10 Charming Things to Do in Old Dubai (An Expat’s Guide)
Most visitors to Dubai come to town to take in the views from the world’s tallest building, get lost in the world’s second-largest mall, and take a dip in the world’s highest infinity pool. But if you’re looking for something more cultural, you’re going to love Old Dubai.
Old Dubai is the historical heart of Dubai. This is where you’ll find heritage buildings, mazelike souks, incredible street food, and picture-perfect Dubai Creek views. So, if you ask me, Old Dubai should be on everyone’s Dubai bucket list. If you’re looking for things to do in Old Dubai that are chockful of charm, I’ve got you covered!
10 Charming Things to Do in Old Dubai
1. Explore Al Seef
Al Seef is part of Old Dubai’s heritage district and it’s easily one of the most charming areas of Dubai. Take some time to walk around the 1.8-kilometer area and you’ll quickly be swooning for the old-world-style buildings, winding sikkas (alleyways), souk-inspired shops, and creekside restaurants.
That’s right, Al Seef is located right on Dubai Creek, making the setting even more picture-perfect. I highly recommend exploring the area during sunset because the sound of the call to prayer emanating from all of the mosques as the sun sets in Old Dubai is simply magical!
2. Snap a Selfie at the Adorable Starbucks
While you’re in Al Seef, you might as well seek out the local Starbucks (click here for the location). I realize that this may sound like a very random item to include on a “charming things to do in Old Dubai” list but trust me, this is one of the most picturesque Starbucks in the world. You’ll see plenty of people snapping selfies in front of this heritage-inspired building!
3. Go Back in Time in Al Fahidi
You’ll find the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood right next to Al Seef. This part of town is Dubai’s historical heart and it’s where you’ll find many of the top Old Dubai attractions, including the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort, the Coffee Museum, the Arabian Tea House, and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (more on each of these below).
It’s well worth taking some time to explore by foot. You never know what cultural and historical gems you’ll find!
4. Get a History Lesson at Al Fahidi Fort
Visiting the Al Fahidi Fort is one of the most interesting things to do in Old Dubai. This building was built in 1787 as the ruler’s fortified residence (it also served as an armory and prison). Al Fahidi Fort now stands proud as the oldest building in Dubai.
Al Fahidi Fort is home to the Dubai Museum, which is a must-visit if you want to learn about the history of Dubai and glimpse historic artifacts. Do note that the Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Museum are currently closed for renovations. But once the renovations are complete, it should be back and better than ever! So be sure to double-check before you visit.
5. Have an Emirati Meal at Arabian Tea House
If you’ve only got time for one meal in Old Dubai, go to the Arabian Tea House. Located a short walk from Al Fahidi Fort, this place serves up authentic Emirati cuisine in a gorgeous heritage-inspired courtyard.
If you make it in time for breakfast, I highly recommend ordering the Special Emirati Breakfast Tray, which features local favorites like balaleet (vermicelli cooked with cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron topped with an omelet), dango (chickpeas), bajella (fava beans), and other small dishes.
Come later in the day and you can choose from a lengthy menu of Emirati eats from the Emirati Kebab Laham (Lamb Barbeque) to Machboos Deyay (Chicken with Rice) to appetizers like mutabal, hummus, falafel, and labneh.
6. Get Cultured at SMCCU
When it comes to things to do in Old Dubai for a cultural experience, visiting the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is a must.
It’s well worth checking out the website to see what’s going on during your visit. From cultural meals to tours of Old Dubai to educational visits to a local mosque, they offer cultural experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Plus, they’re open to everyone. These experiences do book up, so make sure to make your plans well in advance.
Even if you don’t book one of the cultural experiences, it’s well worth stopping by to check out the Once Upon a Time Museum (entry is AED 25). You’ll have the chance to learn a little bit more about local culture, see historic artifacts, and sample local refreshments.
7. Try Arabic Coffee at the Coffee Museum
Also located in Al Fahidi, the Coffee Museum is another one of the top Old Dubai attractions. Entry is just AED 10 and you’ll get a free cup of coffee to sip and some dates to munch on while you peruse the museum.
This intimate museum tells the origin story of coffee, highlights the importance of coffee in the region, and gives visitors fun facts about coffee culture around the globe. There are also tons of cool old coffee artifacts showcased in the museum, from grinders to kettles.
8. Shop and Eat at Meena Bazaar
For a completely different cultural experience, make your way to Meena Bazaar. This is one of the city’s many bustling traditional markets and it’s where tourists and locals alike shop to get excellent deals on everything from clothes to handicrafts to jewelry and beyond.
This place also has some of the best Indian street food in Dubai. So I recommend coming hungry because you’ll want to try everything at Meena Bazaar! Think ultra-affordable pani puri, dosas, vada pav, samosas, uttapam (pictured above), and so much more.
9. Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra
Taking an abra (a traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek is one of the most fun things to do in Old Dubai. Plus, you’ll need to get across the creek to reach Deira from Al Fahidi or Al Seef (which are both on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek.
These are public boats and they depart when they fill up – but you never have to wait long, as they are a very popular mode of transportation. Plus, the ride costs just AED 1. So it’s kind of like getting a mini cruise along Dubai Creek for super cheap!
10. Visit the Souks in Deira
Now that you’ve crossed Dubai Creek into the Deira part of Old Dubai, it’s time to check out some more souks. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk are two of the top Old Dubai attractions and must-visits if you want to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Deira.
The Gold Souk has to be seen to be believed. This place is as glitzy and glamorous as it comes and it’s where to go shopping in Dubai for all things gold. And I do mean all things gold.
The Spice Souk is just a short walk away from the Gold Souk and it’s a fun place to shop for spices and other goods to bring back home with you. From saffron, cardamom, za’atar, and sumac to dried fruits and local teas, you’ll find all sorts of cool things in the Spice Souk!
