A trip back in time: Best things to do in Bur Dubai
The district of Bur Dubai truly captures the essence of Dubai’s journey – from a fishing and pearl hunting village to becoming the most glitzy and glamorous city in the world. The area is considered one of the emirate’s most prominent shopping and residential hubs. Home to cultural gems, traditional souks and authentic dining, it is a haven for tourists. Curious about the best things to do in Bur Dubai? Read on to find out how you can make the most of your trip to this historic community.
Historical Attractions
VISIT AL FAHIDI HISTORICAL NEIGHBOURHOOD
Whether you are renting an apartment in Bur Dubai or visiting the area for the first time, you must explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to understand the history of the area. Take a trip back in time and see what traditional life was like for residents in Old Dubai during the mid-19th century.
Located near Dubai Creek, this is a key heritage site in Bur Dubai. It preserves much of the original architecture of the age. The structures here were built with traditional materials like gypsum, stone, teak, sandalwood and stone.
GET A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
Each breezy tower, building and twisting alleyway tells a story of a time before the emirate developed into the glittering metropolis that it is today.
The lack of front windows in the more than 50 houses in town reflects the community’s concern for privacy at the time. Also, the buildings are built facing southwest – the Qibla – representing the religious values of the region.
Follow the winding streets to check out the plethora of museums, craft shops and traditional food stalls.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The area hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year in the two popular venues, Symposium House and Events House. The Sikka Art Fair in the district attracts a sizeable number of visitors every year. A flagship event of Dubai Art Season (DAS), Sikka is an annual artistic celebration honouring Dubai’s creative talents.
After your sightseeing trip, grab some refreshments or rest those tired feet at any of the motels, cosy courtyard cafes and restaurants scattered around the district.
- Location: Near Dubai Creek
THE MAJLIS GALLERY
For art lovers, another exciting thing to do in Bur Dubai is a visit to The Majlis Gallery. Located at Al Fahidi, this art gallery is a haven for fine art lovers. It has introduced the works of a number of local and international artists to the cultural stage.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Closed on Friday)
- Location: Al Musalla Roundabout, Al Fahidi Neighborhood, Bur Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-353-6233
Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort
For more insight into the city’s history, head to the Dubai Museum “Al Fahidi Fort.” Located south of Dubai Creek, the fort was used to store artillery and weapons 200 years ago. Today, the preserved site is home to the Dubai Museum with wings that reflect how people lived in different eras.
Examples include the markets wing which displays the local retail atmosphere, vendors and shops during that time. The information regarding Dubai Museum entry fee and opening hours is given below:
- Price of admission: AED 3 for adults, AED 1 for children
- Opening hours: 08:30 am to 08:30 pm | 02:30 pm to 08:30 pm (Fridays)
- Location: Al Fahidi Street, Al Fahidi Fort, Bur Dubai
- Contact: +971-50-877-7887
Visit the Shopping Districts
Explore the shopping markets in the area, which are full of vibrant fabrics, beautiful jewellery and fragrant perfumes.
Textile Souk
This old trading centre in Bur Dubai is a treasure trove of textiles, colourful garments, souvenirs and handmade weaves from around the world. Skim through the endless collections of raw silks, embroidered fabrics and cotton garments for the prints you are looking for.
Of course, Bur Dubai’s famed textile market isn’t for popular fabrics and readymade clothes alone. There is also a slew of stores selling sequins, buttons, lace, stone and other accessories for anyone who wants to jazz up their clothing with an Arabic flair. Just make sure that you polish up your negotiating skills by haggling for the best prices. These are the reasons why it is considered one of the best souks in Dubai.
Meena Bazaar
Arguably the busiest shopping district in Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar is sure to be a crucial part of your itinerary during your time in the city. The shopping area features a variety of quaint shops selling everything from handicrafts to textiles.
Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai is especially a haven for shopaholics on the hunt for trinkets, accessories and unique pieces of jewellery. If you get a bit peckish, you can always grab a bite to eat at the (mostly Indian) restaurants and street food stalls for a few dirhams.
