Buy authentic spices at Dubai Spice Souk
Dubai, Dubai • 
Popular
PopularDubai, Dubai
Popular
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Nov
15°C – 24°C, pleasant and cool, with low humidity and occasional light rain, high crowds, peak season
15°C – 24°C, pleasant and cool, with low humidity and occasional light rain, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Narrow alleys, uneven surfaces. Challenging for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Narrow alleys, uneven surfaces. Challenging for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Value for money
Medium
Bargaining can lead to good deals, but quality varies.
Bargaining can lead to good deals, but quality varies.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Sensory Delight
Couples found the aromas and colors of spices incredibly romantic and memorable.
Unique Souvenirs
Great for finding unique gifts. Couples enjoyed the experience of bargaining together.
Cultural Immersion
Couples loved the bustling atmosphere and glimpse into Dubai's trading history.
Overly Aggressive
Some couples felt pressured by vendors' assertive sales tactics, which was off-putting.
Uncomfortable Heat
Visitors found it too hot to visit during midday, making the experience unpleasant.
Difficult Parking
Couples found parking challenging, which detracted from overall convenience.
Hours of operation
Monday
07:30 AM - 09:55 PM
Tuesday
07:30 AM - 09:55 PM
Wednesday
07:30 AM - 09:55 PM
Thursday
07:30 AM - 09:55 PM
Friday
04:00 PM - 09:55 PM
Saturday
07:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
07:30 AM - 11:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A traveler explores Dubai Spice Souk in this video.
Join a duo on exploration of Dubai Spice Souk.
Embark on a virtual tour of Dubai Spice Souk.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
HIGH
16-25°C
Mild, pleasant weather with cool evenings and rare short-lived rain. Comfortable for market visits.
Mild, pleasant weather with cool evenings and rare short-lived rain. Comfortable for market visits.
Open
Open as usual; rare closures may occur on public holidays.
Open as usual; rare closures may occur on public holidays.
Recommended
February offers similar advantages to January: excellent shopping conditions, full spice variety, and energetic market life. High demand can mean increased prices.
February offers similar advantages to January: excellent shopping conditions, full spice variety, and energetic market life. High demand can mean increased prices.
March
MEDIUM
18-28°C
Warming up but still comfortable, with mostly sunny days and very little rain.
Warming up but still comfortable, with mostly sunny days and very little rain.
Open
Generally open daily; no notable seasonal restrictions.
Generally open daily; no notable seasonal restrictions.
Recommended
March is a great time to visit for authentic spice shopping with slightly fewer crowds and more moderate prices, while still enjoying good weather and full market activity.
March is a great time to visit for authentic spice shopping with slightly fewer crowds and more moderate prices, while still enjoying good weather and full market activity.
April
MEDIUM
21-33°C
Noticeably warmer and mostly dry, with bright sunny days. Heat is increasing but still manageable.
Noticeably warmer and mostly dry, with bright sunny days. Heat is increasing but still manageable.
Open
No seasonal restrictions, but outdoor midday visits can be hot.
No seasonal restrictions, but outdoor midday visits can be hot.
Recommended
April is suitable for visiting the Spice Souk if you prefer fewer crowds and are comfortable with warmer temperatures. All shops remain open and fully stocked.
April is suitable for visiting the Spice Souk if you prefer fewer crowds and are comfortable with warmer temperatures. All shops remain open and fully stocked.
May
LOW
27-39°C
Hot and dry with very little rainfall; daytime temperatures are high and humidity can be significant.
Hot and dry with very little rainfall; daytime temperatures are high and humidity can be significant.
Open
Shops may close for lunch and during the hottest hours; outdoor activity is limited by heat.
Shops may close for lunch and during the hottest hours; outdoor activity is limited by heat.
Not recommended
Dubai Spice Souk operates as usual, but the extreme midday heat makes afternoon visits uncomfortable. Early morning or late evening visits are preferable.
Dubai Spice Souk operates as usual, but the extreme midday heat makes afternoon visits uncomfortable. Early morning or late evening visits are preferable.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Several bus routes service the area around the Spice Souk. Key routes include the C9, 27, and C28. The closest bus stops are Al Ras Metro Bus Stop 1 and Deira, Old Souq - 01, both a brief walk from the market.
Metro
Recommended
The Green Line of the Dubai Metro provides the most direct access. Travelers should disembark at the Al Ras Metro Station. From the station, the souk is a short walk of approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
Boat
Travelers can take a classic wooden abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek. Abras depart from the Bur Dubai Abra Station and arrive at the Deira Old Souq Marine Transport Station, a short walk from the Spice Souk.
Car
Travelers opting to drive can find parking in the vicinity, although it can be challenging to find a spot, especially during peak hours. There is a multi-story car park near the Gold Souk and RTA paid parking facilities are also available in the Al Sabkha area, within walking distance. Key roads leading to the area include Baniyas Road, which runs alongside the creek.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Dubai and can drop passengers off near the entrance to the Spice Souk. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem also operate extensively in the city.
Walking
The Spice Souk is situated in a pedestrian-friendly area of Old Dubai, adjacent to the Gold Souk. For those exploring the Deira or Bur Dubai districts on foot, the souk is easily accessible and well-signposted.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages up to 99
