OLD DUBAI WALKING TOUR
Wander on a journey through Dubai’s sands of time, where every moment is steeped in fascinating history, tradition, and culture.
Dubai’s historic and humble beginnings tell a story like no other. Get ready to wander into the heart of Old Dubai, where every corner brims with rich history and hidden gems.
You’ll stroll through the bustling Spice and Gold Souks, with the intoxicating scents of saffron and incense swirling in the air, while the gleam of gold in the markets dazzles your eyes.
Feel the sun on your skin as you cross the legendary Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra, with the cool breeze off the water tickling your face. Explore the charming Al Fahidi neighborhood, where ancient wind towers stand tall, and every step whispers tales of merchants and travelers from centuries past. Sip on gahwa, Arabic coffee that’s as warm and welcoming as the smiles of the locals you'll meet along the way. Sit down for a meal that brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to life where every bite carries the essence of Dubai’s multicultural soul.
Please note that this tour does not include a visit to the Dubai Museum or the Al Shindagha Museum, unless otherwise notified. Guests who wish to explore them can do so at their own leisure. Update: Please note that the Dubai Museum is currently undergoing restoration and is closed until further notice.
Starts at: 9:00 or 17:00
Duration: 4 hours
Price per guest: AED 425
Max group size: 12 guests
Walking involved: 4 KM
Meal option: Lunch
Group Tour Price: Adults (12 y/o+): AED 425 per person. Children (between 7 & 11 y/o inclusive): AED 215 per person. All prices include UAE VAT.
Private Tour Price: Starting from AED 1665. All prices include UAE VAT.
Start Time: 9:00 or 17:00
Duration: 4 hours.
When: Available on select days of the week. Check the calendar via the book button below for tour availability. (Have a specific date in mind for a private tour? Drop me a message here and we’ll try to make it happen!).
Meeting Point: The meeting point is just outside the Al Shindagha Museum Welcome Center near the Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, Entrance no. 4 on the Green Line. The farewell point is near the Sharaf DG Metro Station in Bur Dubai. Details to be shared in confirmation email.
Number of Wanderers: I will accommodate up to 12 guests in 1 tour. (Have a bigger group or corporate event? Let me know here!).
Transportation: This tour does not include transportation. Both our meeting and farewell points are located right by metro stations so you can get around easily and inexpensively by metro or cab. Click here for my guide to the Dubai Metro.
Changes and Cancellation Policy: Please review in full here.
FAQs: Please review in full here.
Important: Sights on the itinerary may vary due to opening/closing times, weather, unexpected store closures, and other reasons outside of our control. We’ll do our best to accommodate accordingly, but can’t assume responsibility for any of these events.
Tour: 4 hours of wandering in Dubai's old streets and souqs. Includes admission fees to sights included in the itinerary, a pre-ordered meal served in true Arabic style on a sharing basis, and bottled water during the meal.
Guide: A fantastic tour with a local guide who's happy to show you around the city and answer all your questions.
Meals: The tour includes lunch as the grand finale which is pre-ordered, non-vegetarian, and served on a sharing basis. Vegetarian options are minimal but are available so please do ensure to note the same when booking. Anything additional will be covered at your own cost e.g. soft drinks, additional food.
Haggling Tips: A few tips and tricks on how to haggle for your souvenirs.
My 2 fils: From the time of booking until the return home, I will be happy and available to provide any recommendations or general help for your stay here.
Want to book the group or private tour? Excellent decision!
Planning together? Share this tour with your travel buddy.
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Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on pace and curiosity. We won’t sprint. The tour moves naturally, with time to soak in the setting and stories.
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No mosque visits = no robes required. Just dress for the weather, lightweight and breathable in summer (avoid jeans!), and comfortable shoes for cobbled streets.
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No, chauffeured transport is not included. The meet and farewell points are both easy to reach by metro or taxi. For private tours, chauffeured transport can be added upon check-out. We’ll pick you up and drop you off from select Dubai hotels. Exact timings to be shared 1 day prior to.
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Yes, paid parking is available nearby, but heads up: the tour starts and ends at different locations. Most guests prefer to take a taxi or metro to avoid any backtracking. We’ll share all the details in your confirmation.
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Yes, we start and finish within a short walking distance of two different metro stations. While we don’t use the metro on tour, happy to help you navigate it before or after.
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Yes! From spice-sampling to scent rooms, this isn’t your average dry history lesson. Even video game addicts and eye-rolling teens end the day talking about how cool it was. Nada adjusts her pace and storytelling to keep young brains engaged.
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Yes, we can adapt the tour for wheelchair users. Routes are thoughtfully planned. Just mention your needs when booking, and we’ll make sure everyone rolls through comfortably.
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If you haven’t walked Old Dubai with Nada, you haven’t really seen it. This tour goes deeper than photo ops. Think hidden corners, cultural deep dives, and stories that connect past to present.
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Nope, none whatsoever. You’ll visit markets for the stories and smells, not sales pitches.
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Nope, the gold stays in the window. While we do visit the Gold Souk and explore its fascinating backstory, there’s no time for actual shopping. The area has hundreds of shops and deserves its own outing. We do allow a quick 10-minute browse in the Spice Souk for small purchases.
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Yes!! The tour includes Arabic coffee, bottled water, and lunch as the grand finale which is pre-ordered, non-vegetarian, and served on a sharing basis. Vegetarian options are minimal but are available so please do ensure to note the same when booking. Anything additional will be covered at your own cost e.g. soft drinks, additional food.
Have an extra day?
Check out tours to the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi! Explore the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on a half-day tour OR a full-day tour Abu Dhabi Cultural Tour.
Above and Beyond!
We hired Nada for two private tours and while we were in Dubai in March. On one day we did a combination tour of Old Dubai and Dubai Landmarks and then the next day we did Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Our 72 year old mother who uses a cane was with us and we needed tours that could accommodate her, and after getting some suggestions in the TA forums, reached out to Nada. Nada went above and beyond! Not only did she modify the tours to make it easier on our mother and reduce walking, she organized wheelchairs when available and contacted our hotel with questions we had in advance of our visit. Her rate was very reasonable for two private tours and we loved every minute. We will not hesitate to recommend Nada to friends and family. Thank you again for the wonderful time!
- Auriana (via TripAdvisor)