Two-And-A-Half-Hour History Walk

Overview

This walk starts in Al Fahidi, Dubai's oldest neighbourhood, among the wind-tower houses of the Bastakiya quarter. From there it crosses Dubai Creek by abra, one of the most traditional and affordable ways to cross the water, with a scenic view of old and new Dubai. On the far bank the route continues through the Spice Souk and finishes at the Gold Souk, one of the largest gold markets in the world.

The guide is licensed by Dubai and the walk runs in English. Along the way the route takes in Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing building in Dubai, built in 1787 and later turned into the Dubai Museum. The full circuit takes 2 hours and 30 minutes and covers five stops in total, though the GuruWalk page shows only the first two in detail before you book.

It suits first-time visitors and anyone interested in how Dubai grew from a creek-side trading town into a global city. Reviewers describe it as a strong introduction to the city's history and culture, with stops for street food and tea along the way. The meeting point is the Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe in Bastakiya, opposite the Musalla Post Office on Al Fahidi Street.

Itinerary

1. Meet in BastakiyaThe walk begins at the Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe in Al Fahidi, opposite the Musalla Post Office on Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai. No pickup is included; travellers make their own way there.
2. Al Fahidi Historical DistrictThe group explores Dubai's oldest neighbourhood, where wind-tower houses, art galleries and museums tell the story of the city's early days.
3. Al Fahidi FortThe route passes Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 and the oldest existing building in Dubai. It served as a defensive structure, then the ruler's residence, a weapons depot and a prison before becoming the Dubai Museum in 1971.
4. Abra Ride Across Dubai CreekThe group boards a traditional wooden abra at Bur Dubai and crosses the creek, with views of old and new Dubai. The abra fare is an extra 2 AED per person, paid by each traveller.
5. Spice SoukOn the Deira side the walk continues into the Spice Souk, where stalls sell saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, oud and dried fruits.
6. Gold SoukThe walk ends at the Gold Souk, one of the largest gold markets in the world, with displays of handcrafted jewellery, gold bars and intricate designs. Bargaining for a souvenir is part of the experience.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk.

• Getting there. There is no pickup. Meet at the Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe in Bastakiya, opposite the Musalla Post Office on Al Fahidi Street.
• Pace and route. The walk lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and covers five stops, including a boat crossing. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to stand and stroll for most of that time.
• Money for the abra. The abra fare is not covered by the guide. Each traveller pays 2 AED for the crossing.
• Food and drink. One reviewer mentions stops for street food and turmeric chai along the way, and another noted a tea shop stop that worked well for a family. Bring a little extra cash if you want to join in.
• Shopping pressure. One reviewer said the little stores visited on the route were happy to help and not pushy on sales. The Gold Souk also invites bargaining for a souvenir if something catches your eye.
• Booking and paying. Booking on GuruWalk is free and guests pay the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end. One reviewer booked at the last minute and the guide still turned up.

Common issues. The walk is entirely on foot and includes a boat crossing, so it is not a sit-down tour. The abra fare of 2 AED per person is paid separately by each traveller. The listing shows only the first two of the five stops in detail. One reviewer mentioned a last-minute booking that the guide honoured despite a difficult travel schedule.

Ratings At A Glance

Frequently Asked Questions