In the old city center on the west side of the Dubai Creek lies the district of Bur Dubai. The district goes from the banks of the Dubai Creek to Downtown Dubai.
Together with the Deira district, Bur Dubai forms the historical center of Dubai, and the district is home to several attractions that are worth visiting. First and most well-known is the Dubai Museum, located in one of the oldest buildings in the city, the Al Fahidi Fort. At the Dubai Museum, you can learn a lot about the history of Dubai. Next to the Dubai Museum lies the Grand Mosque, one of the older mosques in the city.
The historic district of Al Bastakiya
Another must-visit during a trip to Bur Dubai is the historic district of Al Bastakiya. This fully restored part of Bur Dubai is known for its distinctive sand-coloured wind towers and provides a good insight into traditional Dubai. Additionally, the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and the Heritage and Diving Village are in the Bur Dubai district. These cultural centers offer various ways to explore the history of Dubai and daily life in the city before wealth transformed the city.
A visit to Bur Dubai would not be complete without a stroll along the banks of the Dubai Creek. During the walk, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the busy waterway with traditional abras and the skyline of the Deira district with its characteristic buildings such as the Deira Twin Towers and the Etisalat Tower.
Hindi Lane
Behind the Grand Mosque lies a picturesque and colorful alley known as Hindi Lane. This street is home to the Hindu community.
In the middle of Hindi Lane stands a temple complex where the gods Krishna and Shiva are honored. You’ll also find many small shops selling religious souvenirs and offerings such as baskets, flowers, and incense.
Are you fond of fabrics and clothing? Surrounding Hindi Lane, you’ll find many shops selling hundreds of types of fabric, from simple to exclusive. Negotiating the price is quite common here, and you can often purchase fabrics by the meter to make a beautiful dress or shirt at home.
Hotels in Bur Dubai
The district consists of districts including Al Karama, Al Mankhool, Al Jaddaf, Al Raffa, Za’abeel 1, and Za’abeel 2. If you book a vacation to Dubai and are looking for an affordable hotel, chances are you’ll find one in the Bur Dubai district.
Bokking.com offer many affordable hotels in the Bur Dubai district. Don’t expect super-luxury hotels in Bur Dubai; these are mostly located in newer areas such as Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and along the coast at Dubai Marina.
A popular hotel for a cheap vacation in Dubai is the Golden Sands hotel. This hotel is offered by almost all major tour operators, including flights and transfers.
Shopping in Bur Dubai
Next to various historic buildings, you can also shop in Bur Dubai at several large modern shopping centers such as the BurJuman Centre and the Wafi City Mall. The BurJuman shopping center has over 300 stores, including a large number of luxury stores such as Dior, Gap, Zara, and Hermes.
Next to the BurJuman shopping center, you can also visit the Wafi City Mall in Bur Dubai for your purchases such as clothing, jewelry, and other luxury items. Here you’ll find shops with brands such as Chanel, Versace, Calvin Klein, and Swarovski. But also normal stores and a supermarket can be found in the Wafi City Mall. A popular shop in the Wafi City Mall is Wafi Gourmet. This delicatessen store specializes in Arabian cuisine and sells spices and herbs, nuts, Arabic coffee, and baklava.
