travel Lush includes Ravi as a well-known Pakistani restaurant, but it is located in Satwa rather than directly inside the Creek walking route.

Treat it as a separate food journey requiring a taxi or additional public transport.

Go Vegetarian at XVA Café

XVA Café is located within Al Fahidi and is known for vegetarian food in a courtyard setting. Travel Lush recommends it as a convenient dining option within the heritage area.

Confirm current hours before visiting.

Where to Stay in Old Dubai

Staying near Dubai Creek may suit travellers who prefer heritage districts, souks and Metro access over beaches and resort areas.

Before booking, check:

• Distance to a Metro station
• Luggage access
• Stairs or lift availability
• Taxi drop-off point
• Street noise
• Distance to the Creek
• Current hotel branding and management

The properties below appeared in the updated June 2026 Travel Lush guide. Availability, names, operators and prices should be checked before booking.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai

This hotel offers a heritage-inspired stay within the Al Seef district.

Its location suits travellers interested in:

• Creekside evening walks
• Restaurants
• Souk Al Seef
• Bur Dubai attractions

Confirm the exact building and check-in point because accommodation may be distributed across the district.

Arabian Boutique Hotel

Travel Lush describes Arabian Boutique Hotel as a small heritage-style property in Old Dubai.

Check current room access, transport arrangements and operating status directly before reserving.

XVA Art Hotel

XVA Art Hotel is located inside Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Its location is practical for early walks, galleries and XVA Café. The narrow surrounding lanes may affect luggage drop-off and mobility access, so contact the property in advance.

Mazmi Casa

Travel Lush lists Mazmi Casa as a creekside boutique accommodation option near the Textile Souk.

Confirm current room availability, luggage access and exact check-in arrangements.

Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef

Travel Lush lists this property as a more modern hotel option near Al Seef and Dubai Creek.

It may suit travellers who want contemporary facilities while remaining close to Old Dubai’s waterfront.

Final Thoughts

After reviewing the current RTA routes, official heritage information, attraction updates and the five competitor guides, my practical assessment is that the order of the journey matters more than the number of attractions you try to visit.

Old Dubai becomes much easier to understand when Dubai Creek is used as the main reference point. Al Fahidi, Al Shindagha and Textile Souk sit on the Bur Dubai side, while the Gold, Spice and Perfume souks are on the Deira side. The traditional abra connects both experiences and is not simply a tourist activity; it remains a practical part of the route.

From my route-research experience, I recommend beginning near Sharaf DG or Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, exploring the Bur Dubai side first and crossing the Creek only once. Visitors can then continue through the Deira markets and finish near Al Ras or Gold Souq Metro Station. This reduces unnecessary walking, repeated Creek crossings and extra taxi costs.

Families should keep the itinerary realistic rather than trying to visit every attraction. Include indoor breaks, toilets, water and food stops. Elderly visitors and people with limited mobility may find taxis useful between longer sections, while traditional abra access should be assessed before boarding.

Shoppers should compare several stores, ask for the gold rate and making charge separately, and request the total price before agreeing to buy. Bargaining is part of the souk experience, but it should remain polite and informed rather than rushed.

Photographers will usually find softer light and quieter lanes in Al Fahidi during the morning, while Dubai Creek and Al Seef are more attractive near sunset. Close photographs of shopkeepers, workers or residents should always be taken with permission.

My research also shows why current fact-checking is essential. Museum access, shop timings, hotel operations, Metro information and abra fares can change. Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Museum, for example, should not be presented as open for indoor visits until an official reopening is confirmed.

In my assessment, Old Dubai is best enjoyed slowly. Pay attention to the wind towers, wooden boats, cargo activity, spices, fabrics and daily trade around the Creek. With a clear route, realistic schedule and respect for the people and culture around you, Old Dubai can become one of the most affordable, educational and memorable experiences in the city.