Guided Old Dubai Walking Tour

1. 1

   Al Seef waterfront

   The walk starts at Al Seef, the restored stretch of Dubai Creek where coral-and-gypsum merchant houses, shaded alleyways and wind towers have been rebuilt in the style of the pre-oil city. It is the best introduction to what Dubai looked like when it lived on pearling and trade.

2. 2

   Al Fahidi historic district

   Also known as Bastakiya, this is the oldest surviving quarter in Dubai, built in the late nineteenth century by Persian merchants. The lanes are deliberately narrow to hold shade, and the wind towers above them are the region's original air conditioning. Small galleries, courtyard cafes and the Coffee Museum sit along the route.

3. 3

   Abra crossing and the souks

   A traditional abra, the wooden ferry that has crossed Dubai Creek for generations, takes the group over to Deira for one dirham. On the far bank the tour continues through the Spice Souk, heavy with saffron, frankincense and dried lemon, and the Gold Souk, where several hundred shops trade in one covered lane.

Duration

4 hours

How you meet

Meet on location

Confirmation

Instant confirmation

Cancellation policy

This booking is non-refundable once confirmed.

Difficulty

Easy

Guide

Guided tour in English

• This is a walking tour of around four hours, largely outdoors and on foot, so wear comfortable closed shoes and be prepared for uneven paving in the older lanes. It is not suitable for anyone who cannot walk that distance, and the souk alleyways are narrow and crowded, which makes wheelchair and pushchair access difficult. Dress modestly - shoulders and knees covered - for the mosque, the heritage quarter and the souks. Bring water, a hat and sunglasses; there is shade in Bastakiya but much of the route is open. Bring cash in small notes for the souks, where bargaining is expected. The abra crossing involves a short step down into an open wooden boat. In the cooler months the tour is comfortable at any hour; in summer, take the earliest departure available.

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