The Best Hotels in Bur Dubai

James Merhebi via Flickr

Bur Dubai is Old Dubai: the site where the city began, where you’ll find the historic Al Fahidi and Shindagha districts and the incredible Dubai Museum. Bur Dubai is bordered by Dubai Creek, and you can sit and watch the colourful dhows as they sail up and down laden with spice, gold, textiles, juice, refrigerators… anything being sold in the souqs across the river in Deira. A number of our Guru’s recommendations for the 3 best hotels in Bur Dubai line the creek, allowing you to watch this ancient parade in comfort from a shady courtyard.

If you’re interested in eating broadly, then Bur Dubai is definitely going to appeal to you, with its wonderful waterfront cafes which are charmingly old fashioned, and rows of tiny eateries and restaurants.

Dubai’s fantastic textile souq is also in Bur Dubai, and that’s another really colourful local experience. Al Fahidi Street is the other commercial hub, but this time you can expect more neon and plenty of electronics.

Flickr user Guilhem Vellut

As well as the Dubai Museum, Bur Dubai is where you’ll find the Grand Mosque, with its impressive minaret - which stands out even in this traditional skyline of minarets and wind towers. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is also here, and is a great place to visit if you want to develop an understanding of the culture and customs of the UAE. The Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House is a good place to visit if you’re interested in Dubai’s history. And in the evening you might want to head over to Zabeel Park or Creek Park to relax, cool down and catch some more local colour.

The Best Traditional Hotels in Bur Dubai

The XVA Hotel is a fabulous alternative to Dubai's grandiose palatial hotels - an arty, Arabian style property decorated with art, antiques and understated furnishings. In the oldest part of Dubai Creek, near the Dubai Museum.

If you're looking for a smaller hotel, one of the best places to stay in Dubai is the Orient Guest House, which has 12 rooms in the Bastakiya Heritage Area near Dubai Creek. Traditional and romantic, this is a quiet spot within walking distance from many of Dubai's main attractions.

If you haven’t found your idea of the best hotels in Bur Dubai on our Guru’s list you could:

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Dubai?
• Or consider our Guru’s collection of the Best Hotels in Deria? or the 5 Best Hotels in Jumeirah Beach? or the 3 Best Hotels in Downtown Dubai?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalisd advice.

  • XVA Hotel Dubai (Al Fahidi) 12 rooms from £130

    
    See more photos
    Value chic

    Sights nearby  -  Situated in the oldest part of Dubai Creek

    Restaurant  -  Highly recommended on site cafe

    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.

    

    A fabulous alternative to the grandiose palaces of Dubai. An arty Arabian hotel filled with antiques, artwork, and understated furnishings. Chic rooms surround a charming inner courtyard and cafe. A wonderful choice for a more authentic taste of Dubai. See More

    Check Availability

  • Orient Guest House Dubai (Al Fahidi) 12 rooms from £160

    
    See more photos
    Sights nearby  -  Located in the Bastakiya heritage area. Walking distance from the Dubai Museum, Dubai creek & Meena Bazaar

    Spa  -  Access to a nearby spa with swimming pool

    Restaurant  -  Courtyard cafe open all day

    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.

    

    A fantastic alternative to the expensive hotels. A stylish little guesthouse with a charming courtyard, lovely authentic bedrooms, and access to a nearby spa. Ideal for those looking for something a little less ostentatious. See More

    Check Availability

 

Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Tuesday, 3rd January 2023