Dubai Old Town walking and food tour: Souks and street food

Narrow alleys lined with traditional stone buildings, spice-filled air, and a boat ride across Dubai Creek

A guided walking and food tour of Dubai's oldest neighborhoods (Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai and the souks), where you taste local street food including shawarma, falafel, hummus, chicken mandi and kunafa, cross Dubai Creek by traditional abra boat, and visit the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Textile Souk with a licensed guide. The tour lasts three hours and includes all food tastings and bottled water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Dubai Old Town and Markets

• Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
• See Dubai Museum from outside
• Visit Dubai Hindu Temple
• Shop at Textile Souk
• Explore Al Souq Al Kabeer area
• Take traditional Abra boat ride
• Visit Dubai Spice Souk
• Visit Dubai Gold Souk

Stops and time spent at each 5 stops

1. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Entry included 20m
2. Dubai Museum passing by
3. Bur Dubai Village Entry included 10m
4. Dubai Spice Souk Entry included 20m
5. Dubai Gold Souk Entry included 20m

What’s included

• Professional licensed guide in English.
• shawarma, falafel, hummus, chicken mandi, kunafa and other local street food tastings.
• Iranian faluda and dates chocolate during the abra boat ride.
• bottled water throughout the tour.

Times

• Every day 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Private 6 group tours ›

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts. 2 with pickup ›

Book up to 1h before

Ages Adult (9 and older) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Accessible transport Stroller-friendly Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by F H Tourism

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

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The experience

The walk starts in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where buildings with high air towers called Barjeel stand side by side, separated by narrow alleys and public squares. These structures, built from stone, gypsum, teak and palm wood, reflect the traditional style of life that defined Dubai from the mid-19th century until the 1970s. Your guide shares the history as you move through the district, pointing out the Dubai Museum: the oldest building in the city, standing since the 1780s and once the center of politics in Old Dubai.

The route takes you through the Textile Souk, where you can browse colorful silks and embroidered cushions, then across Dubai Creek by traditional abra ferry: one of the most affordable and authentic experiences in the city. On the water, you'll taste Iranian faluda, a refreshing juice, and dates chocolate. Once across, the Spice Souk hits you with its aroma. The guide explains the different spices while you shop at local rates. The Gold Souk follows, one of the largest gold markets in the world, where you can browse an enormous collection of jewelry at reasonable prices.

Food tastings are woven throughout: shawarma, falafel, hummus, chicken mandi, kunafa and more, all high-quality local street food. You'll also visit the Hindu Temple in Bur Dubai and walk through Al Souq Al Kabeer, lined with traditional stone houses, modern art galleries and tea shops in the courtyards. The guide provides bottled water throughout the three hours, and everything is wheelchair accessible.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly do I eat on this Dubai Old Town food tour?

The tour includes tastings of shawarma, falafel, hummus, chicken mandi, kunafa and other local street food. You also try Iranian faluda and dates chocolate during the abra boat ride across Dubai Creek. All food is high-quality local products, and bottled water is provided throughout.

Do I have to bargain at the souks, or is the price fixed?

The Gold Souk and Spice Souk are traditional markets where bargaining is expected and encouraged. Your guide will show you where to shop and how to negotiate the best rates, which are already reasonable compared to other cities.

What is an abra and how long is the boat ride?

An abra is a traditional ferry boat that crosses Dubai Creek, separating the Bur Dubai and Deira neighborhoods. It's one of the most affordable and authentic experiences in the city, and the crossing is part of the three-hour tour itinerary.

Will I see the Grand Mosque and Al Fahidi Fort on this tour?

The tour visits Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the Dubai Museum (the oldest building in Dubai, built as a fortress in the 1780s). The Grand Mosque and other landmarks are part of the walking route through Old Dubai's historic districts.

Is this tour suitable if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

Yes, the tour is fully wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.