The initial impression of Dubai in people’s minds is futuristic skyscrapers, upscale malls, and overall luxury. But even under all of these lies more to this world-famous city than initially meets the eye.
To feel the heart of Dubai, you need to go back in time and explore Old Dubai — where this city began.
Surrounding Dubai Creek, Old Dubai is full of heritage, chow, culture, and character. It’s worlds away from Downtown or Dubai Marina — more peaceful, more spiritual, and filled with the traditions that founded the UAE.
Whether you are — a tourist planning out your break or a resident looking to rediscover your city — this guide leads you through it all about Old Dubai.
What is Old Dubai?
Not somewhere, precisely, but more a group of neighborhoods that made up the first city before the oil boom.
Think about Bur Dubai, Deira, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, and Al Seef. They’re all chock-full of museums, historic souks, old wind-towered buildings, and retro Dubai Creek.
This is where Dubai was born — long before Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah even existed. If you’re into culture, storytelling, and slow-paced exploration, this is where you’ll fall in love with the real Dubai.
How to Reach Old Dubai?
Getting to Old Dubai is surprisingly easy — and affordable.
By Metro:
- Take the Green Line Metro Station.
- Stop at Al Fahidi Station or Al Ghubaiba to reach Bur Dubai or Al Seef.
- Use Al Ras Station to head to Deira or the Gold Souk.
By Taxi or Uber:
- From Downtown, by taxi it will take around 15–20 minutes.
- It will cost roughly AED 35–50, depending on traffic.
- Dubai boasts a massive RTA bus network to all the major locations to Deira and Bur Dubai.
- Route planning within the RTA S’hail app.
By Abra (Traditional Boat):
- Want the scenic route, please? Take the Abra over the Dubai Creek for just AED 1.
- Best local way of getting from Bur Dubai to Deira — and actually Instagrammable too!
Best Time to Visit Old Dubai
The best time to visit is November to March — best time when:
- The temperature is approximately 20–28°C.
- You won’t be dripping with sweat from extended walks.
- Creekside strolls and al-Fayar open-air restaurants are all the more magical.
Tip: Visit early morning (8 AM – 10 AM) or late afternoon (4 PM – 6 PM) to miss the crowd and to have proper light for photographs.
Best Old Dubai Things to Do
You might easily spend a whole day (or two) in Old Dubai without experiencing a dull moment. Here’s what to include on your schedule:
1. Go on a Food Tour
This is a MUST. Old Dubai is a melting pot of cultures — you’ll find Emirati, Indian, Pakistani, Iranian, and even Ethiopian food here. Book a guided walking food tour or do your own with:
- Al Mallah Shawarma & Falafel
- Meena Bazaar stalls’ Samosas and Chaat
- Luqaimat (sweet dumplings)
- Spiced tea, karak chai, around the corner
2. Glimpse the Old and New from the Dubai Frame
Standing at Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame offers you maximum visual contrast — one side is Old Dubai, the other is New Dubai. Don’t walk over the glass floor on the bridge at the top!
3. Cross an Abra over the Creek
For only AED 1, hop aboard a wooden abra boat across Dubai Creek. It’s one of the oldest forms of transport in the world still operating — and offers fantastic views of mosques, souks, and minarets.
4. Take a Selfie at the Heritage Starbucks
In Al Seef, this Starbucks is off the grid — literally, as it is built in the form of an old Emirati home. Wooden doors, wind towers, and actual furniture make it the ultimate Instagram destination.
5. Visit Al Seef
This creek-side neighborhood has a mix of old-meets-new structures and features:
- Handicraft shops
- Art galleries
- Restaurants and cafes
- Night markets Ideal for a sunset walk with an Arabic coffee in hand.
6. Discover Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
This historical neighborhood has:
- Sandy, tight alleys
- Wind tower homes that are typically traditional
- Art cafes
- Future Museum and galleries
It’s walking back in time — serene, quaint, and postcard-pretty.
7. Discover Al Fahidi Fort
Completed in 1787, it is Dubai’s oldest building and is now home to the Dubai Museum. It has:
- Desert life
- Pearl diving
- Ancient trade routes
- Traditional Emirati houses
A great spot for children and adults alike to take a break.
8. Get Cultured at SMCCU
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is where you can:
- Enjoy Emirati breakfasts or lunches
- Ask anything about Islam, UAE culture, or traditions
- Visit mosques and heritage areas with Emirati hosts
Their motto? “Open Doors, Open Minds.“
9. Discover Arabic Coffee at the Coffee Museum
This quaint little Al Fahidi museum will:
- Teach you about world coffee history
- Have you enjoying Arabic qahwa
- Demonstrate retro grinders, pots, and brewing techniques
A coffee lover’s must!
10. Gold & Spice Souks tour in Deira
- The Gold Souk is packed with shops brimming with 22k and 24k gold — amazing!
- The Spice Souk will batter your senses with frankincense, cinnamon, rose petals, and saffron.
- Don’t forget haggling — it’s the custom and all in good spirit.
Where to Eat in Old Dubai?
Looking for genuine eating places? These are some legendary restaurants:
1. Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)
A charming white-and-blue courtyard cafe serving:
- Emirati food specialties such as Machboos, Majboos, Luqaimat
- Mint lemonade and karak chai
- Vegan and gluten-free dishes too.
2. Meena Bazaar (Bur Dubai)
Swamped with South Asian culture:
- Affordable and delicious street food (samosas, kebabs, dosa)
- Desi restaurants with Hyderabadi biryani, Punjabi curries, and Gujarati snacks
- Budget-friendly shopping for jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs
3. Ravi Restaurant (Satwa, 10 minutes away)
Pakistani institution with:
- Chicken Karahi
- Mutton Paya
- Parathas and creamy Daal Fry
Popular with critics, locals, and stars.
4. XVA Cafe (In Papa XVA Art Hotel, Al Fahidi)
Chilled, veggie-friendly cafe serving:
- Zaatar flatbreads
- Lentil soups
- Fresh juices Ideal for a hippy lunchtime break on finding the quarter.
Bonus Tips: What Else to Know
- Dress respectfully: Shoulder and knee coverage is appropriate in heritage areas.
- Cash is welcome: Souk vendors prefer cash.
- Bargain at souks: Prices in the Gold and Spice Souks are negotiable at any moment.
- Sun protection: Pack water, sunglasses, and sunscreen — even on winter days.
Old Dubai — A Living, Breathing Time Capsule
Old Dubai is invisible on a map — it’s a sensation. A peek into the UAE’s history, mixed with warm welcomes, scented spices, and prosperous traditions.
It’s where the city relaxes and lets you plug in completely — to people, tales, and customs that transformed an oasis village into a global sensation.
The next time you’re in Dubai, skip the mall and rooftop bar. Let Old Dubai catch you by surprise — one abra ride, one karak chai, and one gold souk haggle at a time.
