Home to lavish malls, sleek skyscrapers and a seven-star hotel, Dubai is the ultimate travel destination. The financial capital of the oil-rich Arab Emirates, Dubai’s love for luxury extends from fashion brands to cars and gold souqs. Despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world, budget travellers too can enjoy the best that this great city has to offer with ample boutique hotels Dubai accommodation and exciting group city tours.
One of Dubai’s most popular trails is the walking tour across the historic Bastakiya Quarter. Situated in the Bur Dubai region on the banks of Dubai Creek, Bastakiya is a 19th century establishment that was home to wealthy immigrant pearl and textile traders who named this residential quarter after their hometown of Bastak in Iran. Today, Bastakiya Quarter stands as a testimony to the Emirate State’s efforts to preserve the country’s history and culture, with its historic buildings and residences converted to art galleries, museums and quaint coffee shops. Located near PER AQUUM Desert Palm, Bastakiya Walking Tour is a half-day excursion across Bastakiya and is the perfect way to soak in the old-world charm of olden Arabia.
Begin your journey at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and learn of Dubai’s vibrant history and culture before strolling through Bastakiya’s narrow streets. Stop to admire sand-hued former Merchant residences that feature courtyards and curved columns that exemplify traditional Arab architecture and ‘barajeels’ or wind towers that are ingenious Arab inventions to beat the intense desert heat. Visit Bastakiya’s Stamp and Coin Museums and the nearby Dubai Museum and learn of Dubai’s early roots in international trade.
Shop for local crafts and textiles at Bastakiya’s quaint boutiques and sample delectable local dishes at the numerous restaurants found here. Enjoy a meal in the romantic courtyard of Bastakiya Nights Restaurant or at the Restaurant’s rooftop on Bastakiya’s oldest building which offers breathtaking views of the Dubai Creek, the minaret of the white mosque and the only remaining portion of the 18th century Old City Wall that faithfully watched over the city.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.