Visiting the Burj Khalifa in Dubai: Practical Tips for Your Visit
February 17, 2026
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Step back in time and discover Deira, the historic heart of Dubai where the city's rich culture and traditions come alive. While Dubai's modern skyscrapers dominate the skyline, Deira offers an authentic experience with bustling souks, fragrant markets and an interesting glimpse into the city's past. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Gold and Spice Souks, enjoy local cuisine in traditional eateries and sail across Dubai Creek on an abra. These are some of the cool things you can do in Deira, the place where you can experience old Dubai. Curious about more tips? In this article, we share what to do in Deira, where to eat delicious food and how to get to Deira easily.
Deira: discover Dubai's most authentic neighborhood
Deira is located in the northeastern part of Dubai, on the banks of the Dubai Creek. It is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods and long functioned as the commercial heart of Dubai. The Deira district borders the Bur Dubai district, located across the Dubai Creek. Both neighborhoods are surrounded by modern Dubai, but have retained their authentic character.
Deira's location on the Dubai Creek made it an important trading center centuries ago. The Dubai Creek served as a port for ships that traded spices, pearls and gold. It has since become a hub of culture and commerce, a place where traditional markets and modern influences meet. As such, Deira is known for its iconic souks, where you can wander through a maze of stores in search of jewelry, spices and handmade products.
How to get to Deira?
Most tourists visiting Dubai stay in Downtown Dubai or Marina, and thus not in or around the Deira neighborhood. But then how do you get to Deira?
There are several options to consider, but the most obvious one, as far as I'm concerned, is the metro. It is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Deira. Dubai's metro network has two lines, the green and red lines. Both lines can be found in and around Deira, but our advice is to take the green line to the Al Ghubaiba metro station. From here you can walk along the Dubai Creek to the Bur Dubai Souk, cross the river by abra, stroll through the Spice and Gold Souk and then make your way back to Downtown Dubai via the Al Ras metro station.
The metro is not the only option to get to Deira; you can also take a cab or the bus. Although the buses here run on a tight schedule, using the metro is a lot easier AND faster.
What can you do in Deira?
The Deira district is often overshadowed by more modern parts of Dubai, which is why many travelers do not know what to expect from this part of the city. But Deira actually offers a unique combination of authentic and cultural experiences. Curious about what to do in Deira? Here are our tips!
1. Explore the Al Fahidi Historic District.
The Al Fahidi Historic District, also known as Al Bastakiya, was home to wealthy Persian merchants in the 19th century. They settled here because of the pearl trade. The traditional wind towers - a barjeel - and sand-colored buildings are very well preserved and give a unique and authentic picture of old Dubai. Take a stroll through Al Bastakiya and visit the Coffee Museum and the Dubai Museum (temporarily closed for renovation), but also wander through the alleys and discover art galleries, craft stores and quiet courtyards.
Tip: in the Al Fahidi Historic District you will find one of my favorite hotspots. Curious? I'll share my favorite hotspots later in this article.
2. Visit the Grand Souk, Bur Dubai
The Grand Souk, officially located in the Bur Dubai neighborhood, was once the beating heart of trade in Dubai. Here, local traders sold all sorts of products, from textiles to spices. The market has been a lively place for decades and that is how you will still experience the Grand Souk today.
It is the place in Dubai to pick up colorful fabrics, rugs and handmade souvenirs. You're used to Dubai where everything is expensive and over the top; that doesn't apply to this part of Dubai. Are you good at bargaining? Then you've come to the right place.
Walking through the narrow alleys of the Grand Souk is an experience in itself. The colors, smells and sounds immerse you in a vibrant atmosphere. That's not the only thing, by the way; you'll definitely exercise your laughing muscles here, too. Why? Because the local vendors love to get your attention by giving you a nice nickname. How about: Angelina Jolia, Madonna and Brad Pitt? You'll hear them all!
3. Cruise the Dubai Creek on an 'abra'
The Bur Dubai and Deira neighborhoods are separated by the Dubai Creek. A fun way to travel from one neighborhood to the other is by abra. An abra is a traditional wooden boat that has been used for centuries as a means of transportation between the two neighborhoods. After all, as you read in the introduction, this was once the city's main trade route.
Today, the abra is mainly used as a cab boat to cross the Dubai Creek. It fits about 20 people on an abra and is estimated to carry about 17,000 people a day. That's quite a few boat rides per day.
While you are here you should definitely take the abra to cross the Dubai Creek. It is a short trip across the river and also a very affordable and authentic way to get from one side to the other. Even though the crossing is only short, it is a fun experience and from the water you have a nice view of both neighborhoods. The price for the crossing is 1 AED per person, which you have to pay in cash.
4. Buy spices for home at the Spice Souk
The Spice Souk is a historic market where traders have been selling spices, herbs and other exotic products for centuries. It is one of the busiest places in authentic Deira. Stroll through the narrow alleys and let the colors, smells and tastes tantalize your senses. The presentation of spices is a picture to behold. Curious about what something is? Ask the vendors for an explanation, they are often very friendly and helpful. The Spice Souk is the ideal place to buy spices for home. It is cheaper here because many spices come from the region (the Middle East).
