About
Bur Dubai is the historic part of the city, on the southern bank of Dubai Creek in the Dubai Emirate of the United Arab Emirates. Also known as Old Dubai, it is widely described as the traditional heart of the emirate, and it offers a quieter contrast to the modern towers found elsewhere in the city.
What to expect
- Traditional markets, where visitors can browse the lively stalls and the everyday trade that has long characterised the creekside.
- Museums and cultural sites, which give context to the emirate's past and way of life.
- The creek itself, a natural focus of the area, best appreciated slowly on foot.
Planning a visit
Bur Dubai suits visitors who want to understand the older character of the city rather than just its skyline. Allow time to wander between the markets and the cultural sites, and to take in the waterfront. Because the area is compact and rooted in its traditions, a relaxed pace tends to suit it best.
Its location on the southern bank makes it a natural base for exploring the historic district and the creek, and it pairs well with a day spent discovering more of what the emirate has to offer beyond its newer developments.