The magical Bastakiya district is the historic heart of Dubai and its oldest district. Here are narrow whitewashed streets, with traditional buildings topped by wind catchers - towers designed to ventilate the house and create a magical oriental style. In the district are many alleys, streets, and courtyards from the 17th century, the days when Persian merchants settled in the area. Today the district is full of museums, galleries, cute boutique shops, and cafes, and it's a pleasure to wander through it and absorb the atmosphere.
