Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai is old Dubai on the southern bank of Dubai Creek, where the city began. Here you will find restored houses with wind towers, mosques, souks and museums, and abra boats that cross the creek to Deira.

Why go

Start with the Al Fahidi quarter (Al Bastakiya): narrow lanes, houses with barjeel wind towers, cafés and small museums. The Al Seef promenade runs along the water, and towards the mouth of the creek lies the historic Al Shindagha district with the House of Sheikh Saeed, the Diving Village and the watch tower. By the abra station is the covered Textile Souk.

On the edge of the district, in Zabeel Park, stands the Dubai Frame, a 150 m viewing platform that shows both old and new Dubai.

Where to stay and who it suits

Bur Dubai is for those who enjoy history and the atmosphere of the old city, and for travellers on a budget: there are many inexpensive and mid-range hotels, and small boutique hotels in old houses in Al Fahidi. The beaches and Downtown are 15–30 minutes away by taxi or metro.

How to get there

Three metro stations are close by: Al Fahidi and Al Ghubaiba on the Green Line, and BurJuman, where the Red and Green Lines meet. The abra crossing to Deira takes a few minutes and is paid in cash. From DXB airport, a taxi takes about 15–20 minutes.