A Cup of History: Discovering the Dubai Coffee Museum
Close your eyes and picture this: you’re holding a cup of freshly brewed Arabic coffee and your senses are awakened by the strong aroma and flavors.
Did that thought give you a burst of energy? Luckily, you don’t just need to imagine the experience because you get to live it and learn about the history of coffee at the Coffee Museum!
So, if you’re ready for a caffeine kick while expanding your knowledge about the world’s most loved beverage, let’s start this tour of the Dubai Coffee Museum.
What is the Dubai Coffee Museum?
The Dubai Coffee Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of coffee and the rich coffee culture in Dubai and around the world.
Located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the museum covers two floors that includes an area for exhibits, a shop and a cafe.
The Coffee Museum also highlights the importance of coffee in Arabic culture and the traditions that locals follow when it comes to drinking this treasured beverage.
You’ll also see how coffee is celebrated around the world and the different techniques, vessels and tools used in creating that perfect cup.
Best Time to Go
The Coffee Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Saturday to Thursday.
But the museum can get crowded during peak season, which is why it’s best to visit early right when it opens to have more time to explore all the exhibits without the crowd.
Things to Know
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind for a successful visit at the Dubai Coffee Museum:
- Entrance to the museum is free, so you should include it in your bucket list.
- If you want a unique way to get to the museum, riding the Dubai water taxi would give you a different perspective of the city from the Dubai Creek.
- Bring extra cash so you can grab a coffee or two at the museum’s cafe and bring home some coffee-related souvenirs from the shop.
How to Get Around
Trains: If you want to take the metro, stop at the Baniyas Square Metro Station or Burjuman Metro Station and ride a taxi to get to the Dubai Coffee Museum
Buses: If you prefer to take the bus, you can choose from one of these stations: Sabkha Bus Station-01 and 02, Sharaf DG Metro Bus Stop or the Deira Old Souq Station.
Taxis: If you want a fast and convenient way to get to the Dubai Coffee Museum, book a taxi service through Uber or Careem.
Car service: Most hotels and travel agencies offer private car services for guests who want to go around Dubai in a private car or those who need a bigger vehicle.
Where to Stay Near the Dubai Coffee Museum
Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa
Address: Al Seef Area Opposite Dubai Museum – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 351 9111
Pricing: $$
Book Now
From its name, you’ll already know that you’re in for the ultimate Arabian experience during your stay at this hotel.
The Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa is a four-star hotel right at the heart of Old Dubai.
Staying here means you’re just a few minutes away from the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Coffee Museum, Meena Bazaar and Gold Souk.
The hotel also has amenities like its wellness spa, sauna, jacuzzi and temperature controlled swimming pool for a truly relaxing experience.
Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: Dubai Creek – Al Seef St. – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 707 7080
Pricing: $$$
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Take a trip back in time to Old Dubai by staying at the Al Seef Heritage Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton.
Located in the historic Al Seef district by the Dubai Creek, this hotel combines the old and new with its classic design and modern amenities.
True to the Hilton’s brand of excellence, this hotel offers rooms and suites with views of the water and the historic Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood.
And if you want to work out, swim or just relax at the spa, you can enjoy these amenities at the Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef with free transportation to and from the hotel.
XVA Art Hotel
Address: Al Fahidi St. – Bur Dubai – Al Fahidi Neighborhood Near Dubai Museum – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 353 5383
Pricing: $$$
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At the XVA Art Hotel, each guest is treated with a different experience, all in the name of art.
This unique boutique hotel boasts of 15 individually designed rooms and suites that are furnished with the best art pieces from its in-house art specialists.
So, if you’re an art enthusiast or you just want to stay in a hotel like no other you’ve been to, this is the perfect accommodation to choose for your holiday in Dubai.
The XVA Art Hotel is also centrally located in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, so important tourist spots are just a few minutes walk away.
Ascot Hotel
Address: 13C St. – Bur Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 352 0900
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
A classic hotel for an unforgettable holiday, the Ascot Hotel is located right at the heart of Bur Dubai where you can see some of the city’s top landmarks.
But stepping inside its doors is already an experience with its elegantly designed lobby and fully furnished rooms that can cater to your every need.
The Ascot Hotel is also close to the airport making it the perfect choice if you’re looking for accessibility during your trip.
Where to Eat Near the Dubai Coffee Museum
Local House Restaurant
Address: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood – 51 – Bur Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 56 3198 9037
Pricing: $$
Website
A restaurant that celebrates Emirati cuisine, Local House Restaurant is known for introducing the camel burgers in the UAE.
Located at the historical Al Fahidi district, the restaurant offers a cozy ambiance that makes you feel right at home.
Aside from its famous camel burger, Local House Restaurant is also known for dishes like Biryani, the classic Emirati Breakfast Platter and the Shark Fish Platter.
Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe
Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 353 5071
Pricing: $$
Website
Every local knows that the Arabian Tea House Restaurant is one of the best authentic Emirati restaurants in Dubai.
But the Arabian experience begins right when you arrive at the restaurant with its classic white rattan chairs, turquoise benches and the location right at the historic Al Fahidi.
Start with a cup of traditional Arabic coffee or “gahwa” and order the classic Emirati breakfast if you’re going in the morning.
Lunch and dinner offerings also include Biryani, Machboos, Saloona and Tahta.
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant and Cafe
Address: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood – 79 Al Mussallah Road – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 55 180 2080
Pricing: $$
Website
The name of this restaurant says it all – it’s a restaurant and museum in one.
From its location in the historical Al Fahidi neighborhood to its authentic Emirati flavors, it’s one of the best restaurants to visit on your trip to Dubai.
Al Khayma also takes pride in using only hand picked fresh ingredients and authentic spices to capture local flavors.
Make sure to try the restaurant’s seafood platter and its famous Emirati pancakes called “Chebab.”
Mumtaz Mahal Indian Specialty Restaurant
Address: Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa – Al Fahidi St. Opposite Dubai Museum – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 450 3794
Pricing: $$$
Website
If you’re craving for good INdian food, Mumtaz Mahal is one of the best places in Dubai to satisfy your palate.
Located in Bur Dubai, this award-winning Indian restaurant bursts with colors and decor that will take you to India.
You also get to enjoy live performances at dinner and the restaurant’s staff will surely take care of you.
Must-try dishes include the Kurkuri Bhindi, Mumtaz Dum Paneer, Hara Bara Kebab and Afghani Murgh Tangri.
What to Do at the Dubai Coffee Museum
See the Antiques and Majlis
On the ground floor of the museum is the “Majlis” or sitting room where you can also find the different exhibits of Middle Eastern antiques related to coffee.
Here, you’ll see coffee cups, coffee grinders, kettles, trays and utensils used in coffee making dating back centuries ago.
The ground floor also houses the mini coffee library with books talking about coffee that dates back to the 18th century.
The antique coffee pots are especially a favorite because they hold so much charm and history in them.
Here, you’ll also see how coffee making has evolved through the years, yet you still get to enjoy the same familiar aromas and flavors that take you back in time.
Buy a Souvenir at the Museum Gift Shop
Of course, you can’t leave the Dubai Coffee Museum without sampling some Arabic coffee and buying some souvenirs at the Gift Shop.
Here, you can find everything from coffee books, art pens and barista equipment. You can also buy some fine coffee beans from the Middle East and around the world.
As a coffee lover, of course, I had to take home a coffee pot to add to my collection and some Arabic coffee beans to remind me of this visit to the coffee museum.
Where to Shop Near the Dubai Coffee Museum
Meena Bazaar Bur Dubai
Address: 26 43C St. – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website
A few minutes away from the Coffee Museum is one of the best local markets in Dubai.
Meena Bazaar is a favorite shopping hub by locals and tourists being a treasure trove of products including clothes, handicrafts and jewelry.
Also known as “Bur Dubai’s Little India,” this bazaar is definitely one of the best places to shop if you’re looking for a traditional shopping experience.
Dubai Spice Souk
Address: 41 34th St. – Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 222 3627
Website
Of course, you can’t be in Old Dubai and not stop by one of its most popular souks.
The Dubai Spice Souk is where you’ll find hundreds of traditional spices that make Middle Eastern cuisine so rich and flavorful.
Here, you can find spices like saffron, turmeric, sumac, cinnamon, pepper, cardamom and chamomile flowers.
You can also have one of the local sellers create a special concoction for you.
What to Expect from Weather at the Dubai Coffee Museum
Winter: Winter season is the best time to visit Dubai because of the cooler temperature. If you want to avoid the heat, book your trip from December to March to experience the best weather in the city.
Summer: Summers in Dubai can be unforgiving. From June to September, temperatures can soar as high as 50 degrees Celsius, so most people tend to stay indoors.
Transition period: Dubai has two transition periods – April to May and October to November – when the weather can be more unpredictable than on regular seasons.
Apps to Download When Visiting the Dubai Coffee Museum
Visit Dubai: Dubai’s official tourism app where you can find information about the different tourist spots around the city
iOs | Android
WithLocals: A useful app where you can hire private tours with locals in Dubai to make the most of your trip
iOs | Android
RTA Dubai Drive: Offers detailed maps of the city to help you navigate if you’re renting a self-drive car
iOs | Android
Uber: Booking a car to go to and from the Jumeirah Archaeological Site
iOs | Android
Careem: The local alternative to Uber in booking a private car service
iOs | Android