Old Dubai: Souks, Creek Abra Ride & Street Food Tasting

Summary

Old Dubai’s souks, creek boats & flavors in a day

You’ll slip through Old Dubai’s winding souks with a local guide—tasting street snacks and camel milk chocolate, hearing stories in Al Fahidi’s alleys, and drifting across Dubai Creek on an abra boat as city lights flicker around you. Every stop feels personal—expect laughter, new flavors, and maybe even your own cardamom memory.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, in the old days, we’d cross the creek just for good cardamom,” our guide Khalid said as he handed me a tiny cup of sweet chai near Al Seef. The air smelled like spices and river water—hard to describe but it stuck to my clothes all afternoon. I didn’t expect the alleys to be so narrow or the buildings so close together, almost leaning in to listen. We started in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood where Khalid pointed out wind towers and told us about his grandfather’s favorite coffee spot (which is now an art gallery).

The Coins Museum was quieter than I thought—cool inside, with old coins behind glass and barely a sound except for a kid asking his dad why there were British coins here. Outside again, we wandered toward Bur Dubai Grand Mosque. The call to prayer echoed off the walls; I felt it more than heard it. Khalid showed us how to greet people properly—my “as-salaam-alaikum” made him laugh but he said it was decent enough. At the Dubai Museum, I got lost in a diorama of pearl divers for a minute—those wax figures looked tired, honestly.

Lunch was street food from a stall near the Old Souq—flatbread still warm from the griddle and something sweet that tasted like dates and rosewater. We tried camel milk chocolate (I liked it more than I expected) and then stepped into the Spice Souk where someone pressed dried limes into my hand. My fingers smelled citrusy even after we left. The Gold Souk was loud with haggling; gold everywhere but also silver and pearls if you looked closer.

The best part? Riding an abra across Dubai Creek at sunset. The boat rocked gently while seagulls fought over crumbs behind us. Water splashed up onto my shoes but I didn’t care—the skyline looked softer from here, not so shiny or distant. It’s funny, I still think about that moment sometimes when I smell cardamom at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Dubai markets and heritage

• Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
• Explore Coins Museum
• See Bur Dubai Grand Mosque
• Walk through Old Souq of Dubai
• Shop at Dubai Spice Souq
• Browse Dubai Gold Souq
• Take Abra boat ride on Dubai Creek
• Visit Al Seef waterfront area

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Old Dubai tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; drop-off isn’t either.

Does this tour include food tastings?

Yes, street food tastings and camel milk chocolate are included.

Will we visit both Gold Souk & Spice Souk?

Yes, both souks are part of the itinerary.

Is an abra boat ride on Dubai Creek included?

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

Are museum tickets or entry fees covered?

The Coins Museum is free (when open); other sites are explored from outside or public areas.

Is this tour suitable for families with infants?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How much walking is involved in this Old Dubai tour?

You’ll walk through markets and historical neighborhoods; suitable for most fitness levels.

Can you reach the meeting point by public transport?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Bur Dubai Village, entry to the Coins Museum when open, tastings of street food and camel milk chocolate at local stalls, time exploring both Gold & Spice Markets with plenty of stories along the way, plus an abra boat ride across Dubai Creek—but drop-off isn’t provided at the end.