Explore Dubai
Dubai
Dubai
Dubai TourismDubai AccommodationDubai Bed and BreakfastDubai Holiday RentalsDubai Holiday PackagesDubai FlightsDubai RestaurantsDubai AttractionsDubai ShoppingDubai Travel ForumDubai PhotosDubai MapDubai Guide
HotelsAll Dubai HotelsDubai Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in DubaiBy Hotel Type
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesShoppingPackage HolidaysCruisesCar HireMoreDubai MotelsDubai HostelsDubai CampsitesDubai Green HotelsBusiness Hotels DubaiLuxury Hotels DubaiDubai Ski-In / Ski-Out HotelsDubai Beach HotelsFamily Hotels DubaiDubai ResortsSpa Resorts DubaiRomantic Hotels Dubai
By Hotel ClassBy Hotel BrandInterContinental (IHG) Hotels in DubaiSofitel Hotels in DubaiAloft Hotels in DubaiCentral Hotels in DubaiBarcelo Hotels & Resorts in DubaiRixos Hotels in DubaiAvani Hotels & Resorts in DubaiPreferred Hotels & Resorts in DubaiDusit Hotels And Resorts in DubaiAccor Hotels in DubaiMelia Hotels in DubaiElement Hotels in DubaiLouvre Hotels in DubaiWyndham Hotels in DubaiVida Hotels and Resorts in Dubai
Popular AmenitiesPopular NeighbourhoodsTrade Centre 2 AccommodationAl Bada AccommodationDubai Investments Park AccommodationDubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) AccommodationDubai Festival City AccommodationDiscovery Gardens AccommodationAl Barsha Heights (Tecom) AccommodationAl Satwa Accommodation
Popular Dubai CategoriesHotels with Complimentary Breakfast in DubaiFamily Resorts in DubaiHoneymoon Hotels DubaiQuiet Resorts in DubaiDowntown Dubai HotelsLuxury Family Resorts DubaiDubai Spa ResortsLuxury Family Hotels DubaiHotels with Smoking Rooms in DubaiWedding Hotels Dubai
Near LandmarksHotels near Burj KhalifaHotels near The Dubai FountainHotels near Dubai MetroHotels near Atlantis Aquaventure WaterparkHotels near Dubai Aquarium & Underwater ZooHotels near Burj Al ArabHotels near Ski DubaiHotels near Dubai CreekHotels near Wild Wadi WaterparkHotels near Dubai Miracle Garden
Near Train StationsHotels near Stadium (Dubai)Hotels near Abu HailHotels near Al QiyadahHotels near Palm DeiraHotels near Abu Bakr SeddiqHotels near SalahuddinHotels near Baniyas SquareHotels near Al RasHotels near Al NahdaHotels near Dubai Airport Free Zone
Near AirportsHotels near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)Hotels near Dubai Airport (DXB)Hotels near Sharjah Airport (SHJ)
Near CollegesHotels near University of SharjahHotels near Dubai Pharmacy CollegeHotels near Dubai Medical CollegeHotels near American University in DubaiHotels near Al Ghurair UniversityHotels near American University in the EmiratesHotels near Jumeira UniversityHotels near Skyline University College, SharjahHotels near Gulf Medical University
Dubai Tourism and Holidays: Best of Dubai
Dubai — the World’s Best Destination
From luxury hospitality and cutting-edge architecture to world-class shopping, culture and nature, discover what makes Dubai the best of the best
Essential Dubai
Traveller Guides
Traveller Spotlight

Traditional Trek Around Dubai
Dubai certainly dazzles with its uber-modern design showcased in sights like the Burj Al Arab, and with its over-the-top attractions like the Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah. But it wasn't the glitzy nightclubs and crowd-pleasing brunches that won me over, it was the traditional architecture, Emirati culture, and delicious pistachio dates. So if you're looking for a more traditional slice of life, here are some of my favorite places you should visit in Dubai.
Lara Grant, New York City, NY
- Dubai Gold Souk3,495Located in the Deira district, the Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional market with over 350 stores, most of which sell jewelry. Gold, diamonds, and precious stones are all available here, but do your research on the best stores if you're looking to buy!
- Deira Old Souk Abra Station298Abras are traditional wooden boats that act as water taxis on Dubai Creek, ferrying travelers between the Deira Old Souk and Bur Dubai Abra Stations. As a bonus, the creek is a busy hub, with lots to do and see nearby.
- Cafe Bateel166Bateel is renowned for their gourmet dates packaged in hand-painted wooden boxes, and the cafe expands that upscale approach to all-day dining. Scrumptious bateel date pudding and traditional Arabic coffee are highlights.
- Siraj408Dubai is well-known for its fine-dining cuisine and outposts of global restaurants, but for a truly authentic Emirati meal, head to Siraj. Go with friends and share the camel steak, chicken biryani, and green mango salad. Pro tip: snag a table outside for a gorgeous Burj Khalifa fountain show view.
- Ripe Market88Skip the fancy restaurants and indoor malls and spend an afternoon strolling the Ripe Market, an outdoor farmers' market showcasing local businesses. I was a big fan of the organic veggies and fruits, cute handicrafts, and chic jewelry.
- Jumeirah Mosque2,165Firstly, built in traditional Fatimid style, the Jumeirah Mosque is beautiful. And, it's one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims. It's a unique experience to observe the prayer and learn more about the customs.
- XVA Art Hotel830XVA Art Hotel offers a more traditional, simple alternative to the towering, flashy hotels. It’s located in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the oldest community in Dubai, and it occupies the former home of the Seddiqi family – high-end watch retailers. There are just 14 rooms on-site, all individually decorated and with locally inspired furnishings. A cozy café and gallery showcasing Arab artwork add to its charm.
- Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding1,217Although roughly 80 percent of Dubai's population is foreigners, travelers can still get a peek inside Emirati culture by visiting this center. It's in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood and I love that visitors can take part in activities such as walking tours, authentic dinners, and conversations with local Emiratis.
Trending in the forums
- By Kimi172 replies
- By Clubber1973110 replies
- By Diana T33 replies
Rent a Home for Your Next Escape
Popular homes in Dubai
Dig Into Dubai
Stories, tips, and guides