Dubai Old Town: Souks, Creek & Food Tastings Tour

Summary

Wander Dubai’s souks taste spices cross the creek by abra and laugh with locals

You’ll wander Dubai’s oldest neighborhoods with a local guide, tasting street snacks and sipping Arabic coffee as you cross Dubai Creek by traditional abra boat. Explore bustling souks full of spices and gold, hear stories from real residents, and find yourself laughing at small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I thought I’d just get lost in the Gold Souk. The first thing that hit me was the smell: cardamom, dried lemons, something sweet I couldn’t name. Our guide (Aladdin, yes really) waved us over to a tiny stall where an old man handed out dates dipped in chocolate — “chocodates,” he grinned. I tried to say thank you in Arabic and probably got it wrong, but he just smiled wider. The noise here is constant: shopkeepers calling out prices, the sound of gold bangles clinking together, someone somewhere always laughing.

Walking through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood felt like stepping sideways in time. The wind towers above us were catching what little breeze there was — it’s hot but not unbearable, and the walls seem to hold onto stories. Aladdin told us about his childhood here (he pointed at a faded door and said his aunt still lives there), which made it feel less like a museum and more like someone’s backyard. We ducked into a tiny museum for a moment of shade; there was this odd silence inside except for our shoes on stone floors.

The best part? Crossing Dubai Creek on one of those wooden abras. You can feel the engine vibrating under your feet and smell the river — a little salty, a little diesel maybe. There were families squeezed together on benches, everyone looking out at the city split in two: glass towers behind us, old markets ahead. It’s only a few minutes across but I could’ve stayed longer just watching people wave from both banks. After that we wandered through the spice souk (I still think about that saffron), had fresh juice pressed right in front of us, and somehow ended up bargaining for scarves even though I swore I wouldn’t buy anything.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much or eat so many things I couldn’t pronounce. If you want to see how Dubai breathes when it isn’t trying too hard — well, this is where you feel it most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Dubai and Souks

• Visit Al Seef heritage area
• Walk along Dubai Creek
• Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
• Visit Dubai Museum fortress
• Bargain at traditional textile market
• Ride Abra boat across Dubai Creek
• Visit Spice Souk and taste food
• Walk through Gold Souk jewelry market

Top questions

How long does this Dubai Old Town tour last?

The tour covers several key sites in Old Dubai and typically lasts around 3-4 hours depending on pace.

Is food included on this Dubai souks tour?

Yes, tastings of street food, Arabic coffee, tea, dates (including chocodates), and fresh juice are included.

Do we ride an abra boat during this tour?

Yes, a private traditional abra ride across Dubai Creek is part of the experience.

Are museum visits included?

You’ll visit museums in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood as part of the itinerary.

Is this suitable for kids or older travelers?

The walk is gentle and suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins in Old Dubai near Al Seef or Bur Dubai Village area; public transport options are nearby.

Will we have time to shop at the Gold Souk?

You’ll have time to browse both Gold Souk and Spice Souk with help from your guide if you want to bargain or buy souvenirs.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Al Seef and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhoods with a local expert guide leading tastings of Arabic coffee, tea, dates (and those addictive chocodates), plus fresh juice stops. You’ll enjoy a private traditional abra ride across Dubai Creek before exploring both Spice & Gold Souks — all snacks are included along with bottled water for comfort as you go.