Bastakiya

This architectural heritage site is a complete restoration of one of Dubai’s original neighborhoods settled by wealthy Persian merchants in the late 1800s. The buildings are historic, but the pristine quarter looks brand-new. You can walk along meandering lanes, see traditional Gulf courtyard houses with hand-carved wood doors, and marvel at the ornate wind towers that were used for cooling in the days before air-conditioning. The coral stone and cement wind towers, defined by double or triple wind openings, arched ends, and stepped recesses, once lined the Dubai Creek and cooled the residences using innovative air-current systems that passed from the wind towers to the floors below. Bastakiya also houses a museum, cultural center, restaurants, and a heritage hotel with an art gallery. The Al Fahidi Fort, which today is the Dubai Museum, was built in 1799 and is the city’s oldest surviving structure.

Best Moderate Hotels

• Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa Al Fahidi Street in Deira. This distinctly Arabian-style hotel sits across from the Dubai museum and is an excellent base for exploring the city’s old quarter. (Phone: 4/351-9111; www.arabiancourtyard.com) • Orient Guest House Bastakiya. Situated in a restored Arabian villa in the historic Bastakiya neighborhood, this boutique hotel offers 24-hour butler service, promising guests personalized attention. This is a distinct alternative to the city’s predominantly high-rise hotels. (Phone: 4/351- 9111; www.orientguesthouse.com) • Novotel next to the World Trade Centre. You’ll discover one of the city’s best values at this Frenchchain hotel, a simple yet stylish choice conveniently located off Sheikh Zayed Road. (Phone: 4/318-7000; www.novotel.com) • Towers Rotana Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road. You shouldn’t expect luxury here, but you will find comfortable accommodations and friendly service in an excellent location on Sheikh Zayed Road. (Phone: 4/343- 8000; www.rotana.com)