The style library could not be loaded — the page is shown in plain mode. Check your internet connection and refresh the page.
Skip to content
Culture Dubai

Old Dubai

Dubai before the skyscrapers: souks, abra boats and narrow lanes

Bur Dubai & Deira 2 – 3 hours

About this place

Old Dubai is the city as it was before the skyscrapers. Set on both banks of Dubai Creek, this district is the only place that still shows what a fishing and trading town Dubai was sixty years ago.

On the Bur Dubai side you will find wind-towered courtyard houses, narrow stone lanes and art galleries. Across the water in Deira, the Gold Souk and Spice Souk are still going strong, with shops that have been in the same trade for a century. You cross between the two banks on a one-dirham abra boat — the cheapest and most enjoyable ride in Dubai.

The district is explored on foot; in our tour programmes it is usually scheduled for the morning, before the heat sets in. Your guide, in your language (English, Arabic or Turkish), also explains the bargaining culture of the souks.

Highlights

  • Historic courtyard houses with wind towers
  • Crossing Dubai Creek by abra boat (1 dirham)
  • The Gold Souk and Spice Souk
  • Strolling the narrow lanes and art galleries
  • Traditional coffee houses along the Creek

Before you go

  • Wear comfortable closed shoes; the lanes are stone-paved.
  • Bargaining is normal in the souks; expect to go below the first price.
  • Carry coins for the abra, as cards are not accepted.
  • Keeping shoulders and knees covered makes interactions with locals more comfortable.

Location

Our tours

Old Dubai is visited on these itineraries

Our options include a guide in your language, hotel transfers and all required entry tickets.

More

You may also like to visit

Burj Khalifa Landmarks Downtown Dubai

Burj Khalifa

The world’s tallest building and the observation deck on the 148th floor

1.5 – 2 hours Ticketed
See details
The Dubai Mall Shopping Downtown Dubai

The Dubai Mall

A vast centre with more than 1,200 shops, an aquarium, an ice rink and a waterfall

Half a day Free
See details
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

82 domes, 1,000 columns and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet

2 hours Free
See details
All places to visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Old Dubai, Dubai Creek'in iki yakasındaki Bur Dubai ve Deira bölgesi. Bur Dubai tarafında rüzgâr kuleli avlu evleri, dar taş sokaklar ve sanat galerileri var. Deira tarafında ise Altın Çarşısı ve Baharat Çarşısı bulunuyor.

Free Consultation

Let us design a Dubai itinerary made just for you

Share your dates and expectations, and our expert consultant will prepare your personalised offer within 30 minutes.

Get a Quote Message Us on WhatsApp