The walk is built around the two banks of Dubai Creek: the restored wind-tower lanes and Al Seef on the Bur Dubai side, then a few minutes on a wooden abra to the working souks of Deira. Come hungry and book the $55 option: it turns the same route into a tasting of Emirati street food, from luqaimat and regag to camel-milk ice cream. This guide covers the Old Dubai Walking Tour from the meeting point to the last stop — the mood, the route and the tips guides mention in passing.
By SB Excursions · Published 19 October 2026 · Updated 19 October 2026
Tour on this route: Old Dubai Walking Tour — From $35 per person, 3-4 hours.
What street food will I taste on the $55 option?
Luqaimat sweets, regag bread, karak tea with samosa, shawarma and falafel, lemon-mint juice and camel-milk ice cream; the line-up can change with the season. Falafel is vegetarian; ask on WhatsApp whether the other tastings can be swapped.
What makes the Old Dubai Walking Tour worth your time
You meet the guide in Al Fahidi over Arabic coffee or tea and dates. The walk follows the lanes of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the Creek-side promenade of Al Seef, then passes through the old Bur Dubai souk to the abra station. A wooden abra takes you across Dubai Creek to Deira, where the route runs through the Spice Souk and ends at the Gold Souk after 3-4 hours: stay on to shop, Al Ras metro is a short walk away.
Route highlights at a glance
The standout moments of the Old Dubai Walking Tour.
- Al Fahidi and Al Seef — The wind-tower lanes of the restored Al Fahidi quarter and the heritage waterfront of Al Seef on the Bur Dubai bank.
- Abra across Dubai Creek — Cross from Bur Dubai to Deira on a traditional wooden abra, the water taxi of Old Dubai.
- Spice and Gold Souks — Spices, dried limes and frankincense in the Spice Souk, then the windows of the Gold Souk, with time to shop.
- Street-food tastings — Luqaimat, regag, karak tea with samosa, shawarma and falafel, lemon-mint juice and camel-milk ice cream on the $55 option.
How the day unfolds, step by step
The route in order; exact start times and what shifts by season are in the schedule.
- Meet the guide in Al Fahidi — Arabic coffee or tea and dates in a heritage house near Sharaf DG metro (Green Line); the pin is sent after payment.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood — Narrow lanes of restored wind-tower houses and photo stops in the oldest quarter of Bur Dubai.
- Al Seef and Dubai Creek — The heritage waterfront on the Bur Dubai bank and the story of the Creek, where Dubai began as a trading port.
- Bur Dubai souk and the abra — Through the old souk to the abra station, then across Dubai Creek to Deira on a traditional wooden boat.
- Deira Spice Souk — Spices, dried limes and frankincense sold from open sacks, with time to look and shop.
- Gold Souk: end of the walk — The covered gold arcade of Deira; stay on to shop, and Al Ras metro station (Green Line) is a short walk away.
Insider tips
The details a guide mentions on the day — worth knowing before it.
- Full prepayment holds your place in the group; cancellation or a date change is free up to 24 hours before the start.
- Take the Green Line metro to Sharaf DG for the start; from the Gold Souk, Al Ras station is a short walk.
- From May to September pick the morning start: most of the route is outdoors and the afternoons are very hot.
- Wear comfortable shoes; pushchairs, luggage and large bags are not allowed on the walk.
- At the Gold Souk the day's gold rate is fixed; the making charge is where you can negotiate, so compare two or three shops.
- Tell us about allergies when booking: the tastings contain gluten and dairy and may contain sesame and nuts.
Best time of year
October to April is the walking season, with warm days and pleasant late afternoons in the lanes; from May to September the walk still runs, but book the morning start and keep water to hand.
Whether it is worth the money and what the price covers is in why book it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What street food will I taste on the $55 option?
Luqaimat sweets, regag bread, karak tea with samosa, shawarma and falafel, lemon-mint juice and camel-milk ice cream; the line-up can change with the season. Falafel is vegetarian; ask on WhatsApp whether the other tastings can be swapped.
Do we cross Dubai Creek by boat?
Yes. A traditional wooden abra takes the group from the Bur Dubai side to Deira; the crossing is included in the price.
Does the tour include the Dubai Museum?
No. Entry to Al Fahidi Fort, the former Dubai Museum, is not part of this walk. The fort is a few minutes from the meeting point: if it is open on your date, you can visit it on your own.
Can I shop in the souks?
Yes. The route passes through the Spice and Gold Souks, and you can stay on at the Gold Souk after the walk. Gold is priced by weight at the day's fixed rate plus a making charge; the making charge is where you can negotiate, and comparing two or three shops is normal. Purchases are your own.