Tips for visiting the Dubai Souks
Our selection of the best Souks in Dubai
Dubai is not only incredible buildings, skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and other crazy things but there is also an old side, where the culture and tradition still alive.
Souks are one of the real faces of the old Dubai, evidence of the past that resists to the transformation of the modernity which Dubai is involved. Maybe Dubai’s souks are not among the most beautiful of the Middle East, but, of course, they worth a visit to back in time reliving the ancient tradition.
Getting lost along the way among stands full of typical products surrounded by the hustle of daily life while merchants shout out, it is something you should not miss.
Souks in Deira Area
1) Spices Souk
The Spices Souk is one of the most famous souks as well as the biggest one in Dubai. It is located in Deira and very easy to reach. Its narrow alleys are lined with small stand-shops selling any spice and herb.
You will notice that because once there, you are going to breathe air fulfilled of pungent aromas and it is a fest for your senses. Among the colourful sacks, you can spot cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, saffron, cloves, dried fruits and much more. The products are fresh and arrive regularly by boat (abra) from many Arabic countries and other ones such as India, Iran or Pakistan.
How to get there: the nearest Metro station is Al Ras (green line – 5 minutes walk). If you are on the other side of the Creek, take the abra service to cross it (Deira Old Souk Abra Station. The ride is only 1 AED).
Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 10 pm.
2) Perfumes Souk
Close to the Gold Souk, situated along Sikkat Al Khail Road, Deira area, there is the Perfumes Souk of Dubai. It is a shopping street where many shops sell any fragrances. Arabic countries are well known for their perfumes, and in this neighbourhood, you can find your ideal scent.
Besides the international perfumes, shops also sell traditional fragrances, and you can even ask for a fully personalised aroma to be created based on your skin type and needs.
How to get there: The Perfume Souk is located in Sikkat Al Khail Road, around 650 meters from Spice Souk and 450 meters from Gold Souk, so the best way to reach the place is by using the Metro green line and get off at Al Ras Metro station. If you are on the other side of the creek, take the abra service to cross the river (Deira Old Souk Abra Station. The ride is only 1 AED).
Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 10 pm.
3) Golden Souk
One of the most beautiful and crowded souks of Dubai, the Gold Souk is the world’s biggest gold market. This covered market consists of hundreds of shops where the primary goods are gold, platinum, diamonds, and silver items. The products are all certified, and prices are lower than in other countries so that you can find excellent deals.
How to get there: Gold Souk is close to the Spice Souk and around 200 meters from Al Ras Metro Station on the green line. If you are on another side of the creek, take the abra service to cross the Creek (Deira Old Souk Abra Station. The ride is only 1 AED).
Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 10 pm.
4) Fish Souk
Opened in 2017 for replacing the old Deira fish souk, the waterfront market is the best place where to find fresh fish. Is more like a mall than a traditional souk but it worth a visit: with more than 100,000 square meters it also includes sections such as food (meat, vegetables, fruit, spices and more), retail, restaurants, cafes, bazaar, hypermarket and more.
How to get there: the souk is located on Khaleej road, next to the Dubai Hospital. By metro take the M2 which stops next to the Deira Fish Market. If you prefer going by bus, then you can choose different lines: 27, 8, C3, X13.
Opening hours: Fishmarket is open 24 hours per day. Retails and Restaurants weekdays from 10 am to 11 pm and during weekends until 11 pm (retails) and 1 am (restaurants).
Souks in Bur Dubai Area
Old Souk (Textile Souk)
This Souk, located in Bur Dubai area, is very well known for its many shops selling a wide range of fabrics, scarves, clothes, footwear and other souvenirs. Moreover, you can find tailors and require a fancy style, traditional or international, according to your needs. Let get caught by its colours and traditional atmosphere which surround the area.
