Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Separating Deira and Bur Dubai, the creek is the city's historic commercial hub. Explore and cross the canal on a traditional abra boat ride.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience Dubai Creek
The area
Neighbourhood: Al Fahidi
How to get there
- Al Ras • 7 min walk
- Al Fahidi • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,501 within 5 kms
Attractions
242 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Haytham Abu FirasQatar14,378 contributionsTaxi BoatWe took an abra (taxi boat) across the water bank. I t takes about 5 minutes for 2 dirhams only. Nice view of all buildings crossing from Old city Al Seef to other side where gold market located.Visited December 2022Written 20 December 2022
- swiss_en_voyageZurich, Switzerland47 contributionsBeautiful creek, long wait for short boat rideBeautiful creek and enjoyable but very short boat ride from old Dubai to Spice Souk across the creek. Got a free ticket with our weekly public transport pass. The boat leaves only every thirty minutes and the ride took about 90 seconds… given the boat was full it would have been great to leave immediately. For next time would suggest to seek a longer route. Souk itself not so enjoyable, lots of hassle - found nicer stores near the metro station.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 8 January 2023
- Ms_GNew York City, New York70 contributionsQuick and cheap rideSo we were a little confused. I understood you arrived at the creek, took an abra ride to the old town where there would be the gold souk etc. Nope. Our taxi driver left us at the gold souk then we took an abra ride across the creek to the Al fahidi area. Anyways, the abra ride cost 1 dirham and it took like 30 seconds to cross the creek. You just just on and sit where you find space.Visited January 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 21 January 2023
- jbwhitehouseDallas, Texas1,834 contributionsTake the Abra--enjoyWe took the abra—flat-bottomed, open-sided water taxi—across from the Deira (north side) across to the south side of Bur Dubai and then back again. Note that the crossings are at different points along the creek bank, so one does not simply get off one abra and immediately onto another. One needs to walk the equivalent of a long block to take the abra to cross again. Cash payment of 1 AED is made to the “driver” when the abra is on its way across from one side of the creek to another.Visited December 2022Written 30 January 2023
- Gordon BNetanya, Israel850 contributionsShort and sweetAfter a long metro ride we arrived. With a short wait we were soon on the ferry to The Creek. We arrived and took a look around and soon we were back from wse started from. Maybe we mmissed something but a mall was futherest from our minds.Visited February 2023Written 5 February 2023
- Sue WIlkeston, United Kingdom990 contributionsPretty by day and even better by night.This is such a pretty area to see by day and especially by night. There are expensive yachts moored and also small wooden tourist boats for those who'd like to take a trip out. There is a wide walkway and the buildings either side are, as always in Dubai, lovely to look at. There is also a fabulous range of restaurants with water frontage to choose from. As you walk along you enter an older looking part with stalls and cafes so well worth a walk. By night it is lit up by a plethora of pretty lights which dance on the water and nearby buildings. Even the old part has some interesting light structures too. I lived this area by night.Visited February 2023Travelled soloWritten 26 February 2023
- NICHOLAS TDubai, United Arab Emirates5,808 contributionsThe heart of DubaiThe creek is where it all began for Dubai and it remains a vibrant place to visit. There are bustling souks and lots of restaurants on either side of the creek and you can cross in an old style wooden abra for just one dirham. A must visit for visitors to Dubai.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 18 March 2023
- Jorajudy FCyprus14 contributionsChilled Boat CruiseI went there to start my vacation in style. We were on a boat cruise with the family. They offered an international buffet, the cruise was along the creek which lasted well over an hour. They had music and friendly staff. I loved the experience but you must only go during the winter.Visited July 2022Written 25 May 2023
- Maggie WToronto, Canada15 contributionsMust take abra alsoWe were superseded that Dubai has an area like this. So “down to earth” and u could get a sense of local lifestyle. We loved the contrast when u came from the downtown, the moment got off the taxi u feel like it’s a different world.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 June 2023
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota3,188 contributionsRide an Abra to the Old SoukUnlike most of modern Dubai, visiting the Dubai Creek is like stepping back in time. On one side of the river is the historic Al Seef and Al Fahidi neighborhoods. You can then ride on a traditional abra across the river to the Old Souk. The cost is 1 Dirham. Make sure you get on the right abra. You want the Dierra Old Souk-Bur Dubai abra which leaves from its own pier.Visited November 2022Written 19 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,875 reviews
Excellent
4,632
Very good
3,886
Average
1,124
Poor
157
Terrible
76
tammyBaltimore_Md
Baltimore, MD2,292 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Several different areas to stop along off Hop on Hop off bus, tons of souks nearby selling anything from spices to gold and tons in between, you can also take one of these so called water taxis for a small fee, take your chances is all I'm going to say.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,407 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
After checking it at my hotel in Deira, this was the first attraction I visited i the area. I noted shops and stores as I walked towards the Abra Station where I rode the local boat for 1 AED.
