Al Fahidi

Dubai

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Al Fahidi

Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis, The Palm
5 out of 5
Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai
The price is P24,131 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
P24,131
P29,873 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 15 - Mar 16
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! (1,332 reviews)
"Absolutely, loved everything about the Atlantis"

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Atlantis, The Palm
FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai
FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai
5 out of 5
No. 1 The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
The price is P12,286 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
P12,286
P15,363 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 17 - Mar 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The five-palm is the epitome of luxury! I enjoyed the quick check-in process and also the attention to detail in the room. My only feedback is the breakfast service. I understand the staff is trying to accommodate a lot of ppl at once but I would prefer my beverage be brought to me vs the self-serve ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront
5 out of 5
Al Abraaj Street, Business Bay, Dubai
The price is P6,638 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
P6,638
P8,444 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was as expected."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront
Shangri-La Dubai
Shangri-La Dubai
5 out of 5
Sheikh Zayed Road, P.o. Box 75880, Dubai
The price is P9,426 per night from 28 Mar to 29 Mar
P9,426
P11,859 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 28 - Mar 29
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 and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,196 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel with customer service at the highest level."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Shangri-La Dubai
Gevora Hotel
Gevora Hotel
4 out of 5
Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Al Attar, Trade Centre Area, Dubai
The price is P6,603 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
P6,603
P7,630 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 24 - Mar 25
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! (1,001 reviews)
"I recently stayed at the Gevora Hotel during my business trip for the Gulfood Show, and I wanted to share my feedback. The central location was excellent, and the stunning views from the hotel, especially the higher floors, added a great touch to my stay. The breakfast selection was diverse, and ..."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

Gevora Hotel
Hampton by Hilton Dubai Airport
Hampton by Hilton Dubai Airport
3 out of 5
Damascus Street, Al Qusais, Dubai
The price is P2,270 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
P2,270
P2,937 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 22 - Mar 23
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Good price, convenient location, friendly staff."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Hampton by Hilton 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 neighbourhoods around Al Fahidi

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

Bur Dubai

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 Dubai Creek, and jump on the metro at Sharaf DG Station or ADCB Station to see more of the city.

Bur Dubai
Gold Souk which includes a city, city views and signage

Deira

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Deira. Check out top attractions like Gold Souk and Dubai Creek, and jump on the metro at Abu Baker Al Siddique Station or Salah Al Din Station to see more of the city.

Deira
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Trade Center

4/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Trade Center. Check out top attractions like Museum of the Future and Boulevard at Emirates Towers, and jump on the metro at Emirates Towers Station or Financial Centre Station to see more of the city.

Trade Center
Default Image

DIFC

DIFC is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Tabari Artspace and XVA Gallery, and you can get around town on the metro at Financial Centre Station.

DIFC
@Dubai Festival City nice place to spend a family weekend #DFC #Dubai #LikeALocal

Dubai Festival City

Travelers come to Dubai Festival City for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Dubai Creek and Dubai Festival City Mall while you're in town.

Dubai Festival City
Dubai Mall which includes interior views and shopping

Downtown Dubai

Travelers love Downtown Dubai for its popular shops, and you can see more of Dubai by jumping on the metro at Dubai Trolley Station 1 Tram Station or Dubai Trolley Station 2 Tram Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Dubai Mall and KidZania.

Downtown Dubai

Al Fahidi