Private Tour: Roam the Backstreets of Old Dubai with an Insider

Dubai’s historic and humble beginnings tell a story like no other. We’ll start the day by marching the streets of old Dubai stopping by several enchanting sights and witnessing the city’s dynamic history woven by its people. 

We’ll learn about the emirate’s history as we wander its streets and the aromatic spice and shiny gold souqs. We’ll meet shop owners and learn the secrets behind some of the world’s most expensive traded items. We’ll hop on a traditional wooden abra boat and cross over the magnificent Dubai Creek. We’ll visit the Grand Mosque in Dubai, originally built in 1900, where we’ll enjoy an introduction to Islam’s core beliefs and the mosque’s beautiful architecture. We’ll explore the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood with its merchant houses and their incredible windtowers, and enjoy gahwa or Arabic coffee, a quintessential symbol of Emirati hospitality. By then, I guarantee our stomachs will be grumbling loud enough to guide us themselves to one of Dubai’s best eats.

Dubai’s Spice Souk is an incredibly aromatic network of shops and eateries that sell everything from saffron to chocolate dipped dates. To navigate the bustling souk, the best way is to learn about the origins of the spices at first from your guide and shop-owners before you cruise your way around the market.

We’ll walk through Dubai’s oldest market, the Gold Souk, a place buzzing with eager shoppers there to explore its 300+ shops and covered walkways. We’ll stop to learn about the world’s obsession with this shiny yellow metal, especially during festive occasions.

The wooden abra boats plying the busy Dubai Creek are one of Dubai’s most iconic scenes to witness. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable experience on a private abra ride and capture the city from the water as we time-travel from its past to its present.

The Textile Souk is a labyrinth of traditional Arabian souvenir stores with plenty of fabrics, scarves, and I heart Dubai t-shirts. Here, your guide will introduce you to the national dress worn by both men and women, and demonstrate how each garment is worn.

We’ll visit the Grand Mosque in Dubai, originally built in 1900 and devoted to the study of the Quran, where we’ll enjoy an introduction to Islam’s core beliefs and the mosque’s beautiful architecture.

Our last stop will be a fantastic meal at a traditional restaurant where we’ll break bread together. The guide will pre-order several dishes so that guests can experience the various flavors and spices used to marinate, and answer all your curious questions.

We’ll wander through one of Dubai’s historic neighborhoods where its merchants once lived in now-restored homes. Your guide will explain the brilliance behind the architecture of these structures, particularly its windtowers, designed to keep inhabitants cool.

Guests will stop outside the now-closed Dubai Museum, originally built back in 1787 as the premises of the monarch. The fort was once upon a time Dubai’s tallest structure, and served to protect its inhabitants from any potential threats. Guests will be able to capture snaps of the structure from outside and learn about its purpose.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, as our meal is pre-ordered, is non-vegetarian, and is served on a sharing platter basis. A vegetarian option is available on request.
• It is recommended that you bring bottled water, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen.
• It is recommended that you wear light fabric clothing (especially during summer) and comfortable shoes
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. Guests should be in good health, able to walk slightly longer distances at a comfortable pace, and able to participate in periods of standing.
• Garments for entry to the mosque (also provided complimentary at the mosque).

• 2023-2024
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  2023-2024

• Meal as per itinerary and bottled water in restaurant
• Admission fees

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• Not recommended for pregnant women
• It is recommended that you bring water and sunglasses
• It is recommended that you wear light clothing and comfortable shoes

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Wander With Nada.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Dubai.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 15 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 12 Travelers is accepted for booking.