The boat ride was short, about 5-7 minutes. There is a Souq or a small market area where one can shop for clothings, spices, nuts, bags & luggages, jewelries, etc. Of course there are small restaurants along the creek and near the Souq.
I enjoyed my visit here. Highly recommended to visit here, when you get bored visiting high rise buildings.
The boat ride was short, about 5-7 minutes. There is a Souq or a small market area where one can shop for clothings, spices, nuts, bags & luggages, jewelries, etc. Of course there are small restaurants along the creek and near the Souq.
I enjoyed my visit here. Highly recommended to visit here, when you get bored visiting high rise buildings.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zuv
Bucharest, Romania27,127 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
A fairly wide channel, crossed by a lot of boats of all kinds, zigzagging between the banks like aquatic insects. In the Bur-Dubai area, the shore is full of restaurants with terraces right on the water's edge. Also, here is the bazaar area, very lively and crowded.
I think it is an experience that must be tried.
I think it is an experience that must be tried.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
coldy
Lake Country, Canada668 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Coming from the gold and diamond souk we took a boat to cross the creek. Nice views of all of the activity. Well worth a visit.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
must_travel_soon_10
Mississauga, Canada1,691 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The creek is a colourful focal point and a hub of activity. So many shops and eateries. Weather being quite warm is not that conducive to extended strolling.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
galaxy148
Glen Allen, VA846 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Short 5 minute crossing from the Gold and Spice Souk to the other side on this traditional little boat. It was part of our city tour and a nice experience with a pretty view.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Make Infinity Travel & Tourism LLC
Dubai, United Arab Emirates2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Business
We are heading to gold and spice market, we took the water taxi along the Dubai creek. even in a short ride would definitely felt the culture intact and history within the area. While you are on the ride the creek offered a very interesting views.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J01
Liverpool, UK521 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Ideal for taking a day out of a busy schedule, you should add this attraction to your list of things to do.
Old / new / take in the views and just enjoy.
Old / new / take in the views and just enjoy.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CamperTravel
Cuijk, The Netherlands249 contributions
Aug 2023
Crossing the creek is part of our tour visiting Deira. Picked up by traditional boat now equipped with motors where in the past used to be done by rowing across the creek. Hier you are leaving the modern Dubai, build in 25 years, to the Old Dubai, where the markets of gold/textiel/etc are.
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN3,188 contributions
Nov 2022
Unlike most of modern Dubai, visiting the Dubai Creek is like stepping back in time. On one side of the river is the historic Al Seef and Al Fahidi neighborhoods. You can then ride on a traditional abra across the river to the Old Souk. The cost is 1 Dirham. Make sure you get on the right abra. You want the Dierra Old Souk-Bur Dubai abra which leaves from its own pier.
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VINCENTHUDSON
Manchester, UK53 contributions
I’m staying at the Grand Hyatt. Is there any local, cheap eats nearby. How far away is the hotel from the creek
carlbuyungo
Dubai, United Arab Emirates2 contributions
Hello Mr, which location along the Creek can i go for free swimming?
Passp0rtAlwaysReady
Exeter, UK6,209 contributions
Hi
I wouldn’t recommend swimming there as there are just too many boats about!
Isha_DreamChaser
Cardiff, UK5 contributions
Hello,
I am staying at Vida Creek over New Year - does anyone know of any new years eve events happening nearby or whether we will be able to see fireworks displays for free?
Also any other recommendations of what do / eat at around the area?
thanks!
