Dubai: Old Town Walking Tour & Souks with Brazilian Guide

Summary

Arabic coffee in Al Fahidi, gold & spice souks, Dubai Creek abra crossing

You’ll wander Old Dubai’s winding lanes with a Brazilian guide who brings stories to life in both English and Portuguese. Sip Arabic coffee in Al Fahidi’s shaded courtyards, cross Dubai Creek by traditional abra boat, and explore bustling gold and spice souks filled with colors and scents you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely made it past the first bend in Al Fahidi when our guide, Fernanda, stopped to point out a faded mural — something about the way she said “look at this detail” made me actually look, not just glance. The air was thick with cardamom and dust. I kept hearing snippets of Portuguese mixed with English and the odd burst of Arabic from a shopkeeper waving us over. It’s weird, but I didn’t expect Old Dubai to feel so lived-in; every corner had someone sipping tea or just watching the street go by.

I tried Arabic coffee for the first time in one of those little courtyard cafes — honestly, it tasted like spiced earth and smoke (in a good way). Fernanda laughed when I tried to say “shukran” properly; she told me her own story of learning Arabic after moving here from Brazil. There was this moment when we passed a tiny alley full of temple bells and incense — it felt like stumbling into another city inside Dubai. The museum was closed for renovations (which she warned us about), but we still circled the old fort walls while she told stories about pearl divers and traders. I liked that nothing felt rushed.

The best bit? Crossing Dubai Creek on an abra boat, shoulder to shoulder with locals carrying sacks of who-knows-what. The water smelled briny and old somehow — not what I pictured for Dubai at all. On the other side, we wandered through the gold souk (so much yellow light bouncing off everything) and then into the spice market where someone handed me a date stuffed with something sweet and sticky. I’m still thinking about that taste now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Dubai and souks

• Visit Al Fahidi Historic Quarter
• See exterior of Dubai Museum and fort
• Walk through hidden temple alley
• Boat ride to spice and gold souks
• Explore Dubai Spice Souk
• Visit Dubai Gold Souk

Top questions

Is this walking tour suitable for families with small children?

Yes, infants can join in a stroller or sit on an adult’s lap during activities.

Will we enter the Dubai Museum on this tour?

No, the museum is currently closed for renovations, but you’ll see its exterior and fort walls.

Are drinks included on this Old Dubai walking tour?

Yes, Arabic coffee or tea is included during your visit to Al Fahidi.

Is public transportation accessible near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access.

Does this tour include an abra boat ride across Dubai Creek?

Yes, you’ll cross Dubai Creek by traditional abra boat as part of the experience.

Can I join if I only speak English?

Yes, your guide speaks both English and Portuguese fluently.

What’s included

Your day includes guiding in English or Portuguese throughout Old Dubai’s historic neighborhoods, Arabic coffee or tea in Al Fahidi’s courtyards, an abra boat ride across Dubai Creek to reach the gold and spice souks, plus plenty of stories shared along the way.