Fodor's Expert Review Al Fahidi Historical Neigborhood

The only surviving historic district in Dubai almost fell victim to the demolition squads in the 1980s, but is now is the only place where visitors can get a real feel of what the emirate was like before developers moved in. The area first was settled in the early 19th century by a group of traders from Bastak in Persia, or today's Iran. The traders thrived here and built fine mansions for their families that flanked the lanes and alleyways. Today, many of these historic homes, with cool inner courtyards and "barjeels"—wind towers that top the plain stucco walls—are accessible to the public, and house galleries, boutique hotels, cafés and cultural organizations. It's even possible to have a breakfast like a local in the SMCCU cultural center.