
Visiting Dubai for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Don't let Dubai overwhelm you with our first time–friendly recommendations.
While visitors shopping for gold can land some incredible deals in the Dubai Gold Souk, even non-shoppers will be impressed by the sheer spectacle. The souk is a popular stop on guided shopping tours, which help visitors navigate the more than 300 retailers. Many comprehensive city tours also include a visit to the Dubai Gold Souk along with trips to the Dubai Museum, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Burj al Arab, and Burj Khalifa. The souk is also a stop on hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours.
The Dubai Gold Souk is a must for shopping enthusiasts.
Be prepared for a bit of friendly haggling to land the best deals.
Combine your visit to the Dubai Gold Souk with a sightseeing tour of the city or a visit to the nearby Spice Souk.
Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet.
The Dubai Gold Souk complex is wheelchair accessible, but some stores in the souk are not.
Centrally located in Dubai City, the Gold Souk is easily reached via the Green Line to Al Ras metro station. It’s also a stop on hop-on hop-off tours and many city sightseeing tours with transportation included.
The Gold Souk is open from 10am to 10pm Saturday through Thursday with limited (if any) hours on Fridays. The shops within the market often close between 1 and 4pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
There are plenty of deals to be had at the Gold Souk. Before you go, check the current price of gold, as this fluctuates daily. As long as you stick to the shops rather than the street vendors, there’s no need to worry about the authenticity of the gold for sale; the Dubai government maintains strict regulations. Don’t be afraid to shop around a bit before you buy, and remember that friendly haggling is expected—and you can often negotiate a better price by paying in cash.