Old Dubai Gold Souk and Water Taxi: Explore the Rich Heritage of Dubai From the Bronze Age to Now
4.1
23 Ratings
Dubai
Step back in time and explore the rich heritage of Dubai, from the Bronze Age to the present day. Visit the Old Dubai Gold Souk and take a water taxi ride to experience the bustling market area and admire the stunning Jumeirah Mosque.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Dubai Creek - Enjoy a unique half-day tour of Dubai, exploring its old neighborhoods as well as some of the more traditional bazaars and souks.

Following a pick-up from your hotel or cruise ship, transfer to experience a magnificent view of Dubai Creek, passing through the heritage area of Bastakiya. See the charming wind-tower houses built by the wealthy merchants of old Dubai. Continue to Al Fahidi Fort, the city’s oldest building and now home to Dubai Museum. See some of the city’s archives and exhibits that chronicle the development of the city.

Next, climb aboard a traditional wooden abra water taxi and cross Dubai Creek to the Spice Market and Gold Souk. Soak up the scent of exotic spices, and see some of the best jewelry in town. Watch a private fashion show at Treasure House, with free time after to examine the leather goods and exclusive jewelry. Continue to the Women’s Museum to learn about the role of women in the UAE, past and present.

Re-board your transfer vehicle and drive to Jumeirah Mosque for a photo opportunity outside one of Dubai’s most important landmarks. End with a drive past the ultra-luxury and ultra-contemporary Burj Al Arab to compare and contrast old and new, traditional and modern Dubai.

What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Driver/guide
  • Port pickup and drop-off
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Dubai may be a relatively young city, but it boasts a deep-rooted heritage tracing back to the Bronze Age. Join us on this captivating journey into the past, as we delve into the origins of this nation.

Your experience will be unforgettable as you traverse Bastakiya’s slender alleys. A charming abra ride whisks you to the bustling bazaar zone, home to the renowned Gold and Spice Souks. Next, you’ll visit the Jumeirah Mosque, an opportunity to marvel at Islamic architecture from the 8th century.

  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • A minimum of two travelers is required per booking
  • Water Taxi not wheelchair accessible and infants required to sit on laps.
  • Infant seats available upon request.
Location
Dubai Creek
Mashraf Building
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.1
(23 Ratings)
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Liniharun29
Mar 10, 2024
Just a review in Water Taxi - Make sure you have 1 dinar for the driver. You can also buy your ticket from the courter. It is the easiest way to get around from one souk to another souk. I enjoyed the ride. It was quite hot waiting, so make sure slap on your sun screen.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
961suew
Feb 22, 2023
Short water crossing on authentic old boats - The river taxi is a convenient way to cross the water from the older part of Dubai to the gold souk and spice area. It wasn't a luxury trip but it felt safe, functional and only took about five minutes. Much more preferable than arriving by road vehicle as the traffic by the souks was awful. A constant traffic jam.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leenas754
Aug 21, 2022
Amazing - Amazing day in old dubai!!!! I had a great time with the guide Ahmedabad alla ... Higley recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wbronkhorst
Apr 10, 2024
Shiny, shiny gold - As a previous review say, you buy mostly with the eyes. Vendors are relentless, does not stop after the words "no thanks" It is just the way it is. Gold to me looked too shiny to be real, but according to various websites, it is real gold. I'm still not convinced. Trip with water taxi was cheap and quick. The wait in the que can get a bit long. all and all a great day out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lipstock
Nov 8, 2023
Wonders to the eye - If you happen to be in Dubai with time on your hands, then I would recommend a visit, but no necessarily with a view to buy. The negotiations would be too draining!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liam
Feb 16, 2023
Cultural tour - The tour guide was quite knowledgeable and catered for a variety of different languages. The offering was well priced and presented excellent value.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dona
Dec 4, 2022
Great tour - The tour guide was very informative and friendly. The only downside was the shop at the souk he took us to - they took us for a ride price wise - a typical High pressure act Quico busy busy sales experience. But everything else was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sbtraveler2013
Feb 16, 2022
Dubai WOW!, - Tour guides were good. The Gold Souk very busy and the merchants are unrelentless! Enjoyed water taxi. An hour late getting back to destination is the reason for a four rating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Uniquely_sue
Dec 6, 2021
Get what you want at the Gold and Spice Souks! - We went to the Gold and Spice Souks via water taxi 3 times. The first time we went with a guide and were unfamiliar and had time limitations. The 2nd and 3rd times we went on our own. We were experts at haggling by our last trip. The souks (markets) are very busy with vendors clamoring for your attention to get your business. They are friendly enough but aggressive. You have to know how to say no and know how to bargain to get the best price. The 1st time that I went...I didn't want to offend on how much I wanted to spend. By the 3rd day I ended up bring their prices down to what I wanted to pay for my gold, spices, and souvenirs. I found...they will only refuse your offer if it is too low and most of the time they will accept it. Going to the souks is exciting! We got everything that we wanted at the prices that WE were willing to pay. The water taxis ride was only 1 Dirham (about .50 cents) one way and it is a nice little ride to get to each side. I would recommend if you are looking for good deals on gold, spices, and souvenirs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Merjaj
Apr 6, 2022
A waste of time and money! - We bought this excursion recommended by the rep in the lobby of Hilton Jumeirah Beach. She stated this would be suitable for us - elderly with walking difficulties- as it was a private one for only a few people. The vehicle was a small minibus and totally inappropriate for us as it was difficult to get in and out and to move around because of it's shape and size. We were 10 people onboard of various nationalities; the guide spoke English, French and German, but not well. We stopped by a mosque which we were not allowed to visit, then to an art factory where they tried to sell us their goods, then by the Heritage Village (not impressive) and finished eventually after a water taxi trip outside of a gold and spice souk. We had an introductory chat outside of a tea and spice shop run by a company called Model Training LCC that was over charging for their products.
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July 2024
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