Old Dubai Shopping Tour: Gold Souk, Spice Souk & Abra Ride

The Gold Souk sells tax-free jewelry at competitive prices, and the abra crosses Dubai Creek the way locals have for decades.

A guided tour of Old Dubai's historic souks (the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk and Meena Bazaar) with a traditional abra boat ride across Dubai Creek. Your English-speaking guide shares the history and culture of these markets while you explore gold jewelry, aromatic spices, fabrics and local products in Bur Dubai and Deira. Pickup from your hotel and bottled water are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Old Dubai Souks and Abra Ride

• Pickup from staying location
• Visit Dubai Gold Souk
• Explore Spice Souk
• Take traditional abra boat ride
• Shop at Textile Souk
• Visit Meena Bazaar

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Dubai Gold Souk 50m
2. Dubai Spice Souk 50m
3. Bur Dubai Village Entry included 15m

What’s included

• Dubai's iconic Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
• the charming Textile Souk and Meena Bazaar in the Al Fahidi District.
• a traditional abra boat ride across Dubai Creek.
• pickup and drop-off from your location.
• an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• and a professional English-speaking tour guide.

Times

• Every day 08:00 09:00 10:00 15:00 17:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 100 1 private ›

Live guide English Another language? ›

Audio guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

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 Infant seats available Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by City Tours

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

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The experience

The Gold Souk in Deira is one of the world's most famous gold markets, stocked with jewelry, diamonds, precious stones, platinum and silver at tax-free prices. Your guide walks you through the stalls and explains what you're seeing, then gives you time to browse and shop at your own pace. The Spice Souk sits across the way, filled with the aromas and colors of exotic spices, herbs and culinary ingredients that have drawn traders to Dubai Creek for centuries.

After the souks, you board a traditional wooden abra (the small boats that have served as water taxis here for decades), and cross Dubai Creek to Bur Dubai. From the water, you see the historic heart of Old Dubai and get a sense of how the city moved and traded before the highways. Once ashore, you visit the Textile Souk and Meena Bazaar, where vendors sell fabrics, scarves, traditional clothing and souvenirs. The whole tour runs about four hours, with your guide sharing the history and traditions of each neighborhood as you move through them.

Pickup happens from your hotel or accommodation, and the air-conditioned vehicle waits while you shop. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. The tour suits families with children from age four and is accessible for wheelchair users. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and prams or strollers work fine for infants.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What can I actually buy at the Dubai Gold Souk?

The Gold Souk in Deira stocks gold jewelry, diamonds, precious stones, platinum and silver, all priced competitively and sold tax-free. Your guide can help you understand what you're looking at, and you have time to shop or simply browse.

Is the abra ride included, or do I pay extra?

The traditional abra boat ride across Dubai Creek is included in the tour price. It's a short crossing that takes you from Deira to Bur Dubai and shows you the waterfront the way it has looked for generations.

How much time do I get to shop at each souk?

Your guide gives you time to explore and shop at each stop (the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk and Meena Bazaar), while sharing the history and culture of the markets. The full tour takes about four hours, so the pace lets you browse without rushing.

Does the tour include transportation to and from my hotel?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or accommodation are included. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with your English-speaking guide, and bottled water is provided throughout the day.