Everything You Need to Know about Old Town Dubai, Walking Tours, Souks, Museum and Street Food

Dubai is a bustling cosmopolitan city, full of incredible places to explore and fascinating architecture. While the modern high-rises and tourist attractions dominate the cityscape, there’s still plenty to see and experience in the traditional area of Old Town Dubai. From walking tours to souks, museums to street food, this is an area where you can experience the true taste of the city’s history, culture and heritage.

A Look at Old Town Dubai

Old Town Dubai is a bustling network of old alleyways and lanes, designed to mimic the original architecture of ancient Dubai. Situated around the ancient Dubai Creek, it has been largely preserved due to its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. In addition to its numerous shops, mosques and galleries, visitors can take in a number of traditional markets, known as souks. These ancient bazaars are ideal for treasure hunting as they offer a vast array of goods, such as gold jewellery, carpets, electronics and more.

Take a Walking Tour Around Old Town Dubai

Exploring Old Town Dubai is best done with a guided tour, as these can provide visitors with an insight into the culture and history of the area. Some walking tours could take you through winding alleyways or narrow souks, allowing you to take in the unique architecture and sounds of the area. Others may involve an exploration of one of Dubai’s many historical structures, such as the Dubai Museum or Bastakiya Quarter. Sites located within Old Town Dubai will provide a great glimpse into the transformation of this region from a tiny desert city to one of the most modern urban hubs in the world.

Experience a Traditional Souk

Experience the simple pleasure of browsing goods in an authentic traditional souk. Bargaining is part of the fun and you can take your time striking up a good bargain. Be sure to grab items like handcrafted jewellery, carpets, pottery and antiques which make great souvenirs. As the prices are mostly set, you should resist any pushy vendors and keep everything lighthearted, remember that haggling is normal and expected in these markets, so don’t be afraid to give it a try.

Education at Dubai Museum and Dubai Floral Museum

The Dubai Museum and Dubai Floral Museum offer visitors a unique insight into what life was like in the old city. Founded in 1971, this museum presents exhibits that give visitors an idea of what life was like for generations living in Dubai before the oil boom. The museum also serves as an introduction to Islam and Arab culture for visitors from other countries. Meanwhile at the Floral Museum, you can explore a variety of displays that showcase the art of gardening and landscaping through interactive displays. As well as looking at plants commonly found in the area, you can also learn about garden design principles and gardening techniques used today.

Savouring Local Street Food in Old Town Dubai

When it comes to street food in Old Town Dubai, it’s all about authenticity. Explore some of the food stalls scattered amongst the winding streets of the old quarter for a taste of traditional local fare. Don’t forget to pick up some of the city specialities such as falafel wraps, Mismo (a traditional Arabic bread) or Kwadah (smoked fish with spices).And if you have a sweet tooth be sure to try some Om Ali (Egyptian bread with milk pudding) for a truly unique experience.

Conclusion

Exploring Old Town Dubai is an adventure that no traveler should miss. From taking in fascinating architecture to experiencing local cuisine, this area truly captures the essence of Dubai’s history and culture. Walking tours and souks provide a great introduction to this overlooked side of the city while more unusual attractions such as florists can be used to gain further insight into Arabian culture. Come experience the past like a local – Old Town Dubai is full of unforgettable experiences. For unforgettable experiences held in Old Town Dubai book an activity with GetYourGuide, allowing you to make memories that will last a lifetime.

An Insider’s Guide to Dubai: Discovering Hidden Gems, Local Cuisine, and Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

Dubai is a city of architectural wonders, luxurious shopping, and extravagant experiences. But beyond the shiny veneer, there is an old town with many hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. In this guide, we will explore the authentic side of Dubai, and show you the best places to experience its fascinating local culture.

Local Attractions: Discovering Dubai’s Hidden Gems

While Dubai is famous for its mega-mall and revolutionary architecture, there is a lot more to this city than meets the eye. For those who want to experience the true Dubai, we recommend wandering through the old town. One of the most fascinating discoveries in Dubai is the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, a maze of narrow streets, old wind-towered houses, and small museums that depict the city’s past.

Another hidden gem is the Dubai Miracle Garden, an enchanting flower garden that features more than 45 million flowers in different shapes and colours. For the thrill-seekers, we recommend visiting the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can observe flamingos in their natural habitat.

Dining Spots: Delving into Dubai’s Vibrant Food Culture

Dubai’s gastronomic landscape is an eclectic mix of cultures and flavours. From traditional Emirati dishes to international cuisine, there is something for every palate. For a delicious and authentic Emirati experience, head to Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe, which offers favourites such as machboos, a spiced rice dish, and camel meat burgers.

Another must-visit spot is the Iranian Club Restaurant, a historic eatery that has been around since 1960. The restaurant serves classic Iranian dishes like chicken kebab and lamb stew, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of a bygone era.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself in Dubai’s Rich Culture

Dubai’s unique blend of Bedouin customs and modern influences offers a myriad of cultural experiences. The Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offer an opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s rich heritage. At the latter, you can participate in a cultural breakfast, attend a mosque tour, or interact with Emirati locals over a meal.

If you visit during Ramadan, immerse yourself in the Ramadan spirit by joining the Iftar feast. This is the time when the locals break their fast after sundown, and you can experience the warmth, generosity, and satisfaction that comes with sharing a meal with friends and family.

Local History: Discovering Dubai’s Fascinating Past

Dubai’s history is as intriguing as its present. Discover the city’s origins and customs by visiting sites like Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House, the Dubai Heritage Village, and the Dubai Creek.

The Dubai Creek, which was once the heart of the city’s trading activities, offers an interesting insight into the commercial aspect of Dubai’s history. Take a traditional abra ride across the creek, and witness the hustle and bustle of the city from a different angle.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable and Unique Experiences in Dubai

For the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience, we recommend taking a hot air balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It’s a breathtaking journey that offers unparalleled views of the desert landscape.

Another unconventional suggestion is to spend a night at the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, a luxury resort nestled in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Wake up to the sounds of the desert, enjoy a private pool, and indulge in a romantic dinner in the dunes.

In conclusion, Dubai may be a city of opulence and grandeur, but it also has a rich heritage and culture that are waiting to be explored. With this insider’s guide, we hope you will discover Dubai’s hidden treasures, and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.