Souk Madinat Jumeirah is, along with the Gold Souk, one of the most popular (and visited!) souks in Dubai. Surrounded by palm trees and tranquil waterways, it’s a stunning destination even if you’re just here to sightsee.
The traditional-style buildings give the feeling of stepping into an old Arabian town, and the cozy cafés and art spaces add to its charm. Add to that jaw-dropping views of the iconic Burj Al Arab, and and you’ve got a place that should definitely be on your itinerary.
While it’s a fantastic spot for souvenir shopping, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is so much more than just a marketplace. It’s a place to enjoy unique experiences, indulge in fine dining, and escape the hustle of Dubai’s skyscrapers.
When I lived in Dubai, this was one of my favorite spots to stroll around the canals and explore the (modern) souk—it always felt like a mini getaway.
In this essential guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about the souk: what to do, the best shops and restaurants, and even top-notch hotel recommendations. Let’s dive in!
How To Get to Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is located in the Jumeirah district, and it’s easily reachable from most areas in Dubai. If you’re using public transportation, your best options are the following:
▶️ Dubai Metro: Take the Red Line and get off at the Mall of the Emirates metro station. While it’s the closest metro station to the souk, it’s still 1.7 miles away, so unless you’re up for the walk you should take a taxi to the market.
▶️ Big Bus Dubai Tour: An alternative is hopping on the Big Bus Tour. The bus takes you to several attractions in the city, allowing you to hop off and on as you wish, and includes Souk Madinat Jumeirah in its itinerary.
▶️ You could also take a Uber or taxi from your hotel to the souk, although depending on your location it can be quite pricey.
▶️ If you’re driving, it will be useful to know the exact address of the Souk to insert in your GPS. Souk Madinat Jumeirah parking fees apply.
The Essential Info
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 11 PM.
Cost: Entrance to Souk Madinat Jumeirah is free, but all activities, dining, and accommodation are of course paid. Prices will depend on the experiences you choose and where you decide to stay or shop.
Things To Do at Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Shop for Souvenirs
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is, after all, a great – and very luxurious – Arabic bazaar. So what else is there to do but shop for souvenirs? Quite a few things, actually, but shopping remains the main activity at the souk.
Tens of shops are nestled in the market’s alleyways, displaying everything from souvenir gift shops and luxury fashion brands to jewelry, homeware, traditional attires, crafts, home decor, art, slippers, and a stall or two of colorful lamps.
Persian carpets, perfumes, and wooden sculptures can also be found at the market, among plenty of other things. Souk Madinat guarantees a wonderful retail therapy session, so be prepared to spend a few hours wandering around the market!
Haggling is expected, so make sure you show off your negotiation skills to get better prices.
Take an Abra Ride
The bazaar is surrounded by meandering canals, which makes going on a boat ride a major attraction.
The palm-fringed waterways, also bordered by a lovely promenade and the souk’s buildings, offer a very serene experience.
The abra tour includes a stop in front of the iconic Burj Al Arab, the most luxurious hotel in existence. You’ll admire it from up close and snap some photos as you learn about the traditional architecture and purpose of the wind towers you’ll pass by.
An abra is the region’s traditional wooden vessel. To experience the fantastic Souk Madinat Jumeirah boat ride you just need to pop by the abra station. There’s no need to reserve the tour in advance; you’ll buy your ticket on-site and board the next available boat.
The cost for a 20-minute abra boat ride at the time of writing is Dh100 ($27) for adults and Dh50 ($14) for children. Private abra rides cost Dh650 ($177) for two guests, and fancier options that include beverages or high tea can be purchased.
Souk Madinat Theatre of Digital Art
The Theatre of Digital Art Dubai is a one-of-a-kind attraction where visitors can enjoy an immersive cultural experience. The digital art displays transport you into the life and world of the artists and their work.
The multimedia exhibits showcase culture, science, and art in virtual reality. They bring to life artworks from the likes of Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Cézanne, and Monet with surround sound and striking visual effects.
Madinat Jumeirah theatre is the venue in Dubai for digital art and multi-sensory exhibitions, so make sure to stop by.
For musicals, drama performances, and stand-up comedy there’s also the Madinat Theatre located right in the center of the souk. You can’t say there are no cultural venues in Jumeirah!
Get a Treatment at Talise Spa
While it’s not as conventional as shopping, one of the most rewarding things to do in Madinat Jumeirah is to take some time to get pampered.
To indulge in wellness treatments and a unique spa experience there’s no better place than Souk Madinat’s Talise Spa. This award-winning center offers the ultimate menu of massages, beauty treatments, and healing therapies.
