Located in the older Deira district, the Dubai Gold Souk and Spice Souk are two of Dubai's most traditional shopping experiences and a clear change of scenery from Downtown Dubai's glass towers. The Gold Souk is a covered market lined with hundreds of jewellery shops, their windows packed with gold, diamonds and precious stones. A short walk away, the Spice Souk fills the air with the scent of saffron, cardamom, dried fruits and incense stacked in open sacks and baskets.
Both souks are as much about the atmosphere as the shopping — narrow lanes, traditional wind-tower architecture, and shopkeepers who are usually happy to chat, and often open to a bit of friendly bargaining.
Good to know:
Everything you need to know about this attraction
Yes, even for those not buying, the Gold Souk is worth a walk-through for its atmosphere, traditional architecture and sheer scale of jewellery on display.
Yes, bargaining is a normal and expected part of shopping at both souks.
The easiest options are a taxi, the Dubai Metro to Al Ras or Baniyas Square stations, or an abra ride across Dubai Creek.
