Old Dubai Small-Group Tour: Hidden Gems, Souks & Local Stories

5.0
(187 reviews)

4 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Dubai’s historic beginnings tell a story like no other and this tour dives right into it. We’ll trace the city’s transformation from humble trading port to cultural crossroads, starting at a museum that unpacks its journey from desert to global destination. From there, we’ll explore the scent-swirled Spice Souk, gold-lined markets, and the iconic Dubai Creek via a breezy abra ride. The charming Al Fahidi neighborhood comes next, with its towering wind towers and timeless tales. We’ll sip Arabic coffee, swap stories, and close the experience with a local Emirati meal that captures the essence of Dubai’s soul: warm, diverse, and unforgettable.

What's Included

Meal as per itinerary and bottled water in restaurant
Admission fees
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Soda/Pop

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is outside the Al Shindagha Museum Visitor Center (drop-off point link shared). This is located right by the Al Ghubaiba Metro Station Exit/Entrance No. 4 on the Green Line.

End point
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Closest to the Sharaf DG Metro Station in Bur Dubai.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Al Shindagha Museum

    We begin our tour at the Al Shindagha Museum district, our launch pad into old Dubai. Here, we thread together curated galleries and tactile displays to show how Dubai grew from creekside settlements into a trading crossroads. We’ll trace pearl-diving tales and dhow routes that linked Dubai to Persia, India, and East Africa. Objects become characters, maps turn into stories, and the Creek moves from backdrop to main character.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Dubai Creek

    The wooden abra boats plying the busy Dubai Creek are one of Dubai's most iconic scenes to witness. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable experience on a private abra ride and capture the city from the water as we time-travel from its past to its present.

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Dubai Spice Souk

    Dubai's Spice Souk is an incredibly aromatic network of shops and eateries that sell everything from saffron to chocolate dipped dates. To navigate the bustling souk, the best way is to learn about the origins of the spices at first from your guide and shop-owners before you cruise your way around the market.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Dubai Gold Souk

    We'll walk through Dubai's oldest market, the Gold Souk, a place buzzing with eager shoppers there to explore its 300+ shops and covered walkways. We'll stop to learn about the world's obsession with this shiny yellow metal, especially during festive occasions.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Textile Souk

    The Textile Souk is a labyrinth of traditional Arabian souvenir stores with plenty of fabrics, scarves, and I heart Dubai t-shirts. Here, your guide will introduce you to the national dress worn by both men and women, and demonstrate how each garment is worn.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Al Fahidi

    We'll wander through one of Dubai's historic neighborhoods where its merchants once lived in now-restored homes. Your guide will explain the brilliance behind the architecture of these structures, particularly its windtowers, designed to keep inhabitants cool.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

    Our last stop will be a fantastic meal at a traditional Emirati restaurant where we'll break bread together. The guide will pre-order several dishes so that guests can experience the various flavors and spices used to marinate, and answer all your curious questions.

    1 hour Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, as our meal is pre-ordered, is non-vegetarian, and is served on a sharing platter basis. A vegetarian option is available on request.
Supplied by Wander With Nada

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Seasonal
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 187 187 reviews
5 stars
186
4 stars
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1 star
1
Likely to sell out
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