Al Fahidi

Dubai

Dubai Emirate which includes heritage architecture
Dubai Emirate
Dubai Emirate showing food and interior views as well as a large group of people
Dubai Emirate which includes food and interior views as well as a large group of people
Dubai Emirate which includes food

The historic heart of Dubai is a labyrinth of old city streets packed with restored townhouses, traditional Persian wind towers, galleries and boutiques. 

Feel as though you are stepping into Dubai's past with a walk through the narrow, shaded streets and alleyways of one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Tucked behind the lavish malls and steel and glass skyscrapers is the Al Fahidi Historical and Cultural Area (formerly known as Bastakiya), a merchant quarter established at the end of the 19th century by wealthy Iranian pearl traders. Today, their traditional houses of coral, gypsum and limestone have been restored and turned into museums, galleries, restaurants and shops.

A good place to start your tour is at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, located in the courtyard of a traditional house. The center hosts cultural breakfasts and lunches almost every day. These events are an opportunity to taste local specialties and hear about Emirati culture. You can also join one of the guided walking tours of the historic neighborhood run by the center. For more information about times and prices visit the center’s official website.

As you walk through the old streets, note the tall, rectangular structures on top of some of the buildings. These are wind towers or windcatchers, called barjeels, a useful Persian architectural feature before the invention of modern air conditioning. The thick adobe walls of the towers capture and cool winds that come from all directions and funnel them down into the buildings. 

Search for an original piece of art in one of the many galleries that showcase a variety of Arabic, Asian, Indian and contemporary art. Hunt for a souvenir in boutiques selling locally made arts and crafts, silks, ceramics and jewelry. Go to the Dubai Museum in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort to discover how Dubai turned from a small fishing village into a global metropolis. Savor a cup of traditional mint tea in a neighborhood café.

Al Fahidi Historical and Cultural Area is situated on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek, close to two metro stations. A fun way to get there if you’re in the Deira part of the city is to take a water taxi or traditional dhow boat across the creek. The neighborhood is a conservation area where the lanes are pedestrianized. 


Popular places to visit


Al Fahidi Hotel Deals

Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
5 out of 5
Casablanca Road, Al Garhoud, Dubai
The price is ₩81,445 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
₩81,445
₩107,249 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Perfect overnight stay
"We enjoyed the stay. The check in was one of the best. Thanks to Rubie and Neha. Room service was excellent."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis, The Palm
5 out of 5
Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai
The price is ₩495,630 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
₩495,630
₩614,626 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,453 reviews)
Best hoyel ever!!
"Amazing! The best hotel ever!!"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Atlantis, The Palm
Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel
Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel
5 out of 5
Sheikh Zayed Road, Po Box 23215, Dubai
The price is ₩64,319 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
₩64,319
₩86,270 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (998 reviews)
"Excellent property"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
East Crescent Road, Dubai
The price is ₩187,722 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
₩187,722
₩237,439 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,029 reviews)
"Half board food was excellent, all the restraints were great. The staff at the hotel can’t do enough for you. Breakfast buffet had everything. The pool and beach was very good and relaxing, loads of beds available. The water sports m, sea camels are worth a go. All in all a great experience, thank ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
Gevora Hotel
Gevora Hotel
4 out of 5
Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Al Attar, Trade Centre Area, Dubai
The price is ₩87,002 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
₩87,002
₩103,051 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Wonderful room great view of the city and good food at all the restaurants"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Gevora Hotel
Aloft Dubai Airport
Aloft Dubai Airport
4 out of 5
Airport Road, Al Garhoud, Next to Airport Terminal 1, Dubai
The price is ₩44,874 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
₩44,874
₩60,579 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (843 reviews)
"Too far from the city but close to airport."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Aloft Dubai Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Al Fahidi

Dubai Creek featuring boating, a marina and a bay or harbor

Bur Dubai

4/5(703 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Bur Dubai. Check out top attractions like Dubai Cruise Terminal and BurJuman Mall, and jump on the metro at ADCB Station or Sharaf DG Station to see more of the city.

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Deira

4/5(1,115 area reviews)

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Za'abeel
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Trade Center

4.5/5(871 area reviews)

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DIFC
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Al Fahidi