Dubai isn’t just skyscrapers and sky pools. Step off the glossy path and you’ll find a whole other side to the city.. loud, lively, and full of history. For us, that meant diving headfirst (literally sweating) into two very different souks…
Starting the Day with Good Intentions… and Heat!
After a late night arrival and a slow, easy morning settling into our hotel, we decided to make the most of our first full day in Dubai. Not by lounging by the pool or sipping something fancy in the shade. Nope. We chose chaos. We chose sweat. We chose to walk to the Gold Souks.
Google Maps said 30 minutes. That sounded fine in theory… Even with our brilliant plan to wait till later in the day to avoid peak sun, it was still hot hot. Not just “oooh it’s warm” hot. More like “why does the air feel like it has weight?” The kind of heat where you see it dancing above the pavements.
Halfway through I’ll be honest, I was ready to bail.. but we kept it moving.
October in Dubai still doesn’t play when it comes to heat. I don’t even want to imagine August!!
Welcome to Deira: Dubai’s Gold Souk
Eventually, hot, sticky, and flustered, we made it, and, suddenly we weren’t just tired tourists on a mission. We were in a different world.
The Gold Souks, located in Deira on the northern side of Dubai Creek, hits you the second you arrive.. loud, buzzing, packed with life.
Honestly? It felt like a movie set.
I’ve never been to India, but the energy reminded me of scenes I’ve seen on TV.. vibrant, traditional, bursting with movement. Not posh. Not polished. Just glitzy in the most old-school, Aladdin-style way (don’t judge me, lol).
The Hustle, the Heat… and the Hands-on Sellers
Listen.. it was intense lol! Coming from a sleek, modern hotel to this chaotic maze was like switching dimensions, especially in the spice souk section.. wowzas!
The traders don’t wait for you to browse. If you even breathe in their direction, they’re at your side. Some were literally taking us by the hand, leading us inside shops before we knew what was happening.
It took one full headscarf try-on session to realise: make no eye contact. Smile at no one. That’s hard for me 😂.
I’m polite by default.. but my husband was like, “Babe, you’ve got to power-walk through or we’ll never get out.”
He was right. I got charmed, drawn in, and next thing I know.. I’m being dressed like a local bride in two different shops. I can’t lie, it was hilarious… but also slightly overwhelming.
If you’re into peaceful shopping? This ain’t it, but if you’re into bartering, banter, and big energy..im for sure you’ll love it.
Despite the madness, there was something special about being there. It felt like the heart of Dubai before it became skyscrapers and infinity pools.
You’re in the thick of it with the locals.. hearing the stories, seeing the sparkle, and living something a bit more real.
Still, if I was alone or with girls? I would’ve definitely turned around and gone back to the hotel after the second grab lol 😂!
The Keffiyeh Moment
Oh yes! We did end up buying one of those traditional headscarves. It’s called a keffiyeh (sometimes called a shemagh or ghutra depending on where you are), and let’s just say… the sellers didn’t give us much choice! My husband got fully styled on the spot.. headpiece, sunglasses, the lot.
I was cracking up but low-key? He looked good. 😍
Old Souks – A Whole Different Vibe
A few days later, we made our way to the Old Souks near Al Seef and instantly felt the contrast. Same traditional vibe, but the atmosphere? Totally different. Calmer. Softer. A little more… curated.
If the Gold Souks were like Delhi, the Old Souks felt like Marrakesh. (I haven’t been to either..but that’s the best way I can describe the energy.)
Quaint little shops, relaxed café corners, and alleyways that felt like you were walking through someone’s village. No shouting. No grabbing. Just peaceful browsing, beautiful smells, and shopkeepers who let you actually look 👀.
We grabbed lunch at a tiny falafel spot and I kid you not – best falafel I’ve had in my living life. Dubai doesn’t miss with food. Ever!
The shops were dreamy too .. filled with handcrafted jewellery, textiles, bags, shoes, spices, you name it. I didn’t mean to shop. I shopped..and.. I don’t regret a single item.
So… Which Souk Wins?
So, Gold vs Old – which one wins?
Honestly? Neither. Or both. Depends what you’re into.
One’s a wild ride. One’s a gentle stroll. Both are worth doing. The best part? You could easily visit both without spending a thing.. unless, like me, you make eye contact. Then… good luck!
If you’re planning a Dubai trip and want to really feel the city outside the Instagram filters and 5-star luxury, add both of these to your itinerary. It’s a whole different kind of adventure.
Just go with patience, wear something breezy… and whatever you do: don’t make eye contact. 😅
Tips at a Glance
✔️ The Gold Souks are in Deira, on the northern side of Dubai Creek.
✔️ Walking is doable (30 mins from some central hotels), but be prepared – the heat is serious.
✔️ Avoid making eye contact or engaging with sellers unless you’re ready to shop!
✔️ The spice section is especially intense – fun but chaotic.
✔️ If you love bartering, banter, and bold energy – this is your place.
✔️ For a more relaxed, boutique feel, head to the Old Souks near Al Seef.
✔️ You can have a cultural, unforgettable day without spending much – or you can shop to your heart’s content.
✔️ Wear light clothes, stay hydrated, and go with an open mind.
Souks done, sweat survived, shopping bags in hand – it was time to cool off. Beaches, the marina, and yes… the mall (because you can’t go to Dubai and not). That’s where we’re heading next.
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