Serdar S
Dubai, United Arab Emirates118 contributions
I would recommend Mazmi Cafe in Old Dubai area. A Dubai cafe with a classical touch of Emirati culture and delicious food. You can sit outside and watch the small ferries passing through the creek
marechiaro65
napoli11 contributions
volevo sapere costi con cena se la consigliate
cinziav732016
Italy1,185 contributions
Ciao
Noi non abbiamo mai fatto la crociera sulle barche con cena perciò non saprei dirti i costi.
Sul consigliarti se farla o no dipende un pó dai costi, sicuramente vedi tutta la marina illuminata che è sempre bella.
madhousewife
London, UK116 contributions
Hi we will be staying at the Sheraton creekside, does anyone know if there are small local places to eat that sell arabic/indian food that is not expensive-don't really like Hotel food but really want to eat where the locals eat.
Thanks
Steve
hubbz72
Cheshire, UK725 contributions
Hi Steve,
To be honest unless you get in a cab there isn’t much directly around The Sheraton itself. But 2 minute walk from the hotel is the Baniyas water bus terminal and for around £1 it will take you over the creek directly to Al Seef, google it, it’s a wonderful development, Uber modern but meant to be a 200 year old fort style area of shops that are really traditional looking but new built. Lots of cafes and all different sorts of restaurants (so you will find Arabic and Indian) with a really great selection right on the creek all with excellent views. Best bit, because it is still to be found by the bulk of the tourism boom (as it’s so new) it wasn’t busy at all when we where there recently.
Enjoy, it’s superb and the boat ride is literally 3-5 minutes long that’s all,
Cheers,
Stu
Dans le souk de Deira il y a du fake ?
Mapare
Mar del Plata, Argentina32 contributions
Está todo armado , igual tiene encanto
Amanda White
Leamington Spa, UK3 contributions
Do you need to pre book a night tour by boat around Dubai creek or can you just turn up? Don’t want dinner cruise just boat trip!
Teena B
Bangkok, Thailand121 contributions
The boat trip is like a 5-7 minute trip for 1dirham. You don't need to pre book it. I don't know till what time it runs in the evening.
SmokeyDJ
Singapore, Singapore254 contributions
I'm arranging a company offsite in Dubai. We want to do a quick 2-3hr morning activity in the Dubai Creek (No time for museum), to see the old Dubai. QU - How much time would it take to get an Abra from the "Bur Dubai Abra St" side, to the "Deira old Souk St", then have a walk around the Gold and Spice souks? Would this be enough of an experience, could more be included?
Andrew U
London, UK20 contributions
Hi You will have more than enough time. The boat crossing is 10 minutes if that.
The souk is a fabulous and atmospheric place, 2 hours would be enough for a first timer. We all know how company offsite visits go. It all depends on the mix of personalities as to whether or not they will all find it an ‘experience’ I suspect most will!
Ann-Maree C
Sydney, Australia76 contributions
What is the best side to wonder and have dinner? We would like to catch the Abra across the creek to where the souks are, we are happy to eat street food. Also is the gold souk walking distance from the spice souk?
Caro W
103 contributions
Hi. We stayed at the Raddison Blu.. and walked from there down to the Spice Souk.. plenty of places to eat
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Claim your listingDubai Creek - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubai Creek
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Dubai Creek:
- Old Dubai Gold Souk and Water Taxi (From ₹ 3,749.38)
- Dinner at Dubai Canal (Tours & Sightseeing ) (From ₹ 5,415.76)
- Dubai City Half Day Tour (From ₹ 3,582.74)
- Dubai City Tour - Old & Modern City Sightseeing Dubai - Transfer (From ₹ 2,916.18)
- City Sightseeing Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From ₹ 6,811.36)
- Hotels near Dubai Creek:
- (0.13 km) Mazmi Casa
- (0.27 km) XVA Art Hotel
- (0.30 km) Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa
- (0.30 km) Orient Guest House
- (0.36 km) The George Hotel By Saffron
- Restaurants near Dubai Creek:
- (0.13 km) Mazmi Cafe and More
- (0.12 km) Creekside Restaurant & Cafe
- (0.31 km) Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe - Al Fahidi
- (0.28 km) Mumtaz Mahal Indian Speciality Restaurant
- (0.26 km) XVA Cafe
- Attractions near Dubai Creek:
- (0.19 km) Deira Old Souk Abra Station
- (0.10 km) Shiva Temple
- (0.14 km) Textile Souk
- (0.16 km) Grand Bur Dubai Masjid
- (0.23 km) Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort