Bur Dubai Village
Entrance of the Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Located south of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai is one of Dubai’s oldest districts, with a traditional atmosphere to match. Extending from Al Raffa in the west to Al Jaddaf in the east, it’s home to an array of sights, from the Bastakia Quarter—also called the Al Fahidi Historic District—to souks, parks, and several top museums.
The Basics
A mix of shopping and business streets dotted with historical districts and leisure destinations, Bur Dubai has something for everyone. Explore the alleyways of the old-time Bastakia Quarter, chart Dubai’s past at the Dubai Museum, and browse the stalls of Bur Dubai souk. Other points of interest include the museums of the Shindagha Historic District and the trendy shipping-container shops of the creekside Al Seef precinct.
Visitors have several options for uncovering Bur Dubai’s sights and history. The Bastakia Quarter and Dubai Museum, for instance, are fixtures on most Dubai sightseeing circuits. For a closer look, select a tour that focuses fully on Dubai’s culture and heritage. Or, add adventure and fun with a Bur Dubai amphibious-vehicle tour, helicopter flightseeing trip, creek dinner cruise, or Dubai-and-desert combo excursion.
Things to Know Before You Go
Bur Dubai is great for Dubai history, culture, and shopping fans.
Opt for an organized tour around the district to avoid waiting for cabs or walking long distances in the Emirati heat.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
The Dubai Museum, Bur Dubai Souk, and Bur Dubai’s creekside are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Bur Dubai’s central location makes it easily accessible. For maximum ease, ride the Dubai Metro to its two handiest stops: Al Fahidi, around 15 minutes’ walk from the Bastakia Quarter, and BurJuman, the city’s popular main mall. Otherwise, hire a cab, or, if you’re in Deira, catch anabra (traditional wooden boat) to Bur Dubai across the creek.
When to Get There
Mornings are best for touring Bur Dubai’s sights, while late afternoon and sundown are great for trawling its souks, eating by the creek, and rounding up your sightseeing—many museums and cultural attractions stay open till midevening. Be aware, however, that most museums and sights are closed on Friday mornings.
Delve Deeper Into the Bastakia Quarter
Bur Dubai’s Bastakia Quarter is the ideal antidote to Dubai’s skyscrapers and well worth exploring properly. Take time to absorb its lanes and old wind-tower houses, built by Iranian merchants who settled in Dubai in the 19th century. In between, you’re bound to be drawn into the quarter’s other attractions, such as its Coffee Museum and Arabian-style cafés.
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