Tip: want to buy saffron? Then always test if the saffron is real, because there is also a lot of fake saffron in circulation in the Spice Souk. Real saffron does not stain or discolor when you drop a drop of water on it.
5. Feast your eyes on the Gold Souk
The Gold Souk, the symbol of luxury and wealth in Dubai. This market is one of the largest and most famous gold markets in the world. Everywhere you look dazzling gold jewelry in the shop windows. In every store there are signs with the daily value of gold, this is therefore the price at which you can buy gold products. Of course, there is room to bargain, especially in the evening when traders have sold too little.
Since 1940, trade in the Gold Souk has increased due to Dubai's free trade policy. Many entrepreneurs from India and Iran are encouraged to open stores in the souk as a result. It is a special experience to walk through the Gold Souk, but also a place you have seen quickly. By the way, you are close to the Al Ras metro station here, should you find your way back to Downtown Dubai from here.
Where to eat in Deira?
You can eat incredibly well throughout Dubai, but want typical Emirati or Middle Eastern food? Then you really need to be in the authentic neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai. These are my favorite tips:
1. Arabian Tea House
In the Al Fahidi Historic District you will find the insane hotspot Arabian Tea House. A popular place among locals as well as expats and tourists. It is therefore advisable to make reservations if you want to have lunch or dinner here.
With its turquoise couches, white wicker chairs and sofas, the restaurant creates a cool place to gather. Slide into a table in the courtyard of this old merchant's house. The menu consists of Emirati specialties, including the delicious local raqaq bread. Above all, be advised by the staff on the specialties and have the table filled with tasty dishes!
2. Book a food tour with Frying Pan Adventures
I personally am very much a fan of booking a food tour. Not only because you get to taste local specialties, but also because you get to go to places you wouldn't get to easily otherwise. On top of that, there is also the information and knowledge that a guide can share with you. Actually, it is always a cool and moreover tasty experience.
In Dubai, I am with Frying Pan Adventures been on a food tour that focused on Middle Eastern snacks and dishes. The good thing about this organization is that it was created as an initiative to make Dubai's diverse and multicultural food traditions accessible to travelers. And they succeeded in doing just that!
During the 3.5-hour food tour, you will taste dishes from different cultures, such as Emirati, Persian, Indian and Lebanese. And as I wrote, you'll come across hidden eating spots you'd never find otherwise. It is a true culinary exploration of Deira where you will taste the rich flavors of the Middle East.
My three favorite snacks during the food tour were: the Iraqi masgouf (fish), freshly prepared and fried falafal and the crispy dessert kunafa.
3. Breakfast at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre.
The SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) was established to build cultural bridges between locals, expats and tourists. There are many prejudices and perceptions about Arab culture, and the place to explore this in depth as well as learn more about it is the SMCCU.
Any questions you have about Emirati culture, religion and traditions can be asked here. It is an accessible and open experience where you can join for breakfast (lunch and dinner is also available) with an Emirati as your host.
The hospitality is heartwarming and creates an open atmosphere where no question is too crazy. It is a beautiful experience where you eat together and share stories. Highly recommended if you want to learn more about life as an Emirati, or perhaps as an expat, in the United Arab Emirates.
Nice accommodations in the Deira area of Dubai
Deira is the perfect neighborhood to experience old Dubai, a place away from the skyscrapers and luxury. This makes Deira an interesting place to stay during your visit to Dubai. But can you stay here affordably? Yes, definitely. Take the Rove City Centre in Deira. A cool hotel chain with several hotels in Dubai. The hotel is known for its creative nature and good value for money when it comes to overnight stays. The hotel has a swimming pool and is within walking distance of the sights in Deira.
Are you looking for an accommodation with the authentic feel of old Dubai? Then you can find the Al Seef Heritage Hotel consider. Located in the Al Fahidi Historic District, this beautiful hotel is a gem to stay at.
Practical tips for visiting Deira
To make the most of your visit to the authentic Deira neighborhood, we have a few more practical tips for you:
Plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat;
Want to experience the souks at their liveliest? Then it's best to go later in the afternoon. The Gold Souk in particular really comes alive in the evening;
Keep in mind that the souks can be overwhelming, especially during the busy peak hours (late afternoon, evening). If you get overexcited easily, better visit the souks in the morning;
Bring cash as you can't pay with your card everywhere;
Personally, I felt safe in Deira all the time, but it is always advisable to leave valuables in the hotel or carry your bag well with you.
Book your dream vacation to Dubai
Would you like to go on vacation to Dubai? And could use some help deciding how long to travel and discovering places of interest? Then schedule a video meeting with us. We will discuss your wishes and create a tailor-made travel proposal for you! With our service we can offer you everything from booking flights and accommodation to arranging excursions and activities.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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