Old Dubai Tour: History, Culture, and Souks

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Old Dubai. Explore historical sites, wander through spice and gold souks, and take a traditional abra boat ride. Discover the transformation of Dubai from a desert to a global destination city.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Bastakia Quarter - Start your journey in the charming streets of Al Fahidi, where you’ll encounter mud-brick houses and courtyards from the 19th century. Your guide will share historical insights and highlight the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort as you stroll by.
  • Textile Souk - Explore aisles filled with vibrant fabrics, pashminas, and…
What's Included
  • Bottled water included
  • Experienced guide provided
  • Abra ride across Dubai Creek
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Explore the essence of Old Dubai on a private walking tour that seamlessly combines history, culture, and shopping. Start your journey in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, where a knowledgeable guide will share insights into the city’s modest beginnings as you stroll through narrow lanes adorned with coral-stone houses and art galleries.
Proceed to…

Location
Local House Restaurant
The Guide will meet you at the entrance of Local House Restaurant <- This Restaurant is in Bastakiya Al Fahidi Neighbourhood. The nearest metro station is Sharaf DG Metro Station (Formerly Al Fahidi).
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(44 Ratings)
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Travelwriter08
Mar 1, 2026
Great tour! - Sarfaraz was a great guide - an Emirati knowledgeable about Dubai and Emirates - he also takes tours to desert and Abu Dhabi. We went through the Al Fahidi area settled in 18AD and the "souks" / more of a shopping mall of small storefronts with the usual shawls and crafts. Loved learning about the spices and homeopathic remedies. The gold area was very interesting y contemporary and classic Arab and Indian designs. He communicated gurus and helped negotiate prices. We tried Dubai pistachio kanafea, pistachio filling mixed with crispy kataifi phyllo and chicken swarma. Abra boat crossing creek was fun. Definitely recommend - with hotel pick up and drop off.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
907danted
Jan 19, 2026
Perfect Tour - Ali was the best and showed us around Old Dubai while teaching us about the history!
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Hlmnyc
Jan 3, 2026
Ali was a fantastic guide! We learned a lot and had a great time. Thank you! - Ali was a terrific guide. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. We all had a great time!!!! ………………………………………………………….
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Nobantul2026
Jan 2, 2026
Best of Dubai understanding - Very informative and well spend day. I will recommend to friends and family that are visiting Dubai.................
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Kekel2026
Jan 2, 2026
Good experience . Would recommend - Best tour ever . Our tour guide Ali was the best . He was so lovely and bought us some snacks and helped us negotiate the things we wanted to buy . He was very funny . And super nice , he told us everything about Dubai and we know a lot of information now . 10 out of 10 . PERFECT !
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Dreamer08991223049
Jan 2, 2026
Educational - Ali was accompanying us and very accommodative and very nice and wise nice experience, educational , fun walking around the place !!! And very refreshing
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20makennas
Dec 30, 2025
Outstanding and Educational Tour - ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Ali was so friendly and knew the area/history well! He bought us an amazing snacks and gave great insider tips for buying stuff at the market. One of the best things we did in Dubai!
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863fredyr
Dec 30, 2025
Best walking tour of Dubai! - Best walking tour in Dubai, and to be specific, Saqlain was amazing. You can tell he has a lot of passion for the history of Dubai and the UAE. Will recommend 100%
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810maddyf
Dec 30, 2025
Great history! - Saqlain was phenomenal! He went very in depth on the real history of the UAE and origins of Dubai. I have a much deeper appreciation for where we are visiting and feel like a local now! He also is a foodie and recommended a ton of spots which is a huge bonus. Finally, he’s quite the photographer posing us the whole visit and leaving us with some great keepsakes to remember our trip! Definitely recommend.
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Rosalie
Dec 28, 2025
Authentic Old Town Dubai Experience - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wonderful Old Town Dubai tour with Mansoor Ali. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Dubai’s history and culture. A short but rich experience that truly brought the old town to life. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $169 (Per Group)
up to 15 guests
1 - Traveler
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).