Bur Dubai, Dubai

Bur Dubai known as one of the oldest residential hubs, includes the historical Al Fahidi neighbourhood, which is home to several art galleries and exotic Arabic restaurants. The highlight of the heritage buildings in the Al Fahidi is the presence of wind towers over the roof-top, which worked as air-conditioner equivalents in those days.

Bur Dubai is home to many prominent places like Consulates and Government Offices, the famous Zabeel Palace-official residence His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The heritage Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum, Grand Mosque, Sheik Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, and Bastakiya Quarters are some of the attractions in Bur Dubai.

Dubai Frame, Museum of Illusions, Zabeel Park, Dubai Creek, Majlis Gallery, and Children City enthral the visitors of all ages and interests. Multitudes of Dhows, the traditional boats with one or two masts, line the waterside pathway on Bur Dubai side offering dinner cruises on the creek. Motorized abra tours along the Dubai Creek offer visitors a picturesque view of the Bur Dubai and Deira Island, at a very reasonable rate.

There are numerous shopping malls in Dubai, you can aslo find Gold Souk, Textile Souk, Spice Souk, Perfume House, and various other premier branded retail shops, VOX cinemas, Family entertainment house-Magic Planet, and innumerable boutique hotels cater to every whim and wellbeing of the visitors.

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• Bur Dubai Lets you catch a sneak peek into the history of Dubai as you roam around Al Bastakiya.
• Bur Dubai houses the Al Fahidi Fort, which is well known for the brilliant craftsmanship it holds.
• If you are looking for planning to take a historical tour of Dubai then Bur Dubai will be a nice place to start as it is a home to numerous age old constructions and destinations.
• The world famous Dhow Cruise is also carried out around the area of Bur Dubai, hence making it the perfect destination for all fun activities.
• Being the centre of Shopping, Bur Dubai will give you a chance to explore the Gold Souk as well as the Spice Souk.

The distance between Bur Dubai to Dubai Airport is 14 km. one can avail either train, Bus, Taxi, or Cab to reach Bur Dubai from Airport.

The fastest and inexpensive way of transportation is by Metro Train. The Metro Red Line plies from Rashidiya, Airport Terminal 3 to Burjuman at an estimated charge of Rs. 55 -85 (3 - 5 AED) in 10-15 minutes. The frequency of the train is 10 minutes and operates every day.

Passengers can opt for Line 5 SkyBus, which starts from Dubai International Airport and drops them at London Crown Apartments in Bur Dubai at a fare of Rs. 301. The travel time will be around 16-20 minutes. Every 30 minutes, a bus runs on this route.

A taxi can transmit the passengers from Airport to Bur Dubai in 10-15 minutes at a fare of Rs.800 -1000.

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Bur Dubai experiences a tropical climate, where summers are very hot and humid. Therefore, the best time to visit Bur Dubai is during the winter season, which is between December and March. As the climate remains pleasant during this season, it is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Generally, this period witnesses heavy crowd inflow.

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Here is the list of best restaurants to eat in Bur Dubai:

1. Claypot (Indian): The variety of mouth-watering dishes of Claypot such as South’s Chettinad pepper chicken, Bengal’s prawn curry, Hyderabad’s Biryani, etc., makes it the best Indian restaurant in Dubai as these dishes create a pleasant dilemma in visitors mind on selecting a particular dish to appease their eager palate. The Indian street food and Bollywood beats leave you clamouring for more and more. Claypot’s Buffet leaves you heavy on the stomach and light on the purse. Some of the other Indian eateries are Govinda’s (Indian -Veg), Chutneys (Indian).

2. Ricetta (Italian): If you wish to enjoy authentic Italian tastes and recipes that have been passed on over generations, then visit this amazing restaurant in Bur Dubai to satisfy your urge. Fresh pink sauce pasta (farfalle), burrata cheese spread, sea bream peppered with fresh herbs and lemon, grilled meats, crispy arancini, homemade tapenades, and lastly strawberry tiramisu are a connoisseurs’ delight.

