Explore the Backstreets of Old Dubai with an Insider
Dubai’s historic and humble beginnings tell a story like no other. We’ll start the day by marching the streets of old Dubai stopping by several enchanting sights and witnessing the city’s dynamic history woven by its people.
We'll learn about the emirate’s history as we wander its streets and the aromatic spice and shiny gold souqs. We’ll meet shop owners and learn the secrets behind some of the world’s most expensive traded items. We'll hop on a traditional wooden abra boat and cross over the magnificent Dubai Creek. We’ll visit the Grand Mosque in Dubai, originally built in 1900, where we’ll enjoy an introduction to Islam’s core beliefs and the mosque’s beautiful architecture. We’ll explore the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood with its merchant houses and their incredible windtowers, and enjoy gahwa or Arabic coffee, a quintessential symbol of Emirati hospitality. By then, I guarantee our stomachs will be grumbling loud enough to guide us themselves to one of Dubai’s best eats.
Description
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Al Shindagha Museum, Dubai United Arab Emirates
Our first stop will be an incredibly enlightening visit to the Al Shindagha Museum to learn about the history of the Gulf and its transformation from a pearl diving village to a global destination.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dubai Creek, Mashraf Building, Dubai United Arab Emirates
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Dubai Spice Souk, 41, 34th St Al Ras, Deira, Dubai United Arab Emirates
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Dubai Gold Souk, Old Baladiya St., Dubai United Arab Emirates
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.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Textile Souk, Bur Dubai Near Bur Dubai Abra Station, Dubai 75157 United Arab Emirates
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.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai United Arab Emirates
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Al Fahidi, Al Fahidi, Dubai, Emirate of Dubai
Our last stop will be a fantastic meal at a traditional 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.
Duration: 1 hour
Inclusions
- Meal as per itinerary and bottled water in restaurant
- Admission fees
- Entry/Admission - Dubai Spice Souk
- Entry/Admission - Dubai Creek
- Entry/Admission - Dubai Gold Souk
- Entry/Admission - Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Entry/Admission - Textile Souk
- Entry/Admission - Al Shindagha Museum
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Soda/Pop
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- 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.
- It is recommended that you bring bottled water, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen.
- It is recommended that you wear light fabric clothing (especially during summer) and comfortable shoes
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. Guests should be in good health, able to walk slightly longer distances at a comfortable pace, and able to participate in periods of standing.
- A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to move forward.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if the minimum of 2 people is not met. In the event of this happening, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Operates
See Availability
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Outdoor Activities Culture Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises Tours & Sightseeing Private and Luxury Walking Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Half-day Tours
Checkout these other experiences on Plan Harmony
- 4 Private Cenotes, Zip-Lines, Canoes & Mayan Village with Delicious Lunch
- Downtown Denver Food Tour
- The Rocks Pub Walking Tour
- Half-Day Split Sea Kayak Adventure
- Luxor Day Tour visit East and West Nile Banks
- Kazui's Kabuki-za Gallery & shopping tour
- Full-Day Luxor Highlights East and West Banks
- ADVENTURE KOKODA 8 Day History Trek Australian Led
- Sarajevo: Tour to Mostar, Sufi House, Počitelj & Kravice Falls
- All Inclusive Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train