How to get there: the textile souk is located on the southern side of the creek in Bur Dubai. If you are in the Deira area, take the Abra (traditional water taxi) to cross the Creek, and you will get off at the entrance of the Souk (the ride cost 1 AED). The closest Metro stations are Al Fahidi Metro Station and Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, both on the Green Line (M1). The bus lines to reach the Souk are 27, C7, C9 (Al Fahidi or Al Ghubaiba stop).
Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 10 pm.
Souks in Jumeirah Area
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Even it is not an old souk, this one is fascinating and it worth a visit. Located in the heart of Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is an authentic recreation of an ancient market according to traditional Middle Eastern style and ambience. Aside from the beautiful shops and boutiques, the souk boasts quality restaurants, cafes and entertainment activities. It is also one of the most beautiful places where you can enjoy the view of the iconic Burj Al Arab.
How to get there: The souk is located along the Jumeirah Beach Road and, unfortunately, there is no Metro Station close there. The closest one is the Mall of the Emirates Station so, once there, you have to take a taxi because it is quite far by foot.
Opening hours: Shops every day from 10 am to 11 p; Restaurants every day from 8 am to 2 am.
Souk Al Bahar
This Souk is another fascinating place where to go once you are visiting Downtown Dubai. The “Market of the Sailors” is a modern interpretation of a traditional Arab market situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai which combines more than 100 shopping, 22 restaurants, and entertainment. The Souk lies along the Burj Lake so you can enjoy the marvellous Dubai Fountain Show and the world’s tallest tower.
How to get there: take the Metro red line and get off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station (M2). The Souk is just some minutes by foot, outside of Dubai Mall. Alternatively, the RTA operates a direct bus service, the n.27, between Deira Gold Souq and The Dubai Mall.
Opening hours: Shops open every day from 10 am to 10 pm; Restaurants open every day from 8 am to 2 am.
Need to Know
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If you visit one of these souks and you think about buying a souvenir, it is imperative to haggle the price. It is part of the Arabic tradition and if they don’t negotiate the price, it means is not a real souk! 1) When to go The best season to visit Dubai is from October to March when the heat doesn’t hit you so much, and you can enjoy pleasant weather. It is perfect for exploring the city, its attractions and have some relax on their beaches. From April until September the weather is sweltering (July and August are unbearable), and at the peak of summer, the temperature can easily reach even 45° Celsius.
2) Where to sleep The city has a very massive range of accommodations, and there are many good areas where you can book yours. It depends on your needs and budget. Click here and find out the best areas where to sleep in Dubai.
3) Where to eat The food in Dubai is not a problem because you can find anything everywhere! There are tons of restaurants, cafes, bars, malls and so on around the city so you can choose according to your taste. In this significant amount of eateries, our favourite restaurants are Fish Beach Taverna, the Shimmers and the Boardwalk. Check here the TripAdvisor restaurants list.
4) Transportation Dubai is served by Metro, tram, Buses and water taxis. Anyway, Dubai is extensive and reaching some of the main attractions catching the local transports is not that useful because it takes a long time. Click here to know more about local transportation. Dubai’s taxis are available everywhere at just about any time, day or night and they are cheap compared with other cities, so it is an excellent way to move around. If you prefer to rent a vehicle, click here to see the fares of a Rental car. You can also use the smart app Uber for your device and get your ride. Alternatively, if your holiday is short, we highly recommend to use the comfy Hop-on Hop-off Bus: there are 2 different companies, Big Bus Tour and CitySightseeing, offering different routes to visit the city in the best way possible and their packages are very convenient because they include discounts and free entrance in some attractions. 5) Tour packages Another useful idea for arranging Dubai guided tour, activities, buying tickets but also daily trip to visit the spot out of the city, is to use the web platforms as Viator or GetYourGuide. They offer good deals and discount to enjoy the city and get the most out of your holiday.
Are you looking for the best websites and companies to save money with? Check out our Travel Resources for the best companies to use for arranging your trip! And don’t forget your Travel Insurance!
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