A Dubai vacation makes for an exciting and tantalizing experience. Often regarded as the Las Vegas of the Middle East, Dubai’s dazzling suburbs can often make one forget where one is! For a true taste of all that is so exotically Arabian, book Dubai apartments in Deira, one of the oldest quarters of the city. This where you’ll find the Gold and Spice Souks! Spending a full day exploring this area will make for a memorable and fun day out. Getting there is half the funNo matter where you are staying in Dubai, getting to the Gold Souk is child’s play…as long as you manage to avoid the horrendous morning traffic. For a much more relaxing start to your day, we suggest you take an abra (small ferry) ride along the Dubai Creek. If you’re staying on the western side of the Creek, head to Bur Dubai where you can catch an abra across to the Old Souk Marine Station. This mode of transport is cheaper, faster and infinitely more enjoyable than a taxi ride in Dubai!Spice up your morningThe first thing you’ll notice, upon disembarking, will be the intoxicating aroma of exotic spices. This, my friends, is where your tour of Deira will begin: the Spice Souk! The largest (and oldest) souk in Dubai is an absolute feast for the senses; just about every herb and spice in existence can be found here. Spending a morning perusing the narrow alleyways, and haggling with local trades, will make you feel like an ancient Arab merchant.As experience merchants will know, however, it is not just spices you can find here. From different varieties of exotic rice, to innumerable incense sticks and an endless choice of shisha tobacco, the Spice Souk is a true food lover’s paradise. Reward all your hard work……with a delicious Shawarma from one of the many street stalls in and around the souk! Considered to be Dubai’s fast-food of choice, a Shawarma is toasted pita bread filled with meat cooked on skewers over open coals. It’s cheap, utterly delicious and should do the job of refueling your energy levels, and preparing you for an afternoon of more shopping and haggling. For an equally delectable (and vegetarian) option, try a Falafel pita instead.Have a dazzling afternoonRight next to the Spice Souk is where you’ll find the entrance to the Gold Souk. Over 300 different gold dealers are crammed in here and, while the souk is renowned for its ‘high quality at rock-bottom prices’ gold, you will have to bargain hard for a good deal. Bartering is not only expected, but it promotes fair trade and competition in this part of the world, so do give it a go and have fun! Gold is sold by weight, and only a minimal amount is added for workmanship, so don’t assume that intricately designed wares are more expensive. Complete your day with a relaxing sundowner…A full day spent exploring Deira and its fantastic souks is enough to send even the most ardent tourist into overdrive, so take a time-out and head to a relaxing bar for a sundowner. Located just 5kms south of the souks is the Park Hyatt Hotel. You can take an abra down the Creek if you like, or hop in a cab for the short drive. The aptly named ‘Terrace Bar’ is the hotel’s famous bistro, and is a chill-out venue popular with both locals and visitors. It serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and offers an impressive menu of mouth-watering snacks and seafood dishes.Enjoy your spectacular views of Dubai Creek at sunset and make your Dubai holiday one you’ll never forget.

Since 2006 Holiday Velvet provides Dubai apartments to travellers around the world.