Bastakiya
In the days before electricity and air conditioning, Dubai Creek used to be lined by a mass of wind towers that kept the local houses cool. The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, laden as it is with traditional courtyard houses, bedecked with these wind towers. Bastakiya has been earmarked for tourist development, with the construction of a museum, cultural centre, restaurant and an art gallery that showcases local talent.
East of Dubai Souk on Al-Fahidi Street

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House is one of the oldest houses in the city, as well as one of the best examples of traditional architecture. Built from sandstone in 1896, the house offers sweeping views out towards the sea - although the view has been slightly obscured by recent development. The one-time ruler of Dubai used the house to monitor trade in and out of the country. The house was reopened as a museum in 1986 and also contains an exhibition illuminating Dubai's development from the 1940s to the late 1960s.
Near Al-Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Tel: (04) 393 7139.

Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is the most photographed building in the city and an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. Built along medieval Fatimid lines, entirely of stone, the mosque and its two minarets are unmistakable. It is particularly attractive at night, when subtle lighting increases its dramatic effect. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques in Dubai, but can enter this one on organised tours.
Al-Jumeirah Road

Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque was only rebuilt in 1998 and boasts the city's tallest minaret at 70m (231ft). Located on the Bur Dubai side of the creek near the Ruler's Court, the Grand Mosque consists of nine large domes and 45 smaller ones. This huge religious edifice can house up to 1200 worshippers.
Ali ibin Ali Talib Street

Souks
The souks, or traditional markets, are one of Dubai's greatest attractions. They are located on both sides of the creek, with the most impressive on the Deira side. The highlight is the colourful Spice Market, which abounds with exotic aromas and bustles with locals seeking bargains.
Bur Dubai and Deira
Transport: Bus 5, 16, 19 or 20 all drop off at souks in both Bur Dubai and Deira.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel & Burj Al-Arab (Arab Tower)
There are not many cities in the world where a hotel, or rather two hotels, are major tourist attractions, but no other city has the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Arab Tower. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel only opened in the 1990s, but has quickly become regarded as one of the world's best hotels. It was joined by its startling neighbour, the Burj Al-Arab (Arab Tower), in December 1999. Built on a man-made island, the spectacular Arab Tower - touted by its builders as the world's first 'seven-star hotel' - looks like it has just emerged from the set of a sci-fi film, stretching high into the heavens. Its foundations are 45m (150ft) deep, it towers 321m (1060ft) above the Arabian Gulf and the hotel boasts 202 superb suites.
6 Al-Jumeirah Road
Tel: (04) 348 0000. Fax: (04) 348 2273.

Dubai Museum
The building that houses the Dubai Museum, Al-Fahidi Fort, is an attraction in itself. The historic fort, dating back as far as 1799, was converted into a museum in 1970. The exhibits range from old weapons and pearl-diving outfits to an impressive range of military artefacts. Some of the most fascinating exhibits are those recovered from the 3000 to 4000-year-old graves at Al-Ghusais.
Al-Fahidi Road
Tel: (04) 353 1862.

Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef
At the Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, it is possible to delve into the opulent world of the moneyed men of Dubai. The late ruler of Dubai, Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, used this building as his 'home from home', but it is now open to the public. The building dates back to 1955 and its most impressive feature are the majlis gardens, which include a reproduction of a traditional Arab irrigation system.
17 Street, off Al-Jumeirah Road
Tel: (04) 394 6343.

Heritage Village
The recently opened traditional Heritage Village is an attempt to weave in some local colour among Dubai's rapidly developing 21st-century skyline. The emphasis is on recreating the Bedouin way of life, with locals dressed in traditional garb, displays of traditional handicrafts, song and dance. Local handicrafts are also available to buy.
Near Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Tel: (04) 393 7151.