Experts' Choice Award Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
What the experts agree on
Dubai's restored 19th-century Persian quarter charms with labyrinthine lanes, wind-tower architecture, and quiet courtyards near the Creek—now home to galleries, museums, cafés, and boutique shops.
“It is also worth visiting Al-Fahidi Fort, by turns prison and palace, and now the Dubai Museum.”
– Michelin Guide
Fodor's "Today, these mansions and the connecting thoroughfares have been renovated to house attractions, galleries, souvenir shops, and cultural organizations." Full review
Concierge "Shops, galleries, and charming restaurants pack the alleyways of the Bastakiya quarter, an area on the west side of the Creek that has been inhabited by wealthy Persian merchants."
Frommer's "A complete restoration of Dubai's early settlement for wealthy Persian merchants, Bastakiya is an idyllic neighborhood of meandering lanes, traditional Gulf houses, and ornate wind towers." Full review
Lonely Planet "Traffic noise fades to a quiet hum in the labyrinthine lanes of the historic Bastakia Quarter, Dubai’s old town." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"With its labyrinthine lanes lined with traditional wind-tower architecture, the old Bastakiya quarter on the waterfront east of Bur Dubai Souq is a magical place to explore." Full review
Travel + Leisure "This historic neighborhood was created in the 19th century by pearl traders from Bastak, Iran." Full review
The Telegraph "Dubai’s oldest buildings are in the atmospheric Persian quarter called Bastakiya, a five-minute mosey from Dubai Museum" Full review
New York Times "A walkable quarter with restored homes belonging to Dubai's early inhabitants, winding stone pathways, and niche museums and souvenir shops. Learn about traditional Emirati life in Al..."
Rough Guide "The Al Fahidi Historical District offers a glimpse of the sleepy fishing port that preceded the glass towers and wide highways that you see today. Sandy-coloured homes built from teak and..."
CNN "The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, (also known as Al Bastakiya) next to the water of Dubai Creek has preserved vernacular architecture dating back to the 19th century. Many of the..."
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