Timeline
08:30
Walk into the Dubai Museum at opening. The fort itself is modest, but head straight down to the modern galleries beneath. Spend time with the interactive exhibits that show Dubai's rapid transformation, ending with the reconstructed traditional souq.
09:15
Walk seven minutes to the Spice Souk. It is a historic market right at the mouth of the creek. Browse the stalls selling spices and herbs. Note that the souk closes early at noon, so this is the perfect time to see it in full swing before it winds down.
09:45
Head to Basta Art Cafe, a short four-minute walk away. Step into the lovely garden courtyard of this restored house. Order a cold drink and perhaps a sandwich from their menu. It is a quiet, shaded spot to rest your feet and escape the bustle of the souqs.
Local tip
The Dubai Museum is open from 08:30, making it ideal for a morning visit before the crowds and heat intensify. The Spice Souk closes at 12:00, so keep your timing tight if you want to see the full range of goods.
Check before you go
- Dubai Museum is open Mo-Th, Sa, Su from 08:30 to 20:30. It is closed on Fridays until 14:00.
- Spice Souk is open daily from 08:00 to 12:00.
- Basta Art Cafe has no listed opening hours, but as a cafe in a restored house, it is generally open during the day.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Dubai (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).