Things to do in Old Dubai

Old Dubai is a fascinating area to explore, with a rich history and plenty of traditional Emirati culture to discover. From buzzing souks to historic architecture, there's so much to see and do. Here are some of the top things to experience in Old Dubai:

1. See Dubai Creek at Night on a Dhow Cruise

An atmospheric way to see Old Dubai after dark is from the water on a romantic dhow cruise dinner creek. These traditional wooden boats have been used for centuries for pearl diving and trading. At night, the illuminated skyline of both Old and New Dubai looks stunning when viewed from a dhow floating down Dubai Creek. Most evening cruises include a buffet dinner of Arabic and international dishes while gentle live music plays in the background.

You'll glide peacefully by the waterfront souks, historic architecture, and bustling docks while learning about Dubai's pearl diving past from your guide. With the city lights twinkling around you, a Dhow Creek cruise makes for an unforgettable nighttime experience.

2. Take an Abra Ride across Dubai Creek

One of the most iconic activities in Old Dubai is to take a ride on a traditional abra water taxi across Dubai Creek. These small wooden boats have been ferrying people between the two sides of the creek for decades and provide a fun way to soak in the sights and sounds. For just 1 Dirham, you can hop on and off as you please and enjoy views of the dhows gliding by.

3. Wander through the Textile and Spice Souks

Right near the abra stations, you'll find Deira's famous textile and spice souks. This attraction is usually a part of any old Dubai walking tour. Wandering through these bustling markets is like stepping back in time. In the textile souk, you'll find stall after stall piled high with fabrics, scarves, and dresses. Browse through sacks of dried chilies, nuts, and herbs. Be sure to haggle for the best deals!

4. See the Grand Mosque and Have a Falafel Break

No trip to Old Dubai is complete without seeing the stunning architecture of the Grand Mosque. With its towering minarets and intricate details, it's a peaceful oasis in the busy city. Afterward, join locals by grabbing a falafel roll from one of the small eateries nearby. Add a yogurt drink called Laban to cool off.

5. Discover the Al Fahidi Historic District

Wander the lanes of Al Fahidi, Dubai's oldest neighborhood that's sometimes called the "Bastakiya Quarter." Here, you'll find restored traditional courtyard homes with wind towers that provide natural air conditioning. Visit the coffee museum to learn about Emirati coffee culture or see artifacts from everyday life at the small alleyway museums.

6. Ride on an Abras Cruise at Sunset

A fun way to see the creek at sunset is to take a 1-hour abra cruise. The boat will slowly glide past the downtown skyline and provide perfect views. Onboard, you can enjoy Arabic coffee and dates. Some cruises even have live traditional music as you sail.

7. Explore Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort

Housed within the city's oldest remaining building, the Dubai Museum is a great way to learn about Emirati history and culture. Wander through recreations of a traditional souk, mosque, and home. Make sure to find the pearl diving diorama which shows Dubai's past as a pearling village.

8. Enjoy Creekside Dining at the Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House

This restored building was once home to Dubai's former ruler. Today, it houses a museum that's worth a quick visit. However, the real star here is the expansive courtyard with stunning views over the creek. Relax by ordering some shisha and mezze dishes for the ultimate Dubai dinner experience.

9. Shop for Gold at the Gold Souk

If you're looking to pick up some bling, head to the famous Dubai Gold Souk. This covered market is filled with hundreds of jewelry shops, selling every type of gold and precious stone imaginable. The sheer amount of glittering gold on display is dazzling. Be sure to bargain - haggling is expected!

10. Try Camel Milk at the Camel Milk Factory

For a taste of local Emirati food culture, visit the Camel Milk Factory right at the Deira Old Souk Abra Station. This innovative store sells a range of camel milk products like chocolate, cheese, milkshakes, and ice cream. Try a camelccino for your morning coffee or some camel milk chocolate. You can even pet the friendly camels! It is a popular option among old Dubai food.

11. Grab Dessert at Arabic Sweet Shops like Sindbad Sweets

If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to pop into one of the many Arabic sweet shops found in Deira. These stores sell traditional desserts like lgeimat (fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup), umm ali (warm bread pudding), and more. Sindbad Sweets offers a huge selection of baklava, kunafa, and Turkish delight candies. The perfect way to end your Old Dubai explorations!

12. Explore the Quirky Camel Museum

If you want to learn more about camels and their significance in Arab culture, don't miss the small but intriguing Camel Museum in Old Dubai. This is the most prominent option among museums in Old Dubai. Located near the popular Al Fahidi Historic District, this quirky museum contains camel artifacts dating back centuries. Wander through the exhibits to see ancient saddles, nose pegs, neck decorations, and more - all creatively displayed.

Don't miss the opportunity to watch educational videos about camels and even try some camel milk in the museum's cafe. It is one of the most popular old Dubai cafes to try. You'll gain appreciation for why camels are known as the "ships of the desert" and have been so vital to Dubai's growth. For a low entrance fee, this offbeat museum makes for an interesting pitstop during your explorations of Old Dubai's historic sites and souks.

13. Browse the Fish and Vegetable Markets at Port Saeed

For an authentic look at local trade and commerce, spend time wandering and shopping at Port Saeed's markets near Deira Old Souk abra station. The lively fish market provides a glimpse of the morning catch being traded between fishermen and fishmongers. You can buy fresh shrimp, hamour, and more to cook later. The bustling vegetable and fruit market nearby overflows with colorful produce like dates, melons, bananas, and onions.

Watch as stall vendors artfully stack and display their goods. Soak in all the sights, sounds, and scents as locals haggle for the best deals. Port Saeed offers an immersive experience away from the glitz of the malls into Old Dubai's traditional markets.

Final words

With its alluring blend of old and new, a visit to Old Dubai makes for an unforgettable day out. From riding abras to wandering historic alleys, this neighborhood offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Emirati culture. Follow this itinerary to experience all the highlights at your own pace. You'll leave with an understanding of what makes Dubai's historic heart so special.