Spices Souk in Dubai

The emirate of Dubai in the Middle-East is an interesting tourist destination and sees travelers from around the world. Typically known for the fact that it is a rather futuristic city, with big, looming, modern architecture, the lesser-known fact about the emirate is that it has an interesting blend of what is traditional and what is new. With a number of things to see, Dubai is usually frequented by those looking to view the extremely modern, and as we mentioned, the futuristic style of architecture. Also home to a booming and luxurious nightlife, Dubai draws in a large number of visitors every year. 

Another reason visitors visit this bustling city is not as often in the spotlight but contributes a huge portion to the tourism industry in Dubai. This is because of the numerous desert sightseeing options, adventure activities in simulated environments, and shopping! Again, shopping can be ultra-modern, with huge malls that house several big brands. However, shopping in Dubai also exists in the form of more traditional bazaars. 
 

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Shopping in Dubai - Souks

The traditional bazaars that one should definitely aim to visit when visiting Dubai, are known as ‘souks’. The souks are historically and culturally significant to the city of Dubai because the emirate was an important trading point for different goods (along the silk route) for centuries! Today, the souks are still culturally significant but mostly because people love to visit these souks, to get a glimpse into a beautiful plethora of different, striking, and vibrant colours. The souks contribute to a beautiful Emirati heritage and can be viewed on either side of the Dubai creek. One side, the Deira side, has three souks, while the opposite bank has one more.

There are different souks that tourists can aim to visit when they visit Dubai.

• The Gold Souk (on the Deira side)
• The Textile Souk (on the Bur Dubai side)
• The Perfume Souk (Deira side)
• The Spice Souk (Deira side)

As the names suggest, each of these traditional souks, or bazaars, is famous for certain goods. One of the most fascinating souks for tourists from around the world, is the Spice Souk, for its aromatic atmosphere, and the variety of spices one has access to seeing and buying!

The Spice Souk of Dubai

The Spice Souk on the Deira side of the Dubai creek is a fine example of how Arabs traditionally shopped in the marketplace. Situated at a walking distance from the Gold Souk and the Perfume Souk, visitors who foray into this world of spices, typically also enjoy visiting the rest of the souks. 
 

Popular for a host of reasons, the spice souk, located on the Baniyas Street in the Al Ras locality, is mainly renowned amongst food-enthusiasts, food-professionals, and chefs! It is a treasure trove for those who absolutely adore cooking and experimenting with flavours. You will be astonished at the number of different spices that you will be able to find - and even though different shops at the souk do sell similar stuff sometimes, you will be able to bargain your way into getting an incredible deal on some of the spices. Be sure to buy oils and saffron - the top-rated goods from here!

Also popular amongst photographers, the Spice Souk is a delight to the eyes, forming an almost delicious medley of colours and vibrancy. With local shop-owners always ready to indulge in conversations and their exciting and colourful goods, photographers typically go around the spice souk, capturing moments and weaving stories. 
 

Characterized by meandering lanes and crowded stall-spaces, the Spice Souk has a lot to offer, not just to photographers and food-enthusiasts, but also to those looking to learn more about the culture and rich heritage of the most famous tourist destination amongst all the Emirates in the United Arab Emirates.

For enthusiastic home-owners, the Spice Souk also offers to you a chance to buy different types of kitchen utensils, which you can take back home as a keepsake, or even to gift to someone. After all, nothing says you care about someone like showing them you care about what they use for their cooking! 

When to visit Dubai Spice Souk?

The Spice Souk, along with the other Souks, is best visited when you are already holidaying in this beautiful city, and it can take between 1-2 days for you to cover all the souks. The best time to visit Dubai is between October to March, which are the cooler months. The rest of the year, the sweltering heat of the city can be a bit of a damper for your holiday mood. 

Where to stay during the visit?

Considering that Dubai is a hub for tourists, you have a number of options, from which you can pick for your accommodation. Some of the most popular and best-rated, higher-end options are:

• Atlantis, The Palm
• JW Marriot’s Marquis Hotel
• Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah
• Palazzo Versace
• Mandarin Oriental

 
These hotels, however, are definitely super expensive. If you are looking for something less lavish and more affordable, a few of the best options are:

• Hotel Ibis
• Novotel Suites
• iBIS Styles at Jumeirah
• Golden Sands
• Hampton by Hilton

 
These hotels, also designed rather futuristically, offer you less luxury than the high-end ones but are affordable and also look pretty posh!

Definitely add visiting the souks on your Dubai itinerary for an invigorating trip into Dubai’s culture!