3. Pars (Iranian Kitchen-Mid-range): Dine in at Pars open court to enjoy the antique décor and Persian architecture and enjoy the delectable traditional classics such as Chelo Kebab, Khoresh-e ghormeh sabzi, grilled meats, saffron rice, fish, fresh steamy bread and pastries and sweets.

4. Barjeel Al Arab (Middle Eastern –Budget Hotel): Savor the exquisite Arabian hospitality and let your taste buds take in the tantalizing aromas and tastes of Emirati, Lebanese, and Cosmopolitan cuisines, which include Camel meat specialties, mezze dishes, burgers, kebabs, and other varieties.

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5. Hot Fish: Hot Fish eatery specializes in serving raw original fish or seafood cooked with bespoke condiments and spices while safeguarding the natural taste and nutritional values to give the customer an unforgettable gastronomical delight.

6. La Marquise (Lebanese): A delicious collection of Continental and Arabic cuisines with some of the finest Lebanese Mezza and Shawarma leave you floored. If you still feel you are not completely stuffed, then gorge on dessert varieties and Arabic sweets like Muhallabia and Knafeh.

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Best Shopping Places in Bur Dubai

1. Meena Bazaar: A local marketplace contiguous to Bastakiya area, well-known for its jewellery, textile, watches, bags, designer shoes, furniture, and spices stores. Richly embroidered cloth materials with zari and brocades and exotic wedding jewellery collections allure visitors. The umpteen food kiosks restore the energy levels of the exhausted and hungry shoppers with mouth-watering traditional snacks.

2. Old Souk/Bur Dubai Souk: If you are man/woman of sartorial tastes, then a visit to the old Souk pleases your creative instincts. A premier haunting place of fashion designers and city’s famous tailors, this market with its wide array of shops offer fine silks, airy cotton, top-grade velvet, satin, cashmere, and wool. Gorgeous Indian saris, exquisite Kashmir pashminas, Persian carpets, and local traditional wear bewitch the shoppers. Footwear, souvenirs, and other items are also on sale here.

3. Dubai Gold Souk: The ultimate shopping target of every woman, Dubai Gold Souk houses over 300 retail shops that can sell off 10 tons of gold at any given moment. Coronet, Tiara, Earrings, Hairpin, Choker, Necklace, pendants, Bracelets, Breastplate, Brooch, Bangles, Rings, Anklets, etc dazzle the spectators. Platinum, Diamonds, Silver and other valuables are also for sale at this souk.

4. Dubai Spice Souk: If overpowering aromatic flavour pervading in the surrounding air draw you, then remember you are near the famous Dubai Spice Souk. Scores of shops lined on either of the narrow street offer world’s best basmati rice, saffron, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, coriander, dry fruits, hookah masala, and flavoured tobacco.

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5. Bur Juman: The Mall opened in 1991 underwent a series of upgradations and today houses more than 200 premier shops that cater to the tastes of every buyer. Bur Juman’s retail portfolio boasts of iconic brands such as H&M, Next, Mother care, Splash, Aldo, Nine West, Adidas, JYSK, etc. VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet, Food Outlets, and restaurants gratify the spectators’ senses.

6. Ajmal - Perfume House: Ajmal Perfumes located in the Bur Juman centre, has a rich heritage of manufacturing Middle Eastern attars. 60 yrs of rich experience and intricate knowledge of blending earthy scents with woody fragrances have carved a niche in this sector.

7. City Center Al Shindagha: A mid-sized market place with 75 retail stores, a 7-screen VOX multiplex, family entertainment center-Magic Planet, and several dining options.

