Walking Tour of Old Dubai: A Resident's Guide to Souks, Museums & Heritage Sites

Step into the heart of Dubai's vibrant history through its iconic souks — an endless maze of gold, textiles, spices, and exotic fragrances. Beyond the bustling market, discover the rich culture of Old Dubai with a visit to the Souks, Heritage Village, the charming Bastakiya Quarter, and a scenic Abra Boat Ride along Dubai Creek. As a resident of Dubai for the last 11 years, I’m excited to share some tips and help you craft your own itinerary of a walking tour of Old Dubai for your next trip!

💡 Want more inspiration in the UAE? Click on these posts and start exploring!

• Airport Guide: Traveling to the UAE? Here’s How to Choose the Best Airport in the UAE!
• Hotel Recommendation(s): Rove Expo 2020 Hotel, 25hours Hotel Dubai
• Adventure Activities: Biking in Mushrif, XLine Dubai Marina, Desert Safari
• Indoor Activities: Museum of the Future
• Beginner-Friendly Hikes: Wadi Shawka & Hidden Oasis

A Step Back in Time: What's in Old Dubai and its role in History?

Beyond the towering skyscrapers, luxury getaways, and gourmet restaurants, Dubai’s roots trace back to a humble fishing and pearl-mining village. While the city has rapidly transformed into a global powerhouse, Old Dubai remains a living testament to its rich heritage and cultural history. It's here, in the heart of the city, where you can step back in time and catch a glimpse of Dubai’s past.

Though much of the area has been renovated, the charm of its history, architecture, and unique atmosphere has been beautifully preserved. Some of the must-visit attractions and activities in Old Dubai include:

• Wander through Al Fahidi Historical District and the maze-like Bastakiya Quarter
• Test your bargaining skills in the Souks: Spice Souk, Gold Souk, Textile Souk, and Perfume Souk
• Take a scenic Abra boat ride across Dubai Creek
• Explore the museums and heritage sites: Coffee Museum, Dubai Museum (currently closed), Al Shindagha Museum, Crossroads of Civilizations Museum, Heritage House (former home of a wealthy pearl merchant), and Al Ahmadiya School
• Savor traditional Emirati dishes at the Arabian Tea House

When is the best time to visit Old Dubai?

The ideal time to visit Old Dubai is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor exploration. While this is the peak season for tourists, most attractions, including the souks and heritage sites, are open year-round.

However, if you’re not keen on the crowds and prefer a quieter experience, you can still explore during the summer months—just be prepared for the heat! You can also take a more leisurely approach by spreading your visit over a few days to avoid rushing through the attractions.

As for timing, you can customize your visit depending on how much time you have. For those with limited time, a one-day tour is doable, starting around 9 AM. Keep in mind that most shops in the souks open at 10 AM, so if you're looking to explore the markets in depth, plan accordingly.

For a shorter walking tour, you could also visit in the late afternoon, just before sunset, when the temperature is more bearable and the area takes on a beautiful golden hue.

How to Get to Old Dubai?

Whether you are a tourist or a resident, there are only two ways to get to Old Dubai — by public transportation or by a private car. I’m excluding the option of tour buses or group tours because they’re less flexible when navigating Old Dubai’s narrow streets and bustling souks.

By Public Transportation - Metro or Taxi

Situated on both sides of the Dubai Creek, Old Dubai is located on both Deira and Bur Dubai sides. For the best experience, I recommend leaving your car behind and using public transportation, such as the Dubai Metro, or calling a taxi/Careem if you prefer more convenience.

The advantage of public transport is flexibility—depending on which attractions you’d like to visit first, you can easily hop on and off the metro. Here’s a quick guide to the nearest metro stations for some of Old Dubai’s key attractions:

• Al Ras Metro Station (Green Line) – closest to Gold Souk and Spice Souk
• Baniyas Square (Green Line) – closest to Naif Souk and Perfume Souk
• Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line) – closest to Al Shindagha District and the House of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Saeed Al Maktoum (now Juthoor Art Center)
• Sharaf DG Metro Station (Green Line) – closest to Al Fahidi Historical District
• Burjuman Metro Station (Green/Red Line) – closest to Al Seef (modern part), about a 5-8 minute walk away

🚇 For detailed information about the Dubai Metro’s timings and fares, kindly visit the RTA Website.

By Private Car

While I don’t own a car myself, I’d still recommend against driving to Old Dubai. The area is often crowded, and traffic can get chaotic, especially during peak hours. Additionally, parking is limited, and once you’ve parked, you'll likely need to walk back to your car or even cross the creek again to reach your vehicle.

The nearest parking area I’m familiar with is in Al Seef, but parking there can cost you AED 20 per hour after the first two free hours. Considering the proximity of attractions, walking or using public transport is the more practical option.

Note About Dubai & Its Ever-Changing Landscape

When it comes to exploring Dubai, there’s no such thing as a perfect (and permanent) itinerary. The information I’m sharing with you comes from my personal experiences, built over years of frequent visits to Old Dubai.

Keep in mind that Dubai is a city that’s constantly evolving, so this means that some locations and landmarks may change over time. For example, the fish market I visited back in 2015 has since relocated to a newer location. Similarly, the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort, which I’ve listed here as one of the must-visit spots, is still closed for renovation.

There's also a renovation going on in the Al Fahidi Historical District in May 2025. I haven't visited ever since, so I don't know if it's a major change in the layout or if it's just an upgrade.