The Ladies-Only Facilities guarantee an exclusive retreat for women in a private location. The yoga classes and guided meditations can be enjoyed both in group sessions or privately.
Rejuvenation treatments, light healing techniques, facials, and personalized experiences can be booked at Talise Spa. It proposes the perfect break from shopping to unwind for a moment.
Visit the Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market
Souk Madinat Christmas market is possibly one of the best festive markets in the city, taking place in the most joyous time of year. Definitely a place to visit in Dubai in the winter!
Located in Fort Island, the market truly becomes a winter wonderland – yes, despite the heat! – with fake snow, mulled wine, delicious food, and fun activities for the little ones.
A North Pole train ride, snow fights, decorating gingerbread houses, and a carousel are some of the attractions offered at the market. If you’re celebrating Christmas in Madinat Jumeirah, you won’t miss the magical aspect of the holiday season, even if it’s not cold outside!
You’ll also find a live band playing all the Christmas tunes, shopping opportunities, and plenty of entertainment. It usually opens in mid-December.
Dining in Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Shopping and dining are the two main attractions at the market. With close to 50 bars and restaurants that serve local and International cuisines, sitting down for a meal at the souk should be a non-negotiable.
Best Souk Madinat Jumeirah Restaurants
There are many renowned restaurants where you’ll enjoy a fantastic dining experience. I’ve listed a few of the ones I consider to be the ultimate options.
▶️ Trattoria: One of the most recommended is this fabulous Italian restaurant, which boasts a menu of classic and modern dishes from Italian cuisine. Besides delicious food, it has an outdoor seating area eight by the souk’s waterways offering incredible views.
▶️ Ushna Restaurant: This upscale Indian restaurant serves possibly the best Indian fare you’ll get to try in Dubai. It offers authentic flavors with a contemporary take, modernizing India’s conventional dishes.
▶️ Perry Blackwelders Original Smokehouse: For an alfresco BBQ meal, this is where you should go. It features a lovely patio with views of the souk and the canal, and an indoor bar with a great selection of drinks and spirits.
▶️ Al Makan: This local restaurant serves Arabic cuisine at affordable prices. Aside from traditional dishes from the country, it offers international and Lebanese flavors.
Some other good alternatives include McGettigan’s, Trattoria Toscana, and Newton. And for dessert head to Gelato Divino…you can thank me later!
Most cafes and restaurants in Souk Madinat stay open until 2 AM. So even if you shop until you drop (or until the market closes, more likely), you’ll still have a few hours to go for dinner and a drink.
Bars & Cafes at Souk Madinat Jumeirah
If you’re looking for bars to enjoy a pint after your shopping, or a spot to relax with a cup of coffee, you’ll have no trouble finding it at the bazaar. Below are my recommendations:
▶️ Trader Vic’s: It boasts a terrace with waterfront views and a vast selection of cocktails and mixed drinks. It has a lively atmosphere and a great menu of bites and island-style cuisine dishes.
▶️ Belgian Cafe: This Euro-pub specializes in Belgian bites and specialty craft beer. It’s a great spot for brunch, and it features a stunning terrace with a stunning view of the Burj Al Arab hotel and the wind towers of the souk.
Where To Stay in Souk Madinat Jumeirah
If you plan on staying in the area, you’ll be pleased to know that there are fantastic Madinat Jumeirah hotels to choose from. Note that these are all mid-range and luxury hotels – visitors on a budget should stay elsewhere and come here to visit for the day.
▶️ Jumeirah Al Qasr is possibly the most luxurious one, situated in the heart of Souk Madinat Jumeirah. The resort features a private beach area and a spectacular swimming pool. It has ample rooms elegantly decorated, a spa and fitness center, and a restaurant with glorious views and delicious cuisine. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark.
▶️ Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is a boutique hotel mere steps from the beach, featuring a wellness center, a gym, an elegant restaurant, and Arabian-inspired rooms. An outdoor pool, access to Wild Wadi Waterpark, a golf course, and a Kids Club are some of the many facilities offered at this Souk Madinat Jumeirah hotel.
▶️ Jumeirah Al Naseem is a stunning beachfront resort with elegant rooms, a fully-equipped fitness center, four swimming pools, a spa, and a tennis court. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s hot tub and water sports facilities, and have complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark.
If you’re trying to decide if this is the right area for you to stay in, you can also check out my (really comprehensive) guide on where to stay in Dubai based on your interests and budget.
