Old Dubai

Dubai

Provided byDET/Dubai Tourism

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Home Asia United Arab Emirates Dubai Dubai's NeighbourhoodsOld Dubai

Old Dubai

Old Dubai refers to the historic areas lining both sides of Dubai Creek. On the Deira side, you’ll find bustling gold and spice souks, as well as fresh food markets near the abra docks. Just a short ride across the creek brings you to Bur Dubai, home to some of the city’s best under-the-radar eateries, serving authentic Arabic, Indian, and Lebanese dishes. Al Seef, part of the area’s revitalisation, blends restored heritage buildings with modern cafés and shops, highlighting Old Dubai’s role as the city’s cultural heart.

Information

websiteVisit website

More in Dubai's Neighbourhoods

Downtown Dubai & Sheikh Zayed Road

Downtown Dubai is the city’s beating heart, where world-famous icons sit alongside lively streets and green spaces. Here you’ll find the Burj Khalifa towering above the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain, and Souk Al Bahar just across the water. Along Sheikh Zayed Road, the skyline is packed with record-breaking towers, including the city’s tallest hotel. The area isn’t just about landmarks — there’s plenty to do for families and culture lovers too. Dubai Opera hosts a busy line-up of shows, Burj Park is a hub for festivals and pop-ups, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers a closer look at marine life. Fine dining options, stylish cafés, and palm-lined boulevards make Downtown Dubai a great spot to wander, shop, and soak up the city’s energy.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

Business Bay & Dubai Canal

Business Bay sits alongside Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Water Canal, a 3.2-kilometre waterway that links Old Dubai to the Arabian Gulf. The area is packed with modern office and residential towers, sleek hotels, and waterfront promenades. It’s also a hotspot for dining and nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, lounges, and cafés lining the canals. Culture and entertainment have a place here too — the nearby theatre hosts spectacular live performances, while the canal itself offers scenic walks, boat tours, and a glimpse of Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

Jumeirah & Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah is Dubai’s classic coastal district, known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and relaxed vibe compared with the high-rises inland. The area is dotted with cafés, boutique hotels, and local shops. The beach itself is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports, while the nearby streets reveal a quieter side of the city with tree-lined avenues, villas, and small parks.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

Dubai Historical District

Step into old Dubai at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where narrow alleys and wind-tower architecture give a glimpse of life before skyscrapers. Wander through the lanes to discover hidden cafés, art galleries, and cultural spots that bring the city’s past to life. From there, it’s just a short walk to the abra station for a ride across Dubai Creek. On the other side, Deira awaits with its gold, spice, perfume, and textile souks, a lively place to explore, haggle, and soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Dubai.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

Palm Jumeirah

Gracing Dubai’s postcards, Palm Jumeirah is a striking feat of engineering: a series of artificial islands in the emerald waters of the Arabian Gulf, shaped like a stylised palm tree. At ground level, the island is home to popular beach clubs, luxury hotels, and a variety of dining options. Palm West Beach is a good spot for a stroll or a sun-soaked afternoon. For the best views, head to The View at Palm Jumeirah, a 240-metre-high observation deck offering sweeping panoramas of the island and the city beyond.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

Al Quoz

Al Quoz might look industrial at first, with its rows of warehouses and factories, but it’s quietly become one of Dubai’s most creative districts. Many warehouses have been transformed into art galleries, photography studios, and performance spaces. You’ll also find artisanal cafés, sustainable shops, boutique studios, and family-friendly activities tucked into refurbished spaces. At the heart of the neighbourhood is Alserkal Avenue, a cluster of purpose-built galleries and cultural venues, while community hubs like the Courtyard showcase local entrepreneurs and creative projects.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

Dubai Design District

Dubai Design District, or d3, is the city’s creative playground. The area is dotted with more than 30 public art and design installations, including the striking red ‘My Dubai’ logo. Wander the streets to explore lifestyle boutiques, fashion studios, art galleries, and cafés, and keep an eye out for regular pop-up events focused on arts, design, and culture.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a waterfront district where emerald-green waters meet some of the tallest and most striking residential towers in the city. Stroll along the promenade to enjoy cafés, restaurants, and shaded play areas for families, or catch one of the regular street festivals and pop-up events that keep the area lively throughout the year. The district also has shopping options front and centre, and a cluster of dining spots in a multi-level tower overlooking the water offers plenty of variety.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

Jumeirah Lakes Towers

Quiet and unassuming, Jumeirah Lakes Towers is built around four lakes, with one later transformed into a large green park. From dawn to dusk, the waterfront boardwalks and footbridges are filled with joggers, cyclists, dog-walkers, and families enjoying the outdoors. Lakeside cafés, boutiques, and wellness spots line the paths, making it a pleasant area to stroll. In recent years, JLT has grown into one of Dubai’s go-to dining districts, with a wide range of international cuisines reflecting the neighbourhood’s mix of nationalities.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

Bluewaters Island

Bluewaters sits just off Jumeirah Beach Residence, easily accessible via a pedestrian bridge. The island mixes shopping, dining, and entertainment in one compact spot. The main attraction is Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel. Around it, you’ll find a lively waterfront district with restaurants, cafés, and shops, plus a few family-friendly attractions like Madame Tussauds and arcades. It’s a nice place to stroll, grab a bite, or spend a few hours enjoying the views over Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →

City Walk

City Walk is a stylish open-air district where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together in one walkable space. Stroll along tree-lined avenues with fountains, browse international boutiques, or stop at one of the many cafés and restaurants, all with a clear view of the Burj Khalifa in the background.

Dubai's NeighbourhoodsRead more →