- Location: Close to Khalid Bin Waleed Street, Bur Dubai
Other Attractions in Bur Dubai
Creek Park
Bur Dubai is also home to Dubai’s second-largest park — Creek Park. It is located between the Garhoud and Maktoum bridges and covers around 96 hectares.
The park can be accessed by boat and even has a landing pad for helicopters. There are also several activities in Creek Park for the whole family to enjoy. Apart from the local flora, Creek Park has a couple of mazes and a nature walk for visitors as well. Other facilities include the Dubai Dolphinarium, Children’s City, bbq areas, cable cars, train rides, rental bicycles, cafes and food stalls.
- Price of admission: AED 5
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 11:00 pm
Dubai Dolphinarium
Next on your list of places to see in Bur Dubai is the Dubai Dolphinarium. It features a number of animal attractions and is a perfect stopover for families with kids. From bird shows to rides on trained dolphins, this place has it all.
Dolphinarium also features VR (virtual reality) rides, a seal show, an indoor trampoline, a mirror maze, 5D and 7D cinema. Want to remember the experience forever? Head onto the souvenir shop to get your own plush dolphin or seal. For more information regarding show bookings and ticket prices, refer to the following details:
- Price of admission: AED 105 (adults) | AED 50 (kids 2 to 11)
- Opening Hours: 11:00 am to 06:00 pm (Closed on Sundays)Location: Riyadh Street, Inside Creek Park Gate 1
- Contact: +971-4-336-9773
Take a Dhow Cruise
Looking for the best things to do in Bur Dubai at night? Take a ride of a glittering dhow. It’s one of the more popular things to do in Bur Dubai. Traditionally decorated, it offers breathtaking views of the creek. A ride is typically accompanied by a buffet dinner with a selection of various international and traditional dishes on offer.
Zabeel Park
Zabeel Park is another excellent attraction in the area that you must explore. Featuring sports courts, a fitness centre, jogging track, acres of wide green spaces and a mini-golf course – Zabeel Park is the perfect stopover for a fun weekend with the family. One of the largest parks in Dubai, it equals in size to around 45 football fields and is popular for its expansive edutainment centre for kids.
The availability of technology-driven activities in Zabeel Park is among the many reasons why it is so popular. Divided into three zones — Communications Zone, Techno Zone and Alternative Energy Zone — the park offers several educational and interactive exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.
- Price of admission: AED 5 for adults | Free for kids under 2 and people with special needs
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 08:00 am to 11:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is one of the best attractions in Bur Dubai — a spectacular architectural landmark that provides sweeping panoramic views of the city. Resembling a picture frame, the 150m tall and 90m wide structure allows visitors the chance to explore the city’s past, present and future.
For example, there is the Future Zone which features an immersive time tunnel that predicts what Dubai might look like in the future; complete with flying taxis and space missions.
- Price of admission: AED 50 for adults | AED 20 for kids 3 to 12 | free for kids under 2 and people of determintion with two companions
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like living in Bur Dubai?
Want to call the mesmerising district your home? With so many things to do in Bur Dubai, we don’t blame you. Those who want to live in Bur Dubai may consider the pros and cons of the area before they commit. Some of the many benefits include a strategic location near the emirate’s biggest attractions and easy access to public transport.
What is there to do in Dubai?
For more options, there are still the many activities available in the rest of the emirate. Some of the top things to do in Dubai include visits to an indoor ski resort, skydiving and more.
Also, make the most of long weekends in Dubai with brunch, luxury vacations, desert safaris and more. There are also several free family activities you can enjoy in the city. If this is your first time in the emirate, visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah and other famous places in Dubai.
Are there any free activities in Dubai?
Thankfully, there is plenty to do for the budget-friendly traveller in the emirate. Options for free things to do in Dubai include everything from trips to a famed art district to a camel racing festival.
That’s a wrap of all the exciting things to do in Bur Dubai. Have you been to the area before? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
