Explore Old Dubai in a Half-Day: Cultural Guided Tour with Souks

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Al Seef Street

  Begin your journey with a scenic walk along Al Seef Street, a beautifully restored waterfront promenade that blends traditional Emirati charm with modern touches. Admire the wind towers, coral-stone buildings, and dhow boats along Dubai Creek as you take in the area’s nostalgic ambiance.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Souk Al Seef By Dubai Retail

  Next, You'll explore the Souk Al Seef, a cultural marketplace inspired by Dubai’s trading history. Wander through its narrow alleyways filled with boutique stores, traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and cafes. It's a perfect spot to experience the vibe of Old Dubai in a contemporary setting.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

  Next, Dive into one of the Dubai’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods, the Al Fahidi Historical District. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with beautifully restored wind-tower homes and shaded courtyards. This is the perfect setting to soak in the essence of Old Dubai.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 4
  Al Bastakiya

  Continue your exploration in the adjacent Al Bastakiya, known for its unique architecture, is home to quaint art galleries, local cafés, and cultural exhibitions. As you wander its labyrinthine lanes, you’ll find hidden gems and authentic expressions of Emirati identity, making it a haven for culture lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 5
  Dubai Museum

  (Photo Stop) Pause outside the historic Dubai Museum, also known as Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing building in Dubai, dating back to 1787. The museum's imposing architecture offers a fantastic photo opportunity and a glimpse into Dubai’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a futuristic metropolis.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 6
  Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum's House

  Step into the ancestral home of Dubai’s former ruler, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum. Nestled by the waters of Dubai Creek, this grand residence has been converted into a museum showcasing vintage photographs, historic documents, and personal artifacts that chronicle the city’s development during one of its most pivotal eras.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 7
  Bur Dubai Abra Station

  No visit to Old Dubai is complete without crossing Dubai Creek aboard a traditional wooden Abra. You'll glide across the water just as traders and pearl divers once did, enjoying scenic views of bustling souks, mosques, and dhows. It’s an authentic and tranquil way to experience the city's maritime roots.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 8
  Perfume Souk

  Next, You'll delve into a world of captivating scents at the Perfume Souk, where fragrant oils, incense, and traditional Emirati attars fill the air. Discover how perfumes are blended using ancient recipes and learn about their deep cultural significance in everyday Emirati life.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9
  Dubai Gold Souk

  Prepare to be dazzled by the glittering showcases of the world-renowned Gold Souk. Featuring intricate designs and breathtaking jewelry, this market is not only a shopper’s paradise but also a cultural experience where age-old trading traditions come alive.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 10
  Dubai Spice Souk

  You'll continue to engage your senses in the colorful and aromatic Spice Souk, where merchants proudly display exotic spices in burlap sacks. Smell the rich scents of saffron, cumin, and cardamom, and discover the flavors that shape traditional Emirati and Middle Eastern cuisine.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 11
  Al Shindagha Museum

  (Photo Stop) Capture the charm of Dubai’s seafaring legacy with a photo stop at the Al Shindagha Museum. The museum tells stories of Dubai’s maritime heritage and the families who built a life by the waters of the Gulf.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 12
  Old Baladiya Street

  Next, you'll stroll through the vibrant cultural hub in Dubai, offering a glimpse into the city's local life, traditions, and community spirit. As you pass a mix of heritage structures and modern government buildings, we will share insights into the evolution of Dubai’s public services and infrastructure. It’s a unique way to understand the city’s development from the ground up.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 13
  Dubai Municipality Museum

  Discover the Municipality Museum, housed in a beautifully restored heritage building that once served as Dubai's municipal headquarters. This landmark reflects the early governance and urban planning efforts that helped transform Dubai into the modern city it is today. You'll explore interactive exhibits that highlight the city's innovative services and major projects. The museum's location in the heart of old Dubai also offers a chance to immerse in the local culture and history.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 14
  Dubai Frame

  (Photo Stop) Get your cameras ready for a spectacular view of one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, the Dubai Frame. With its striking gold-clad structure bridging the old and new parts of the city, it’s a perfect symbol of Dubai’s ever-evolving story and a great place to snap a memorable photo.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 15
  Zabeel Palace

  (Photo Stop) Conclude your cultural tour with a drive past the grand Zabeel Palace, the official residence of the Dubai royal family. Nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens and regal gates, this majestic landmark stands as a tribute to leadership, legacy, and elegance.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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