Deira Spice Souq

Lonely Planet review

The small but atmospheric covered Spice Souq, once known as the Old Souq, was the largest in the region at the beginning of the 20th century, with over 300 little shops trading their wares.

Travellers shouldn't expect to see an Istanbul-like bazaar - they'll be disappointed - but this tiny aromatic market is still worth a half-hour of your time to take in the wonderfully restored wind-towers and the pungent aromas from the jute sacks. The place is brimming with frankincense and oud , herbs and spices, dried lemons and chillies, nuts, pulses and more. This is a working souq, not just a tourist attraction, so the tiny shops also sell groceries, plastics and other household goods for people living in the area and the sailors from the dhows. Good buys include incense burners, saffron, rose water, henna kits and sheesha pipes.