Dubai Old City Walking Tour: Museums, Souks, Abra Ride

Explore Old Dubai’s hidden gems on a walking tour. Visit museums, ride an abra, and shop at traditional souks. Discover a different side of Dubai.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood - Discover what life in Old Dubai was like during the mid-19th century at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Located along the Dubai Creek, this district is a key heritage site with much of the original infrastructure preserved and intact.

The traditional wind towers – constructed from sandstone, teak, gypsum, palm wood and sandalwood – represent only a small part of Al Fahidi’s history. Each alley, twisting pathway and breezy tower tells a story of a life before the seven emirates.

  • Al Seef - Al Seef is the perfect destination for a pleasant stroll, with a waterfront promenade dotted with boutique stores, art galleries, food outlets, and open-air markets. Splurge on a range of Emirati handicrafts, and bespoke fragrances, all the while discovering hidden gems around every corner. Don’t forget to stop by the Museum of Illusions to snap photos with your loved ones amid mind-bending optical illusions.
  • Bur Dubai Abra Station - The bustling Dubai Creek has been the lifeblood of locals for generations. It was the favoured site for early settlers, becoming the city’s first port and home to a thriving pearling industry. Today, it is still a lively spot, continuing to attract visitors year-round. you can hop aboard one of the many traditional ferry boats, known as abras, to cross the creek that separates the Bur Dubai and Deira neighbourhoods. The journey is one of the most affordable and authentic experiences in the city.

An abra, which means “to cross” in Arabic, runs every few minutes throughout the day between four stations along Dubai Creek. The first route goes from Deira Old Souk Abra Station (near the Spice Souk) to Bur Dubai Abra Station (west of the Textile Souk). The second, much busier route, runs continuously from Al Sabkha Abra Station (just southwest of Baniyas Square) to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station.

  • Dubai Spice Souk - Home to more than 150 small retailers, the Spice Souk is evocative of Dubai’s rich trade and influence. There is more to this place than just shopping. Nestled within these streets is a culinary history infused with the true spirit of Arabia. Watch the stocks pile up every morning, freshly shipped in from India, Pakistan and Iran. Or taste the best varieties of crunchy nuts and dried fruits, guided by local sellers passionately explaining the richness of their offerings.
  • Dubai Gold Souk - A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without a visit to the famous Gold Souk, one of the oldest and most fascinating traditional markets in the emirate. Whether you’re just browsing, or genuinely on the hunt for even the smallest amount of precious gold, walk through the glittering bazaar to find designs from around the world crafted with a variety of carats.
What's Included
  • Snacks
What's Not Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information

Discover a low-key side of Dubai on this walking tour through the old part of the city. On the first part of the tour, step inside the coffee, coin, and Dubai museums, appreciating the old forts, architecture, and street art along the way. Then, take an abra (traditional Arabian boat) ride across Dubai Creek to visit the souks—traditional markets selling everything from souvenirs to diamonds.

Location
LOCAL HOUSE
Al Fahidi Street
Our Guide wearing Tour Guide licence will Meet you at Local House Restaurant at Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood Bur Dubai
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Y9808jwvishals
Jun 1, 2024
Explore More UAE - According to me old part is more indigenous and perfect place to get the idea about trade,and life in past.you go through narrow alleyways even,we got time to get local traditional food whichever was more delicious than expected.Guide Ali was very knowledgeable,professional and he shared history of this country with us, as well as culturelas,traditional things and shared many stories.Guude Ali very passionate guy he doesn't get you bore for one minute.Markets gold and spice we got experience as already guide told us to do bargaining with vendors.A lovely experience I would recommend "Explore More UAE" company to everyone. Thanks Guide Ali my friend is going to come next month and already I recommended her "exploremoreuae.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L9220lejacko
May 30, 2024
Tour Review - We had walking tour of heritage site with tour guide Ali, I was curious to know about Arabs culture, traditions and definitely starving to get traditional food. Really tour guide Ali made our day, he shared a lot of information about Dubai, we visited many old houses and came to know how tough back in the days to survive in this country. we used old wooden boat and passed through spice market, gold market and all the way reached Jumeriah historical mosque. Amazing tour guide Ali having good sense of humor very friendly and thanks explore more UAE to provide us everything on time, especially Ali you are very professional guide. We are grateful to you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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