Dubai Full Day City Tour: Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah & Old Dubai

Summary

Old souks, Burj Khalifa views and a day crossing Dubai’s contrasts

You’ll glide from luxury towers to bustling souks with a local guide who knows every shortcut—and every story worth telling. Ride an abra across Dubai Creek, gaze out from Burj Khalifa’s dizzying heights, and wander through gold markets where bargaining is half the fun. By sunset, you’ll feel like you’ve seen two cities stitched together by sunlight and stories.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hum of the air conditioning as we slid into the car—outside, sunlight bounced off glass towers so bright I had to squint. Our guide, Ahmed, greeted us with a grin and a bottle of water (I’d already sweated through my shirt, honestly). He pointed out Dubai Marina’s yachts gliding by like they owned the place. The smell of sunscreen mixed with something sweet from a nearby café—I couldn’t quite place it. We stopped for photos at Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah; the ocean breeze up there felt almost cool for a second.

Ahmed knew just when to pause for stories—like how the Burj Al Arab was built on its own island because “Dubai likes to do things big.” I tried to pronounce Jumeirah properly and he laughed, which broke any awkwardness between us. At Souk Madinat, the alleys twisted in ways that made me lose my sense of direction; lanterns hung overhead and someone was selling spices that made my nose tingle. We didn’t linger too long—there’s a lot packed into this full day Dubai city tour—but there was time for quick bargaining at the Gold Souk (I’m still not sure if I overpaid).

The abra boat ride across Dubai Creek surprised me most. The wooden benches were smooth under my hands, and old men chatted quietly in Arabic as we crossed. It felt slower here—like time pressed pause before we jumped back into Sheikh Zayed Road’s rush. Later at Burj Khalifa, standing on level 125 looking down at tiny cars below, I realized how much ground we’d covered. My ears popped in the elevator; my heart did too when I saw all those city lights flicker on as dusk crept in.

I’m not sure I caught every fact Ahmed shared (there were a lot), but I still think about that view from above—and the way old Dubai felt like another world compared to all that glass and steel. If you want to see both sides in one go, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Dubai city tour highlights

• Hotel pick-up in private car
• Visit Dubai Marina waterfront district
• Explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah market
• View Burj Al Arab from outside
• Walk along Palm Jumeirah boardwalk
• Photo stop at Atlantis the Palm hotel
• Stop at Jumeirah Mosque for photos
• Relax briefly at Jumeirah Beach
• Drive along Sheikh Zayed Road
• Photo stop at Museum of the Future
• Visit Dubai Mall for shopping
• Ascend Burj Khalifa observation deck
• View Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
• Abra boat ride on Dubai Creek
• Shop at Meena Bazar market
• Explore Dubai Gold Souk shops
• Hotel drop-off

Top questions

How long does the full day Dubai city tour last?

The tour covers a full day, allowing time for all major stops including modern landmarks and old Dubai highlights.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubai city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from anywhere in Dubai city or even the airport/cruise port.

Are tickets to Burj Khalifa included?

Yes, entry tickets for levels 124 & 125 of Burj Khalifa are included during non-prime hours.

Do you visit both old and modern parts of Dubai?

Yes, the itinerary covers both old areas like Gold Souk and modern spots like Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included; however there are stops where you can purchase food along the way.

Can I customize this private city tour?

Yes, customization is possible if you request it before your tour date.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

An air-conditioned private car is used throughout the day trip for comfort.

Is this Dubai city tour suitable for families?

Yes, it's suitable for all ages and infant seats can be arranged upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Dubai (even airport or cruise port), entry tickets for Burj Khalifa’s upper decks during non-prime hours, an abra boat ride across Dubai Creek, all major photo stops from Palm Jumeirah to Atlantis to Jumeirah Mosque (outside only), plus plenty of water bottles along the way—all with an English-speaking local guide by your side in an air-conditioned private car.