Dubai: 10 Things to Do

While vast swaths of the city have been demolished in the relentless drive toward the future, one neighborhood harks back to the quiet fishing village that once was. The Bastakia Quarter, which squeezes itself between the Dubai Creek and the buzzing Bur Dubai district, is a mini maze of wind-towered buildings, a clutch of which have been transformed into art galleries and cafés. Start your tour at XVA Gallery, which specializes in contemporary art from across the Gulf region. Continue your appreciation of Middle Eastern art at the Majlis Gallery before lunching on hearty salads and a refreshing mint-and-lime juice in the neighboring Basta Art Cafe's sun-dappled courtyard.

Once refreshed, weave through the textile souk — where you'll find magnificent bolts of fabric, along with less inspiring tat — and on to the Creek where you can either join the commuters for a AED 1 ($.30) abra (water taxi) ride across the water or hire your own boat for a scenic tour of the waterway. Back in port, head to the small but interesting Dubai Museum to see how oil and ambition mixed to make this modern oasis. If you get hungry again, check out Bastakiah Nights, an atmospheric Lebanese restaurant with a great rooftop area.

• 1. Bastakia Quarter
  Dubai, U.A.E. 25.263755.3005 More Info
• 2. Bur Dubai
  Dubai, U.A.E. 25.26083355.310833 More Info
• 3. XVA Gallery
  Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-353-5383 25.26083355.310833 xvagallery.com
• 4. Majlis Gallery
  Al Musalla Roundabout, Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-353-6233 25.26083355.310833 themajlisgallery.com
• 5. Basta Art Cafe
  Al Fahidi Roundabout, Bur Dubai, Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-353-5071 25.26083355.310833
• 6. Dubai Museum
  Old Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-353-1862 25.26305655.297222 More Info
• 7. Bastakiah Nights
  Bastakia, Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-353-7772 25.26305655.297222