The Spice Souk is a traditional market in Al Ras, Deira, and a natural starting point for a visit that links market lanes with Dubai Creek. From Telal Hotel Apartments, it is about an 18-minute drive; once in Deira, you can walk between the Spice Souk and Gold Souk, then take an abra across the creek.
- Location: 26 34 St, Al Ras, Deira, Dubai
- Hotel travel time: about 18 minutes by car from Telal Hotel Apartments, a four-star hotel in Dubai
- Souk connection: the Spice Souk is a three-minute walk from the Gold Souk
- Abra basics: the Deira Old Souq–Bur Dubai crossing costs AED 1 per passenger per trip when paid in cash
Start in Deira’s Spice Souk
Begin at the Spice Souk in Al Ras, where the traditional market’s stalls and shops form part of Deira’s working commercial district. Dubai’s traditional souks—including the Spice Souk, Gold Souk, Perfume Souk and Textile Souk—continue to serve as shopping areas and commercial centres.
Use the Spice Souk as your first stop before heading toward the creek. The Gold Souk is a three-minute walk away, so you can move between the two markets on foot rather than arranging another ride. The Perfume Souk is a five-minute walk from the Gold Souk if you want to extend the market walk.
Walk between the souk and the creek
The market streets connect the Spice Souk area with Dubai Creek and the nearby abra stations. For a simple sequence, browse the Spice Souk first, walk toward the Gold Souk, then continue to a creek landing for the crossing. The Gold Souk sits on the Deira side of the creek, a short walk from souks and abra stations.
If you are planning a broader Old Dubai day, the one-day Old Dubai itinerary gives the Deira market visit a wider context.
Take an abra across Dubai Creek
An abra crossing links Deira with Bur Dubai, and the RTA describes several routes with different fares and operating patterns. The traditional motorized Deira Old Souq–Bur Dubai crossing costs AED 1 per passenger per trip when you pay in cash.
Commuter routes on the creek page cost AED 2; payment options at stations include cash, nol, credit cards and debit cards.
For the Dubai Old Souq–Baniyas route (CR3), operating hours are 07:00–23:45 Monday to Saturday and 10:00–23:45 on Sunday. The Al Sabkha–Al Fahidi route (CR4) operates 08:00–23:45 Monday to Saturday and 09:30–23:35 on Sunday. The Al Fahidi–Deira Old Souq route (CR5) operates 08:00–23:30 Monday to Thursday, 08:00–23:40 on Friday, 08:00–23:45 on Saturday and 09:30–23:45 on Sunday.
Timings may differ during Ramadan and public holidays. For detailed schedules, ask the customer-service office inside the station; check the official site before you go. The RTA also offers a private traditional motorized abra charter at AED 120 per hour.
Add the Gold Souk to the route
The Gold Souk makes an easy companion stop: Visit Dubai says it is free to visit, on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, and a three-minute walk from the Spice Souk. Most shops open from 10:00 to 22:00, though individual store hours may vary.
For details on the market’s location and shopping, the Deira Gold Souk guide covers what to expect.
Al Ras and Gold Souq stations on the Green Line are about a five-minute walk from the Gold Souk. Bus T10 serves Dubai Gold Souk station, about three minutes on foot from the market; buses 5, C09 and C28 serve Deira, Old Souq 1, about four minutes away on foot.
If you are arriving by metro from Al Qiyadah or Abu Hail, the guide to those Dubai Metro stations explains the routes.
FAQs
Where is Dubai’s Spice Souk?
It is in Al Ras, Deira, at 26 34 St, Dubai.
How far is the Spice Souk from the Gold Souk?
Visit Dubai gives the walk between them as three minutes.
How much does the abra crossing cost?
The traditional motorized Deira Old Souq–Bur Dubai crossing costs AED 1 per passenger per trip when paid in cash. RTA commuter routes cost AED 2.
Is the Gold Souk free to visit?
Yes. The Gold Souk is free to visit, though individual shop opening hours may vary.