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Bastakia QuartervsDubai Gold Souk
Both Bastakia Quarter and Gold Souk are recommended by professionals. Overall, Gold Souk scores slightly higher than Bastakia Quarter. Gold Souk is ranked #5 in Dubai with endorsements from 3 publications like Fodor's, Lonely Planet and Frommer's.
Bastakia Quarter
Fodor's
Concierge
Frommer's
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
Travel + Leisure
National Geographic
The Telegraph
Bastakia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $0/night
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
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"It is also worth visiting Al-Fahidi Fort, by turns prison and palace, and now the Dubai Museum." Full review
Travel + Leisure "This historic neighborhood was created in the 19th century by pearl traders from Bastak, Iran." Full review
National Geographic "Tranquil turn-of-the-20th-century Persian neighborhood on Dubai Creek; labyrinthine lanes; restored courtyard residences with wind towers; art galleries, cafés, tiny museums, and boutique hotels." 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
Dubai Gold Souk Frommer's Lonely Planet
Condé Nast Traveler
1 42 St, 1 42 St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $0/night
Frommer's "Street after street glitters with gold in this famous shimmering market, a must-see while you're in town." Full review
i
Because of the heat and fact that many shops close between 1 and 4pm, it's best to avoid visiting the Gold Souk in the middle of the day.
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"All that glitters is gold (and occasionally silver) along this covered arcade where dozens of shops overflow with every kind of jewellery imaginable, from delicate pearl earrings to lavish golden wedding necklaces." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "The Deira Gold Souk is famous in Dubai for its sheer size and value" Full review
i
These shops are owned by South Asians and their hard work ethic is on great display here, so be prepared for lots of direct requests to come in to their shops.