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Best Hotels to Stay in Bur Dubai

1. Raffles Dubai (Rs.11,197): The pyramid-shaped Raffles Dubai is a confluence of Asian and Middle Eastern architecture. It features a range of over-sized rooms and suites with private balconies, outdoor pool, Spa, mini-bar, flat-screen TV, luxurious bathrooms and fine toiletries. Raffles 7 in-house bistros serve national and international gourmet dishes and mind-refreshing drinks.

2. XVA Art Hotel (Rs. 4,437): Housed in a century-old wind-tower building, the 15 compact rooms decorated with local themes like Henna Room or Dishdash Room by eminent designers and artists of the region. The rooms are provided with modern amenities like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities. XVA art stores present local objet d’art, handmade handbags, and gold ornaments.

3. Rose Garden Hotel Apartments (Rs. 2,911): It is one of the best hotels in Dubai and highlight of the hotel is the roof-top pool that offers a panoramic view of the city. A trendy hotel with an ultra-modern gym and sauna beckons sporty types. Studios and suites with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens including microwave and refrigerators, and satellite TV’s offer clean, comfortable and convenient living standards.

4. Savoy Central Hotel Apartments (Rs. 3,071): The hotel comprising of 123 executive studios, 7 family rooms, and 24 interconnected rooms with elegant interiors and great amenities gives stress a vacation and invites gratification. The roof-top swimming pool, well-equipped kitchenette, health centre with gym, and satellite TV are the additional facilities provided by this hotel. An In-house eatery provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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5. Barjeel Heritage Guest House (Rs. 2,977): A budgetary heritage hotel set against the dazzling blanket view of the Dubai Creek gives a taste of traditional Arabian hospitality in this 21st century. The capacious and stylish Arabian themed room located on the ground floor alongside the waterfront and amidst the serene courtyard lawn mesmerizes the visitors.

6. Grand Hyatt Dubai (Rs. 14,720): A 5-star hotel decorated in Italian style comprising 674 well-appointed rooms features a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, kids’ club, 24-hour gym, running tracks and a fitness centre. Some of the rooms offer a bay view. All rooms fitted with walk-in rain shower, bathtub, and branded toiletries.

7. Four Points by Sheraton Downtown (Rs. 3,437): The 43-floor Hotel with 244 capacious well-appointed rooms and modern facilities is the 40th tallest structure in Dubai. A range of accommodation that includes guestrooms and suites with well-equipped Gym, refreshing and scenic roof-top swimming pool, pub, and 3 restaurants provide ultra comfort and cosiness.

8. Movenpick Hotel (Rs. 3,985): If living life King-size is your attitude, then look no further than Movenpick Hotel. The 5-star hotel located in the vicinity of key commercial areas, shopping complexes, and attractions is home to 255 cosy rooms and suites that deliver an unrivalled experience to customers. An additional 57 apartments with provisions up to 3-bedrooms along with individual kitchen make visitors feel at home and pampered. Seven in-house bistro’s supply an entire range of gastronomic delights from Indian to International cuisines that leave guests gratified. A top class bar, vibrant nightclub, roof-top pool, fitness centre, and sauna help visitors unwind and relax.

9. Majestic City Retreat Hotel (Rs. 2,035): The 4-star deluxe Hotel comprising 262 rooms and suites spread over 28 floors offers a scintillating view of the well-known Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa. Striking interiors, soothing comforts, spacious pool, safe kids’ play area, scrumptious food and drinks, and state of the art Gym & Spa mollycoddle visitors.

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Tips for Visiting Bur Dubai

- There are no restrictions on the dress code for women, but visitors are advised to wear conservative clothes, so that they may not hurt religious and cultural sentiments of the people of Dubai.

- Dirham (Dh or AED) is the official currency in Dubai. Visitors can exchange foreign money at either Airport or other numerous banks in Dubai.

- Public transport like Metro Rail and Bus lines provide efficient and top-class service at very reasonable charges.

- As the weather in Bur Dubai / Dubai remains hot most of the time, light, loose-fitting, cotton clothing provides comfort and protection against Sun and sweat.

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