Dubai: Old Town Walking Tour, Souks & Abra Creek Ride

Summary

Arabic coffee, souk scents, abra ride and Dubai’s living history

You’ll sip Arabic coffee in Al Fahidi’s quiet courtyards, taste street food as you wander historic lanes, ride an abra across Dubai Creek with locals, and get lost in the colors of the Spice & Gold Souks. Expect laughter over snacks and small surprises that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a smile from our guide outside Al Khayma Heritage House — she handed me a tiny cup of cardamom coffee and a sticky date before I’d even said hello. The courtyard was quiet except for two old men chatting in Arabic under the shade. I tried to say thank you in my best attempt at “shukran” (Li laughed — probably butchered it). That first sip of coffee hit differently, warm and slightly spicy, and I realized how much I’d needed it after the metro ride here.

We drifted through the narrow lanes of Al Fahidi, where sunlight flickered off pale walls and kids darted between wooden doors. Our guide pointed out wind towers — she called them “barjeel” — explaining how they once kept houses cool before AC. There was this smell in the air, something like sandalwood and frying dough. We stopped for luqaimat (those little fried dough balls) and ragag bread with cheese; honestly, I could’ve eaten ten more. It felt like every corner had a story or someone waving hello from a shopfront.

Crossing over to Al Seef, we watched the mosque’s white minaret catch late afternoon light. Then came my favorite part: squeezing onto an abra with a handful of locals and drifting across Dubai Creek. The water smelled faintly salty; huge trading ships bobbed nearby, while behind us the city skyline just… glinted. It’s funny — you see all those skyscrapers on postcards but being down here on the water makes Dubai feel smaller, almost familiar.

The Spice Souk was pure chaos: sellers calling out prices, colors everywhere — red saffron threads, yellow turmeric, dried lemons stacked high. I tried bargaining for some cinnamon but got distracted by a vendor offering me camel milk chocolate (weirdly good). The Gold Souk glittered so much it almost hurt my eyes; rows of bangles and necklaces that looked too heavy to wear. By then my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with all these new smells and sounds. Saying goodbye to our guide felt strange — like leaving behind someone who’d shown you their favorite secret places.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Dubai's Old Town and Souks

• Meet guide at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
• Enjoy Arabic coffee, tea, and dates
• Taste Arabian dishes like luqaimat and Ragag
• Walk along Al Seef promenade
• Wander narrow streets of Al Fahidi district
• Pass Grand Souk and ride traditional abra
• Explore Dubai Creek by abra water taxi
• Visit Spice Souk and smell spices
• Bargain with local sellers
• Visit Gold Souk and admire jewelry
• Say goodbye to guide

Top questions

Where does the Dubai old town walking tour start?

The tour starts at Al Khayma Heritage House in the Al Fahidi Historic District.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai tour?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option when booking.

How long does the walking tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours.

What food is included on this Dubai street food tour?

You’ll try Arabic coffee, dates, luqaimat (fried dough), ragag bread, shawarma or falafel (premium), karak tea and samosa (premium), lemon mint juice (premium), camel milk chocolate or ice cream (premium).

Do I need cash for purchases at the souks?

It’s helpful to have cash if you want to buy spices or souvenirs at the souks.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels but infants are not allowed.

Does this tour include an abra boat ride?

Yes, a traditional abra ride along Dubai Creek is included.

Are public transport options available near the meeting point?

Yes, DG Sharaf Metro Station on the Green Line is nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Al Khayma Heritage House with Arabic tea or coffee and dates on arrival; guided walking through Al Fahidi district; plenty of street food tastings like ragag bread and luqaimat; an abra boat ride across Dubai Creek; visits to both Spice Souk and Gold Souk; bottled water; plus optional hotel pickup and premium treats like shawarma or camel milk ice cream if selected when booking.