The 10 Best Things To See and Do in Dubai's Old Quarter
There’s so much to see and do in Dubai – from going up the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, to skiing indoors at Ski Dubai. Yet Dubai used to be a village of fishermen who lived around a creek. For those who wish to see what life was like before the city began its rapid growth, Dubai’s Old Quarter is the ideal place to visit and learn more about the history and tradition of this Emirate.
1. Visit the gold souk
Market
2. Walk around Al Bastakiya Quarter
Architectural Landmark
The historic quarter of Al Bastakiya dates back to the 19th century and is the oldest residential quarter in Dubai. Visitors can walk around the maze-like streets and admire the original architecture of this neighbourhood established by merchants. The buildings were completed with wind towers, evidence of a time before air conditioning. These days, the quarter is no longer the residence of merchants using the Dubai Creek for trade. However, it is populated with several attractions for visitors, like art galleries and traditional retailers.
3. Have a traditional lunch in an Arabic tea house
Cafe
The Basta Art Café is a charming café in the heart of the Old Quarter – offering a comfortable and chic atmosphere in the traditional buildings of Al Bastakiya. This is a perfect spot to try typical Arabic food and further indulge in the region’s culture. Also known as the Arabian Tea House, it has an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy regional dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner – giving visitors the opportunity to get a taste of Dubai in one of its most historic sights.
5. Souvenir shop at the souk
Market
There’s plenty of choice in Dubai when it comes to buying souvenirs for those back home. The city offers a variety of traditional items – anything from the typical gifts such as magnets and mugs to more unique items such as camel-milk soap and Emirati clothing. The souk is a fantastic place to shop for all kinds of souvenirs for the whole family. Unlike stores in malls, shopping at this traditional market gives tourists the opportunity to haggle and get the best possible price.
6. Shop at the spice souk
Market
7. Take a one-dirham boat ride across the Dubai Creek
Natural Feature
The Dubai Creek was where life in the city started – from the fishermen to the merchants, this saltwater canal is a vital piece of Dubai’s history. The creek expands into the Persian Gulf and was one of the main channels for trade for the small city that has now grown into a major metropolis. Visitors and residents can cross the Dubai Creek for a mere one dirham (£0.22) in a shared abra, a traditional boat that operates as a water taxi. This allows people to go from Al Bastakiya to the souks.
8. Admire local art at the XVA Gallery
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
9. Visit the Coffee Museum
Museum
10. Watch local workers pack the ships with imports and exports
Historical Landmark
There are few scenes visitors can witness nowadays in Dubai that will better depict the city’s past than watching the local workers pack the trade ships. The packages are stocked in old-style dhows – these wooden boats were used to trade in the past and still do to this day. There’s nothing modern or sophisticated about the boats, or the packing procedure, providing a clear contrast to life elsewhere in this shining modern Emirate.
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