So while this guide provides a solid foundation for your Old Dubai walking tour, I encourage you to double-check the latest details before you go, as things may have shifted since my last check. After all, part of the charm of Dubai is that it’s always growing and reinventing itself!

Walking Tour Highlights: What to Expect in Old Dubai

Depending on your travel style and interests, Old Dubai has plenty of attractions to explore. Based on my repeat visits—skipping those I haven’t yet experienced or those that are now closed and have been renovated—below are my all-time favorite highlights worth checking out on your walk around Old Dubai.

Vibrant Souks - Spice Souk, Gold Souk, Perfume Souk

In Old Dubai, the souks (a term for marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa) are divided into sections depending on what’s being sold. There are sections for textiles, perfumes, mattresses, and general goods—but my favorites are the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk.

Even if you’re not planning to buy, the Gold Souk is a jaw-dropping sight. With hundreds of stores—from well-known jewelers to hidden shops in the back alleys—the sheer amount of gold on display is astounding. Diamonds and pearls are also sold here, but gold jewelry is definitely the highlight.

In Spice Souk, prepare yourself for a full sensory overload. Piles and piles of spices in every color imaginable were displayed out of sacks, filling the air with rich aromas. Pre-packed spices of different varieties are also available, perfect for travelers to bring home.

Honestly, I can’t name half the spices I see lol. But I always pass by whenever I visit the area, as it’s such a unique experience.

Somewhere between the Gold and Spice Souks, you’ll also spot stores selling Turkish mosaic lamps. Their vibrant colors and intricate designs always draw me in, and I love “window-shopping” while counting how many lamps are grouped in a set.

It’s a playful little ritual of mine, and it makes me dream about the day I’ll have a cozy home where a few of those lamps finally belong.

Scenic Abra Boat Ride along Dubai Creek

After wandering the souks, I usually pair it up with a scenic yet short ride across Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra. These boats have been used by locals for generations, and today they’re still the quickest—and most charming—way to cross the creek for just 1 AED.

No need for reservations—just tap your Nol card (Dubai’s prepaid transit card) and hop aboard. The ride is scenic but quick, giving you a glimpse of the city’s old-meets-new skyline. You can choose where to dock depending on your plans:

• Dubai Old Souq Marine Transport Station – perfect if you’re heading to the Shindagha Museum
• Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station – convenient for exploring the Al Fahidi Historical District

Al Fahidi Historical District

A must-visit stop in Old Dubai, the Al Fahidi Historical District (formerly Bastakiya) offers a glimpse of life before the city’s skyscrapers. With narrow lanes, restored courtyard houses, and iconic wind towers (barjeel), it feels like stepping back in time.

There’s no entrance fee—you’re free to wander through the maze of alleys and peek into open doors (unless marked otherwise).

While much of the district has been renovated, however, its original charm and foundations were preserved. One of its last standing pieces is Dubai’s old city wall.

Many heritage houses have been repurposed into museums, galleries, or cozy cafés. On one visit, we stopped by the Coffee Museum, which showcases coffee traditions from around the world. Unfortunately, hours changed during Ramadan, and we were too late to enter.

Depending on your pace, you can spend anywhere from an hour to three here—there’s always something new to discover.

Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe

No Old Dubai tour feels complete without a meal at the iconic Arabian Tea House. Though pricier than local eateries, it’s worth the splurge. It is renowned for its authentic Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes served in a serene courtyard setting.

On my last visit, we ordered the Laham Machboos (lamb) and Emirati Chicken Barbecue paired with Arabic coffee and dates. Of course, we cannot skip the sweet Luqaimat, commonly referred to as the Middle East's donuts.

The servings were always generous, so we skipped appetizers, but it was the perfect way to end the day.

Old Dubai Walking Tour Itinerary

As a slow traveler, I usually just follow the highlights mentioned above in order. But if you want to maximize your time, here’s a suggested one-day route (best during cooler months):

• 9:00 AM – Depart from your accommodation
• 10:00 AM – Explore the souks (Gold, Spice, Textile, Perfume)
• 11:30 AM – Cross the creek on an abra
• 12:00 PM – Lunch at one of the seafood restaurants near Grand Souk Bur Dubai
• 1:30 PM – Visit Al Shindagha Museum & Crossroads of Civilizations Museum
• 3:00 PM – Pass by Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort (outside only)
• 3:30 PM – Explore Al Fahidi Historical District
• 6:00 PM – Early dinner at Arabian Tea House
• 7:30 PM – Night stroll in Al Seef and shop for souvenirs

This itinerary is just a guide. You can easily customize it based on your interests and pace. Feel free to make it shorter if you’d rather explore longer or if you prefer to visit other attractions around Dubai.

Final Thoughts in Old Dubai Walking Tour

From my experience, there’s no such thing as a “perfect” Old Dubai Walking Tour. What matters most is choosing the places that spark your curiosity—whether that’s history, culture, shopping, or food. For me, this route is a mix of everything. It's a combination of heritage sites, bustling souks (even if it’s just for window-shopping), cultural experiences, and a taste of Emirati cuisine to wrap it all up.

Whichever corners you choose to explore, Old Dubai promises an experience that blends history, culture, and charm—and it’s a chapter of the city you simply shouldn’t miss!

If you’d rather explore with a guided experience, here are some tours worth checking out: